Wandering Swordsman |

Just as Shen Mo was feeling disappointed, Juechenzi continued, "But we are getting closer to our destination." His gaze turned to the north, where a towering mountain range stood, like a giant dragon lying across the land. The peaks soared into the clouds, their outlines appearing exceptionally majestic and spectacular in the setting sun.

These words instantly dispelled Shen Mo's disappointment, replacing it with a sense of relief and joy.

"This mountain range is called 'Heavenly Sword Ridge,' and the rift valley running through its center from west to east is our destination—Fallen Sword Valley." Juechenzi's voice was deep and powerful, and each word was like a seed planted in Shen Mo's heart, igniting his curiosity and desire to explore.

Sky Sword Ridge soars into the clouds, its peaks overlapping, surrounded by dense primeval forests frequented by wild animals. The terrain here is extremely complex, with steep cliffs and bottomless precipices, many places even monkeys cannot climb. Due to its remoteness, the entire mountain range appears exceptionally mysterious and unpredictable.

Juechenzi led Shen Mo and Xie Xin into Tianjian Ridge, venturing deeper into its heart along a winding path. The further they went, the more rugged and difficult the path became, the denser the trees on either side, and the dimmer the light. The occasional low growls of wild beasts sent chills down their spines. Xie Xin followed closely behind Shen Mo, feeling a pang of fear, but she knew she had to remain calm.

After several hours of arduous trekking, the three finally reached the edge of the rift valley.

Looking down, a bottomless canyon stretched through the center of the mountain range, its cliffs sheer and awe-inspiring. Juechenzi pointed ahead and said, "This is Fallen Sword Valley. We need to follow this path down."

They descended slowly along the narrow path at the edge of the rift valley, their feet treading on loose rocks and slippery moss; a single misstep could send them tumbling into the abyss. Shen Mo carefully held Xie Xin's hand, afraid she might fall. As the altitude gradually decreased, the air became moist and fresh, and the sounds of flowing water and birdsong filled the air, as if they had entered a secluded world.

Finally, they reached the bottom of the rift. The entire Fallen Sword Valley consists of three complexes: one on the west side, one on the east side, and one in the middle. They slowly descended along the path along the edge of the middle rift, arriving directly at the central complex.

Standing in the middle of the rift valley, the sight before you inspires awe. Although these ancient structures have withstood the test of time, they are exceptionally well-preserved, showing no signs of decay. Instead, they appear magnificent and awe-inspiring.

Ancient trees tower around the complex, their intertwined branches forming a natural green dome. Sunlight filters through the gaps, adding a touch of mystery to this tranquil space. Birdsong rises and falls all around, as if telling ancient stories; a babbling brook flows from a nearby stream, resonating harmoniously with nature.

Shen Mo's gaze was involuntarily drawn to these buildings. Though they appeared ancient, they exuded an indescribable solemnity and majesty. Each building seemed like a guardian, standing silently, witnessing countless historical changes. Juechenzi led Shen Mo and Xie Xin closer to the complex. Upon seeing them, the guards at the gate immediately bowed and respectfully greeted them, "Master Juechenzi."

Shen Mo noticed the guards' respectful attitude, gaining a deeper understanding of Juechenzi's status and position. However, what surprised him even more was that the aura emanating from these seemingly ordinary guards was almost identical to that of the Azure Dragon Saint Lord and White Tiger Saint Lord of the Black Wind Gang. 'Such powerful experts are merely gatekeepers; what kind of force is hidden behind this rift valley?' This question, like a fog, quickly welled up in Shen Mo's mind.

"Is Lord Moon Demon Lord here?" Juechenzi's voice broke the momentary silence, his deep and powerful words carrying an undeniable air of authority.

The guard replied respectfully, "The Demon Lord did not go out today and instructed that if you come, you should be allowed to enter directly." His voice was calm and firm, and every word revealed his respect for Juechenzi.

Juechenzi nodded slightly, gesturing for Shen Mo to follow him into the mysterious complex. As they ventured deeper, a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, calming the mind. Everyone they encountered along the way showed Juechenzi immense respect, an atmosphere that fueled Shen Mo's curiosity: what exactly was Juechenzi's identity?

Juechenzi led Shen Mo and Xie Xin through the buildings and arrived at a magnificent pavilion. The plaque hanging on the pavilion clearly read the three characters "Moon Demon Pavilion".

The aura emanating from the guards flanking the pavilion entrance shocked Shen Mo even more, as their strength was nearly on par with Fu Sheng's. Shen Mo was secretly astonished; such experts were merely gatekeepers!

The guards at the pavilion, just like those they had encountered outside the complex, greeted Juechenzi politely and made way for him. Juechenzi nodded slightly in thanks, then led Shen Mo and Xie Xin into the mysterious pavilion.

As they entered the pavilion and ascended to the second floor, a huge carved wooden door came into view, inlaid with exquisite metal decorations that emitted a soft glow.

Juechenzi gently pushed open the carved wooden door, revealing a spacious and bright hall, elegantly furnished. A luxurious carpet covered the center of the hall, surrounded by several comfortable chairs, and several ink paintings hung on the walls, adding to the refined ambiance. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor and adding a touch of tranquility and mystery to the space.

A woman who appeared to be in her early thirties sat in the main seat of the hall, with a girl of about twelve or thirteen standing beside her. The seated woman looked like an ordinary person, and Shen Mo didn't sense any martial arts aura from her. Just as Shen Mo was wondering about the woman's identity, Juechenzi knelt down and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Moon Demon Lord."

Shen Mo was immediately shocked and stunned. This woman, who exuded an aura no different from that of an ordinary person, actually had a higher status than Juechenzi? Did the Demonic Sect also rank people based on their noble birth? He couldn't help but wonder: How high is the status of the 'Demon Lord' if such a seemingly ordinary woman can command such respect from a master like Juechenzi?

However, the 'Moon Demon Lord' showed none of the imposing or oppressive aura Shen Mo had imagined. Instead, he stepped forward, helped Juechenzi up, and indicated that there was no need for such formality. Juechenzi immediately replied that the rule established by the first Heavenly Demon God was inviolable—everyone must kneel and bow before the Demon Lord.

The Moon Demon Lord smiled slightly, a hint of gentleness in his eyes. "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. There's no need to be bound by formalities."