Wandering Swordsman |

"Father," Alice's voice trembled with emotion and tears, "I...I've recovered!"

Odin held Alice tightly, and tears finally streamed down his face.

At this moment, all the pain and all the longing were released.

Odin then immediately ordered someone to bring a bronze mirror. He gently placed the mirror in front of Alice.

Alice took the bronze mirror and carefully opened it.

The mirror reflected her familiar and complete face. There were no scars, no blemishes, only that long-lost beauty.

The tears finally broke free, and Alice's tears fell drop by drop onto the bronze mirror. Looking at herself in the mirror, she seemed to see the carefree version of herself she once was.

Odin gazed at his daughter Alice's face, where the once heartbreaking scar had now completely disappeared, and felt an indescribable shock welling up inside him.

He knew perfectly well that even the Pope, who was high and mighty in the Holy See, did not possess such power.

He recalled how he had once coveted Hua Shenyong's Heavenly Demon Qi, attempting to break through the limits of martial arts through the "Heavenly Demon Divine Skill," and even once regarded the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, which was isolated by three natural barriers in the East, as a potential enemy for his unification of the world.

However, he finally understood that the three perilous passes between the far west and the east were not insurmountable barriers to prevent the far west from advancing eastward, but rather natural barriers bestowed upon the far west by heaven, a defensive line to protect them from invasion from the east.

"Heavenly Demon God, I, Odin, will never forget such kindness." Odin bowed deeply, his posture so humble that it was completely unlike the former leader of the Seven Stars who looked down upon the six kingdoms. He also changed his address for Shen Mo, his junior, from Shen Mo to "Heavenly Demon God".

Shen Mo simply turned slightly to the side, avoiding the bow.

His expression was as calm as still water, as if what he had just displayed was not an earth-shattering supernatural power, but as natural as brushing away a fallen leaf. "It was nothing, nothing to mention," he said lightly, his eyes clear as autumn water. "It is her own good fortune to have met me."

Odin was even more shocked upon hearing this. He had seen too many powerful individuals, some arrogant, some greedy, some ambitious, but he had never seen anyone like Shen Mo—possessing extraordinary abilities yet without a trace of arrogance. This state of mind, transcending fame and fortune and returning to simplicity, was more captivating than any martial art.

"In any case," Odin said firmly, "when I return to the Tsarist Empire, I will repay your kindness with everything I have. Gold and silver, cities and fiefs, military power and titles—whatever you ask for, I will grant."

Shen Mo gently shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his lips: "I am merely a passerby in the far west. If I were to repay this kindness, I would ask the Duke to govern diligently and bring happiness and stability to the common people."

After a moment of silence, Odin's expression suddenly darkened. He looked at Alice, his eyes filled with worry and reluctance. "Heavenly Demon God..." His voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of pleading, "My daughter is determined to return to the Holy See and uncover the truth behind her abduction. But I..."

He gave a bitter laugh and slowly placed his right hand on his dantian, which was already as empty as a dry well. Since his defeat by Shen Mo, his dantian had been shattered. He was no longer the invincible lord who could fight against thousands of troops alone, but just an aging father.

"I am powerless to protect her," Odin's voice was low and sigh-like. "The political struggles of the six kingdoms are complex. If I send someone to protect her secretly, it will only arouse suspicion from all sides and may even harm her. But if I let her go alone..." His throat bobbed, and his eyes became bloodshot. "I am truly... truly unable to eat or sleep."

He bent his knees, as if to kneel: "Heavenly Demon God, I know this request is presumptuous, but if you will accompany me to protect her, Odin is willing to serve you as a slave for the rest of his life!"

"Father!" Alice exclaimed, quickly supporting Odin.

Shen Mo quickly reached out and gently lifted Odin up.

"Your Excellency need not do this." His tone remained calm, yet carried a hint of gravity. "However... I have been away from the Heavenly Demon Sect for over a year. The sect's affairs are numerous and complex. If I do not return for an extended period, I fear unforeseen circumstances may arise."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Odin's eyes, but he did not give up.

He took a deep breath, as if making a firm decision, and his voice suddenly became solemn: "If the Heavenly Demon God agrees to this—the Tsarist Empire is willing to submit to the Heavenly Demon God Sect and become its vassal forever! We will pay tribute every year, acknowledge its sovereignty every year, and never rebel!"

Upon hearing this, even Alice looked at her father in shock.

Although the Tsarist Empire is nominally ruled by the King, everyone knows in secret that Odin is in power behind the scenes. Through Odin's painstaking efforts, it has become the largest power in the far west, with a vast territory and a peaceful and prosperous population.

Odin's promise was tantamount to entrusting the fate of the entire empire to the Heavenly Demon Sect! And to Shen Mo!

Shen Mo was also taken aback. He had thought that Odin would at most offer valuable treasures, but he did not expect that the other party would be willing to offer up his kingdom.

This was no ordinary request; it was a plea to give up everything one had just to ensure the safety of one's daughter.

The sea breeze suddenly picked up, making the sails flutter loudly, and Shen Mo's mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts.

He thought of Murong Qing and Situ Meng—it had been almost a year since they parted, and he wondered how they were doing now.

"Qing'er," he murmured to himself, "Meng'er..." He recalled Murong Qing's affectionate eyes when they parted, and Situ Meng's shy and hesitant appearance under the moonlight, and an indescribable longing welled up in his heart.

He remembered his promise to them, "I will definitely come back. I will return safely to you."

"Heavenly Demon God," Odin's voice held a hint of pleading, "please reconsider this matter."

Shen Mo slowly turned around, his gaze as clear as the stars.

He understood that if he could break through the three natural barriers that isolated the far west, then with the submission of the Tsarist Empire, the Heavenly Demon God Sect would have a powerful ally. Even if a situation unfavorable to the Heavenly Demon God Sect arose in the future, the Heavenly Demon God Sect would be able to cope.

"It's possible," he said firmly, "but I must first reunite with Hua Tianyou, and then return to the Vatican with Alice."

Upon hearing this, Odin's eyes lit up with wild joy. He nodded emphatically, "It's all up to the Heavenly Demon God!"

Alice understood the immense sacrifice her father had made for her, and knew that once he made his decision, there was no way she could persuade him otherwise. So she bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Heavenly Demon God. Alice will never forget your kindness in this lifetime."

Shen Mo simply waved his hand, gazing at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky, and said softly, "The world has its own laws of cause and effect. My assistance to you today is all for the sake of the Heavenly Demon Sect. There's no need for thanks."

Alice suddenly spoke up: "Heavenly Demon God, the Holy See has eyes and ears throughout the six kingdoms. I cannot get too close to my father now. Why don't I go with you to find Hua Tianyou first, and then we can return to the Holy See together?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Shen Mo's eyes. He nodded and said, "Alright, that's acceptable."