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

Chapter 270. A hypocritical young master lusts after a beautiful woman, while a chivalrous young woman is caught in a dangerous situation.

Everyone was exhausted from the long journey during the day and went to bed early.

At this moment, in this cold night with howling winds and swirling snowflakes, the heroes of Xiong Ying also awoke from their dreams.

Xie Wen was dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit, which seemed to absorb the endless night, blending perfectly with the surrounding darkness, making him almost indistinguishable from the outside world. He moved with agility, like a cheetah stalking in the night, his movements light and swift as he quietly entered Shi Feiyang's room.

He gently raised his right hand, his long, slender fingers tapping lightly on the door like scallions.

The knocking sound was extremely faint amidst the howling wind, yet it carried a hint of urgency, like rapid drumbeats striking the heart. When Shi Feiyang opened the door, Xie Wen immediately bowed deeply, his posture low, like a blade of grass bent by the wind, humble yet resolute. He said softly, "Chief, I have something to report. The Hak tribe has set up numerous checkpoints along the salt road, arbitrarily levying exorbitant salt taxes. Their actions are highly suspicious, and there may be something hidden behind them. I am willing to take Shi Xiong to investigate and find out what kind of conspiracy lies behind this. What does the Chief think?"

His voice was deep and steady, like a distant rumble of thunder in the quiet night, carrying an undeniable determination.

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his gaze as deep as a bottomless pool, sparkling with the light of wisdom, like the brightest star in the night sky.

He spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, saying in a low voice, "This matter is of great importance. The salt route is vital to people's livelihoods, concerning the lives of countless people. If there is any hidden story behind this, it will inevitably have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything. You two must be extremely careful when you go, and do not alert them. The Hak tribe acts strangely and will definitely be on guard. Oh, by the way, how about this, let Miss Guo Xiangyu go with you two. Miss Guo has a tragic past, has endured many hardships, and her desire for revenge is unwavering. She is also intelligent, quick-witted, and meticulous, gentle and considerate yet loyal and righteous. She is highly skilled in martial arts, has been training in the martial world for a long time, and is brave and fearless. With her by your side, there will be more protection and a better chance of success. If you discover anything, report back immediately without fail, and remember this well." After saying this, he instructed Shi Xiong to quietly wake Guo Xiangyu.

When Guo Xiangyu arrived at Shi Feiyang's bedroom, Shi Feiyang looked at her with a mixture of expectation and concern in his eyes, like the warm spring sun, warm yet tinged with worry.

He whispered to her, "Xiangyu, why don't you go with Xie Wen to gain some experience? This world is complex and ever-changing, full of dangers, like a thicket of thorns. A slight misstep could lead to utter ruin. Be careful on this trip, don't act rashly, and prioritize safety above all else. You are exceptionally intelligent, and you will surely gain a lot of experience during this mission."

A flicker of excitement and anticipation flashed in Guo Xiangyu's eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, bright and dazzling, instantly illuminating the dim room. She quickly replied, "Yes, young master, Xiangyu will certainly live up to your expectations. Xiangyu will be careful and do her best to complete the mission. If there are any mistakes, Xiangyu is willing to accept the punishment."

The sound was crisp and melodious, like a clear spring flowing in the mountains, carrying a firm belief and determination.

Xie Wen, along with Shi Xiong and Guo Xiangyu, took advantage of the thick darkness to slip away from Mingjian Manor like three agile black phantoms. They moved through the darkness, their steps as light as ghosts in the night, each step landing without making a sound, instantly blending into the darkness.

Along the way, the biting wind was like a knife, stinging their faces and feeling as if it were tearing their skin apart; snowflakes swirled and pounded against them, but it was like an ant trying to shake a tree, unable to stop their determined steps forward.

Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Guo Xiangyu, in the howling wind of the night, were like three cheetahs lurking in the darkness, waiting for their chance to strike, as they stealthily made their way toward the camp of the Hak tribe.

