Wuxia: Become the 100-Victory Sword King at the Beginning

Chapter 207. The Turmoil of the Canal Gang, A Thousand Needles in the Rainy Alley: The Shocking Change on the First Day of the Lunar New Year

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the sky over Jiangnan seemed to be completely shrouded by a heavy, lead-gray curtain. The oppressive tone hung heavily in people's hearts, as if it might fall at any moment.

The biting wind, like countless sharp knives, swept across every inch of Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake, mercilessly scraping people's cheeks and bringing a stinging pain.

Although the festive atmosphere of the New Year still lingered in the air, the gloomy weather cast a shadow over everyone's hearts, like a haze.

Madam Shi, daughter of a military family, and leader of the Grand Canal Gang, Qi Meizhen, is like a beautiful flower blooming in the cold wind, exuding a captivating charm.

She wore an extremely gorgeous and thick brocade robe, meticulously woven from the finest silk and embroidered with exquisite and intricate patterns, which still shimmered faintly in the dim light.

The brocade robe clung tightly to her graceful figure, outlining her slender waist and long legs.

Her face was like a finely carved jade, her skin as white as snow with a faint glow, and her eyes were like two pools of clear autumn water, sparkling with a lively and intelligent quality.

Her lips were naturally red without any makeup, and the slightly upturned corners of her mouth conveyed a sense of confidence and determination.

Her long, jet-black hair was cleverly tied up, with a few strands fluttering gently in the wind, adding to her charm.

Accompanied by his deputy leader, Jin Liufu, nicknamed "Water Dragon," Gongsun Ren, nicknamed "Centipede," Yang Feng, nicknamed "Blue-Faced Beast," and other capable subordinates, Qi Meizhen went to the Jiangnan Canal Gang headquarters at Tiger Hill Sword Pool to handle official business.

Their figures appeared exceptionally resolute and composed in the howling cold wind.

However, a crisis, like a beast lurking in the darkness, silently crept in, waiting for its chance to strike.

When they reached the vicinity of Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake, the originally calm and mirror-like surface of the lake was suddenly broken by a powerful force.

A group of masked assassins, like phantoms crawling out of the depths of hell, appeared without warning and launched a fierce attack on the warships of the Jiangnan Canal Gang. The leader of the assassins had a cold look in his eyes and uttered a low, sharp command.

In an instant, several oil-filled crossbow bolts shot towards the warship like shooting stars.

With a whoosh, the arrow sliced ​​through the air, accompanied by a whistling sound, and landed precisely on the ship.

In the blink of an eye, a raging fire shot into the sky, and the warship was instantly engulfed in flames. With the help of the wind, the fire spread at an alarming speed, turning the entire lake surface crimson, and the billowing smoke, like a black dragon, shot straight into the sky.

Meanwhile, another group of assassins went so far as to set fire to the river, ruthlessly blocking everyone's escape route.

In an instant, the river was completely engulfed in flames, transforming into a living hell.

The sturdy mast, unable to withstand the weight of the raging fire, crackled and sputtered, threatening to break at any moment.

"Water Dragon" Jin Liufu, with his Bagua Golden Knife at his side and the Water-Splitting Dagger firmly in his hand, leaped into the water without hesitation, swimming nimbly to investigate the underwater situation. "Blue-Faced Beast" Yang Feng swiftly drew his Ghost Ring Blade from his waist, the iron rings on the blade clanging together with a crisp sound.

He unleashed his "Mountain-Splitting Saber Technique," transforming himself into a raging beast as he battled a group of masked men. Each strike carried immense force, the air filled with the whistling sound of the blades.

"Centipede" Gongsun Ren first shot out a poisoned needle, accurately killing several masked men. Then, he swiftly drew a pair of Wu-Yue hooks from his back, their blades gleaming coldly. He moved nimbly, engaging in fierce combat with the masked men who kept leaping towards him.

Upon seeing this, Qi Meizhen's beautiful eyes widened, and she hurriedly ordered the Cao Gang disciples to form the "Tiger Warrior Slashing Formation".

