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

Chapter 248. A lone sword sweeps away the invaders, ambition illuminates the expansion of the Dan land.

Shi Feiyang stood tall in this hellish land, his face resolute as if carved by a knife and axe, with distinct features, exuding an innate heroic spirit.

His sword-like eyebrows slanted sharply, resembling an eagle spreading its wings, exuding a heroic spirit. His eyes were deep and bright, like cold stars twinkling in the night sky, now radiating a sharp light, like two sharp blades, scanning this devastated graveyard.

That gaze can see through all falsehoods and conspiracies.

A slight upturn at the corners of his mouth revealed a calm and confident smile, a composure honed through countless trials and tribulations. All the world's conflicts were but fleeting clouds in his eyes. Amidst the bloodshed and chaos, he stood like a majestic mountain, unyielding to the winds from all directions.

Just then, a loud phoenix cry, like a sharp arrow piercing the clouds, ripped through the sky.

Then, Iris and Shi Xiong rode the Vermilion Bird, flying down from the sky like a dazzling ray of light.

The Vermilion Bird was surrounded by flames, its wings spread wide, blotting out the sky and exuding a magnificent aura.

The two looked down from their high vantage point and saw that the entire castle had been transformed into a living hell, with a sea of ​​blood and severed limbs scattered everywhere, resembling a ruin ravaged by demons.

The stench of blood was overwhelming, so strong it almost made one want to vomit.

Seeing this, both Yili and Shi Xiong stared blankly at Shi Feiyang, their eyes filled with shock and awe. In their eyes, Shi Feiyang at this moment was like a demon god who had returned from hell, exuding a chilling aura that inspired both fear and reverence.

Shi Feiyang's expression was cold and stern, like solid ice in the dead of winter, his gaze piercing as he stared directly at Shi Xiong.

He spoke with a solemn expression and a steady tone: "Shi Xiong, I have now slain the leader of the Watt tribe, Lielebaha. The Watt tribe is now leaderless and disorganized, making this the perfect opportunity to bring them under the control of the Lindan tribe. We cannot afford to miss this chance. You must immediately ride the Vermilion Bird and proceed to the Lindan tribe's capital at top speed, without delay. When you meet with Khan Dangxin, you must truthfully inform him of the battle situation here, without omitting a single word. He must order him to quickly dispatch elite troops to take over all affairs of the Watt tribe. This is a matter of great importance concerning the future of the grasslands, and there can be no negligence. It must be handled with utmost speed. Any mishap could trigger another bloodbath on the grasslands."

His voice was deep and mellow, yet it carried an undeniable authority, like the resounding of a great bell, echoing for a long time in the vast天地 (heaven and earth), every word carrying a reassuring power.

Upon hearing this, Shi Xiong immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute, his posture upright as a pine tree, and respectfully said, "Yes! Chief!"

After saying that, he flashed and nimbly jumped onto the back of the Vermilion Bird.

The Vermilion Bird, seemingly understanding human nature, sensed its master's intentions. It let out a long cry that reverberated across the land, spread its wings, and like a red lightning bolt, sped towards the Lindan tribe's capital, instantly disappearing into the vast sky, leaving only a faint afterimage. Only then did Ellie recover from her shock. Her eyes shone with excitement, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

She walked quickly toward Shi Feiyang, her steps light yet urgent, and said, "Husband, after I took Xu Fu's elixir, I felt as if the true energy in my body was a surging, boundless river, and my power had actually increased a hundredfold! I feel that I can now easily split mountains and shatter rocks. This elixir is truly miraculous!"

Her voice was filled with surprise and excitement, as if she had discovered the most precious treasure in the world. Her eyes sparkled as she stared intently at Shi Feiyang, awaiting his response. Shi Feiyang's lips curled into a slightly upturned smile, a warm and comforting one. He said, "Of course! This elixir is a peerless treasure, nurtured by spiritual energy for a thousand years, its effects are extraordinary. From now on, you will be immune to all poisons. The Nine Poisons Sect, the Five Poisons Sect, and all the other evil gangs in the martial world will be no threat to you. Their poison skills will be useless against you, and you will no longer need to fear them. You can freely roam the martial world, seeking revenge and vengeance as you please." With that, he gently wrapped his arm around Yili's slender waist, his movements soft and natural, revealing his tenderness.

