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

Chapter 211. Shock! Wu Zhong disappears; Shi Feiyang's ingenious plan kills a large number of Imperial Guards.

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing deep approval, and slowly said, "Elder Liao, all of you brothers are men of good heart. The martial world is currently turbulent and unpredictable, and it is truly fortunate to have such a peaceful and tranquil place. However, we must remember that countless people are still suffering in misery. As righteous men of the martial world, we bear the name of chivalry, and everything we do is for the sake of bringing peace and happiness to all people."

Upon hearing this, everyone was convinced and nodded in agreement, their respect and admiration for Shi Feiyang's broad patriotism growing even stronger.

Shi Feiyang, along with his wives and children, rested peacefully in this tranquil place for a few days. However, the good times didn't last long; the peaceful days were like a mirage, fleeting in an instant. A piece of terrible news, like a heavy gloom, quickly enveloped them, making it hard to breathe.

Since the beginning of last year, the Central Plains seemed to have been mercilessly forgotten by the heavens, with not a drop of rain falling for a whole year.

An unprecedented drought, like a raging beast, swept across the Central Plains.

In the fields, the parched earth is cracked with jagged gashes, like gaping, hungry mouths, silently proclaiming despair.

The crops failed completely, and the hard work of the people went to waste, plunging them into despair.

Driven by the cruelty of hunger, tragic stories of people being brutally murdered while trying to seize grain frequently emerged from various places.

Upon hearing this news, Shi Feiyang was filled with grief and anxiety.

He knew that the people were in dire straits, facing a life-or-death crisis, and desperately needed someone to lend a helping hand and provide assistance.

Therefore, Shi Feiyang made a decisive move and immediately summoned the heroes to discuss countermeasures.

His expression was solemn, like a pine tree on a mountaintop, resolute and unyielding. His eyes were like torches as he swept over the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Now the people of the Central Plains are deeply mired in suffering. As righteous people of the Jianghu, we uphold the way of chivalry and should step forward to save the people from their predicament."

Then, he turned his gaze like a sharp sword to Wu Zhong, "Iron Palm," and solemnly ordered: "Wu Zhong, this important task is entrusted to you. You shall immediately take the lead, select some capable heroes, and head to the Central Plains."

"Use the funds and provisions of the Luoyang branch of the Xiong Ying Society to provide full assistance to the disaster-stricken people, without the slightest slackening."

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong straightened his back, clasped his hands in a fist salute, his posture upright like a pine tree, and replied in a firm and powerful tone, like a resounding bell: "Rest assured, Chief, Wu Zhong will do his utmost to live up to your trust!"

After saying this, he turned around and acted swiftly, gathering his men and leading his team on a hasty journey to the Central Plains.

In early spring, the night sky over Luoyang was like thick, unyielding ink, recklessly pouring across the land and shrouding the entire city in darkness, obscuring the sun.

Only the distant stars twinkled with a faint and cold light, like a group of lonely guardians, doing their best to bring a glimmer of light to this ancient city, yet appearing so small and insignificant in the boundless darkness.

Inside the Luoyang branch of the Xiong Ying Society, however, a completely different and bustling scene unfolded.

The city was brightly lit, as bright as day, creating a stark and striking contrast with the deathly silence outside the city.

Inside the warehouse, bags of grain were stacked neatly, like steel guards standing ready for battle, solemn and dignified, carrying the hopes of countless people for survival. They were the dawn in the darkness, the salvation in despair.

The surrounding people flocked to the warehouse like a tidal wave. They were dressed in rags, their old clothes patched and shivering in the biting wind, like candles flickering in the wind, ready to be extinguished at any moment.

Their faces were haggard, their sunken eyes like dry wells, and their sallow skin seemed to have been drained of life by the years, telling tales of the endless suffering they had endured. Yet, even in such dire straits, a glimmer of hope shone in their eyes, a light like a tenacious flame burning in the abyss of darkness—weak, yet unyielding, shining brightly, like the morning star in the cold night, guiding their yearning for life.

Wu Zhong, nicknamed "Iron Palm," stood tall and straight on the high platform, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

He took a deep breath to calm the turmoil in his heart.
Then, his voice, like a booming bell, resounded through the night sky, echoing for a long time, each word clear: "Fellow villagers, we will definitely distribute this disaster relief grain fairly, and we will not let anyone go hungry or cold. We will make sure that everyone can get through this difficult time!"

