Wandering Swordsman |

Afterwards, the three of them arrived at the central square. A large crowd had already gathered there, and the atmosphere was both enthusiastic and tense. He Yun and Zhao Xue led Li Fanglin to the same spot with the best view they had observed the day before, and the three of them stood there together, waiting for the competition to begin.

Before long, as the Jingtian Pavilion disciple, acting as referee, announced the start of the competition, cheers erupted from the audience. With yesterday's exciting matches still fresh in their minds, the audience was clearly even more eager for today's competition.

As one martial arts match after another began on the training platform, young heroes from various schools and sects displayed their unique skills, creating a dazzling spectacle of flashing swords and clashing blades.

He Yun and Zhao Xue's attention kept falling on Li Fanglin. He stared intently at the fighters the whole time, and whenever he saw something exciting, he would shout and cheer for them. He seemed completely immersed in the competition and didn't notice He Yun and Zhao Xue's gaze at all.

Zhao Xue whispered to He Yun, "Brother Yun, look at how Young Master Li looks; he seems genuinely interested in the competition."

He Yun nodded slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "Yes, he does seem very engrossed. However, I still feel a little uneasy."

......

In the days that followed, He Yun and Zhao Xue went to the central square with Li Fanglin every day to watch the martial arts competition. Li Fanglin remained as focused as ever, watching the competitors intently during each match, and cheering them on whenever he saw something exciting. His behavior was so natural that He Yun began to doubt whether his judgment was correct.

After sixteen days of competition, the martial arts tournament at Jingtian Pavilion has finally determined the sixteen winners from the sixteen groups.

Another evening passed, and back in the living quarters, Zhao Xue whispered to He Yun, "Brother Yun, look at Young Master Li's behavior for the past fifteen days; there's absolutely nothing unusual about him. Could our suspicions be wrong?"

He Yun frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes: "I've been thinking about this too. For the past two weeks, he's acted very naturally, without revealing any flaws. Perhaps I'm really wrong."

Zhao Xue gently patted He Yun's shoulder, comforting him, "Brother Yun, don't blame yourself too much. We were just curious and wanted to know the truth. If Young Master Li is really alright, that would be a good thing."

He Yun nodded, feeling somewhat unwilling, but he had to admit that Zhao Xue's words made sense. He looked up at the night sky and secretly decided to observe for another day. If he really didn't find anything unusual, he would give up his suspicions about Li Fanglin.

......

Meanwhile, in a corner of Jingtian Pavilion, a magnificent rear hall stands, which is the area where Situ Meng and Situ Jingkong reside.

In the courtyard, flowers bloom in profusion, and the moonlight shines like water, enveloping everything in a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

Situ Meng stood by her window, gazing at the starry sky outside, and muttered to herself, "Time flies. Tomorrow is the final of the martial arts competition."

The maid behind her asked softly, "What is Miss thinking about?"

Situ Meng turned around, her eyes filled with tenderness, and said softly, "Xiao Die, we grew up together. I've always considered you my little sister. After the top three results of the martial arts competition are announced, I will get married in a few years. Before the wedding, I will definitely ask Father to arrange a good family for you."

Xiaodie shook her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Miss, I lost both my parents at a young age. If it weren't for the sect leader taking me in, I wouldn't be alive today. Besides, you've treated me like a younger sister since I was little. I've long decided to stay by your side forever and serve you for the rest of my life."

Upon hearing this, Situ Meng felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She stepped forward, gently took Xiao Die's hand, and whispered, "Xiao Die, why are you doing this? You have your own life to live, and you can't let me ruin your life."

A flicker of emotion crossed Xiaodie's eyes, but her voice remained firm: "Miss, this is my own choice. I am willing to follow you and take care of you for the rest of my life."

After Xiaodie finished speaking, seeing that Situ Meng seemed a little sad, she quickly changed the subject to avoid making Situ Meng continue to be upset about this topic: "Miss, in tomorrow's finals, which of those sixteen people do you hope will get into the top three?"

Upon hearing this, the name "Shen Mo" flashed through Situ Meng's mind, reminding her of what Zhao Xue had told her about Shen Mo. She couldn't help but sigh, lamenting that the young hero Shen was no longer alive.

After a moment of silence, a calm expression appeared on her face, and she asked in return, "What if it were Xiaodie? Who would you want to win?"

Xiao Die said shyly, "If it were me, I would hope that Young Hero Long Zaitian, Young Hero Ye Qingsong, and Young Hero Jian Yihan would be in the top three. Young Hero Long is not only the young sect leader of the Changhe Sword Sect, but also highly skilled in martial arts and already has a small reputation in the martial arts world. Young Hero Ye, as a direct disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also gentle in nature, making him the best candidate for a husband. As for that outstanding Jian Yihan, although he is from no sect, he is skilled in martial arts and handsome. If we were to marry him, wouldn't it be wonderful to wander the martial arts world together as a couple?"

Upon hearing this, Situ Meng smiled slightly and joked, "Hehe, Xiao Die. You're talking about Long Zaitian right away, you wouldn't happen to have a crush on him, would you?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaodie's face turned red instantly, and she hurriedly retorted, "No way! How could I possibly..."

The two exchanged smiles, instantly lightening the atmosphere in the room. Situ Meng looked at Xiao Die, a warmth welling up inside her. She knew that Xiao Die was not only her maid, but also her closest friend and family.

"Xiaodie, thank you for your companionship all this time," Situ Meng said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Xiaodie smiled slightly, a hint of emotion in her eyes: "Miss, this is what I should do. As long as you are happy, I will be content."

The two looked out the window together. The night sky was dotted with stars, as if telling endless stories. Situ Meng felt both anticipation for the future and nostalgia for the past. She thought of Shen Mo, whom Zhao Xue had mentioned, and a strange melancholy welled up in her heart.

"Young Master Shen, if you were still here, if only I could see you again," Situ Meng murmured to herself, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Seeing this, Xiaodie, though not understanding what Situ Meng meant, gently held Situ Meng's hand and comforted her, "Miss, don't think too much. After tomorrow's competition, I believe everything will be as you wish."

Situ Meng nodded, feeling a warmth in her heart.

As night deepened and the moonlight shone like water, everything seemed so peaceful. But beneath this tranquility, a magnificent struggle was quietly unfolding, and what awaited everyone was an even more complex and intense challenge.