Then, he used his wondrous lightness skill, "leaving without a trace," his figure as light and graceful as a white cloud blown by the wind, carrying Ellie away from the blood-soaked land. The two drew a beautiful arc in the air, like two butterflies dancing, fluttering away for about half a mile before slowly descending.

After landing, Shi Feiyang released Yili and took out a tent and a bathtub from the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist.

He reached out and took Ellie's hand, and the two of them went into the tent together.

Inside the tent, Shi Feiyang lit a candle, and the dim light flickered, illuminating the faces of the two men.

Under the lights, Ellie's face looked even more beautiful and charming, and Shi Feiyang's eyes were full of tenderness.

They bathed and changed clothes together, the candlelight and steam creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

The two figures appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a dream.

After bathing, the two embraced and fell asleep, nestled close together in bed, oblivious to the world around them. They were blissfully immersed in this state, forgetting all the turmoil and bloodshed of the outside world, finding themselves in a secluded paradise.

The next morning, as dawn broke, a magnificent glow appeared on the horizon, like a splendid painting that bathed the earth in a golden hue.

In the distance, the thunderous sound of hooves broke the morning's tranquility as thousands of horses galloped in.

The sound of horses' hooves grew closer and closer, like the beating of war drums, making one's heart tighten.

Shi Xiong and Zhu Que, along with Khan Dang Xin and his beloved daughter Princess Gugra, who had led their troops on horseback overnight, arrived at breakneck speed.

The dust kicked up by the horse's hooves resembled a yellow dragon, rolling and churning, obscuring the sky and the sun.

The procession was so powerful that the earth trembled wherever it went.

Shi Feiyang was already aware of the situation. He had anticipated today's meeting last night and was secretly planning how to deal with the emotions and situation of all parties.

At that moment, he turned to Ellie beside him and smiled slightly, a smile that was both comforting and confident.

Then he took her soft, delicate hand in his. Elizabeth was stunningly beautiful, like a fairy from a painting, yet she possessed an air of haughtiness that made it difficult to look directly at her. Her eyes held a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as she closely followed Shi Feiyang's steps.

The two walked out of the tent hand in hand to greet each other.

When Khan Dang Xin saw Shi Feiyang from afar, a radiant smile instantly bloomed on his face, a smile as bright as a flower in spring, full of joy and excitement. He spurred his horse on, and in a few steps he arrived in front of Shi Feiyang, suddenly pulling on the reins. The horse neighed loudly, its front hooves rearing up high.

Khan Dangxin leaped off his horse, rushed forward, and tightly grasped Shi Feiyang's hand. His voice trembled slightly with excitement: "My dear son-in-law, well done! Well done! Your feat is truly earth-shattering. You have conquered this vast territory of the Watt tribe in one fell swoop, making an unparalleled contribution to my Lindan tribe! I am so fortunate to have a son-in-law like you! This is a blessing for my tribe and for the grasslands!"

His eyes were full of admiration and respect.

He held Shi Feiyang's hand tightly for a long time, unwilling to let go, conveying his gratitude to Shi Feiyang through those hands.

Shi Feiyang smiled modestly, a smile as warm and unassuming as the spring sun. He bowed slightly and said calmly, "Your Majesty flatters me. This great achievement is not solely due to my efforts. Firstly, it is thanks to the concerted efforts of all my brothers, who fought bravely and united against the common enemy, that we have achieved this victory. Secondly, it is also because I conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the Nawat tribe beforehand, ascertaining their strengths and weaknesses. I knew that they were riddled with internal conflicts, with various factions scheming against each other, and that they were also secretly colluding with external forces, exploiting each other. Therefore, I cleverly used a strategy to first sow discord between them and their external allies, leaving them isolated and helpless. When their formation was in disarray, I launched a surprise attack, which led to our success. However, although this territory has been captured, how to govern it afterward is crucial to the livelihood of countless people. Your Majesty must make wise decisions on this important matter."