The disciples moved swiftly, their knives moving in unison to form an impenetrable defensive line, encircling and annihilating the masked man.

Qi Meizhen herself drew her gleaming Miao sword.

With the Miao sword in hand, her entire demeanor instantly changed, her original gentle and charming nature replaced by a sharp and murderous aura.

She unleashed the "Seventeen Armor-Breaking Techniques" from the Miao sword style.

With her first move, "Cold Blade Breaks Ice," she spun around, her Miao sword radiating a chilling aura as she slashed fiercely at the masked man in front of her. The blade's momentum was so powerful that it seemed to cleave everything in its path.

The second move, "Whirling Blade Returning Wind," saw her body move like a spinning flower, the Miao blade spinning rapidly in her hand, creating a powerful whirlwind that swept away the weapons of the masked men around her.

With her third move, "Sky-Splitting Slash," she let out a soft shout, raised her Miao sword high, and then slashed down fiercely. A sharp blade of energy shot out from the blade, drawing a dazzling light in the air and directly cutting the masked men in front of her in two.

Every move she made was precise and ruthless, her actions flowing smoothly and seamlessly.

Her graceful figure moved freely amidst the flashing swords, yet possessed immense power.

Although the masked men wielded Japanese swords and displayed superb swordsmanship, they were not employing the "Wind-Facing Slash" or "Fusang Sword Technique," but rather sword techniques from various schools of martial arts in the Central Plains. This unusual situation led Qi Meizhen to secretly wonder: these masked men might not actually be Japanese pirates.

"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen happened to be nearby investigating clues when he witnessed the breathtaking scene at Yuantouzhu on Taihu Lake. He was suddenly alarmed and knew something was wrong. The warship in front of him was set ablaze by oil-filled crossbow bolts, and the raging fire spread wildly, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. The situation was extremely critical.

He knew that this matter was urgent and dared not delay in the slightest, so he immediately used the "Flying Floss and Light Smoke Skill".

In an instant, his figure moved like a wisp of smoke, swiftly drifting in the cold wind, rushing towards the direction of the vast stone mansion in Suzhou Prefecture, leaving only a blurry afterimage in his wake.

At this moment, Shi Feiyang was in the spacious and tranquil courtyard of the vast Shi Mansion, wholeheartedly accompanying his little sister Shi Yuyan as they played.

Shi Yuyan's innocent laughter echoed in the courtyard, as clear and melodious as a silver bell.

Shi Feiyang, his face full of doting affection, played hide-and-seek with three-year-old Shi Yuyan.

Sometimes he would hide behind the artificial hill, sometimes he would hide among the flowers. Whenever Shi Yuyan ran happily to find him, he would lift her up high and gently kiss her pink cheek, his eyes full of tenderness and love.

Xie Wen burst into the courtyard like a gust of wind. He looked panicked, was panting, and his voice trembled as he said, "Chief, something terrible has happened! Chief Qi and his men have been attacked at Yuantouzhu on Taihu Lake. Their warships have been set ablaze by oil-filled crossbow bolts, and they are in imminent danger!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's previously gentle expression instantly changed, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, he quickly weighed the situation in his mind and decisively decided to go to the rescue alone.

He looked at Xie Wen with a firm and unwavering gaze, and quickly issued the order: "Xie Wen, you immediately go and summon the elders and the heads of each incense hall, and organize the Xiong Ying Society disciples who will stay in their respective incense halls during the Spring Festival. Make sure to strengthen vigilance and do not be negligent in any way!"

After giving his instructions, he gently picked up Xiaoyuyan, placed a deep kiss on her forehead, and then carefully put her into the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang unleashed his unparalleled lightness skill, "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles." In a flash, he became like a streak of light, tracing a straight path through the air as he swiftly sped towards Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake.

In the blink of an eye, he had traversed a long distance and arrived at the lakeside.

The sight before him made Shi Feiyang's heart tighten. A raging fire was engulfing the warship, flames shooting into the sky, and waves of heat washing over him. Shi Feiyang took a deep breath and circulated his Mingyu Gong internally.

