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

Chapter 212. Xiang Kun pours out his heart, Xiao Lingling coldly rejects his love.
Although Xiang Laixiang's voice was as low as a mosquito's buzz, Su Mo still managed to catch it keenly in the quiet, almost silent main hall of the government office.

Su Mo was startled, as if he had heard a thunderclap explode in his ears.

His face instantly filled with anxiety. Without thinking, he hurriedly walked up to Lü Yuan.

He bowed respectfully to Lü Yuan, then said urgently, "Lord Lü, this plan is absolutely unacceptable! Suzhou Prefecture is currently the most prosperous and thriving prefecture besides the capital, entirely dependent on its booming commerce. If we use cannons to bombard Shi Mansion, once the news spreads, who will dare to do business in Suzhou Prefecture in the future? At that time, Suzhou Prefecture's economy will suffer a severe blow, and the consequences are truly unimaginable!"

As Su Mo spoke, he secretly glanced at Lü Yuan's expression, silently praying that this magistrate would listen to his heartfelt words. Upon hearing this, Lü Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and his previously feverish and dizzy mind instantly cleared and calmed down.

He frowned slightly, his thick eyebrows resembling two intertwined mountain peaks, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.

He nodded slowly, thinking to himself that what Su Mo said was indeed reasonable.

The prosperity of Suzhou Prefecture plays a crucial role in the tax revenue of the imperial court. If I were to ruin all of this due to my momentary rash and impulsive actions, I would find it difficult to bear the blame from above.

Seeing that Lü Yuan's attitude had softened, Cai Kun's eyes darted around, and he hurriedly stepped forward, his face beaming with a fawning smile, offering his advice: "Shi Feiyang can't just stay cooped up in his mansion forever, can he? We just need to carefully select our men and closely monitor his every move. As soon as he steps out of the mansion, we'll seize the opportunity to ambush him and capture him in one fell swoop. If he dares to resist, we'll kill him on the spot."

As Cai Kun spoke, he made a vicious throat-slitting gesture, his eyes revealing a chilling ruthlessness, as if Shi Feiyang had become fish on his chopping board, at his mercy.

Lu Yuan pondered for a moment, carefully weighing the pros and cons in his mind, then nodded again and said, "Cai Kun, you and Xiang Laixiang are responsible for selecting two elite teams to monitor Shi Feiyang day and night in shifts. Once a good opportunity arises, immediately launch an ambush on him. Also, quickly send someone by carrier pigeon to report the situation here truthfully to Commander Kang and Commander Xiang. That Shi Feiyang is highly skilled in martial arts and has a far-reaching reputation. Even if he is alone, capturing him will not be easy. In a one-on-one fight, I, Lu Yuan, am certain that I am no match for him. This operation must be carried out with utmost care and caution, without the slightest slackness or carelessness."

Lu Yuan's expression was serious, his face was stern, and his tone was somewhat solemn, clearly indicating that he was well aware of the difficulty and danger of this mission.

Cai Kun and Xiang Laixiang immediately clasped their hands in response, their movements perfectly synchronized and their voices loud and clear.

Then they turned and walked away quickly, their steps hurried, as if they couldn't wait to carry out this dangerous and arduous task.

Their footsteps echoed in the empty corridors of the government office, the "clattering" sound gradually fading away and finally disappearing into the darkness.

However, while the Imperial Guards were busily plotting how to deal with Shi Feiyang in the government office, a different scene unfolded inside the Shi residence.

After Shi Feiyang swiftly and decisively killed the Imperial Guards who had rashly entered the mansion, he knew in his heart that this place was no longer safe and that the enemy would not give up and would definitely come back.

Without hesitation, he bent down and gently hoisted Shi Xiong onto his back, his movements soft and swift, careful not to disturb anyone. Under the cover of night, he flashed out of the mansion like a black lightning bolt.

He moved with agility and grace, leaping swiftly between rooftops and walls, each jump precise and powerful, like a nimble ape. In the blink of an eye, he vanished into the vast darkness of Suzhou, leaving behind only silence and mystery.

Shi Feiyang used his unparalleled lightness skill, "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles," to speed northward like a wisp of smoke, heading towards the Central Plains.

His figure appeared and disappeared in the night, moving at an astonishing speed, as if he could shatter the void.

Wherever he passed, he left only a wisp of breeze, as if he had never stayed there at all.

