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

Chapter 227. A lonely and beautiful concubine in the deep palace encounters Ying Shifeiyang: A thrilling escape while protecting the emperor.

Shi Feiyang flashed forward and took his first step – “Dragon Rising Amidst Startling Clouds”.

In an instant, Shi Feiyang's figure rose from the ground like a black lightning bolt, as if a giant dragon that had been sleeping for thousands of years had awakened from the bottom of the abyss, bursting through the water with boundless majesty and power.

His leap generated a powerful gust of wind, like a gale, causing the surrounding Imperial Guards to stagger and lose their footing.

His gaze was sharp as an eagle's and as keen as lightning, fixed on Wan Liupiao, trying to find a flaw in her seemingly impenetrable defense.

Following closely behind, Shi Feiyang took the second step – “Dragon Travels the Four Seas”.

His figure suddenly turned in mid-air, like a black meteor streaking across the night sky, heading straight for the edge of the air shield.

With this move, his movements were as agile as a dragon swimming freely in the four seas, stirring up rivers and waves, making it impossible for anyone to predict his next move.

He slightly raised his hands, assuming a defensive stance, but his poised posture seemed to declare to his opponent that he was ready to launch a fatal blow at any moment. At this moment, the vortex of true energy within his body became increasingly violent, frantically absorbing the inner strength of Xie Zhichuan, Fu Anxing, and Wan Liupiao. Shi Feiyang felt his own power constantly rising, as if he was about to break through the sky.

The third step, "Dragon Battles in the Wilderness." Shi Feiyang lightly tapped the ground with his feet, using the reaction force to propel himself like a cannonball ready to fire, instantly charging towards the air shield. His body was taut, his muscles bulging like steel, each one containing astonishing power.

The moment he leaped into the air, the blue bricks on the ground could not withstand the weight and shattered into countless small pieces with several "crack" sounds, scattering in all directions.

At this moment, the true energy within Shi Feiyang's body surged like a raging river, flowing violently through his meridians.

His clothes fluttered and rustled as his inner energy billowed, like a flag dancing in a gale.

As he approached, the air around the air shield was stirred by an invisible giant hand, forming small air vortexes that emitted a whooshing sound.

Shi Feiyang let out a deep and powerful roar, a roar that seemed to draw power from an ancient dragon's cry, reverberating through the air. Wherever the roar reached, the surrounding Imperial Guards felt a sharp pain in their ears, and many even lost their footing and fell to the ground.

In front of Shi Feiyang, the "Great Kasyapa Aura Shield" seemed to be affected by this powerful aura. The soft light it originally emitted began to flicker and cracks appeared.

With unstoppable momentum, Shi Feiyang, like a moving mountain, launched the most ferocious attack on the energy shield, attempting to completely disrupt Wan Liu Piao's rhythm with this thunderous force, thus tearing open a gap for a more powerful attack to follow.

The fourth step is "Dragon Breaks Through the Sky".

Shi Feiyang's right hand shot out instantly, transforming into an enormous dragon claw. This dragon claw was surrounded by dense true energy, carrying an indestructible and earth-shattering power, and fiercely grabbed at the energy shield.

This single claw strike contained the full power of his entire body.

His arm muscles were taut, veins bulging, like angry little snakes, revealing the terrifying power he possessed at that moment.

Under the continuous absorption of true energy vortex, Shi Feiyang's skill reached an unprecedented level, and the power of this claw attack far exceeded that of the past.

The fourth step, "Dragon Breaks Through the Sky." Shi Feiyang's true energy surged, and under the full power of the Mingyu Gong, his body was enveloped in a faint golden halo, a sign of his profound internal strength manifesting itself.

At this moment, the internal energy within his body was like a surging ocean, stirring up towering waves and flowing through his meridians at an almost violent speed. Each breath was accompanied by a violent vibration of true energy, causing the surrounding air to tremble and emit a low "humming" sound.

Shi Feiyang's right hand shot out instantly, and in a flash, it transformed into an enormous dragon claw.

This dragon claw was not an illusion of light and shadow, but was formed by his powerful internal energy, solid and full of strength.

On the dragon's claws, golden true energy leaped and swirled like flames, emanating a chilling aura.

