Wandering Swordsman |

"Brother Shen, are you there?" He Yun's familiar voice came from outside the door, accompanied by a gentle knock. Shen Mo was focused on the effects of the Iron Shirt Technique. Upon hearing the voice, he immediately replied, "Brother He, please wait a moment." He quickly put away the manuals and ginseng before walking to the door and opening it.

He Yun was slightly taken aback when he saw Shen Mo, noticing that the other man's forehead was covered in sweat, clearly indicating that he had just been through a strenuous activity. "Brother Shen, what happened to you?" He Yun asked with concern, his eyes revealing a hint of doubt and worry.

Shen Mo's heart tightened, realizing he had to be careful with this matter. After all, practicing those three martial arts manuals driven by malevolent energy could cause unnecessary trouble, so he absolutely couldn't let anyone know. Therefore, he pretended to casually wipe the sweat from his forehead and said, half-jokingly, "I couldn't sleep last night, so I practiced the Tai Chi Xuan Tian Sword all night."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across He Yun's face. "The Taiji Xuantian Sword? Isn't that Wudang's ultimate technique?" Although his heart was filled with questions, He Yun knew that everyone had their own opportunities and secrets, and he shouldn't pry too much. Therefore, he simply nodded and didn't continue to ask.

The two exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Shen Mo invited He Yun to come inside and sit down, but He Yun waved his hand and said, "Senior Situ Dengfeng has already arrived in Yimen County. My master and uncles have all set off to the county square to meet up with the people from Jingtian Pavilion. I came here to inform you."

Upon hearing this news, Shen Mo immediately realized its importance. Then, Shen Mo followed He Yun and quickly left the room, heading towards the square in Yimen County.

When they arrived at the square, it was already packed with people, a large gathering of righteous martial arts practitioners from all over. Sunlight bathed the crowd, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Flags from various factions fluttered in the wind around the square, seemingly silently proclaiming the power of justice.

Suddenly, the crowd fell silent as a lithe and imposing figure slowly ascended the makeshift platform. His appearance immediately elicited whispers, and all eyes turned to him, filled with reverence and anticipation. That man was none other than Situ Dengfeng, the former leader of the martial arts world and the master of Jingtian Pavilion.

Situ Dengfeng stood on the stage, looked around, and said in a loud and powerful voice: "Fellow martial arts practitioners, it is truly exhilarating to see you all here today." His words were like a spring breeze, warm and powerful, making everyone present feel an invisible force surging in their hearts.

"As everyone knows, the Black Wind Gang has grown increasingly powerful and rampant in recent years. They not only rob innocent people of their property, but also stir up one bloody storm after another in the martial arts world." Situ Dengfeng's voice gradually became serious. "What is especially heartbreaking is that my daughter, Situ Meng, was also kidnapped by them, and her fate remains unknown."

At this point, Situ Dengfeng paused, a flicker of undisguised pain and determination flashing in his eyes. "But we cannot sit idly by and wait for death! Today, the arrival of each and every one of you has given me a glimmer of hope. It is because of your support and help that I have the courage to face all of this."

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the crowd, many moved by Situ Dengfeng's sincerity. Situ Dengfeng continued, "We've gathered here not only to rescue my daughter, but also to uphold peace and justice in the martial arts world. The Black Wind Gang has become a huge threat; we must work together to completely eradicate this evil force!"

"If we can successfully rescue Situ Meng from the Black Wind Gang and completely dismantle it, the Jing Tian Pavilion will reward us handsomely!" As soon as Situ Dengfeng finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted once again. Everyone felt a strong sense of mission and responsibility, as if they were no longer individuals fighting alone, but a united group fighting against the enemy.

Amidst the bustling crowd, an elderly woman with a full head of silver hair stepped forward. In a booming voice, she said, “Great Hero Situ, you are too kind! Back then, you founded the Martial Alliance and successfully thwarted the Demonic Sect's plot to invade the Central Plains. This merit is something the entire Central Plains martial arts world can never repay. Our Emei Sect has come to support Jingtian Pavilion with absolutely no selfish motives; we only hope to contribute our share.” As soon as the old woman finished speaking, everyone realized that she was none other than the former leader of the Emei Sect, and now the Supreme Elder of the Emei Sect—Master Jingkong.

As soon as Abbess Jingkong finished speaking, another middle-aged Taoist priest stepped forward from the crowd. He said firmly, "Indeed, Hero Situ. Although the Martial Alliance has disbanded after defeating the Demonic Sect, you will always be our leader. Our Qingcheng Sect is willing to follow Senior Situ and uphold justice together. We will never have any selfish motives."

A middle-aged monk from Shaolin Temple followed suit, expressing his support for Situ Dengfeng: "Amitabha, good deeds will be rewarded and evil deeds will be punished. Shaolin Temple will always support what Hero Situ has done."

Representatives from other sects also stepped forward to express their support and trust in Situ Dengfeng. An elder from the Huashan Sect said, "Hero Situ, you are a role model for our martial arts world. Our Huashan Sect is willing to follow in your footsteps and contribute our strength to the peace and justice of the martial arts world."

An elder of the Beggars' Sect also stepped forward and said, "Hero Situ, our Beggars' Sect is also willing to contribute to the justice of the martial arts world without asking for anything in return."

The words of these respected elders of the martial arts world resonated with the emotions of everyone present, and they all nodded in agreement. In an instant, shouts of "no reward" and "only for justice" rose and fell, and the entire square was enveloped in a strong sense of justice.

Upon hearing these words, Situ Dengfeng's eyes flashed with emotion. He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply to those around him, and said, "I, Situ Dengfeng, will forever remember the trust and support of my fellow practitioners. Your assistance today is not only my good fortune, but also a blessing for the entire martial arts world."

As Situ Dengfeng finished speaking, the atmosphere in the square reached its climax. The martial arts practitioners present responded to the call. Their voices were deafening, echoing throughout Yimen County, as if they were about to pierce the clouds and proclaim their determination and beliefs to the world.

Standing in the crowd, Shen Mo felt the enthusiasm and fighting spirit of everyone around him, and a raging fire was ignited in his heart.

He Yun whispered to Shen Mo, "Brother Shen, Senior Situ's influence is indeed extraordinary."

Shen Mo nodded, his gaze fixed firmly on Situ Dengfeng ahead, wondering if he would one day reach that height.