Wandering Swordsman |

The middle-aged man, slightly out of breath, straightened his clothes and said, "Shen Mo, I'm Shen Tao, your uncle. I want to explain what happened earlier." His eyes revealed a hint of sincerity and concern. "Don't take your grandmother's words too seriously. The reason she's so angry is because she feels that your mother abducted your father back then, causing her most beloved son to leave her. That's why she dislikes you."

Shen Mo frowned slightly, but still nodded politely, signaling the other party to continue.

Shen Tao sighed and continued, "Actually, we all know that's not the case. Your parents' feelings were genuine, but the circumstances at the time forced them to leave. Your mother, Madam Wen, was a kind person; she never intended to hurt anyone. It's just that the old lady has never been able to let go of the past."

Shen Mo's gaze softened slightly, and he replied softly, "Young Master, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Shen Tao's tone suddenly turned serious. "Actually, I have an important clue to tell you. Your grandfather might still be alive."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo thought he had misheard, so he immediately repeated, "My maternal grandfather?"

Shen Tao slowly said, "After your mother and father left, your maternal grandfather also left Shenjiazhuang heartbroken. Later, I secretly asked someone to investigate your maternal grandfather's whereabouts. After leaving Shenjiazhuang, he went to Shaolin Temple to become a monk. It seems that your mother's departure was a great blow to your maternal grandfather. If you could go to Shaolin Temple to see your maternal grandfather, perhaps you could resolve his long-standing inner conflict."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo felt a complex mix of emotions. He had never imagined that his maternal grandfather was still alive and even a monk at the Shaolin Temple. This news both surprised him and brought him new hope.

However, upon learning this news about his maternal grandfather, Shen Mo showed no emotional fluctuation, as if it were all unrelated to him. His eyes remained calm and resolute, as if deliberately concealing the turmoil within. He then said calmly, "Thank you for informing me, Young Master, but my maternal grandfather, whom I've never met, was never mentioned by my parents when they were alive. Why should I waste my time looking for him now? I'll take my leave now."

In truth, Shen Mo was filled with concerns. He knew that if he showed too much concern for his grandfather at this time, the old lady might use it against him. The old lady's attitude and words had already shown her deep hostility towards his mother and him. If she became aware of his concern for his grandfather, it might cause unnecessary trouble or even put his grandfather in danger.

After saying that, Shen Mo walked away without looking back. His steps were firm and powerful, as if each step was telling him to remain calm and rational. Although he felt a surge of excitement deep down about the news from his grandfather, he knew he had to restrain himself and not let anyone see his true thoughts.

Shen Tao watched Shen Mo leave, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes. He had hoped Shen Mo would show more enthusiasm and gratitude. However, Shen Mo's indifference made him realize that this young man was far more mature and ruthless than he had imagined.

Shen Tao sighed softly, turned around and entered Shen Family Village, heading towards the old lady's room.

The old lady sat in the room, her face ashen. Seeing Shen Tao enter, she coldly asked, "That boy left?"

Shen Tao nodded. "Yes, Madam. He has already left."

The old lady snorted, "Hmph, what an ungrateful brat! How did he react when he heard about that lowly servant's father?"

Shen Tao hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell Shen Mo the truth about his grandfather's attitude. "Mother, Shen Mo doesn't seem to care much about his grandfather's affairs. He acts very indifferent, as if his grandfather's continued existence has no effect on him."

The old lady frowned slightly, clearly surprised by the news. "Oh? He doesn't seem to care at all?"

Shen Tao continued, "Yes, Mother."

The old lady nodded, her eyes filled with disdain: "He really is just as heartless and ungrateful as his parents."

......

Ten days later, Shen Mo appeared at the foot of Wudang Mountain.

At this moment, Wudang Mountain was shrouded in morning mist, with distant peaks appearing and disappearing in the mist, resembling a fairyland. At the foot of the mountain, lush trees provided shade, streams murmured, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, creating a natural painting. Standing at the foot of the mountain, Shen Mo looked up at the majestic peaks, a sense of awe welling up within him.

Shen Mo noticed that disciples from other sects were also gathered in the small town at the foot of Wudang Mountain. These disciples were either in small groups or walking together, and each of them had an expression of anticipation and excitement on their face. Curious, Shen Mo walked into a teahouse, wanting to find out why so many martial arts practitioners had gathered there.

The teahouse was bustling with activity, as disciples from various sects sat together, conversing in hushed tones. Shen Mo found a seat by the window, ordered a pot of tea, and quietly listened to the conversations around him.

"It seems that the Taoist temple fair held in Wudang on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month this year is unprecedentedly grand." A Huashan Sect disciple at the next table said to his fellow disciples while drinking.

Another person immediately chimed in, "Senior brother, I heard that this grand event held at Wudang Mountain is even more spectacular than the one our Huashan Sect hosted last time."

Another person shook their head regretfully, saying, "It's a pity that Junior Sister didn't come this time. If she had, her presence alongside Zhou Xinlian would definitely have been a highlight of the event."

......

Shen Mo smiled slightly. After learning about the Taoist temple fair on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, he was moved and decided to go up the mountain to pay his respects to Master Zhang as soon as possible. There were not many days left until the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. If he went too late, he was afraid that Master Zhang would be busy with other things and would not have time to see him.

After leaving the teahouse, Shen Mo quickened his pace, preparing to go to Wudang Mountain to visit Master Zhang.

As he walked along the mountain path, he suddenly heard a light, cheerful laugh coming from ahead. Looking up, he saw a female disciple of the Emei Sect leading two other female disciples of the same sect up the mountain, followed by some male disciples from the Qingcheng and Kunlun Sects. The male disciples were extremely obsequious to the leading female disciple of the Emei Sect, their words filled with flattery.

Shen Mo glanced curiously at the leading female disciple of the Emei Sect and found her to be very beautiful. Although not quite as beautiful as Situ Meng or Murong Qing, she was still quite similar. Her appearance was dignified and elegant, and her demeanor was refined, exuding a unique charm in every gesture.

An older male disciple from the Qingcheng Sect said with a fawning smile, "Junior Sister Zhou, it is truly an honor to travel with you today. Your beauty is like a flower in spring, pleasing to the eye and bringing joy to the heart."

Another male disciple from the Kunlun Sect, not to be outdone, immediately chimed in, "That's right, Junior Sister Zhou! Not only are you the chief disciple of the Emei Sect at such a young age, but you're also renowned throughout the martial world as 'The Beauty Who Hides the Moon.' We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to witness your beauty!"