Wandering Swordsman |

The disciples present were all dumbfounded. They had thought Zhang Ye was already the best among the younger generation of the Wudang Sect, but they never expected Shen Mo to master the Tai Chi Sword in such a short time and even outperform Zhang Ye. Even the Wudang Sect Leader, Zhang Taixuan, couldn't help but nod slightly, his eyes full of approval.

The moment Shen Mo perfectly replicated the Tai Chi Sword, everyone present was stunned. After all, it took Zhang Ye a full ten days to learn the Tai Chi Sword back then. Although it was already very fast compared to other true disciples who took several months to learn it, the difference was obvious compared to Shen Mo now.

Zhang Ye stood aside, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Shen Mo's current performance made him feel that losing to Shen Mo yesterday was not shameful at all. The talent and strength that Shen Mo was showing were enough to make him completely convinced.

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the hall gradually relaxed. Sunlight streamed through the tall lintel, bathing everyone in a warm glow. Zhang Taixuan nodded in satisfaction, patted Shen Mo on the shoulder, and said with praise and expectation, "Not bad, Shen Mo, your talent is truly astonishing. You actually learned it after just one look."

Changing the subject abruptly, Zhang Taixuan suddenly became interested: "Come! Let's spar!" His eyes gleamed with excitement, as if he had found a worthy opponent. This suggestion surprised everyone present, and all eyes turned to Shen Mo, wondering how he would respond.

Faced with Zhang Taixuan's challenge, Shen Mo was unsure how to respond. He then turned to Zhang Zhenren, who was unusually pleased and said, "Shen Mo, this is your senior brother's recognition of you. Accept it!"

Seeing that Master Zhang had spoken so respectfully, Shen Mo replied, "Sect Leader, then this junior will learn from your teachings."

The sparring began. Shen Mo and Zhang Taixuan each took their positions, their longswords gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

Zhang Taixuan made the first move. His swordsmanship was as natural and fluid as flowing water, each move containing profound internal strength and superb swordsmanship skills. He leaped lightly, his longsword slicing through the air with a soft whooshing sound, aiming straight for Shen Mo's heart.

Shen Mo focused intently on each of his opponent's attacks, his movements swift and precise, demonstrating exceptional martial arts skill. Facing Zhang Taixuan's first move, he remained calm, subtly dodging to the side while simultaneously twisting his longsword to deflect the attack. The two exchanged blows, their swords flashing like lightning bolts streaking through the hall, a breathtaking spectacle.

However, deep down, Shen Mo considered that if he defeated Zhang Taixuan, he would inevitably embarrass the sect leader in front of so many people. Therefore, Shen Mo, who should have easily won against Zhang Taixuan, decided to deliberately lose to him.

In the ensuing exchange, Zhang Taixuan unleashed a move called "Tai Chi Spin," the most difficult move to master in Tai Chi Sword, requiring the user to complete multiple spins in an instant while maintaining continuous sword momentum. Shen Mo, seeing this move, had a sudden thought. Instead of directly countering, he quickly retreated a few steps, deliberately slowing his pace, seemingly caught off guard.

Seeing this, Zhang Taixuan immediately seized the opportunity and thrust his sword towards Shen Mo's throat. Shen Mo quickly ducked to dodge, and at the same time, frantically raised his long sword and forcefully parried the attack, pretending to have a hard time deflecting it. He also pretended to be careless and let the sword wind brush against the corner of his clothes, tearing a gash.

Seeing this, Zhang Taixuan was secretly pleased. After exchanging blows, he vaguely realized that Shen Mo wasn't truly inferior in skill, but rather intentionally saving face for him. This magnanimity and wisdom made him admire the young man even more.

As time passed, the competition drew to a close. Zhang Taixuan unleashed the final move of the Tai Chi Sword – "Tai Chi Returns to Origin". This is a supreme technique that combines the best of all skills, requiring the user to concentrate all their internal energy at the tip of the sword and then unleash it in an instant.

Seeing this move, Shen Mo was overjoyed, knowing it was the final strike, and the most powerful attack of the Tai Chi Sword. He didn't choose to take it head-on, but instead quickly retreated a few steps, simultaneously waving his longsword lightly to deflect most of the sword energy. However, at the very last moment, he deliberately relaxed his defense, allowing Zhang Taixuan's sword tip to lightly touch his chest.

Seeing this, the outcome was clear. Shen Mo immediately sheathed his sword, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sect Leader."

"Excellent!" Zhang Taixuan sheathed his sword, a pleased smile on his face. "Shen Mo, your performance has impressed me greatly. You are not only exceptionally talented, but your martial arts skills are also quite high. Given time, you will surely surpass Situ Dengfeng and become the new 'Number One Under Heaven'."

Shen Mo smiled slightly and replied humbly, "Senior Sect Leader, you flatter me. I still have a long way to go." His tone was calm, as if what he had just experienced was not a fierce competition, but an ordinary exchange of skills.

Hearing the Wudang sect leader's high praise for Shen Mo, the true disciples were instantly moved. They all knew that such praise had never been bestowed upon their senior brother Zhang Ye, let alone an outsider. For a moment, the disciples' eyes were filled with admiration and amazement, as if they were witnessing a rising star.

Zhang Ye stood aside, feeling a mix of emotions, but mostly a deep respect and admiration for Shen Mo. He knew that although he was considered a once-in-a-century genius in the Wudang Sect, he still had a considerable gap to close with Shen Mo.

......

The next morning, sunlight filtered through dappled leaves onto the cobblestone path, and a gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees. Shen Mo followed Zhang Taixuan, the leader of Wudang Sect, along the winding mountain path toward the forbidden area behind Wudang Mountain. The two walked side by side, exchanging a few words occasionally, the atmosphere relaxed yet filled with anticipation.

"Shen Mo," Zhang Taixuan said slowly, "this forbidden area in the back mountain is one of the most sacred places in our Wudang Sect. The sect leaders and elders of all generations have left behind countless precious books and insights here."

Shen Mo nodded respectfully, his heart filled with curiosity and awe. Before long, they arrived at a cliff face, where a massive cave entrance was embedded within it, seemingly blending seamlessly with the cliff. Exquisite carvings adorned the cave entrance, and several ancient lanterns hung on either side, emitting a soft glow—a truly breathtaking sight.

"This is the forbidden area of ​​our Wudang Sect," Zhang Taixuan said, pointing to the entrance of the cave. "It not only houses the martial arts insights of the Wudang Sect's past leaders and elders, but also many classic texts on astronomy, geography, medicine, philosophy, and other subjects."