Wandering Swordsman |

As the three were immersed in the lively atmosphere of the Laba Festival in Beiping Town, they noticed that most people were heading in the same direction. He Yun's curiosity was fully piqued, and he immediately stopped a passerby and politely asked, "Excuse me, sir, where is everyone rushing off to?"

The passerby stopped when asked, looked at He Yun, then at Shen Mo and Zhao Xue, and seeing that they were three young men, smiled and replied, "Oh, you're from out of town, aren't you? The Wang family in town is holding a martial arts tournament today, with generous prizes, so everyone is rushing to the Wang family mansion!" After saying that, the passerby immediately followed the direction of the crowd.

Upon hearing this, He Yun's eyes lit up, his curiosity making him almost forget everything that had happened before: "A martial arts tournament? With generous rewards?" He turned to Shen Mo and Zhao Xue, excitedly saying, "Brother Shen, Miss Zhao, did you hear that? A martial arts tournament!"

Seeing He Yun's expectant expression, Zhao Xue smiled and nodded, "Young Master He, since it's so interesting, why don't we go and take a look?"

Seeing He Yun and Zhao Xue's excited expressions, Shen Mo couldn't bear to spoil their fun, and finally nodded: "In that case, let's go take a look."

So the three of them followed the flow of people toward Master Wang's mansion.

When they arrived at the gate of Master Wang's house, they were stunned by the sight before them. The gate of Master Wang's mansion was tall and magnificent, with a pair of huge red lanterns hanging on the gate and majestic stone lions on both sides of the gate.

The entrance was packed with guests who had come to watch the match, their faces filled with anticipation. Entering through the gate, there was a spacious front yard, decorated with various precious bonsai trees, artificial hills, and flowing water—a truly pleasant sight. But the most eye-catching feature was the enormous arena being erected in the very center of the yard.

Although the arena was not yet fully built, a large number of spectators had already gathered around it, all discussing and speculating about what the winner would receive.

Shen Mo looked around and said to He Yun, "Brother He, the arena hasn't been set up yet. It seems we've arrived too early."

Zhao Xue smiled and replied, "Since the arena hasn't been set up yet, why don't we walk around first and come back later?"

He Yun considered for a moment, then said, "Well then, since I'm already here, I'll just wait here while you guys go and wander around. Once the arena is set up, you can come back and watch together."

Zhao Xue thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Alright then. Young Master Shen, let's go browse the flower market first."

After Shen Mo and Zhao Xue left, He Yun stood alone by the arena, watching the workers busily at work with great interest, wondering if he would have the chance to go on stage and try his skills.

Meanwhile, Shen Mo and Zhao Xue left the Wang family mansion and, guided by passersby, arrived at a small alley filled with all kinds of flowers, emitting a sweet fragrance.

Zhao Xue was quite knowledgeable about flower arranging. At each stop, she would carefully observe the flowers, occasionally chatting with the elderly flower sellers to inquire about their origins or care methods. Shen Mo followed quietly behind, occasionally interjecting, but mostly observing the gentle smile that Zhao Xue displayed when interacting with others.

After leaving the flower-selling alley, Shen Mo and Zhao Xue continued their stroll along the bustling street. Zhao Xue's gaze was suddenly drawn to a small stall not far away, displaying colorful and exquisite handicrafts. As if she had discovered a treasure, she excitedly ran towards the stall, less than a hundred paces away.

Shen Mo chased after her, calling out, "Hey, Miss Zhao, Miss Zhao! Slow down!"

Hearing Shen Mo's call, Zhao Xue turned around and smiled, indicating that he didn't need to worry. Shen Mo quickened his pace and finally caught up with Zhao Xue. He saw her taking out a few copper coins from her pocket, handing them to the stall owner, and then picking up three small cloth figures from the stall. Shen Mo stood aside, watching Zhao Xue carefully selecting the figures, and a feeling of indescribable warmth welled up in his heart.

"Miss Zhao, please take your time and enjoy the scenery. If you walk too fast, you might get separated from others," Shen Mo reminded her.

Zhao Xue handed one of the small cloth figures to Shen Mo and said with a smile, "Hey, Young Master Shen. This is for you."

Shen Mo took the small cloth figure, carefully examining this unfamiliar object, and asked in confusion, "Miss Zhao, what is this?"

Zhao Xue explained, "This is a kind of amulet from my hometown. I never expected to see it in Beiping."

Shen Mo had never received a gift from a girl of the same age. When he was begging, in addition to being bullied by Zhu Pang and others, the girls of the same age in the town also mocked him.

At this moment, the talisman Zhao Xue gave him left him somewhat at a loss. He clutched the small cloth figure tightly, reluctant to part with it: "Miss Zhao, thank you. This is the first time someone has given me something, even though we'll be parting ways once we reach Liaocheng. I will cherish this gift."

Seeing how much Shen Mo cherished this small gift, Zhao Xue felt a warmth well up in her heart. She smiled and said, "Hehe, Young Master Shen, there's no need for thanks. I bought three little cloth figures in total, one for you, one for Young Master He, and one for myself. Even if we are separated in the future, I will never forget the kindness of you two gentlemen."

Upon hearing Zhao Xue's words, Shen Mo's heart stirred. He said earnestly, "Miss Zhao, I will remember you all, I promise!"

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhao Xue suggested, "Young Master Shen, the arena should be almost ready by now. Shouldn't we head back?"

Shen Mo nodded in agreement and returned to the Wang family's residence with Zhao Xue. Along the way, Shen Mo kept stroking the little cloth figure in his hand, a feeling he couldn't quite describe welling up inside him. He had never experienced anything like it before; it was as if a warm current was slowly flowing through his heart, yet mixed with a barely perceptible sense of loss. He didn't understand this feeling; he only felt that this little cloth figure had become a part of his heart.

Shen Mo and Zhao Xue were walking towards the Wang family mansion when suddenly, a young man on horseback galloped towards them from afar. His appearance was particularly abrupt in the bustling night market; the sound of his horse's hooves broke the surrounding laughter and caused a commotion.

Passersby screamed and scrambled to the sides, fearing they would be struck by the out-of-control horse. Seeing everyone make way, the young man became even more smug, spurring his horse forward at breakneck speed while shouting, "Get out of the way if you don't want to die!"

Seeing this, Shen Mo quickly reached out and pulled Zhao Xue to the side of the road for safety. Watching the rider's departing figure, he frowned and muttered to himself, "I never imagined that seemingly peaceful Beiping would be so chaotic."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Mo seemed to realize something and immediately said, "Miss Zhao, look at the direction those horsemen went; it seems they went towards the arena. I have a feeling something is happening. Let's hurry and find Brother He."