Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Meng continued with a smile, "It's alright, Miss Zhao. The past is gone. After the martial arts competition these next few days, the person who might become my future husband will be chosen, and I'm afraid there won't be any more time to reminisce." Although her tone was relaxed, a trace of helplessness and a faint sadness was revealed in her eyes. She gently stroked a plum blossom, as if bidding farewell to her past.

Hearing this, Zhao Xue felt a surge of sympathy. She knew that Situ Meng's feelings were not of her own volition, but rather arranged by Situ Dengfeng. This constraint of fate made Zhao Xue feel that Situ Meng was like a caged phoenix, noble yet trapped in a cage. She said softly, "Miss Situ, isn't this arrangement too unfair to you?"

Situ Meng looked up at Zhao Xue, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "Thank you, Miss Zhao. Actually, I know my father was doing it for my own good. Although it is indeed a pity that I cannot choose my own husband, at least this plum garden can help me temporarily forget those regrets."

At this point, Situ Meng smiled slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes.

Seeing Zhao Xue's melancholy expression, Situ Meng continued, "Miss Zhao, I've grown up in Jingtian Pavilion since I can remember. Could you tell me what the world outside Jingtian Pavilion is like? Is it really as wonderful as described in books?"

After hearing this, Zhao Xue sighed slightly, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes: "I was also naive and inexperienced. This journey was originally to Liaocheng to seek refuge with my uncle, but I was deceived by bad people, and the road was quite bumpy. I am very grateful to the young master He who traveled with me; he can actually be considered my benefactor."

Upon hearing this, Situ Meng immediately became interested, a hint of curiosity appearing on her face: "Benefactor?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, as if she were very interested in this topic. She immediately pulled Zhao Xue to the pavilion in the center of the courtyard and sat down, saying softly, "Miss Zhao, would you mind telling me in detail?"

The two sat down in the pavilion, the fragrance of plum blossoms around them growing stronger, seemingly adding a touch of warmth to their conversation. Looking into Situ Meng's expectant eyes, Zhao Xue felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

Zhao Xue began to recount her experiences along the way, from being rescued by He Yun and Shen Mo, to Shen Mo's selfless sacrifice, and finally arriving at Changbai Mountain. Her words carried a hint of excitement, but even more so, gratitude towards He Yun and Shen Mo. Situ Meng listened intently, her eyes filled with curiosity and amazement, as if she didn't want to miss a single detail.

Upon hearing this, Situ Meng felt a surge of goodwill towards Shen Mo. She sighed inwardly, lamenting that such a chivalrous young man was no longer alive; it was truly a pity. A trace of regret flashed in her eyes as she softly sighed, "Shen Mo was willing to draw away the pursuers to ensure your safe escape; such an act was truly righteous. Shen Mo was indeed a rare hero."

Hearing Situ Meng's comments, Zhao Xue felt a pang of sorrow, and tears involuntarily streamed down her face. She said softly, "But Young Master Shen is like this..." Her voice was clearly choked with sobs, as if she were expressing her inner pain.

Seeing Zhao Xue's heartbroken expression, Situ felt a pang of sympathy. She gently comforted her, "Miss Zhao, don't be sad. If Shen Mo knew in the afterlife, he would surely want you and Young Master He to continue living happily." Her words were warm, as if soothing Zhao Xue's inner wounds.

Zhao Xue wiped away her tears, trying to calm herself down, and said softly, "Yes, I know. I will always remember Young Master Shen's sacrifice. After the Changbai Mountain matter is settled, and after returning to the Sword Tomb with Brother Yun, I will diligently study martial arts. Once I have mastered it, I will definitely find out the killer's background and avenge Young Master Shen."

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Situ Meng's eyes. She said softly, "Miss Zhao, your determination is something Shen Mo's spirit in heaven would find gratifying. But the road to revenge is fraught with hardship. Don't take unnecessary risks if you're not strong enough."

Zhao Xue nodded and said firmly, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Situ. I will remember it."

Situ Meng smiled slightly and said softly, "Miss Zhao, you and Young Master He Yun are both kind and righteous people. I believe you will be able to overcome the difficulties and realize your wishes."

Afterwards, the two chatted about other topics, and the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious. Situ Meng told Zhao Xue about her life at Jingtian Pavilion and her hopes for the future.

As time passed, half an hour went by in the blink of an eye. Zhao Xue glanced at the sky and realized that it was almost time, so she said softly, "Miss Situ, it's getting late, I should go back."

Upon hearing this, a hint of reluctance flashed in Situ Meng's eyes. She said softly, "Miss Zhao, you may go. I've been very pleased to meet you today. I hope we'll have the chance to meet again."

Zhao Xue smiled slightly and said softly, "Yes, we will definitely meet again." She stood up, bowed slightly to Situ Meng, and then turned and left.

Zhao Xue slowly walked back to the living area of ​​Jingtian Pavilion along the corridor. A gentle breeze brought a cool breeze, but she felt a warmth in her heart. She recalled her pleasant conversation with Situ Meng, and her heart was filled with joy.

Meanwhile, Situ Meng stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at one of the blooming vermilion plum trees, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She gently stroked the plum branches, murmuring to herself, "Mother, I truly hope that the winner of this martial arts competition will be someone like Young Master Shen..."

Her words carried a hint of expectation and helplessness, as if she were confiding her innermost feelings to her mother. After a moment, Situ Meng took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then turned and left the courtyard. She returned to her room, changed into an elegant dress, and prepared to go to the arena. She silently prayed that this competition would select a truly loyal and righteous hero.

Zhao Xue returned to her room and gently pushed open the door, a warm breeze wafting towards her. Two steaming bowls of noodles sat on the table, clearly breakfast just distributed by the disciples of Jing Tian Pavilion. He Yun was sitting at the table, his eyes fixed on the noodles, his throat constantly swallowing. It was obvious he was suppressing his hunger, waiting for Zhao Xue to return so they could share.

As soon as He Yun saw Zhao Xue push open the door and enter, he immediately stood up, his face beaming with joy. He excitedly said, "Ah Xue, you're back! Come and have some breakfast while it's hot!"

Zhao Xue smiled and nodded, gently closing the door before walking to He Yun's side. A warm feeling welled up inside her. She didn't immediately mention her encounter with Situ Meng, but simply said softly, "Brother Yun, you eat first, don't go hungry."

He Yun shook her head and said firmly, "No, we'll eat together. Where did you go? I woke up and found you weren't there, and I was a little worried."