The moment he extended his claw, the surrounding space seemed to be distorted by this powerful force, and the air was squeezed wildly, forming visible ripples that spread outwards.

As Shi Feiyang unleashed his claw, imbued with all his power, the internal energy within him surged forth like a burst dam, pouring entirely into the dragon claw. This claw, carrying the immense power to split the heavens and earth, directly confronted Wan Liu Piao's "Great Kasyapa Qi Shield." The muscles in his arm bulged high, veins popping out, like thick pythons, each one proclaiming the terrifying power he had gathered at this moment.

Under the impact of Shi Feiyang's powerful internal force, Wan Liupiao's "Great Kasyapa Qi Shield" instantly became chaotic, its light flickering and shaking violently.

The surface of the protective barrier was covered with countless cracks. The Imperial Guards around it, feeling the powerful fluctuations of internal energy, turned pale and retreated in terror. Some of the weaker ones were even knocked to the ground by the aftershocks, spitting out blood.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang's figure suddenly stopped in mid-air, just like a shooting star that hovered briefly in the sky. His body was surrounded by the powerful true energy driven by Mingyu Gong, emitting a dazzling and scorching light, like a small sun.

At this moment, the true energy within his body was circulating to its limit, surging and churning in his meridians at an almost frenzied speed. Each pulse was accompanied by a violent tremor of the air, emitting a muffled roar, like the roar of an ancient beast.

Shi Feiyang's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, fixed on Xie Zhichuan, Fu Anxing, and Wan Liupiao, burning with an unwavering determination to win.

He quickly retracted his hands, pressing them close to his sides. True energy gathered in his palms, forming two small vortexes that frantically absorbed the surrounding spiritual energy, causing the air around him to visibly distort.

With his movements, his clothes fluttered as if they were about to break free from their restraints, surging with his inner energy.

The instant he landed, Shi Feiyang's right foot slammed into the ground, using the momentum to propel himself like a black lightning bolt towards Xie Zhichuan. His body leaned forward, like a cheetah poised to pounce, every muscle taut, brimming with astonishing power.

As he approached Xie Zhichuan, his right hand shot out instantly, the Frost Blade in his hand gleaming with a chilling light, carrying an invincible aura, aimed directly at Xie Zhichuan's ear.

Shi Feiyang's inner energy surged like a tidal wave, pouring entirely into the Frost Blade. The air around the blade hissed as it was sliced ​​through. With a "whoosh," Xie Zhichuan's other ear was mercilessly torn off by the Frost Blade, blood splattering everywhere, and he let out a shrill scream.

Almost at the same instant, Shi Feiyang turned around, his left foot drawing a graceful arc in the air, causing his body to spin rapidly like a top, heading straight for Fu Anxing.

He swiftly extended his left hand, gripping the Ghost Shadow Whip in Fu Anxing's hand. At that moment, Shi Feiyang's internal energy surged through his arm, the veins on his palm bulging clearly. With a sudden burst of force, the Ghost Shadow Whip snapped in two with a "crack."

Immediately afterwards, he twisted his hand and grabbed Fu Anxing's wrist tightly.

Fu Anxing felt a powerful force, as if he were being tightly clamped by an iron clamp, unable to break free.

Shi Feiyang exerted his strength again, and with Fu Anxing's painful screams, her wrist was broken, and she collapsed to the ground.

After dealing with Xie Zhichuan and Fu Anxing, Shi Feiyang did not hesitate at all. He flipped in the air, bent his legs, and pounced on Wan Liupiao like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey.

He let out a roar, a roar that gathered all his momentum and power, causing the surrounding air to vibrate.

Just as he was about to reach Wan Liu Piao, Shi Feiyang suddenly kicked out with his right foot. This kick carried the power to split mountains and shatter rocks, and the true energy in his body burst out from the sole of his foot like a cannonball.

Wan Liu Piao's "Great Kasyapa Aura Shield" shattered instantly under the impact of this powerful force, turning into countless rays of light that dissipated into the air.

Wan Liu Piao was sent flying by the force, arcing through the air like a kite with a broken string before crashing heavily to the ground. With a "whoosh," she coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining the ground red.

