Wandering Swordsman |

Murong Qing gently smoothed his sleeves, his gaze sweeping across the inn's lobby as he silently calculated the time in his mind.

"Shen Mo, where is your master, Master Luo? As your fiancée, I certainly must pay him a visit." Her voice was as soft as a drizzle, yet it sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet hall. She turned to look at Shen Mo, her eyes filled with inquiry and expectation, as if hoping for a positive answer.

Shen Mo was slightly taken aback by Murong Qing's words. He didn't know if his master was still at the inn, and he didn't know how to answer that question for a moment. His gaze wandered, as if searching for an answer he could rely on. Just as he hesitated, He Yun answered on Shen Mo's behalf, "Miss Murong, Situ Changkong has just woken up from his coma. My master and uncle are treating his injuries in the room. It might not be convenient to disturb them..."

He Yun tried to make Murong Qing understand the inconvenience they were in. He saw Murong Qing's brows furrow slightly, a subtle movement that revealed a hint of regret in her heart.

Liu Xiaorong observed all of this quietly from the side, and upon seeing this, she said, "Qing'er, since that's the case, it's not too late for us to visit again when we have the chance. It's past noon now, it's time for us to set off back to Luoyang."

Murong Qing nodded slightly in understanding. She then turned her gaze to Shen Mo. Originally, Murong Qing planned to take Shen Mo back to the Murong family after rescuing Shen Mo's master. However, now that Shen Mo had made up his mind to rescue Situ Meng, who was still with the Black Wind Gang, Murong Qing naturally couldn't take Shen Mo back to the Murong family. Murong Qing looked at Shen Mo with a hint of apology and reluctance: "Shen Mo, then I'll be going."

Shen Mo remained silent, his gaze fixed on Murong Qing, a ripple of emotion stirring within him. He saw genuine concern and support for his decision in Murong Qing's eyes. Nevertheless, an overwhelming and indescribable sense of loss welled up within him.

Seeing that Shen Mo remained silent and simply gazed at her quietly, Murong Qing knew that silence spoke louder than words at this moment.

So, she slowly took out an exquisite identity token from her bosom and handed it to Shen Mo's palm. "Shen Mo, take this."

"This is a token of the Murong family, proving your status as a member of our family. If you ever need any help in the future, you can present this token at any of our properties in various locations, and someone will naturally provide you with assistance unconditionally."

Shen Mo looked at the token in his hand; the two characters "Murong" engraved on it gleamed with a golden light under the dim lamplight. He recognized it at a glance—it was the very token that Murong Qing had shown to Wang Daniu, the branch leader of the Beggars' Sect. The scene of Wang Daniu's attitude completely changing upon seeing this token was still vivid in Shen Mo's mind.

He knew what Murong Qing's actions meant—it was her trust in him and a promise for the future.

Liu Xiaorong's heart tightened at the sight. How could Murong Qing give her identity token to Shen Mo! If Shen Mo used Murong Qing's identity token to do something against the Murong family's code of conduct, wouldn't that harm Murong Qing?

"Miss Murong," Shen Mo took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. Despite the turmoil in his heart, he tried to make his tone sound calm and firm. "I appreciate your kindness, but I cannot accept this token." He gently placed the token symbolizing the Murong family back into Murong Qing's palm, his eyes filled with sincerity and determination.

Murong Qing was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, as if she had already anticipated Shen Mo's reaction. "Alright, since you insist, I won't force you." She sighed, putting the token back into her bosom, her tone tinged with helplessness, "However, Shen Mo, you are mine! Please remember, no matter when or where, as long as you need help, the doors of the Murong family will always be open for you."

"Miss Murong," Shen Mo broke the brief silence, his voice deep and powerful, each word spoken as if using all his strength, "After I rescue Situ Meng, I will go to Luoyang to find you." His gaze was firm and profound, as if he were making a promise to Murong Qing.

Murong Qing nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Okay, Shen Mo, I'll be waiting for you in Luoyang." Her eyes were filled with trust and support, as if telling Shen Mo with her gaze that no matter how many difficulties lay ahead, she would be waiting for his return in Luoyang. "But you must also promise me that you will protect yourself no matter what." As she finished speaking, her voice gradually lowered, as if she didn't want Shen Mo to notice the turmoil and worry in her heart.

Shen Mo sensed the deep affection in Murong Qing's words, and his heart warmed. He realized that during this short journey, Murong Qing had already occupied a place in his heart. This feeling was both beautiful and complex, leaving him momentarily at a loss for how to respond. In the end, he simply nodded and replied, "Mm." Although it was just a simple response, his eyes were filled with determination.

......

With a soft footstep, Murong Qing and Liu Xiaorong disappeared outside the inn. Their steps were light and swift, as if they were eager to return home. Shen Mo stood at the door, watching them leave, a strange sadness welling up in his heart.

An hour later, Luo Wangchen, Qu Yifan, and He Yun's masters emerged from Situ Changkong's room. Their faces showed slight fatigue, but their eyes revealed a hint of relief.

Seeing this, Shen Mo and He Yun immediately went to greet them, their steps hurried and somewhat anxious. Zhao Xue and Yang Muruan followed closely behind He Yun, their eyes also filled with concern as they looked at the elders. Shen Mo's expression was grave, his brows slightly furrowed, clearly showing his deep worry for Situ Changkong's condition.

"Master, how is Situ Changkong?" Shen Mo's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Luo Wangchen sighed, patted Shen Mo's shoulder, and looked at him with a gentle yet firm gaze. "He's physically fine, but he's blaming himself for not rescuing Situ Meng. We're worried he might do something foolish in a moment of impulsiveness, so we've been trying to persuade him." As soon as Luo Wangchen finished speaking, Qu Yifan nodded and added, "We've done our best to calm him down, telling him that the most important thing now is to stay calm and then find a way to rescue Situ Meng."

Then, Shen Mo slowly walked into the room. Everything in the room seemed exceptionally calm, as if time had slowed down.

Situ Changkong lay on the bed, his face as pale as paper, yet surprisingly exuding an unusual calm.

His eyes were closed, his breathing even and deep, as if he had just experienced a fierce battle and finally gained a moment of peace. His once resolute face now showed a trace of fatigue, but his indomitable spirit could still be seen between his brows.