He spoke clearly and logically, objectively recounting his own achievements without being arrogant, while skillfully steer the focus to his plans for the tribe's future, demonstrating his wisdom, strategy, loyalty, and commitment to the Lindan tribe.

At this moment, Princess Gugra arrived with light, graceful steps.

She spotted Shi Feiyang at a glance; his familiar figure was like a ray of light, instantly illuminating her eyes.

My eyes instantly welled up with tears, which swirled in them like dewdrops rolling on lotus leaves in the early morning.

She rushed forward, completely disregarding the presence of others, and threw herself into Shi Feiyang's arms. Her voice was trembling with tears, yet filled with joy: "Husband, I... I never expected that after we got married, you would give me such a wonderful gift. This territory of the Watt tribe is vast and boundless, of extraordinary significance, concerning the rise and fall of the tribe. I... I am so happy."

She hugged Shi Feiyang tightly, her hands wrapping around him like vines, as if afraid he would suddenly disappear. Her eyes, glistening with tears, were full of love and emotion, as if she wanted to imprint Shi Feiyang deeply in her heart.

Shi Feiyang gently patted Princess Gugra's back, the movement soft and soothing, like a spring breeze caressing the surface of a lake.

He said softly, “Princess, this is not only a gift for you, but also for the many people on the grasslands who have suffered greatly. The Wat tribe has been plagued by constant conflict and war, and the people have suffered terribly, trapped in misery. Now that they have been incorporated into the Lindan tribe, under the wise rule of the Great Khan, they will surely be able to live in peace and prosperity. Now that I have married you, I consider your tribe and your people as my own, and I will do my best to protect them.” His words were both tender and gentle, like a babbling brook nourishing the heart, and full of responsibility, like a towering mountain bringing peace of mind. He not only comforted Princess Gugra but also demonstrated his magnanimity and chivalrous spirit.

Watching this scene, Ellie felt a pang of bitterness well up inside her, as if she had swallowed an unripe plum. She was proud by nature and used to Shi Feiyang's exclusive favor, treating her like a star surrounded by admirers.

Seeing Princess Gugra and Shi Feiyang so intimately together, it was hard to bear the scene of multiple women serving one husband.

Her face instantly turned icy, like solid ice in the dead of winter, and a resolute glint flashed in her eyes.

She let out a cold snort, a snort as sharp as the north wind in winter, carrying a chilling cold that could freeze one's heart.

Then, with a flash of her figure and a resolute air, she flew away in anger. Her figure appeared particularly resolute in the morning light, her clothes fluttering, as if she wanted to leave all the troubles of this world behind, leaving only a proud and aloof silhouette.

Upon seeing this, Shi Xiong inwardly cried out in alarm, as if struck by lightning.

He knew Ellie's temperament well; she was like a powder keg, ready to ignite at any moment. If he didn't chase after her now, things could get really messy.

He quickly leaped onto the Vermilion Bird's back, his movements as nimble as a monkey. The Vermilion Bird seemed to understand human nature, sensing its master's urgency. It let out a long cry that reverberated throughout the surrounding area, and with a flap of its wings, it became like a red flame, chasing after the direction where Ellie had gone.

In the sky, Shi Xiong chased after Yi Li while shouting, "Madam, wait! Please hear me out!"

The voice drifted in the wind, carrying with it anxiety and earnestness.

Upon catching up with Elizabeth, Shi Xiong slowed down Suzaku's speed and flew alongside her.

He earnestly advised, "Madam, please don't be angry. The Grand Master's feelings for you are as clear as day and night. On this grassland, inter-tribal marriages are mostly for the purpose of consolidating power and maintaining a balance of power; they are a last resort. The Grand Master's love for you has never changed in the slightest, and your position in his heart is unparalleled. Please consider the deep affection the Grand Master has shown you in the past and don't be angry anymore."