The rehabilitation student swung his large hand sharply, his thick arm drawing a sharp arc in the air, bringing with it a gust of wind.

He suddenly opened his mouth and roared like a thunderclap: "Kill!" This roar was like a thunderclap on flat ground, making the eardrums of the surrounding Imperial Guards hurt, but it also instantly ignited the burning fighting spirit in their hearts.

In an instant, more than 10,000 Imperial Guards, like a surging, unstoppable tide, rushed madly toward Shi Feiyang with overwhelming momentum.

Their steps were synchronized and powerful; each step shook the ground and kicked up a cloud of dust.

The leading Imperial Guards had a fanatical glint in their eyes, their facial muscles contorted with excitement and ferocity, their teeth clenched, revealing menacing fangs, like a pack of hungry wolves that had spotted their prey.

They raised their weapons high, the glint of their blades flashing with a cold light, their killing intent permeating the entire palace.

The Imperial Guards behind him were not to be outdone. Their gazes were firm, fixed on Shi Feiyang, their eyes revealing a determination to die.

Some of the Imperial Guards had furrowed brows and bulging veins on their foreheads, showing their inner tension and excitement; others had the corners of their mouths turned up, revealing a cruel smile, as if they could already see Shi Feiyang lying in a pool of blood.

As they ran, they shouted incessantly, their shouts mingling together to create a powerful wave of sound.

At this critical moment, Shi Feiyang did not hesitate to take the sixth step, "Dragon Shadow Across the Land".

His figure instantly began to spin rapidly in the air, at a speed that was too fast for the eyes to follow.

The air around him was rapidly churned, creating a strong whirlwind with a howling sound, like the wailing of ghosts and wolves.

His figure became blurred as he spun at high speed. At first glance, it seemed as if countless giant dragons were weaving and coiling within him, each carrying a majestic aura. His movements were as smooth and natural as flowing water, executed in one breath. Every turn was extremely agile, and every swing of his arm was powerful and vigorous, full of the fusion of strength and beauty.

During this frantic spinning process, the vortex of true energy within Shi Feiyang's body spun even more wildly, like a bottomless black hole, continuously drawing in the surrounding air to form a huge column of airflow.

The column of air seemed to materialize, carrying a powerful impact that sent the approaching Imperial Guards flying.

At the same time, Shi Feiyang brandished the Heavenly Frost Blade in the blink of an eye, its cold light flashing as it weaved through the crowd like a silver lightning bolt. He unleashed the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, his swordsmanship fierce and swift, delivering eighty-one strikes in that brief moment.

The sounds of "snap" rang out one after another, like a dense drumbeat. The heads of a group of Imperial Guards were instantly sliced ​​off, and blood gushed out like fountains, drawing streaks of blood in the air. The scene was extremely bloody.

The ground was soon littered with the corpses of the Imperial Guards, their blood pooling into streams that flowed gently.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Shi Feiyang seized the opportunity and used the mysterious lightness skill of "Concealing One's Body and Name".

His figure moved like a wisp of smoke, skillfully dodging wave after wave of pursuers. His steps were light and agile, moving freely amidst the flashing swords and shadows, each step perfectly timed, making it impossible to predict his movements.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at a secluded palace.

The palace was shrouded in tranquility; it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Only the faint, soft sighs added a touch of mystery to the still atmosphere.

Shi Feiyang immediately became alert, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, and he cautiously approached the inner room.

He walked very lightly, each step taken with utmost care, as if afraid of disturbing something.

A royal concubine was sitting quietly in front of her dressing table, looking sadly at herself in the mirror.

Her face was like a blooming flower, beautiful as a flower and with skin as white as snow, as smooth and warm as mutton fat jade.

However, her eyes revealed a deep sense of loneliness; the solitude of the deep palace had filled her heart.

The imperial concubine keenly sensed someone entering and slowly turned her head, where she saw the handsome Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang was momentarily at a loss, his mouth slightly open, about to explain his unauthorized intrusion.

The moment the imperial concubine saw Shi Feiyang, her eyes lit up as if she had seen a ray of dawn in the darkness.

In the deep palace, she was neglected by the emperor year after year, left alone in her empty chamber, her heart filled with loneliness.

