Wandering Swordsman |

Murong Qing and Shen Mo strolled along the paths of the Elite Academy, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, like a flowing painting. Murong Qing sighed softly, "I never expected the Elite Academy to be so tranquil."

Shen Mo smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the exquisite buildings and lush vegetation around him. "It is indeed a rare sight. It seems that the Martial Alliance has put in a lot of effort to cultivate the next generation of talents in the martial world."

Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, bringing with it a faint fragrance from afar.

A graceful woman slowly approached from afar. She wore a light blue silk dress, the hem swaying gently in the wind like rippling water. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn water, and her skin like smooth jade; every gesture exuded elegance. She was none other than Situ Meng, one of the four most renowned beauties in the martial arts world—"Sinking Fish."

When Murong Qing first saw Situ Meng, he was stunned. How could someone be so beautiful! It was a beauty that defied description, as if everything in the world paled in comparison to her.

Situ Meng was also stunned by Murong Qing's extraordinary beauty, a hint of amazement flashing in her eyes, as if she had seen another blooming flower.

They smiled at each other, both feeling the unique charm emanating from the other. At that moment, the surrounding air seemed to freeze, and even the birdsong seemed to stop.

Murong Qing and Situ Meng gazed at each other silently. One was dressed in white, as pure as snow, like a plum blossom under the moon, aloof and otherworldly; the other was dressed in light blue, like a spring river warming up, gentle and lively. Their beauty was unparalleled in the world. One was "the beauty that could make geese fall from the sky," and the other was "the beauty that could make fish sink." Two of the four most beautiful women in the martial world had met at this moment and in this place.

Passersby around the area quietly stopped and turned to look, their eyes involuntarily drawn to the stunning scene. Some people dropped their books without realizing it, while others were about to take a step but forgot to move, simply because that figure was too breathtaking.

"That's... Situ Meng?"

"Oh my god, it really is her! 'Sinking Fish' Situ Meng!"

"And who is that woman in white? She's so beautiful... just as beautiful as her!"

"Who else could rival Situ Meng in beauty but 'Falling Goose' Murong Qing!"

Whispers gradually spread among the crowd, like a silent storm quietly stirring up the courtyard of the Martial Alliance. Some were shocked, some were amazed, and some gritted their teeth in envy, their eyes almost spitting fire.

"That young man is able to stand next to two stunning beauties at the same time... Just who is he?"

......

But no matter how much others gossiped, at this moment, all the noise was shut out. Murong Qing and Situ Meng seemed to be in another world, their eyes reflecting each other's figures—not with hostility, nor with provocation, but with a tacit understanding of mutual appreciation, a silent contest and respect between top beauties.

"Miss Murong, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Situ Meng."

Situ Meng spoke softly, her voice like morning dew falling on a bluestone slab, crystal clear, yet carrying a gentle power that seemed to melt even the hardest corners of one's heart.

Murong Qing was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes—she hadn't expected that the woman in front of her was "Sinking Fish," one of the four beauties in the martial arts world who was as famous as herself.

Murong Qing smiled gently, her smile like the first blooming crabapple in spring, gentle yet sharp: "So it's Miss Situ. The name 'Sinking Fish' is indeed well-deserved."

Her voice was gentle yet firm, conveying both admiration and a hint of probing, along with a subtle sense of wariness. She knew that the woman before her was not only of noble birth and possessed exceptional martial arts skills, but more importantly, she was the one Shen Mo had once saved.

Their encounter was like the meeting of stars, dazzling and instantly attracting the attention of the entire martial arts alliance. More and more people stopped to watch, and even the disciples sweating profusely on the training ground in the distance quietly slowed down their movements, frequently glancing in this direction.

Shen Mo looked at Situ Meng in front of him, his eyes revealing an undisguised sense of amazement and emotion.

Five years had passed since they last met, and she was no longer the girl he had rescued from the Black Wind Gang.

At that time, although she had already shown her talent, there was still a hint of naivety and timidity in her eyes.

Now, her appearance has gained a more mature beauty than before:

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were slightly upturned, as if shrouded in mist. Between the turns of her gaze, there was a captivating gentleness and strength.

With a straight nose, lips as red as rouge, and a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth, she can captivate people without saying a word.

Her light blue silk dress accentuated her graceful figure, and a jade belt embroidered with silver thread tied around her waist. Her steps were light and graceful, and every gesture revealed the elegance of a well-bred lady and the sharpness of a martial artist.

However, what alarmed Shen Mo the most was the aura emanating from her.

That composure and sharpness could only be possessed by those who had faced life and death and honed their will. Her inner strength had reached the level of a top master; with each step, she seemed to move the surrounding air. Even without making a single move, she exuded an invisible pressure.

Shen Mo sighed inwardly: Situ Meng, as expected of Situ Dengfeng's daughter. This rising star of the martial arts world even possesses a sharper and more piercing aura than Murong Qing.

"Young Master Shen..." Situ Meng called softly, her voice like spring rain falling on a bluestone slab, gentle yet strong, clear yet not cold.

Shen Mo snapped out of his reverie, a gentle smile appearing on his lips: "Miss Situ, how have you been?"

Murong Qing stood to the side, her expression calm, but her heart was in turmoil. She keenly sensed that in Shen Mo's eyes, besides surprise, there was also admiration.

Her heart sank slightly, and she turned to Situ Meng, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: Did this "Sinking Fish," who was as famous as herself in the martial arts world, appear here by chance, or did she come here on purpose? After all, the Martial Alliance covers a vast area, and the chances of meeting on the first day are too small.

Just as Murong Qing was lost in thought, Situ Meng's gaze swept over Shen Mo from head to toe. Her eyes held a hint of tenderness and nostalgia, as if she had traveled back in time to the night five years ago when she first met Shen Mo in the Black Wind Gang's secret prison.

At this moment, Shen Mo was dressed in a plain-colored robe, the hem fluttering in the wind, while the two swords at his waist remained as steady as Mount Tai. His face was resolute yet gentle, and his brows revealed a firmness and composure born of experience. Compared to the naive young man he once was, he was now more mature and composed, exuding heroic spirit in every gesture.