At this moment, he had only one firm belief in his heart: to reach the Central Plains as soon as possible, find out the truth, rescue Wu Zhong, and thwart the enemy's conspiracy. Night fell silently once again, and Luoyang City seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious black veil, instantly falling into a deathly silence.

The people in the city had long since fallen asleep, and all was quiet except for the occasional sound of the night watchman striking the gong, which drifted through the silent night sky like a series of dull drumbeats, breaking the boundless tranquility.

Xiang Kun, a chivalrous figure renowned in the martial arts world for his superb martial arts skills and meticulous mind, resolutely decided to conduct a night raid on the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) in Luoyang, driven by unwavering conviction.

He was dressed in pure black, the black clothes seemingly blending into the night, making him appear like a ghost silently lurking in the darkness, his figure light and agile, every movement exuding agility and competence.

He held his homemade "Nine-Tone Iron Flute" tightly in his hand, its cold luster shimmering in the faint moonlight.

This iron flute has a hidden mechanism; a smoke trap is cleverly set inside the flute hole. At critical moments, this mechanism will surely appear like a divine weapon, playing an unexpected and powerful role, becoming his effective weapon in dealing with danger.

Meanwhile, Wu Zhong's wife, Xiao Lingling, also did her best to find her husband's whereabouts.

She carefully disguised herself as a beautiful and charming songstress and, through clever planning, successfully infiltrated the garrison's banquet.

At this moment, she wore an incomparably gorgeous dance dress, embroidered with exquisite patterns, every stitch a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Under the lamplight, the patterns shimmered with a soft glow, adding to her allure.

She held a pipa in her hands; the pipa was made of warm, smooth wood, and its body was painted with elegant patterns.

Xiao Lingling has a gentle face, like a blooming flower in spring.

However, a hint of determination was faintly revealed in her eyes, like stars twinkling in the cold night.

Beneath this seemingly delicate exterior lies immense power. Her twin swords are securely concealed within the hidden compartment of her pipa, their blades razor-sharp and gleaming with a cold light, awaiting the moment they are drawn to strike, ready to respond to any unforeseen circumstances.

At the banquet, everyone toasted and laughed, the atmosphere as lively as a blazing fire, warming the entire space. Xiao Lingling moved gracefully forward, like a blooming flower, and began to dance.

Her figure was as light as a butterfly, and every movement was smooth, natural, beautiful and moving, as if she were one with the music.

Her arms waved gently, like willow branches swaying in a breeze; her waist twisted gracefully, like colorful ribbons fluttering in the wind.

However, in the instant she turned around, the hidden mechanism of the pipa loosened slightly, and a glint of cold light from a blade quietly appeared.

This extremely subtle change, like a lightning bolt streaking across the dark night sky, instantly illuminated a dark corner, but was keenly observed by a member of the Imperial Guard.

The Imperial Guard's eyes instantly sharpened like an eagle's, like a drawn sword piercing straight at Xiao Lingling.

Xiao Lingling's heart tightened suddenly, as if it were about to jump out of her throat, and a chill ran from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.

But she was, after all, a seasoned swordswoman with extensive experience in dealing with unexpected situations. She feigned composure, maintaining her charming smile, a smile as warm as the spring sun, making one feel refreshed and comfortable.

However, a barely perceptible hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

She quickly adjusted her posture, using the movement of her dance to subtly conceal the hidden opening of the pipa with her sleeve. The movement seemed casual, but it actually concealed a secret. Her back was already soaked with sweat, and her clothes clung tightly to her body, yet she still had to continue dancing, performing each movement perfectly to avoid arousing further suspicion.

She secretly rejoiced. That moment of danger was like walking on a knife's edge; a slight misstep could have led to utter ruin.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of everyone's attention being drawn to Xiao Lingling's wonderful performance at the banquet, Xiang Kun, like a black shadow, silently sneaked into the dungeon.

The dungeon was filled with a nauseating, damp, and rotten smell, which seemed to be an invisible curtain enveloping the entire dungeon.

In the dark corner, the sound of dripping water could be heard from time to time, drip-drop, like the countdown of death, each drop striking at the heart.

Xiang Kun moved forward cautiously, taking each step with extreme care.

He lifted his foot lightly and then slowly lowered it, as if afraid of making the slightest sound.

In the dungeon, he discovered a hidden water tunnel, deep and dark, as if leading to an endless abyss.