She had never seen such a dashing and heroic man in a long time.

In that instant, as if driven by an invisible force, the imperial concubine pulled Shi Feiyang into the quilt.

Shi Feiyang was startled and instinctively tried to break free.

His hands instinctively tightened, trying to push the imperial concubine away. But when he saw her pitiful appearance and the tears glistening in her eyes, he couldn't bring himself to be cruel. The imperial concubine, her eyes filled with tears, began to pour out her loneliness and helplessness in the palace.

Her voice was soft and mournful, each word carrying endless sorrow.

Listening to the imperial concubine's lament, Shi Feiyang felt a pang of pity. In that instant, he inexplicably stayed. For the next three days, Shi Feiyang and the imperial concubine spent their time together in loving companionship, forgetting the turmoil and bloodshed outside.

In the secluded palace deep within the inner palace grounds, three days passed by quietly, like a dream.

For the next three days, Shi Feiyang and the imperial concubine were immersed in a tender and affectionate world, as if the hustle and bustle of the world had nothing to do with them, and they cherished this paradise that belonged only to the two of them.

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows.

The imperial concubine slowly awoke, and in her sleepy state, she saw Shi Feiyang beside her.

Her lips curved slightly upward, revealing a sweet smile, as beautiful as a flower blooming in spring.

She gently extended her hand, as smooth and warm as mutton-fat jade, and her fingers softly traced Shi Feiyang's face, from his forehead to the tip of his nose, and then to his lips, her movements delicate and affectionate. Shi Feiyang felt this tender touch, slowly opened his eyes, and met the Empress's loving gaze.

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes meeting as if a thousand words were being spoken in silence.

Shi Feiyang sat up, gently embraced the imperial concubine, rested his chin on the top of her head, and inhaled the delicate fragrance of her hair.

The imperial concubine nestled in his arms, her arms wrapped around his waist, and whispered, "My love, these past few days with you have felt like a beautiful dream. I wish time could stand still at this moment."

Shi Feiyang gently stroked her hair and whispered, "My beauty, how could I not feel the same way? I only regret that there are so many troubles in this world, and I cannot stay with you like this forever."

The imperial concubine raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears, but she forced a smile and said, "Let's not talk about those unhappy things. Today belongs only to us." In the afternoon, a languid atmosphere filled the palace.

Shi Feiyang and the Imperial Concubine sat on stone benches in the courtyard, with exquisite pastries and fragrant tea laid out on the table. The Imperial Concubine personally picked up a teacup, took a small sip, and then held it to Shi Feiyang's lips, smiling and saying, "My love, try this freshly brewed tea, how does it taste?" Shi Feiyang smiled and took it, sipped it, and praised, "Hmm, the tea is fragrant and has a sweet aftertaste, just like you, filling me with joy."

The imperial concubine's cheeks flushed, like the sunset on the horizon. She picked up a pastry and fed it to Shi Feiyang. Shi Feiyang opened his mouth and ate it. The two looked at each other and laughed. Their laughter echoed in the courtyard, filled with sweetness and warmth.

Night fell, and the moonlight, like water, streamed through the curtains and onto the bed. Shi Feiyang and the imperial concubine lay side by side on the bed. The imperial concubine gently traced circles on Shi Feiyang's chest with her fingers, softly recounting anecdotes and stories from the palace.

Shi Feiyang listened attentively, occasionally interjecting a few words, which made the imperial concubine giggle.

After the laughter subsided, the imperial concubine fell silent again. She raised her head, her eyes filled with worry and reluctance: "My love, if you leave, I will be left alone in this deep palace. What will I do?" Shi Feiyang held her hand tightly and said firmly, "My beauty, I will definitely come back to find you after I have completed my mission."

The imperial concubine nodded gently, resting her head on Shi Feiyang's shoulder. In the tranquil night, the two embraced and slept, savoring this brief but precious moment. Shi Feiyang and the imperial concubine were inseparable, as if they were in a paradise beyond the mortal world.

Although the imperial concubine lived in the seemingly luxurious but actually cold and lonely palace, she rediscovered long-lost warmth and joy by Shi Feiyang's side.

The two leaned against each other, sometimes whispering sweet nothings, sometimes smiling gently.