The people nodded in agreement, their hushed discussions rising and falling like a gentle stream. A long-lost look of contentment appeared on their weathered faces—a glimmer of hope for the future, like sweet rain on parched land, nourishing their weary souls.

However, just as this peaceful, warm, and hopeful scene was unfolding, an unexpected change occurred.

A chilling wind howled past, like a pair of icy hands from hell, carrying a bone-chilling cold, gently caressing everyone's backs, causing everyone to shiver and a sense of foreboding to rise in their hearts.

The lights inside the branch headquarters flickered violently in the biting wind, their brightness threatening to be swallowed by the darkness at any moment, plunging them into endless silence. A group of masked men, like phantoms emerging from the cracks in the darkness, suddenly appeared without warning.

They were agile and quick, like cheetahs, each movement fluid and swift, demonstrating their excellent training.

The blade in his hand gleamed with a cold, piercing light, which was as blinding as a will-o'-the-wisp in the dim light, like the scythe wielded by the Grim Reaper, exuding a chilling, deadly aura that foreshadowed an impending bloody massacre.

These masked men, their eyes fierce like wolves, pounced straight at Wu Zhong without hesitation, their eyes flashing with murderous intent, clearly intending to deliver a fatal blow. In an instant, the once peaceful branch headquarters became tense and oppressive, a breathtaking bloody battle about to erupt.

Wu Zhong felt a sudden jolt, as if a thunderclap had exploded in his heart.

His years of experience and navigating the world, weathering countless storms, had allowed him to calm down instantly in this critical moment.

He gathered his inner strength and roared, his voice booming like thunder: "Protect the grain! Capture the assassin!" This shout was like a thunderclap ripped through the night sky, exploding above the Luoyang branch and instantly shattering the original peace and tranquility.

Upon hearing this command, the heroes of the Luoyang branch responded as if they had heard a bugle call to charge.

They quickly grabbed the weapons at their sides, their eyes filled with determination and courage, and charged towards the masked man like tigers.

In an instant, the branch headquarters was filled with shouts of battle, and the clanging of weapons clashing was deafening, like the sound of clashing swords echoing in the night sky.

Sparks flew everywhere, like shooting stars twinkling in the night sky, or fireworks bursting on the battlefield, illuminating this chaotic battlefield.

The scene descended into chaos, with the people screaming in terror, their voices sharp and shrill, like blades piercing everyone's hearts.

They fled in all directions, their steps frantic, like frightened lambs, bewildered in the chaotic scene, desperately trying to find a safe corner to escape this sudden disaster.

In the midst of the fierce battle, a man in black seized the opportunity amidst the chaos of the fight, his figure flashing like a ghost. His movements were swift and agile, like a phantom in the night, as he turned and fled hastily towards the Longmen Grottoes.

The figure appeared and disappeared in the night, quickly blending into the darkness.

Wu Zhong's eyes were sharp, like a hawk's, and he immediately caught sight of the man in black's movements. He had only one unwavering thought in his mind: he must not let this assassin escape, and he had to find out their purpose, otherwise the people's disaster relief grain might be lost.

Without hesitation, he immediately used his lightness skill, his figure like a black lightning bolt, speeding away in the night, closely chasing after the man in black.

Wu Zhong's figure appeared exceptionally agile under the cool moonlight; his movements were light and swift, instantly blending into the night.

The moonlight bathed him, outlining his resolute features. At that moment, he resembled a guardian in the darkness, shouldering a mission and forging ahead bravely. However, this pursuit ended with Wu Zhong disappearing without a trace, as if a stone had vanished into the sea.

The dark Longmen Grottoes, like a colossal beast that devoured everything, swallowed up Wu Zhong's figure and the news.

The following morning, the gentle sunlight softly bathed Luoyang, attempting to bring a glimmer of life to the city that had just experienced a night of turmoil.

Golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the ancient city walls and streets, giving the city a warm coat.

However, the sunshine could not dispel the gloom in people's hearts.

Upon receiving the news, "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen was extremely anxious.

He rushed over without stopping, raising dust and making a rapid hoofbeat.

His expression was solemn, his brows furrowed, like a locked mountain peak, and his eyes revealed a hint of anxiety that was hard to conceal.

The anxiety, like a dark cloud, hung over his heart, making his mood increasingly heavy.

Upon entering the Luoyang branch of the Xiong Ying Society, he immediately got into the zone.

With keen eyes, he meticulously examined the scene, leaving no detail overlooked.

