Wandering Swordsman |

"Pfft!" Shen Mo felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if something was tearing his internal organs apart. He endured the pain and tried to stay upright, but his legs trembled uncontrollably. At this moment, he clearly felt his internal energy rapidly decreasing, knowing that he could no longer use the Blood Shadow Technique. So, he immediately stopped this dangerous technique and tried to recover some strength.

Without the support of the Blood Shadow Technique, Shen Mo quickly adjusted his internal energy and began circulating the Formless Scripture. As the technique was activated, he felt as if time around him had slowed down, allowing him to clearly see Linglong's movements. However, even so, Shen Mo still felt that his movements were much slower than Linglong's, making them no match for her at all.

Shen Mo was anxious; he knew things couldn't continue like this. So, he steeled his eyes and decided to unleash the Nine Revolutions of Yin and Yang. As the first, second, and third revolutions were activated, astonishing demonic energy erupted from Shen Mo's body. That aura spread outwards like a surging tide, enveloping the entire hall and making the air feel oppressive.

Upon seeing this, the Moon Demon Lord was startled. Her surprise stemmed not only from Shen Mo's ability to unleash such powerful demonic arts, but also from her astonishment at his simultaneous use of righteous martial arts and demonic arts. Juechenzi also noticed the Moon Demon Lord's surprise and stepped forward to whisper the news that Shen Mo possessed the Heavenly Martial Body.

Upon hearing the words "Heavenly Martial Body," Moon Demon Lord's face lit up with joy. Having already reached the realm of returning to simplicity, she naturally knew the rarity and power of the Heavenly Martial Body, which meant that Shen Mo had unlimited potential and room for development. "Heavenly Martial Body... no wonder he can simultaneously control both righteous and evil powers," Moon Demon Lord murmured to herself, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she looked at Shen Mo.

As Shen Mo activated his third transformation, Linglong frowned slightly. She sensed that the amount of demonic energy Shen Mo was emitting far exceeded her own, which made Linglong think, "This demonic power has increased too much; it certainly won't last long." Therefore, she decided to stall for time, waiting for Shen Mo's demonic energy to run out, and for him to be defeated without a fight.

Shen Mo also sensed Linglong's thoughts, and he knew he had to finish the fight quickly. So, he held nothing back, unleashing the full power of his body in every move, as if to release all the demonic energy within him. His figure moved with ghostly speed, each swing of his sword accompanied by a whooshing sound, the tip of the sword flashing with cold light, aimed directly at Linglong's vitals.

Linglong fought and retreated, using her agile movements to try and avoid Shen Mo's attacks.

However, Shen Mo's speed and strength, enhanced by the third stage of the "Nine Revolutions of Yin and Yang," reached a new level, making it difficult for Linglong to cope. Despite this, Linglong remained calm and looked for an opportunity to counterattack.

The two clashed fiercely in the hall, their swordplay and palm strikes intertwining to create a breathtaking spectacle. Shen Mo relentlessly pursued her, each strike imbued with an unwavering determination to win. Finally, in a fierce exchange, Shen Mo seized a fleeting opportunity, thrusting his sword towards Linglong's chest.

Although Linglong managed to dodge in time, the blade still grazed her arm, staining her sleeve with blood. A chill ran through her; she knew that if things continued this way, she would surely be defeated. Therefore, she decided to fight back desperately, gathering all her inner strength to prepare for a final counterattack.

However, just as Linglong was about to launch her final attack, Shen Mo knew that if he continued fighting, Linglong might die at his hands. So, Shen Mo suddenly sheathed his sword and retreated, quickly dispelling the "Nine Revolutions of Yin and Yang". Shen Mo also knew that the longer he used the "Nine Revolutions of Yin and Yang", the greater the risk he would take.

As he released the "Nine Revolutions of Yin and Yang," Shen Mo collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted. This time, he didn't faint, but the feeling of being gnawed at by a thousand ants, of his liver and intestines being torn apart, immediately struck him. It was as if countless tiny needles were pricking his body, every second an agony. His face was as pale as paper, his forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his body trembled slightly.

Linglong stared at Shen Mo lying on the ground, completely bewildered. She had expected him to press his advantage, but instead, he had suddenly stopped attacking and collapsed. She immediately ceased her attack, a flicker of confusion and bewilderment in her eyes, before turning to the Moon Demon Lord for help. Who had won this contest?

The Moon Demon Lord naturally noticed Linglong's gaze. She shifted her gaze from Shen Mo and gently shook her head at Linglong. This subtle gesture made Linglong understand something. Her eyes were filled with disappointment at her own attack, but also with admiration for Shen Mo's choice.

Linglong took a deep breath, walked to Shen Mo, and reached out to help him up. "You won!" There was no resentment in her voice, but rather a sincere admiration. However, her eyes revealed a hint of disappointment in her own abilities.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, awaiting what would happen next. The Moon Demon Lord naturally noticed the disappointment in his granddaughter's eyes, so he stepped forward and gently patted Linglong's shoulder, his voice gentle yet powerful: "Linglong, remember, there are always people more capable than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding. Don't forget the importance of self-improvement just because you're temporarily at the top."

After hearing what the Moon Demon Lord said, the slight disappointment in Linglong's eyes was quickly replaced by fighting spirit.

"Grandma, you're right," Linglong replied firmly. "I will work even harder to continuously improve and surpass myself."

Seeing Linglong's change in demeanor, the Moon Demon Lord was very satisfied. What she wanted was for Linglong to lose to Shen Mo, to become the driving force for Linglong to continuously improve and become stronger. Thinking of this, the Moon Demon Lord secretly felt grateful to Shen Mo; if it weren't for his appearance, perhaps Linglong would never have realized her shortcomings.

Then, Linglong turned to Shen Mo, a sincere smile on her face: "My name is Yue Linglong, what's your name?"

Shen Mo was taken aback by Yue Linglong's rapid change in attitude, but then immediately responded with his name.

After learning Shen Mo's name, Yue Linglong said, "Shen Mo, since I have already lost, we can fulfill our agreement immediately."

However, Shen Mo shook his head and looked at Linglong with gentle eyes: "No need, I won't make you my follower." Shen Mo's tone was full of respect and understanding, obviously he did this to save face for the Moon Demon Lord.

Upon hearing Shen Mo's answer, Yue Linglong's expression suddenly darkened. She took a step forward, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes: "Why! A loss is a loss, and I accept my defeat! Do you think I'm not even qualified to be your follower?" Her voice rose slightly, and the surrounding air seemed to become more tense because of her question.