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

Chapter 266. A beautiful woman bravely fights the evil forces of the Northwest, and a chivalrous hero's joy is boundless.

Upon entering the blood pool, the fierce battle between Shi Feiyang and the Blood Demon escalated once again, becoming even more thrilling.

He activated the Mingyu Gong, and his true energy, like a surging undercurrent, formed a huge vortex around his body. This vortex was like an indestructible barrier, completely isolating the foul-smelling, churning blood in the blood pool.

In the tense and fierce atmosphere, the Heavenly Frost Blade in Shi Feiyang's hand shone even brighter, like a blazing sun illuminating this blood-soaked land. He unleashed the ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, "Slaying the Mortal World." A massive blade of energy, carrying a chilling aura, roared towards the Blood Demon like a silver dragon. Wherever the blade energy passed, the air seemed to be torn apart, emitting a piercing sound. The blood in the pool was also blasted apart by this powerful force, forming huge ravines.

Upon seeing this, the Blood Demon was greatly alarmed and hurriedly waved his Blood Seal Hand, attempting to block the fierce blade energy.

However, the blade energy contained Shi Feiyang's profound skill and boundless killing intent, making it incredibly powerful.

The Blood Demon felt an overwhelming force rushing towards him. Under the impact of the sword energy, his blood shadow was torn open, blood splattered everywhere, and the air was filled with an even stronger bloody smell.

Shi Feiyang pressed his advantage, not wanting to miss this golden opportunity.

He used the third move of the three poison-breaking moves in the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," namely "Golden Silkworm Rain Blade."

In an instant, a layer of golden light emanated from the blade. The light was as fine as silk, like the thin mist in the mountains at dawn, yet incredibly resilient, instantly enveloping the Blood Demon. This layer of golden light not only acted as a sturdy shield, capable of withstanding the Blood Demon's counterattacks, but also contained a terrifyingly powerful cutting force.

Under the golden light, the Blood Demon's body seemed to be cut by countless sharp blades at the same time, and cracks began to appear.

Immediately afterwards, pieces of flesh and blood fell one after another, like a strange rain of blood. The Blood Demon let out a shrill scream, a sound like the cry of an owl, piercing the sky and echoing throughout the blood-soaked world.

Finally, under Shi Feiyang's series of fierce attacks, the Blood Demon's body could no longer withstand it. It fell apart and cracked into countless fragments, like drifting leaves, slowly floating into the blood pool.

The blood in the blood pool, thickened by the remains of the Blood Demon, resembled a pot of boiling blood plasma, emitting a nauseating stench.

Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword and stood upright, his posture as majestic as a towering mountain.

He stared at the Blood Demon's shattered corpse, his expression solemn, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

Although this thrilling battle has come to an end, the brutality and hardship it entailed left him deeply troubled.

He slowly raised his head and scanned his surroundings, only to find that Zhong Renwang, Xie Zhichuan, Xue Zun, Dugu Yan, Li Wuduo, and the others had already vanished without a trace, like frightened birds, as if they had never been there at all.

Just then, "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen used his "Flying Willow Catkins and Light Smoke Technique," his movements as light as willow catkins dancing in the spring breeze, carrying Shi Xiong as he floated down. Just as he was about to speak, suddenly, a faint sobbing sound came from the peak formed by layers of dark rock above. This sound echoed in the vast, silent mountains, filled with endless sorrow, like the mournful tolling of a bell sealed by time in an ancient temple deep in the mountains, piercing straight into everyone's hearts, causing a pang of sadness.

Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Shi Feiyang were all taken aback, their faces instantly showing surprise and confusion.

Shi Feiyang's gaze was resolute, and he said with concern, "You two must be careful and prioritize your own safety. I will go up and investigate to see who is weeping here in sorrow."

After saying this, he used his unparalleled lightness skill, "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles," and his figure rose from the ground, just like a white crane spreading its wings and soaring into the sky. His posture was agile and elegant, and he disappeared from everyone's sight in an instant, flying swiftly towards the peak.