His eyes scanned the chaotic scene like a scanner, trying to find a clue.

At the entrance to the Longmen Grottoes, he slowly squatted down, his movements extremely careful, as if he were searching for a rare treasure.

His hands trembled slightly as he gently picked up a fragment of the flying fish robe, which shimmered with an unusual luster in the sunlight.

The flying fish robe is the iconic attire of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

This discovery was like a bombshell, sending shockwaves through Xie Wen's mind.

He frowned, a vague feeling creeping into his heart that there must be some unspeakable secret behind this matter.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards have always acted mysteriously and unpredictably. Why are they here? What intricate connection do they have with this assassination attempt and Wu Zhong's disappearance? Countless questions swirled in his mind like a tangled mess, leaving him unable to sort them out.

Immediately afterwards, Xie Wen stepped inside the grotto.

The cave was so dark it was almost pitch black, filled with a heavy, damp atmosphere, which seemed to carry a hint of blood and danger. He took a deep breath and, with his extremely keen observation skills, carefully searched every corner in the darkness.

He moved his feet lightly, afraid of disturbing the unknown in the darkness.

Finally, on a dark and secluded rock wall in the grotto, Xie Wen's sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, caught the distress signal sent by Wu Zhong's iron palm strike. Those palm prints, deeply embedded in the rock wall, seemed like mysterious symbols sealed by time, yet they exuded a chilling aura.

The rocks around the palm print shattered, revealing irregular shapes, as if Wu Zhong, in a desperate situation, had used all his strength, with an iron will and a thirst for life, to stubbornly leave behind this last hope.

Each palm print was Wu Zhong's desperate cry for life in the darkness, his voice transcending time and space, telling of the extremely critical situation he faced at that time. The depth and force of each palm print conveyed danger and urgency to the Xiong Ying Society, urging everyone to race against time to carry out the rescue.

Xie Wen's eyes instantly turned as firm and sharp as a cold star in a cold night.

A strong sense of mission welled up within him, and he knew that this matter could not be delayed.

If Wu Zhong cannot be found soon and the mystery behind this cannot be solved, the Xiong Ying Society and the people of Luoyang may face an even greater crisis. A storm seems to be brewing quietly in the depths of darkness, ready to sweep in at any moment and drag everything into an endless abyss.

"What should we do! Brother Wu Zhong, he..." Miao Menlong, the "Divine Archer," was shocked, his voice trembling slightly with tension, and his hand unconsciously tightened his grip on the bow and arrow. His eyes were filled with worry and unease as he looked towards the cave, as if he could see Wu Zhong struggling in the darkness.

Xiang Kun, the "Iron Flute Scholar," frowned deeply, his eyes filled with worry. He muttered to himself, "What conspiracy is hidden behind this? Why is the Embroidered Uniform Guard involved?" His voice was low and hoarse, as if he was struggling to breathe under the weight of this heavy mystery.

At this moment, Wu Zhong's wife, Xiao Lingling, known as "Mandarin Duck Knife," could no longer suppress her grief.

Her body trembled slightly, she covered her face with her hands, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam.

Her cries were sorrowful and piercing, like a mournful elegy, echoing in the air outside the grotto.

Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she collapsed to the ground, all her strength gone. The pain in her heart was like a sharp knife, piercing her soul and causing her unbearable agony.

Wu Zhong's image kept appearing in her mind; the wonderful times they had spent together had now vanished like a bubble.

She knew that Wu Zhong might be in danger, his life hanging in the balance, and she was powerless to help him. This pain almost drove her to the brink of collapse.

Xie Wen took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety and unease, and tried his best to calm himself down.

He looked up at Xiang Kun, Xiao Lingling, and Miao Menlong, his expression grave as he slowly said, “Now that things have come to this, weeping is futile. The most urgent thing is for me to report this matter to the Grand Master immediately. You all stay here and continue to keep an eye out for clues. If there is any movement, be sure to send me a message by carrier pigeon immediately.”

After speaking, Xie Wen used the "Flying Catkins and Light Smoke Skill". He was like a light catkin lifted by a gentle breeze, or a wisp of smoke drifting in the morning mist. He instantly rose from the ground and sped towards the Misty Peak of Taihu Lake in Jiangnan.

His figure flashed across the azure sky, as fast as a shooting star, leaving only a faint afterimage behind him, just like his hurried footsteps.

