Wandering Swordsman |

"Thank you for your guidance these past two days, Brother Shu. But Brother Shu, there is something I don't understand." Shen Mo's voice was deep and steady, with a hint of curiosity and anticipation.

The bookworm gently patted Shen Mo's shoulder and said earnestly, "What is it? Brother Shen, please speak freely." His eyes were gentle and encouraging, as if telling Shen Mo that he could ask whatever questions he had.

Shen Mo took a deep breath and asked, "What is the Heavenly Martial Body?" This question had been swirling in his mind for a long time. He longed to understand the special features of his body and what this physique truly meant.

The bookworm smiled slightly and began to patiently explain: "The Heavenly Martial Body is a legendary and rare physique. It not only allows cultivators to have an extremely high level of comprehension of various internal energy cultivation methods, but also accelerates the circulation and accumulation of true energy within the body. People with this physique can often reach heights that are difficult for ordinary people to achieve in a short period of time. This is why you have mastered the 'Turtle Breathing Technique' and the 'Moonlit Night Divine Skill' in just two days."

He paused, a glint of wisdom in his eyes, "However, Brother Shen, you must remember one thing: never let others spy on your meridians. Because once it's discovered that you possess the Heavenly Martial Body, it could attract those who covet your special physique."

Shen Mo nodded, indicating his understanding. He knew that in this world full of unknowns and dangers, his special physique was both a blessing and a curse. He had to be careful and protect himself.

Then, the bookworm stood up, preparing to leave. "Brother Shen," he said, "I'm leaving, but I hope you'll remember what I said."

As he spoke, the bookworm took out an antique jade pendant from his bosom and handed it to Shen Mo. "This is my token. Two months later, you can take it to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion in Hebi City to find the courtesan. She will lead you to me, and I will naturally prepare a remedy to cure your poison."

Shen Mo took the jade pendant, feeling its weight in his hand. The pendant was warm and smooth, radiating a faint luster, as if it contained some kind of mysterious power. He knew that this was not just an ordinary jade pendant, but a key connecting him to his future destiny.

"Brother Shu," Shen Mo's voice was slightly choked, "I don't know how to thank you."

The bookworm waved his hand and said with a smile, "Brother Shen, there's no need for thanks. I did this simply to repay your kindness. Besides, in this martial world, we are all just passing through. It is my honor to be able to help the Heavenly Martial Body. The road ahead is long. As long as you remember to do good deeds and not worry about the future, our connection will naturally continue."

......

The bookworm's figure gradually disappeared into the night outside the cave, leaving only a faint silhouette, appearing and disappearing in the dim moonlight, like a phantom in the martial world, fleeting in an instant.

A gentle breeze blew by, bringing a slight chill, but it couldn't cool the excitement and gratitude in Shen Mo's heart. He stood quietly in place, watching the bookworm leave, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Brother Shu..." Shen Mo whispered softly, his voice tinged with reluctance.

Turning back into the cave, Shen Mo decided to continue practicing the "Turtle Breathing Technique" and the "Moonlit Night Divine Skill" for another night, and leave early tomorrow morning. After all, he could now temporarily suppress the toxins using the "Turtle Breathing Technique" and use his martial arts normally.

However, his mind was filled with all sorts of questions and worries: Had He Yun successfully delivered the message to Changbai Mountain? Where exactly was his master, Luo Wangchen? These questions tangled in his mind like a knot, refusing to leave.

The two monkeys inside the cave seemed to sense Shen Mo's emotional fluctuations. They nimbly leaped behind him and gently stroked his back with their soft little hands. The gentle gesture seemed to be comforting his inner unease. Shen Mo smiled slightly and reached out to gently stroke the head of one of the monkeys, feeling its warm body temperature and fine fur.

"Do you also think I should go find my master?" Shen Mo asked in a low voice. Although he knew he wouldn't get an answer, his words still brought him a sliver of comfort. The monkeys seemed to understand him; they squeaked a few times, as if nodding in agreement.

Shen Mo sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to focus on his breathing and the flow of his internal energy. Each breath felt like a dialogue with heaven and earth, and each cycle of internal energy made him feel his own strength growing. He immersed himself in cultivation, trying to calm his thoughts in this way. The campfire in the cave reflected on his face, sometimes bright, sometimes dim, as if it were a reflection of his inner world.

As night deepened, the sound of the wind outside the cave became clearer, occasionally punctuated by the chirping of insects, adding a touch of life to the quiet night. Shen Mo's breathing gradually became even and deep, and his heart calmed down. He felt the flow of true energy within his body, like a babbling brook, slowly flowing through his meridians, nourishing every corner.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and before they knew it, the first rays of dawn shone through the cracks in the cave entrance. Shen Mo opened his eyes, feeling an unprecedented clarity and tranquility.

After packing his belongings, he carefully tidied up the cave, as if bidding farewell to this place. Every stone, every corner, carried his memories and growth during this time. Having done all this, Shen Mo turned and left the cave.

The woods outside the cave were exceptionally fresh, the air carrying a slight coolness that was incredibly refreshing. However, Shen Mo's heart was filled with complex emotions. The two monkeys behind him followed closely, their steps light and cautious, as if afraid of disturbing his thoughts. Whenever Shen Mo stopped, the monkeys would stop too; when he began to move, the monkeys would follow closely behind. This tacit, silent companionship filled Shen Mo with an indescribable warmth.

Shen Mo finally stopped and turned to look at the little monkey. He slowly sat down, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. The little monkey also stopped and stood quietly in place, its eyes filled with sorrow, as if it too was feeling the pain of impending separation.

"Are you leaving too?" Shen Mo asked softly, his voice trembling slightly. The little monkey didn't answer, but simply gazed at him with its clear eyes, as if trying to express endless unspoken words.

A moment later, the little monkey gently turned around and slowly left. Watching the little monkey's departing figure, Shen Mo felt a pang of sorrow. He knew he had to continue on his way, but this moment of parting was hard for him to bear. Just as Shen Mo was about to get up and continue his journey, he suddenly heard light footsteps behind him.