In the blink of an eye, Shi Feiyang found himself atop the peak. Before him lay a stone platform about half an acre in size, where a biting wind howled, whipping his clothes through the air. Looking down from the edge of the platform, the blood-soaked pool below came into sharp focus.

The blood-red water in the pond boiled and surged, like a pot of porridge bubbling on a raging fire. Its crimson color resembled burning blood, exuding a chilling aura. Surrounding the blood pond were sheer cliffs, smooth as mirrors, as if carved by a master craftsman's hand. Steep and precipitous, they resembled a gateway to an endless abyss of darkness, inspiring awe and fear.

Facing the blood pool below, kneeling and weeping was a woman, none other than the masked girl with the bamboo knife.

Shi Feiyang was filled with surprise and couldn't help but ask softly, "Miss, what is it that makes you so sad and crying? There are many things in this world that are not as you wish. If you have any difficulties, you may tell me about them."

Upon hearing the voice, the girl with the bamboo sword slowly raised her hand, her movements as gentle as a breeze caressing delicate spring petals, and slowly removed her veil.

In an instant, an absolutely stunning face came into Shi Feiyang's view, like a flower in full bloom in spring, delicate and beautiful, or like the most dazzling and radiant star in the night sky, breathtakingly beautiful, making one feel as if they were in a dream.

Even the most beautiful flowers in the world would feel ashamed and lose all their color in her presence.

Her face was stunningly beautiful, so beautiful that she seemed like a goddess descended from the heavens, her beauty enough to bewitch all living beings.

Her eyebrows were like distant, undulating, mist-shrouded green mountains, exuding a lively charm, as if hiding endless stories; her eyes were bright as stars, like twinkling stars in the vast night sky, but now they were filled with tears, like crystal dew rolling on lotus leaves in the morning, clear and pure, making her all the more endearing; her delicate nose was straight and straight, like a white jade peak, adding a touch of three-dimensionality to her face, making her even more exquisite; her lips were like cherries, naturally red, and when they trembled slightly, they made her look even more pitiful, making one unable to help but feel sorry for her.

She wore a light green dress, which fluttered gently in the breeze like tender green willow branches in spring, soft and graceful, carrying the breath of spring. Embroidered on the dress were several elegant bamboo shoots, so lifelike they seemed to exude the freshness and tranquility of a bamboo grove, as if one could almost smell their faint fragrance. A white silk sash tied around her waist, from which hung a delicate bamboo knife. The knife swayed gently in the breeze, producing a crisp, melodious sound, adding to her agility and grace, making her seem like a fairy who had strayed into the mortal world.

After removing her veil, her eyes remained fixed on the blood pool below, tears streaming down her face like broken pearls. She sobbed, "Great Hero Shi, I humbly thank you for avenging my blood feud. My mother was driven to desperation by this Blood Demon, and jumped into this blood pool to her tragic end. My mother was a disciple of the Blood Demon, and she fell in love with my father, Guo Ju, and they were married. However, the Blood Demon harbored ill intentions towards my mother and, under some pretext, sent my father away, attempting to violate her. My mother, virtuous and resolute, refused to submit and resolutely jumped..." Those who entered this blood-soaked pond have vanished without a trace. Last time, I sneaked into Old Wolf Stronghold, intending to kill Wu Biao, another disciple of the Blood Demon, to avenge my family. Unexpectedly, the great hero also came to Old Wolf Stronghold seeking revenge, thus obstructing my path of vengeance. Therefore, in a moment of impulsiveness, I grabbed my knife and stabbed the great hero. Afterwards, I was filled with remorse and felt utterly sorry for what I had done to the great hero. Today, I thank the great hero for avenging my deep-seated hatred, and I also apologize for my previous disrespect. I hope the great hero will forgive me, and please accept my three bows.”