Xiang Kun looked closely and saw that the underground canal led directly to the Luo River. On the iron chain at the bottom of the canal, he saw the Xiong Ying Society's communication code: "three short and two long".

This discovery was like a dazzling ray of light, instantly illuminating a dark corner.

This made Xiang Kun realize that this matter must be inextricably linked to Wu Zhong.

Was Wu Zhong ever imprisoned here? Did he escape through this hidden channel?

Countless questions swirled in Xiang Kun's mind, like a tangled mess, leaving him unable to sort them out for the time being.

Just then, Xiao Lingling also successfully escaped danger and arrived at the dungeon to meet up with Xiang Kun.

The two exchanged a glance in the darkness, seeing doubt and determination in each other's eyes.

They knew full well that the conspiracy behind it was far more complex than they had imagined, and every clue was like a fog, shrouding their path forward.

They must join hands, relying on their extraordinary courage and wisdom, to unravel the layers of mystery, find Wu Zhong's whereabouts, and reveal the truth to the martial arts world.

The next morning, as the sun rose, the soft light, like a golden veil, gently draped over the red walls and green tiles of the White Horse Temple.

A gentle breeze rustled the branches and leaves of the ancient trees in the temple, while the distant sound of bells drifted over, creating a scene of tranquility and peace.

However, beneath this seemingly tranquil surface, a turbulent emotional storm is quietly brewing between Xiang Kun and Xiao Lingling.

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Xiang Kun found Xiao Lingling in the Sutra Repository. Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows that fell perfectly on Xiao Lingling, creating a dreamlike halo around her.

Xiang Kun gazed at Xiao Lingling before him, his heart pounding like a drum, his lips trembling slightly, yet he seemed drawn closer by an invisible force. He solemnly held the Lotus Sutra in his hands; the pages of the scroll were slightly yellowed with age, exuding an ancient and dignified aura.

Xiang Kun took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart. Then he raised his eyes, his gaze fixed on Xiao Lingling, his eyes filled with deep affection. He said softly, "Lingling, in ancient times, there was Wei Sheng who clung to a pillar until his death, just to fulfill his promise to his lover. That steadfastness is truly moving. There was also Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai who transformed into butterflies, following each other through life and death, their love stronger than gold, a legendary tale. My feelings for you are just like that, unwavering. The Lotus Sutra speaks of the purest and most virtuous principles in the world, and my feelings for you are just like those described in the sutra, pure and profound, growing richer with the passage of time. Since we met and got to know each other, every moment of our adventures together is etched in my heart. I am willing to give everything to protect you for the rest of my life, to accompany you through storms and to find peace together. I only hope that you know my feelings and will not let me down."

His voice was soft yet firm, echoing softly within the library, carrying a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, just like his tense yet expectant feelings. Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingling's heart skipped a beat, as if a boulder had been thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples to spread.

She looked up at Xiang Kun, only to see the deep affection in his eyes like a surging river, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

At this critical moment, when she was filled with anxiety about Wu Zhong's safety, this sudden confession left her with mixed feelings.

Frustration, surprise, and emotion were all mixed together, making it difficult for her to sort out her thoughts for a while.

She subconsciously bit her lower lip, her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of panic and confusion flashed in her eyes.

Before she could even respond, her inner turmoil grew wildly like weeds and took over.

She suddenly drew her pair of mandarin duck swords, a flash of cold light, a whistling wind, and slashed fiercely at the Lotus Sutra that carried Xiang Kun's heart.

With a "whoosh," the scroll was cleaved in two by a sharp blade, and the paper fluttered like snowflakes.

The sharp blade, in the instant it severed the scroll, also cut the ribbon binding Xiang Kun's hair.

In an instant, Xiang Kun's long, black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, fluttering freely in the breeze, revealing the old scar between his brows.

The scar stood out starkly in the sunlight, like a long-forgotten story being quietly revealed.

Seeing the scar, Xiao Lingling's heart skipped a beat again. Images of her and Xiang Kun's life-and-death experiences flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern. Those days fighting side-by-side, supporting and protecting each other, every moment filled with deep affection. However, the current grim situation, like a heavy mountain, weighed her down, making it difficult for her to immediately immerse herself in this sudden surge of emotion.

Xiang Kun looked at Xiao Lingling, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

He tilted his head back slightly, took a deep breath to calm himself, and then looked at Xiao Lingling again, his gaze as firm as a rock, and said in a resolute tone, "Lingling, no matter how you respond, my feelings for you will not change. Right now, solving the mystery of Wu Zhong's disappearance and protecting you is my most important mission. I will do my best and never back down."