Shi Feiyang was also intoxicated by the imperial concubine's tender affections in this gentle paradise.

However, undercurrents surge beneath the calm.

Inside the palace, the guards' search never ceased.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the long corridor outside the palace from time to time, and the clanging of armor against armor sounded like a death knell.

At these moments, Shi Feiyang's body would instantly tense, a wary glint flashing in his eyes, like a cheetah poised to pounce, ready to deal with any unexpected situation. The Imperial Concubine, however, always remained calm and composed.

She gently took Shi Feiyang's hand and comforted him in a tender yet firm voice, "My love, don't panic. I still have some influence in this palace, and I will definitely not let them harm you in the slightest." After saying that, she stood up, tidied her hair, and walked gracefully toward the palace gate.

The guards knocked on the door and entered. The commander in charge looked respectful but could not hide his urgency: "Your Majesty, recently suspicious people have infiltrated the palace. His Majesty is furious and has ordered us to search carefully. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense."

The imperial concubine frowned slightly, feigning displeasure, and said, "This palace of mine is not one you can search as you please. I have been resting here and have never seen anyone suspicious. If you have disturbed me like this, what will be your punishment?"

The commander immediately knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I was only acting under orders. However, the matter is of great importance, and I hope Your Majesty will be lenient."

The imperial concubine pondered for a moment, then waved her hand: "Alright, you may search. But if you disturb my peace, I will certainly have a word with His Majesty." The guards searched the palace thoroughly, leaving no corner unchecked.

Shi Feiyang hid in the secret room, gripping the Heavenly Frost Blade tightly in his hand, ready to break free at any moment.

Fortunately, the imperial concubine skillfully maneuvered the situation, and the guards, having gained nothing, had no choice but to leave dejectedly.

A few days later, the imperial concubine knew she could not keep Shi Feiyang. She was filled with reluctance, but she also understood that he was determined to make a name for himself in the martial world and had a strong sense of righteousness.

So, under the guise of going to a temple outside the city to offer incense, she found a way for Shi Feiyang to leave the palace.

Outside Mingtuo Temple, wisps of incense smoke rise, as if human longings are drifting towards the sky.

The imperial concubine, dressed in magnificent robes and wearing a phoenix crown, could not hide the sorrow and reluctance in her eyes.

Through her teary eyes, she watched Shi Feiyang's departing figure, which gradually disappeared into the bustling crowd.

Her lips trembled slightly, as if she had a thousand words to say, but in the end, they turned into a soft sigh.

Although Shi Feiyang harbored deep affection for the imperial concubine, he was well aware of his mission.

The great cause of the Xiong Ying Society is not yet complete, and treacherous officials in the court are still committing evil deeds. Dark forces are like dark clouds shrouding the Ming Dynasty.

He tightened the deerskin bag at his waist, which contained a secret concerning the fate of all people.

He took a deep breath and resolutely stepped into the world of martial arts without looking back.

The thrilling battle deep within the palace was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples everywhere.

Meanwhile, the disciples of the Xiong Ying Society, lurking in the palace, were like ghosts in the dark night, managing to secretly transmit the message with great difficulty under heavy guard.

They knew the importance of this news; it concerned the life and death of Shi Feiyang, a key figure in the Xiong Ying Society, and even more so, the future direction of the entire Xiong Ying Society. Inside the Xiong Ying Society's first branch, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

Yang Xueer, Lu Hongye, and Shi Xiong were like ants on a hot pan every day, rushing to the "Fine Wine Workshop" with great anxiety.

On the surface, this "Fine Wine Shop" was an ordinary tavern, but in reality, it was an important contact point for the Xiong Ying Society in the capital. When the three of them stepped into the "Fine Wine Shop," their steps were hurried and heavy, and their eyes were full of anxiety and unease.

Yang Xueer's hands clenched tightly together unconsciously, her knuckles turning white from the force.

Her eyes were fixed on the doorway, as if Shi Feiyang would appear there at any moment.

Her lips trembled slightly as she murmured, "Shi Lang, you must be safe and sound..."

Lu Hongye also had a furrowed brow and her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat. She paced back and forth in the room, each step heavy, as if trying to dispel the fear in her heart.

