Chapter 85: The Sword Master is determined to come for himself under the bright moon in the sky.

Even with your eyes closed, you can hear the birds singing by your ears and the breeze blowing on your face, bringing you the fragrance of flowers.

When Gu Congxing discovered that his redemption level was not full, he naturally questioned the system, but the transparent stone slab could not produce a single character for a long time.

In the end, the only conclusion he got was [The degree of redemption is determined by the main system. Please pay attention to subsequent developments.]

Although I felt helpless, I was also relieved.

Even if there are other tasks later, as long as we have successfully rescued these four people, victory is in sight.

During this period of time, he first fought hard with the blood butterfly, then fought with Sima Huai after experiencing the night of the blood moon, and then rushed to rescue Si Junjian without stopping.

Now, I can finally have a good rest.

Thinking of this, he slowly closed his eyes.

The swaying shadows of the trees are reflected on your face, so even if you look up, you won’t feel it’s dazzling.

The field of vision was dark, with some faint red glow.

However, at some point, those red halos disappeared, and the vision was filled with pure darkness.

But such darkness was not frightening, because he smelled the familiar scent of cedar.

Wait, cedar…?

Feeling a slight itch on his cheek, Gu Congxing slowly opened his eyes.

The next moment, his eyes suddenly widened——

Shen Mu was sitting next to him, one arm resting on the other side, leaning over and looking at him.

The two looked at each other.

In this deserted mountain, there are only the breeze and the chirping of birds, but at this moment, those sounds have faded in Gu Congxing's world.

All I could see was the gently fluttering silver hair and the ice-blue eyes that seemed filled with a myriad of thoughts.

I felt a cool and soft touch on my cheek again. It was my master's fingertips.

Gu Congxing blinked and murmured, "Am I dreaming? ...Master?"

"Yeah, from the stars."

Shen Mu gently stroked his face, his voice still calm and clear.

"I've already left the customs, so I came to find you."

Gu Congxing suddenly opened his eyes wide and sat up straight!

"Master! You came out of retreat early? Also, how did you know I was here? Could it be that it was written in the letter from Senior Brother? If so, Master, could it be that you are here to repair the barrier of the Western Wasteland..."

Gu Congxing and Shen Mu looked at each other and talked incessantly, not realizing that the corners of their lips had slightly risen.

Chen Mu did not say anything, but continued to listen to him quietly. He did not open his lips until Gu Congxing finished asking all the questions.

"Congxing, I miss you so much."

Bang--!

At that moment, Gu Congxing heard the wild beating of his own heart.

His face flushed crimson, and he said in disbelief, "Master, Master!"

Shen Mu raised his sleeve and reached out his hand to touch Gu Congxing's head.

He rubbed her slowly while speaking, "Cong Xing, last time we made soul contact, I left a trace of my soul in your body. I can sense where you are."

Gu Congxing frowned, "Then wouldn't it mean I've taken away Master's soul power? Would that be harmful to you?"

"No." Chen Mu shook his head gently, and the topic quickly changed to another matter, "Cong Xing, the forgetfulness vine pattern, I have removed it."

"What?!"

A surge of shock and madness surged in Gu Congxing's heart.

Jiang Zhou, who had the instinct to remove the vine pattern, is dead, but Master actually removed it himself?

Furthermore, how did Master know that he had vine patterns on his body? And why did he remove them?

The system task that I had given up was actually completed by my master on his own!

Seeing Gu Congxing's look of surprise, Chen Mu leaned over and moved closer to him.

"Cong Xing, I will personally break the barriers between you and me."

Those ice-blue eyes were still clear, but no longer as indifferent and cold as before.

Like an iceberg collapsing, like the melting of severe frost.

It allows one to peek into the gurgling spring water outside the Tianchi Lake.

Just one look and you'll be immersed in it.

Gu Congxing only felt that his breathing became lighter, but his heartbeat became louder like a drum.