After saying that, he bent down slightly, picked up the broken ribbon from the ground, tied his long hair up casually, turned around resolutely, and walked towards Gan Jinliang's villa with steady and firm steps.

Gan Jinliang was a notorious local tyrant in Luoyang, who preyed on the people and committed all sorts of evil deeds.

What's even more despicable is that he secretly colluded with the secretive Embroidered Uniform Guard, turning Luoyang into a chaotic mess.

Xiang Kun knew perfectly well that Gan Jinliang was the key to unraveling the complex mystery of Wu Zhong's disappearance, like a key; whether or not the truth could be found depended entirely on whether a breakthrough could be found through him. Xiang Kun arrived alone outside Gan Jinliang's villa.

As darkness fell, a heavy twilight descended, like a giant gray curtain slowly descending and enveloping the entire world.

The towering walls of the villa, in the dim light, resembled a lurking beast, exuding an oppressive atmosphere.

Xiang Kun took a deep breath, trying to calm his slightly nervous mood. He slowly raised the iron flute in his hand and placed it to his lips.

Immediately afterwards, the melodious sound of a flute rose and fell, the majestic and fearsome "Ambush from Ten Sides".

The sound of the flute was like an invisible dragon, swirling and weaving through the air with an indomitable spirit.

The flute music was like a mysterious key, instantly triggering the sonic killing array in the courtyard.

The once seemingly peaceful courtyard was suddenly filled with flying sand and stones, and howling winds.

The sand and stones on the ground were swirled into the air, flying wildly and stinging people's faces.

Various hidden weapons rained down on Xiang Kun.

The hidden weapons gleamed coldly in the dim light, like countless pairs of icy eyes, exuding deadly killing intent.

But Xiang Kun was not afraid at all. His eyes were firm and unwavering, revealing a fearless courage. As he played the iron flute, the sound was sometimes soaring and high-pitched, like a thousand horses galloping in; at other times it was low and melodious, like an undercurrent flowing underground.

Each musical note seemed to possess a life of its own, resisting the sonic attack.

While skillfully dodging the hidden weapons, his figure was as agile as a swallow, moving freely among the flying hidden weapons.

He dodged left and right, sometimes sidestepping, sometimes leaping, every movement precise and fluid, demonstrating his profound martial arts skills.

He had only one firm belief in his heart: to break into the courtyard and find out the truth about Wu Zhong's disappearance from Gan Jinliang.

As Xiang Kun ventured deeper into the courtyard, the dangers around him grew increasingly intense, yet his steps became ever more resolute.

Alone, Xiang Kun resolutely barged into Gan Jinliang's villa.

This villa was undoubtedly the sinister lair of the local tyrant in Luoyang, a den of filth and reeking of a nauseating stench.

Although it is early spring, the weather in the north is still as cold as winter, with no sign of warmth.

The biting wind, like a pack of roaring beasts, swept in with a force akin to countless sharp ice blades, cutting painfully into one's face. Around the courtyard, the trees seemed drained of life by the severe cold, remaining bare, their branches trembling and creaking in the gale. The snow on the ground had not completely melted, leaving patches of white that, under the dim sky, exuded a chilling aura.

The moment Xiang Kunfu stepped into the courtyard, he was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples and engaging in a thrilling, life-or-death battle with the guards.

He wielded the nine-tone iron flute in his hand with great force in the icy air, each movement bringing with it a sharp gust of wind, as if it could tear the frigid air apart.

His figure moved nimbly, like a black lightning bolt, and the iron flute in his hand transformed into countless beams of light and shadow.

Sometimes he would use the "Flute Shadow Splitting Light" move, where the iron flute would spin rapidly in the air, drawing dazzling arcs that would dazzle the enemy; other times he would use the "Cold Flute Thrusting Acupoints" move, where the iron flute would be like a sharp spear, piercing the enemy's vital acupoints.

For a time, the fierce and menacing guards were forced to retreat step by step, unable to get close. They could only circle around, their eyes darting about, trying to find a weakness in their attack.

However, the Jinyiwei's meticulously arranged defenses were like an impregnable fortress, not so easily breached.

Just as Xiang Kun was in the midst of a fierce battle, a series of "crackling" sounds suddenly rang out. In the extremely quiet and tense atmosphere, the sounds were particularly jarring, like the laughter of a demon.