Shi Xiong spoke until his mouth was dry and his lips were cracked. His face was full of anxiety, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. His eyes were fixed on Yi Li, full of expectation, hoping that she would change her mind.

As I listened to Shi Xiong's words, the anger in Illy's heart gradually subsided, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over a raging fire.

She turned to look at Shi Xiong, her eyes still filled with a hint of grievance and resentment: "Shi Xiong, I understand everything you're saying. But I... I just can't swallow this. My heart is only for him, my eyes are only for him, but he..."

Her voice gradually choked up, and tears welled up in her eyes again, like a flood about to burst forth.

Seeing this, Shi Xiong quickly continued to comfort her: "Madam, please calm down. The Grand Master will give you an explanation. Let's go back first and discuss things properly. If you leave in such a huff, the Grand Master will be extremely anxious and unable to eat or drink."

After much persuasion from Shi Xiong, Yi Li finally nodded slowly, the movement as heavy as if it weighed a ton, full of reluctance.

The Vermilion Bird carried the two of them slowly towards the camp of the Watt tribe's Dangxin army.

At this moment, Dang Xin's gaze swept across the devastated battlefield, his expression solemn, as if a towering mountain was pressing down on his heart.

Immediately, he announced loudly: "All soldiers, listen to my command! Clean up the battlefield immediately and do not miss any place."

Let this land return to peace as soon as possible, and let not the souls of the fallen soldiers remain restless.

His voice was powerful and resonant, carrying an undeniable authority, echoing across the vast expanse of heaven and earth like the tolling of a great bell, reaching the ears of every soldier. The soldiers responded in unison, their voices resounding through the heavens like rolling thunder.

They quickly sprang into action, and dust rose again as everyone methodically cleaned up the mess. Some soldiers carried corpses, their expressions solemn; others cleaned up the bloodstains with swift movements.

At the same time, Khan Dangxin turned around, his face beaming with smiles, and said warmly, "My dear son-in-law, tonight we must hold a grand banquet to properly entertain you, our great hero. Your outstanding contributions to our tribe are a blessing to our Lindan tribe and a boon to our grasslands. I will make sure that the entire tribe knows of your bravery and wisdom." His eyes were full of admiration and respect.

Upon hearing Khan Dangxin's praise, Shi Feiyang humbly cupped his hands, bowing slightly, his demeanor exuding refined elegance. He said, "Your Majesty flatters me. As a member of the tribe, it is my duty to help the tribe solve its problems and expand its territory. It is a great honor for me to be able to contribute my modest efforts to the tribe." His voice was deep and resonant, like the tolling of an ancient bell in the deep mountains. Though not loud, it conveyed a restrained confidence that inspired genuine respect in everyone.

At this moment, the candlelight flickered inside the tent, casting a warm yellow glow on his resolute face, outlining his clear features and adding to his composed demeanor.

During the banquet, the tent was brightly lit, with dozens of large tallow candles hanging high, illuminating the entire tent as if it were daytime.

The candlelight flickered, casting shimmering light on everyone's faces. The aroma of wine filled the air, its rich fragrance permeating every corner of the tent, intoxicating all who smelled it.

The aroma of wine mingled with the scent of roasted meat, mingling in the air and whetting one's appetite.

Around the camp, colorful embroidered curtains hung, depicting the totems of the Lindan tribe and scenes of their heroic battles, vividly telling the story of the tribe's glorious history. Thick animal hides were laid on the ground, soft and warm, and everyone sat cross-legged, enjoying this feast.

Princess Gugra, like a gentle little bird, stayed close to Shi Feiyang.

She wore a gorgeous Mongolian long dress, the hem of which was embroidered with exquisite patterns and shimmered in the candlelight.

Her eyes were filled with love and adoration, as if Shi Feiyang were the only god in her heart. Seeing her husband deeply respected and loved by the soldiers, her love for Shi Feiyang grew stronger, like a blazing flame, fiery and sincere.

