Wandering Swordsman |

Before long, a series of hurried footsteps came from the inner courtyard.

Luo Wangchen strode out, dressed in coarse cloth shorts with ink stains on his cuffs—he had just been in his study correcting his disciples' martial arts notes. He had assumed it was just an old friend visiting, but when his gaze fell upon the familiar figure at the door, he was struck dumb, his steps halting abruptly.

"Shen... Shen Mo!" he blurted out, his voice filled with unbelievable surprise and excitement.

This shout was like a boulder thrown into a still lake, stirring up a huge wave in the hearts of the martial arts disciples!

"Shen Mo?!"

"Which Shen Mo?"

"Could it be... that person who saved the Central Plains martial arts world from peril outside Nanjing, the 'Sword God' Shen Mo who repelled the Divine Emperor with a single sword strike?!"

The crowd looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock and bewilderment.

Although they lived in the small town of Mengzhou, they had heard of the name "Sword God"—the most resounding title in the martial arts world today, and the idol that countless young people dreamed of! But who would have thought that this legendary figure would personally visit this little-known "Wangchen Martial Arts School"?

It's no wonder they were baffled. In the eyes of the people of Mengzhou, Luo Wangchen was simply a skilled martial arts instructor. He was kind and approachable, never putting on airs, often helping neighbors repair their houses, mediating disputes, and even fetching water and chopping wood for elderly people living alone. His martial arts school charged low tuition fees, and he didn't charge poor students a penny. Every so often, he would close his school for several days, saying he was "returning home." Over time, the neighbors all assumed his hometown was in a neighboring county, and no one ever questioned it further.

Little did people know that every time he "returned home," he was secretly heading off to the martial arts world to uphold justice. He deliberately concealed his past, living as an ordinary martial arts master, just to protect this hard-won peace and to prevent past grudges from affecting this small town.

Therefore, when "Sword God" Shen Mo stood at the entrance of his martial arts school, everyone was stunned—who exactly was this unknown Master Luo who taught martial arts on a daily basis?

Just as everyone was filled with doubt and uncertainty, an even more terrifying scene unfolded.

Shen Mo straightened his sleeves, his expression solemn, and before everyone's eyes, he bowed deeply, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a loud voice with utmost respect, "Greetings, Master!"

This bow was like a thunderclap!

The entire room fell silent.

The young disciples felt their minds go blank, as if the world were spinning. Their master, the one who usually corrected their stances with a stern face and scolded them for being lazy, was actually the master of the world-renowned "Sword God"?!

Does that mean... all of them are the "Sword God's" junior brothers?!

In an instant, a surge of passion welled up within me, and a sense of pride swept over my entire body like a tidal wave.

Several young disciples were so excited that their eyes reddened, their legs went weak, and they knelt down with a thud. The others followed suit, bowing in unison, their voices clear and loud:

"Greetings... Senior Brother!"

The sound shook the leaves of the paulownia trees in the courtyard, making them rustle, as if even heaven and earth were bearing witness to this moment.

Luo Wangchen's eyes widened with delight at the sight before him. He rushed forward, helped Shen Mo to his feet, and said in a choked voice, "My child... your achievements have long surpassed those of your master, why do you still perform such a grand ceremony? Get up!"

Shen Mo straightened up, his eyes filled with gratitude: "A teacher for a day is a teacher for life. No matter how high I go, you will always be my teacher."

Luo Wangchen patted his shoulder heavily, then looked at the two stunning beauties behind him, a smile of extreme satisfaction finally blooming on his face: "Good, good! Not only have you accomplished great things, but you've also married two such virtuous wives... As your teacher... I'm so proud of you!"

At this moment, Situ Meng and Murong Qing also stepped forward gracefully, curtsied, and said in unison, "Greetings, Senior Luo."

Luo Wangchen quickly waved his hand, "Please rise!"

He looked around at his disciples, who were still kneeling on the ground with faces full of worship, and laughed loudly, "Get up! Today, at my 'Forgotten Dust Martial Arts School,' master and disciples are reunited! Go, dig up that jar of pear blossom wine that has been buried for ten years in the backyard! Today, I will have a good drink with my good disciple!"

......

The midday sun, like gold foil, dappled through the gaps in the sycamore leaves, casting mottled shadows on the small stone table in the backyard of the "Forget-Dust Martial Arts School".

A gentle breeze wafts through the courtyard, carrying the subtle fragrance of early summer plants, mingling with the mellow aroma of a freshly opened jar of pear blossom wine, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

Shen Mo, Situ Meng, Murong Qing, and Luo Wangchen sat around a stone table. The wine in the rough pottery bowls was clear, reflecting the smiling faces of the four of them.

The few small dishes on the table—stir-fried seasonal vegetables, braised beef, and cucumber salad—were all made by Luo Wangchen himself, simple yet full of heartfelt sentiment.

"Now that the martial world is at peace, there is no longer any worry about a major war in the Central Plains." Shen Mo poured wine for Luo Wangchen, his tone as calm as water, but his eyes held a clarity that came after weathering many storms. "I plan to accompany the two of them to travel all over this vast land. No longer bound by the conflicts of the martial world, I only seek a peaceful and simple life."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen's eyes flashed with satisfaction. He picked up his wine bowl, gently clinked it against his own, and laughed, "Good! This is the magnanimity a true man should have! You've already carried too much burden before, and now that you've achieved success, you should live for yourself."

He looked at Situ Meng and Murong Qing with affection, "It is your good fortune to have such two virtuous wives by your side, and it is also their blessing."

Situ Meng smiled slightly, raised her glass and said, "Senior Luo, you have given my husband a second chance at life, we toast you."

Murong Qingyi said softly, "If you hadn't taken us in back then, there would be no Shen Mo today. We will always remember this kindness."

The three of them raised their glasses together and offered a deep toast to Luo Wangchen.

Luo Wangchen's eyes welled up with tears. He downed his drink in one gulp, and a surge of heroic spirit rose within him: "Good! Good! Your presence is the greatest blessing for this old man! Besides, taking Shen Mo as my disciple back then was the best decision I ever made in my life!" He put down his wine bowl and suggested with a hint of reluctance, "How about... staying in Mengzhou for a couple more days? Let me, as your master, properly extend my hospitality."

Shen Mo nodded without hesitation: "Of course I'm willing. It's exactly what I want to do to spend more time talking with Master."

That afternoon, the master and disciple drank together until nightfall, reminiscing about their childhood, discussing the true meaning of martial arts, and recalling the hardships of the past.

Shen Mo seemed to have transformed back into the young man who followed Luo Wangchen, while Luo Wangchen shed his identity as a master and became simply a kind elder.

Situ Meng and Murong Qing listened quietly, occasionally adding wine and serving dishes, their hearts filled with warmth—it turned out that even the world-renowned "Sword God" had such a tender childhood.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

The next morning, a crowd began to gather at the entrance of the martial arts school. First came the parents of several disciples, who were both surprised and delighted to hear that the "Sword God" was in the school, and they dragged their younger children to come and "open their eyes".