They were all masked and dressed in jet-black night clothes. Even their usual weapons and concealed weapons had been replaced with new ones. Every detail had been carefully considered to avoid revealing their identities.

The wind howled all around, like the wailing of ghosts and wolves. The sound was shrill and terrifying, blowing the snow on the ground into the air and creating a snow fog, adding to the mystery and danger of their mission.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the Hake tribe's camp, one could see a bonfire blazing brightly, its flames shooting into the sky and illuminating the entire camp as if it were daytime.

The tents stood in rows, densely packed, like a black forest swaying precariously in the cold wind, exuding an eerie atmosphere.

Xie Wen frowned deeply, his brows resembling two tightly locked mountains. He lowered his voice and said, "This camp is heavily guarded. It seems that the Hak tribe has something to hide. We must be extremely careful. A slight misstep could lead to utter ruin."

His voice was deep and calm, yet it carried a reassuring steadiness in the cold wind.

Shi Xiong clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force, his eyes flashing with an unwavering determination. He said in a deep voice, "What's there to be afraid of? Even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, we'll brave it. Are we cowards who fear death?"

Perhaps because he had been following his master Shi Feiyang for a long time, his words were full of boldness and fearlessness despite his young age.

Guo Xiangyu's beautiful eyes darted around, her gaze like twinkling stars in the night sky. She said softly, "Hero Xie, young Xiongzi, you mustn't be reckless. Our main purpose here is to gather intelligence; we mustn't expose ourselves easily. If we act rashly, we not only won't be able to complete our mission, but we might also endanger our lives." Her voice was gentle yet wise, like a breath of fresh air in the tense atmosphere, calming everyone's minds.

The three cautiously approached what appeared to be an important tent, just as they were about to peer inside, when suddenly, a dark shadow struck from behind the tent like lightning, moving so fast that they had no time to react.

The shadowy figure held a sharp blade that gleamed coldly, like a bolt of lightning in the cold night, and thrust it straight toward Shi Xiong's back.

Guo Xiangyu reacted quickly, grabbing Shi Xiong with a swift and decisive movement, and shouted, "Watch out!"

At the same time, a metal dart appeared in his hand without him even noticing, and he flicked it towards the dark figure.

Her movements were lightning fast; the iron coin darts, carrying a sharp force, tore through the night sky with a piercing whistle.

The dark figure flashed like a wisp of black smoke, easily dodging the hidden weapon, and let out a strange laugh: "Hmph, you little thieves, how dare you cause trouble in my Hake tribe's camp! Today, I'll make sure you don't leave alive!"

The eerie laughter echoed through the night sky, filled with sinister and terrifying sounds.

As they spoke, several more dark figures surrounded them from all directions; judging by their figures, they were all top-notch experts.

One of them wielded a pair of meteor hammers, swinging them with tremendous force, creating a whooshing sound as they smashed towards Xie Wen with immense power. The meteor hammers gleamed with a cold luster in the firelight, and each swing seemed to tear the air apart.

Xie Wen turned around and used the "Flying Willow and Light Smoke Technique". This technique was extremely exquisite. He floated to the side like a wisp of smoke, his figure so light that it seemed weightless.

At the same time, he drew his soft sword from his waist, and with a flick of his wrist, the sword, like a serpent emerging from its hole, flashed with cold light and killing intent, and stabbed towards the man wielding the meteor hammer.

The soft sword moved nimbly in his hands. With his unpredictable lightness skill, the soft sword seemed to come alive, and every thrust was impossible to defend against.

Shi Xiong brandished his White Rainbow Sword, unleashing the "Thirteen Deadly Swords" technique, and engaged in battle with another master. That master wielded a pair of spiked clubs, each swing accompanied by a whistling sound, clashing with Shi Xiong's sword and sending sparks flying.

Shi Xiong's strength lies in his exquisite and ruthless swordsmanship. His swordsmanship is like twinkling stars, unpredictable and ever-changing, with each strike carrying a deadly threat.