She turned slightly to the side, her movements as gentle as a willow swaying in the breeze, and whispered to Shi Feiyang, "My husband, look at all these soldiers in the camp, they all show you the utmost respect. My heart is filled with joy, like the blooming flowers of spring. I truly hope that in the days to come, I can be with you every day, hand in hand through the years, to stay together forever, never to be separated."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, clear and pleasant, carrying endless longing. Every word seemed to carry a trace of affection, lingering in Shi Feiyang's heart. At this moment, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling, and a sweet smile on her lips, looking charming and captivating.

Shi Feiyang frowned slightly, his two sword-like eyebrows resembling tightly locked mountain peaks. A trace of helplessness and reluctance flashed in his eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, fleeting yet full of deep affection.

He gently grasped Princess Gugra's hand, a hand that was broad and warm, and said softly, "Princess, how could I not wish to be with you forever, to spend my life with you? But now, Bozhou is in rebellion, war rages, the situation is extremely critical, and the people are suffering terribly. As a member of the martial arts world, I bear the name of chivalry, and it is my duty to step forward and rush to Bozhou to quell the rebellion. This is a matter of righteousness, and I dare not slacken in the slightest, otherwise I would be ashamed before the righteous path of the martial arts world, and even more so before the people of the world. Moreover, now that the Khan's territory has been further expanded, everything needs to be rebuilt, and it is precisely because of your wisdom and compassion that you, Princess, are needed to assist in governing. With your wisdom and benevolence, you will surely enable the tribespeople to live in peace and prosperity, which would be a great achievement. I will be right back, and after the rebellion is quelled, I will definitely return to accompany you, Princess, to spend the rest of our lives together, until we grow old."

His words were sincere and firm, each one coming from the depths of his heart. They conveyed a sense of responsibility for the nation and its people, as heavy as Mount Tai pressing down on one's head, and were also filled with deep affection for the princess, as gentle as a babbling brook. This moved Princess Gugra deeply, making her both touched and reluctant to part with him.

Upon hearing this, Princess Gugra's eyes glistened with tears. She held Shi Feiyang's hand tightly, as if trying to etch his warmth into her heart.

Just then, a loud phoenix cry, like an arrow piercing the clouds, broke the silence of the night sky.

Then, Iris and Shi Xiong rode on the Vermilion Bird, like a dazzling ray of light, speeding towards them from afar.

The Vermilion Bird was surrounded by flames, its wings spread wide, blotting out the sky and exuding a magnificent aura.

Its feathers shimmered with a red glow in the moonlight, like a burning sunset.

Each flap of its enormous wings stirred up a gust of wind, causing the flags outside the tents to flutter wildly.

When Shi Feiyang saw it from afar, he was overjoyed, as if he had seen the dawn in the darkness. But then he became worried about the safety of Lin Wanqing, Gong Simeng and the others. His joy was instantly replaced by worry.

A glimmer of surprise flashed in his eyes, then worry enveloped them, and his brows furrowed slightly once more.

He gently parted Princess Gugra, his movements soft yet resolute. He rose, straightened his clothes, and meticulously groomed himself. Then, he clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, facing Khan Dangxin, Princess Gugra, and the assembled generals. His expression was as solemn as if performing a grand sacrificial ceremony. He said, “Khan, Princess, and generals, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and must take my leave. The suppression of the rebellion in Bozhou is of utmost urgency, and military matters cannot be delayed. I dare not linger. I hope that the Khan will take good care of his health, and that the Princess will diligently govern the tribes so that the people may enjoy peace. When I return, we will drink and reminisce together again.” His voice was steady and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer blow, striking the hearts of the crowd and inspiring a surge of respect.

At this moment, everyone in the tent stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on Shi Feiyang. Some looked on with admiration, some with reluctance, and others with worry. After speaking, Shi Feiyang walked quickly to the Vermilion Bird's side, his steps as nimble as a cheetah, and with a leap, his movements as swift as a bird entering the forest, he jumped onto the Vermilion Bird's back.

