Wandering Swordsman |

Shortly after Master Zhang's arrival, the guests had almost all arrived. Just as the Murong family was preparing to leave the welcoming area, suddenly, a man, a sword, and a horse slowly approached. No one present recognized him, but judging from his bearing alone, they knew he was no ordinary person. He was dressed in a blue robe, carrying a long sword, and riding a jet-black steed, resembling a chivalrous figure from an ancient painting.

When the man arrived at the gate of the Murong family, Shen Mo immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "Welcome, Master." His voice was soft but clear and strong, as if it carried endless respect and gratitude.

"Master?" This completely baffled everyone present. Hadn't Shen Mo's master, Luo Wangchen, already gone in? Why was another master here now? Everyone around was curious about this person's identity, casting inquiring glances, and a subtle tension filled the air.

The man slowly dismounted, revealing a face that was slightly weathered yet full of heroic spirit—it was none other than Yang Zhi, the Sunset Swordsman. His arrival was like a gentle breeze across a lake, refreshing and delightful.

Yang Zhi smiled slightly and patted Shen Mo's shoulder. "Disciple, today is an important moment in your life. Your master is late." His voice was deep and powerful, like a resounding bell, inspiring respect in everyone. Every word seemed to carry an invisible force, making people feel at ease and trusting.

Judging from Yang Zhi's imposing presence and Shen Mo's way of addressing him, Murong Liang quickly guessed that this person must be a renowned master from the Northern Desert—Sunset Swordsman Yang Zhi. Therefore, Murong Liang immediately went to the door to personally greet him, a gentle smile on his face. "You must be the Sunset Swordsman Yang, sir. It's truly a pleasure to meet you in person." His tone was full of respect and enthusiasm, every word seemingly carrying an invisible sense of reverence and expectation.

Yang Zhi returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his gaze deep and composed. "Patriarch Murong, you are too kind. Today is my disciple's engagement day, how could I, as his master, not come?" His words were as steady and powerful as a bell, yet they were not without humility, inspiring respect in everyone.

"What esteemed Master Yang says is absolutely right, please come in!" Murong Liang immediately lowered his patriarchal demeanor and welcomed Yang Zhi inside. He bowed respectfully with his hands clasped, leading Yang Zhi with each step solemn and steady, as if silently conveying the highest respect for this martial arts senior. The servants in the courtyard quickly reacted, bowing in greeting, making the whole scene both solemn and harmonious.

Only now did everyone in the Murong family realize that everything Shen Mo had said was true. With his status as a guest elder of Wudang and a disciple of the Sunset Swordsman, Murong Qing's background was indeed not considered a marriage of convenience. Upon hearing the title "Sunset Swordsman," gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd; clearly, everyone had long heard of this renowned swordsman of the Northern Desert.

Some whispered among themselves, "So the betrothed of the seventh young lady of the Murong family not only has deep ties with the Wudang Sect, but the Wudang Sect leader himself is also present, and he's even a disciple of the Sunset Swordsman!" Others cast envious glances, secretly marveling at Shen Mo's extraordinary background. Their eyes were filled with admiration and curiosity, as if trying to find more legendary traces in this young man.

......

The auspicious hour had arrived, and the Murong family was filled with guests. Relatives from all over gathered, their faces beaming with joy. The grand engagement ceremony held by the Murong family for Shen Mo and Murong Qing was about to begin.

"Dear friends and family, today is a joyous day for my granddaughter Murong Qing and Shen Mo's engagement ceremony. May they be a match made in heaven and forever united in heart." Murong Liang stood on the high platform, his posture upright, his gaze firm yet gentle. His voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the ceremony venue, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere.

After Murong Liang finished speaking, the guests below the stage applauded and congratulated him, and the applause was thunderous.

Just then, the solemn and joyous engagement ceremony was suddenly shattered by a commotion. The sound was like a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's ears, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Suddenly, a woman rushed out from the Huangfu family's group. She was dressed in plain clothes, her hair was disheveled, and her steps were unsteady yet carried a resolute air, like a ghost emerging from hell. Most striking was her prominently protruding belly—a noticeably swollen stomach that trembled slightly as she ran, as if it were about to fall to the ground at any moment.

"Shen Mo!" she screamed, her voice shrill and piercing, as if tearing the world apart. She knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face, her hands clutching her already swollen belly as if it were her last lifeline. "How could you do this to me? We're having a child, how could you abandon me?"

The scene unfolded so quickly and suddenly that almost everyone present had no time to react before their gazes were fixed on Shen Mo and Murong Qing. The air in the courtyard seemed to freeze, even the wind held its breath. The once bustling scene fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the pregnant woman's cries echoing in the night sky, mingling with the rustling of leaves in the breeze, like a mournful elegy.

The guests exchanged bewildered glances. Some whispered amongst themselves, some covered their mouths in shock, and others wore expressions of doubt. Some even subtly turned their gazes to Murong Liang, awaiting the response of the head of the Murong family. Meanwhile, among the crowd, members of the Huangfu family wore smug smiles, their eyes filled with mockery and disdain. They seemed to already see the Murong family's embarrassment and disgrace, and even more so, the scene of Shen Mo's disgrace and ruin.

However, faced with this sudden accusation, Murong Qing remained calm and composed, like a white lotus in the eye of a storm, untouched by dust and as immovable as a mountain. She showed no panic; instead, her resolve only strengthened. She slowly rose, her skirt swaying gently like ripples on water under the moonlight. She walked softly to Shen Mo's side, extended her jade-like hand, and gently yet firmly grasped his palm.

"Shen Mo, I believe in you." Her voice was soft as water, yet clear and resonant, seemingly penetrating everyone's hearts. Her eyes shone with trust and tenderness, a kind of understanding and support that needed no words, an emotion that would not waver even if the world were to collapse.

Murong Qing's words deeply moved Shen Mo. He turned to look at her, a hint of gratitude and affection flashing in his eyes.

He then strode forward, his figure as upright as a pine tree, his gaze firm and composed, as if unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. Standing before the crowd, meeting countless complex gazes, he said in a deep voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, please hear me out." His voice was steady and powerful, each word striking the hearts of everyone like a heavy hammer blow, awe-inspiring, "Everything this young lady said is a lie. I have absolutely no relationship with her."