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

Chapter 216. The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Conspiracy Shattered: Shi Feiyang's Counterattack
Having spent over a decade in the bustling yet ultimately unfortunate "Drunken Spring Pavilion," Wan Niang had come to understand the fickle nature of the world and the importance of money.

At that moment, the dozen or so golden leaves in Shi Feiyang's hand caught her eye, like dazzling stars in the dark night, instantly igniting her long-dormant desire. Overjoyed, her eyes shone like cold stars, their brilliance seemingly able to pierce through the gloom of the deep night.

These gold leaves were her ark of hope, her way out of misery and towards the light. She reached out eagerly, her movements both hasty and cautious, like a starving traveler clutching precious life-saving food, fearing that this wealth would vanish like a fleeting dream.

Then, with graceful movements, she knelt down lightly, a gesture that seemed to bid farewell to the dark years of the past, and also to devoutly embrace the dawn of a new destiny. Her voice was clear and firm, like a nightingale singing in a valley: "From now on, Wan Niang is willing to obey the orders of the Grand Master and follow his commands without question."

The resolute tone in her voice was as firm as a rock. From that moment on, her destiny was firmly tied to Shi Feiyang, this towering tree. In her heart, Shi Feiyang was like a lighthouse that could guide her through stormy seas.

Yang Xueer stood to the side, her eyes filled with affection and her smile radiant, like a beautiful peach blossom in spring. She scolded Shi Feiyang, "You rascal, you're good at winning people over."

Her eyes were full of playfulness and coquettishness, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, outlining a charming curve. In this scolding, there was actually a deep love, just like a babbling brook, flowing with appreciation and admiration for Shi Feiyang.

Wan Niang raised her head, a perfectly timed smile on her face, like a flower swaying in a spring breeze, and said softly, "How can we blame Chief Shi for this? It's only natural to be polite."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a spring breeze. Her words were full of flattery and obsequiousness towards Shi Feiyang. In this complex and unpredictable environment, she was well-versed in the ways of the world and knew how to find a foothold amidst the changing times.

"Hahahaha!" Upon seeing this, the heroes burst into hearty laughter. The laughter was like the sound of a great bell, echoing for a long time in the room of "Drunken Spring Pavilion". Like a vigorous force, it instantly dispelled the tense and oppressive atmosphere. The faces of everyone were filled with the joy of victory, just like the blooming flowers in spring.

Everyone knew in their hearts that Shi Feiyang had once again successfully recruited a capable assistant through his extraordinary methods, contributing to the growth of the Xiong Ying Society. A warm, sun-like smile graced Shi Feiyang's face as he gently bent down to help Wan Niang up, his movements as delicate as if he were lifting a rare treasure. His eyes were full of concern and trust, like the deep night sky encompassing all things. He said softly, "Wan Niang, later give some money to Manager Xu Niang so she can properly manage everything here. After that, you should quietly set off for the capital. Be extremely careful on your journey. Once in the capital, you can establish a Zui Chun Lou as the Xiong Ying Society's second branch there. Our grand undertaking in the capital will depend on you." His voice was deep and mellow, like a melodious piece of music, exuding a reassuring authority and power.

After saying that, he turned to look at the crowd and shouted, "Brothers, let's go!" With that, Shi Feiyang was the first to stand up. His figure was like a brilliant shooting star streaking across the night sky, disappearing in an instant, flying away from "Zuichunlou" and speeding towards the Lu Family Martial Arts School.

His agile figure and clean, crisp movements fully demonstrated the heroic spirit and leadership of a generation of heroes.

The heroes followed closely behind, each with a tall and agile figure, like twinkling stars in the night sky, carrying unwavering faith, and disappeared into the vast darkness in an instant.

Inside the "Mingyue Tower," upon hearing that Gan Jinliang had gone to the Zuichun Tower, Zhong Renwang felt an ominous premonition, like the howling north wind in a cold night.

His brows were furrowed, like a volcano about to erupt, radiating a suppressed aura. A flash of anger and frustration crossed his eyes, a gaze that seemed capable of scorching. He had spent years navigating the bloody storms of the martial world, confident in his superior strategy, yet this time he had been outmaneuvered by Gan Jinliang, like a shrewd hunter being toyed with by his prey.

A moment later, he slammed his fist on the table, which creaked and groaned in pain under his force, seemingly unable to withstand his rage. He roared, "That bastard Gan Jinliang, how dare he cheat me!"

His voice echoed in the room like rolling thunder, filled with anger and resentment, as if it would shatter the room.