She would glance out the window every now and then, her eyes filled with worry and anticipation, muttering to herself, "Shi Lang is lucky and will surely be safe and sound."

Shi Xiong stood to the side, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging at his knuckles. His eyes were filled with anxiety and anger as he growled in a low voice, "If those lackeys of the emperor dare to harm the Grand Master, I will make them pay with their blood!"

The three of them would often wait all day at the "Fine Wine Shop".

During this time, they kept asking the bartender for information. Each time the bartender shook his head, their hearts felt as if they had been struck by a heavy hammer, growing heavier and heavier. As time passed, night gradually fell, and darkness surged in like a tide, enveloping the entire capital and their hearts.

Their anxieties, like the darkness of night, grew ever stronger, as if they were about to engulf them.

They didn't know what had happened in the palace, whether Shi Feiyang had successfully escaped, or whether he was in an even more dangerous situation.

This unknown filled them with immense fear and helplessness, yet they could only wait here, hoping for a glimmer of hope.

On a late spring day, a gentle breeze blew, but it couldn't dispel the heavy and oppressive atmosphere inside the "Fine Wine Shop".

As usual, Yang Xueer, Lu Hongye, and Shi Xiong gathered here with heavy hearts, eagerly awaiting news from Shi Feiyang. Their eyes revealed exhaustion and despair; the long wait seemed to have gradually eroded their hope.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a familiar figure appeared in the doorway.

The person they had been so worried about, Shi Feiyang, was actually standing alive and well in front of them!
For a moment, the entire "Fine Wine Shop" seemed to freeze, everyone was stunned, as if they couldn't believe their eyes.

Yang Xueer was the first to react, and tears welled up in her eyes instantly, surging like a flood after a dam had burst.

She rushed forward without hesitation, throwing herself into Shi Feiyang's arms and holding him tightly, as if afraid he would disappear at any moment.

She sobbed uncontrollably, saying, "Shi Lang, you're finally back! These past few days, I've worried about you day and night, fearing that something might have happened to you. Do you know how scared I was?" Her voice trembled, filled with endless grievances and longing.

Lu Hongye also quickly stepped forward, her eyes filled with surprise and heartache.

She reached out and gently stroked Shi Feiyang's face, trying to make sure she wasn't dreaming. "Shi Lang, you've finally returned safely. We've been waiting for you every day, our hearts were breaking." Her voice was gentle, yet tinged with a sob.

Shi Xiong stood to the side, his eyes also slightly red.

He said excitedly, "Chief, you're finally back! The brothers have been missing you! We've been worried sick these past few days."

His words were filled with concern and worry for Shi Feiyang.

Looking at his family members, Shi Feiyang was filled with emotion.

He hugged Yang Xue'er and Lu Hongye tightly and said softly, "I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm back safe and sound, aren't I?"

His voice was calm and firm, giving people a sense of reassurance.

Afterwards, they went together to the large inn run by Lu Hongye.

In this cozy inn, Shi Feiyang spent a few dreamlike days with his two beautiful wives.

They strolled hand in hand in the courtyard, expressing their longing after their separation; or they slept in each other's arms in the room, deeply immersed in their love.

Yang Xueer and Lu Hongye had happy smiles on their faces.

However, good times are always short-lived.

A few days later, Shi Feiyang had no choice but to embark on his journey once again.

He wanted to leave the capital with Yang Xueer and Shi Xiong to continue working for the great cause of the Xiong Ying Society.

As they parted, Lu Hongye stood on the third-floor attic, watching her husband Shi Feiyang's figure, tears streaming down her face like broken beads.

Her body trembled slightly, her heart filled with reluctance and helplessness. How she wished she could leave with Shi Feiyang and stay by his side.

However, as the leader of the third branch of the Xiong Ying Society in the capital, she had an important mission and could only choose to stay in the capital.

"Shi Lang, you must return safely..." Lu Hongye murmured softly, her voice carried away by the wind and drifting into the distance.

Shi Feiyang seemed to sense Lu Hongye's gaze. He stopped and looked back at the pavilion, his eyes filled with longing and determination.

He nodded slightly, as if making a promise to Lu Hongye.