It turned out that the twelve-linked crossbow was quickly set up, its body dark and shiny, exuding a cold killing intent.

A dense barrage of crossbow bolts rained down on Xiang Kun like a torrential downpour.

Xiang Kun couldn't dodge in time, and with a crisp "crack," the iron flute in his hand was broken in two by the crossbow bolt.

That iron flute, which had been with him for many years and accompanied him through countless storms, was his powerful weapon in his adventures. Now it was broken in two, and seemed so powerless in his hands, just like his despair at this moment.

Losing his iron flute, Xiang Kun felt a surge of despondency, as if he had fallen into a bottomless abyss of darkness, with no hope in sight. He couldn't help but recall the scene of confessing his feelings to Xiao Lingling at the White Horse Temple.

Back then, he was full of hope and had beautiful dreams for the future, but he was ruthlessly rejected by Xiao Lingling. Now, he came to rescue Wu Zhong with the determination to die, to find out the truth and gather information, but he has fallen into such a desperate situation. Fate seems to be cruelly playing tricks on him and working against him.

At this moment, seeing Xiang Kun in trouble, Gan Jinliang's eyes flashed with a cruel smile, and he personally took action.

He unleashed the "Blood Fiend Hand," his palms flailing with a fierce, murderous aura, like a demon emerging from the depths of hell, emanating a chilling presence as he attacked Xiang Kun.

His moves were incredibly ruthless; each strike brought with it a whistling sound, and the air was filled with the stench of blood.

Xiang Kun hastily defended himself, staggering and dodging left and right, trying to avoid Gan Jinliang's fierce attacks.

He used the "Phantom Step" technique, his figure moving erratically, trying to disrupt Gan Jinliang's attack rhythm.

However, the opponent's attack was too fierce, and he was ultimately struck. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if struck by a heavy hammer; three ribs shattered instantly, and a mouthful of blood spurted out, splashing onto the cold snow, a striking crimson, like a blood-red flower blooming in the dead of winter. Xiang Kun knelt on one knee, his face as pale as paper, his breath growing weaker, his life hanging by a thread, like a candle flickering in the wind.

Just as Xiang Kun's life hung by a thread, a shout of battle suddenly came from afar.

It turned out that Shi Feiyang had led a group of heroes in a surprise attack.

At this moment, the cold wind was still biting, making everyone's clothes flutter like battle flags in the wind.

Miao Menlong, the "sharp archer," moved with incredible agility, like a black lightning bolt, swiftly weaving through the enemy ranks in the freezing cold.

He drew his bow and nocked an arrow; the bow was pulled to its fullest extent in his hand, the bowstring taut and humming.

He unleashed the "Meteor Chasing the Moon Arrow Technique," firing a barrage of arrows like meteors, tracing bright arcs across the gray sky, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, and accurately shooting down the eight-ox crossbows on the pavilion.

The eight-ox crossbow bolt crashed to the ground with a loud thud, raising a cloud of dust and eliminating a major threat, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. Miao Menlong, while firing arrows, shouted anxiously, "Brother Xiang, hold on! We're coming to save you!"

The voice echoed in the cold wind, filled with concern.

Not to be outdone, Shan Zhi, the "Plum Blossom Dart Master," unleashed his thirty-six plum blossom darts, which gleamed coldly in the frigid air, flying out like a shower of petals. He unleashed the "Plum Blossom Dance Dart Technique," the darts whistling through the air, drawing graceful yet deadly arcs that blocked the enemy's retreat, throwing those attempting to escape into a panic.

As Shan Zhi threw the plum blossom darts, he shouted towards Xiang Kun's direction, "Brother Xiang, hang in there! If we brothers work together, we will definitely get through this!" His eyes were filled with worry and determination.

"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen was quick-witted and seized the opportunity to unleash the Western Regions Golden Silkworm Net.

The golden silkworm net, like a giant silver flower, quickly unfurled in the cold wind.

The golden silkworm net was incredibly tough, shimmering with a cold luster in the wind, and instantly captured Zhao Quan, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The group quickly stepped forward and, on the cold ground, found a coded token under Zhao Quan's boot.

The waist tag, under the dim light, exuded a mysterious aura. Perhaps it was the key clue to unraveling the mystery and bringing a glimmer of hope to the rescue of Wu Zhong and the uncovering of the conspiracy behind it.

