Wandering Swordsman |

When he saw that the person who came was an old man, a look of surprise flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his composure and bowed respectfully: "Senior Valley Master."

The old man waved his hand with a half-smile, his tone calm and friendly: "Alliance Leader, there's no need for such formalities. Just call me Mr. Wang as you always do within the Martial Arts Alliance."

Situ Dengfeng shook his head and said with a respectful expression, "There are only the two of us here, and no third person is present, so it is more appropriate to address him as Valley Master."

The old man nodded, his gaze turning serious: "The Bookworm has returned to Ghost Valley, bringing back a lot of information. It involves many things related to the Demonic Sect back then, even including a mysterious force in the Western Regions called the 'Heavenly Demon God Sect'."

Upon hearing the words "Heavenly Demon Sect," Situ Dengfeng frowned and sighed deeply: "We haven't even figured out the situation with the overseas heretical cultivators that have emerged in recent years, and now another 'Heavenly Demon Sect' has appeared in the Western Regions. It seems that the Martial Alliance still has a long way to go in maintaining stability in the Central Plains martial arts world."

The old man walked to Situ Dengfeng's side and gently comforted him, "Alliance Leader, there's no need to worry too much. Although the situation is dire, the Martial Alliance is not fighting alone. The intelligence networks of Ghost Valley and Beggar Clan are all over the world. As long as we figure out all the intelligence, I believe the Martial Alliance will definitely find a way to break through."

Situ Dengfeng nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "The Valley Master is right. The establishment of the 'Elite Academy' is precisely for this purpose. I hope these young people can grow up quickly, shoulder important responsibilities, and maintain peace in the Central Plains martial arts world."

The old man smiled and said, "Alliance Leader, there's no need to be in such a hurry. Sometimes, patience is a strength. Just like this Disciples' Tower, it has weathered many storms but still stands firm, thanks to its unwavering belief."

After a brief pause, the old man continued, "Among the young people who passed the test today, I found that some of them have potential no less than yours back then. Especially that young man named Shen Mo who married into the Murong family."

"Actually, I received a letter from the bookworm five years ago introducing him. Meeting him today, I can see he is indeed extraordinary. I believe he will surely surpass you in the future and take over your mission of protecting the martial arts world of the Central Plains." The old man's eyes gleamed with admiration and expectation.

Upon hearing the old man's high praise for Shen Mo, Situ Dengfeng smiled slightly, seemingly pleased that Shen Mo had gained the old man's approval, or perhaps feeling reassured and proud because the old man said Shen Mo could succeed him.

He knew how difficult it was to find a qualified successor in this unpredictable world.

Two top figures in the martial arts world stood inside the tower, gazing at the moonlight spilling across the earth through the window, their hearts filled with contemplation and anticipation for the future. A gentle night breeze brought a touch of coolness, seemingly adding a solemnity to this late-night conversation.

"Valley Master," Situ Dengfeng suddenly spoke, "Now that the Bookworm has returned to Ghost Valley, do you have any further information about the 'Heavenly Demon Sect'?"

The old man was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "According to the intelligence brought back by the bookworm, the 'Heavenly Demon Sect' is not only powerful but also acts in secret, and it is far from the Central Plains. We need to be more cautious about the 'Heavenly Demon Sect' and not act rashly."

Situ Dengfeng frowned slightly, clearly worried about the news. However, just as he was about to ask further questions, the old man spoke again: "But compared to the matter of the Heavenly Demon God Sect, there is another matter I have come to discuss with you."

"Valley Master, please speak?" Situ Dengfeng immediately focused his attention, waiting for the old man to continue.

The old man took a deep breath, his tone becoming serious: "The intelligence from the Bookworm's investigation shows that Ding Chengfeng, the leader of the Black Wind Gang, has private connections with the Diancang Sect. The Martial Alliance needs to pay special attention to this; is there anything unusual about the Diancang Sect?"

Hearing this, Situ Dengfeng's expression became even more solemn. "Valley Master, rest assured, I will order the alliance to closely monitor the Black Wind Gang's movements and ensure that nothing that threatens the Central Plains martial arts world occurs. As for the Diancang Sect, since it involves high-ranking members of the martial arts alliance, the alliance cannot intervene directly. Therefore, I would like to ask the Valley Master to send someone to investigate."

The old man nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes: "Very well, then I shall take my leave."

However, Situ Dengfeng called out to the old man, "Valley Master, please wait. I have someone to recommend regarding the matter of investigating Diancang."

The old man cast a curious glance his way: "Who?"

Situ Dengfeng answered softly, "Shen Mo!"

"Alright, I'll have a talk with him first." After saying that, the Valley Master turned and left.

As Situ Dengfeng watched the old man's figure slowly disappear into the night, an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.

Moonlight spilled onto the stone tower, outlining silver contours and highlighting the solemnity and mystery of this ancient building.

A gentle night breeze swept by, bringing a touch of coolness, yet also a sense of tranquility.

Memories flooded back, and Situ Dengfeng couldn't help but recall the scene when the Martial Alliance was preparing to establish the academy.

At that time, he went to great lengths and traveled far and wide to find a highly respected person with outstanding martial arts skills to serve as the head of the academy.

In the end, he personally went to Guigu Valley to invite the legendary reclusive master, Guiguzi.

At the time, he was unsure whether Guiguzi would agree, since the people of Guiguzi rarely concerned themselves with worldly affairs anymore.

However, when he stepped into Ghost Valley and saw the white-haired, youthful-looking old man, a strange sense of trust welled up in his heart.

Guiguzi's gaze was as deep as a pool, as if he could see through all the truths of the world, yet it also carried a transcendent tranquility and wisdom.

After a sincere conversation, Guiguzi immediately agreed to his request and agreed to serve as the headmaster of the "Elite Academy," only asking Situ Dengfeng to keep his identity as Guiguzi a secret.

Standing inside the Jieshi Tower, gazing in the direction Guiguzi had departed, Situ Dengfeng felt even more strongly how wise his initial decision had been.

He knew all too well how difficult it was to find a truly trustworthy mentor in this unpredictable world, one who could guide the younger generation towards a bright future. After speaking with Guiguzi, he was deeply moved by Guiguzi's wisdom and character. Guiguzi not only possessed profound martial arts skills but also had a heart devoted to the public good—exactly the ideal leader of an academy that Situ Dengfeng considered ideal.

"It's truly a blessing for the Central Plains martial arts world to have Mr. Wang as its headmaster," Situ Dengfeng murmured to himself, a faint smile playing on his lips. He knew that with Guiguzi's guidance, the young people at the academy would surely thrive in the future and become pillars of the Central Plains martial arts world.

A gentle night breeze carried a chill, yet it also sharpened Situ Dengfeng's thoughts. Inside the ancient Disciples' Tower, Situ Dengfeng stood alone, his heart filled with trust and hope. He knew the responsibility on his shoulders remained heavy, but with a respected elder like Guiguzi by his side, he felt immensely at ease.