Then, he turned around, took Yang Xue'er and Shi Xiong with him, and resolutely disappeared into the distance.

Lu Hongye was left alone on the pavilion, gazing in the direction they had left, reluctant to leave for a long time.

In late spring, a time when the earth should be warming up, flowers should be blooming, and all things should be budding, the Yanshan Mountains in the suburbs seem to have been forgotten by spring in the corner of winter. The cold wind still howls, and the biting north wind is like a giant python that hides its body but has immense power. It twists and turns its huge body wantonly, carrying a biting cold, trying to sweep everything in the world into its cold and merciless embrace.

The disciples of the first branch of the Xiong Ying Society were dressed in thick clothes, but the all-pervasive cold wind was like a sharp blade, easily penetrating their clothing and making them shiver.

They gripped the reins tightly with both hands, and the horse beneath them seemed to be affected by the cold, pawing restlessly. Each pawing kicked up a little dust, and the hot breath exhaled from the horse's mouth instantly condensed into wisps of white mist in the cold air, like the horse's helpless sighs.

The disciples' gazes were firm, like lights that never go out in the cold night. They waited quietly in the biting wind. Their figures appeared even more resolute and unyielding under the raging wind, like towering mountain peaks that stood firm and unyielding.

Just then, a cloud of dust suddenly rose from the road in the distance, like a giant yellow dragon winding across the land.

"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen, "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong, "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi, and "Iron Flute Scholar" Xiang Kun are rushing towards this place, covered in dust from their journey. They have been traveling day and night, their bodies covered in the dust of the journey, their clothes are tattered and worn, and some parts are even torn by thorns.

Their faces were haggard, etched with the deep marks of time; their skin was dark and rough, yet their eyes shone with a resolute and unwavering light, like stars in a cold night. Previously, they had tirelessly traveled day and night, overcoming countless hardships, to escort the severely wounded "Iron Palm" Wu Zhong back to the Jiangnan Xiong Ying Society's headquarters to recuperate. Having just settled Wu Zhong safely, they immediately returned to the capital, their minds filled with only one unwavering thought: to travel a thousand miles to meet the leader and protect the headquarters' leader, Shi Feiyang.

When Shi Feiyang saw them from afar, a warm feeling welled up in his heart, his eyes reddened slightly, and warm tears welled up in his eyes.

Unable to contain his excitement, he quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands together, raised them high, and said forcefully, "Brothers, you have traveled a long way, endured wind and rain, and suffered countless hardships. I will always remember your kindness and am deeply grateful! I will never forget this kindness!"

His voice trembled slightly with excitement, carrying far in the cold wind, filled with deep gratitude and respect.

Xie Wen and the others exchanged smiles.

That smile was full of respect for Shi Feiyang and the deep brotherhood between them.

Xie Wen stepped forward and said loudly, "Chief, you flatter us. We are all brothers of the Xiong Ying Society. What is this hardship compared to the Xiong Ying Society and our brothers? If it weren't for the Chief's usual care for us, how could we be where we are today?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his expression becoming solemn. He continued, "I intend to escort Xue'er back to Qingfeng Pavilion in Liaodong to visit her family. According to local custom, now that she is my newlywed wife, it is only right that she visits her parents' home. This journey is long and arduous, and given the turbulent times, I fear there will be many twists and turns." Upon hearing this, the assembled heroes clenched their fists, their eyes filled with determination.

Miao Menlong shouted, "Wherever the Grand Master goes, we will follow! No matter if the road ahead is fraught with danger or a den of dragons and tigers, we will stand with the Grand Master through thick and thin! We will protect the Grand Master and Miss Yang!"

The crowd shouted in unison, their voices converging like rolling thunder, echoing through the valley. Startled, the birds in the forest took flight, causing branches to sway and leaves to flutter down.

At this moment, Yang Xue'er moved gracefully to Shi Feiyang's side. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and emotion as she softly said, "Shi Lang, you are so considerate of me, wanting to accompany me back to Qingfeng Pavilion in Liaodong to visit my family. I... I am so touched. I haven't seen my mother for so long, and the thought of seeing her soon makes my heart flutter with excitement."

(End of this chapter)