Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Dengfeng's heart tightened; he knew there was no turning back now, only the need to fight. "Chief Fu, it's so late, why aren't you resting? Take care of your health," he calmly replied, adjusting his inner strength to prepare for the impending clash.

The two instantly engaged in a fierce exchange of blows. Situ Dengfeng's swordsmanship flowed like water, each strike precise and accurate, while Fu Sheng countered with palm techniques, each attack carrying the force of a thunderbolt. Their inner energies collided in mid-air, emitting a dazzling light, as if the surrounding air itself was being torn apart by this power, causing the bookshelves in the study to rattle and creak.

In the midst of their fierce battle, Fu Sheng suddenly asked, "Sect Leader Situ, what brings you to my Qilin Stronghold at night? Please tell me directly."

Situ Dengfeng was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "Chief Fu, since you are so frank, I will not hide anything from you. I infiltrated Qilin Village this time to investigate the demonic arts you are practicing."

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Fu Sheng's eyes. It immediately reminded him of Juechenzi's arrogant demeanor during the day, filling Fu Sheng with resentment. Driven by this emotion, Fu Sheng decided to trip up the Demonic Sect.

During his exchange with Situ Dengfeng, Fu Sheng suddenly used his internal energy to pull a vase hidden in the corner of the bookshelf, took out a secret manual from it, and threw it directly to Situ Dengfeng.

Situ Dengfeng immediately stopped his attack, took the manual, and upon closer inspection, saw that it was titled "Heaven-Defying Divine Skill - Yellow Scroll".

"What does this mean?" Situ Dengfeng asked, puzzled.

Fu Sheng answered directly: "Since you're investigating demonic arts, then take this manual back and study it carefully."

Before Situ Dengfeng could react to why Fu Sheng was doing this, Fu Sheng continued, "When cultivating this demonic art, it does not interfere with the orthodox martial arts you cultivate. If you don't activate this demonic art, you will never be able to detect that you have cultivated it."

Situ Dengfeng was greatly shocked upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "Why didn't the Martial Alliance know about this demonic art during their war against the Demonic Sect?"

Before he could think it through, Fu Sheng continued, "There are quite a few spies from the Demonic Sect in the righteous faction now, and they've all practiced this. Moreover, the 'Heaven-Defying Divine Skill' is divided into four volumes according to quality: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. I myself cultivate the 'Heaven-Defying Divine Skill - Profound Volume,' which can directly absorb half of the internal energy of someone within ten steps who has cultivated the 'Heaven-Defying Divine Skill - Yellow Volume.'"

These words surprised Situ Dengfeng even more, making him realize that things were far more complicated than he had imagined. Recalling the confrontation with the Black Wind Gang, Fu Sheng had ordered those from Qilin Village who had practiced the "Heaven-Defying Divine Skill" to approach him, and Black Wind Gang leader Ding Chengfeng's immediate demand for retreat upon hearing this, which now made sense. Ding Chengfeng didn't want to weaken the Black Wind Gang's strength.

Fu Sheng ignored Situ Dengfeng and prepared to turn around and leave the study.

"Chief Fu! Why are you telling me all this?" Seeing that Fu Sheng was about to leave without paying attention to him, Situ Dengfeng couldn't help but ask immediately.

Fu Sheng stopped and turned around, his eyes filled with doubt and wariness as he looked at Situ Dengfeng. With a confident smile, he slowly said, "Given the strength of the Central Plains martial arts world, even if I told you all this, it wouldn't have any impact on the Demonic Sect."

This answer still left Situ Dengfeng puzzled. Fu Sheng's words seemed to hint at some deeper secret, but he did not explain further, instead maintaining the air of mystery.

However, Situ Dengfeng didn't press the matter further, knowing he wouldn't get any more answers now. So he changed the subject, taking advantage of the atmosphere, and asked seriously, "Where is my apprentice's sister?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Sheng pondered briefly before quickly replying, "How would I know where your disciple's sister is?" Although his tone was calm, a barely perceptible hesitation flashed in his eyes.

"Stop pretending. According to the intelligence I received not long ago, she is still alive, and she is in Qilin Village!" Situ Dengfeng continued to question, his voice revealing an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing this, Fu Sheng's eyes sharpened instantly. He remained silent for a few seconds before letting out a low laugh: "Hahaha, she's no longer in Qilin Village. If you really want to know, then go back and investigate the Demonic Sect thoroughly." With that, Fu Sheng left the study without looking back, leaving Situ Dengfeng standing there alone, his heart filled with questions.

Situ Dengfeng wanted to give chase and investigate, but he was currently in Qilin Village. Forcing his way in might not only expose his location but also trigger unnecessary conflict. He knew that remaining calm was the best course of action in this situation. So, he took a deep breath and, under the cover of night, quietly left Qilin Village.

......

Finally, after crossing another high mountain, Shen Mo, Xie Xin, and Juechenzi arrived at the shore of a vast lake. The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the lake, making it shimmer and reflect the rosy clouds of the sky like a giant mirror. According to the locals, this boundless lake was called "Yibo Sea" by merchants from the Central Plains. Gazing at the expansive waters before him, Shen Mo held his breath, overwhelmed with awe.

"This...this is the 'sea'?" Shen Mo murmured to himself, his eyes wide open. Having never seen the sea before, he could hardly believe his eyes. Although he already knew it was just a large lake, its vastness made him feel as if he were on the edge of a real ocean. A gentle breeze caressed his face, carrying a coolness and the unique freshness of the lake water, which was refreshing and invigorating.

The long, strenuous journey had taken its toll on Xie Xin, but her eyes showed no signs of fatigue; instead, they were filled with a longing for freedom. After leaving Qilin Village, her mood noticeably lightened, as if she had forgotten the hardships and difficulties of the past few days. Standing by the lake, a long-lost smile returned to her face.

However, Shen Mo noticed Xie Xin's less-than-ideal condition, so he asked Juechenzi, "Senior, is this our destination?"

Juechenzi shook his head, his tone calm yet firm: "No!"

Hearing this answer, Shen Mo felt a surge of disappointment. He had thought that after experiencing so many hardships and dangers, he had finally reached his destination and could rest for a while, but he hadn't expected that this was not the final destination. This feeling of disappointment flashed across his eyes, and he was considering how to ask Juechenzi to stop for the time being so that Xie Xin could get some rest.