Wandering Swordsman |

Shen Mo felt a sense of relief and looked at Murong Qing with gratitude, his eyes filled with tenderness and apology. He knew that she was genuinely thinking of him and had bought him time.

However, just when everyone thought the matter had been settled, Murong Liang suddenly changed his tone, and his expression became serious and solemn.

"Young friend Shen," Murong Liang's voice was deep and powerful, like the tolling of an ancient bell, "your affair with Qing'er concerns the reputation of my Murong family. Since you cannot stay in the Murong family for long, then at least your marriage should be arranged beforehand."

He paused, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and continued, "This is not only for your own good, but also for the future of our Murong family. The martial world is treacherous. If you don't stay here, at least let people in the martial world know that you are a member of our Murong family. That way, those who want to harm you will have to think twice about the Murong family standing behind them."

A hint of worry flickered in Murong Liang's eyes. In fact, Murong Liang's actions were more for Murong Qing's sake. After witnessing how outstanding Shen Mo was at such a young age, if they didn't settle things soon, it was hard to say whether Shen Mo could still become Qing'er's husband in the future.

Everyone from the Murong family present knew that Murong Liang's actions were not merely for the sake of the family's interests, but also stemmed from his deep love for his granddaughter. Murong Qing's face flushed slightly, but she did not refute him, only silently watching Shen Mo, waiting for his response.

Shen Mo slowly stood up, his expression solemn and resolute, his gaze fixed on Murong Liang: "Patriarch, I will always remember your kindness and trust. However, I do have many unfinished business to attend to and need to gain experience in the martial world. But as for my engagement with Miss Murong, I will leave it entirely to your arrangements."

Seeing this, Murong Liang finally smiled with satisfaction: "Alright, since that's the case, then let's choose a date to hold the engagement ceremony. Let everyone in the martial arts world know that Shen Mo is our Murong Liang's grandson-in-law."

With this decision reached, the atmosphere at the dinner gradually eased, and the banquet slowly came to a close amidst laughter and clinking glasses.

The moonlight, like a silver veil, spilled across the courtyard of the Murong family, adding a touch of tranquility and mystery to the night. Murong Qing arrived at Murong Liang's study.

Gently pushing open the study door, Murong Qing's voice, like the softest breeze in spring, broke the silence of the room, "Grandpa."

Murong Liang turned around and saw a hint of tension and anticipation on his granddaughter's face. He immediately understood what was going on. "Qing'er, is something the matter?" His voice was deep and gentle, as if it could soothe all unease in the world.

"Grandpa," Murong Qing took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, "I have a request, and I hope you can grant it." Her hands unconsciously clasped together, her eyes shining with a firm and earnest light. "Shen Mo... he has great potential. I was thinking, if our Murong family goes to the 'Elite Academy' of the Martial Alliance at the end of the year, could we take him with us?"

Upon hearing this, Murong Liang was slightly taken aback, but soon a meaningful smile appeared on his face. "Oh? You want Shen Mo to participate in the 'Elite Academy' run by the Martial Alliance under the identity of the Murong family?" His voice was tinged with inquiry, as if he wanted to read more information from his granddaughter's eyes.

Murong Qing nodded, her tone becoming even more urgent: "Yes, Grandpa. I believe that if given such an opportunity, he will definitely shine in the Elite Academy and will not disgrace the Murong family's reputation."

Murong Liang listened quietly, his smile deepening. He knew that this suggestion not only acknowledged Shen Mo's abilities but also reflected his granddaughter's deep affection for him. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, "Qing'er, Grandpa understands your feelings. Actually, I've been considering this as well. Since you've brought it up, let's do it this way."

Upon hearing her grandfather's answer, Murong Qing's eyes lit up instantly, like the brightest star in the night sky. "Really? Grandpa?" Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, unable to conceal her joy.

"Of course," Murong Liang nodded. "However, Shen Mo went this time as a member of the Murong family. I hope he can cherish this opportunity, continue to hone his skills at the Elite Academy, and make greater contributions to the Murong family and even the entire martial arts world in the future."

Murong Qing nodded quickly, her gratitude evident in her words: "Grandpa, don't worry, I will tell Shen Mo. He will definitely live up to your expectations!"

On this warm night, Murong Qing finally felt relieved. She knew that no matter what the future held, Shen Mo would no longer walk alone. And she herself would continue to walk hand in hand with Shen Mo on this path full of challenges and opportunities, moving towards a bright future.

A gentle evening breeze carried the faint fragrance of flowers through a small courtyard belonging to the Murong family. Moonlight spilled onto the bluestone path, like a silver carpet. Shen Mo stood alone in a corner of the courtyard, quietly appreciating this rare tranquil beauty. Suddenly, a soft footstep broke the silence. He turned to see Murong Qing walking briskly towards him, her face beaming with anticipation and excitement.

"Shen Mo." Her voice, like the first ray of morning sunlight, pierced through the tranquility of the morning mist. "I have good news to tell you."

Shen Mo turned around, his gaze gently falling on Murong Qing's face, a hint of doubt and curiosity in his eyes. "Oh? What good news?" His voice was steady and deep, like a mountain stream, clear and profound.

Murong Qing's eyes sparkled, like the brightest stars in the night sky. "At the end of the year, the Martial Alliance will open the 'Elite Academy,' a place specifically set up to cultivate the next generation of martial arts talents. I think..." She paused, her eyes full of anticipation, "...I want you and me to participate in the academy's opening as members of the Murong family, becoming the first batch of students."

As soon as she finished speaking, her gaze locked onto Shen Mo's eyes, her eyes filled with sincerity and expectation.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo was slightly taken aback, his brows furrowing involuntarily. A complex mix of emotions welled up within him, as he still had many unfinished tasks.

Thinking this, the words of refusal were already on the tip of his tongue, but when he saw Murong Qing's expectant face, the words seemed to be blocked by an invisible force, and he couldn't say them. His brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes revealed hesitation and struggle. After a moment, he finally nodded slowly, and said in a low but firm voice, "Okay."