Wandering Swordsman |

Back in his residence, Situ Changkong sat at the table, his brow furrowed. He knew he was walking a thorny path, every step fraught with unknowns and dangers. But to completely destroy Shen Mo and extinguish Situ Meng's hopes, he was willing to pay any price.

Just then, a slight breeze rustled outside the window, as if reminding him that the path of the martial world was never smooth. Situ Changkong took a deep breath and decided to act quickly. He wanted Shen Mo to bear the identity of a spy for the Demonic Sect as soon as possible, even if it meant going against his own sense of justice.

......

Two days later, with the opening of the "Elite Academy" fast approaching, the martial arts alliance was bustling with activity. Although Shen Mo, as a member of the Murong family, had already qualified to enter the academy, Situ Changkong planned to exploit Shen Mo's non-Murong family background.

In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the courtyard floor, like a silent omens. A gentle breeze swept by, swirling a few withered leaves that drifted down, carrying a touch of coolness.

Shen Mo was practicing his sword in front of the residence he had been assigned.

Dressed in snow-white robes, his figure was graceful and elegant. The long sword in his hand gleamed coldly, leaving silver arcs as it sliced ​​through the air. He stopped and turned around, intending to rest for a moment, when he suddenly heard footsteps coming from the other end of the stone path.

Looking up, he saw that the person who had come was Situ Changkong.

"Brother Shen, it's been a long time. How have you been?" His voice was gentle and warm, and his smile was as warm as a spring breeze, as if the two were not old acquaintances who had not seen each other for many years, but close friends who had been reunited after a long separation.

Shen Mo smiled slightly, but a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes. "Brother Situ! So you're also in the Martial Alliance."

Situ Changkong approached slowly, his robes fluttering in the wind, his expression as gentle as ever. "Brother Shen, I've heard you're not from the Murong family. Given your status... I'm afraid you'll encounter some trouble upon entering the sect."

He spoke in a low voice, his brows furrowed with concern, and went straight to the point, as if he were genuinely worried about Shen Mo.

Shen Mo listened quietly, his expression unchanged, a faint smile still playing on his lips. He didn't know why Situ Changkong had said these words to him upon seeing him, but seeing the sincerity in his tone, Shen Mo decided to observe and see what Situ Changkong was really up to.

Sure enough, Situ Changkong paused for a moment, then slowly said, "However, I do have an acquaintance who is a high-ranking official at the academy, and we have a very close personal relationship. If I can introduce you, I will definitely be able to get you into the academy smoothly. Brother Shen, for the sake of our long-standing friendship, I am willing to give it a try for you."

Shen Mo raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze lingering on his face for a moment, a half-smile on his face: "Brother Situ is so kind, I am truly grateful. However..." He gently sheathed his longsword, stood with his hands behind his back, "Leaving aside my identity as a member of the Murong family, I think that with my current martial arts skills, even without that connection, entering the 'Elite Academy' wouldn't be difficult."

As soon as he finished speaking, the courtyard seemed to fall silent for a moment. The wind rustled through the treetops, as if waiting for Situ Changkong's response.

Situ Changkong's smile didn't fade, but a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. He seemed to have anticipated that Shen Mo wouldn't agree so easily, so he quickly added, "It's good that Brother Shen has this confidence. However, the martial world is treacherous and the rules are strict. An extra layer of protection is always good. Besides, this high-ranking official trusts me quite a bit. If I were to introduce him, it would not only reduce obstacles when he enters the academy, but also provide him with more support in the future."

As he said this, his tone suddenly softened, as if he were speaking from a comforting heart: "Brother Shen, since we are old acquaintances, how could I possibly harm you?"

Shen Mo looked at him, his eyes calm and composed, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Since Brother Situ insists, then I shall respectfully comply. I would like to trouble you to arrange for me to be introduced to that high-ranking person of yours."

A glint of triumph flashed in Situ Changkong's eyes, which he quickly concealed, and he nodded with a smile: "Alright, I'll make the arrangements right away. Come to my residence at midnight tonight."

After saying that, he turned and left, his shadow stretching long in the sunlight, like a wolf that had been lurking for a long time, finally smelling the scent of its prey.

After Situ Changkong walked away, Shen Mo stood there, gazing in the direction he had gone. The smile on Shen Mo's lips gradually faded, replaced by a deep contemplation. He wanted to see what Situ Changkong was planning to do.

......

At night, the moonlight shone like water on the Martial Alliance, bringing a touch of coolness. Shen Mo arrived at Situ Changkong's residence as promised.

Then, Shen Mo stepped into Situ Changkong's residence with light, steady steps and a calm expression. His eyes, however, were as sharp as a hawk's, keenly detecting a strange aura in the air—a remnant of demonic energy deeply hidden within his meridians, cold and eerie, yet deliberately concealed to the point of being almost imperceptible. Had he not already reached a martial arts realm that transcended its limits, he wouldn't have been able to detect it.

The candlelight flickered in the room, illuminating a tall, slender figure. The person, clad in a black robe and wearing a silver-threaded mask, stood by the window, seemingly having waited for a long time.

"Brother Shen, this is Senior Ling whom I mentioned." Situ Changkong's voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of respect in his tone. "Senior Ling, this is Shen Mo whom I often mention."

Ling Tiancheng slowly turned around, his gaze from behind the mask like two blades, sweeping over Shen Mo. His voice was low and hoarse, like the grinding of sand: "Young Master Shen, I have long admired your name. I have heard that your swordsmanship is superb and your character extraordinary. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Shen Mo cupped his hands slightly, his expression composed: "Senior is too kind. It is truly my honor to have met you."

Though his words were humble, his tone was neither servile nor arrogant, and his brows revealed a clear and composed air that caused Ling Tiancheng to feel a slight tremor in his heart. He subtly observed the young man before him, a faint unease rising within him. This young man appeared gentle and refined, but in reality, he possessed an unfathomable calmness and vigilance.

Ling Tiancheng approached slowly, his clothes fluttering slightly, as if he were casually chatting: "Young Master Shen, your composure and humility are truly rare."

Shen Mo nodded in agreement, his expression still gentle, as if he were truly listening attentively to the advice of an elder.

Just then, Ling Tiancheng suddenly raised his hand and seemingly casually patted Shen Mo's shoulder. The instant his fingertips touched Shen Mo's shoulder blade, a very subtle demonic energy quietly seeped into the skin, wandering like a snake's tongue, trying to lurk in the meridians.

However, Shen Mo had already noticed.

He neither dodged nor resisted, but instead allowed the demonic energy to enter his body. His expression remained unchanged, and even his breathing was perfectly steady. In that instant, he truly seemed to have become an unsuspecting outsider.