Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Dengfeng patted Situ Changkong on the shoulder, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, along with a touch of affection and worry. He knew that what was needed now was not only guidance for his disciple, but also understanding and support for the emotions deep within him. "Changkong, Fu Sheng's strength is comparable to mine. If you want revenge, the only way is to continuously improve your own strength; otherwise, what's the difference between that and suicide?" he said softly, his tone full of encouragement.

"I've watched you grow up; I've long considered you my own son." Situ Dengfeng's voice was deep and firm, as if every word carried boundless affection. "That's why I don't want to see you put yourself in danger because of a moment of impulsiveness. You're still young, and you have many opportunities in life. Only when you truly possess enough power can you ensure that your revenge will be foolproof."

After Situ Dengfeng's guidance, Situ Changkong nodded silently. Although he still had many questions, he felt the sincerity and concern in his master's words. Those warm words were like a spring breeze caressing his heart, gradually calming his previously restless mind. He knew that his master's arrangements were for his own good, to help him grow better and ultimately achieve his revenge.

So he rallied his spirits and spurred his horse back. Moonlight bathed him, outlining a resolute silhouette. In the silent night, Situ Changkong's figure appeared exceptionally lonely yet full of power. He knew that this departure was not the end, but a new beginning. On the road ahead, he would cultivate even more diligently, constantly challenging his limits, until one day he would truly possess the power of revenge.

Watching Situ Changkong's figure gradually disappear into the distance, Situ Dengfeng took a deep breath, turned his horse around, and headed back towards Qilin Village.

......

The scene returns to Qilin Village. Night has completely fallen, and moonlight shines through thin clouds into the courtyard of Qilin Village, adding a touch of desolation and loneliness to this once bustling place.

Shortly after the wedding ceremony, Fu Jiang discovered that the bride was not Xie Xin, but a woman from the village in disguise. A surge of anger welled up within him, remembering that his father had left earlier that day to personally lead the bride out. He then ran straight to his father Fu Sheng's room, determined to find out what was going on.

Fu Jiang's face was slightly flushed with anxiety, his eyes filled with confusion and doubt. When he arrived at Fu Sheng's study, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and then knocked on the door. "Father, are you there? I have something important to ask you." His voice carried a hint of barely suppressed excitement.

Inside the study, Fu Sheng was sitting at his desk, writing a letter with a pen in his hand, his brows furrowed.

Hearing his son's voice, he put down his pen, slowly raised his head, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. "Come in, Jiang'er." His voice was deep and steady, as if he had already expected his son to come to him.

Fu Jiang pushed open the door and strode into the study, his gaze fixed on his father's face. "Father, where did Xie Xin go?" His tone was urgent and direct, clearly unable to bear the question any longer.

Looking into his son's questioning eyes, Fu Sheng felt a pang of pain in his heart. As a father, he knew that it was inappropriate for Fu Jiang to know about Juechenzi taking Xie Xin away or about Li Yonghuan's death. Not for any other reason than that Juechenzi was someone he couldn't afford to offend.

"Jiang'er," Fu Sheng sighed, trying to make his voice sound calm, "Xie Xin, your master, and Shen Mo were taken away by a senior expert. I can't tell you the specific reason right now. So, I had no choice but to have someone put a red veil over their heads to deal with today's wedding banquet. So, forget about Xie Xin."

Upon hearing this, Fu Jiang's face showed an expression of disbelief. "Father, what did you say? I can understand taking Shen Mo away. Shen Mo is a 'good seedling' that you found, so you took him away."

"But why take Xie Xin and my master Li Yonghuan away? What's going on?" His voice was somewhat angry, and his eyes were full of confusion.

The atmosphere in the study suddenly became tense. Fu Sheng's face was terribly grim, and a complex look flashed in his eyes. He knew that his son's question touched on the core of the matter, and behind this core lay too many unspeakable secrets.

Just as Fu Jiang was about to press further, Fu Sheng suddenly slammed his hand on the table in frustration. This unexpected sound shattered the oppressive silence of the study, like a bolt of lightning ripping through the night sky. This was the first time Fu Sheng had ever been so angry with his son, leaving Fu Jiang stunned, frozen in place, afraid to utter another sound.

"Jiang'er, there are some things you don't need to know right now." Fu Sheng's voice was deep and stern, each word like a heavy hammer striking Fu Jiang's heart. "You just need to remember that all of this is for your own good. As for the rest, you will understand when you are strong enough."

Fu Jiang's eyes gradually shifted from shock to disappointment. He lowered his head, unable to meet his father's gaze. He could sense the resolute and unquestionable tone in his father's words, but it was precisely this attitude that strengthened his resolve to find out the truth. Fu Jiang nodded silently, slowly took a few steps back, and turned to leave the study.

The night was as dark as ink, with moonlight filtering through thin clouds and casting hazy shadows on the ground. Situ Dengfeng slipped into Qilin Village like a ghost. Although his current strength was less than half of his peak, his martial arts and agility still allowed him to move with impunity. His light footsteps made almost no sound, as if he had become one with the darkness.

Situ Dengfeng first kidnapped a patrolling martial artist, quickly extracting detailed information about the layout of Qilin Village through interrogation. The martial artist, after having his pressure points struck, collapsed to the ground, his eyes filled with terror. Situ Dengfeng then swiftly focused his attention on his next target—Fu Jiang's study.

Situ Dengfeng then followed the route into Fu Jiang's study. By the moonlight, he saw the bookshelves filled with various books and documents. Situ Dengfeng quickly began to peruse them, trying to find clues related to demonic arts.

Time ticked by, and Situ Dengfeng was completely absorbed in the search until he sensed a powerful aura approaching the study door. He turned around abruptly and saw Fu Sheng already standing in the doorway, staring at him with a cold gaze.

"Sect Master Situ, did you not enjoy the wine during the day enough? You actually sneaked back again." Fu Sheng's voice was deep and magnetic, every word exuding an undeniable power.