Wandering Swordsman |

However, Shen Mo felt an indescribable sense of surprise and relief at this moment. He knew that he possessed not only internal energy but also demonic energy within him. The fact that the two could coexist within him without any incompatibility filled him with disbelief and a sense of relief.

After He Yun's explanation, Shen Mo understood that if he didn't use demonic arts in the future, his cultivation of them would never be exposed. After all, the secret of being able to freely convert demonic energy and internal force within his body was known only to him.

"Brother He, do you think it's possible for us to find a way to utilize the power of demonic energy while avoiding its harm?" Shen Mo asked tentatively.

He Yun shook his head and said firmly, "As far as I know, it's impossible. Demonic energy and internal energy are essentially opposed; any attempt to merge them is suicidal."

Shen Mo fell into deep thought. He knew He Yun's words made sense, but deep down he had a strange feeling—perhaps it wasn't entirely unsolvable. It just wasn't the right time to explore the answer. His gaze drifted into the distance, his thoughts seemingly floating to the horizon, his whole being immersed in a complex mix of emotions.

Just then, light footsteps broke the silence, and Zhao Xue and Situ Meng walked over, chatting and laughing. Their figures looked exceptionally harmonious under the streetlights, and the surrounding air seemed to warm up. Zhao Xue's voice was clear and melodious, while Situ Meng occasionally let out a silvery laugh, as if she had left all her worries behind.

Upon seeing the two approach, Shen Mo and He Yun quickly stood up.

Situ Meng deliberately walked up to Shen Mo, her eyes sparkling with shyness and gratitude. "Young Master Shen, thank you." Her voice was soft as water, every word revealing sincere thanks. She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting together, a subtle gesture revealing her inner nervousness.

"Actually, if it weren't for your appearance in the secret prison that day, which caused all these changes, I probably wouldn't be able to escape today." Situ Meng raised her head, her eyes filled with determination. "You showed me true chivalry." She took a small step forward, getting closer to Shen Mo, a faint blush rising on her face.

Shen Mo looked at Situ Meng with some surprise; he had never seen a woman express her feelings so frankly.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

At this moment, she took out a handkerchief embroidered with plum blossoms from her bosom and handed it to Shen Mo. "Young Master Shen, this is something I embroidered myself. I hope you will accept it as a small memento."

Shen Mo took the handkerchief, and his fingers inadvertently touched Situ Meng's soft fingertips, causing both of them to tremble slightly involuntarily.

He examined the handkerchief in his hand closely. The plum blossoms on it were so lifelike that one could almost smell their fragrance. At that moment, Murong Qing's face flashed through Shen Mo's mind, causing him to subconsciously say, "Miss Situ, this handkerchief is too precious. I cannot accept it." As he spoke, he tried to return the handkerchief to Situ Meng.

Just then, Situ Changkong happened to pass by. He saw the intimate interaction between Situ Meng and Shen Mo from afar, and a pang of sorrow welled up in his heart.

He had grown up in Jingtian Pavilion since childhood and knew Situ Meng's personality well. He knew that the emotion in her eyes at this moment was not simply gratitude. Situ Changkong frowned, slowed his pace, and stood quietly observing everything from the distance among the passing crowd.

Seeing that Shen Mo was about to refuse, Situ Meng quickly reached out and pressed his arm, saying, "Young Master Shen, please accept this. It's my token of my appreciation and my respect for you." Her movements were gentle, yet carried an undeniable force. Shen Mo felt the warmth from those slender fingers, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He looked up at Situ Meng and saw her eyes filled with expectation, a gaze yearning for a response.

In the end, Shen Mo nodded and carefully tucked the handkerchief into his pocket. "I will cherish Miss Situ's kindness," he said solemnly. Hearing this, Situ Meng's lips curled into a sweet smile, a smile as beautiful and captivating as a flower blooming in spring.

Situ Changkong, observing everything clearly, sighed deeply, a bitter feeling welling up inside him. He knew that Situ Meng had secretly developed feelings for Shen Mo, and once such feelings were planted, they were difficult to erase. He slowly walked towards Situ Meng and Shen Mo, deliberately coughing to attract their attention.

Hearing the noise, Situ Meng and Shen Mo turned their heads at the same time. When they saw Situ Changkong, their expressions changed subtly.

Two blushes instantly appeared on Situ Meng's cheeks. She quickly withdrew her hand from Shen Mo's arm and lowered her head, not daring to look at him again. Shen Mo stood there awkwardly, unsure how to handle the situation.

Upon seeing Situ Changkong approach, He Yun and Zhao Xue immediately bowed and greeted him, "Brother Situ!"

After giving a brief response to the two, Situ Changkong first looked at Situ Meng with concern, and then said to Shen Mo, "Brother Shen, thank you for stepping forward today." His tone was filled with gratitude, but also contained a hint of complex emotions.

Shen Mo hurriedly said, "Brother Situ, you're too kind. These are nothing to mention." After saying that, he secretly glanced at Situ Meng, only to find that she was secretly looking at him out of the corner of her eye, her eyes filled with shyness and longing.

This discovery made Shen Mo's feelings even more complicated. He realized something, because Situ Meng's gaze towards him was exactly the same as Murong Qing's. He might have unknowingly entered Situ Meng's heart, an outcome he had never anticipated.

Just then, the inn's doors slowly opened, and several martial arts masters emerged one after another. Shen Mo, He Yun, and the others immediately went to greet them.

Upon seeing Luo Wangchen's familiar figure emerge from the inn, Shen Mo eagerly asked, "Master!" "How did the meeting go?" Luo Wangchen smiled slightly, a smile carrying an unfathomable depth, as if he had already seen through everything. He patiently explained, "Next, we will split up to investigate the source of the demonic energy. You younger generations of the martial world may also be involved."

Master Zhang followed Luo Wangchen forward, his face serious yet kind, his tone full of expectation: "Shen Mo, I've heard that you're only your master's nominal disciple, not a formal one. Why don't you join Wudang and become a true disciple of the Wudang Sect?" Upon hearing this, the surroundings fell silent; everyone held their breath, awaiting Shen Mo's answer.