After saying that, she turned around and bowed gracefully to Shi Feiyang, her forehead touching the ground, her posture devout, as if she were performing a solemn ceremony.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang's heart tightened. He quickly bent down to help the bamboo-sword-wielding girl, Guo Xiangyu, to her feet and said gently, "Your beauty is so stunning, like the most beautiful flower in spring. It would be a pity if you bumped your forehead. I was merely doing what a person of the martial world should do—to uphold justice and eliminate evil. It is the duty of us chivalrous people. You have avenged your blood feud, and you have a long life ahead of you. I wonder what your plans are for the future, and where you wish to live? If you need my help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do my utmost."

Guo Xiangyu's eyes were filled with gratitude. She parted her lips slightly, her voice as clear and melodious as a nightingale's song, yet tinged with sincere earnestness: "Great Hero Shi, I cannot express my gratitude enough. You avenged this blood feud for me, and I will never forget it. However, the Blood Demon's son, Blood Venerable, is still alive. Given his vengeful nature, he will certainly not let this go unpunished and will seek revenge on you in the future. I know he is ruthless and cruel, and as long as he lives, I will feel uneasy, as if he were a thorn in my side. Therefore, I humbly request to follow you from now on, even if it is just to cook tea and soup for you and serve you your daily needs. I would be willing to do so. I hope you will take me in and give me a chance to repay your kindness."

After saying this, she slightly separated herself from Shi Feiyang and bowed gracefully again, her figure elegant and her demeanor exquisite.

Seeing this, Shi Feiyang quickly reached out and gently helped Guo Xiangyu up. His eyes were filled with gentleness and determination as he said, “Miss Guo, please don’t be like this. It is my duty to help others when traveling the martial world. If you are willing to travel with me, that would be wonderful. How could I, Shi, allow you to condescend to be my maid? From now on, let us join hands and venture into the martial world together, upholding the righteous spirit of heaven and earth and eradicating all injustices in the world. This martial world is vast, and there are many places where filth and evil are hidden. It is precisely because of passionate people like you and me that we need to clean it up. Miss Guo, let’s set off for Ningxia now.”

His words were powerful and resonant, like the grand tolling of a great bell, echoing in the open space, fully displaying his heroic spirit and chivalrous heart. Upon hearing this, Guo Xiangyu's eyes flashed with excitement. She nodded vigorously, her pretty face beaming with barely suppressed excitement.

Though her tears were still wet on her cheeks, her tear-streaked appearance made her even more captivating, like a flower swaying in the wind and rain yet still blooming beautifully. Seeing her like this, Shi Feiyang couldn't help but smile slightly, a smile as warm as the spring sun, comforting the heart.

He gently wrapped his arm around Guo Xiangyu's slender waist, and the two of them, like a pair of celestial beings, floated down and landed steadily on the edge of the blood pond.

Shi Feiyang stood firmly, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his gaze like two sharp blades, staring straight at the blood pool in front of him, which emitted a nauseating stench and was churning wildly with blood.

The blood-red water in the pond collided with each other, producing a dull sound, as if countless wronged souls were struggling and wailing in this bloody hell.

Shi Feiyang took a deep breath and circulated the Mingyu Gong within his body. In an instant, the true energy in his meridians surged, like a raging river converging in his palm.

His palm shimmered with light and exuded a chilling aura, as if it contained a miniature ice and snow world.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang let out a loud shout, his voice booming, and struck out with his palm towards the blood pool.

A white aura, like a giant white dragon awakening from the extreme cold, roared forth from his palm, carrying boundless icy power. Wherever the aura touched, the air instantly condensed into frost, emitting a hissing sound.

The chilling aura enveloped the entire blood pool in the blink of an eye, and the blood in the pool quickly froze under the onslaught of this powerful icy force.

The surging waves of blood have now transformed into a crystal-clear yet eerily red ice field.

Under the sunlight, the ice field shimmered with a blinding light, the light tinged with blood, making it appear particularly sinister and terrifying, telling the story of the bloody past that had taken place here.

Guo Xiangyu stood aside and witnessed this scene, completely stunned.

Her eyes widened in disbelief and profound shock, as if she had witnessed the most incredible miracle in the world.