Then, like a mad beast, he cursed Gan Jinliang's grandmother eighteen times in a row, until his lips were dry and his throat seemed to be spitting fire. The muscles on his face were twisted and deformed with anger, and his appearance was ferocious and terrifying, like a demon crawling out of hell.

After cursing, he waved his hand fiercely, the movement like a black lightning bolt slicing through the night sky, and roared, "Brothers, follow me on a night raid on the Lu family martial arts school, let them see the power of our Beggars' Clan!"

His eyes were filled with fierceness and determination, as if he wanted to raze the Lu family martial arts school to the ground and turn it into ruins.

After saying that, he rushed out the door first, followed by a group of Beggar Clan disciples, like a surging black torrent, carrying endless killing intent, rushing towards the Lu Family Martial Arts School.

Their steps were hurried and their momentum was fierce. Wherever they went, the air seemed to tremble under the pressure of their powerful aura, and a storm was about to sweep in.

Night fell like a giant black ribbon, gently yet with a touch of eeriness, enveloping the Lu Family Martial Arts School.

The museum was deathly silent, with only a few dim lanterns swaying in the cold wind, seemingly struggling to dispel the darkness, yet appearing so powerless.

Suddenly, a series of hurried and chaotic footsteps, like a dense drumbeat, shattered the suffocating silence.

Led by Zhong Renwang, the Beggars' Clan, like a pack of ravenous wolves, charged madly towards the Lu Family Martial Arts School under the cover of night. Zhong Renwang, tall and imposing, stood firmly at the school entrance like a small, towering mountain, radiating a chilling aura. His eyes, bloodshot with rage and murderous intent, gleamed like two burning beads of blood in the darkness. His teeth were clenched, his cheeks slightly bulging, and the muscles in his face twitched slightly with the surge of emotion.

Before anyone could react, Zhong Renwang suddenly shouted, his voice booming like a bell, causing the surrounding air to tremble.

He unleashed the Beggars' Sect's ultimate skill, the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms," a technique renowned throughout the martial arts world, each move possessing the power to cleave the heavens and the earth.

His hands moved rapidly, like two agile dragons tumbling in the sea of ​​clouds, creating a whooshing sound, just like a howling gale sweeping in.

Wherever the palm touched, the air seemed to be torn apart by an invisible giant hand, making a hissing sound. The palm technique was incomparably fierce, with the force of an overturned mountain, rushing straight towards Lu Qiao, as if to crush everything in front of it into dust.

Ding Hong, an elder of the Beggars' Sect, gripped the iron rod tightly with both hands, which in his hands resembled a nimble python.

He was like a mad bull, breathing heavily from his nostrils, his eyes wide open, filled with madness and cruelty.

He charged toward Master Lu Qiao's disciples, his steps rapid and heavy, each one seemingly carving a deep footprint into the ground. He wielded his iron rod with ferocious power, creating afterimages, each strike carrying immense force, as if capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.

The iron rod struck the disciples with a dull thud, and blood splattered everywhere. The disciples screamed in agony, and the scene was extremely bloody and gruesome, like a living hell.

The Beggars' Sect elders Wu Lishan, Wu Kerui, and Wu Ze led their disciples in swift action. They moved with the agility of well-trained hunting dogs, darting through the night with ease. In the blink of an eye, they had the Lu Family Martial Arts School completely surrounded.

These Beggars' Sect disciples, each with icy eyes and weapons gleaming coldly, worked in perfect harmony, forming an impenetrable encirclement. Tonight, they were acting on Zhong Renwang's orders, with only one objective: to ensure the Lu family was wiped out completely, leaving no survivors.

The old boxing master, Lu Qiao, stood solemnly in the center of the martial arts hall, his gaze steady yet resolute. Looking at the enemies surging towards him like a tidal wave, he knew in his heart that his days were numbered.

But in order to protect his family and Lu Hongye, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes—a determination to die for his loved ones.

He took a deep breath, the air circulating rapidly within him, causing his clothes to flutter slightly.

Then, he let out a loud shout that shook the surrounding area, and unleashed the most ferocious killing move in the Lu family's spear technique, "Jade and Stone Burn Together".

In an instant, the gunshots flashed like lightning, like streaks of lightning across the night sky, instantly engulfing Zhong Renwang.

The spear tip gleamed with a cold light, like twinkling stars in the darkness, carrying a deadly threat as it aimed directly at Zhong Renwang's vitals.

