Wandering Swordsman |

Duan Qianya sat down to the side and chatted with Shen Mo: "Young Master Shen, do you have any special mission in Dali this time?"

Shen Mo put down his teacup, his expression turning serious: "Sect Leader Duan, to be honest, I am here on orders from the Martial Alliance to investigate the whereabouts of overseas evil cultivators."

Upon hearing this, Duan Qianya frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Young Master Shen, we have indeed received a message from the Martial Alliance via carrier pigeon, so we will do our utmost to assist you in investigating the matter of the overseas evil cultivators." A subtle hint of inquiry flashed in his eyes, and his tone was light and natural, "However, I would like to ask if Young Master Shen has any other tasks?"

Shen Mo's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't show any unusual expression on his face. Instead, he smiled slightly and asked, "Did the Martial Alliance assign me another task through the carrier pigeon messenger for the Diancang Sect?"

Duan Qianya smiled lightly, as if he were just asking casually: "I'm just curious. After all, Young Hero Shen is young and promising, so I'm sure the Martial Alliance will give you more important responsibilities."

Shen Mo replied calmly, "Sect Leader Duan is too kind. The task of investigating overseas evil cultivators is already challenging enough for me. I only hope to complete it successfully and live up to the trust of the Martial Alliance."

Duan Qianya nodded, his gaze fixed intently on Shen Mo, trying to find a flaw in his calm demeanor. However, Shen Mo's eyes were clear as water, his expression composed, revealing no unnecessary information.

Duan Qianya continued in a relaxed tone, "Young Master Shen, you saved our disciple at Wudang before, and we have always remembered this kindness. It is truly an honor for us that you have come to Diancang Sect in person this time."

Duan Qianya paused for two breaths, then continued to probe with a concerned expression: "I remember that you only recently entered the Elite Academy, right? The Martial Alliance has already assigned you such an important task. May I ask what position you hold at the academy?"

Shen Mo smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned about the question: "Sect Leader Duan, you flatter me. Actually, I am just an ordinary disciple of the academy. I was only fortunate enough to gain the favor of the headmaster, which is why I had the opportunity to participate in this training."

Duan Qianya nodded slightly, a barely perceptible smile flashing in his eyes: "Young Master Shen is too modest. As far as I know, every student of the 'Elite Academy' is exceptionally talented and will surely become a pillar of the martial arts world in the future. In particular, the first batch of students to undergo training at the academy are all well-known rising stars in the martial arts world."

Shen Mo maintained his smile, but inwardly he was constantly on guard, watching the other party's every move. He knew that Duan Qianya's seemingly casual conversation was actually a test to see if he had any hidden motives. Every question was like a carefully designed trap, and the slightest carelessness would expose his true intentions.

Seeing that Shen Mo maintained a smile and remained composed, Duan Qianya's doubts lessened somewhat.

However, he did not completely let his guard down, but continued to guide the conversation with light topics: "Young Master Shen, what do you think of the environment of our Diancang Sect? Although it is located in a remote area, the scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh, which is very suitable for cultivation."

Shen Mo looked around and exclaimed, "Sect Leader Duan is right, the scenery here is truly breathtaking. Especially Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, it's simply unforgettable."

Duan Qianya smiled and said, "In that case, Young Hero Shen might as well stay in this sect for a few more days and experience the local customs and culture of our Diancang Sect. As for the investigation of the overseas evil cultivators, I will arrange for my disciples to investigate."

Shen Mo nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader Duan. I will stay here for a while. I will be troubling you in the days to come."

Seeing that Shen Mo hadn't revealed any flaws, Duan Qianya lowered his guard a bit. He knew that if Shen Mo was truly sent by the Martial Alliance to investigate the Diancang Sect, then he must be an extremely dangerous person. However, it seemed that Shen Mo hadn't shown any hostility at all.

After some pleasantries, Duan Qianya decided to stop probing and instead focus on practical arrangements: "Young Master Shen, I have already instructed my disciples to prepare a guest room for you. I hope you will have a comfortable stay here in the coming days."

Shen Mo stood up and bowed respectfully: "Sect Leader Duan, then this junior will not stand on ceremony."

Duan Qianya also stood up and personally led the way: "Come with me, I'll take you to your room."

The two walked slowly along the cobblestone path. The surrounding courtyard was exquisitely arranged, with pavilions and towers scattered in a harmonious manner, and artificial hills and flowing water encircling it, resembling a beautiful painting. Several plum trees were dotted with blossoms, emitting a faint fragrance.

Arriving at an elegant guest room, Duan Qianya stopped: "Young Master Shen, this is it. I hope you like it."

Shen Mo looked around and saw that the room was simply yet elegantly furnished. The bed was neat, the tables and chairs were arranged in an orderly manner, and several landscape paintings hung on the walls, adding a touch of scholarly atmosphere. "Thank you, Sect Leader Duan. The environment here is truly wonderful."

Duan Qianya smiled slightly: "If Young Hero Shen needs anything, just tell the disciples in the sect. I have already given the order, and they will do their best to meet your needs."

Shen Mo bowed again: "Thank you, Sect Leader Duan."

Duan Qianya waved his hand: "Young Master Shen, there's no need for thanks. You have already done a great service to the Diancang Sect, and this is what we should do."

......

After seeing Duan Qianya off, Shen Mo closed the door and sat alone by the window, gazing at Erhai Lake at the foot of Cangshan Mountain.

The lake's surface is like a mirror, reflecting the distant verdant mountains and azure sky, shimmering like a flowing painting.

However, Shen Mo's mind did not linger on the beautiful scenery before him, but instead fell into deep thought.

He knew that although Duan Qianya appeared very warm and friendly on the surface, he never seemed to let his guard down.

Every conversation, every glance, Duan Qianya was staring intently at his own facial expression, trying to catch a flaw in it.

This made Shen Mo even more certain that there must be an extremely important connection between Duan Qianya, the leader of the Diancang Sect, and the Black Wind Gang; otherwise, he would never have acted so cautiously.

Shen Mo's gaze gradually deepened and hardened, as if he were having a silent conversation with himself. 'Every movement of Duan Qianya exudes an unusual aura; he clearly harbors suspicion about my arrival. If it were merely to assist in the investigation of overseas heretical cultivators, his attitude wouldn't be so cautious. It seems he is indeed hiding some significant secret.'

......

Not long after, Duan Qianya returned to his room.

However, at some point in time, a person dressed in black appeared in the room, with his back to the door, seemingly waiting quietly for Duan Qianya's arrival.