Bang, bang, bang—

He once pushed it away with his own hands to keep the moon in the sky from being tainted by wind and frost.

As long as the bright moon can still hang high in the sky, shining brightly to the world, he will feel happy even if he just looks at it from afar.

But now, the moon came for him.

“Master…”

Gu Congxing's lips trembled, and the next moment, he hugged Chen Mu's back tightly.

He buried himself in Shen Mu's chest, sniffing the cool scent of cedar almost greedily.

"From the stars."

Hearing Shen Mu's call, Gu Congxing raised his head and a light kiss was placed on his forehead.

Gu Congxing felt the softness that separated them at the touch, and his brain suddenly went blank.

It's not for the sake of saving others, nor is it an emergency.

This is Master's true kiss...

"Shuashua——"

Hearing a very subtle sound, Gu Congxing was about to stand up, but Chen Mu had already hugged his back like an iron wall, holding his head with his other hand, and his wide sleeves blocked his face.

"Strange, it should be nearby..."

"Could it be that Senior Brother has already gone back?"

The sound of two people talking came from not far away, it was Lan Jue and Zhong Ming!

Gu Congxing still buried his head in Shen Mu's arms, but his breathing became irregular.

Chen Mu lowered his head to glance at the expression of the person in his arms, his silver-white eyelashes moved, and the restraining embrace suddenly loosened.

Gu Congxing was held by Chen Mu and placed safely beside him.

At this moment, two other figures appeared on the mountain.

"Master?!"

“Master!”

Lan Jue and Zhong Ming both cried out in surprise and stood there in a daze.

Lan Jue was the first to react and immediately saluted with his fists clasped. Zhong Ming followed suit, but his eyes were directed towards Gu Congxing who was beside Chen Mu.

Sitting so close...

"No need to be so polite."

Chen Mu nodded to the two disciples and asked, "How is your trip going?"

Lan Jue and Zhong Ming both reported their previous missions to him in detail.

"Well done. Are you all going to Apocalypse Gate later?"

Chen Mu still gave his evaluation briefly as usual.

"Yes, Master..." Lan Jue looked at Chen Mu, but he could see the hem of his white clothes overlapping with the corner of Gu Congxing's clothes. He couldn't help but frown, "Master, are you here to repair the barrier in the Western Wasteland this time?"

"Um."

Chen Mu stood up and reached out to pull Gu Congxing up as well.

Their hands touched, but Chen Mu did not withdraw his hand until Gu Congxing stood up.

Lan Jue's expression suddenly changed.

Zhong Ming's eyes immediately darkened.

There was disbelief on their faces, but seeing Chen Mu's calm face and Gu Congxing's hand that did not break free, everything was self-evident.

"Master, you, from the stars..."

Lan Jue was speechless for a rare moment. His gaze turned from the two people's hands to Gu Congxing's face. Seeing the faint blush on that beautiful face, he was unable to say anything.

Zhong Ming bit his lower lip after being extremely shocked. He stared into Chen Mu's eyes and found that they were different from before.

But this person is his master, the master who once saved his life and led him to the path of immortality!

Zhong Ming gritted his teeth, but he couldn't speak like he did when facing Lan Jue and Si Junjian.

At this moment, another sound was heard not far away.

"Wow, that spirit boat is truly magnificent! With the presence of Master Zhuoguang Swordsman, how could we not... um? Why are there so many people?"

Kong Zhuo suddenly appeared and looked at the four people in front of him in shock.

Everyone in Master Zhuoguang's sect turned around and looked at each other in silence.

***

"I never thought that my small Jiehuo Sect would have a Sword Master at the Spirit Severing Stage come to visit! Hahahaha!"

In the Jiehuo Gate's meeting hall, Kong Zhuo and the two elders were all smiling widely.

Chen Mu sat opposite Kong Zhuo, while Lan Jue, Gu Congxing and Zhong Ming sat beside him in that order.