Zhong Renwang was startled, and his face turned deathly pale, like the last snowflakes in winter.

His pupils contracted sharply, and a flicker of fear flashed in his eyes.

In that critical moment, he hurriedly swayed back, his steps frantic, and he almost fell to the ground. But his wicked intentions remained undiminished. Taking advantage of Lu Qiao's weakened state and his body not yet fully regaining its balance, he suddenly grabbed Lu Hongye with a backhand.

At this moment, Lu Hongye's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat from the excruciating pain from her severed arm, but she still endured the pain and fought against Wu Lishan, the elder of the Beggars' Sect, with one hand. Her movements were agile, like a nimble swallow, and the Lu Chen Spear in her hand gleamed coldly in the night.

However, she had no time to dodge Zhong Renwang's sudden attack.

Zhong Renwang's hand was like an iron clamp, quickly and accurately grabbing her.

Lu Qiao was shocked, his eyes wide open as if they were about to burst out of their sockets.

His eyes were filled with anxiety and anger as he hurriedly gripped the gun and stabbed it towards Zhong Renwang's back.

In his panic, Zhong Renwang turned around and pulled Lu Hongye in front of him as a shield.

A hint of despair flashed in Lu Hongye's eyes, a despair like a dark abyss that almost swallowed her whole.

But she was stubborn by nature. She bit her lower lip so hard that it bled, but she didn't utter a single cry for help.

Just at this critical moment, Shi Feiyang arrived.

He descended from the sky like a shooting star streaking across the night, bringing with him dazzling light and a powerful aura.

Seeing the scene before him, he was consumed by rage, a rage that burned like a raging fire, instantly igniting his chest. He roared fiercely, a roar like a thunderclap, carrying boundless power that stunned everyone present.

Everyone felt a deafening roar in their ears, and the world trembled at the sound of the shout.

Wu Lishan was momentarily distracted, and Shan Zhi seized the opportunity, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

He suddenly threw the plum blossom dart in his hand. The dart drew a black arc in the night, like a deadly talisman, whistling through the night sky, and went straight for Wu Lishan's throat.

Wu Lishan reacted quickly. A hint of panic flashed in his eyes as he hurriedly swung the iron rod in his hand to parry.

With a loud "bang," sparks flew everywhere, just like fireworks blooming in the night sky.

Wu Lishan breathed a sigh of relief as the plum blossom dart was deflected.

However, Shan Zhi's plum blossom dart contained a hidden trap.

Just when Wu Lishan thought he had escaped a calamity, a hidden arrow shot out from the dart, like a black lightning bolt, striking Wu Lishan's dantian (energy center).

Wu Lishan's eyes widened, filled with horror and disbelief.

His mouth was wide open, as if he wanted to shout but no sound came out.

He spat out a mouthful of black blood, which looked particularly shocking in the night.

His body swayed a few times, like a candle flickering in the wind, and slowly fell to the ground.

Seeing this, a glimmer of hope ignited in Lu Hongye's heart. The golden threads on her wedding robe, though seemingly ornate, were actually specially made Miao silk.

At the critical moment, she used all her strength to spin her body, and the razor threads instantly unfolded, like a blooming flower of death.

Zhong Renwang's hand was immediately cut and bleeding profusely. A sharp pain shot through his palm, and a look of agony appeared on his face. He involuntarily let go of Lu Hongye.

In a panic to save his life and escape, Zhong Renwang slapped his palm horizontally, sending Elder Wu of the Beggars' Sect flying. Wu flew through the air like a kite with a broken string, tracing an arc before crashing towards Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang's eyes were icy cold, like the cold moon hanging high in the night, radiating a chilling light that sent shivers down one's spine.

Facing the flying Wu, he remained calm and swept his palm horizontally.

This seemingly casual swing contained profound internal force. The palm wind howled, like a whirlwind rising from the ground, carrying immense power. Under the impact of this palm wind, Wu's body was thrown back thirteen zhang away like a kite with a broken string.

There was a muffled "bang".
Wu fell heavily to the ground, making a heart-stopping sound of bones breaking.

He lay on the ground, his limbs twisted, his body broken, and blood gushing from his mouth. He died on the spot, his death a gruesome sight.

The heroes of Xiong Ying were all dumbfounded by Zhong Renwang's despicable and shameless behavior, their faces filled with astonishment. They stood frozen in place, unable to recover for a long time, as if under a spell. They were filled with anger and shock, and felt utterly disgusted by Zhong Renwang's actions.