Her lips trembled slightly, and she couldn't speak for a long time.

After a long while, she stammered, "Master Shi... Master Shi, this... this kind of divine skill is truly rare in the world. I have never seen such miraculous martial arts before, which can freeze this blood pond in an instant. Your ability is truly divine, and I admire you greatly." Her voice trembled slightly.

That was a mixture of excitement and awe.

Shi Feiyang turned around, looked at Guo Xiangyu, and said with a gentle smile, "Miss Guo, you flatter me. Although this skill has some wonders, in this martial world, it is just a means to punish evil and promote good. This blood pond is full of filth and sins. Now that it has been frozen, it can be considered as removing a scourge from this world."

His words were calm and powerful, fully demonstrating his chivalrous spirit.

Guo Xiangyu nodded slightly, her eyes filled with admiration, and said, "Great hero, you have the world in your heart, and your actions are all for the sake of justice. It is truly my blessing to have your protection. From now on, I will follow you closely and share your burdens."

Her eyes were firm, and her words conveyed a sense of determination.

Shi Feiyang smiled slightly and said, "Miss Guo, you flatter me. From now on, we will travel the world together, supporting each other. We will surely make this world more righteous and less evil." After saying that, he looked at the frozen blood pond again, a hint of relief in his eyes.

Afterwards, Shi Feiyang, Guo Xiangyu, Xie Wen, and Shi Xiong flew away from the Blood Pond together.

They moved like lightning, darting through the mountains and forests, and soon arrived outside the mountains.

Shi Feiyang reached into the deerskin bag at his waist, a bag that was usually hard for ordinary people to see, and with a gentle pull, several fine horses appeared before everyone's eyes.

These horses were exceptionally fine, with agile physiques, heads held high and neighing. Upon seeing this, Guo Xiangyu's eyes widened in amazement and curiosity; she was completely mesmerized, as if she were in a fantastical dream.

She was a mortal and couldn't see the mysterious deerskin bag at Shi Feiyang's waist. She only saw Shi Feiyang's hand touch his waist and then take out several fine horses. God! A true god! Is Master Shi not a mortal, but a deity? Does he know magic?

Shi Feiyang walked to Guo Xiangyu's side with a gentle smile on his face.

He gently picked up Guo Xiangyu, his movements so tender as if he were afraid of hurting her, and then steadily helped her onto the saddle.

Then, he leaped onto his horse, his movements swift and agile, like a streak of white light.

He sat upright on his horse, looking majestic. With a wave of his hand, he shouted, "Gentlemen, follow me to Ningxia!" After saying that, he led the group, whipped his horses, and galloped towards Ningxia.

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves echoed across the vast plains.

It was early winter, and the vast grassland seemed to be shrouded in a layer of gloom, revealing a desolate and sorrowful scene.

The biting wind howled like a ferocious beast across the grassland, whipping up a flurry of snowflakes.

Snowflakes fluttered down like goose feathers, draping the earth in a white coat that also carried a chill.

Shi Feiyang, Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Guo Xiangyu rode their horses at full speed, braving the biting wind and swirling snow.

The horses neighed, their hooves kicking up snowflakes that scattered in all directions. They traveled day and night, making their way through this silvery-white world.

A few days later, they finally escaped the vast grassland and arrived at a small town on the border.

This small town is nestled among the mountains, like a pearl forgotten by time.

At that moment, a thick, dark cloud quietly obscured the sunlight.

In an instant, the peaks, ridges, forests, and valleys were all swallowed up by the gloom, revealing a dim and dark scene.

The distant mountains were shrouded in shadows by dark clouds.

Shi Feiyang and the others looked up and saw that it was getting late, and the twilight was like a huge curtain slowly falling.

So Shi Feiyang gently lifted the reins and said, "Gentlemen, it's getting late, let's stay here and check into the 'Yuelai Inn' in this small town." Everyone nodded in agreement.

Although the town has a small population, it is located on the border, making its location quite unique.