Shi Feiyang came with his hands behind his back, his posture as upright as a pine tree, exuding a heroic spirit.

Behind them followed the young pageboy Shi Xiong. The two of them walked lightly, their movements exuding a carefree air, as if strolling leisurely, not taking the predicament before them seriously at all.

Shi Feiyang strode forward, bent down and helped the injured Xiang Kun up, his movements steady and swift.

He took out a small porcelain bottle from his pocket, poured out several pills, and hurriedly fed them to Xiang Kun, his eyes full of concern.

Shi Xiong, being obedient and clever, quickly squatted down, steadily carried Xiang Kun on his back, and followed behind the Xiong Ying Society disciples, walking briskly towards the "Chenxing" Inn in Luoyang City, preparing to let Xiang Kun rest and recover from his injuries.

At this moment, Xie Wen hurried over, looking slightly anxious, and bowed to Shi Feiyang to report: "Chief, that scoundrel Gan Jinliang has escaped."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's lips curled into a cold smile, and he said unhurriedly, "The monk may run away, but the temple can't. It's alright, let's not rush to chase him. Let's go, let's interrogate this Zhao Quan first, and see if Brother Wu was really arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Having said that, he remained calm, turned around and strode away, his composed demeanor suggesting that everything was under his control.

The group of heroes, holding Zhao Quan captive, followed closely behind Shi Feiyang, using their lightness skills to fly like a flock of black birds towards the "Morning Star" Inn.

The cold night was deep, and the wind howled, like countless sharp blades cutting through the air.

The cellar of the "Morning Star" Inn was dark and damp, filled with a depressing atmosphere.

Xiao Lingling stood in front of Zhao Quan, who was tied to a chair, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes, like cold lightning in the night.

She slowly drew the Mandarin Duck Swords, their blades gleaming coldly, standing out starkly in the dim cellar.

She used the "Lingchi Questioning the Heart" technique, with the blade slowly swaying in front of Zhao Quan's eyes, always hovering three inches above his eyeballs. If Zhao Quan made any attempt to conceal anything, the sharp blade would stab him without hesitation.

Zhao Quan was so frightened that his face turned as pale as paper, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead like beads from a broken string.

Under Xiao Lingling's piercing gaze, he finally couldn't withstand the pressure and confessed tremblingly: "The prison van would be transported through a secret passage on the frozen surface of the Yellow River. The code word is 'Passing Fenglingdu on the day the dragon raises its head'."

Upon hearing this, the heroes' expressions changed. They knew that time was of the essence, and every moment concerned Wu Zhong's life and safety. They had to take action as soon as possible.

"Chief, we must hurry and rescue him!" Miao Menlong said anxiously. "Brother Wu is waiting for us to rescue him; we can't delay!" Shan Zhi chimed in, "Yes, Chief, let's set off now, or it might be too late!"

At this moment, the eagle that Xie Wen had trained flew back, circled once above everyone's heads, and landed on Xie Wen's outstretched arm.

A hawk was seen clutching a piece of wood from the prison cart with Wu Zhong's palm print on it in its talons; the palm print was clearly visible even in the dim light.

This was undoubtedly an important discovery, further confirming Zhao Quan's confession and making the heroes more certain of their direction in rescuing Wu Zhong.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Lingling's eyes instantly reddened, and her voice trembled with tears as she anxiously said, "Chief, please give the order quickly! I wish I could fly to Brother Zhong's side right now to save him!" Her hands clenched tightly, her body trembling slightly, her heart filled with worry and concern for her husband.

Shi Feiyang's expression was solemn, his gaze resolute. After scanning the crowd, he said in a deep voice, "Everyone, don't be anxious. Now that we know the clues, we have a direction. This rescue of Brother Wu is of utmost importance, so we must not act rashly. Listen to my instructions, prepare immediately, and make every effort to rescue Brother Wu before the prison cart arrives at Fenglingdu!"

Everyone clasped their hands in acceptance, their eyes filled with determination and resolve, as a tense and dangerous rescue operation was about to begin.

Gan Jinliang, a ruthless and cunning bully, ran rampant in Luoyang City and was notorious.

He not only secretly colluded with the secretive and ruthless Imperial Guards, but also committed all sorts of evil deeds, causing havoc in the area.

Lately, his greedy eyes have set their sights on the Lu family martial arts school, and his covetousness is burning like a raging fire.

(End of this chapter)