Lu Qiao looked at Shi Feiyang with eyes full of relief and trust, just like an old father who had experienced many vicissitudes and seen many things, and finally found a reliable young man to whom he could entrust his life.

He knew that Shi Feiyang had the world at heart, loved his country and protected his people. In this chaotic world and turbulent society, Shi Feiyang was like a beacon, illuminating the path for everyone.

He walked slowly to Shi Feiyang, his steps unsteady and heavy, yet with a hint of determination.

He solemnly handed the Lu Family Spear Manual to Shi Feiyang with both hands, which trembled slightly, carrying the hopes of several generations of the Lu family.

His voice was deep, yet filled with boundless expectation, like the resounding toll of a great bell, clearly echoing in the bustling martial arts hall: "Young Master Shi, I entrust this Lu Family Spear Manual to you. I can tell from your own observation that one day you will be ready to don armor and bravely fight the enemy, and this 'Lu Family Spear Technique' will surely be of great help to you. However, the last three moves of the missing spear manual are engraved on the inside of Lu Hongye's longevity lock."

He paused slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, a mixture of worry for the future of the Lu family and expectations for Shi Feiyang, before continuing, "This is why those two villains, Gan Jinliang and Zhong Renwang, have always coveted my Lu family's martial arts school."

Shi Feiyang looked solemn, as if he had not received an ordinary gun manual, but a heavy responsibility that could crush mountains.

He steadily extended his hands, as if holding up the most precious treasure in the world, and carefully put the Lu Family Spear Manual into the deerskin bag at his waist, which was invisible to ordinary people.

This deerskin bag, seemingly plain and unremarkable, appears to possess boundless, mysterious power. On ordinary days, it carries countless sums of money and provisions, various sharp weapons, and swift horses, providing a solid material foundation for the operation of the Xiong Ying Society.

At this moment, it carries the hopes and legacy of the Lu family, the crystallization of the wisdom and hard work of several generations of the Lu family.

Lu Hongye stood aside, quietly watching all of this.

Her gaze was focused and affectionate, as if the whole world consisted only of Shi Feiyang and the spear manual. When she saw Shi Feiyang put away the Lu Family Spear Manual, her heart felt like a little deer was happily pounding, and a wave of shyness and sweetness surged into her heart.

In her heart, this small gesture was like a silent promise, meaning that Shi Feiyang also agreed to take care of her for the rest of his life.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, like peach blossoms in full bloom in spring, delicate and beautiful beyond compare.

Her eyes were full of tenderness as she looked at Shi Feiyang involuntarily. Her gaze was like the warm spring sun, warm and intense, as if she wanted to melt Shi Feiyang into her affectionate gaze.

Shi Feiyang turned around, his posture upright, like a pine tree rooted in the earth, standing tall and unyielding, displaying heroic spirit.

His gaze swept firmly over the assembled heroes of Xiong Ying, his eyes revealing an undeniable authority and confidence.

His voice was deep and powerful, like the ringing of a bell, echoing throughout the Lu family martial arts school: "Brothers, quickly treat the wounded and do not delay the time for treatment. At the same time, do your best to help the Lu family pack their things, and be sure to do so carefully and thoroughly. Shan Zhi and Xie Wen, you two will escort the Lu family to the Shi family residence in Suzhou Prefecture immediately. Be careful along the way and ensure their safety."

His words were like a warm current flowing through everyone's hearts, allowing them to feel the strength of their leader.

Everyone clasped their hands in greeting and accepted the order, their movements perfectly synchronized.

They acted swiftly, and in an instant, the Lu Family Martial Arts School was bustling with people.

Everyone performed their duties: some were busy bandaging the wounds of the injured, some were carefully packing up the Lu family's belongings, and some were on guard around the area to prevent the enemy from attacking again, making full preparations for the Lu family's relocation.

The moment of parting was fast approaching, and Lu Hongye was reluctant to part with Shi Feiyang.

She walked quietly to Shi Feiyang, her eyes filled with tender affection, her gaze seeming to transform into a clear spring that could engulf Shi Feiyang.

Although she knew that Shi Feiyang already had six wives and that Yang Xueer was deeply in love with him, she didn't mind at all.

On the contrary, she believed that the reason so many beauties were in love with Shi Feiyang was precisely because of his extraordinary charm.

He was handsome and dashing, his black robes accentuating his tall and elegant figure; his martial arts skills were superb, his reputation spreading far and wide, striking fear into the hearts of countless villains; he had the world at heart, always keeping the safety of the common people in his heart, like the most dazzling star in the night sky, attracting the gazes of many women. In Lu Hongye's heart, being able to share the affections of so many outstanding women for Shi Feiyang was a kind of fortune.

