Wandering Swordsman |

Not long after, Situ Dengfeng and Situ Changkong arrived at Qilin Village. Sunlight streamed onto the stone path in front of Qilin Village, reflecting golden rays and adding a touch of solemnity to the wedding. However, when Situ Dengfeng appeared at the gate of Qilin Village, the previously noisy scene instantly fell silent, and the guests turned their heads, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

Situ Dengfeng stood tall and straight, his plain robe fluttering in the wind. His face was cold and dignified, the years having etched faint marks on his features, yet adding to his composure and depth. Beside him, Situ Changkong appeared young and spirited, his eyes filled with determination. Although one was still and the other in motion, both exuded an indescribable charm.

"That's... Situ Dengfeng?" someone in the crowd exclaimed in a low voice, their shock barely concealed. This whisper, like a pebble thrown into a lake, quickly spread through the crowd, drawing even more attention. "The former leader of the martial arts alliance is actually attending this wedding?"

The guests' faces were filled with surprise and curiosity. For many, the name Situ Dengfeng was legendary, and no one expected him to appear in such a remote place, which made people wonder if there was an unusual relationship between him and Fu Sheng.

Many martial arts practitioners who originally came just to watch the excitement were now deeply attracted by the sudden arrival of Situ Dengfeng, and stopped in their tracks to discuss the matter among themselves.

Upon seeing Situ Dengfeng appear at Qilin Village, Fu Sheng immediately strode forward with steady steps, a warm smile on his face, greeting him as if they were old friends reunited: "Sect Master Situ's presence is truly an honor to Qilin Village."

Seeing Fu Sheng's enthusiastic demeanor, a stark contrast to his hostile attitude a few days ago, Situ Dengfeng's eyes flashed with wariness. He slightly turned to the side, maintaining a certain distance, and replied in a cool but polite tone, "Chief Fu, you are too kind. Today is your son's joyous occasion, and since you have invited me, I naturally must come to offer my congratulations." Although his words were calm, his entire body was tense, and every subtle movement revealed his wariness of Fu Sheng.

Fu Sheng seemed to sense Situ Dengfeng's wariness. He chuckled softly, his voice deep and magnetic: "Brother Situ, there's no need to be so tense. I'm just here to add to the joy of the wedding. As for what happened a few days ago, let's put it aside for now." His gaze was open, attempting to convey a willingness to coexist peacefully.

Hearing this, Situ Dengfeng nodded slightly, his wariness gradually fading. He knew that in this situation, direct confrontation would only cause unnecessary chaos; it was better to observe the situation first. "Since Chief Fu says so, then so be it." His voice remained calm, but his eyes held less hostility.

Situ Changkong, standing to the side, stared intently at Fu Sheng, his eyes filled with barely concealed murderous intent. If Situ Dengfeng hadn't repeatedly warned him to remain calm, he would have already drawn his sword and charged forward, eager to kill the man who had murdered his grandfather, Xie Feng. Each breath seemed to suppress his inner rage, his hands clenching into fists involuntarily, his knuckles turning white.

Situ Dengfeng noticed the change in Situ Changkong's expression and subtly patted his shoulder, signaling him to remain calm. The touch seemed to carry a soothing power, causing Situ Changkong to take a deep breath and barely suppress his impulse.

Fu Sheng stared at Situ Changkong, completely ignoring the murderous intent in his eyes. His gaze lingered on Situ Changkong's face for a few seconds, and he couldn't help but marvel: No wonder they're siblings, they look so alike. This resemblance isn't just in appearance, but also in an indescribable resonance of their temperaments.

Then, Fu Sheng and Situ Changkong exchanged glances for a moment, a profound and intriguing look flashing in Fu Sheng's eyes, leaving Situ Changkong somewhat puzzled. Then, he made an elegant gesture, welcoming Situ Dengfeng and Situ Changkong into Qilin Village.

Inside the wedding banquet hall, guests had gradually taken their seats, creating a lively atmosphere. The middle-aged scholar who had appeared earlier was now seated to one side, his eyes slightly narrowed as he thoughtfully glanced at Situ Dengfeng as he entered. In that instant, Situ Dengfeng suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; his sixth sense told him that some kind of threat was approaching.

Situ Dengfeng quickly turned his head, his sharp gaze sweeping across his surroundings like an eagle's, trying to pinpoint the source of the unsettling aura. However, in the instant his gaze wandered, the chill vanished without a trace, like a phantom.

Situ Dengfeng's heart tightened. He knew this meant either the other party was proficient in some kind of internal energy technique that concealed their aura, or their strength far surpassed his own. Either way, it made him realize that the Qilin Village before him was far more dangerous than he had imagined.

"Now that we're here, there's no turning back," Situ Dengfeng thought to himself, his expression remaining calm. He knew that in this place full of unknowns, every step required caution. So, he tried to relax as much as possible, remaining vigilant while also attempting to blend into the surrounding atmosphere.

The surrounding guests seemed oblivious to the slight tension, immersed in laughter and revelry, enjoying the feast. The air was filled with the aroma of wine and flowers, and a gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness.

Situ Dengfeng slowly walked towards his seat, observing the surrounding crowd as he went. He knew he had to remain vigilant at all times, because the slightest carelessness could put himself and Situ Changkong in danger. Situ Changkong followed closely behind, trying his best to conceal his anger and hatred, but the occasional glimpses in his eyes still revealed his deep resentment towards Fu Sheng.

......

The scene shifts back to the back gate of Qilin Village. Xie Xin takes a deep breath, rushes towards Shen Mo, grabs Li Yonghuan's arm, and forcefully pushes him away. "I'm back! Let him go!" Her voice carries an undeniable force, her eyes flashing with determination and anger.

Caught off guard by this sudden action, Li Yonghuan involuntarily took a few steps back. Taking advantage of this moment, Xie Xin quickly bent down and gently lifted Shen Mo, who had collapsed to the ground, with both hands. Her movements were gentle yet urgent, as if afraid of causing Shen Mo any further harm.

"Shen Mo, how are you?" Xie Xin's voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with concern and worry. She gently lifted Shen Mo's head, trying to let him lean on her shoulder to ease his pain. Although her fingers were also trembling slightly from nervousness, her gaze was unusually firm.