With the blessing of the Sunflower Saintess's supreme bloodline, the power of the Bright Jade Skill was brought to its peak. His body was instantly enveloped in a layer of crystal-clear icy cold air. Under the influence of this cold air, the moisture in the air quickly condensed into countless tiny ice crystals, which slowly rotated around him.

Shi Feiyang's hands moved like dragons emerging from the sea, unleashing the "Divine Dragon Claw Technique." His hands instantly shimmered with a chilling light, like a pair of sharp blades forged from ice, radiating a terrifying aura.

He moved with lightning speed, swiftly grabbing at the oil-soaked canvas. A powerful claw strike roared out, tearing the air apart with a sharp whistling sound. In just an instant, the thick oil-soaked canvas was easily ripped apart by his "dragon claw," turning into countless fragments that flew through the air.

The powerful wind not only tore the canvas to shreds but also stirred up waves on the lake.

The lake water seemed to be lifted up by an invisible giant hand, quickly gathering to form a huge water curtain several meters high.

The water curtain, like a roaring water dragon, swept fiercely towards the fire.

Under the powerful impact of the water curtain, the fire was immediately suppressed, and the originally rampant flames weakened considerably.

Shi Feiyang did not stop. He continued to use his "Divine Dragon Claw Skill" to repeatedly create water curtains and fight the fire.

After a difficult and thrilling firefighting effort, the fire was finally extinguished, and Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake gradually returned to calm. However, the lingering smell of burning in the air spoke of the crisis that had just occurred.

Seeing Shi Feiyang extinguish the fire with lightning speed and display such powerful strength, the masked men turned ashen-faced, their eyes filled with fear and despair.

They dared not linger any longer, and with a cry of surprise, they used their lightness skills to fly away, their figures disappearing instantly into the vast fog.

Qi Meizhen, holding a blood-dripping Miao knife, ran over quickly. Just as she was about to speak, suddenly, "Water Dragon" Jin Liufu, like a nimble koi, leaped out of the water with a "whoosh," carrying a wet Japanese corpse puppet in his hand.

The corpse puppet was pale, with wide-open eyes and a ferocious expression, as if it had suffered great pain in its previous life.

Upon seeing this, everyone gathered around.

Shi Feiyang frowned, squatted down, and carefully examined the Japanese corpse puppet.

Just then, the sharp-eyed Gongsun Ren pointed to a spot on the corpse puppet and exclaimed, "Chief, look! There's a Jinyiwei talisman stuck to this corpse puppet!" Everyone looked in the direction he pointed and saw a yellowish talisman stuck to the corpse puppet's chest.
The runes on the talisman exuded an eerie aura.

Shi Feiyang's expression instantly turned serious. He slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a deep voice, "The appearance of this Embroidered Uniform Guard talisman here is no accident. It seems that the conspiracy behind this is far more complicated than we imagined."

A ruthless glint flashed in Gongsun Ren's eyes as he sneered, "Hmph, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has always acted in secrecy. Their connection with these Japanese corpse puppets... could it be that they are secretly colluding with the Japanese to harm our Xiong Ying Society?"

Yang Feng, nicknamed "Blue-Faced Beast," gripped his Ghost Ring Blade tightly and said fiercely, "No matter what their schemes are, if they dare to mess with our Xiong Ying Society, they won't have a good ending!"

Jin Liufu threw the Japanese corpse puppet on the ground, shook the water off his hands, and said, "Chief, in my opinion, this Japanese corpse puppet might be controlled by the Embroidered Uniform Guard as a secret weapon to deal with us. However, we still need to think carefully about why they would do this."

Qi Meizhen frowned slightly and analyzed, "Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake is a major transportation route, and our Canal Gang usually travels frequently here. Now that they have set up an ambush and attacked us, it is probably not just targeting our Xiong Ying Society. They may also want to disrupt the waterway transportation in Jiangnan. There may be a bigger scheme behind it."

