Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Changkong had assumed that Shen Mo would readily accept this rare opportunity, as becoming a true disciple of the Wudang Sect was something many prodigies longed for. However, after a moment's thought, Shen Mo shook his head and calmly said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Zhang, but I have my own mission and pursuits, and now is not the time to change my path." His eyes were firm, without the slightest hesitation, as if he had already made his decision in his heart.

This made Master Zhang admire Shen Mo's character even more. He nodded, a glint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. "Very good. Young people should have their own principles." Master Zhang's words were full of recognition and respect for Shen Mo.

Luo Wangchen was deeply moved upon hearing Shen Mo's answer. However, as his master, he knew that if Shen Mo could become a true disciple of Wudang, it would bring him countless benefits and opportunities.

Luo Wangchen was deeply moved by Shen Mo's answer, but he knew that if Shen Mo could become a true disciple of Wudang, it would be entirely beneficial to him.

Luo Wangchen then spoke up to persuade Shen Mo, saying, "Shen Mo, what Master Zhang said is true. If you can join Wudang, you will not only get better cultivation resources, but you will also be able to gain a foothold in the martial arts world. The status of a true disciple of Wudang will be a huge help to your future." His voice was gentle and sincere, clearly hoping that Shen Mo would reconsider.

Seeing this, Master Zhang felt even more confident that Shen Mo would join Wudang. He believed that Shen Mo just needed some time to think about this, and perhaps in his view, Shen Mo would eventually be attracted by the charm of Wudang.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo felt even more flustered. Although he could freely switch between demonic energy and internal energy within his body, there were still subtle traces of this switching within his meridians. If he were to become a Wudang disciple, the risk of his demonic energy being discovered would be too great. Therefore, he absolutely could not agree, and once again declined Master Zhang's kind offer: "Master Zhang, Master, I am very grateful for your consideration, but please allow me to proceed in my own way."

Seeing Shen Mo's resolute attitude, He Yun's eyes gleamed with admiration, as if he were witnessing a true hero growing up; Zhao Xue sighed softly, seemingly marveling at Shen Mo's courage and determination, her eyes revealing a complex emotion, a mixture of admiration and worry.

A subtle hint of admiration flickered in Situ Meng's eyes as she watched Shen Mo's figure, silently praying that he could go further on the path he had chosen.

"Since that's the case, I won't force you any further." Master Zhang ultimately chose to respect Shen Mo's decision. "However, Shen Mo, remember to come to Wudang when you have mastered the Taiji Xuantian Sword." Master Zhang emphasized the agreement he had made with Shen Mo once again.

Shen Mo nodded firmly in response: "This junior will certainly keep it in mind. Within three years, I will master this sword technique and then go to visit Wudang." His eyes were full of determination and confidence, making people believe that he would definitely achieve his goal.

Before long, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Luo Wangchen and his disciple Shen Mo. Luo Wangchen looked at Shen Mo, his tone tinged with emotion: "Shen Mo, although we haven't known each other for long, and you're only my nominal disciple, not my formal one, with your talent, I have nothing more to teach you now."

Shen Mo looked at his master in surprise, seemingly unable to believe his ears. "Master, what do you mean?"

Luo Wangchen sighed softly and continued, "What I mean is, you're ready to graduate. From now on, you don't need to call me Master anymore."

However, Shen Mo firmly shook his head: "A teacher for a day is a father for life. No matter what happens in the future, I will always be my master's disciple." As he said this, the scene of his first encounter with Luo Wangchen in the small town came to mind, and his gratitude towards Luo Wangchen welled up in his heart. If it weren't for Luo Wangchen's appearance, he would still be in that small town being bullied by Zhu Pang and his gang.

Hearing this, Luo Wangchen felt very gratified. He patted Shen Mo on the shoulder and said gently, "Shen Mo, I'm very pleased that you think this way. I have a martial arts school in Mengzhou. If you don't mind, I can hand it over to you to manage in the future."

Shen Mo was taken aback at first, but then felt the sincerity and trust in Luo Wangchen's words and was deeply moved. "Master, how can this be? Your martial arts school is, after all, your life's work."

Luo Wangchen smiled and waved his hand: "No need to refuse, Shen Mo. This is my sentiment, and also a form of recognition for you. I'm even happier if you can accept it."

Shen Mo took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "In that case, Master, after you pass away, I am willing to take over your martial arts school."

Luo Wangchen was filled with joy and emotion when he saw that Shen Mo had accepted his feelings. He knew that this meant Shen Mo did not treat him as an outsider, but genuinely regarded him as family.

"By the way, Master. The 'Formless Sutra' you gave me before, I buried in the mountains not far from Liaocheng. I'll take you to retrieve it after we leave Yimen County." Shen Mo's tone revealed a hint of caution and anticipation when he mentioned this.

Luo Wangchen shook his head, saying gently but firmly, "Qu Yifan and I have discussed it, so let it disappear from the world. There's no need to remove it anymore."

Shen Mo looked puzzled, clearly not understanding why such a decision had been made. Luo Wangchen continued to explain, "Back then, I had no choice but to give you the 'Formless Sutra' to take to Jingtian Pavilion, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Black Wind Gang should I encounter any unforeseen circumstances. Now that you have hidden it, this is exactly the result we wanted."

Hearing this, Shen Mo nodded. He accepted Luo Wangchen's explanation and felt a sense of relief.

......

Later that evening, Shen Mo dragged his exhausted body back to the inn that Zhang Zhenren had booked. The night was as dark as ink, with only a few rays of moonlight filtering through the cracks in the windows and adding a touch of chill to the quiet space.

As he stepped into his room, he gently closed the door, as if severing all connection with the outside world and sealing himself in a quiet space. The exhaustion from not having slept for two days and one night washed over him like a tide, every muscle silently protesting, yearning for a good, restful sleep.

However, just as he was about to let down his guard and drift off to sleep, an indescribable, strange feeling suddenly crept into his heart. It was as if a pair of cold eyes were watching him in the darkness, or as if an invisible chill was slowly creeping up his spine.

Shen Mo's heart skipped a beat, and his alertness instantly heightened. He abruptly looked up, his gaze sweeping across every corner of the room.

Suddenly, his pupils contracted sharply—Ding Chengfeng, the leader of the Black Wind Gang, was sitting quietly on the roof beam, his eyes like ghostly flames in the abyss, coldly watching him!