Wandering Swordsman |

Then, she eagerly untied the knot of the bundle, gently picked up a corner of the cloak, and the pale blue silk glowed like the morning light under the candlelight. The exquisite embroidery made it even more noble and elegant, and every stitch seemed to tell the story of the craftsman's hard work.

"Shen Mo, come and try on this cloak." Murong Qing's voice was as melodious as a silver bell, carrying a hint of barely suppressed excitement. She turned around, gently unfolded the cloak, and gestured to Shen Mo.

Shen Mo looked at the magnificent cloak in Murong Qing's hands, his heart warmed, and he nodded. At this moment, the shop owner also came forward and enthusiastically introduced other clothes: "Young master, we have some new clothes here that go very well with this cloak. Would you like to try them on?"

So, led by the shop owner, Shen Mo went to the other side to pick out clothes. While listening to the shop owner's endless introduction, he carefully examined the clothes hanging on the racks, trying to find suitable combinations.

While Shen Mo was picking out clothes, Murong Qing's curiosity finally couldn't be contained. She quietly walked to Liu Xiaorong's side, lowered her voice, and asked with a hint of doubt, "Master, what did you just tell Shen Mo to consider?"

Liu Xiaorong was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Murong Qing to ask this question so directly. A flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes for a moment, as if a shadow had silently passed over those deep eyes, but quickly, the experienced master regained his composure, a gentle smile curving his lips as he softly replied, "Oh, I was just reminding him of some things in the martial world, telling him to be more careful. After all, he's still young, and he has a long road ahead of him; he needs to act cautiously."

Her answer seemed relaxed, but she deliberately avoided specifics; every word seemed carefully considered before uttering. Liu Xiaorong knew that this was not the right time to tell Murong Qing about her conversation with Shen Mo, because with Murong Qing's passionate and direct personality, she would never agree to any decision that might drive Shen Mo away.

So she gently patted Murong Qing's hand, the movement as gentle as a spring breeze on a lake, trying to change the subject: "Qing'er, after we buy clothes for Shen Mo, let's go back to the inn first." Her voice was soft but firm, and her eyes were full of concern.

Murong Qing seemed unaware of her master's evasion, and simply nodded in agreement.

Her attention was quickly drawn to Shen Mo—not long after, Shen Mo emerged from his fitting in a blue robe. While he didn't possess that breathtaking beauty, his already handsome face and upright figure appeared even more striking in the new clothes. It truly proved the old saying: "Clothes make the man." Murong Qing's eyes lit up instantly, filled with admiration and delight. She was even speechless for a moment, simply standing there quietly, gazing at the transformed Shen Mo before her.

Back at the inn, night had fallen, and the three of them went to their rooms to rest under the warm lamplight. In Murong Qing's room, the candlelight flickered, creating a warm yet slightly tense atmosphere. Liu Xiaorong sat at the table, gazing thoughtfully at Murong Qing, as if carefully considering how to begin.

After a moment, she sighed softly, her voice low and full of concern: "Qing'er, what will happen if your father finds out about Shen Mo's existence?"

Murong Qing gently shook her head, a confident smile on her lips, her eyes filled with determination: "My father will definitely support my decision." The candlelight flickered, casting a soft shadow on her face, as if even the lamplight was adding luster to her words.

She continued, "After Shen Mo goes to Yunnan and finishes dealing with things, I will take him back to the Murong family with me." A hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes, as if she could already see the future.

Upon hearing this, a shrewd glint flashed in Liu Xiaorong's eyes, and she already had a plan in mind. She smiled slightly, a smile that held a deeper meaning, and said softly, "Qing'er, actually we can go back to the Murong family first and explain the situation clearly. If we can leverage the Murong family's power, then helping Shen Mo should be much easier."

Murong Qing listened to her master's words and fell into deep thought, her brows furrowing slightly, her fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table. She knew her master's words made sense. After a moment of contemplation, she raised her head, her eyes showing some hesitation: "Master, your suggestion makes sense, but I need to talk to Shen Mo first and see what he thinks."

Three soft yet firm knocks broke the silence of the night. Shen Mo looked up from his desk, a slight thought crossing his mind. He quickly walked to the door and slowly opened it. Outside, Murong Qing's figure came into view. She stood in the dim light, her posture upright, her face showing a hint of barely perceptible tension.

"Miss Murong, please come in." Shen Mo's voice was gentle and polite. He immediately stepped aside, made an inviting gesture, and his eyes showed a sincere welcome.

Murong Qing stepped across the threshold, the warm atmosphere of the room wafting towards her. She didn't beat around the bush, but went straight to the point, her tone full of determination: "Shen Mo, if I go home and have my family help you, then your trip to Yunnan to rescue people will be much easier."

Shen Mo gently closed the door, turned to face Murong Qing, his brows furrowing slightly as if considering her suggestion. The candlelight flickered in the room, casting shadows that danced between the two, adding a touch of drama to their conversation. "Miss Murong," he replied, his voice deep and steady, "I've inquired about the Murong family's standing in the martial world these past few days. I understand that it wouldn't be appropriate for me to ask your family for help because of my personal matters."

His gaze was sincere and firm, revealing both gratitude and concern for Murong Qing's suggestion. He continued, "I don't want my affairs to cause you or your family any trouble or risk."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of emotion crossed Murong Qing's eyes, but she quickly regained her resolve. She walked to the window, gazing at the night outside, and after a moment turned back, her voice filled with unwavering determination: "What's inappropriate about this? You saved me in Jinzhou. Such a great favor deserves more than just your family's help to save someone once; it wouldn't be too much to save someone ten or a hundred times."

Her words were as powerful as a vow, each one seemingly carefully considered. Murong Qing looked directly into Shen Mo's eyes, trying to convey her sincerity and gratitude.

Shen Mo was deeply moved by Murong Qing's words, but he shook his head, his eyes filled with both gratitude and hesitation. "Miss Murong, I will remember your kindness, but this is indeed inappropriate. Besides, when I saved you in Jinzhou that day, it wasn't for your sake."

Seeing this, Murong Qing didn't say anything more. So, she approached Shen Mo again, her tone softening but still firm: "Shen Mo, after things in Yunnan are over, I'll take you back to the Murong family. No matter what, I want you to have a safe place to rely on."