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his gaze firm, and said, "No matter what their conspiracy is, we, the Xiong Ying Society, are not afraid of anything. From now on, everyone must be vigilant and pay close attention to the movements of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. We must find out the truth as soon as possible and not let their conspiracy succeed."

Everyone nodded, their eyes revealing firm determination.

Just then, a group of heroes from Jiangnan, including Kong Sanjiao, known as "Seven Swordsmen", Fan Shi, known as "Xingyiquan", Liu Yehua, known as "Hundred Leaf Blade", and Xinanfeng, known as "Taiji Blade", came to the headquarters of the Canal Gang to pay New Year's greetings to Qi Meizhen.

Shi Feiyang was deeply concerned about the case and extremely anxious. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to the crowd, saying, "Heroes, I am truly sorry, but I have urgent business to attend to and must take my leave now!"

After saying that, he used his unparalleled lightness skill, "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles," and his figure flashed, disappearing from everyone's sight like a white light.

When Shi Feiyang returned to the grand Shi Mansion, his three wives, Yili, Baizhi, and Gong Simeng, were eagerly awaiting his return.

Yi Li held Gong Simeng's son, who was giggling in her arms; Bai Zhi held her own son, her face full of tenderness; Gong Simeng held her daughter, her eyes filled with love. The three of them immediately gathered around Shi Feiyang upon his return.

Ellie spoke first, her voice soft and concerned: "Feiyang, where did you go in such a hurry? You look like something happened." Baizhi also said softly, "Yes, Feiyang, don't scare us."

Gong Simeng, holding her daughter, took a few steps forward and said softly, "Tell us quickly, what exactly happened?"

Seeing the worried expressions on the three ladies' faces, Shi Feiyang felt a warmth in his heart and recounted in detail the crisis that the Jiangnan shipping guild had encountered at Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake. After listening, the three ladies all showed worried expressions.

Just then, three elders of the Xiong Ying Society—Liao Pei, known for his "Tongbei Fist" style; Lie Quan, known for his "Qiankun Blade" style; and Wu Zhong, known for his "Iron Palm" style—arrived in a flurry of activity on horseback. They quickly dismounted in front of the Shi Mansion's gate and strode into the mansion.

Liao Pei shouted at the top of his lungs, "Chief, I heard something terrible has happened! What exactly happened?"

Lie Quan, looking anxious, followed closely behind and asked.

Upon seeing them arrive, Shi Feiyang reiterated the crisis at Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake, then said, "Three elders, let's discuss matters in the study." With that, the group headed towards the study. The clever young page, Shi Xiong, led a group of maids carrying tea, quickly following behind and refilling their cups as needed.

Inside the study, the group of heroes sat together, and a lively discussion immediately broke out.

Liao Pei slammed his fist on the table and said loudly, "Hmph, in my opinion, the Imperial Guards are probably going to make a move against our Xiong Ying Society! Our Xiong Ying Society's prestige in the martial arts world is growing day by day, they must be wary of us!"

Lie Quan nodded and continued, "Elder Liao is absolutely right! Fortunately, our disciples have long since gone underground. Outsiders can't detect any flaws in those disciples who run escort agencies, inns, and taverns. We've managed to keep a backup plan!"

Wu Zhong clenched his fists and said fiercely, "Why should we be afraid of them! What storms haven't we, the Xiong Ying Society, weathered? Do you think we'd be afraid of these little Imperial Guards?"

Shi Xiong then walked in and said respectfully, "Chief, heroes, lunch is ready."

Shi Feiyang stood up and said to everyone, "Let's go to the main courtyard restaurant for a meal. We can eat, chat, and discuss this matter while enjoying some wine."

Everyone got up and hurried to the main courtyard restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant, a rich and mellow aroma of wine immediately fills the air, permeating the entire space.

The table was laden with a dazzling array of delicious dishes, each one a feast for the eyes and the palate, making one's mouth water.

Among the delicacies, there is steaming hot braised pork knuckle, its tender meat coated in a glistening sauce; there is also tempting steamed sea bass, garnished with emerald green scallions and bright red chili threads; and there is the fragrant sweet and sour pork ribs, the sweet and sour aroma filling the air.