Merchants came and went in an endless stream, from the south to the north, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

On the streets, there was not only the clatter of hooves from horse caravans, but also the steady footsteps of camel caravans.

There were also many caravans from various countries, their skin colors and clothing a tapestry of different regions. Among the crowd were also quite a few extraordinary individuals, some with piercing eyes, others with remarkable bearing, their every move exuding the carefree and heroic spirit unique to those in the martial arts world.

Guo Xiangyu was naturally wary. She moved slightly closer to Shi Feiyang, lowered her voice, and said with concern, "Master Shi, there are many different kinds of people here. You must be extra careful."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile, and he said, "Miss Guo, please rest assured. I, Shi Feiyang, have never feared any evil forces in my life. Although the martial world is dangerous, I will uphold justice and face it with equanimity."

After saying that, he strode into the store with his head held high and chest out.

Inside the shop, the shopkeeper greeted customers with a smile as they entered.

Shi Feiyang said loudly, "Shopkeeper, bring us a table full of good food. It's freezing cold today, so bring me a pot of good wine to warm everyone up."

He, who never drinks alcohol, wanted to use the alcohol to ward off the chill today.

Guo Xiangyu, standing to the side, truly lived up to her words, acting like a caring maid.

Her movements were gentle. First, she poured wine for Shi Feiyang, the wine pot seeming to come alive in her hands, the wine flowing into the cup as smoothly as silk. Then, she carefully served Shi Feiyang dishes, each one perfectly chosen. She also frequently brought him tea and water, arranging everything perfectly.

Inside the inn, candlelight flickered, casting halos of light on everyone's faces.

Xie Wen watched from the side, a smile in his eyes, a smile full of profound meaning, as if he had seen through many secrets of the world.

He shook his head slightly and chuckled softly, "Young master, with Miss Guo taking such good care of you today, others would probably be jealous and wish they could take your place."

To prevent Shi Feiyang's true identity from being revealed, Xie Wen specially changed his form of address, no longer calling him "Chief Master" but respectfully addressing him as "Young Master," his tone conveying both respect for Shi Feiyang and the intimacy between old friends.

Shi Xiong joined in the commotion, his face beaming with smiles. He would occasionally make faces at Shi Feiyang, winking and making faces, looking just like a mischievous child. He said with a grin, "Young master, you are truly blessed to have such a beautiful woman like Miss Guo by your side, serving you so attentively."

Upon hearing their words, Guo Xiangyu's fair face instantly flushed red, like a peach blossom blooming in spring, delicate and beautiful.

She bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes revealing a hint of shyness and a touch of reproach.

She turned her head slightly to avoid everyone's gaze and gently scolded, "Master Xie, Brother Shi, how can you tease me like this? I was merely doing my bit to repay Young Master Shi for saving my life. Your jokes make me feel quite embarrassed."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a clear mountain spring, flowing gently, yet carrying a touch of the straightforwardness unique to women of the martial arts world.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang couldn't help but smile, a smile as warm as the spring sunshine.

He waved his hand and said, "You two, stop making fun of Miss Guo. Miss Guo is kind-hearted and chivalrous. It is our honor that she has done so much for us. Let's eat and drink well and get some rest. The road ahead in this martial world is full of dangers and hardships. Who knows how many difficulties await us?"

After saying that, he picked up his wine glass, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, feeling the spicy wine go down his throat and turn into a warm current, dispelling some of the chill in his body.

At this moment, the cold wind outside the inn was still howling, making the doors and windows creak.

Inside, however, the inn was warm and inviting, with flickering candlelight and a group of people gathered around a table, their laughter filling the air. This small inn, on this cold winter night, seemed like a warm harbor in the martial arts world, sheltering these chivalrous wanderers.

After dinner, as was his custom, and also because he was confident in his countless and immeasurable wealth, Shi Feiyang chose to stay in the small attic on the third floor.