Shi Xiong and Yi Li also took their seats. The Vermilion Bird seemed to understand human nature and sensed its master's urgency. It let out a long cry that shook the surrounding area. With a flap of its wings, it flew towards Gong Simeng and Lin Wanqing's camp like a red lightning bolt, instantly disappearing into the vast night and leaving only a faint afterimage.

Everyone stood there for a long time, gazing in the direction where the Vermilion Bird had left. Princess Gugra's eyes were filled with tears, which glistened in the moonlight.

Princess Gugra looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with reluctance and melancholy, her gaze as dim and sorrowful as an abandoned star.

Her figure appeared somewhat forlorn under the lamplight, like a flower withering in late autumn, lonely and poignant.

A gentle breeze caressed her, like a tender hand, stirring her hair, which danced wildly in the wind, adding to her pitiful charm.

She murmured to herself, "My husband, I long for your early return. I will wait for you here, year after year, never to leave you."

Her voice drifted through the night sky, carrying endless longing, like a ghost floating in the night, lingering for a long time.

At this moment, the lights around her gradually dimmed, and her shadow was stretched long, further highlighting her loneliness.

In the sky, Ellie glanced sideways at Shi Feiyang, her eyes sharp as swords, filled with a hint of anger. She scolded, "You certainly know how to do favors, giving such a large tribe to your father-in-law! Why don't you send a generous gift to my Hengshan Sect? Could it be that you only have eyes for your new love on the grasslands and have forgotten the old friendship of the Hengshan Sect?"

Her voice was clear yet slightly sharp, echoing in the night sky.

At this moment, Elizabeth's eyebrows furrowed, her cheeks flushed slightly with anger, and she crossed her arms over her chest, looking quite sullen.

Shi Xiong quickly interjected, “Madam, that’s not quite right. My young master’s kindness to the Hengshan Sect is as clear as day. Do you remember when he risked his life to save you by Taihu Lake? In Black Wind Valley, it was he who turned the tide and helped the Hengshan Sect escape its predicament. When Zhong Renwang launched his surprise attack on the Hengshan Sect, if it weren’t for his timely arrival, the consequences would have been unimaginable. He also gave each Hengshan Sect disciple a gold leaf, relieving the sect’s immediate crisis. Furthermore, he destroyed the Nine Poisons Sect and the Drinking Horse Society for you, eliminating two major enemies for the Hengshan Sect. All of this demonstrates his deep affection for the Hengshan Sect, and you mustn’t forget it!” Shi Xiong spoke passionately, each word like a machine gun, recounting Shi Feiyang’s kindness to the Hengshan Sect.

As Shi Xiong spoke, he gestured, his face full of seriousness and urgency, and even fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Ellie was speechless for a moment, her pretty face instantly turning red, like a ripe apple. Although it was not clearly visible in the night, her embarrassment could still be felt. She bit her lower lip lightly, a hint of guilt flashing in her eyes, but she forced herself to remain calm and turned her head away without saying another word.

At this moment, she lowered her head slightly, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

Shi Feiyang and his party returned to Gong Simeng and Lin Wanqing's camp aboard the Vermilion Bird. Upon landing, the ladies and children cheered.

The cheers were like surging waves, one after another.

In the camp, the campfire roared, sparks flying, illuminating everyone's smiling faces. The children cheered and ran towards Shi Feiyang, surrounding him, some tugging at his clothes, others looking up at him with eyes full of admiration and joy.

The ladies all knew of Ellie's arrogant personality, so they let Ellie enjoy Shi Feiyang all to herself.

Although they were somewhat dissatisfied, they could only accept it helplessly.

They couldn't understand why Shi Feiyang wasn't in a hurry to set off, but instead lingered on the grassland. So they settled in a large tent, sat together, and discussed what Shi Feiyang's purpose was.

Inside the tent, the candlelight cast a dim glow, illuminating the faces of the ladies, whose expressions were filled with doubt and worry.

