Wandering Swordsman |

Several disciples of the Diancang Sect stepped forward and bowed to Shen Mo in gratitude. One of them said emotionally, "Senior Brother Shen, if you hadn't appeared in time, we would probably have died under that traitor's sword. We will never forget this kindness!"

Duan Qianya nodded and continued, "Shen Mo, although our Diancang Sect is located in a remote area, we have always treated our benefactors with sincerity. If you have the opportunity in the future, please be sure to visit Diancang. I will personally welcome you and express our gratitude once again."

Shen Mo's heart stirred, recalling the secret Yang Min had revealed—the Diancang Sect Leader and the Black Wind Gang were searching for some kind of relic in Cangshan. This might be a good opportunity to investigate the truth. So he nodded and agreed, "Since Sect Leader Duan has extended such a warm invitation, I will definitely visit Diancang another day."

Upon hearing this, Duan Qianya's eyes flashed with delight, and he quickly said, "That's wonderful! We'll wait for you at the Diancang Sect."

After seeing off the Diancang Sect members, Shen Mo was just about to rest when there was another knock on the door. This time, it was Yun Jingchen, the leader of the Emei Sect, who came with Zhou Xinlian to express their gratitude. Upon seeing Yun Jingchen and Zhou Xinlian, Shen Mo couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.

Then, Yun Jingchen turned to Zhou Xinlian, gesturing for her to step forward and express her gratitude. Zhou Xinlian stepped forward gently, her eyes filled with gratitude and shyness, and said softly, "Young Master Shen, thank you for saving me on the stage today."

Shen Mo smiled and replied, "Miss Zhou, you don't need to be so polite. As a member of the Wudang sect, this is what I should do."

Yun Jingchen's gaze swept back and forth between the two, as if she had discovered something interesting. She pondered to herself: According to the information she had gathered before coming to see Shen Mo, this Shen Mo was not yet twenty, yet his martial arts were far superior to Zhang Ye's, and he also possessed the extraordinary status of a 'Guest Elder of Wudang.' This made Yun Jingchen believe that a prodigy like Shen Mo would inevitably become a dragon among men, renowned throughout the world. If she could establish a relationship with such a rare talent as Shen Mo now, it would be entirely beneficial to Emei.

She looked at Shen Mo and suddenly asked, "Shen Mo, as far as I know, you are so young, yet you are already a guest elder of Wudang, chatting and laughing with the Wudang leader. It's truly admirable. I wonder if you have a Daoist partner? If not, would you consider becoming Daoist partners with Zhou Xinlian of our Emei Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xinlian's face flushed crimson. She quickly turned her head away, unable to meet Shen Mo's gaze. Her heart pounded, her mind racing: "Why would Master suddenly bring this up? It's so sudden… But, if Shen Mo is willing…"

Her fingers unconsciously twisted together, her heart filled with tension and anticipation, as if waiting for an important answer. She knew her master was doing this for the benefit of the sect, but she couldn't help but hope that Shen Mo would give a positive reply.

Shen Mo was stunned for a moment, quite surprised by the words of the Emei Sect Leader. But after a moment's thought, he understood that this was Yun Jingchen's recognition and trust in him. He calmly replied, "Sect Leader Yun flatters me. The path of cultivation is long and treacherous, and I dare not make promises lightly. Miss Zhou is so outstanding; she will surely meet a more suitable match than me in the future."

Upon hearing this, Yun Jingchen's face first flashed with surprise, then gradually turned into disbelief. She thought to herself, "How is this possible? With Zhou Xinlian's looks and martial arts skills, she already has a reputation in the martial arts world. Disciples from various sects are lining up to pursue her. Does Shen Mo think Zhou Xinlian is unworthy of him? This is simply arrogant!" A hint of anger gradually surfaced in her eyes, and her previously gentle smile vanished.

Upon hearing Shen Mo's reply, Zhou Xinlian's expectations vanished instantly, replaced by a deep sense of loss. Her face paled, and her eyes revealed an undisguised sadness. "So, in his eyes, I'm not worthy of entrusting my life to..." She tried to suppress her inner pain and maintain a calm expression, but her fingers involuntarily clenched even tighter.

Yun Jingchen's tone gradually turned cold, carrying a hint of accusation: "Shen Mo, do you perhaps think that Zhou Xinlian is not good enough for you?"

Shen Mo noticed the change in Yun Jingchen's tone and quickly waved his hand to explain, "Sect Leader Yun, you misunderstand. Miss Zhou is intelligent and beautiful, and will surely become a pivotal figure in the Emei Sect in the future. Although I am a member of the Wudang Sect, I am only a 'guest elder' and I am not worthy of Miss Zhou."

However, although Yun Jingchen felt somewhat better after hearing Shen Mo's self-deprecating words, she still couldn't quell her dissatisfaction. She snorted coldly and said, "Since that's how it is, then so be it. Xinlian, let's go."

Zhou Xinlian followed silently behind Yun Jingchen, her steps heavy as if she were dragging a thousand-pound burden. She glanced back at Shen Mo, her eyes filled with complex emotions—disappointment, reluctance, and a trace of indescribable pain. "Perhaps this is fate..." she sighed silently in her heart.

As Shen Mo watched them leave, a pang of guilt rose in his heart. He knew that his answer might have hurt Zhou Xinlian's feelings, but he did not regret it.

As night deepened, moonlight spilled into the courtyard. Shen Mo stood alone by the window, gazing at the stars. After a long period of contemplation, he sighed softly and turned to go back inside. The flickering candlelight illuminated his slightly weary face. He sat at the table, closed his eyes, and tried to calm his chaotic thoughts.

On their way back, moonlight streamed down the winding mountain path as Yun Jingchen and Zhou Xinlian walked side by side. A gentle night breeze brought a touch of coolness, but what chilled them even more was the barely concealed displeasure on Yun Jingchen's face.

"Xinlian," Yun Jingchen's voice carried a hint of disappointment and anger, "Actually, when Abbess Jingkong returned to Emei from assisting Jingtian Pavilion in Yimen County, Yunnan, she mentioned Shen Mo to me in casual conversation. At the time, I thought he was destined for greatness, but I never expected him to be such an ungrateful person."

Zhou Xinlian was somewhat surprised. It turned out the sect leader had already heard of Shen Mo; no wonder he suddenly suggested Shen Mo be her Daoist partner. The entire martial world knew about the Black Wind Gang's affair with the Jing Tian Pavilion, but the specific details were unknown. Hearing the sect leader mention Shen Mo's involvement rekindled Zhou Xinlian's curiosity about him. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes flickering, and the image of Shen Mo's involvement in the Jing Tian Pavilion's conflict with the Black Wind Gang flashed through her mind.

"So he had such a past..." Zhou Xinlian thought to herself, "No wonder his martial arts skills are so high and his behavior is so different from others." The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and a hint of admiration flashed in her eyes.