Guo Xiangyu continued to busy herself, seemingly intending to replace the young page Shi Xiong. She carefully checked the safety hazards of the small attic, and then personally carried water upstairs with the waiter to bathe and change Shi Feiyang's clothes. Afterwards, she took Shi Feiyang's dirty clothes and washed them clean, looking every bit the charming maid.

Before going to sleep, Shi Feiyang instructed Xie Wen and Shi Xiong to keep a close eye on Guo Xiangyu's safety.

Because Xie Wen and Shi Xiong lived in the next-door neighboring room of Guo Xiangyu.

That night, the cold wind howled like a thousand arrows, sweeping across the entire inn. The sharp wind sounded like the wails of ghosts from the deepest hell, tearing apart the tranquility of the night and foreshadowing an impending bloody storm.

Four figures, like ghosts silently crawling out of a dark abyss, landed without a sound on the roof of the "Yuelai Inn".

Their figures were as light as a feather, disappearing into the thick, inky night, blending into the darkness and becoming indistinguishable.

Only when they stood still, by the faint moonlight, did the figures of four middle-aged scholars with strange faces gradually become visible.

Their gazes were sharp and fierce, like those of eagles, revealing a chilling ruthlessness and greed that appeared particularly sinister and terrifying in the dim light. The four men were dressed in scholar's robes of four different colors: blue, white, gray, and black.

The color, as if cursed, grew even deeper in the somber atmosphere, adding to its eerie feel.

The four weapons they carried—sword, flute, xiao (vertical flute), and ruler—swayed slightly in the cold wind, emitting a faint, chilling sound, like a prelude played by demons, foreshadowing the impending crisis.

"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wensu has a keen sense of perception. In this dead of night, he was suddenly awakened from his sleep, and alarm bells rang in his mind.

Without a second thought, he shouted, his voice booming like a bell, shaking the air inside the inn: "Robbers!"

The sound was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the tranquility of the night.

In the blink of an eye, he grabbed the sleepy and dazed Shi Xiong, and like a black lightning bolt, he shot out of the window and floated in mid-air.

His movements were fluid and seamless, like a ghost in the night, swift and mysterious.

After bathing and changing, Guo Xiangyu was already lying down fully clothed, extremely alert. Upon hearing the sound, she reacted instantly, moving with the agility of a cheetah, like a black shadow flying through the window and gracefully landing in the courtyard.

Her gaze was sharp and piercing, like a keen sword, sweeping across her surroundings.

When her gaze fell upon the four middle-aged scholars, her face paled instantly, a hint of fear flashing in her beautiful eyes. She couldn't help but exclaim, "The Four Beasts of the Northwest?" Her voice trembled slightly, clearly indicating that she had long heard of the four men's infamous reputation and knew their cruelty and ruthlessness.

A scholar in a blue robe and wearing a flute, upon hearing Guo Xiangyu's exclamation, curled his lips into a sinister smile, a smile like that of a cold, venomous snake, sending chills down one's spine.

He slowly turned his head to look at the other three scholars, his voice sharp and tinged with smugness, and said, "My four brothers and I are truly blessed with good fortune! We never imagined that we would encounter the most beautiful woman in the Northwest martial arts world here. After years of longing, our wish has finally come true! Haha! Such a wonderful match is truly a blessing from heaven, something that can only be encountered by chance!"

After saying that, the four of them burst into wild laughter at the same time. The laughter echoed in the cold night, like the roar of demons, making people's ears ring and adding to the terrifying atmosphere.

They also looked up at the sky, but could not see Xie Wen and Shi Xiong. They thought that Xie Wen and Shi Xiong had been scared away. In fact, it was because Xie Wen's "Flying Floss and Light Smoke Skill" was a lightness skill that was unparalleled in the martial arts world. He could fly very high and very far, but he could also float down at any time to support Guo Xiangyu.

On the ground, Guo Xiangyu's eyebrows stood up straight, like two sharp willow-leaf knives, and her almond-shaped eyes were wide open, burning with the flames of anger.

She shouted angrily, "You beast in human form, worse than pigs and dogs, humph!"