Gong Simeng frowned slightly and said softly, "Is our husband infatuated with Princess Gugra? Why is he always on the grassland? Has he forgotten about us who are waiting anxiously at home?"

Her voice carried a hint of worry and doubt, and her eyes were full of concern for Shi Feiyang.

After saying that, she sighed softly and looked out of the tent, as if hoping that Shi Feiyang would suddenly appear.

Bai Zhi's lips curled up slightly, and she gave a cold smile. The smile was like frost in the twelfth lunar month, with a hint of coldness. She said, "Hmph, that Gu Ge is not as tall as us, and she is not as good-looking as us either. I really don't know why my husband is so concerned about her."

As she spoke, she gently stroked her temples, her eyes filled with disdain, as if Gugra were nothing more than insignificant dust in her eyes.

Liu Guihua looked slightly dejected, sighed softly, and said with a hint of loneliness in her voice, "Men, they always get tired of the old and crave the new. Gugra, as a woman from the grasslands, has her own unique charm and distinctive appearance. It's no wonder my husband will be attracted to her." After saying that, she lowered her head, gently fiddling with the hem of her clothes, her face full of helplessness and disappointment.

Seeing this, Lin Wanqing couldn't help but chuckle softly and said, "Stop guessing. In my opinion, my husband's actions have a deeper meaning. He must be trying to teach Elder Liao Pei a lesson. Elder Liao has been increasingly strict with our Xiong Ying Society lately, and he's always yelling at my husband, as if he were the leader of the Xiong Ying Society. My husband has repeatedly stated that suppressing the rebellion in Bozhou is not something that can be done overnight, but will take several years. However, Elder Liao is eager to make a name for himself in front of the court and is always impatient to rush to Bozhou to suppress the rebellion, as if he has forgotten the fierce battle in the capital and how Elder Wu Zhong was arrested by the court."

Upon hearing this, the ladies were first taken aback, then their faces lit up with realization. They looked at each other and nodded slightly.

They played with the children, their laughter echoing in the tent, while patiently teaching little Yuyan to recognize characters. The scene was warm and peaceful. After a while, everyone felt sleepy and lay down on the beds, slowly drifting off to sleep. The tent immediately became quiet, with only the soft sound of breathing.

The next morning, as dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, Liao Pei, the "Tongbei Fist" master, and Lie Quan, the "Qiankun Blade" master, led the heroes of the Xiong Ying Society and their three thousand disciples back to Shi Feiyang's camp, looking as dejected as wilted eggplants.

Gong Simeng, Bai Zhi, and Liu Guihua saw this from afar and knew that Liao Pei and Lie Quan's journey south to Bozhou would be fraught with difficulties.

Some disciples had white cloths wrapped around their heads, which were soaked with blood, the crimson stains a shocking sight.

Clearly, they encountered misfortune on their journey and were ambushed.

Shi Feiyang pretended not to know that the main force had returned and remained hidden in his cozy tent.

Inside the tent, Ellie and he nestled together in bed, their faces beaming with happiness, as if nothing in the world mattered to them.

Liao Pei instructed his disciples to set up camp, and then he and Lie Quan came to see Shi Feiyang.

Upon seeing this, Shi Xiong flashed to block their path, his expression respectful yet resolute, and said, "Senior Liao, Senior Lie, Lady Yi has just returned and is discussing important matters with the Grand Master. I hope you seniors will not disturb her."

Upon hearing this, Liao Pei and Lie Quan's faces turned pale and then red. Helpless, they could only turn around and return to their own tents with their heads down.

Before long, Wu Zhong, the "Iron Palm" master, and Xiao Lingling, the "Mandarin Duck Knives" couple, also came to see Shi Feiyang.

Shi Xiong continued to block their path, his expression calm, and said, "Senior Wu, Senior Xiao, the Grand Master is currently taking a bath. Please come back later."

Wu Zhong and Xiao Lingling exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with helplessness, and could only slink back to their tents.

At lunchtime, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, casting golden beams of light on the ground.

