Wandering Swordsman |

The night was deep, the moonlight like water, and He Yun and Zhao Xue hurried forward in the darkness. He Yun was filled with tension and worry. He kept an eye on their surroundings while carefully supporting the injured Zhao Xue. Zhao Xue's sprained ankle made every step extremely difficult. She gritted her teeth, trying her best not to let the pain affect their speed.

Seeing that He Yun was heading in a different direction than they had come from, Zhao Xue asked in confusion, "Young Master He, where are we going? This isn't the way back to Liaocheng."

He Yun stopped, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Right now, we definitely can't go back to Liaocheng. We need to find a secluded place to rest and settle you in. Then I'll go back to rescue Brother Shen." He Yun said urgently yet softly, his tone revealing an unwavering determination.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xue was deeply moved, but she also knew that time was of the essence and they could not delay any longer. "I think we have completely shaken off their pursuit, Young Master He. Please put me aside for now and hurry back to help Young Master Shen," Zhao Xue said firmly, her tone carrying a hint of pleading.

He Yun shook his head and said firmly, "No, you have an injury on your foot and can't move around easily. How can I leave you in this desolate wilderness?" His words were full of concern and responsibility for Zhao Xue. He Yun knew that if he left Zhao Xue alone, not only might she be in danger, but he himself would also be unable to go and rescue Shen Mo in peace.

Seeing He Yun's determination, Zhao Xue understood his concerns and had no choice but to temporarily abandon her attempts to persuade him. With He Yun's support, she continued walking into the night. Moonlight shone on them, casting two long shadows. The surrounding trees swayed gently in the night breeze, rustling softly, as if cheering them on.

After walking for a while, He Yun suddenly stopped. He looked up and a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes. "Miss Zhao, look, there's a dilapidated temple over there. Let's rest there for a while," He Yun said, pointing to a dilapidated temple not far away. Zhao Xue looked in the direction He Yun was pointing and indeed saw a dilapidated temple. Although it was in ruins, it was at least a place where they could temporarily shelter from the wind and rain.

Zhao Xue nodded in agreement. He Yun immediately helped Zhao Xue quicken her pace, supporting her as she limped towards the dilapidated temple.

Under the moonlight, the dilapidated temple appeared exceptionally quiet, its door half-closed, as if awaiting their arrival. He Yun carefully pushed open the door, and a musty, stale smell wafted out, but the two paid no heed and hurriedly entered the temple.

The temple was empty and silent, with only a few broken pillars supporting the roof. Scattered withered leaves and pebbles on the ground gave it a desolate feel.

He Yun helped Zhao Xue sit down on a relatively flat surface. He took out the bottle of wound medicine he always carried with him from his pocket again and changed Zhao Xue's dressing. His eyes were full of concern.

Zhao Xue's eyes were filled with gratitude, and tears welled up in them, but she held them back. She silently prayed that Shen Mo would be safe and sound, and that He Yun would find him as soon as possible.

After treating Zhao Xue's wounds, He Yun stood up and looked around for a corner where he could find shelter from the wind and rain. He found a relatively dry spot in one corner of the temple, so he helped Zhao Xue there and let her rest against the wall.

"Miss Zhao, please rest here. I will bring Brother Shen back as soon as possible," He Yun said firmly, his tone full of determination. Zhao Xue nodded, though she still had worries, she trusted He Yun's abilities.

The moment He Yun turned around, Zhao Xue suddenly and gently took his hand. Her fingers trembled slightly, and her eyes held a pleading look. "Be careful... and... you must come back. I'll be waiting for you here." Zhao Xue's voice was low and gentle, as if every word carried the deepest concern and expectation in her heart.

He Yun felt the warmth of Zhao Xue's hand, and a surge of warmth welled up in his heart. He gently held Zhao Xue's hand, his eyes filled with determination and promise. "Yes, I promise you I will come back as soon as possible," He Yun said softly, his voice deep and powerful, as if he were making an unbreakable vow to Zhao Xue.

Zhao Xue nodded, a tear glistening in her eye, but she forced it back. She knew she had to be strong, for He Yun's sake and for Shen Mo's. He Yun checked the dilapidated temple again, and only left after confirming it was safe for the time being.

A gentle night breeze rustled the leaves, as if cheering He Yun on. He Yun's mind kept replaying the experiences he and Shen Mo had shared on their journey, which strengthened his resolve. He knew he couldn't let Shen Mo fall into despair.

He Yun hurried along the route he remembered, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. In the darkness, his figure moved like a black lightning bolt through the dense forest. Every step was taken with extreme caution, as if the sound of every falling leaf would attract his attention. He Yun had only one thought in his mind—to find Shen Mo as soon as possible and bring him back safely.

Soon, He Yun arrived at the haystack where he had parted ways with Shen Mo. He stopped and carefully observed his surroundings. The haystack was trampled and messy, with several clear footprints on the ground. He Yun squatted down and gently touched the soil, feeling its moisture and temperature. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, as if he were analyzing every detail.

"The guards must have pursued us from here," He Yun muttered to himself, a hint of determination in his voice. He stood up, his gaze following the direction of the footprints, and continued forward, following the clues along the path.

He Yun's heart was filled with worry for Shen Mo and anger towards the enemy. He quickened his pace, each step more determined than the last.

As the sun rose and dawn broke, He Yun followed the footprints to the edge of a cliff. The warm morning light shone on the cliff edge, yet it revealed a chilling scene, completely out of place with the morning atmosphere.

He Yun's heart skipped a beat. He saw the bloodstains on the edge of the cliff and the bronze sword lying to the side. The blade of the bronze sword still bore traces of undried blood. This sight made He Yun's heart tighten.

"Brother Shen..." He Yun called softly, his voice trembling slightly. He knelt down and gently picked up the bronze sword, its blade reflecting a cold light in the morning sun. He Yun's fingers lightly caressed the blade, feeling its warmth and weight. A trace of pain flashed in his eyes, as if he were recalling every moment he had spent with Shen Mo.