Wandering Swordsman |

"Young Master He, your swordsmanship during your duel with Li Wenbo in the lounge was truly magnificent." Jian Yihan's voice remained calm, yet it contained a rare hint of recognition. He Yun was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then revealed a grateful smile: "Thank you for the praise, Brother Jian. Actually, I still have many shortcomings."

As the two talked, the surrounding martial artists gradually quieted down and turned their attention to them. Qin Wuyin listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words to make the conversation more harmonious. In this relaxed atmosphere, the topic finally returned to the main point.

Qin Wuyin said, "According to the intelligence that Guigu recently received, Li Fanglin is very likely backed by the Black Wind Gang. According to the intelligence that Guigu received, the position of Xuanwu Saint Lord, one of the four Saint Lords of the Black Wind Gang, has changed. The new person in charge is a young man with extraordinary talent, and that young man is very likely to be Li Fanglin."

The mere mention of the Black Wind Gang caused the atmosphere in the inner hall to freeze instantly. Situ Dengfeng frowned slightly, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, as if capable of cleaving the air itself. Everyone present fell silent, the only sound the soft murmur of breathing.

At this moment, He Yun stepped forward and said firmly, "Senior Situ, given the current situation, Zhao Xue and I plan to return to the Sword Tomb first to ask our master for help. After you have recovered, we will meet up at Black Wind Mountain, where we will go directly to the Black Wind Gang to rescue Miss Situ."

Upon hearing this, Situ Dengfeng's expression became somewhat complicated. He slowly said, "Young Hero He, I never expected that the Black Wind Gang would cause trouble during the martial arts competition. I feel really bad that this matter has affected you." He paused for a moment, a hint of guilt in his eyes.

At this moment, Situ Dengfeng considered that He Yun and Zhao Xue had traveled a long distance to deliver a message, and not only had they not received the hospitality they deserved, but they were also being asked to leave alone, which made Situ Dengfeng feel somewhat uncomfortable. Therefore, Situ Dengfeng said, "However, since that's the case, I will send two disciples to escort you back to the Sword Tomb to ensure your safety."

Upon hearing this, Jian Yihan spoke up, "Senior Situ, there's no need to trouble the disciples of Jingtian Pavilion. Qin Wuyin and I happen to have some business to attend to, and we can escort Young Hero He and the others back to the Sword Tomb along the way."

Upon hearing this, Situ Dengfeng was taken aback for a moment. After weighing the matter in his mind, a relieved smile appeared on his face: "In that case, I'll leave it to you two young heroes." His words were filled with gratitude and trust, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

However, Qin Wuyin gently interrupted the conversation, turned to face Jian Yihan, and said with a firm tone, "Brother, how about this? You stay here and protect Jingtian Pavilion for Senior Situ while he recovers. Also, Third Brother should arrive at Jingtian Pavilion in the next couple of days, so you can wait here to meet him. I'll take care of the task assigned by the Valley Master for now, and I can also give Young Hero He a ride on the way."

After a moment's thought, Jian Yihan nodded slightly, his eyes revealing his support for Qin Wuyin's decision. His gaze was deep and firm, as if to say: Everything will be done as you wish.

Upon hearing this, He Yun echoed, "Brother Qin, I think you and Brother Jian can stay in Jingtian Pavilion together. After all, it won't hurt to have one more person in Jingtian Pavilion, and I also know martial arts, so you don't need to trouble yourself to make a special trip." Although his words were soft, the firmness in his eyes revealed his determination not to cause trouble for others, as if he was declaring that he was capable of protecting himself and Zhao Xue.

However, Situ Dengfeng looked at He Yun with a worried expression and slowly said, "Since the Black Wind Gang had already infiltrated Jingtian Pavilion before the competition, your arrival must have attracted their attention. Moreover, the Black Wind Gang is a powerful force with many experts. I'm afraid you two might encounter some misfortune on your way back..." His voice was low and serious, full of concern for the safety of He Yun and Zhao Xue.

Situ Dengfeng's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that spread outwards. The atmosphere in the inner hall became heavy again, and everyone could feel the urgency. Zhao Xue held He Yun's hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry, but she didn't speak, only offering silent support.

Seeing this, Qin Wuyin immediately took over the conversation, her tone calm and confident: "Young Master He, if you encounter any misfortune on your return journey, your master will surely come looking for Jingtian Pavilion. Therefore, it would be better if I accompanied you."

He Yun seemed a little bewildered for a moment, but then a grateful smile appeared on his face: "Alright. Since it's not too late yet, let's not delay and head back to the Sword Tomb immediately."

With the decision reached, everyone relaxed slightly. Situ Dengfeng stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Qin Wuyin, his tone carrying a hint of admonition: "Young Hero Qin, please be careful on the road, and remember not to be careless. If any danger arises, prioritize your own safety."

Qin Wuyin nodded solemnly, her eyes filled with determination: "Senior Situ, please rest assured, we will definitely reach the Sword Tomb safely."

Afterwards, He Yun and Zhao Xue walked out of the inner hall, through the long corridor of Jingtian Pavilion, and returned to the living area to pack their belongings.

Zhao Xue gently packed her luggage, her movements soft, but her eyes betrayed her reluctance and worry. She turned to He Yun and whispered, "Brother Yun, isn't it too abrupt of you to bring me back to the Sword Tomb this time?"

He Yun stopped what he was doing, looked at Zhao Xue tenderly, and gently patted her shoulder, his tone reassuring: "Ah Xue, don't worry. My masters are all very kind and won't make things difficult for you. Besides, you're my fiancée now, so you should go see them together."

Upon hearing the words "fiancée," Zhao Xue's cheeks flushed slightly, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. She looked up at He Yun's resolute gaze, and her unease gradually dissipated, replaced by anticipation and hope for the future. "Brother Yun, thank you. I will try my best to make your masters like me."

He Yun smiled and nodded, his eyes full of encouragement and trust: "I believe you can definitely impress them. Let's set off now."

......

Two days later, in the main hall of the old house nestled in the dense forest outside Liaocheng, dim light streamed through the windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. A sense of oppression hung in the air, as if time itself had frozen.

Master Ma was kneeling before a young man, bowing with utmost respect, not daring to overstep his bounds in the slightest. The young man had delicate features, but his eyes revealed an indescribable coldness and majesty. He was none other than Li Fanglin, the newly appointed Xuanwu Saint Lord of the Black Wind Gang.

"Ma Xiaofeng of Liaocheng pays respects to the Holy Lord Xuanwu." Master Ma's voice was deep and humble, every word revealing his reverence for Li Fanglin.

Li Fanglin smiled slightly and said in a calm tone, "I am just a newcomer and have not yet officially assumed the position of Xuanwu Saint Lord. Master Ma, there is no need for such formalities. Please rise. I have long heard from the gang leader that Master Ma is knowledgeable and skilled. Now that I have met you, your demeanor is indeed extraordinary."

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