Wandering Swordsman |

Looking back, he saw the little monkey and another slightly larger monkey, each holding a fresh apple, waiting quietly behind him. The two apples were red and plump, emitting an enticing aroma. Looking at the apples, tears involuntarily streamed down Shen Mo's cheeks. At that moment, all his strength and composure were cast aside, leaving only the softest part of his heart.

"You..." Shen Mo's voice trembled slightly. He took the apple the monkey offered, smiling and crying at the same time. "Little monkey, it's time for me to leave. Don't be too sad, I will definitely come back to the cave to see you."

After saying that, Shen Mo took a bite of the apple, the sweet taste instantly filling his mouth, as if it were the last gift this land had given him. He wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, suppressed his reluctance, and turned to walk forward.

At this moment, the two monkeys seemed to understand Shen Mo's words, but they remained quietly seated and did not follow him. Their eyes followed Shen Mo's figure until he gradually disappeared into the depths of the forest.

Sunlight bathed them, creating a warm yet slightly melancholic scene. This was not only a farewell between humans and animals, but also a remembrance of an unforgettable time.

......

Shen Mo walked out of the forest, and after about two hours, the familiar outline of Liaocheng gradually came into view. The city remained the same as before, with towering walls, open gates, and a constant stream of people coming and going.

Recalling the day when I first entered Liaocheng with He Yun and Zhao Xue, then checked into the inn, followed the innkeeper, was discovered, and then led away the pursuers during the escape before falling off the cliff... these experiences seemed like yesterday, vivid in my mind.

Walking on the streets of Liaocheng, the atmosphere of a morning market permeates the air, with vendors' calls rising and falling, and the aroma of various foods wafting through the air. People hurry by, each busy with their own lives.

Suddenly, a stranger brushing past Shen Mo caught his attention. After glancing at Shen Mo, the man seemed to remember something, immediately stopped, and turned to stare at Shen Mo's back for a long time. His gaze was filled with doubt and surprise, then his face suddenly turned to fear, as if he had seen something terrifying.

Shen Mo's sixth sense seemed to have picked up on something, so he subconsciously turned around. When he saw the stranger's terrified expression, their eyes met for a moment. Time seemed to freeze; their gazes conveyed a silent message. Then, the stranger took off running, his movements swift and rapid, as if an invisible hand was pushing him from behind.

Shen Mo was startled, immediately realizing something was amiss, and promptly gave chase. His steps were light and swift, like a cheetah following closely behind. The two weaved through the narrow alleyways, occasionally bumping into passersby or knocking over roadside stalls. But Shen Mo paid no attention; his eyes were only on the fleeing man.

Just as Shen Mo was about to catch up, he reached out and grabbed the man's shoulder. The man immediately spun around, broke free from Shen Mo's grasp, and continued running. Shen Mo's heart tightened; he knew this man must know some important information.

He quickened his pace and kept up, finally seeing the man run into a secluded courtyard.

The moment Shen Mo stepped into the courtyard, a sense of foreboding washed over him. Immediately afterward, eight people, including the stranger, swiftly surrounded the courtyard. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, their eyes revealing a cold and wary glint, as if they had already rehearsed contingency plans for such an unexpected event, waiting only for their prey to walk right into their trap.

"Not good!" Shen Mo thought to himself, but it was too late. The eight men had completely surrounded him, forming an impenetrable circle. Shen Mo knew that unless he defeated them all, there was no way he could escape. He stood in the center, his gaze sweeping over each of their faces, calmly assessing the situation.

Shen Mo realized he was currently at a disadvantage. Now was the perfect opportunity to find out the stranger's identity. So, Shen Mo asked the stranger, "Why are you so afraid of me?"

Shen Mo's voice was calm and firm. There was a hint of doubt in his eyes, as he tried to find the answer from the other person's expression.

The stranger, now seemingly emboldened by his superior numbers, showed no sign of panic. His expression was calm, even tinged with mockery, as he questioned, "I saw you fall off the cliff with your heart pierced. Are you a human or a ghost?"

Shen Mo was slightly taken aback, listening to the other person recount his experience that night as if they were truly there. Memories of that night flooded back, the faces of the guards who had surrounded him flashing through his mind. Looking at the eight men, he seemed to suddenly understand something. "You were the ones who chased me that night?" Shen Mo's voice carried a hint of confirmation and anger.

One of them, relying on his superior numbers, readily replied, "So what if it is?" His words were full of provocation and disdain, as if he didn't take Shen Mo seriously at all.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's expression darkened. He coldly said, "If you can tell me any information about 'Master Ma,' then I can spare you."

Seeing that Shen Mo was outnumbered and outmatched, yet still dared to be so arrogant, the stranger sneered and shouted, "Brothers, don't waste your breath on him. I don't believe he can defeat so many of us by himself. Once we capture him and bring him to Master Ma, we will surely reward him handsomely." After saying that, the eight men attacked Shen Mo together, their swords flashing in the moonlight, as if they wanted to tear him to pieces.

Shen Mo took a deep breath, quickly calming his mind. He knew that he had to go all out to remain undefeated in this battle against eight opponents. He clenched his fists, his inner energy circulating rapidly, preparing to meet the impending attack.

The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly became extremely tense. The wind howled and the leaves rustled, as if cheering on the battle. Shen Mo's eyes sharpened, like a cheetah ready to strike at any moment.

However, the Shen Mo of this moment was not the same Shen Mo who had fallen off the cliff. Under the guidance of the bookworm, Shen Mo's martial arts had improved significantly. Facing the impending attack from this group, he appeared calm and composed, a confident glint in his eyes.

As the first wave of attacks arrived, Shen Mo nimbly dodged to the side, avoiding the oncoming blades. His movements were light and swift, his body moving like lightning. He used the "Turtle Breathing Technique" to control his breathing, bringing his body to its optimal state. Every dodge, every counterattack, appeared so natural and fluid.

With a flick of his left hand, Shen Mo skillfully deflected his opponent's attack. He then twisted his wrist, and his right hand struck out with lightning speed, precisely hitting the enemy's vital points. The enemies collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain. Shen Mo's movements were fluid and swift, as graceful as a dance, yet brimming with deadly power.

"You think you can trap me like this?" Shen Mo sneered as he dodged the attacks. His voice was full of confidence, as if he had already seized control of the battlefield.