“No need to be so polite…”

Shen Muzheng responded indifferently, but saw the door suddenly pushed open, hitting the wall with a loud bang.

"Hey! Kong Zhuo, send some people to go with me to the Western Wasteland. The barrier is about to collapse... Hmm?"

Si Junjian looked at everyone in the hall and glanced around.

"...Zhuoguang Sword Master?"

He hesitated for only a moment before realizing that it must be Gu Congxing who summoned his master. He then took a few steps forward, clasped his fists, and said,

"Senior, the damage to the Western Wasteland barrier has spread. The Jiang Clan's personnel are insufficient and unable to handle the situation alone. Could you please offer some assistance?"

Shen Mu looked at Si Junjian silently, and after a moment he said, "I will go."

As soon as he said this, he stood up from his seat.

"Thank you, senior!" Si Junjian said solemnly.

Chen Mu nodded slightly as a gesture, then stood up and walked out.

"Come from the stars."

When they reached the door, Gu Congxing heard his call and immediately stood up and followed him.

Kong Zhuo and the elders of Jiehuo Sect also said goodbye one after another. Si Junjian was about to step out, but he caught a glimpse of Zhong Ming and Lan Jue who were still sitting there with gloomy expressions.

"What happened to you all of a sudden?"

Si Junjian frowned and asked, but saw that the two men immediately looked up and stared straight at him.

Si Junjian: “???”

Lan Jue's usual carefree smile was gone, and his tone was undeniably strong:

"I'll be the first one to go find Master in a moment, Zhong Ming, you'll be the second one."

Zhong Ming nodded silently.

"Si Junjian, after Zhong Ming, go find your master and urge him to leave as soon as possible."

"Huh?" Si Junjian was bewildered. "Why should I listen to your orders? Besides, Cong Xing and Jian Zun are reminiscing about the past, why are you interfering..."

Lan Jue raised his eyes and looked at him, his eyes were gloomier than ever before.

"If you don't want Congxing to become my master's wife, then do as I say."

Si Junjian: ???

A moment later, a huge cry erupted in the lobby:

"ah?!!"

On the other side, Jiehuomen had prepared a prime guest room for Chen Mu to stay in. Gu Congxing stayed with him, watching Chen Mu approach him little by little.

Gu Congxing looked up at him, his head filled with a strange feeling that was almost dizzying.

A master without the Forgetfulness Vine Mark, a master whose cultivation remained intact even after the Vine Mark was removed...

Gu Congxing suddenly came back to his senses when he felt a big hand caressing his head.

Ice spiritual power flowed slowly into his body, flowing through his spiritual veins like water, healing extremely subtle hidden injuries.

"Already reached the Nascent Soul stage, not bad."

Shen Mu's tone was still calm, but it was not difficult for people to hear the joy in it.

"Cong Xing, your progress has been incredibly rapid, but you haven't been able to consolidate it. You need to pay more attention in the future."

"Yes, Master."

Gu Congxing responded loudly and raised his head to rub Chen Mu's hand.

Shen Mu blinked his eyes and raised his lips to reveal a smile.

“Master…”

Gu Congxing looked at the faint smile on Chen Mu's face, and felt that the ice and snow had suddenly melted, and the spring light was bright, making it impossible to look away.

Chen Mu sat face to face with him, and after looking at each other for a moment, his gaze suddenly shot out the door, and the spiritual power around him moved slightly.

"Master? What's going on outside?"

"Nothing."

Chen Mu had already withdrawn his gaze and said, "Cong Xing, my cultivation has improved since I came out of seclusion this time. After I finish repairing the Western Wasteland barrier, I will return to the sect to overcome the tribulation."

Overcoming the tribulation...

When Gu Congxing heard him say this, the scene of his master failing to overcome the tribulation in his previous life suddenly appeared in his mind.

Just recalling it made his heart suddenly tighten, and then he kept telling himself that it was all in the past.

This life is completely different.

"Cong Xing, what are your plans from now on?"