In the tranquil yet dignified council hall of Misty Peak on Taihu Lake, Shi Feiyang sat with his brothers, discussing the current state of the martial arts world and the important affairs of their gang. The atmosphere in the hall was so heavy it seemed almost palpable, as everyone expressed their opinions, their words filled with plans and anxieties about the future.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the solemn and resolute faces of the crowd.

Suddenly, a dark shadow, like a black lightning bolt, accompanied by a sharp gust of wind, swiftly landed in front of Shi Feiyang with a "whoosh".

Everyone looked closely and realized it was Xie Wen.

At this moment, Xie Wen's face was as pale as paper, devoid of any color. Large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead like beads from a broken string. His breathing was rapid and disordered, clearly indicating that he had been rushing all the way here without stopping and using all his strength.

His clothes were soaked with sweat and clung tightly to his body, and his hair was slightly disheveled, fluttering gently in the wind.

"Chief!" Xie Wen knelt on one knee, his voice trembling slightly with exhaustion and anxiety. He raised his hands high and respectfully presented half of the flying fish robe. "Something has happened at the Luoyang branch. Elder Wu Zhong is missing. This is half of the flying fish robe that was found in the Longmen Grottoes."

His voice echoed in the quiet council chamber, trembling slightly, as if recounting a dramatic turn of events.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's expression instantly hardened, as if shrouded in frost on a cold night, his eyes revealing a hint of severity.

He reached out and steadily took the flying fish robe, his movements calm and powerful, displaying the demeanor of a sect leader.

Shi Feiyang frowned, his expression like a locked mountain peak, carefully examining the fragment in his hand. His gaze was sharp as an eagle's, not missing a single detail. His eyes moved slowly across the fragment, trying to find a clue.

After a moment of contemplation, Shi Feiyang raised his head, looked directly at Xie Wen, and asked in a calm yet authoritative tone, "What exactly happened? Tell me in detail."

His voice was deep and powerful, as if it possessed a reassuring strength.

Xie Wen stood up, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his rapid breathing. He then reported to Shi Feiyang in detail about the encounter at the Luoyang branch, Wu Zhong's pursuit of the assassin, and the clues he had discovered.

Throughout the entire process, Shi Feiyang listened quietly, his gaze focused, like a composed statue, occasionally nodding slightly, his mind rapidly analyzing every detail. His eyes flickered as Xie Wen recounted the story, sometimes serious, sometimes thoughtful, clearly as he quickly pieced together the entire sequence of events in his mind.

After Xie Wen finished speaking, Shi Feiyang's expression became even more solemn. He stared firmly into the distance, as if he could penetrate the layers of mountains and see through the conspiracy hidden in the darkness.

"This matter is far from simple; there's likely a much larger conspiracy behind it." Shi Feiyang spoke slowly, his voice deep yet powerful, as if echoing from a deep valley. "We must act quickly and not let the enemy's plot succeed. Xie Wen, you'll have to work a little longer and return to Luoyang immediately. Later, the brothers and I will head north to reinforce you. Don't worry! If the Embroidered Uniform Guard really did arrest Elder Wu Zhong, they certainly won't execute him immediately, because both the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the dog emperor want to destroy our Xiong Ying Society. So, arresting Wu Zhong is just a bait to catch a bigger fish."

Shi Feiyang's analysis was clear and logical, and every word revealed his accurate judgment of the situation and his profound insight into the enemy's intentions, which impressed everyone present.

Xie Wen clasped his hands in a fist salute, his expression resolute, and replied loudly, "Yes, Grand Master!"

After saying this, he stood up and turned around, disappearing from everyone's sight like a black shadow, heading towards Luoyang.

His figure flashed by in the sunlight outside the council chamber, carrying with him unwavering faith and a sense of mission.

Shi Feiyang acted decisively, immediately ordering, "Liao Pei, Lie Quan, you two mobilize the disciples of the Xiong Ying Society to disguise themselves and head north. They will assume various identities, blend into the crowd, and gather intelligence on Wu Zhong. Simultaneously, they will conduct counter-surveillance of the Jinyiwei and government offices at all levels. Report any suspicious activity to me immediately." His voice was steady and powerful, each instruction concise and clear, exuding a reassuring wisdom and composure; everything was under his control.

Then, Shi Feiyang looked at Fan Shi and said firmly, "Fan Shi, you organize a Tiger Might Escort Agency, have Lu Dechu, Jiang Huotian, and Shan Zhiqiao as escorts, and select more than a hundred elite disciples to disguise themselves and head north. Remember, the operation must be secretive, and you must not alert the enemy."

