Wandering Swordsman |

Zhao Xue also noticed the familiar figure. Her heart suddenly raced, and a hint of surprise and emotion flashed in her eyes. She gently nudged He Yun and whispered, "Brother Yun, look..."

He Yun turned his head and saw that Zhao Xue's eyes were also filled with surprise and joy. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and then quickly walked over to Shen Mo. "Brother Shen... it really is you!" His voice was slightly choked, and tears welled up in his eyes involuntarily.

Shen Mo put down Situ Changkong from his back, looked up, and saw He Yun and Zhao Xue. A slight smile of satisfaction appeared on his lips: "Brother He, Miss Zhao, it's been a long time."

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, He Yun hugged Shen Mo tightly, her voice trembling, "I thought you... I thought you were gone. I never expected to see you here!"

Zhao Xue stepped forward and said softly, "Young Master Shen, after we parted that night, we all thought you were gone..." Her voice choked up several times, and tears welled up in her eyes, clearly moved by this reunion.

Shen Mo patted He Yun on the shoulder and comforted him, "I'm fine, I just went through a few ups and downs. Seeing you here again is the most important thing."

He Yun nodded, wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and turned to look at Ouyang Song and the others: "Master, Second Master, Third Master, Fourth Master, Father, Sixth Master..." His voice was filled with obvious excitement, "Look, Brother Shen is still alive!"

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Song and the others smiled with relief. Ouyang Song stepped forward, patted He Yun on the shoulder, and said gently, "Yun'er, this is indeed a good thing. Come, let's sit down and have a good chat."

Afterwards, Ouyang Song led everyone into one of the private rooms and sat them down at a large table.

"Brother Shen," He Yun's voice was full of joy and pride, "This is my father, He Quanying; this is my second master, Hong Youquan; my third master, Wan Yingqiu; my fourth master, Zuo Jinlian; and my sixth master, Shan Qinxi." He turned his head and looked tenderly at the woman beside him, "This is my wife, Yang Muruan."

Shen Mo greeted each of them respectfully, bowing deeply to each senior, expressing his profound respect. "Junior Shen Mo greets all seniors."

He Quanying smiled slightly, his eyes showing approval, and nodded gently. "Shen Mo, Yun'er has told us about you." He said slowly, his tone tinged with relief, "It's truly remarkable that you were able to escape danger and return safely in such a perilous situation."

Hong Youquan nodded in agreement, his voice loud and clear: "Yes, Shen Mo, your courage and perseverance are commendable. I'm happy for Yun'er that he has a friend like you. There aren't many young people in the martial arts world as loyal and righteous as you."

Wan Yingqiu and Zuo Jinlian nodded frequently, observing Shen Mo's every word and action with kind smiles on their faces.

Shan Qinxi looked at Shen Mo with gentle eyes and smiled. Her smile was as warm as a spring breeze. "Shen Mo, as Yun'er's master, I want to thank you first. If it weren't for your selfless act, Yun'er wouldn't have returned safely."

Shen Mo felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he sensed the enthusiasm and recognition from He Yun's masters. He clasped his hands in response, saying, "Seniors, there's no need for thanks. This is what I should do. Without Brother He's help, I'm afraid I wouldn't have survived unharmed."

After some pleasantries, everyone present, including Master Zhang, Headmaster Yang, and Qu Yifan, got to know Shen Mo.

Then, Ouyang Song steered the conversation to Luo Wangchen. "Seventh Brother!" Ouyang Song's voice was deep and gentle, carrying a hint of the vicissitudes of time. "How have you been these past years?"

Luo Wangchen's gaze softened, and he nodded gently, beginning to recount his recent situation: "Brother, I settled down in Mengzhou the year before last and opened a martial arts school..."

"...Thanks to Shen Mo this time, otherwise I would probably be in grave danger." Luo Wangchen said a lot, and after he finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Shen Mo, his eyes full of pride and gratitude.

Hearing this, everyone's expressions became even more serious. He Yun clenched his fists, his voice slightly angry: "Those villains from the Black Wind Gang actually dared to attack Seventh Uncle! I will never let them get away with this!"

"Master! Speaking of this..." Shen Mo suddenly interrupted, his voice filled with worry and urgency, "Situ Meng is still in the Black Wind Gang to help us. Your disciple must go and rescue her!" His eyes were firm and urgent, as if he had already made a decision.

Upon hearing this, the air froze instantly, and everyone felt a chill run through their hearts. He Quanying frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes; Hong Youquan gripped his teacup tightly, seemingly suppressing his inner turmoil; Wan Yingqiu and Zuo Jinlian exchanged a glance, conveying a silent signal; Shan Qinxi sighed softly, her gentle gaze falling on Shen Mo, attempting to offer him some comfort.

"Shen Mo, don't worry." Shan Qinxi's voice was as warm as a spring breeze. "We will find a way to rescue her. In addition to rescuing your master and Master Qu, our purpose on this trip is to aid Jingtian Pavilion."

Master Zhang slowly stood up, the long sword on his back gleaming coldly in the morning light, standing out conspicuously. "Young friend Shen Mo, many righteous people have gathered in Yimen County to support Jingtian Pavilion, so the Black Wind Gang dares not act rashly." His tone was steady and full of power. "Now we only await the appearance of the great hero Situ Dengfeng in Yimen County to lead us to attack the Black Wind Gang and rescue Situ Meng."

Hearing this, Shen Mo felt much relieved, and his tense nerves relaxed slightly. However, the images of Murong Qing and Liu Xiaorong suddenly flashed into his mind. He wondered if they were still at the inn, and he hadn't told them anything when he left in the middle of the night. Thinking of this, Shen Mo realized he had to go back immediately to let them know he was safe.

"Master, and all the seniors," Shen Mo said, clasping his hands in greeting. His voice was steady and firm. "Two of my friends who are traveling with me have stayed at other inns. I would like to leave temporarily to go back and check on them."

Luo Wangchen nodded slightly, his eyes revealing understanding and support. "Go as soon as possible, Shen Mo, so they can feel at ease." His tone was calm, as if it could soothe one's heart.

He Yun and Zhao Xue stood up almost at the same time and said in unison, "We'll go with you too." Their eyes were full of concern and support, clearly unwilling to miss any time with Shen Mo.

Shen Mo recalled the days the three of them had traveled together not long ago, and his heart was filled with emotion. So he nodded and simply replied, "Okay!"