Wandering Swordsman |

Night fell quickly, and Shen Mo lay on the bed in the guest room, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Moonlight streamed through the window, adding a touch of tranquility to the room. However, Shen Mo's heart was like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace. His mind kept replaying everything that had happened during the day, especially the image of He Yun being injured, which filled him with immense self-reproach.

"If only I were as strong as my master, then Brother He wouldn't have gotten hurt, and I would have been able to deal with Liu Ming." Shen Mo murmured to himself, his voice so low it was almost inaudible. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to relax, but the scene of He Yun falling down and being beaten by Liu Ming kept flashing through his mind, making his heart ache.

Shen Mo rolled over and lay on his side, propping himself up on his elbow, gazing at the moonlight outside the window. The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the bluestone slabs of the courtyard, making everything seem so peaceful. However, his heart was in turmoil, unable to find peace for a long time. He sighed softly, his fingers unconsciously drawing circles on the bedding, as if trying to alleviate his inner unease through these subtle movements.

Half an hour later, it was past midnight. Shen Mo could no longer endure the inner torment. He simply got up, dressed, and quietly left the guest room. He walked through the silent corridor, his steps light, trying not to make a sound, for fear of disturbing the others in the mansion. Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating his face and adding a touch of determination to his expression.

Shen Mo wandered aimlessly around the mansion, eventually arriving at the back garden of Master Wang's residence. The back garden was exceptionally tranquil in the night, with moonlight casting dappled shadows on the flowers and trees. All around was quiet, without a single human sound, broken only by the occasional chirping of insects.

Shen Mo stood in the garden, took a deep breath, and felt his agitation subside slightly. He looked around and saw that no one was disturbing him. At this moment, a strong impulse surged within him, and he decided to immediately practice the moves from the "Heavenly Gang Sword Manual".

In fact, after what happened yesterday, the sense of urgency in his heart made Shen Mo memorize all the moves of the "Heavenly Gang Sword Technique". Every movement and every detail clearly appeared before his eyes.

He closed his eyes, and every movement recorded in the "Heavenly Gang Sword Manual" kept flashing through his mind. At this moment, Shen Mo felt as if his master was right beside him, guiding him.

After reviewing the "Heavenly Gang Sword Manual," Shen Mo picked up a withered branch from the corner of the garden. He then stood still, adjusted his breathing, and completely relaxed. Following the first move of the "Heavenly Gang Sword Manual," "Heavenly Gang Stance," he stood with his feet slightly apart, shoulder-width apart, holding the sword with both hands, the tip pointing diagonally to the ground. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the sword, as if he had become one with it.

As his breathing stabilized, Shen Mo began to move slowly, each movement filled with power and elegance. The withered branch in his hand drew graceful arcs in the air like a sword tip, seemingly merging with the moonlight. He leaped up and crouched down, each movement fluid and natural, like flowing water.

Shen Mo was completely focused. He seemed to have forgotten everything around him, concentrating only on the withered branch in his hand and the moves in his mind.

The second move of the Heavenly Gang Sword Manual, "Heavenly Gang Sweep," and the third move, "Heavenly Gang Thrust,"...

Under the moonlight, Shen Mo's figure darted back and forth among the flower shadows, his movements stirring up gusts of breeze. His movements became increasingly skillful, and his swordsmanship more and more refined. Sweat slid down his forehead, dripping onto the bluestone slabs, but he was completely unaware, utterly absorbed in his martial arts practice.

After practicing for a long time, Shen Mo finally stopped. He was panting heavily, his clothes soaked with sweat. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Under the moonlight, Shen Mo looked exceptionally handsome, and the sweat left streaks on his face, which only added to his determination.

Just then, a few light applause rang out from behind, breaking the silence of the night. Shen Mo instantly became alert and whirled around, only to see Ouyang Song standing behind him. A wave of doubt washed over Shen Mo. Had Ouyang Song been watching him practice martial arts in the back garden the whole time, or had he only appeared after Shen Mo finished practicing?

However, judging from the appreciative look in Ouyang Song's eyes, it seemed that he had been in the back garden all along, but Shen Mo had simply not noticed. Ouyang Song wore a faint smile, his eyes revealing a hint of approval, as if acknowledging Shen Mo's efforts.

Ouyang Song smiled slightly, a profound look in his eyes: "Shen Mo, your Heavenly Gang Sword Technique is quite good. Who is Luo Wangchen to you?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo was taken aback. He hadn't expected Ouyang Song to suddenly ask this question. He frowned slightly, his thoughts racing, struggling with whether or not he should reveal his master's secret, since Ouyang Song had already recognized that he was using his master's signature technique, the "Heavenly Gang Sword Art."

"Senior Ouyang, Master Luo is indeed my master." Shen Mo's voice was deep and firm. He raised his head and looked directly into Ouyang Song's eyes without the slightest hesitation or retreat. Under the moonlight, his eyes shone with deep respect and gratitude for his master.

Ouyang Song was slightly taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, his laughter echoing in the night sky as if it could dispel all gloom. "Haha, it seems Luo Wangchen has taken on a good disciple." His words were full of praise.

Ouyang Song took a few steps forward and patted Shen Mo's shoulder with just the right amount of force—a mixture of elder's affection and martial artist's strength. He scrutinized Shen Mo carefully, his eyes now filled with a hint of examination. "But your Heavenly Gang Sword Technique is all form and no substance. What's going on?" His words carried a hint of doubt, yet his tone revealed a touch of concern.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's heart tightened. Although he had only recently entered the martial world, he knew the difference between internal and external martial arts. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and respectfully replied, "Senior Ouyang, I have only been a disciple for a few days. My master has only taught me the 'Heavenly Gang Sword Manual,' and has not taught me any internal martial arts techniques."

After listening, Ouyang Song nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes: "I see."

He pondered for a moment, then continued, "Shen Mo, but the path of martial arts requires not only diligence, but also proper guidance. If you can master a suitable internal energy cultivation method, you will definitely be able to improve your strength in a short period of time."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's heart stirred; he knew this was a rare opportunity. Ouyang Song's words implied a willingness to guide him, which was undoubtedly a great stroke of luck. He immediately cupped his hands in thanks, his voice tinged with excitement: "Thank you, Senior Ouyang. Please enlighten me."