The group took their seats one by one, sipping fine wine and enjoying delicious food while continuing their heated discussion about the worrying crisis.

The three ladies, Yili, Baizhi, and Gong Simeng, sat quietly to the side, listening to the discussion.

Although they did not participate in the heated verbal exchange, their gazes remained fixed on Shi Feiyang like threads.

Their eyes were filled with endless concern and tender affection, as if Shi Feiyang was the center of their entire world.

Occasionally, they would reach out their slender, jade-like hands and place a piece of his favorite dish on his plate, while softly reminding him, "Feiyang, eat more, and take care of yourself."

The voice was soft, like a gentle breeze in spring, carrying a touch of warmth.

Just then, "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen strode into the restaurant, looking hurried. He went straight to Shi Feiyang, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported the situation. After listening, Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, signaling Xie Wen to stand up, and they sat down to eat together.

After lunch, Shi Feiyang, Liao Pei ("Tongbeiquan"), Lie Quan ("Qiankundao"), Wu Zhong ("Tiezhang"), Xie Wen ("Feiyingshentan"), and Shi Xiong (the pageboy) followed the clues and arrived at the embroidery workshop in Qilishantang without stopping.

The sky seemed to be completely covered by a huge lead-gray curtain, the gloom was thick and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

Fine rain, like cow's hair or embroidery needles, fell continuously, gently enveloping the entire Qili Shantang area in a hazy, misty rain. The embroidery workshop under the rain curtain resembled a mysterious labyrinth, exuding a chilling tranquility and eerie atmosphere.

As soon as Shi Feiyang and his companions stepped into the narrow, cramped alley, a strange feeling washed over them like a tide. They instantly sensed that something was amiss. The embroidery workshop, usually bustling with laughter and joy, was now as silent as a deathly abyss, with only the monotonous "drip-drip" of raindrops hitting the bluestone slabs echoing in the quiet space.

Suddenly, a soft rustling sound, like a ghostly whisper, came from all directions.

Everyone turned their heads warily, only to see three hundred embroiderers, like ghosts emerging from the darkness, swiftly appearing from various hidden corners and surrounding Shi Feiyang and his companions. These embroiderers had cold expressions and icy killing intent in their eyes, as if they were facing not a group of martial arts heroes, but their mortal enemies.

Before anyone could fully react, the embroiderer's sleeve twitched slightly.
In an instant, countless raindrop-like needles shot out like a swarm of hungry bees.

These poisoned needles, accompanied by a sharp, piercing whistle, tore through the rain and shot towards Shi Feiyang and the others. The dense array of needles, gleaming coldly against the backdrop of the rain, resembled a vast net woven from death, enveloping them relentlessly.

Shi Feiyang's Mingyu Gong instantly protected his body, and his aura circulated rapidly within him, as if gathering the immense power of heaven and earth. Immediately afterward, he moved his palms with lightning speed, unleashing a move from the Tathagata Palm called "Auspicious Light Appears".

In an instant, a soft yet intensely hot light emanated from his palm, like a rising sun, radiating an awe-inspiring power. The palm strike roared forth like a tidal wave, carrying a world-destroying force, instantly forming an indestructible, invisible barrier before him. Under the impact of this powerful palm strike, the swarms of poisonous needles that had been shot at him were rendered helpless, as if they had struck an impenetrable wall.

With a series of rapid "plop plop plop" sounds, the poisoned needles changed direction, as if manipulated by an invisible hand, and embedded themselves into the blue bricks on both sides. In the blink of an eye, the once smooth blue bricks were covered with a dense array of needle tails, resembling a curled-up hedgehog from a distance, sending chills down one's spine.

Seeing this, the embroiderers sensed something was wrong and quickly fled.

After the poisoned needle landed, Shi Feiyang and the others looked closely and saw that the needle's end was engraved with the emblem of the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau.

Although the emblem was small, it stood out conspicuously in the gloomy atmosphere.