The sound was clear yet powerful, like the grand tolling of a great bell.

With a flick of her wrist, she instantly drew a bamboo knife. The knife trembled slightly in her hand, as if sensing its owner's anger and resolve.

She stood with her sword raised, like a red plum blossom standing proudly in the cold wind, and shouted, "You won't get the slightest advantage today!"

The voice was firm and powerful, declaring its unyielding stance to the four villains.

The scholar in white, sword at his side, looked at Guo Xiangyu with a forced smile, his eyes filled with greed and desire, as if he wanted to devour her alive.

He sneered and said, "Guo Xiangyu, I pursued you relentlessly in the past, but you never favored me. You even mocked me as a toad trying to eat swan meat. Haha, tonight, we four toads have encountered a swan with no way to escape. We will definitely divide you up and eat you up! Haha!"

Having said that, the four of them, with their four pairs of lustful eyes like four burning flames, shot straight at Guo Xiangyu's figure and chest.

Although it was a winter night, Guo Xiangyu's clothes were form-fitting and tight around her waist, outlining her graceful figure. In the hazy night, she appeared even more alluring, like a delicate flower blooming in the darkness, attracting the covetous eyes of the four wolves.

Guo Xiangyu trembled with rage, her delicate body like a candle flickering in the wind, her beautiful eyes almost bleeding as she angrily cursed, "A dog's mouth can't produce ivory!"

She clenched her teeth, as if she wanted to chew the four villains to pieces.

She brandished her bamboo sword, unleashing the "Three Talents of Qimen Sword" technique, and slashed at the scholar in the blue robe.

This sword technique is solemn and ancient. When the sword is drawn, it is sometimes as fast as lightning, cutting through the night sky; at other times, it is as slow as a swimming dragon, winding and twisting.

It may seem chaotic, but it actually contains the subtle principles of the Eight Trigrams and their interactions, with each move and stance embodying profound martial arts philosophy.

Therefore, all the members of Guo Xiangyu's sect dared to use bamboo knives as swords. Under this unique sword technique, the bamboo knives of her sect were no less powerful than other precious swords. It was as if these bamboo knives had also been given a soul and had become sharp blades to defend justice.

Upon seeing this, the scholar in the green robe swayed and dodged swiftly like a wisp of green smoke.

He sneered, a laugh tinged with disdain, mocking Guo Xiangyu's overestimation of her abilities.

He drew the jade flute from his waist and unleashed the "Mysterious Acupoint Striking Technique," engaging Guo Xiangyu in battle.

The jade flute in his hand moved nimbly like a snake, its cold light flashing as it aimed directly at Guo Xiangyu's vital points.

Wherever the jade flute went, the air was cut by the sharp blade, producing a piercing sound. Its moves were ruthless and strange, each move containing deadly intent.

The scholar, wearing a gray Confucian robe and carrying an iron flute under his arm, seized the opportunity and flashed to Guo Xiangyu's side like a ghost.

He smiled lewdly, a smile that was nauseating, like a demon crawling out of hell.

He said softly, "Guo Xiangyu, hehe, after we brothers have fulfilled our wishes, we will definitely 'help' you out properly, hehe!"

After saying that, he drew the iron flute from his waist and used the "Mysterious Acupoint Tapping Technique" to strike Guo Xiangyu repeatedly.

His movements and techniques were extremely strange. Wherever the iron flute went, the air was distorted and emitted a sharp whistling sound. Each strike carried great power, attempting to kill Guo Xiangyu.

Guo Xiangyu gritted her teeth and said viciously to the other party, "You beasts, I, Guo Xiangyu, wish I could devour your flesh alive and gnaw at your souls to death..."

Her voice was filled with hatred, a hatred like a volcano about to erupt, ready to devour the four villains at any moment.

She wielded her bamboo sword with incredible speed and precision, attempting to fend off the two men's attacks.

Her gaze was resolute, like the brightest star in the night sky, shining with an indomitable light in the darkness.

