Gong Simeng closely followed behind him, gently clutching the corner of his garment, her heart racing.

But for Shi Feiyang, she suppressed her inner fears.

Moments later, Gong Simeng and Shi Feiyang discovered that the walls of the cave were covered in various ancient runes.

These runes seemed to be narrating some ancient story.

Shi Feiyang carefully deciphered these runes, trying to uncover their meaning.

His brows furrowed, fully immersed in the world of runes with intense focus.

Gong Simeng, on the other hand, vigilantly observed their surroundings to prevent any mishaps. Her eyes were filled with concern, constantly alert to any movement around them. If danger were to arise, she would unhesitatingly shield Shi Feiyang with her own body.

As they ventured deeper, the light in the cave grew dimmer, and they could only rely on the torch in hand to light the way.

In the depths of the cave, they finally discovered a stone chamber.

In the center of the chamber was a stone platform, atop which lay an ancient scroll.

Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng cautiously unrolled the scroll, discovering it recorded the secrets of the Qingfeng Sword Sect, along with an astonishing revelation——it turned out the Sect Leader of the Qingfeng Sword Sect had not disappeared, but had embarked on a solitary journey in search of a legendary Divine Artifact.

This discovery left Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng utterly shocked.

A look of surprise and doubt crossed Shi Feiyang's eyes.

He couldn't help but ponder, what kind of power did this Divine Artifact possess to compel the Sect Leader to seek it out alone?

Gong Simeng gently covered her mouth, eyes filled with disbelief.

They realized that behind this attack, there might be an even greater conspiracy hiding.

To uncover the truth, they decided to continue tracing the footsteps of the Qingfeng Sword Sect Leader in search of the legendary Divine Artifact.

In the mountains and forests, the figures of Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng gradually disappeared into the mist.

In truth, their journey was only just beginning.

The dense mist hung like a thick curtain, tightly enveloping the entire forest, making it difficult for Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng to press forward.

Gong Simeng, with her graceful steps, seemed to tread out hazy flowers in the mist with each step, resembling a lotus blooming on a tranquil lake, her beauty appearing more ethereal in this world of mist.

Her fair hand, as white as mutton-fat jade, gently held onto Shi Feiyang's arm, her fingers slightly curled, as if pouring all her reliance into this grasp, seeking the safety that only Shi Feiyang could provide.

At this moment, Gong Simeng looked up at Shi Feiyang, her eyes shimmering, her voice gentle yet tinged with urgency, like a breeze, carrying an undeniable sense of urgency, "Brother, why don't we investigate Xingchan Temple? Offer incense and pray to Buddha; many in the Martial Arts community have faith in Buddhism. Perhaps we can gather some Jianghu news there, especially about the missing Sect Leaders, and maybe find some clues in Xingchan Temple."

Her gaze was full of trust in Shi Feiyang, as if once he nodded, the unknowns in the mist would no longer be frightening.

Shi Feiyang slightly nodded, his eyes exuding calm and resolve, like a towering mountain, standing firm despite the storms. He understood well that Gong Simeng's words were indeed true; Xingchan Temple might be the key to unraveling the mystery.

He turned to Gong Simeng, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes, gently patting her hand as a sign of reassurance.

The two then disguised themselves as scholars, walking at a leisurely pace towards Xingchan Temple.

In the temple, incense smoke spiraled upwards like threads, drifting through the tranquil space, each wisp of smoke seeming to bear ancient legends, narrating stories of the past to all who stepped inside. Stately Buddha statues, with benevolent gazes, seemed to penetrate the world with compassion, watching over all beings with a merciful presence.

Disciples, with incense sticks in hand, knelt reverently, murmuring silent prayers. Each voice seemed to confide their deepest desires and unease to the Buddha, filled with hope and reverence for life.

In this sacred Xingchan Temple, each soul sought solace, every corner suffused with the power of faith. Several Jianghu people, clad in martial attire, gathered in a corner, their expressions solemn, discussing in hushed tones.

Among them, a burly man with a full beard stood like a small mountain.

He took a swig of wine, the liquid trailing down from the corner of his mouth, soaking his chest, yet he seemed oblivious.

He lowered his voice, a touch of mystery in his tone: "Have you heard? The Sect Leader of the Qingfeng Sword Sect has been missing for several months now, neither seen nor found." His voice was deep and hoarse, carrying the dampness of the mist.

A lean fellow next to him, agile like a monkey, quickly interjected: "Indeed so, I've heard several Elders of the Qingfeng Sword Sect are near frantic, sending people everywhere to search, but to no avail."

His eyes darted around, revealing curiosity and concern over the event.

"Could it be some enemy…" A scholar-looking man, eyes flashing with a cold light, his lips slightly curling into a cruel smile as he made a throat-slitting gesture, seemed to narrate a brutal slaughter. His voice was deep and cold, like a sharp dagger, instantly slicing through the tranquil atmosphere, chilling the surrounding air.

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