His eyes were filled with trust and expectation as he looked at Fan Shi.

Fan Shi accepted the order and left, his steps hurried yet steady, carrying a heavy burden yet full of confidence.

Shi Feiyang paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Liu Yehua, the "Hundred-Leaf Blade," and Xinanfeng, the "Tai Chi Blade," before saying in a deep voice, "You two will disguise yourselves and infiltrate the capital first, secretly gathering information to see if you can find any clues related to Elder Wu Zhong, or any indication of the enemy's next move. Be extremely careful in your actions." Liu Yehua and Xinanfeng exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with determination and resolve. After bowing respectfully, they quickly withdrew to prepare.

Their figures stood out exceptionally tall in the sunlight, ready to meet any challenge.

After making arrangements for everyone, Shi Feiyang decided to take charge personally.

He disguised himself as a refined scholar, wearing a white robe and holding a folding fan, exuding elegance.

Leading his young pageboy Shi Xiong, he boarded a boat and left Taihu Lake, heading towards the vast Shi Mansion in Suzhou Prefecture.

The boat glided slowly across the lake, leaving a long trail of ripples that seemed to tell the story of their impending adventure.

As soon as Shi Feiyang stepped into the Shi residence, he began to meet with officials of various levels and visiting merchants in an orderly manner.

Dressed in the elegant attire of a scholar, he exuded refinement in every gesture, spoke with gentle politeness, and chatted wittily, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a scholar. To onlookers, he appeared to be nothing more than a wealthy young master who was devoted to poetry and books and indifferent to worldly affairs, unaware that he harbored his own plans.

Shi Feiyang knew that such a high-profile public appearance would attract the attention of the Embroidered Uniform Guard like a magnet, and this was precisely the key link in his carefully planned scheme. He would use himself as bait to disrupt the enemy's formation and buy precious time to rescue Wu Zhong and unravel the conspiracy behind it.

The spring rain was like silk, continuous and fine, the rain lines like silvery threads, falling gently and covering the entire Suzhou Prefecture in a misty rain curtain.

The world seemed to be shrouded in a thin veil, and all things were enveloped in this moist and hazy atmosphere.

Two nights later, the night sky was like thick, unyielding ink, splashed wildly, so thick that it seemed capable of swallowing everything in the world.

All around was deathly still, with only the gentle patter of raindrops hitting the eaves echoing softly in the silence.

Just as all was quiet, the Imperial Guards, led by Commander Xiang Laixiang, Commander Cai Kun, and Assistant Commander Lü Yuan, like a group of ghosts from the night, silently infiltrated the Shi Mansion under the cover of the rain.

They moved with agility and grace, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the rainy night, determined to silently approach their target and launch a surprise, fatal attack on Shi Feiyang.

However, they were completely unaware that this seemingly ordinary and vast stone mansion was actually a mysterious fortress hiding countless secrets, its jaws wide open, waiting for them to walk right into its trap.

The first batch of elite Imperial Guards, like black birds, swiftly and gracefully flew in.

But as soon as they approached the stone mansion, they were like insects caught in a spider web, suddenly trapped in a huge golden silkworm net.

The golden silkworm net glowed eerily in the deep night. The silk threads were exceptionally tough, as if forged from millennia-old cold iron. Once entangled, the more one struggled, the tighter the net became.

The Imperial Guards struggled desperately in the net, but like trapped beasts sinking into a swamp, they sank deeper and deeper, only emitting low, muffled groans that sounded particularly oppressive and desperate in the rainy night.

At this moment, the Xiong Ying Society disciples, disguised as servants of the Shi family, had a resolute look in their eyes. They gripped their steel knives tightly and, without hesitation, stabbed and slashed at the trapped Imperial Guards.

In an instant, blades flashed and screams filled the air. Thirteen Imperial Guards were hacked to pieces in the blink of an eye by this fierce attack, and the stench of blood quickly filled the air.

The second group of elite Imperial Guards heard the series of miserable screams coming from inside the Shi Mansion from afar, and their hearts suddenly tightened, a chill rising from their spines.

However, relying on their superior martial arts skills and their arrogance, they still did not restrain themselves and continued to fly towards the Shi Mansion, taking advantage of their superior skills and boldness.

The moment their feet touched the ground of the stone palace, they felt their feet sink into the ground, and they instantly lost their support, falling straight into the trap.