She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Young Master Shi, take care on your journey to the capital. Hongye looks forward to seeing you soon."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, carrying endless longing and affection. After speaking, she raised her head, her eyes full of expectation and affection, and looked deeply at Shi Feiyang, wanting to etch his image into her heart forever.

Then, Lu Hongye turned around and, together with her family, embarked on the journey to Suzhou Prefecture, escorted by Shan Zhi and Xie Wen.

Her figure gradually faded into the distance, disappearing into the hazy night.

However, danger, like a venomous snake lurking in the dark abyss, flicked its tongue, waiting for its chance to strike, and did not simply disappear.

Xie Zhichuan, still harboring treacherous intentions, had a sinister glint in his triangular eyes as he conspired with Lan Xiaodie and Dugu Yan.

The three sat around in a dark corner. Xie Zhichuan spoke first, his voice low and sinister: "That Shi Feiyang will definitely take the Lu family back to Jiangnan to settle down. We must seize this opportunity to teach him a lesson."

Lan Xiaodie frowned slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She had an inextricable emotional entanglement with Shi Feiyang, a mixture of nostalgia for Shi Feiyang who had once saved her and hatred for him because her father had been killed by him.

At this moment, she bit her lower lip and said softly, "But Shi Feiyang is highly skilled in martial arts, so we need to be careful."

Dugu Yan, with a despicable and shameless expression, grinned and said, "What's there to be afraid of? We've planned this carefully, are we afraid we can't defeat him? This time we'll definitely teach him a lesson." The three of them talked back and forth like three cunning foxes, plotting a vicious conspiracy.

Therefore, Xie Zhichuan and his men carefully disguised themselves as a wedding procession and lay in ambush outside Luoyang. They hid in a dense forest, their eyes fixed on the only road they could take, like hungry wolves waiting for their prey, ready to pounce at any moment.

Under a clear blue sky, the sun shone brightly on the earth, making it a peaceful and tranquil day.

Shan Zhi and Xie Wen escorted the Lu father and daughter as they slowly moved forward.

The clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels created a festive and lively wedding procession. The bridal sedan chair was lavishly decorated, and red silk ribbons fluttered in the wind, resembling a sea of ​​red. However, all of this was merely the calm before the storm; danger was lurking in the shadows.

As the bridal sedan chair approached the crowd, the atmosphere suddenly became eerie.

The once clear sky seemed to be shrouded in this eerie atmosphere, and even the sunlight became somewhat sinister.

Suddenly, the sedan door creaked open, the sound seeming to come from the depths of hell, like a demon opening its bloody maw.

In an instant, seventy-two Death Spikes shot out like a torrential rain, carrying wisps of poisonous mist. The mist glowed eerily in the sunlight, as if countless vengeful spirits were weaving through it. The Death Spikes whistled as they flew towards the group, filling the air with a dense aura of death.

Xie Wen reacted with lightning speed, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky. He swiftly unleashed his Heavenly Silk Net, his signature hidden weapon. The Heavenly Silk Net unfolded instantly in the air, resembling a blooming silver flower, beautiful yet concealing deadly intent.

With a series of clanging sounds, the poisonous nails were blocked by the Heavenly Silkworm Net. However, some poisonous nails still broke through the defense and continued to attack.

At that critical moment, Lu Qiao only had his daughter's safety on his mind.

Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled Lu Hongye behind him, his movements swift and firm, building an unbreakable wall for his daughter.

The poisoned nails shot mercilessly, piercing his body and instantly riddling him with countless holes. Black blood gushed out, a gruesome sight under the sunlight. He screamed in agony, his voice shrill, his body swayed a few times, and slowly collapsed.

Seeing this, Shan Zhi was enraged, his eyes wide with fury as if they were about to spit fire. He swung his hands rapidly, like windmills, sending out plum blossom darts like silver meteors, carrying his raging fury as he slaughtered the "wedding procession." Wherever the plum blossom darts struck, enemy bandits fell one after another, their screams echoing endlessly. Instantly, the ground was littered with corpses, and blood stained the land red.

Lu Hongye witnessed her father die protecting her, tears instantly blurring her vision. But she suppressed her immense grief, recalling his dying words. With trembling hands, she found a miniature coastal defense map hidden in her father's dentures. This small map carried a heavy weight, possibly concealing crucial clues about the collusion between the Directorate of Ceremonial and Japanese pirates.

