Wandering Swordsman |

Murong Wei's narrow phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, a mocking glint flashing in them. His slender fingers casually stroked the white jade thumb ring, his gaze sweeping over the young man named Shen Mo from head to toe like a knife. In his eyes, the name 'Shen Mo' sounded utterly baseless; this was a golden opportunity to prove himself and give the Huangfu family a way out.

"Shen Mo?" Murong Wei deliberately dragged out his words, asking with a hint of disdain, "What sect or school do you come from? And what kind of family background do you have that's worthy of our Seventh Sister?"

Murong Wei's words were like a sharp sword, piercing straight to Shen Mo's heart. He was trying to suppress Shen Mo in this way, while also showing the Huangfu family his stance: even if the family head doesn't support him, I, Murong Wei, am on the side of your Huangfu family.

However, to everyone's surprise, Shen Mo simply smiled faintly in the face of Murong Wei's provocation, his eyes revealing a composure and confidence beyond his years, as if he had already seen through all the conspiracies and tricks.

Faced with Murong Wei's questioning, Shen Mo showed no sign of panic. His gaze was as deep and calm as an ancient well, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips. "That's not quite right," he said slowly, his voice soft yet clear and powerful, each word carrying an undeniable authority. "Indeed, I come from humble origins and have no illustrious family background to rely on. However, you should all have heard of my master, the 'Sunset Swordsman.' Furthermore, the Wudang Sect Leader treats me as an equal and has granted me the title of 'Wudang Guest Elder.'"

These words were like a bombshell dropped into the already turbulent hall. In an instant, the Huangfu family erupted in laughter, their laughter filled with disdain and mockery, as if they had heard the most absurd thing in the world. "Boy, you've blown your own horn way too big!" Huangfu Haotian exaggeratedly slammed his hand on the table, laughing so hard he almost fell over. "The Wudang Sect Leader is a very important figure in the martial arts world, and Wudang is one of the Nine Sects, its status and prestige in no way inferior to the Eight Great Families. You actually say you're on equal footing with him? Isn't that the most ridiculous thing ever? Besides, Sunset Swordsman has lived in the northern deserts for a long time, he's not a master from the Central Plains, and you, a person from the Central Plains, actually claim to be his disciple?"

Seeing this, Murong Wei's eyes flashed with a smug light. He sneered and turned to Murong Qing, saying, "Seventh Sister, this young man dares to spout such nonsense at such a young age. He is truly unworthy of you, the jewel of the Murong family. Have you really thought this through?" As he spoke, he deliberately slowed his pace, each word like a fine needle, piercing Murong Qing's heart with a chilling intent, attempting to shake her resolve.

However, Murong Qing merely smiled faintly, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze caressing willows, tender yet resolute. She stood up, her gaze clear and bright, like the moon reflected in autumn water, and looked directly at Murong Wei, saying without backing down, "Third Brother, I believe every word Shen Mo said. Because I know what kind of person he is—his abilities, his character, his temperament, I have witnessed them all with my own eyes."

At this moment, Shen Mo felt a warm current surge in his heart. He knew that Murong Qing's trust and support were the greatest encouragement to him. He raised his head and looked directly at the Huangfu family members who were mocking him. There was no anger or fear in his eyes, only composure and confidence.

Murong Qing's words silenced the entire room. Some whispered amongst themselves, others cast strange glances, and still others sighed inwardly at the difference in stance between the siblings. The most tense person present was none other than Murong Liang—the head of the Murong family. He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, it would not only jeopardize Shen Mo's safety but could also thrust the entire Murong clan into the eye of the storm.

Just then, Huangfu Haotian suddenly stood up, his voice loud and imposing: "Since that's the case, it's not difficult to prove it." He paused, looked around the room, his eyes cold and stern, "Why don't we let the retainer of the Murong family spar with this 'Wudang Guest Elder', so that everyone can see his true skills."

Having said that, he raised his hand and waved it, and a middle-aged man in a gray robe, with a cold face and a thin figure, slowly stepped out. This man was none other than the renowned Shadowless Blade Saint of the martial world: Bai Yijue!

Everyone present knew Bai Yijue's identity except for Shen Mo.

Shen Mo remained calm, his gaze indifferently fixed on Bai Yijue. He could clearly sense the other's aura—though sharp and ruthless, it was far less profound and deep than that of Sect Leader Zhang Taixuan. In Shen Mo's eyes, this was merely a swordsman with a slight understanding of internal energy; even if he only used a fraction of his power, it would be enough to defeat him.

Upon seeing Bai Yijue step forward, Murong Liang's expression changed drastically. He immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Brother Huangfu, Master Bai is a renowned master of the martial world. If he were to fight with a junior today, it would likely damage his reputation."

As soon as he finished speaking, several elders of the Murong family echoed his sentiments, urging him to stop the duel. It wasn't that they were afraid of fighting, but rather that they were well aware of the danger involved—this was not a fair contest, but a deliberate trap to kill.

Huangfu Haotian laughed heartily upon hearing this, a chilling glint in his eyes: "Oh dear, Brother Murong, you're overthinking it. As a disciple of the Sunset Swordsman and a guest elder of Wudang, your strength must be extraordinary. Even if you're temporarily outmatched, you should be able to protect yourself, right?"

His words, seemingly comforting, were actually a relentless pressure, pushing Shen Mo into the ring. Whether he accepted the challenge or not, he would be at a disadvantage. Refusing would be cowardly, disgracing the Murong family; accepting the challenge would likely mean certain death.

Shen Mo remained seated, composed. He slowly raised his head, his gaze as clear as the morning star, and said in a calm yet undeniable tone, "If a contest is desired, that's fine. However, in a contest, swords have no eyes; if there are deaths or injuries, who will take responsibility?"

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Haotian's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he was overjoyed: This kid actually delivered himself to my door!

He immediately slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his smile both alluring and chilling: "Very well! Since young hero has the courage to accept the challenge, then let the Murong family be our witnesses and establish the rules—life and death are the sole responsibility of the individual, victory or defeat is irrelevant. Today's matter is settled here, how about it?"

The air in the hall seemed to freeze. Murong Qing bit her lip, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes; Murong Liang frowned, his fists clenching silently; while Shen Mo slowly rose, his robes fluttering like pine trees in the wind, and said in a deep voice:

"Alright, let's go then."

His words, though spoken softly, resonated like thunder in everyone's hearts.

Bai Yijue seemed amused by Shen Mo's words: "Hahaha, you're really fearless. This place is too small; we can't really unleash our full power here. Let's go outside."