Wandering Swordsman |

Meanwhile, in a secluded outpost on Black Wind Mountain, a scout rushed into the room, panting, and reported to his leader who was reviewing intelligence: "Brother, something bad has happened! Situ Dengfeng has arrived in Yimen County and has gathered a group of martial arts practitioners, preparing to attack the Black Wind Gang."

Upon hearing this news, the leader's expression changed drastically, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. He quickly stood up, waved for the scouts to retreat, and then hurried away from the outpost, reporting the emergency through layers of checkpoints. Each level had someone responsible for relaying the information until it finally reached the Black Wind Gang leader.

The Black Wind Gang leader sat in his large chair, his expression grave upon hearing the news. Then, a chilling smile flashed in his eyes. "Situ Dengfeng, Situ Dengfeng, you've finally arrived."

Soon after, Situ Dengfeng and his martial arts group arrived at the foot of Black Wind Mountain. Sunlight filtered through thin clouds, casting its glow on the rolling mountains and adding a solemn atmosphere to the already eerie place. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the silent valley, as if foreshadowing the impending battle.

Suddenly, Situ Dengfeng raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.

Suddenly, shouts of battle and the sound of gongs and drums erupted from the hillside. Immediately afterward, a group of Black Wind Gang members dressed in black surged out from all directions, wielding various weapons and taking up positions. The two sides were no more than a hundred meters apart, and the hostility and tension between them were almost palpable.

Upon hearing this, everyone present held their breath, and all eyes turned to Situ Dengfeng.

Situ Dengfeng nodded slightly, then slowly took out an ancient-looking manual from his robes and held it high above his head. The Black Wind Gang leader in the distance squinted and examined it closely. He saw the three large characters "Wu Xiang Jing" (Scripture of No Form) written on the cover of the manual, and was immediately filled with joy.

However, as Shen Mo looked at the "Formless Sutra" in the crowd, a sense of doubt arose in his heart.

He clearly remembered that he had hidden the real "Formless Sutra" in a secluded cave.

Upon seeing the "Formless Sutra" in Situ Dengfeng's hand, Shen Mo couldn't help but feel suspicious. Then, Shen Mo's gaze involuntarily turned to his master, Luo Wangchen, trying to get some answers from him.

Luo Wangchen looked at the *Wuxiang Jing* in Situ Dengfeng's hands with equal surprise, clearly bewildered by the scene. Noticing Shen Mo's questioning gaze, Luo Wangchen quickly moved closer to Shen Mo and whispered, "Shen Mo, what's going on? Didn't you deliver the *Wuxiang Jing* to Situ Dengfeng before reaching Jingtian Pavilion?"

Shen Mo shook his head, his expression grave, and said, "Yes, Master, I did not reach Jingtian Pavilion successfully. After I encountered danger, I hid the 'Wuxiang Sutra' somewhere. After this matter is over, I will take you to retrieve the 'Wuxiang Sutra'."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen immediately understood that Situ Dengfeng was holding a forged copy of the "Formless Sutra." He gently patted Shen Mo's shoulder, signaling him to keep quiet, then turned back to continue monitoring the situation ahead.

At this moment, Situ Dengfeng shouted to the Black Wind Gang Leader: "Since you want the 'Formless Sutra,' then do as I say! Release Meng'er first, and then we'll discuss other conditions."

The Black Wind Gang leader seemed to have complete faith in this fake "Scripture of No Form." He laughed heartily, "Very good, Situ Dengfeng, it seems you know what's good for you. However, I need to see the 'Scripture of No Form' with my own eyes."

Upon hearing this, Situ Dengfeng's heart tightened. He knew he absolutely could not let the "Formless Sutra" slip out of his hands, otherwise, once it was recognized as a fake, he would lose his bargaining chip to rescue his daughter.

Thinking of this, Situ Dengfeng immediately put away the "Formless Sutra" in his hand and shouted, "Where is my daughter?" His voice was filled with unwavering determination and urgency.

The Black Wind Gang leader frowned slightly, clearly displeased with the other party's caution, but in order to obtain the "Formless Scripture" as soon as possible, he still gave the order: "Ma Xiaofeng, bring the man up."

Then, Master Ma walked out from the crowd behind the Black Wind Gang Leader, followed by a woman of stunning beauty. Everyone recognized her at a glance as Situ Meng!

At this moment, in the crowd behind Situ Dengfeng, Zhao Xue stared intently at Ma Xiaofeng in the Black Wind Gang's group opposite her, her eyes filled with murderous intent: "Brother Yun, is he the one who killed my uncle's men?"

He Yun comforted her in a low voice, "Ah Xue, bear with it for now. If things start to get heated, I will join my masters in taking his head."

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Situ Meng, and Situ Dengfeng's eyes became unusually gentle and concerned.

When he saw his daughter come into view, Situ Dengfeng's voice trembled slightly, filled with a father's deep longing and worry for his child: "Meng'er, are you alright?" Situ Meng looked up at her father, tears glistening in her eyes, but she held back her sobs and simply nodded.

However, the Black Wind Gang leader did not give up. According to the information Li Fanglin had gathered, Shen Mo, who had broken into his secret room and escaped right under his nose, should be among the crowd opposite him at this moment.

His gaze began to search the crowd, trying to find the figure that haunted him. When his eyes finally landed on Shen Mo in the crowd, a cold smile appeared on his lips. "Since you want Situ Meng back so badly," the Black Wind Gang Leader's voice pierced through the battlefield's clamor, "then let Shen Mo, who escaped from my sight that night, come and exchange him for the Tai'a Sword and this so-called 'Formless Scripture'!"

Escaping right under the nose of the Black Wind Gang Leader? This claim undoubtedly caused a huge uproar among the crowd behind Situ Dengfeng. Everyone whispered amongst themselves, trying to uncover the true identity of the mysterious figure the Black Wind Gang Leader spoke of.

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen involuntarily tightened his grip on his sword. He knew the Black Wind Gang Leader's true intention—to use the current situation to capture Shen Mo, who had rescued him and Qu Yifan that night. Thinking of the potential danger his disciple might face in this situation, deep worry and unease flickered in Luo Wangchen's eyes.

Meanwhile, upon hearing this request, Situ Dengfeng was caught in a deep dilemma. On one hand, he wasn't familiar with the person the Black Wind Gang leader mentioned; on the other hand, the thought of sending someone he had no connection with to risk their life to exchange a fake copy of the *Wu Xiang Jing* for his daughter was unbearable for him. "Is this really appropriate?" he asked himself, his heart filled with struggle and hesitation.