Wandering Swordsman |

Shen Mo watched her quietly, his gaze slowly moving from her fingers gripping the wooden box to her slightly pale face. In that moment, he understood the persistence and determination in her eyes. It wasn't just a simple thank you, but a heartfelt expression of gratitude, a reluctance to owe anyone anything.

He sighed inwardly, and the words he wanted to politely decline were on the tip of his tongue, but he ultimately couldn't bring himself to say them.

"Okay." He finally nodded, taking the wooden box with gentle and solemn movements, as if accepting a heavy trust.

Shen Mo moved slowly, as if afraid of disturbing something. The moment his fingers touched the wooden box, his eyes glazed over for a second. He knew that what he was truly letting go of was not the pill, but the heavy guilt and unease in Zhou Xinlian's heart.

He said softly, his voice warm and gentle, "I will remember this gratitude."

Zhou Xinlian let out a soft sigh of relief, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She lowered her head and said, "Being able to repay this favor makes me feel much better."

However, after a moment of silence, she raised her head again, her expression serious and sincere: "Young Master Shen, I also want to apologize to you on behalf of the sect leader."

Shen Mo was slightly taken aback, his eyebrows twitching, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had thought that the awkwardness and silence of that night had brought this episode to a close, but he hadn't expected Zhou Xinlian to bring it up again.

"Tonight... she was too aggressive." Her voice was low and gentle, like a babbling brook, yet it carried an undeniable power. "What she said may have been hurtful, but her intention was for Emei. I hope you won't hold a grudge against Emei because of it."

She paused, her gaze softening yet firm as she looked at Shen Mo, as if trying to convey her sincerity to him word by word: "I also want you to know that I don't think that way. I understand that you are not an ungrateful person."

These words echoed softly in the room late at night, like a dewdrop falling on a lake, stirring up ripples. Shen Mo looked at her quietly, his eyes filled with complex and unreadable emotions—surprise, emotion, admiration, and a touch of indescribable tenderness.

He never imagined that after that awkward conversation, someone would stand up so frankly to speak for him, even apologizing on behalf of their sect leader. It wasn't a weak concession, but a heartfelt act of kindness and a clear-headed judgment.

He smiled gently, a warm smile curving his lips, and shook his head: "I understand Sect Leader Yun's thoughts; it's nothing more than consideration for the sect." His tone was calm, as if he were recounting a story he had long since seen through. "As for you... Miss Zhou, you really don't need to apologize for other people's affairs."

"But I'm willing." She smiled gently, her smile as tender as moonlight falling on a mountain stream, making her whole being glow with a soft light. "Because I know that you are a respectable person."

The room was completely silent, save for the rustling of the night wind through the bamboo leaves outside the window and the occasional chirping of insects in the distance, as if they too were listening to the tenderness of this moment.

"I will be leaving Wudang tomorrow. So let's leave today's matter behind." Shen Mo put the wooden box into his pocket, his tone calm as usual, but with an undeniable sense of relief.

"The temple fair doesn't end for another two days. Are you leaving already?" Zhou Xinlian paused slightly, then nodded. Her tone was soft, but carried a hint of reluctance. "Then take care on your journey. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know."

Shen Mo smiled and nodded: "Thank you."

Zhou Xinlian turned to leave, but after taking a few steps, she turned back to look at him again, her eyes seeming to hold a thousand words, which finally turned into a soft admonition: "Young Master Shen, I wish you a smooth journey ahead."

Shen Mo stood in front of the door, watching her figure disappear into the night, remaining motionless for a long time.

The stars outside remained, their soft light bathing the mountain path. A night breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees, dispelling the last trace of unease in his heart.

And in his heart, something seemed to have grown—not a heavy grudge, nor a tangled emotion, but a long-lost warmth, like a fallen leaf picked up by chance in his youth, not earth-shattering, but unforgettable.

He knew that this parting might be the last time they crossed paths in this life. But he also understood that some people, even if you've only met them a few times, can leave a light in your heart, illuminating your path forward.

As the night deepened, the world fell silent, with only the starlight remaining unspoken, yet bearing witness to all this tenderness and affection.

......

The next day, sunlight streamed through the tall lintel of the Zixiao Palace, illuminating a magnificent and resplendent scene.

Shen Mo stood in the center of the main hall and respectfully bowed to Master Zhang and Sect Leader Zhang Taixuan. "Sect Leader, Master Zhang, I have troubled you for a long time at Wudang. I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you." His voice was deep and sincere, filled with deep gratitude and reluctance.

Master Zhang waved his hand gently, a warm smile in his eyes. "Shen Mo, you're being too polite. If you hadn't come to help me at my invitation, Zhang Ye probably still wouldn't have realized his problems. Your arrival not only helped Zhang Ye but also brought new hope to the entire Wudang. Frankly, we should be thanking you."

Zhang Taixuan smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. "Indeed, Shen Mo. These past few days, discussing martial arts with you has benefited me immensely. Your understanding of martial arts far surpasses that of ordinary people, and even surpasses mine in some aspects. Your insights have shown us more possibilities. As a 'Guest Elder of Wudang,' you are not only a role model for the true disciples, but also a rare genius in this world."

Hearing Zhang Taixuan's words, Shen Mo felt a surge of warmth in his heart and quickly replied humbly, "Senior Sect Leader, you flatter me. It is my greatest honor to be able to discuss the mysteries of martial arts with you."

Zhang Taixuan nodded, his tone gentle yet full of expectation, "Shen Mo, wherever you are in the future, we look forward to your return to Wudang. No matter what happens to you in the martial world, this place will always be your support."

Shen Mo felt deeply moved by the sincerity and kindness in Zhang Zixuan and Zhang Taixuan's words. "I will definitely keep that in mind and will return to visit them."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Mo turned around and prepared to leave.

The moment he stepped out of the Zixiao Palace, a deafening voice suddenly rang out throughout the entire hall: "Respectfully bidding farewell to our Martial Uncle!" All the true disciples shouted in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall like rolling thunder.

Shen Mo stopped and turned to bow to the crowd in farewell. At that moment, Shen Mo felt the recognition and respect from all the true disciples of the Wudang Sect, a feeling that filled him with strength.

Then, he left the Zixiao Palace with firm steps, followed by the gazes of the Wudang Sect's true disciples, whose gazes held both respect and reluctance to part.

At this moment, the wind blowing in from outside the main hall seemed to soften, as if silently praying for Shen Mo's departure.