Wandering Swordsman |

The two quickened their pace and soon returned to the Wang family mansion. They found a large crowd gathered around the arena that had been set up in the front courtyard, the noise of the crowd suggesting they were watching a fight. Shen Mo and Zhao Xue immediately squeezed through the crowd, managing to reach the front with some effort.

Below the arena, He Yun was engaged in a fierce battle with someone. Shen Mo saw the person and immediately recognized him: "Ah, it's him!"

Zhao Xue looked at Shen Mo with a puzzled expression and asked, "Young Master Shen, do you know that person?"

Shen Mo nodded and replied, "Miss Zhao, don't you remember? That person was the one who was riding his horse recklessly through the street just now."

Upon hearing Shen Mo's words, Zhao Xue carefully examined the man on the stage and suddenly realized, "Oh, I remember now. At first glance, the figure does indeed look somewhat similar. But why is he fighting with Young Master He?"

Shen Mo shook his head, indicating that he didn't know: "We'll find out by asking He Yun later."

The fight between He Yun and the man intensified. He Yun clearly gained the upper hand, and after only a few rounds, the man was defeated. Seizing the opportunity, He Yun struck again when the man was off guard, knocking him unconscious. Seeing that the man was no longer able to resist, He Yun stopped attacking.

Seeing this, Shen Mo breathed a sigh of relief: "Fortunately, Brother He didn't use his full strength, otherwise, if he had really been killed, things would have been very troublesome."

Zhao Xue nodded in agreement: "Yes, as long as the opponent isn't some great villain, given Young Master He's style, he would never go for the kill."

The crowd began to discuss the matter, with some praising He Yun's martial arts skills and others pointing and whispering about the man who had fainted on the ground.

At this moment, Shen Mo and Zhao Xue walked out from the crowd and came to He Yun's side.

Upon seeing the two return, He Yun's serious expression was immediately replaced by a smile. He then wiped the sweat from his forehead and, before the two could ask what had happened, explained, "This guy forced his way into the wealthy man's mansion, relying on his martial arts skills to act arrogantly and domineeringly. He injured all the guards in the mansion. I couldn't stand by and watch, so I intervened and stopped him."

At this moment, a series of hurried footsteps sounded from deep within the mansion, and a short, somewhat withered old man emerged quickly, led by a servant.

He wore a plain-colored robe, its hem fluttering in the wind, tracing arcs in the night. Despite his slender frame, his steps were remarkably agile, and his sharp eyes gleamed with shrewdness in the dim light.

The old man's appearance immediately silenced the previously noisy front yard. Upon seeing this, everyone respectfully approached him to greet him, "Master Wang, you've arrived." However, Master Wang, looking anxious, seemed to pay no attention to these greetings and walked straight through the crowd towards the scene of the incident.

He Yun stood still, gripping the short sword he hadn't yet sheathed, his gaze resolute. Shen Mo and Zhao Xue followed closely behind; though the three of them were slightly dusty, their expressions revealed an indescribable composure and confidence.

As Master Wang approached, his gaze first fell on the unconscious man on the ground. Judging from the look in Master Wang's eyes, he seemed to recognize the man. Master Wang then immediately ordered his servants to carry the unconscious man away.

Then, following the servant's instructions, Master Wang looked at He Yun not far away. When he saw that He Yun was a young man, a hint of surprise flashed in Master Wang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He nodded slightly and greeted He Yun, "Young hero, you are truly righteous. I am very grateful for your help today; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. If you don't mind, please come to the inner hall so that I can express my gratitude."

Seeing that Master Wang was sincere, He Yun cupped his hands in response: "Master Wang is too kind. It is our duty to help those in need."

He then turned to Master Wang and introduced Shen Mo and Zhao Xue beside him: "This is Brother Shen Mo, and this is Miss Zhao Xue. They are both my friends. If we are going to the inner hall, would you mind coming along?"

Upon hearing this, Master Wang glanced gently at Shen Mo and Zhao Xue, then nodded in agreement: "Since they are the young hero's friends, that's natural. Please follow me." With that, he turned to the side and gestured for the three to follow him into the depths of the mansion.

Inside the mansion, the lights were bright, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, creating a sense of tranquility and peace. Master Wang led the three through a series of ornately decorated doorways, finally arriving at an elegantly furnished hall. In the center of the hall stood a round mahogany table, upon which were already laid out exquisite tea sets and several snacks, while maids busily refilled the tea and water.

Master Wang invited He Yun, Shen Mo, and Zhao Xue to sit down, and then personally poured tea for them. The fragrant tea rose gently, carrying a hint of warmth that dispelled the chill of the winter night. Master Wang said, "Young heroes, I am deeply grateful for what you did earlier."

He Yun smiled modestly, "You flatter me, sir. It was just a small favor." Shen Mo and Zhao Xue nodded in agreement, indicating that they didn't deserve such praise.

Master Wang's gaze swept back and forth between the three men, as if he were carefully savoring something. He sighed softly, his tone tinged with emotion: "These young heroes are so young, yet they possess such courage; it is truly rare. In my decades of life, I have finally witnessed true young heroes."

Shen Mo smiled slightly, lowered his head and took a sip of tea, but his heart was filled with turmoil. He thought that if he hadn't met his master, how could he have had so many interesting experiences? At this moment, Zhao Xue was quietly watching He Yun, her eyes filled with admiration and respect.

He Yun was even more cheerful in response to Master Wang's praise. He laughed and said, "Master Wang is too kind. The three of us just happened to be passing by. What happened today was nothing more than a small favor, not worth mentioning."

Upon hearing this, Master Wang smiled with satisfaction: "These young heroes are not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also humble and polite. Come, let us drink this cup of tea instead of wine to toast to our meeting today."

As Master Wang finished speaking, the four raised their cups and clinked them together. The tea in their cups was clear and transparent, and the aroma of tea filled the air, as if even the chill of the night had been dispelled by the atmosphere.

Amidst the clinking of cups, Wang Yuanwai, with a smile, slowly spoke: "Young heroes, you may not know this, but my daughter, Wang Ruoling, is about your age. She has loved music since childhood, especially the guzheng. Today, since you are all benefactors of my household, how about Ruoling plays a piece for you to express her gratitude?"

After saying this, seeing that Shen Mo and He Yun smiled but did not respond, Master Wang turned to the servant standing to the side and instructed, "Go and invite Miss here to perform a song for our distinguished guest."

A short while later, with the sound of light footsteps, a woman slowly entered the hall. She wore an elegant light blue dress, the hem embroidered with blooming plum blossoms. Her movements were as graceful and elegant as a gentle breeze rippled across water. In her hands she carried a guzheng, its smooth surface gleaming with a warm luster. The woman wore a smile, her features exquisitely beautiful.