Hearing Chen Mu's question, Gu Congxing immediately replied: "After seeing Sima Huai's final scene, I will go straight back to the sect."

"Um."

Shen Mu's brows relaxed.

At this time, he had finished transmitting spiritual energy. His large, bony hand was still rubbing Gu Congxing's head. After a while, he said, "Congxing, what are your thoughts on the master-disciple bond?"

Gu Congxing suddenly looked up and looked straight into Shen Mu's eyes.

In the world of cultivation, ethical principles still exist, and some cultivators consider it unethical for a master and a disciple to become companions.

There are even some monks who are considered to be unrighteous and have ulterior motives because they fall in love with their disciples...

However, that is just the opinion of some people.

Gu Congxing's eyes moved, and he said, "Master, I..."

"boom!!"

There was a loud noise outside the door, and Gu Congxing immediately stood up with a sword in hand.

Shen Mu raised his eyes and looked outside the door, and the air around him suddenly became cold.

The two of them pushed open the door together, only to see three figures.

Gu Congxing asked in surprise, "Big Brother, Little Brother, Si Junjian? Why are you all gathered here?"

The three men's clothes were covered in dust, and they looked a little disheveled.

Lan Jue glanced at Gu Congxing, breathed a sigh of relief, and spoke first: "Master, I wanted to find you, but I saw a barrier set up here. No matter how hard I called, there was no response. I was anxious..."

Zhong Ming immediately responded: "It is because we disciples are overly worried. We hope that Master will punish us."

Shen Mu narrowed his eyes.

Si Junjian clasped his fists and said, "Senior, the situation is critical now. I hope you can leave as soon as possible!"

Gu Congxing looked at the three of them and felt that everything was strange.

However, Chen Mu did not ask any more questions, but summoned the Zhuoguang Sword.

"Cong Xing, tell me the answer when we meet in a few days."

As he said this, he lowered his eyes and looked at Gu Congxing.

Gu Congxing couldn't help but nodded heavily.

Shen Mu raised his lips and chuckled, then stepped on his sword and left after receiving the response.

"Master, you actually laughed..." Lan Jue looked at Chen Mu's departing figure, and became more and more certain of his guess.

"Brother, what answer did Master mention?"

Zhong Ming intuitively felt that this problem was not an ordinary matter.

Gu Congxing's eyes turned, and he rubbed Zhong Ming's head with a smile.

"You are quite curious. We should also set off. The sooner we go, the sooner we can return." His eyes moved slightly, and he looked at Si Junjian, whose expression was unpredictable. "Aren't you going to the Western Wasteland with Master?"

When Si Junjian heard this question, he suddenly came back to his senses and shook his head.

"No, Sister Huayi and Sister Qiao asked me to go to Tianqi Gate as well to witness Sima Huai's end."

"Is that so..."

Gu Congxing nodded slightly.

It seems that there will be quite a few people in the Apocalypse Gate by then.

****

Inside the Gate of Apocalypse, deep in the dungeon.

In the dark, damp and cramped cell, Sima Huai was pierced by a long black iron chain, and a pool of blood had formed under his body.

“Da, da…”

He heard footsteps echoing in the darkness and struggled to raise his head.

He had now lost all his spiritual power and was too lazy to concentrate on looking. He could only see a shadowy figure.

"Ahem, damn it... How many more rounds are you going to ask... Ahem!"

But his curse received no response.

After an unknown amount of time, he heard a sigh.

It wasn't the voice of those hateful monks who had questioned him before. This voice was clearly—

Sima Huai suddenly raised his head, blinked hard, and ignored the pain in his soul and meridians, concentrating on looking.

In the field of vision, there was indeed a familiar smile.

However, the next moment, intense pain suddenly erupted! !

Sima Huai opened his eyes wide and stared at the man with bloodshot eyes.

Then, there was darkness above his eyes, as if they were covered.

The man sighed again.

"Go with peace of mind, Ah Huai..."