Wandering Swordsman |

As the final, whistling attack subsided, Qu Yifan stood rooted to the spot, slightly out of breath. All the enemies around him had fallen. He turned to signal that they could continue.

Without the slightest hesitation, the three immediately set off to leave the territory of Black Wind Mountain. Their figures swiftly blended into the last darkness before dawn, like guardians of the night, silently disappearing at the end of the mountain path. At this moment, a faint light began to appear in the eastern sky, heralding the approaching dawn.

Before we knew it, dawn broke and the sky turned a pale white. The first rays of sunlight gently shone on the streets of Yimen County, draping this ancient town in a golden veil.

Recalling the harrowing experience of the night and his safe return in the morning light, Shen Mo unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

Two middle-aged people, a teenager, and a comatose young man—such a group stands out conspicuously on the street in the early morning.

Shen Mo walked in front, with Qu Yifan and Luo Wangchen carrying Situ Changkong on their backs and following behind. Passersby cast curious glances, staring wide-eyed at this unusual scene; occasionally, some whispered among themselves, speculating about the identities of Shen Mo and the others and the stories behind them.

As three figures passed by the entrance of an inn, Ouyang Song was having breakfast with Sect Leader Yang and Master Zhang at a table near the door. The morning sunlight streamed through the inn's doors, bringing them warmth. Because Ouyang Song was positioned directly opposite the inn's entrance, he could see everything outside at a glance.

Just then, Shen Mo's figure walked past the doorway. Ouyang Song raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly recognizing the familiar silhouette. However, he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. He Yun had personally informed him of Shen Mo's death, the scene still vivid in his mind, filling him with regret. Therefore, Ouyang Song simply believed it was a coincidence; the figure he had just seen was merely someone who looked like Shen Mo passing by.

However, not long after Shen Mo's figure passed by, Luo Wangchen, carrying Situ Changkong on his back, walked past the door, and Ouyang Song's heart skipped a beat. This time, he would never mistake him—it was his brother, Luo Wangchen. His heart pounded, and an incredulous glint flashed in his eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, Ouyang Song immediately stood up, the sound of a chair being pushed over sounding particularly jarring in the quiet morning.

"Young man Ouyang, what's wrong?"

"Master Ouyang, what's wrong?"

The two people at the same table were puzzled by Ouyang Song's sudden action and asked in unison.

But Ouyang Song didn't answer. He had already started walking quickly towards the door. "Sect Leader Yang, Master Zhang, please excuse me for a moment." After he finished speaking, he immediately jogged out of the inn to catch up with those familiar figures.

Ouyang Song's steps were light and firm as he chased after the figure ahead, his eyes fixed on it. His heart was filled with complex emotions: surprise, joy, doubt... all of which intertwined and transformed into a powerful force propelling him forward.

Finally, at a relatively wide intersection, Ouyang Song caught up with Luo Wangchen and the others. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and then shouted loudly, "Seventh Brother!"

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Luo Wangchen's heart skipped a beat, and he involuntarily stopped in his tracks. He turned his head and saw Ouyang Song's figure come into view, a surge of emotion welling up within him. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Luo Wangchen's eyes held surprise, gratitude, and above all, the warmth of a reunion.

"Big brother!" Luo Wangchen's voice was slightly choked. He put down Situ Changkong from his back and handed him to Shen Mo, who was standing to the side, and quickly went to greet Ouyang Song.

Ouyang Song quickly stepped forward, tightly grasped Luo Wangchen's hand, patted his shoulder forcefully, and his eyes glistened with tears of excitement. "Seventh Brother, it really is you!" His voice trembled slightly, clearly moved by this unexpected reunion.

Luo Wangchen smiled and nodded slightly. "Yes, brother, it's me! I didn't expect to see you here."

At this moment, Shen Mo also walked over and stood beside Luo Wangchen. Ouyang Song's gaze fell on him, and he was stunned for a moment before revealing an expression of disbelief. "Shen Mo?" he asked in a low voice, his voice filled with shock and joy.

Shen Mo smiled slightly and nodded, "Senior Ouyang, it's been a long time."

Looking at Shen Mo before him, Ouyang Song was overwhelmed with emotion. He recalled the terrible news He Yun had brought, but now he saw Shen Mo standing alive and well in front of him. "It's good that you're alright," Ouyang Song couldn't help but sigh.

"Seventh Brother, what are you doing in Yimen County?" Ouyang Song asked, trying to calm himself down.

Luo Wangchen then briefly explained their experience of escaping from Black Wind Mountain, his tone tinged with exhaustion, but mostly with relief at surviving a close call.

Ouyang Song nodded, immediately understanding the situation: "Seventh Brother, come with me back to the inn where we're staying. Your second brother and the others are there. It's safer there, and we can talk in detail."

Luo Wangchen nodded in agreement.

Ouyang Song walked at the front, his steps swift, as if driven by an invisible force. Luo Wangchen and Qu Yifan followed closely behind, while Shen Mo carefully carried the unconscious Situ Changkong on his back.

When they returned to the inn, Master Zhang and Headmaster Yang were still having breakfast.

Upon seeing Ouyang Song return with his group, the two men's attention was immediately drawn to him. Master Zhang's teacup froze in mid-air, and Headmaster Yang also put down his chopsticks. The two men stood up simultaneously to greet Ouyang Song and his companions.

"Master Ouyang, what's going on?" Sect Leader Yang spoke first, his voice filled with a hint of doubt and concern.

"Sect Leader Yang, Master Zhang, this is my seventh brother Luo Wangchen, along with his disciples Shen Mo and Brother Qu. They just escaped from Black Wind Mountain, and the situation is somewhat urgent," Ouyang Song briefly explained.

Master Zhang frowned slightly, carefully examining the group, especially noticing Situ Changkong on Shen Mo's back. His brow relaxed, revealing a gentle smile: "So that's how it is. I'll immediately arrange for my disciples to prepare a room for you, to settle this unconscious young man in first."

Afterwards, Master Zhang called over two disciples to take Situ Changkong away and help the unconscious Situ Changkong into one of the guest rooms on the first floor.

Not long after, He Yun led Zhao Xue and Yang Muruan down the stairs of the inn. They had originally planned to have breakfast in the lobby, but their attention was drawn to the sudden appearance of several people. He Yun recognized Shen Mo at a glance, his heart jolting, almost unable to believe his eyes. He stopped, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't utter a word.