After burying Master Lu, Lu Hongye's eyes revealed determination and resolve.

She decided not to go to Jiangnan, but to go to the capital to find Shi Feiyang. She recalled that when her father gave Shi Feiyang the "Lu Family Spear Manual," he had told Shi Feiyang that the last three missing moves of the manual were engraved on the inside of his longevity lock.

In Lu Hongye's heart, this meant that her father had entrusted her life's most important matter to Shi Feiyang, and Shi Feiyang's putting away the Lu family's spear manual meant that he had tacitly accepted this entrustment. From then on, she was Shi Feiyang's fiancée.

Xie Wen and Shan Zhi are both sharp-minded people.

They understood the deeper meaning behind Shi Feiyang's decision to send them to escort Lu Hongye back to the Haoda Shi Mansion in Suzhou. In addition, Lu Hongye's words were earnest, and she was determined to go to the capital to find Shi Feiyang. The two exchanged a glance, understood each other, and agreed to Lu Hongye's request.

Subsequently, they led seventeen disciples of the Xiong Ying Society, and the whole group embarked on the journey to escort Lu Hongye to the capital.

Xie Zhichuan, Lan Xiaodie, and Dugu Yan watched helplessly as their meticulously planned "wedding procession" was brutally murdered by Shan Zhi's plum blossom darts. The anger in their hearts suddenly flared up, like a raging fire that instantly devoured their reason.

Xie Zhichuan's eyes widened in anger, and he said viciously, "This Shan Zhi ruined our plans. Today, we will make sure he dies a horrible death!"

Dugu Yan chimed in, "That's right, and Lu Hongye too, none of them will escape!"

Although Lan Xiaodie remained silent, the hatred in her eyes grew even stronger, mixed with complex emotions towards Shi Feiyang. At this moment, she only wanted to vent her anger on the person in front of her. With a clang, the three of them simultaneously drew their swords.

The gleaming swords reflected their ferocious faces in the sunlight as the three pounced on Xie Wen, Shan Zhi, and Lu Hongye like wolves.

Xie Wen reacted with lightning speed, like a nimble cheetah. He swiftly unleashed the Heavenly Silk Net, which spread out in mid-air like a silver cloud, lightly and precisely covering Lu Hongye.

Immediately afterward, he used the "Flying Willow and Light Smoke Skill." With a sway of his body and fluttering robes, he pulled Lu Hongye along and transformed into a wisp of smoke, floating in mid-air. Lu Hongye felt her body lighten, as if she were floating on a cloud. Although she was extremely nervous, she was also secretly amazed by Xie Wen's superb martial arts skills.

Seeing this, Shan Zhi was not to be outdone. He swiftly moved his hands, throwing out plum blossom darts. The darts, like silver meteors, whistled through the air as they shot towards Xie Zhichuan and the others. However, Xie Zhichuan, Lan Xiaodie, and Dugu Yan were all highly skilled martial artists.

Xie Zhichuan moved swiftly, like a ghost, easily dodging the plum blossom darts; Lan Xiaodie swung her butterfly sword, the sword flowers flashing, deflecting the plum blossom darts aimed at her; Dugu Yan focused his energy in his palm, unleashing the "Corroding Bone Palm," his palm black, corroding the air wherever it went, and the plum blossom darts that got close were shaken off by his palm force.

Dan Zhi's heart sank, and he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight up to his heart.

At this moment, his life hung by a thread, and the situation was extremely critical. Meanwhile, Lu Hongye, suspended in mid-air, had no idea how this fierce battle would ultimately end.

Just at this critical moment, when life and death were at stake, a rapid and dense sound of hooves suddenly came from afar, like a series of drumbeats striking the heartstrings of everyone.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw a magnificent horse galloping across the vast land like a black lightning bolt.

The horse was swift and agile, its hooves kicking up a cloud of dust. The rider was graceful, like a beautiful flower blooming proudly in the wind, her posture as steady as a mountain despite being on the back of a galloping horse.

As the horse drew near like an arrow, the rider suddenly took a deep breath and leaped off the horse. Her movements were light and graceful, flowing naturally like clouds and water, just like a butterfly dancing among flowers, tracing a beautiful arc in the air.

The moment she landed, with a clang, her longsword was drawn from its sheath, a flash of cold light like a brilliant shooting star streaking across the night sky, shattering the tense and oppressive atmosphere. This person was none other than Ellie.

(End of this chapter)