Wandering Swordsman |

Duan Qianya sat upright in the main seat, his black robe fluttering even without wind, his brows exuding a sharp and domineering aura. His gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes flashing with complex light.

"Elders," Duan Qianya slowly opened his lips, his voice low and resolute, each word as heavy as cast iron, "before midnight tonight, gather some of the elite Diancang warriors skilled in water combat to accompany me into Erhai Lake to explore the ancient tomb of the Martial God."

As soon as he finished speaking, the main hall fell into a deathly silence.

The elders looked at each other, their eyes flashing with a variety of complex emotions—excitement, doubt, and worry, but above all, absolute trust in the sect leader's decision.

"Sect Leader," Elder Yao Guangyuan of the Pill Hall broke the silence first, his tone tinged with a hint of probing, "the news of the Martial God's Tomb was brought by those overseas martial artists. If we rashly open the Martial God's Tomb ourselves, won't it trigger unpredictable dangers?"

Duan Qianya smiled slightly, but a hint of coldness lingered in his smile: "Elder Yao, since Shen Mo, sent by the Martial Alliance, has been lured to the Black Wind Gang, why don't we seize this opportunity to take control of the secrets of the Martial God's Tomb? If we can obtain the Martial God's inheritance within, the rise of our Diancang Sect will be just around the corner. Such a glorious undertaking must be undertaken, even if it involves danger!"

Upon hearing this, the elders nodded in agreement, clearly inspired by Duan Qianya's ambition.

Elder Chen Yuanshan of the Martial Hall slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his voice booming: "The Sect Leader is right! Our Diancang Sect has been ranked last among the nine sects for decades. Now that we have finally waited for such an opportunity to rise again, how can we miss it?"

Elder Liao Qingfeng stroked his long beard gently and said softly, "Sect Leader is wise, but we still need to proceed with caution. Since those overseas martial artists say that only their leader can unlock the mechanisms inside the Martial God's Tomb, it seems that the Martial God's Tomb is no ordinary place. We must be fully prepared."

Duan Qianya nodded and turned his gaze to Lin Feiyan, who was skilled in light-body techniques: "Elder Lin, you are responsible for organizing the disciples to patrol and guard the Erhai Lake coast. Make sure the operation is kept secret."

Lin Feiyan bowed and replied, "Yes, Master."

Finally, Duan Qianya's gaze fell on Zhao Zihan, the outer sect elder: "Elder Zhao, you are responsible for organizing the disciples with the best skills to serve as the vanguard. If the Martial God's Tomb is found, you will lead the way to explore the area."

Zhao Zihan smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with confidence: "Sect Leader, please rest assured, I will make the arrangements in a moment."

Having made the arrangements, Duan Qianya stood up, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze as firm as a rock: "Everyone, tonight is the crucial moment for our Diancang Sect to rewrite the landscape of the martial arts world. Success or failure hinges on this, so everyone must give it their all!"

The elders responded in unison, their voices resounding throughout the main hall, as if to spread their determination throughout the world.

With Duan Qianya's order, the elders departed one after another to begin preparing for their respective duties.

Silence returned to the main hall, with only the occasional chirping of birds outside the window, seemingly praying silently for the upcoming operation.

......

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the towering gate of the Black Wind Gang, the golden light reflecting the gang's majesty and mystery.

Shen Mo stood before the mountain gate, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his blue robe fluttering gently in the breeze, like a lone leaf about to take flight. His gaze was fixed firmly on the tightly closed gate, and he already had a plan in mind.

On either side of the gate, guards on the watchtowers vigilantly watched their surroundings, their spears gleaming coldly in the setting sun. Shen Mo slowly raised his right hand and gently knocked on the door knocker, his voice steady and rhythmic, echoing through the silent valley.

"Dong, dong, dong," three crisp knocks, like the tolling of a bell of destiny.

A moment later, a gruff voice rang out from the watchtower: "Who goes there? What brings you here?"

Shen Mo raised his head slightly, looking directly upwards, his voice loud and authoritative: "I am an envoy of the Martial Alliance, sent to investigate the matter of overseas evil cultivators."

Upon hearing the name "Martial Arts Alliance," the guard on the watchtower paused for a moment, then quickly turned around and relayed the information to the Black Wind Gang.

......

A short while later, the guard on the watchtower leaned out again, his voice clearly refusing: "The Black Wind Gang has sealed off its gates for a long time, cutting off all contact with the outside world. We regret that we cannot receive anyone from the Martial Alliance. Please leave!"

Shen Mo frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing through his mind. He had originally thought that since he had a grudge against the Black Wind Gang, even if the gang leader Ding Chengfeng was in a bad situation, he would seize this rare opportunity to take revenge, or at least he would not let him off easily.

However, the other party unexpectedly chose to shut him out, even citing the reason of "self-imposed isolation," which caught him completely off guard.

But Shen Mo did not back down because of this; instead, he became even more determined—if you're going to put on an act, you have to go all the way.

Shen Mo knew that the purpose of this visit was not only to investigate the evil cultivators overseas, but also to show that he had been drawn to the vicinity of the Black Wind Gang, so that the Diancang Sect could act with peace of mind.

He took a deep breath, his tone becoming even more resolute: "I am here on orders from the Martial Alliance to investigate the matter of the overseas heretical cultivators. This is of utmost importance and cannot be delayed. Please open the door immediately, or you will face the consequences!"

His voice echoed through the valley like thunder, carrying an invisible pressure that seemed to freeze the air itself.

Shen Mo's gaze was sharp as a knife, staring directly at the guards on the watchtower, as if trying to see through the barrier and directly into the Black Wind Gang Leader's thoughts.

The guards were intimidated by Shen Mo's imposing presence and were momentarily at a loss for what to do.

He hurriedly turned around and reported back to the inner circle.

After a long silence, an even more forceful voice came from the watchtower: "Our leader has ordered that no one is allowed to enter without permission. Even if you are an envoy from the Martial Alliance, please understand. If you persist in causing trouble, don't blame us for being impolite!"

Shen Mo sighed inwardly, it seemed the Black Wind Gang was determined to shut him out.

But this also confirmed his guess—the Black Wind Gang's avoidance at this time must be hiding some secret.

He didn't give up, but continued to apply pressure: "Since that's the case, then please tell the gang leader that if the overseas evil cultivators escape due to delays, you will bear the responsibility. The Martial Alliance's investigative rights are indisputable; you'd better think carefully!"

After speaking, Shen Mo slowly took a few steps back, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, his gaze still fixed on the gate, waiting for the Black Wind Gang's response.

A moment later, a familiar voice came from inside the door, deep and threatening: "I was originally planning to let bygones be bygones and let you go, but since you insist on courting death, then stay here forever."

Shen Mo felt a chill run down his spine. The voice seemed familiar, yet he couldn't quite place it.

Just then, the heavy door slowly opened, emitting a deep rumble, like the gaping maw of a giant beast.

As the gate gradually opened, a short figure appeared in the doorway—it was none other than the Azure Dragon Saint Lord of the Black Wind Gang.