The middle-aged scholar in white, seeing this scene, chuckled, his laughter revealing impatience, as if urging the game to end quickly.

He said, “Guo Xiangyu, my brother can’t wait any longer. If you don’t give in on your own, will we have to take action?”

Having said that, he suddenly drew his long sword from his waist and unleashed the "Mysterious Acupuncture Technique," striking Guo Xiangyu swiftly like a white lightning bolt.

The longsword gleamed coldly in the moonlight, like the scythe of death, carrying endless killing intent. Then, the scholar in black took out an iron ruler from his waist and used the "Mysterious Acupoint Splitting Technique." The iron ruler whistled through the air as it slashed fiercely towards Guo Xiangyu's vital points.

In an instant, the four surrounded Guo Xiangyu, their swords flashing, a life-or-death crisis looming.

Inside the inn, the candlelight flickered precariously in the cold wind, as if it might go out at any moment. The faint light struggled in the darkness, trying to illuminate the space that was about to be shrouded in bloodshed.

In the courtyard, Guo Xiangyu was surrounded by four people. Although she fought hard, she was outnumbered and in a precarious situation.

The air around them seemed to freeze in the tension; every sound was like the footsteps of death, closing in step by step.

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window of the third-floor attic, his posture as proud as an ancient pine tree, his gaze as sharp as a cold star, fixed on the thrilling battle on the ground.

The courtyard had now transformed into a battlefield filled with the smoke of gunpowder. A biting wind howled past, carrying with it the glint of swords and the roar of angry shouts.

Shi Feiyang pondered to himself, wanting to test Guo Xiangyu's true martial arts skills, so he did not make a move rashly. The wind was like a knife, cutting his face painfully, but it could not shake his steady and unwavering figure in the slightest. His clothes fluttered wildly in the wind, like a battle flag in flight.

Xie Wen used the "Flying Catkins and Light Smoke Skill," his figure light and ethereal, like willow catkins dancing in the spring breeze, or like a wisp of smoke drifting in the sky, carrying Shi Xiong, and silently falling into the courtyard.

The moment he landed, his gaze sharpened like lightning, instantly locking onto the middle-aged scholar in white, and without hesitation, he swiftly flung the silkworm net in his hand.

The net, like a giant silver curtain descending from the sky, shimmered with a cold luster under the dim moonlight. It swept towards the white-robed scholar with overwhelming force, its speed as fast as lightning slicing through the night sky.

Upon seeing this, the middle-aged scholar in white turned deathly pale, his eyes filled with terror.

His reaction was equally swift; he quickly gripped his sword and swung it wildly. The sword in his hand gleamed in the moonlight, resembling a nimble yet deadly silver serpent, frantically tearing at the silken net that fell like a prison.

In an instant, a series of hissing sounds could be heard as his sword slashed open the silkworm net, sending fine silk threads fluttering down like a silver drizzle.

However, just as the white-robed scholar was concentrating on cutting the silkworm web, Shi Xiong seized the opportunity and swung his poison horn like a black lightning bolt, accompanied by a sharp gust of wind.

The scholar in white was both shocked and furious, a flush of anger rising on his face. He quickly swung his sword to block.

The poison horn clashed with the sword, producing a crisp "clang," like the sound of a war drum signaling the start of a fierce battle.

Seeing Xie Wen and Shi Xiong come to her aid, Guo Xiangyu's spirits lifted, thinking to herself: I reckon Shi Feiyang, Xie Wen, and Shi Xiong definitely won't stand idly by. Hmph!

She snorted coldly, brandishing the bamboo knife in her hand, adopting a completely defensive stance, waiting for Shi Feiyang and Xie Wen to come to her rescue.

Taking advantage of the moment when the white-robed scholar was distracted in defending against the poisonous horn spikes, Xie Wen's eyes flashed with determination, and without hesitation, he cast down another Heavenly Silkworm Net. This net once again accurately enveloped the white-robed scholar, like a hunter trapping his prey in a carefully laid snare.

(End of this chapter)