The bottom of the trap was studded with sharp bamboo skewers, like rows of menacing fangs. The Imperial Guards were caught in the trap one after another, the sharp bamboo skewers instantly piercing their bodies. Their agonizing screams echoed mournfully in the rainy night, like the wailing of vengeful ghosts, completely shattering the original silence of the spring night.

Upon seeing this, the third group of elite Imperial Guards felt an even greater chill in their hearts, almost terrified by this sudden turn of events.

But military orders are absolute, and even though they were terrified, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and continue forward.

Just then, something strange happened again: countless trees seemed to be given life by a mysterious force and suddenly began to move rapidly.

The thick tree trunks intertwined, forming an impenetrable and solid barrier in the blink of an eye, trapping the elite Imperial Guards within. Then, a series of chilling sounds of bones breaking rang out. Caught completely off guard, the Imperial Guards were instantly killed, leaving only death and bloodshed.

Lu Yuan, Cai Kun, and Xiang Laixiang stood on the high wall, witnessing this scene from afar. Their faces instantly turned extremely ugly, like eggplants struck by frost. Lu Yuan's eyes were filled with shock and anger, like burning flames. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white, and cursed under his breath, "Damn it, how could this Stone Mansion have so many traps!"
The voice seemed to be squeezed out from between teeth, filled with endless resentment. Cai Kun frowned, his brows furrowing like two intertwined mountain peaks, and echoed, "Yes, Your Excellency, it seems that Shi Feiyang was prepared. We have probably fallen into his trap this time."

Xiang Laixiang gritted her teeth, her facial muscles twitching slightly with anger, and said resentfully, "I thought I could easily take down this guy surnamed Shi, but I didn't expect to lose so many men. It's really despicable!"

Seeing how strange and unpredictable the vast stone mansion was, the three knew that their operation was doomed to failure. With no other choice, they could only dejectedly lead their few remaining men back to the Suzhou government office.

Upon arriving at the government office, Lü Yuan was extremely anxious and couldn't wait to ask Su Mo, the prefect of Suzhou, about Shi Feiyang's situation.

Lu Yuan's expression was as gloomy as the sky before a storm. His eyes were fixed on Su Mo like those of a hawk, and he asked coldly, "Prefect Su, who exactly is this Shi Feiyang?" His gaze seemed to see right through Su Mo.

Su Mo was startled, like a frightened bird. He quickly bowed and said tremblingly, "Your Excellency, this Shi Feiyang is a well-known wealthy merchant in the area, with immense wealth and influence. He is extremely generous and charitable, often helping the needy and treating the common people very well. Moreover, he has eradicated several local criminal gangs, and enjoys high prestige and is deeply loved by the people."

As Lü Yuan listened, he felt increasingly uncomfortable, and the anger in his heart flared up like dry tinder doused with oil.

He angrily rebuked Su Mo: "Does Shi Feiyang have no flaws? Is he a perfect person? You, as the prefect, can't even find out this little bit of useful information. What use are you!"

Su Mo trembled with fear, like an autumn leaf shivering in the cold wind, and said timidly, "Yes! Yes! Please forgive me, sir, he has married several beautiful wives, which has aroused the jealousy of many wealthy men."

Lu Yuan was so angry that his facial muscles twitched slightly. He slammed his hand on the table with a loud bang that echoed through the hall, and shouted, "Hmph! What kind of shortcoming is this! You fool, you actually tried to fob me off with these useless things!"

After saying that, Lü Yuan turned around and paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, thinking to himself: This Shi Feiyang seems to be a really troublesome person. We must not act rashly in the matter of arresting him, but must plan it carefully.

At this moment, Xiang Laixiang, like a stealthy night cat, tiptoed toward Lü Yuan.

He was extremely cautious, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily, as if afraid of being overheard by others.

As he approached Lü Yuan, he bowed slightly, lowered his voice, and almost pressed his lips to Lü Yuan's ear, whispering, "My lord, in my humble opinion, why don't we borrow a cannon from the local garrison? Under the cover of darkness, we can bombard the Shi residence undetected. That way, even if Shi Feiyang has extraordinary abilities, he won't be able to escape. He will be buried under the ruins along with his fortified mansion, and that will be the end of it all. What do you think, my lord?"

As Xiang Laixiang spoke, a sinister glint flashed in her eyes, like the gaze of a hungry wolf in the dark. It was as if she could already see Shi Feiyang being blown to smithereens by the overwhelming power of the cannons. The corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly, revealing a ferocious smile.

(End of this chapter)