Wandering Swordsman |

The curator nodded slightly, gesturing for Zhao Yunchuan to sit down. He then looked around, a meaningful glint in his eyes: "I don't know the Alliance Leader's specific considerations, but there must be a reason for such an instruction. We only need to investigate discreetly; there's no need for a big fuss or to expend too much manpower and resources."

He spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone. Although the curator did not reveal any further details, his words were like a stabilizing force, bringing a sense of reassurance to everyone present.

"Gentlemen," the curator continued, his voice still calm and steady, "the situation in the martial world is ever-changing. Even behind a seemingly peaceful surface, countless unknown dangers may be lurking. The Alliance Leader's arrangement is undoubtedly due to his profound foresight regarding the future. What we need to do is act according to the Alliance Leader's instructions."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence once more. Everyone pondered the curator's words, trying to find more clues within them.

After a long silence, the academy director slowly spoke again, "Fellow practitioners, during this opening ceremony and trial, I have personally witnessed the emergence of countless outstanding young talents in the martial arts world. In order to help them grow faster, today the 'Elite Academy' will arrange individual training tasks for these outstanding young people."

His words fell silent once more. Everyone bowed their heads in thought, their brows furrowed or furrowed, their emotions churning like a turbulent tide. Some stroked the hilt of their swords, their fingertips unconsciously tracing the carvings; others furtively glanced up, trying to glean a clue from the expressions of those around them.

Just then, the academy director surveyed the room, his gaze sharp and his voice low yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Only by personally experiencing the trials and tribulations of the martial world can one forge true pillars of the martial arts community. Therefore, we hope everyone will support this decision of the 'Elite Academy'."

These words immediately enlivened the atmosphere in the hall. Some whispered amongst themselves, their eyes gleaming with excitement; others wore solemn expressions, seemingly already contemplating the challenges ahead. After a moment, the representative of the Peng family, one of the eight great clans, spoke first, his tone firm: "What the Master says is absolutely right. My Peng family's juniors will participate in this training, and the family will absolutely not provide any assistance! The Master can arrange things as he sees fit." Immediately afterward, voices of agreement rose one after another, all expressing their willingness to submit to the Master's arrangements. They stated that their families and sects would not provide any help in the training of their juniors in the martial world, and that they would complete the training entirely based on their own abilities.

The curator smiled slightly and raised his right hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

Then, he took out a roll of yellow silk, slowly unfurled it, and announced in a loud voice: "The list of participants for this training is as follows—"

The hall fell silent instantly, save for the sound of breathing. Every pair of eyes was fixed on the list in the curator's hand, their heartbeats seemingly resonating with each other.

"Long Zaitian, head to the Northeast to investigate the massacre in Wangshan Village."

"Murong Qing, go to Jiangnan to investigate the case of missing children."

"Situ Meng, assist the Qingcheng Sect in investigating the haunting of Qingcheng Mountain."

"Zhou Xinlian, investigate the details of the Huai River pirates thoroughly."

"Zhang Ye and Qin Wan joined forces to escort the rebel from the northern desert to the capital."

"He Yun, go to Hainan to investigate the matter of the bandits."

"Huangfu Feilong, head to Shaolin..."

......

Finally, the curator read out the name—

"Shen Mo, go to Dali to investigate the whereabouts of the overseas evil cultivators. The Diancang Sect needs to fully cooperate on this matter."

As the curator finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. They were unaware that the "investigation of overseas evil cultivators" mission assigned to Shen Mo was merely a disguise by the curator to conceal his true purpose. Shen Mo's real mission, in fact, was to investigate the Diancang Sect…

Elder Zhang Zixuan of Wudang frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his eyes. He stood up, his voice steady and powerful: "Master, isn't sending a young man like Shen Mo to investigate overseas evil cultivators a bit too risky? After all, those evil cultivators' martial arts are unpredictable and their methods are extremely cruel. In my opinion, it would be better to let Shen Mo complete some relatively safe missions first, and then consider it further after he has gained more experience."

Before he could finish speaking, the representative of the Murong family followed up with his opinion: "Master Zhang is absolutely right. Shen Mo is still young, and although he is exceptionally talented, he may not be up to the task in such a dangerous mission. We should give more consideration to his safety."

At this moment, the representative of the Huangfu family suddenly stood up, a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. He smiled slightly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, and said, "You two are being far too cautious. Young people must experience trials and tribulations to grow. Only by placing themselves in real danger can they forge an unyielding will. Therefore, I believe the curator's arrangement is perfectly appropriate..."

These words immediately created a tense atmosphere in the hall. Many people were startled, realizing that the Huangfu family harbored hostility towards Shen Mo, which was why they hoped to eliminate him as soon as possible through this mission.

Just as everyone fell silent, the representative of the Diancang Sect slowly stood up, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said, "Master, Shen Mo once did a great favor for our Diancang Sect. We will do everything in our power to assist you in this mission. No matter how many difficulties and dangers this trial may present, we will do everything in our power to ensure Shen Mo's safety."

Upon hearing this, the curator nodded slightly, a relieved smile appearing on his face. He feigned reluctance and sighed, saying, "Since the Diancang Sect is willing to fully cooperate, I am relieved. Let's maintain the existing arrangements."

......

After the Martial Arts Alliance meeting concluded, the academy director quickly returned to the Elite Academy and announced the training program. The entire academy seemed to be infused with an invisible force, the air thick with tension and anticipation.

When the notice filled with names was posted on the bulletin board, it immediately caused quite a stir. The school's youths flocked to it, gathering around the notice board, their eyes filled with envy and longing. Those names, like the brightest stars in the night sky, shone with endless brilliance, attracting every heart yearning for glory.

"Look, Long Zaitian is actually ranked first!" someone exclaimed in a low voice, their eyes shining with admiration.

"Murong Qing, Situ Meng... these four beauties seem to have considerable martial arts skills as well, as none of them are lacking."

"Look, Shen Mo is among them too." Another student sighed softly, a hint of barely perceptible jealousy in his voice.

Just then, Huangfu Hui's voice came from the crowd. His words were like cold arrows piercing Shen Mo: "As expected of someone backed by the Murong family and the Wudang sect, with these two connections, of course he can't be left out." A cold smile appeared on his lips, and his eyes revealed obvious hostility and disdain.

Huangfu Hui's act of venting at this moment was undoubtedly an attempt to incite more people's jealousy.

Many people echoed his sentiments after hearing this. Their eyes revealed complex emotions—a mixture of jealousy towards Shen Mo and envy for the friendship between the Four Beauties and Shen Mo. These young minds often find it difficult to remain calm when faced with the strong and the lucky.