Wandering Swordsman |

Over the next few hours, the group conducted a meticulous search of the area around the camp, leaving no inch of ground unchecked. As night deepened, moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a melancholic glow on the still air. With each expansion of the search area, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy.

Unbeknownst to them, the stars gradually faded, revealing a sliver of orange light, foreshadowing the imminent sunrise.

"Not found." Luo Wangchen's voice was low and weak, his face filled with disappointment and exhaustion. "Could it be... just vanished like this?" He was almost talking to himself, but the sorrow in his voice moved everyone present. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, with only the occasional crackling of the campfire remaining.

Situ Dengfeng took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Brother Luo! Calm down," he said. "Young Master Shen's whereabouts are unknown and require further investigation. Our most urgent task now is to return to our respective sects and reassess the situation of the resurgence of demonic arts in the martial world."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen waved his hand, his eyes resolute: "Brother Situ, you all go first. I'm staying to continue searching for Shen Mo." These words immediately drew everyone's attention. Luo Wangchen's eyes revealed an unwavering determination, as if he were prepared to face any difficulty.

Seeing this, Qu Yifan immediately stepped forward: "In that case, I'll stay too."

However, the other six swordsmen from the Sword Tomb gathered around with worried expressions. "Seventh Brother," Wan Yingqiu, one of the three swordsmen, spoke first, his voice filled with obvious concern, "we understand your feelings, but if you and Brother Qu stay here alone, wouldn't it be even more dangerous if you encountered enemies again?"

Zuo Jinlian, one of the Four Swordsmen, chimed in, "Yes, Seventh Brother, the situation is still unknown. Even if you stay here, the strength of the two of you is ultimately limited."

Luo Wangchen gripped his longsword tightly, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination. "Third Brother, Fourth Brother. I know you're worried about me, but Shen Mo is my disciple, and I can't just abandon him like this."

Qu Yifan stood beside Luo Wangchen and nodded in support: "Me too. Shen Mo rescued me from the Black Wind Gang, so this time I need to ensure his safety."

Faced with Luo Wangchen and Qu Yifan's resolute attitude, the swordsmen of the Sword Tomb looked troubled. They knew that once Luo Wangchen made up his mind, it was difficult to change it. However, as Luo Wangchen's senior brothers, they also did not want to see him put in danger.

After a moment, Ouyang Song, the leader of the Sword Tomb, took a deep breath. His face was solemn, and he was clearly thinking about how to solve this thorny problem.

"Seventh Brother," Ouyang Song's voice was steady and powerful, "if you insist on staying, then the brothers of the Sword Tomb will stay with you to search for Shen Mo. But if we still can't find any clues within three days, you must leave."

Upon hearing this compromise, Luo Wangchen lowered his head and pondered for a moment before finally nodding, "Alright, brother, we'll do it your way."

"Since the people from the Myriad Swords Sect came out with the Sword Tomb, they should go back together." At this moment, Sect Leader Yang of the Myriad Swords Sect walked over and said in a calm tone, "We will help the Sword Tomb stay for three days to search for Shen Mo together."

Luo Wangchen looked at Sect Leader Yang gratefully, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for your help, Sect Leader Yang. I will remember this favor!"

Sect Leader Yang glanced at He Yun beside him and quickly waved his hand, saying, "We're all family, it's too formal to say such things."

Before long, it was fully light. Members of the Jingtian Pavilion, Wudang Sect, Shaolin Temple, and other sects began packing their bags, preparing to return to their respective sects. Although they were equally concerned about Shen Mo's safety, the resurgence of demonic arts in the martial world was more urgent and important in the current situation.

Situ Dengfeng stood to the side, his brows furrowed, clearly also worried about Shen Mo's disappearance. However, as the leader of Jingtian Pavilion, he knew the weight of the responsibility he bore.

Just then, Situ Meng gracefully walked up to Luo Wangchen, her face filled with worry and her eyes revealing a hint of anxiety. She said softly, "Senior Luo, I'm entrusting Young Hero Shen's matter to you." Although her voice was soft, it carried an undeniable firmness.

Luo Wangchen was slightly taken aback. He keenly noticed the unusual concern Situ Meng had for Shen Mo, and a hint of doubt arose in his heart. But he sensed the deep emotion behind this concern. He nodded solemnly and promised, "Xiao Meng, as your master, I will do my best to find him. You can return to Jingtian Pavilion in peace."

Hearing Luo Wangchen's reply, Situ Meng felt a warmth in her heart, and a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes. She looked up at Luo Wangchen and said softly, "Thank you, Senior Luo. I believe you will find him."

"Miss Zhao," she turned to Zhao Xue's side, her tone earnest, "If there is any news about Shen Mo in three days, please write to me."

Zhao Xue gently held Situ Meng's hand, her eyes filled with comfort and encouragement. She said softly, "Don't worry, we will definitely find him. I will let you know immediately if there is any news. Take care of yourself too, and don't worry too much."

Situ Meng nodded, her eyes shining with determination. She felt Zhao Xue's warmth and encouragement, which strengthened her resolve to find Shen Mo. She whispered, "Thank you, Miss Zhao. I will."

As the first rays of dawn touched the earth, teams from various sects, including Jingtian Pavilion, Wudang Sect, and Shaolin Temple, began to set off one after another.

Situ Dengfeng led the disciples of Jingtian Pavilion at the front, each of their steps appearing exceptionally heavy. After walking a few steps, Situ Meng paused, glanced back at Luo Wangchen and the others who were still busy, and silently prayed that Shen Mo would be safe and sound.

"Junior Sister Meng, it's time to go," Situ Changkong reminded her from the side.

Situ Meng took a deep breath, turned around, and followed the group forward. The scenery along the way gradually became blurry, but her thoughts remained fixed on the figure holding the "Formless Sutra" and slowly approaching her.

At this moment, with each step Situ Meng took, she could feel her inner unease and anxiety gradually deepening.

......

The scene shifts, and the valley, shrouded in night, appears exceptionally tranquil. Moonlight filters through sparse clouds, casting a chilly glow on the silent landscape. A man in black carries the bound and gagged Shen Mo swiftly along the winding path. His steps are light and steady, as if he knows the terrain intimately.

Finally, the man in black stopped at a secluded valley. Towering mountains surrounded the valley, forming a natural barrier. Inside stood a simple wooden hut, surrounded by various traps and mechanisms—clearly a meticulously planned outpost.