Wandering Swordsman |

Hearing this, Situ Changkong felt as if a sharp knife had pierced his heart, causing him unbearable pain. He tried to maintain a calm exterior, but his inner jealousy and anger surged like a tide. "Junior Sister Meng, do you really care about him that much?" he asked through gritted teeth, a barely perceptible chill flashing in his eyes.

Situ Meng seemed to sense the unusual tone in her brother's voice. She frowned and looked at Situ Changkong seriously: "Brother Changkong, why are you suddenly asking this?"

Situ Changkong took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil. He knew that if Situ Meng discovered his true feelings of hostility towards Shen Mo, it would only push her further away. "It's nothing, I'm just worried about you." He forced a smile. "After all, Shen Mo has been missing for so many years, and now that he's suddenly reappeared, we still need to be vigilant. It would be troublesome if he were a spy for the Demonic Sect."

Situ Meng gently shook her head, her eyes resolute: "Big brother, I believe in Shen Mo. He couldn't possibly be a spy for the Demonic Sect."

Looking at the trust and determination in Situ Meng's eyes, Situ Changkong felt a wave of powerlessness. He realized that he had gradually lost the upper hand in this invisible contest. Whenever he thought about how hard he had tried to win Situ Meng's heart over the years, while she remained fixated on that figure who had disappeared many years ago, the resentment in his heart grew wildly like weeds.

"But what if he's a spy for the Demonic Sect?" Situ Changkong couldn't help but ask again, his voice tinged with despair. "What would you do if he betrayed the Martial Alliance?"

Situ Meng was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Brother Changkong, I know your concerns. However, I trust my judgment. If Shen Mo really betrays the Martial Alliance, I will be the first to stand up against him. But until then, I am willing to believe in him."

Hearing this, Situ Changkong felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew he couldn't continue this topic, or he would only make himself look more ridiculous. So, he suppressed his jealousy and forced a smile: "Alright, Junior Sister Meng, I hope you're right."

As Situ Changkong left Situ Meng's residence, his steps were unusually heavy. He knew all too well that his jealousy towards Shen Mo was gradually eroding his reason. Every time he saw Situ Meng's affection for Shen Mo, it was like an invisible dagger, piercing his heart time and time again. He began to doubt whether he could continue to maintain this facade, or whether he would one day completely collapse and do something irreversible.

As night fell, Situ Changkong stood alone in his courtyard, gazing at the starry sky. His heart was filled with struggle and contradiction: on one hand, he felt love and desire for Situ Meng, and on the other hand, he felt endless jealousy and hatred towards Shen Mo.

......

The night was as dark as ink, and a pungent, putrid stench permeated the depths of the Martial Alliance's dungeon. Dim torches cast flickering shadows on the walls, like countless eyes peering into every corner. Situ Changkong, clad in a black robe, moved lightly through the iron gates, his heart filled with complex emotions, but his jealousy and anger made it impossible for him to turn back.

The dungeon was vast, and in a corner to the northwest, it held captured spies from the Demonic Cult, as well as others who practiced demonic arts and were suspected of being connected to the cult. The place was cold and damp, the air thick with the smell of despair and fear. In a particularly dark cell, a seemingly ordinary old man was imprisoned.

However, the old man's identity was extraordinary—he was Ling Tiancheng, the once infamous villain known as "Blood Shadow Blade." Although he was currently chained and emaciated, his deep eyes still revealed an indomitable spirit and cunning.

"You've finally come." Ling Tiancheng's voice was hoarse and deep, as if it came from the depths of hell. "I knew you would come to me someday."

Situ Changkong was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "Why are you so sure?" His voice was cold, tinged with impatience.

Ling Tiancheng sneered: "You and I are the same kind of people, so naturally I know."

"Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Situ Changkong slowly approached, squatted down, and looked directly into Ling Tiancheng's eyes. "I hope you can testify that someone is a member of the Demonic Sect." His tone was resolute, a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. "If you agree, I guarantee you'll be free after it's done."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Ling Tiancheng's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by indifference. "Do you think I'd believe you?"

Situ Changkong frowned slightly, inwardly furious, but he quickly composed himself and continued, "You have no choice. If you don't help me, I'll kill you immediately and stage your body as a suicide. But if you agree, I have a way to give you your freedom." His tone was resolute, and a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.

Ling Tiancheng remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. His gaze flickered, clearly indicating an internal struggle. "Alright," he finally spoke, "but I need to see your sincerity first."

Situ Changkong immediately took out a pill from his pocket and handed it to Ling Tiancheng. "Take this. It will open up most of the acupoints that were sealed before you were imprisoned."

Ling Tiancheng took the pill, examined it carefully, then smelled it. A look of surprise appeared on his face. "This is a Qi-Nourishing Pill!"

Situ Changkong's voice was cold and ruthless: "Not bad. Now, is my sincerity enough?"

Ling Tiancheng nodded in satisfaction: "Okay, I agree. But remember, if I find out you're lying to me, the consequences will be severe."

Seeing Ling Tiancheng accept the expensive Qi-Nourishing Pill with satisfaction, Situ Changkong stood up and smiled coldly: "Don't worry, I won't go back on my word."

Ling Tiancheng asked first, "Then, who are you trying to frame?"

Situ Changkong replied, "It's a person named 'Shen Mo,' who is currently in the Martial Alliance as a prospective student at the 'Elite Academy.'"

A sly glint flashed in Ling Tiancheng's eyes: "Shen Mo? That name sounds familiar. However, my accusation alone isn't enough. You need to arrange for me to meet Shen Mo first. If I can touch him, I can secretly transfer a portion of the demonic energy I cultivate into his body. That way, when I accuse him of cultivating demonic arts, I can produce evidence that will leave Shen Mo unable to clear his name even if he jumps into the Yellow River."

Upon hearing this, Situ Changkong's heart stirred. He knew that Ling Tiancheng's request was not without reason. As long as it could be proven that Shen Mo possessed demonic energy from cultivating demonic arts, coupled with Ling Tiancheng's identification, it would surely convince Situ Meng that Shen Mo was a spy for the Demonic Sect.

Situ Changkong said in a deep voice, "Take the Qi-Nourishing Pill to recover your strength first. I will come to find you in a couple of days after I have made the arrangements."

Situ Changkong turned to leave, but his heart was far from at ease. He knew that although the plan seemed simple, it was incredibly risky. If it failed, not only would he be utterly disgraced, but he would also completely sever ties with the Martial Alliance. However, his jealousy and resentment towards Shen Mo made it impossible for him to turn back.