Wandering Swordsman |

She wore a simple, flowing dress, her robes billowing, as pure and resolute as a plum blossom under the moon. Her gaze was clear yet sharp, her voice as firm and resolute as metal striking stone: "Grandpa, we should fully support Shen Mo. He is not only my choice, but also the benefactor who saved me years ago. If we stand idly by now, or even abandon him, what will become of the Murong family's integrity? What will become of our standing in the martial world?"

As she spoke, her tone was firm, and though tears welled in her eyes, she refused to let them fall. Her deep affection and resolute determination moved many people present.

However, her third brother, Murong Wei, sneered and retorted first: "Seventh sister, you're being too emotional. Shen Mo's origins are unknown, and his identity is still questionable. Now he's caused such a huge disaster. How can the Huangfu family let him off so easily? Why should we get involved in this mess for an outsider?"

Fourth Brother Murong Jing chimed in, "Yes, even if he really is a guest elder of Wudang, he's just a young upstart. If he truly had such a powerful backer, why would he provoke the Huangfu family? Isn't that just asking for trouble?"

Fifth Brother Murong Zhao bluntly stated, "Moreover, the Huangfu family already had the intention of forming a marriage alliance with us. If we completely break ties over this matter, it will have a huge impact on the interests of our entire family. Seventh Sister, your decision is too impulsive."

Sixth Brother Murong Heng sneered, "I think Shen Mo is just a pawn, someone is behind him, deliberately trying to sow discord between us and the Huangfu family. If we continue to protect him, we'll be implicated sooner or later."

Several people took turns speaking, their words revealing contempt and dissatisfaction towards Shen Mo, and a hint of favoritism towards the Huangfu family. They subtly or overtly expressed their support for the Huangfu family, seemingly more concerned with family interests than justice and loyalty.

At that moment, the second elder brother, Murong Fan, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up. His voice was clear and powerful, like the tolling of a bell: "You speak so easily, but have you ever considered who Shen Mo appeared for today? It's for Qing'er! If we sever ties with him after this, what will become of the Murong family's reputation? What will become of our integrity? Who will dare to ally with us in the future?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his younger brothers, his tone growing increasingly resolute: "Furthermore, Shen Mo's current status is special, and he is highly likely to become a member of our Murong family. If we abandon him based on a momentary lapse in judgment, what will people in the martial world think of us? Will our Murong family only show loyalty when things are going well, and betray us when things are going badly?"

His words were like a thunderclap splitting through the dark clouds, plunging everyone into a brief silence.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the "Listening Wind Pavilion," and Steward Zhou announced in a low voice, "Master, Young Master Shen Mo has arrived."

Everyone looked up and saw Shen Mo walk in slowly, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his steps steady, and his expression calm, as if the argument had never happened. He glanced at everyone and immediately guessed the content of the discussion from their expressions.

He walked to the front of the table, bowed slightly to Murong Liang, and said sincerely, "Patriarch, esteemed seniors and elder brothers, I apologize. It was my rash actions that brought unnecessary trouble to the Murong family. Please rest assured that today's matter with the Huangfu family was my own doing and has nothing to do with the Murong family. If the Huangfu family has any means, I, Shen Mo, will deal with it myself and will not implicate the Murong family in the slightest."

He spoke with composure and confidence, without a trace of fear in his tone; instead, he exuded a reassuring power.

Murong Liang looked at him, his heart filled with emotion. The more he looked at Shen Mo, the more satisfied he became. He couldn't help but nod and say, "Young friend Shen, you flatter me. Since you and Qing'er are in love, you are now a member of the Murong family. We will not stand idly by in this matter."

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent. Some lowered their heads in thought, while others wore strange expressions. Only Murong Qing's eyes softened, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, as if these words were the promise she most longed to hear.

However, what no one knew was that with Shen Mo's unfathomable martial arts skills and his hidden identity—the Heavenly Demon God—the Huangfu family was nothing more than ants in his eyes, and Shen Mo didn't care about them at all.

Hearing Murong Liang's words, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart, a long-lost tenderness quietly rising within him. He had thought of himself as an outsider, but now he was being accepted so readily by the head of a prestigious family; this trust deeply moved him.

He immediately cupped his hands in respect, his tone sincere and earnest: "Thank you for your kindness, Patriarch. Although I come from humble origins, it is truly my great fortune to be called a member of the Murong family by you today."

After saying that, he bowed deeply, his eyes showing a mixture of respect and a subtle, complex emotion.

Seeing this, Murong Liang's smile deepened, and he raised his hand to indicate, "Good, good! Please sit down." He then ordered someone to bring another set of chopsticks and a bowl, "From now on, you are a member of the Murong family, so there's no need to be reserved."

Shen Mo sat down as instructed, but felt a vague unease in his heart.

Sure enough, Murong Liang's next words made him frown slightly.

"Young friend Shen," Murong Liang said earnestly, "Although you are still young, your insight and courage are extraordinary. I see that you and Qing'er are of one mind, so why don't you arrange a marriage? In the future, you can assist Qing'er in managing the Murong family. I am getting old, and if the two of you can work together in the future, I believe that my Murong family will surely rise to a higher level."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people at the table varied. Some showed approval, some secretly speculated, and some cast inquiring glances.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's heart skipped a beat, but he showed no outward sign, simply setting down his teacup gently. Inside, however, a turbulent storm was brewing—

"A son-in-law who lives with his wife's family?"

As the Heavenly Demon God of the Heavenly Demon Sect, he naturally had to return to the sect; how could he remain in the Murong family for long? However, he couldn't reveal his identity at this moment, otherwise it would not only cause unnecessary chaos but also potentially endanger Murong Qing's safety. After all, if the existence of the Heavenly Demon Sect were exposed, the Central Plains martial arts world would inevitably be thrown into turmoil once again.

He was speechless for a moment, unsure how to respond.

Just as the atmosphere became slightly awkward, Murong Qing keenly caught a hint of hesitation and doubt in Shen Mo's eyes. She understood that Shen Mo wasn't unwilling to stay, but rather had other reasons.

So she smiled gently and said softly but firmly, "Father, Shen Mo is not yet twenty. The world is vast, and he has many things to do and many places to go. Rather than settling his life's major event now, it's better to let him make a name for himself in the world before we talk about these things."

Her voice was gentle, yet each word was powerful, like a spring breeze, yet carrying an undeniable firmness.

Murong Liang paused slightly, looking at his daughter and then at Shen Mo, as if he understood something. He pondered for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "Alright, then let's go along with Qing'er's wishes and not rush things for now."