Wandering Swordsman |

Upon hearing this, the old man frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "Haha, I would believe Luo Wangchen if you said he would come, but to say Situ Dengfeng would come too? Are you trying to fool me? No way!" Although his voice was firm, there was a hint of uncertainty in his tone.

Shen Mo smiled confidently, "Whether Senior Situ will come or not, you'll know once you try this trick."

Having said that, he moved with lightning speed, attacking the old man, his longsword gleaming coldly. After a few moves, Shen Mo suddenly retreated and stopped, a mocking smile on his face: "Haha, now it's up to you whether you believe it or not."

After witnessing Shen Mo's moves, the old man couldn't help but feel a surge of unease. "This kid actually knows Situ Dengfeng's moves; it seems he's somehow connected to Situ Dengfeng. If I keep wasting time with him, I'll definitely be in trouble when Situ Dengfeng arrives." Thinking this, his gaze became even more complex.

Thinking this, the old man uttered a harsh threat: "Good lad, remember this. One day you will fall into my hands, Qiu Tianchan's hands." His voice was cold and deep, as if every word carried endless resentment and threat. After speaking, he said no more and immediately used his lightness skill to leave, his figure flashing away like a ghost, as if afraid of being a moment too late.

Seeing the old man leave, Shen Mo unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, the beads of sweat on his forehead glistening faintly in the morning light. He thought to himself, "That was close. Luckily, when Brother Shu taught me the 'Moonlit Night Divine Skill,' he also explained a few moves of Senior Situ's swordsmanship."

Then, Shen Mo immediately went to Murong Qing's side and gently patted her Jianjing acupoint to release the blocked acupoint.

Murong Qing felt a warm current flow through her body from her acupoints. She moved her limbs to confirm that she had regained her mobility. She looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude and curiosity: "Is what you said true? Senior Situ Dengfeng really will come?"

Shen Mo shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his eyes: "I lied to him. We must leave immediately. It would be terrible if he realized something was wrong and came back here."

Upon hearing this, Murong Qing realized that this young man not only possessed outstanding martial arts skills but also had a resourceful and courageous heart. His ability to remain calm and devise a way to resolve the crisis at this critical moment increased Murong Qing's positive impression of Shen Mo.

After they left, the two walked along a mountain path. Shen Mo led the way, while Murong Qing followed quietly behind, her steps light yet tinged with heaviness, as if still troubled by what had just happened. The surrounding area was a tranquil forest, occasionally broken by the chirping of birds.

After walking for a while, Murong Qing suddenly broke the silence and asked softly, "What's your name?"

Shen Mo was slightly taken aback when he heard the question, then turned around and gave a gentle smile: "Shen Mo, may I ask how you address the young lady?" His voice was gentle and steady, and it sounded particularly clear in the quiet mountain forest.

Murong Qing paused slightly, seemingly considering how to answer. She raised her head, her gaze meeting Shen Mo's, and said softly, "Murong Qing."

Shen Mo continued, "Does Miss Murong know who those men in black are?"

Murong Qing quickly shook her head, her expression showing a hint of helplessness and worry: "I don't know, but it should be related to my third brother."

Shen Mo frowned in confusion: "Your third brother?"

Murong Qing remained calm, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes: "Only my third brother knew that I was staying at the Murong branch family in Jinzhou. Those men in black last night were most likely assassins hired by my third brother." Her voice was calm, as if she were talking about something unrelated to herself, but the heaviness in it could not be concealed.

Shen Mo stopped and turned around, looking intently at Murong Qing. His heart was filled with confusion, because in Shen Mo's understanding, siblings bound by blood should love each other dearly; why did they have to fight to the death? "Why is it like this?" he asked softly, his voice filled with incomprehension and pity.

Murong Qing sighed, gazing into the distance as if lost in thought. "My family's affairs are a long story," she paused, seemingly organizing her thoughts. "Several of my brothers have always harbored resentment towards me, believing I shouldn't enjoy the family's resources and support. Furthermore, their status within the family is inferior to mine. My father and grandfather designated me as the Murong family heir early on, which fueled jealousy and resentment in my brothers' hearts. This trip was originally intended to escape the strife, but unexpectedly…"

Shen Mo remained silent for a moment, pondering Murong Qing's words. He understood the complex family dynamics, but also felt immense heartache. "In that case, why not seek help from the family, or directly expose your third brother?" he suggested softly.

Murong Qing gave a wry smile: "The relationships within the family are complex and cannot be resolved in a few words. Besides, if I expose him, it will not only cause a bigger uproar, but may also endanger the safety of more people. I can only wait for the storm to pass before returning to the family."

Shen Mo gently comforted her, "Miss Murong, don't be too upset about what happened last night. Those men in black have already paid with their lives." His voice was gentle yet firm, trying to offer Murong Qing some solace.

Murong Qing remained silent after hearing this, only lowering her head and slightly clenching her hands, as if trying to suppress the turmoil in her heart. A complex expression flashed in her eyes, a mixture of reminiscence for the past and uncertainty about the future.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Shen Mo continued, "Miss Murong, you said you came to Jinzhou for sightseeing. Where do you live? If it's not too far, I can escort you home first."

Murong Qing quickly shook her head, a hint of panic in her eyes: "No, no, I don't want to go back yet." Her voice was somewhat urgent, as if she was trying to hide her true feelings.

Shen Mo nodded in understanding: "In that case, Miss Murong, where do you plan to go next?"

Perhaps fearing that her behavior would worry Shen Mo, Murong Qing's expression suddenly hardened, and her tone carried a hint of defiance: "Hmph, are you trying to pretend you've forgotten? Don't forget you're my man. Wherever you go, I'll naturally follow."

Shen Mo immediately stopped her, saying, "Miss, don't be willful. The place I'm going to is very dangerous." His voice was serious and firm, and he looked directly at Murong Qing, trying to make her understand the seriousness of the matter.

Murong Qing was stunned for a moment, clearly shocked by Shen Mo's words. A flicker of wavering crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her stubbornness. "I don't care," she said softly, "as long as I can be with you, it doesn't matter where we go."