Shi Feiyang frowned, pondering to himself, "How could the emblem of the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau appear on these concealed weapons? Could it be that the imperial court's influence is really involved?" His eyes revealed a hint of seriousness as he tried to penetrate the layers of mystery and find the truth of the case.

Seeing this, Liao Pei, the "Tongbei Quan" master, couldn't help but exclaim, "Damn it, this is getting weirder and weirder! Even the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau is involved. It seems there's more to this than meets the eye!"

Lie Quan, wielding the "Qiankun Blade," gripped his broadsword tightly and sneered, "What's there to be afraid of! What storms haven't we, the Xiong Ying Society, weathered? Whether it's the imperial court or some demons and monsters, if they dare to mess with us, we'll make sure they never return!"

"Iron Palm" Wu Zhong clapped his hands forcefully, making a crisp sound, and said, "In my opinion, there must be a big conspiracy behind this. We need to quickly sort out the clues and not let them lead us by the nose!"

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "What you all say is absolutely right. The current situation is intricate and complex, like an invisible net that is binding us tighter and tighter. Every new clue makes the case even more perplexing. But as people of the martial world, we cannot be afraid of trouble. The martial world is full of challenges and unknowns, and we must find out the truth behind this!"

After a moment's thought, Xie Wen, the "Flying Eagle Detective," said, "Chief, in my opinion, we should start with the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau and see if we can find any clues. Perhaps the forces behind this are controlling everything through the Ordnance Bureau."

Shi Feiyang's gaze was firm as he looked at everyone: "Alright, then let's start our investigation with the Ministry of Works' Ordnance Bureau. Everyone must proceed with extreme caution and avoid alerting them. We've survived in this world thanks to courage and wisdom, and this time is no exception!"

Everyone nodded, their eyes revealing a firm determination. A battle against the mysterious force seemed to have quietly begun.

Shi Feiyang, Liao Pei ("Tongbeiquan"), Lie Quan ("Qiankundao"), Wu Zhong ("Tiezhang"), Xie Wen ("Feiyingshentan"), Shi Xiong ("Xiaoshutong"), and others followed the clues left in Qianzhenyu Lane and tracked them all the way to the iron casting room of the Tiger Hill Underground Palace.

As soon as you step into the underground palace, a wave of heat hits you like a surging tide.
The intense heat seemed to melt people instantly, making it hard to breathe.

Inside the iron casting room, flames soared into the sky, and the red-hot iron bars resembled giant dragons spitting fire, radiating a chillingly high temperature that trapped Shi Feiyang and the others like caged beasts.

The surrounding air was distorted by the high temperature, and vision became blurred, as if one were in a desperate situation filled with infernal fire.

At the same time, the Xuan Tie Chain Formation, like black pythons leaping from the abyss of darkness, snaked and slithered across the ground, rapidly coiling towards them. The chains clanged against each other, producing a rattling sound that echoed through the sealed underground palace, like the tolling of death's bell, each strike striking heavily into everyone's hearts, filling them with terror.

Shi Feiyang suddenly shouted, and his voice resounded throughout the underground palace like a great bell, making the surrounding walls rustle.

Immediately afterwards, his palms shot out like lightning, unleashing the Dragon Claw technique.

With the blessing of Mingyu Gong, in an instant, his hands seemed to be infused with the soul of a dragon, transforming into a pair of dragon claws that shone with a strange light. These dragon claws, carrying the force of a thunderbolt, fiercely grabbed at the red-hot iron chain.

With a sharp, piercing scraping sound, the iron chain in his hand was easily crushed like a fragile spider silk.

Countless sparks flew, drawing brilliant yet dangerous streaks of light in the dark underground palace, like fireworks blooming in the night sky, yet carrying a deadly threat.

However, the high temperature on the iron chains was beyond imagination; if an ordinary person's skin were to touch them, it would be instantly burned.

But Shi Feiyang was different. Dragon scale patterns slowly appeared on his palm. Each dragon scale shimmered with a mysterious and cold luster, as if his palm was covered with an indestructible armor, steadily resisting the invasion of high temperature.

