Wandering Swordsman |

Shen Mo actually completed the internal energy circulation of the "Tiger-Breaking Heart Method" in just one attempt. Although this internal energy method was not considered particularly profound, Ouyang Song still revealed a look of disbelief in his eyes.

When Ouyang Song examined Shen Mo's meridians earlier, he learned that Shen Mo had never been exposed to internal energy cultivation, nor had he undergone systematic training. Moreover, it was unbelievable that he could so quickly master the operation of an internal energy cultivation technique after only a few days of practicing martial arts.

Under the moonlight, Shen Mo's face was serene, his breathing steady and deep, as if he had just completed a period of meditation. A resolute light shone in his eyes, making him appear even more composed and confident. Ouyang Song nodded slightly, his heart filled with emotion. Looking at Shen Mo, an indescribable excitement welled up within him. 'The Heavenly Martial Body is indeed powerful!'

He pondered to himself that with Shen Mo's Heavenly Martial Body, he would surely reach a level of martial arts that ordinary people could hardly attain. He needed to ensure that He Yun maintained a good relationship with Shen Mo; this would be entirely beneficial for He Yun.

"Shen Mo, you did very well," Ouyang Song said, his tone tinged with satisfaction. "To be able to cultivate so smoothly on your first attempt shows that you not only have talent but also comprehension. Keep up the good work, and you will make even greater progress."

Hearing Ouyang Song's praise, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart and quickly stood up, bowing again to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Ouyang. I will certainly live up to your expectations and diligently cultivate."

Ouyang Song also stood up, patted Shen Mo's shoulder, smiled slightly, and said with a hint of affection in his voice, "With your temperament and comprehension, you will definitely achieve something in martial arts. Remember, the path of martial arts requires not only diligence but also wisdom and perseverance. You are currently only at the initial stage of mastering the 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Method,' so you still need to practice diligently. If you can master the 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Method' to the intermediate or even advanced stage, then combined with your Heavenly Gang Sword Technique, you will surely make a name for yourself in the martial world."

Feeling encouraged by Ouyang Song, Shen Mo's resolve strengthened. He took a deep breath and nodded, "This junior will remember your teachings, senior."

The third watch of the night had passed, and the moonlight, like water, spilled into the tranquil courtyard. Shen Mo bid farewell to Ouyang Song and returned to his guest room alone.

Standing at the door, Shen Mo recalled Ouyang Song's guidance tonight, and an indescribable sense of gratitude welled up in his heart. He remembered Ouyang Song's kind face and encouraging words; every detail was deeply etched in his mind. He felt as if his fate had taken a turn at this moment, from a helpless orphan to someone who now possessed internal strength, with a future full of infinite possibilities.

"Thanks to Senior Ouyang's guidance, I now have the strength to fight against evil people," Shen Mo thought to himself with gratitude. He recalled his past hardships, the days of being bullied and ridiculed, which seemed to vanish in this moment. At this moment, Shen Mo was no longer the young beggar who could be bullied at will, but a martial artist who had the strength to fight against evil people.

Shen Mo slowly walked to the bedside, sat on the edge of the bed, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He once again activated his internal energy, circulating the "Tiger-Breaking Heart Technique".

He felt the internal energy flowing slowly within his body, as if a warm force was nourishing every cell of his body.

Shen Mo gently lay down, resting his head on the soft pillow, closed his eyes, and felt the night breeze gently blowing in through the cracks in the window, bringing a touch of coolness. He felt that the knot in his heart, which had been tossing and turning in the first half of the night because of his own inadequacy, was completely untied at this moment, and all his troubles and worries drifted away with the night breeze.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Shen Mo's face and adding a serene glow. He felt an unprecedented peace in his heart, as if all his weariness and worries had vanished in that moment. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, feeling his body and mind completely relax.

Shen Mo slowly closed his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his lips. Moonlight, like water, bathed the quiet room, adding to the tranquility and beauty of the night. Nestled in the warm blankets, Shen Mo drifted off to sleep, filled with gratitude and excitement.

......

The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, several figures appeared at the gate of the wealthy man's residence. A gentle breeze carried the coolness of early autumn, and the air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers, as if even nature itself was adding a touch of warmth to this moment of impending farewell.

Master Wang, dressed in a blue robe and wearing a square scarf, had a kind face with a hint of seriousness. He stood side by side with Ouyang Song, his eyes filled with both reluctance and expectation, as if he were silently blessing the three people who were about to leave.

He Yun, Shen Mo, and Zhao Xue each carried their own bags, clearly having made all the necessary arrangements and ready to set off.

"My three young friends, the journey ahead is long and arduous. May you have a safe trip," said Master Wang, his voice gentle yet firm.

He Yun cupped his hands in a respectful bow, remaining silent, and responded with the etiquette expected of people from the martial arts world.

Ouyang Song stood to the side, his gaze complex as he looked at He Yun, his tone heavy with concern: "Yun'er, the Black Wind Gang has been unusually active in the martial world lately. After you set off, be sure to be careful on the road and don't be careless." His words were full of concern, as if reminding He Yun that the martial world was not just about chivalry and revenge, but also about hidden dangers.

As soon as Ouyang Song finished speaking, Master Wang gestured to his servant to bring over a tray of gleaming silver and place it in front of He Yun: "Young Hero He, it's fortunate that you helped with Liu Ming's matter, otherwise I really don't know what to do. This is a small token of my appreciation, and I hope that Young Hero He can use it for travel expenses so that you can have a more comfortable journey."

Upon hearing this, He Yun hurriedly declined, saying, "Master Wang, it is something every江湖人 (jianghu person) would do to help those in need. I appreciate your kindness, but I really cannot accept this money."

Just as Master Wang was about to argue, Wang Ruoling slowly walked out of the mansion. She wore a light green dress, as fresh and elegant as willow leaves in early spring. In her hands she held two brand-new iron swords, and her eyes gleamed with wisdom. She walked to her father's side and said softly, "Father, since Young Master He is unwilling to accept it, then let's not force him."

After saying this, she instructed her servants to hand one of the swords to He Yun, and said gently, "Young Master He, it's no surprise that you don't want to accept the money. I had these two bronze swords forged overnight last night. Consider one of them a gift from me to you, and I hope it will be of assistance on your journey."

The moment He Yun took the sword, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He looked up at Wang Ruoling, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes: "Miss Wang, this..." He seemed to be looking for a suitable reason to refuse.

Seeing this, Ouyang Song smiled and nodded: "Yun'er, it's rare for Miss Wang to be so kind, please accept it."

Upon hearing this, He Yun nodded solemnly, gripping the sword tightly in his hand, as if he could feel the profound affection behind the gift. He bowed again to Master Wang and Wang Ruoling, his heart filled with gratitude: "In that case, thank you, Miss Wang."

Master Wang and Wang Ruoling exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with satisfaction. They knew that the young man before them, though young, possessed extraordinary courage and a chivalrous heart, and that He Yun would surely write his own legend in the future.