Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Meng carefully examined Shen Mo, her heart involuntarily quickening, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Young Master Shen, all these years, I've been searching for news of you, but unfortunately, there's been no word. It's wonderful to meet you here today," she said softly, her voice as clear and gentle as a spring stream.

Looking into Situ Meng's affectionate gaze, Murong Qing felt a surge of hostility welling up inside her. Though she tried to remain calm, the cold glint in her eyes remained undisguised. This hostility towards Situ Meng was quietly growing deep within her, like the calm before an impending storm.

Before Situ Meng could finish speaking, Murong Qing smiled slightly, his tone elegant yet carrying a subtle sharpness: "Miss Situ, you've been searching for Shen Mo all these years; it must have been very difficult, hasn't it?"

Situ Meng turned to look at Murong Qing, a faint smile appearing on her lips: "Miss Murong is right. Over the years, I have indeed been inquiring about Young Master Shen's whereabouts. I never expected to meet him here today. It is truly fate."

Murong Qing nodded slightly, her gaze shifting between the two: "It seems Miss Situ has deep feelings for Shen Mo. I wonder if Shen Mo is aware of these feelings?"

Situ Meng met Murong Qing's gaze, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Young Master Shen saved me from danger back then, and I will always remember that kindness. No matter how time passes, I will never forget it."

Murong Qing's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm: "Miss Situ's deep affection is truly admirable. However, time can change many things, and often we have to face more choices and responsibilities."

Situ Meng smiled slightly, her tone calm yet firm: "Miss Murong is right, but I believe that true feelings will not be swayed by these external factors."

Although their words were gentle, each sentence was like a carefully honed sword blade, sharp yet elegant.

Sensing the tense atmosphere between the two, Shen Mo quickly smoothed things over: "Miss Situ, Qing'er, from now on we're all fellow students at the Elite Academy, why be so formal?"

Situ Meng tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling on Murong Qing's face, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly: "Miss Murong, Young Master Shen is right, we should get along harmoniously. Please guide me in the days to come."

Her tone was gentle, her eyes clear as water, without a trace of pretense or affectation. For a moment, Murong Qing almost believed she had truly let go. But she was not one to be easily swayed by words. She nodded, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and nodded gently.

However, the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Murong Qing's taut nerves remained tense. She looked at the woman before her—a simple white dress, her hair loosely styled, her features exquisite, her demeanor gentle and graceful—truly deserving of the title "One of the Four Beauties." What stirred her heart even more was that Shen Mo had once risked his life to save her. What a harrowing past that had been! She had never heard Shen Mo mention that experience, but now, from the complex emotions reflected in Situ Meng's eyes, she seemed to glimpse some untold story.

Shen Mo stood between the two women, his gaze sweeping over them lightly, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. He keenly sensed that although the atmosphere between the two women appeared gentle on the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension beneath.

"Young Master Shen, Miss Murong, would you do me the honor of joining us in the courtyard?" Situ Meng suggested with a smile.

"It would be my pleasure," Murong Qing readily agreed.

Yes, under everyone's watchful eyes, the three walked side by side, heading deeper into the Martial Alliance. Sunlight shone on them, creating a harmonious and beautiful scene. At this moment, it seemed as if the whole world had stood still, with only their figures shining brightly in this tranquility.

Along the way, many members of the martial arts alliance greeted Situ Meng warmly when they encountered her.

"Good morning, Miss Meng!" A young female disciple greeted her with a smile, holding a stack of documents in her hands.

"Miss Meng looks radiant today." Another older man also bowed respectfully, his eyes full of admiration.

Murong Qing noticed these subtle details. When they addressed Situ Meng, they didn't use "Young Miss" to emphasize her status, but rather with genuine warmth and intimacy. There was no sycophancy in their eyes; instead, it seemed to be a heartfelt recognition of someone truly worthy of respect.

She was somewhat surprised. She had assumed that as the daughter of the martial arts alliance leader, Situ Meng would be a high and mighty figure, surrounded by admirers. But these people treated her more like a close friend than an unattainable noblewoman.

The three continued on their way, passing through several ornately decorated corridors, and finally arrived at a quiet courtyard.

Murong Qing and Shen Mo looked at the half-open door, from which the scenery inside the courtyard could be vaguely seen.

Murong Qing had originally assumed that the residence of the daughter of the martial arts alliance leader would be exquisitely decorated and perhaps even more luxurious than the martial arts alliance's council hall. However, the scene that greeted her eyes when she stepped inside made her slightly taken aback.

The courtyard was small, paved with bluestone, with a slightly mottled stone table and four stone stools in one corner. To one side stood an old plum tree, its branches vigorous and its petals in full bloom, clearly well-maintained. Apart from that, there was nothing else.

The courtyard was clean and tidy, yet devoid of any extravagance, instead exuding a simple and tranquil atmosphere. The houses were nothing more than three ordinary tiled rooms, with a few orchids planted in the corner and a string of wind chimes hanging by the window, tinkling softly in the breeze and producing a clear and melodious sound.

A strange feeling rose in Murong Qing's heart. She had expected to see a magnificent boudoir with jeweled curtains and jade canopies, but she hadn't expected it to be so simple, almost shabby. She couldn't help but look at Situ Meng again, only to find that the other woman's expression was calm, as if all of this was perfectly natural.

"Young Master Shen, Miss Murong, please wait a moment," Situ Meng said softly, her tone as gentle as a spring breeze. "I'll go make some tea."

She turned and walked into the house, her movements light and graceful, her clothes fluttering as if she were a drifting cloud.

Murong Qing slowly sat down, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings, a sense of respect rising in her heart. Such a simple lifestyle could hardly be maintained for long without genuine desire. Especially for a woman from a prestigious family and of noble status, it was truly rare.

A moment later, Situ Meng emerged carrying a set of celadon teaware, the aroma of tea wafting through the air. She placed the teacups one by one on the stone table with graceful movements, her every gesture exuding a natural elegance.

"This is plum blossom tea that I picked myself. Please try it," she said, handing a cup to Murong Qing.

Murong Qing took the teacup, her fingertips touching the warmth of the cup's surface, and a sudden warmth filled her heart. She looked up at Situ Meng and found the other woman gazing at her with bright eyes, her gaze devoid of hostility or probing, only a gentle, sincere kindness.