Wandering Swordsman |

He began to recount his experiences from the previous night, starting with his infiltration of the Black Wind Gang, every detail as if vividly remembered. His voice was deep and steady, with a hint of tension and excitement flashing in his eyes from time to time.

"I infiltrated the Black Wind Gang," Shen Mo continued, "and there I met Situ Changkong."

If he said the name directly, Murong Qing naturally wouldn't recognize him, so Shen Mo immediately added, "Situ Changkong is the young man in blue robes at the inn yesterday. With his help, we caused a commotion and infiltrated the secret prison, successfully rescuing my master."

At this point, Shen Mo's expression turned serious, as if recalling the scene from that time. "However, when we were escaping from the Black Wind Gang, we encountered an accident. To help us, Situ Meng volunteered to stay in the Black Wind Gang in exchange for our safe escape."

The room fell silent instantly, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window. After listening to Shen Mo's account, Murong Qing and Liu Xiaorong's eyes gleamed with admiration for Situ Meng, but also with deep concern for her being left alone in the Black Wind Gang.

"Shen Mo," Murong Qing asked softly, her brows furrowed slightly, "So what do you plan to do now?"

Shen Mo raised his head, his gaze fixed firmly into Murong Qing's eyes. His voice was filled with determination and strength as he said resolutely, "I will save her!"

Hearing Shen Mo's resolute words, Murong Qing's face did not show the jealousy and dissatisfaction Shen Mo had expected. On the contrary, a faint smile appeared on her lips, and she nodded gently, deeply satisfied with the courage and responsibility Shen Mo had shown. Through her time with Shen Mo, she knew that he was not one to make promises lightly; once he decided to do something, he would go all out.

Witnessing this scene, Liu Xiaorong immediately understood Murong Qing's thoughts. Based on her understanding of Murong Qing, she knew she wouldn't easily give up this opportunity; she would definitely want to continue following Shen Mo to the Black Wind Gang to rescue Situ Meng. Therefore, without waiting for Murong Qing to speak, Liu Xiaorong spoke first, her tone urgent and worried, saying, "Qing'er, I received a message from the family head this morning. It seems there's an emergency at home, and I need to take you back to the Murong family immediately."

As soon as Liu Xiaorong finished speaking, Shen Mo and Murong Qing were both slightly surprised.

Shen Mo frowned slightly. Although it wasn't his original intention for Murong Qing to come along with him all this way, after spending time together, Shen Mo had come to accept Murong Qing and had a place for her in his heart.

However, Shen Mo was still unsure of Murong Qing's place in his heart, and he himself was also unsure of his own feelings for Murong Qing.

Upon hearing the news that Liu Xiaorong was going to take Murong Qing away, Shen Mo suddenly felt an emptiness in his heart, as if he was about to lose something important.

He began to recall every moment he had shared with Murong Qing along the way, from his initial reluctance to his current acceptance. Shen Mo realized that Murong Qing's presence had become indispensable to him.

Murong Qing weighed her options in her mind. Although she wanted to help Shen Mo, the call from her family was equally important.

Although she might show her temper and disobey her grandfather's wishes over small things when she's at home, Murong Qing always shows a mature and composed side when it comes to important matters of the Murong family.

This is why Murong Qing is already recognized as the successor of the Murong family.

Murong Qing also knew that she bore a heavy responsibility, and the future of the family largely depended on her decisions and actions. Therefore, she naturally could not easily ignore urgent matters at home.

Murong Qing understood that if she chose to stay and help Shen Mo now, it could solve the problem temporarily, but in the long run, if she did not attend this important family event, it could have an immeasurable impact on the family.

"Alright, Master. We'll set off back to Luoyang this afternoon." Murong Qing nodded, his tone firm and respectful.

Based on Liu Xiaorong's understanding of Murong Qing, this was naturally within her expectations.

Although the message Liu Xiaorong received from the Murong family that morning was indeed important, it wasn't too urgent. It simply emphasized that she must bring Murong Qing back to the Murong family in two months. The message mentioned that the elders of the Murong family hoped Murong Qing could participate in an important family meeting, which concerned the Murong family's plans and Murong Qing's personal future.

However, if she didn't portray the matter as urgent, Murong Qing would definitely accompany Shen Mo to the Black Wind Gang to rescue Situ Meng. In Liu Xiaorong's heart, Murong Qing's safety was always her top priority, so naturally she wanted to find a way to get Murong Qing back to the Murong family in Luoyang as soon as possible. During this time, Liu Xiaorong had also learned about the dangers of the Black Wind Gang, so she naturally didn't want Murong Qing to be put in any risk.

As for Shen Mo, after spending time together, Liu Xiaorong had come to approve of his character. Although Shen Mo came from a poor background, he was upright, courageous, and resourceful. Therefore, Liu Xiaorong decided that she would neither stop nor support Murong Qing's feelings for Shen Mo. She would simply stop interfering.

After all, the difference in status between Shen Mo and Murong Qing was like heaven and earth. Shen Mo was merely an orphan wandering the martial world, while Murong Qing was the daughter of the prestigious Murong family. The gap between them lay not only in their social standing but also in their lifestyles and values. Therefore, Liu Xiaorong always felt that no matter how much Murong Qing liked Shen Mo, it wouldn't end well. He worried that this relationship would ultimately only bring Murong Qing pain and regret.

Regardless, Murong Qing's agreement to return to the Murong family with him as soon as possible relieved Liu Xiaorong. He understood that as long as Murong Qing returned to Luoyang safely, the Murong family could better protect her, and he wouldn't have to worry so much.

Then, Murong Qing glanced at the sky and realized it was still early, some time before noon. An idea struck him, and he suggested, "Shen Mo, it's still early. Let's go see He Yun and Zhao Xue together. I'll say goodbye to them, and I'd also like to take this opportunity to visit your master and express my respect."

Shen Mo felt a little doubtful when Murong Qing asked to pay a visit to Shen Mo's master.

He didn't know why Murong Qing suddenly made such a request. His brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze lingered on Murong Qing's face for a moment, trying to find the answer. But those clear eyes only showed sincerity and expectation, without a trace of malice. Shen Mo's heart stirred, then he understood, nodded, and said okay.

As Murong Qing, Shen Mo, and Zhao Xue approached the inn that Zhang Zhenren had booked, it was nearly noon. They arrived at the inn. The inn's doors were wide open, as if welcoming returning travelers.