While warily watching the iron chains closing in from all sides, Liao Pei, the "Tongbei Fist" expert, shouted, "Chief, this place is truly eerie! These iron chains seem to have eyes; they just keep wrapping around us endlessly!"

"Qiankun Blade" Lie Quan brandished his broadsword, severing the nearby iron chains as he cursed, "Damn it, which bastard set this trap? When I get out, I'll tear him to pieces!"

"Iron Palm" Wu Zhong slapped a chain away with his palm and said, panting heavily, "Chief, you have to put in more effort! We're trapped by these chains, we have to break out of here quickly!"

While unleashing the Divine Dragon Claw with all his might, Shi Feiyang calmly said, "Don't panic, everyone! We've seen all kinds of storms in our adventures! We'll definitely get through this ordeal! Stay calm and watch me break this chain formation!"

As he spoke, the power of the dragon claw in his hand increased even more. Wherever the dragon claw went, the iron chains broke and shattered into pieces scattered all over the ground.

Shi Feiyang was focused on breaking through the encirclement, wielding his Divine Dragon Claw with ferocious power, severing the black iron chains that coiled around him like pythons. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a wall of molten iron being poured nearby, and a strange feeling welled up inside him.

The molten iron, like flowing lava, emitted a blazing light, standing out brightly in the dimly lit foundry.

As time passed, the molten iron gradually cooled, the originally flowing liquid gradually solidified, and the outline of the wall slowly became clear.

Shi Feiyang stared wide-eyed at the scene before him in disbelief—the wall was faintly taking on a human shape.

Although the outline was blurry, it exuded an indescribable eeriness in this gloomy environment.

A sudden thought struck him; a strong premonition told him that this was no ordinary event.

Without hesitation, he channeled all his inner strength, and the true energy within his body surged like a turbulent tide.

Immediately afterwards, with a loud shout, he slammed his right fist, carrying immense force, against the wall.

A deafening roar, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, echoed through the sealed underground palace, making everyone's ears ring.

The wall shattered instantly, sending countless fragments flying and raising a cloud of dust.

As the dust settled, a skeleton, cast and sealed by molten iron, appeared before everyone's eyes.

The skeleton was encased in molten iron, some parts of which had fused with the iron, exuding a cold and eerie aura in the dim light.

Upon seeing this, everyone gasped, their faces filled with shock and confusion.

Liao Pei, the "Tongbei Quan" expert, stared wide-eyed at the skeleton and stammered, "What... what's going on? How can there be a skeleton sealed in this molten iron?"

Lie Quan, wielding the "Heaven and Earth Blade," frowned, a fierce glint in his eyes. He cursed, "Damn it, this is too bizarre! What secrets does this place hold?"

"Iron Palm" Wu Zhong stepped forward, carefully examined the skeleton, and said in a deep voice, "Chief, look at the appearance of these skeletons, they seem to be quite old." Shi Feiyang's expression was solemn as he squatted down and carefully examined the skeleton.

After a moment, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he slowly said, "Gentlemen, these are actually the remains of a famous general who fought against Japanese pirates in the previous dynasty."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, exchanging bewildered glances.

After a moment of contemplation, Xie Wen, the "Flying Eagle Detective," said, "This is truly bizarre! Why would the remains of a famous general who fought against the Japanese pirates in the previous dynasty be sealed here? What is the connection between this and the crisis we are currently facing?"

Shi Feiyang stood up, looking at everyone with a determined gaze, and said, "No matter what secrets are hidden behind this, now that we've discovered it, we must get to the bottom of it! This martial world is full of unknowns and challenges, and we can't be intimidated by this little difficulty!"

Everyone nodded, their eyes revealing firm determination.

New mysteries, like layers of fog, once again shrouded the minds of Shi Feiyang and his companions, but they showed no sign of backing down and resolutely decided to continue their in-depth exploration in order to uncover the shocking secret hidden behind it.

In this eerie and mysterious underground palace, their figures appeared so small, yet so resolute.

(End of this chapter)