Wandering Swordsman |

Hearing this, Master Zhang smiled with satisfaction and gently patted Zhang Ye's shoulder, his tone gentle and encouraging: "Zhang Ye, this is the you I've been waiting for. It's good that you've figured it out."

The Wudang Sect Leader stood to the side, his eyes gleaming with joy, a smile unconsciously playing on his lips. His hands clenched slightly, as if he were incredibly excited about this moment. He knew that if Zhang Ye didn't waste his talent, then after his abdication, Wudang would welcome its strongest sect leader in history.

The surrounding disciples also looked on with admiration, exchanging glances that conveyed a renewed hope and confidence. Someone couldn't help but whisper in praise, "From today onward, Wudang is about to enter a new era."

At this moment, Zhang Ye turned to Shen Mo and said sincerely, "Brother Shen, I was a bit rude just now and didn't introduce myself first. I'm really sorry." His tone was tinged with self-reproach and apology, and his eyes revealed respect and gratitude for Shen Mo.

Shen Mo waved his hand, a relaxed smile on his face: "Brother Zhang, you flatter me. It's common to be full of confidence before the outcome of a duel." His voice was calm and natural, showing no sign of taking Zhang Ye's rudeness before the match to heart.

"Brother Shen, thank you for your guidance just now," Zhang Ye continued. "You helped me rediscover my Dao heart and understand my future direction. I hope to have more opportunities to guide you in the future."

Shen Mo nodded and replied, "I wouldn't presume to offer guidance, but as fellow practitioners of the martial world, it's only natural that we should exchange skills and knowledge. I believe that given time, Brother Zhang will surely become a grandmaster."

The two exchanged a smile, and a mutual appreciation quietly took root between them. This friendship was not only built on a fierce competition, but also stemmed from their shared dedication to the art of martial arts.

Master Zhang watched this scene with a heart full of satisfaction. He knew that through this competition, not only had Zhang Ye rediscovered his Dao heart, but Shen Mo had also gained more recognition and respect. More importantly, this competition became the starting point of their friendship and forged a future bond between the Wudang Sect and Shen Mo.

The atmosphere in the training ground gradually relaxed. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow on everyone. A gentle breeze dispelled the previous tension, replacing it with a sense of harmony and friendliness.

"Shen Mo, thank you very much for today's matter," Master Zhang said in a clear and gentle voice. "I will have someone arrange a guest room for you later so you can stay for a few days. The Wudang Sect's temple fair is coming up soon, and I would also like to invite you to attend."

Shen Mo nodded slightly, a grateful smile on his face: "Thank you for your kindness, Master Zhang. It is my greatest honor to be able to participate in your sect's temple fair."

The disciples nodded in agreement and left the training ground with varying feelings. For Zhang Ye, however, today's experience was undoubtedly a significant turning point in his life.

That evening, moonlight bathed the tranquil Wudang Mountains, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of grass and trees. A soft knock came from outside Shen Mo's room.

"Please come in," Shen Mo replied.

The door slowly opened, and Master Zhang and Zhang Taixuan, the leader of the Wudang Sect, walked in side by side. Both men wore gentle smiles, and their eyes shone with sincere gratitude.

"Shen Mo, you are now the benefactor who rebuilt Wudang." Master Zhang spoke first, his voice filled with sincerity. "If it weren't for your appearance, perhaps Zhang Ye would still be immersed in complacency and unable to recognize his own shortcomings."

Zhang Taixuan nodded and added, "You not only helped Zhang Ye, but also brought new hope to the Wudang Sect. We are deeply gratified and hope to express our gratitude with practical actions."

Shen Mo quickly stood up and said respectfully, "You two are too kind. I was just fulfilling my promise."

Master Zhang waved his hand, indicating that Shen Mo didn't need to be so reserved: "I've discussed it with my senior brother, the sect leader, and we've decided to pass on the Tai Chi Sword to you."

Shen Mo was shocked, never expecting them to pass on such precious martial arts skills to him. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, senior. I will cherish this opportunity."

Master Zhang continued, "Secondly, we will officially bestow upon you the title of 'Guest Elder of Wudang.' This title not only represents our recognition of you but will also provide you with numerous conveniences in your future actions within the martial world."

Hearing this, Shen Mo was even more flattered: "Thank you both for your kind words, seniors. I will certainly live up to the name of Wudang."

Zhang Taixuan smiled and nodded: "Finally, we have also decided to give you the opportunity to enter the forbidden area behind the Wudang Sect to study martial arts. There, many martial arts insights and classics of the Wudang elders and leaders of past generations are kept, which we believe will be of great help to you."

A warm feeling welled up in Shen Mo's heart. He knew that this was not only an expression of gratitude from the Wudang Sect, but also an affirmation and trust in his strength.

After Master Zhang and Sect Leader Zhang left, Shen Mo stood alone in the courtyard outside his room, gazing at the bright moon, his thoughts drifting far away. The moonlight, like water, shone on his face, reflecting his thoughtful expression. At this moment, the face of Murong Qing involuntarily surfaced in his mind, the figure that had always haunted his dreams. Shen Mo had already decided that after the matter at Wudang Mountain was resolved, he would go to Luoyang to find Murong Qing.

......

Meanwhile, the scene shifts to the Murong family in Luoyang.

Three years ago, after Murong Qing came of age, Huangfu Hui began to pursue her relentlessly. However, no matter how attentive Huangfu Hui was, Murong Qing remained unmoved. Because her heart already belonged to someone else—Shen Mo.

Murong Wei grew increasingly anxious as he watched his younger sister, Murong Qing, not only improve her martial arts skills daily but also demonstrate extraordinary abilities in managing the family business. He knew that if this trend continued, the position of head of the Murong family would inevitably fall into his sister's hands. Therefore, he changed his strategy, playing the role of a 'good older brother,' outwardly showing great care and concern for Murong Qing, frequently inquiring about her well-being. Secretly, however, he reached a clandestine agreement with Huangfu Hui: if Huangfu Hui could marry Murong Qing, then even if Murong Qing became the head of the family, Huangfu Hui would persuade Murong Qing to transfer half of the Murong family's assets to Murong Wei's name.

So whenever he had the chance, Murong Wei would whisper in Murong Qing's ear about how outstanding Huangfu Hui was and how she, being of age, should consider marriage. Behind all this was his insatiable greed for wealth and his fear of his sister surpassing him.

"Seventh Sister, look at this young master Huangfu, so handsome and sincere towards you. Why not give each other a chance?" Murong Wei's voice was gentle and full of concern, but his eyes flashed with a subtle calculation. "You're not young anymore; you can't keep dragging this on, can you?"

Whenever Murong Wei tried to persuade her in this way, Murong Qing would always refuse: "Third Brother, I know you mean well, but I don't have any plans to get married yet." Her words were firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable determination.