Miao Menlong, the "Divine Archer," Shan Zhi, the "Plum Blossom Dart," and Xie Wen, the "Flying Eagle Detective," came together to see Shi Feiyang.

Shi Xiong greeted them warmly with a big smile and welcomed them into the tent.

Inside the tent, Shi Feiyang and Yili were sitting cross-legged on the bed. On the bed was a small and exquisite kang table, which was full of delicious-looking and fragrant dishes, steaming hot and filling the air with aroma.

Shi Feiyang raised his eyes, waved his hand at Xie Wen and the others, his expression calm and his voice steady as he said sarcastically, "Sit down, and tell me, how did you heroes and valiant men suffer such a defeat this time?"

His eyes held a scrutinizing gaze, as if he could see through everything.

Upon seeing this, Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, Xie Wen, and the others hurriedly knelt on one knee, their expressions sincere, and repeatedly apologized to Shi Feiyang.
Their words were full of remorse: "Chief, we regret that we acted impulsively and blindly followed Liao Peinan to Bozhou. We encountered disasters along the way, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many brothers. We deserve to die a thousand deaths."

Then, Xie Wen, with a solemn expression, recounted in detail the ordeal they had encountered: "On our journey south, we came across a strange tribe. At that time, the tribe was holding a grand sacrificial ceremony, a lively and extraordinary event. However, during the ceremony, a sudden change occurred. A group of followers dressed in strange clothes, as if possessed by evil spirits, suddenly went mad and launched a frenzied attack on the tribe's people. Seeing this, Senior Liao Pei and others immediately stepped forward to stop them. In the midst of that fierce battle, I used the 'Flying Willow Light Smoke Technique,' my body as light as a willow catkin, floating in mid-air, looking down at the ground. I saw these followers..." Their behavior was strangely eerie, as if controlled by some mysterious force; their eyes were vacant, devoid of reason. I was greatly alarmed and quickly took out the smoke bombs given to me by Bai Zhi, throwing them downwards to help Elders Liao Pei and Lie Quan, along with the brothers, break through the encirclement. Afterwards, a headcount revealed that over a hundred brothers had tragically died in battle, over a hundred were seriously wounded, and over a hundred had sustained minor injuries. Complaints were already rising within the ranks; everyone said that when they followed the Grand Master on campaigns, not a single person had been injured or killed, and they had won every battle. But following Elder Liao, they had suffered defeats and many brothers had died.

As Xie Wen spoke, his eyes were filled with grief and guilt, and his voice trembled slightly.

At this moment, Liao Pei, Lie Quan, Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling and others filed in. Seeing Shi Feiyang sitting there, they hurriedly knelt on one knee, looking remorseful, and said in unison, "Chief, we blame ourselves for acting impulsively, which caused heavy casualties among our brothers and led to much discussion and dissatisfaction within the team. We deserve to die a thousand deaths. Please punish us, Chief."

They lowered their heads, not daring to look Shi Feiyang in the eye.

Seeing this, Shi Feiyang smiled slightly, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, yet carrying a hint of profound meaning. He said, “Rise, all of you. On my side, we just killed the Watt tribe’s leader, Lielebaha, conquered the Watt tribe, and helped Lindan Zhongluo annex it. Therefore, we don’t need to rush south to Bozhou. I have repeatedly emphasized that suppressing the rebellion in Bozhou will take many years. Currently, the imperial court does not value our Xiong Ying Society and our heroes. If we rashly go to Bozhou to suppress the rebellion now, it will undoubtedly be like offering a warm face to a cold backside. Next, our most urgent task is to develop and strengthen the Lindan tribe. When that time comes, the imperial court will naturally look at us differently, at least symbolically giving us some money, food, and weapons, and perhaps even issuing an imperial edict praising us. With that imperial edict, if the imperial court wants to turn against us and destroy us in the future, we can show the imperial edict as proof that the imperial court asked us to send troops to assist the government troops in suppressing the Bozhou rebellion.”

(End of this chapter)