Wandering Swordsman |

The young woman walked to the center of the hall, gently put down her guzheng, and then gave a standard curtsy to everyone present. Her voice was as melodious as a mountain stream: "Distinguished guests, Ruoling greets you all."

Master Wang nodded in satisfaction, indicating that his daughter could begin. Wang Ruoling sat in front of the guzheng, her hands gently resting on the strings. She closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment, and then a series of melodious notes leaped from her fingertips, echoing in the quiet hall.

The music flowed like a gentle stream, sometimes as soft as a spring breeze, sometimes as powerful as a raging torrent, transporting the listeners to a world both real and dreamlike. He Yun and Shen Mo were captivated by the enchanting melody, their eyes filled with longing for beauty. Their hearts beat with every note, as if they could feel the performer's joys and sorrows.

As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed for a long time. He Yun and Shen Mo remained immersed in the beautiful music, unable to snap out of their reverie. Their gazes lingered on Wang Ruoling, and they couldn't help but admire her: "This is what they call a lady from a respectable family?"

Master Wang naturally noticed the two boys' reactions. He coughed lightly, breaking the brief silence: "Ruoling, please take a seat. Let me introduce you to these three young friends."

He Yun and Shen Mo only snapped out of their reverie upon hearing Wang Yuan's light cough. Realizing they had been somewhat rude, their cheeks flushed slightly, and they averted their gazes in embarrassment. He Yun and Shen Mo then quickly stood up and bowed to Wang Ruoling, saying, "Greetings, Miss Wang."

Wang Ruoling smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Young hero, there's no need for such formalities."

At this moment, Zhao Xue, watching He Yun's behavior, felt a mix of emotions, a bittersweet feeling, but she also knew that she couldn't neglect her manners. So she immediately stood up and greeted Wang Ruoling. However, after greeting her, she silently turned her head to one side, a fleeting sadness in her eyes.

Master Wang then smiled and said, "Ruoling, this is Young Master He Yun, this is Young Master Shen Mo, and this is Miss Zhao Xue. These three are benefactors of our household, so you should thank them properly and not be negligent."

Wang Ruoling nodded and thanked them again: "Thank you for your help, Mr. and Mrs. He."

He Yun quickly waved his hand: "Miss Wang, you flatter me. It is our duty to help those in need."

Shen Mo echoed, "Miss, you flatter me."

Although Zhao Xue had mixed feelings, she still maintained her smile: "You're too kind, Miss."

After some conversation, the topic gradually shifted to the person who had caused the trouble earlier. Master Wang sighed softly, breaking the previous cheerful atmosphere: "Alas, it's quite a sad story. That man's name was Liu Ming, originally the son of a wealthy merchant from a neighboring town. His family prospered while his father was alive, but good times don't last. After his father passed away, Liu Ming became addicted to gambling, squandering his family fortune in just a few years. From then on, he became an outlaw, joining a branch of a gang, making a living by robbing passing merchants."

Upon hearing this, He Yun frowned slightly, clearly quite concerned about the matter: "Since Liu Ming is a spendthrift son, he should be someone everyone has the right to kill. Why is he still at large?"

Master Wang shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his expression: "Although Liu Ming's behavior is improper, his martial arts skills are quite remarkable. In addition, he is familiar with the terrain and has several desperate men following him. The government has repeatedly tried to capture him but failed. Over time, the government has had no choice but to turn a blind eye and let him roam freely."

He Yun pondered for a moment, then asked, "So why did Master Wang offend Liu Ming?"

Master Wang sighed and explained, "I had no intention of making an enemy of him. It was only by chance that I learned he was planning to rob a friend's caravan. Out of loyalty, I informed my friend in advance, allowing him to avoid the robbery. From then on, Liu Ming regarded me as a thorn in his side and we became enemies."

After Master Wang finished speaking, the hall fell silent. He sighed deeply, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Two months ago, a business partner of mine came to visit me in Beiping. But on the way, he was robbed by Liu Ming. After learning that he was my friend, Liu Ming took him hostage, demanding a thousand taels of gold before releasing him."

After finishing his story, Master Wang shook his head repeatedly, as if feeling guilty for his inability to help. He continued, "After much deliberation, I realized that while money was important, friendship was even more important. Therefore, I soon delivered the money to him as promised. However, when he came to my residence to collect the money, he happened to see my daughter's face and became fixated on her. So, after he took the money, two days passed without him releasing her. I then sent someone to look for him, but he went back on his word and refused to release her, saying that if he wanted her released, I had to marry my daughter to him first."

At this point, Master Wang's face turned red with anger, and his fists clenched involuntarily. He continued, "After a month of stalemate, he finally sent someone to deliver an ultimatum. He demanded that I marry my daughter to him before the beginning of next spring, or else my friend's life would be in danger."

"So, I decided to hold a martial arts tournament during the Laba Festival to recruit skilled kung fu masters to help me rescue my friend." Master Wang's voice carried a hint of despair, but even more so, a determination. Perhaps this was a last resort for Master Wang.

At this point, Master Wang shook his head and sighed, "Unexpectedly, news of the martial arts competition on Laba Festival reached Liu Ming's ears. That's why Liu Ming came to disrupt the event tonight. Fortunately, young hero, you came to my aid. I am truly grateful to you."

After hearing this, He Yun suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. No wonder that person has such a strange and irritable temper."

Shen Mo frowned, puzzled, and asked, "Having encountered this matter, why didn't the master report it to the authorities?"

Master Wang sighed again, his voice tinged with helplessness: "Young hero, you don't know this, but the seemingly peaceful government of Beiping has long been in cahoots with the bandits."

Silence fell over the hall upon hearing this. He Yun, Shen Mo, and Zhao Xue exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with complex emotions. He Yun's eyes hardened with determination: "In that case, I am willing to lend you a hand, sir, to bring this man to justice and rescue your friend."

Shen Mo and Zhao Xue exchanged a glance, both agreeing. Shen Mo said, "Brother He is absolutely right. Now that we have encountered this matter, we cannot stand idly by."

Zhao Xue nodded in agreement: "Yes, if people like Liu Ming can be eliminated, it would be a great service to the people."