Wandering Swordsman |

"Brother Shen, don't worry, with Senior Ling here, everything will be arranged properly." Seeing that the plan had succeeded, Situ Changkong spoke up at the right time, his tone gentle, but a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. "Your identity will not be an obstacle."

Shen Mo smiled slightly, his gaze shifting, looking at the two with a half-smile: "Thank you for your care, Brother Situ and Senior Ling. I will remember this kindness."

He spoke these words sincerely, with a grateful expression, as if he truly remembered their "kindness." However, only he knew the insightful sarcasm hidden behind that smile.

Shen Mo pushed open the door and stepped out of the threshold with light and steady steps.

The night breeze outside swept in, carrying a cool breeze and the fresh scent of grass and trees, as if sweeping away all the gloom inside. He looked up at the sky, where a bright moon hung high in the heavens, its clear light shining down on the earth, making the courtyard look like frost and snow, quiet and ethereal.

He walked slowly, his clothes fluttering in the wind, his back tall and straight, as composed as ever. But only he knew that beneath those seemingly calm eyes, an undercurrent was already surging—a meticulously planned conspiracy was quietly unfolding before him.

After Shen Mo's figure completely disappeared into the night, the candlelight inside the room flickered, casting dappled shadows.

Situ Changkong slowly rose, his expression a complex mix of emotions, tinged with a long-suppressed sense of satisfaction. He asked in a low voice, "How was it?"

Ling Tiancheng slowly removed his mask, revealing a face etched with the marks of time yet still sharp as a knife. A slight smile played on his lips, his voice low yet tinged with smugness: "It's done."

"Hahaha..." Situ Changkong laughed lightly, his laughter filled with barely concealed excitement. "No matter what his background is, once the demonic energy within him is detected, even if he's a god, he can't clear his name!"

Ling Tiancheng nodded, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "The day the 'Elite Academy' officially opens will be the day Shen Mo's reputation is ruined and he is abandoned by everyone."

The two exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting with smug satisfaction. They thought they had everything under control, unaware that on the rooftop outside the window, a tall, slender figure stood silently in the night wind, like a silent monument.

Shen Mo did not actually leave.

He pretended to leave at the door, but in reality, he silently leaped onto the roof. He enhanced his five senses with the power of the Heavenly Demon, and his hearing was greatly amplified. Every word inside the room fell into his ears clearly, as if whispered right next to him.

"I see..." Shen Mo murmured to himself, his brows furrowing slightly.

He showed neither anger nor panic, but listened quietly and analyzed the situation calmly. Only when the two finished speaking did he quietly roll off the ground and return to his residence as silently as a falling leaf.

Back in his room, he sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and concentrated.

His fingertips gently caressed his dantian, and his inner energy flowed slowly, like spring water melting ice, warm yet firm. He guided the wisp of demonic energy hidden in his meridians to circulate throughout his body, carefully peeling it away, extracting it from between his flesh and blood, turning it into a wisp of faint black smoke, and finally merging it into his own "Heavenly Demonic Energy".

The Heavenly Demon Qi originates from the most Yin and evil power, possessing extremely strong compatibility. This wisp of foreign demonic energy is like a drop of water falling into a vast ocean before it, instantly swallowed up and becoming nourishment for itself.

Outside the window, starlight twinkled like scattered silver. Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear and bright, as if nothing had happened.

He exhaled a soft breath and whispered, "Situ Changkong...why did you do this?"

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried a hint of barely perceptible regret.

Shen Mo was not unaware of the wickedness of human nature, but he had no deep-seated hatred for Situ Changkong; in fact, they had shared some hardships in the past. Shen Mo simply couldn't understand why Situ Changkong would devise such a vicious scheme to deal with him.

He slowly stood up, walked to the window, reached out and caught a falling withered leaf. With a gentle pinch of his fingertips, the leaf instantly turned into dust and scattered with the wind.

"Since you're going to scheme against me like this, then you can't blame me." He murmured, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

A night breeze swept by, lifting the window curtains and dispelling the last ripples in his heart. Moonlight shone on his shoulders, casting a silhouette of solitary pride and unwavering resolve.

......

As the first rays of morning sunlight gently fell upon the towering gates of the Martial Alliance, the entire martial world seemed to awaken.

The ancient city walls appeared particularly solemn in the morning light, and the golden glow added a touch of mystery and majesty to this place that carries countless stories of the martial arts world.

In front of the Elite Academy inside the gates of the Martial Arts Alliance, a crowd had already gathered like a tide. They were martial arts practitioners from all over the world, bringing their own stories and dreams, and witnessing this historic moment together.

The leaders of the nine sects and one gang, the heads of the eight great families, and the deans of the four great academies—these most influential leaders in the martial arts world—were all present. Dressed in magnificent robes and with solemn expressions, they resembled walking works of art.

Each person was like a hero from an ancient legend; their arrival was not only a show of support for this grand event, but also a silent demonstration of the power they represented.

Zhang Taixuan, the leader of Wudang Sect, had his flowing white hair dancing in the wind, and his deep eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

Abbot Huiming of Shaolin Temple, dressed in a red robe, had his hands clasped together and a compassionate smile on his face, as if all worldly troubles had vanished before him.

The former head of the Emei Sect, Abbess Jingkong, though elderly, remained remarkably vigorous, her eyes revealing a composure born of experience. Behind these leaders followed their most prized successors, young figures brimming with vitality and energy, like fledglings about to take flight, brimming with boundless potential.

......

Among the people present, the most eye-catching young people were the young men and women known as the "Nine Gentlemen" and the "Four Beauties".

Peng Yue, the young master of the Peng family in Hebei, appeared like a strong north wind, blowing everyone's attention away. His burly figure stood there like an unshakable mountain, making people think of his brave and fearless image on the battlefield.

Huangfu Feilong, the eldest son of the Huangfu family, was more reserved in comparison, but the wisdom shining in his eyes was like the brightest star in the night sky, always attracting people's attention unintentionally.

Zhuge Jin, the heir of the Zhuge family, is renowned for his wit. Whenever he speaks, those around him fall silent and listen to his every word, as if it holds the key to solving all the mysteries of the world.

Dongfang Yunxiao of the Dongfang family is renowned for his medical skills...

......