However, he lost because his skill was not deep enough. His exquisite swordsmanship could not penetrate the heavy wind of the man's spiked club, and he could not hit the man's vital points.

The spiked club, when swung, resembled two small mountains, carrying a powerful pressure that made it difficult for Shi Xiong to defend himself.

Guo Xiangyu remained completely calm despite being in the midst of the battle.

With her nimble movements, she moved freely among the crowd, her graceful figure resembling a butterfly dancing among flowers.

She occasionally threw out iron darts to disrupt the enemy's attack.

She spotted an opening, her figure flashing like lightning as she closed in on an enemy. A glint of cold light flashed in her hand as she pressed her short knife against the man's throat. The cold light, like a bolt of lightning, instantly illuminated the man's terrified face.

The man turned deathly pale, as white as a sheet of paper, and hurriedly raised his sword to defend himself.

Guo Xiangyu twisted her wrist, and the short knife slid down the opponent's sword, slicing his wrist.

The man cried out in pain, and the sword in his hand clattered to the ground.

Blood gushed from his wrist, dripping onto the snow and forming a pool of crimson, which looked particularly glaring in the firelight.

However, more and more enemies surrounded them, and the situation became increasingly critical.

At this moment, a tall man in black robes slowly emerged from the tent. His face was cold and stern, like ice that had never melted for a thousand years, and his eyes held a sinister chill. In his hand, he held a jet-black cane, the top of which was inlaid with a blood-red gem, which gleamed eerily in the firelight, exuding endless evil.

The man in black robes sneered, "A bunch of ignorant fools, daring to trespass into the secret camp of my Hak tribe and the Western Regions Holy Sect! Today, I will kill you all!" With that, he waved his cane, and a black stream of energy swept towards the crowd.

The black current was like a giant black dragon, carrying a world-destroying aura. Wherever it passed, the accumulated snow was swirled up, forming a white whirlwind. Guo Xiangyu was shocked when she saw this. With just one glance, she could tell that the black-robed man was highly skilled in martial arts, far beyond the reach of ordinary experts.

The aura emanating from him was like that of a towering iceberg, chilling and making people shudder.

On a sudden impulse, she pulled out a handful of powder from her bosom and threw it at the black aura.

It turned out that this was a sleeping gas she had carefully developed to confuse the enemy.

The mist was pale green, appearing and disappearing in the night, like a swarm of lively fireflies.

The black current, carrying a cloud of smoke, spread out instantly, just like a dark cloud rolling in.

The enemy began to cough, their formation crumbled, some covered their mouths and noses and fled in all directions; others had blurred vision and could not stand steadily.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xie Wen shouted, "Go!" His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing in the night sky.

Taking advantage of the chaos, the three of them flashed away like three black lightning bolts, rushing out of the camp.

Their figures appeared and disappeared in the night, like ghosts, moving at incredible speed.

After a thrilling escape, the three finally shook off the enemy's pursuit.

They stopped in a secluded valley. By then, all three of them were panting heavily, and their clothes were torn in several places.

Xie Wen wiped the sweat from his forehead, which slid down his resolute face, and said, "If it weren't for Miss Guo's quick thinking today, we probably wouldn't have been able to escape. Miss Guo's sleeping powder was truly a lifesaver in a critical moment!"

Shi Xiong nodded and said, "Yes, Sister Guo, thanks to you, otherwise my back would be covered in sores. I admire Sister Guo's quick wit to the core!"

Guo Xiangyu smiled slightly, a smile as beautiful and captivating as a flower blooming in spring. She said, "Thank you, Master Xie, Little Xiongzi, you flatter me. We came together to gather intelligence, so it's only natural that we should look after each other. In this world of martial arts, we should always work together to overcome the many dangers." After resting for a while, the three continued on their way. They followed a hidden path and arrived at a deep valley.

In the valley, a huge warehouse stood, heavily guarded and surrounded by numerous guards.

The guards, dressed in black and carrying long guns, were alert and looked like a pack of well-trained hunting dogs.

The three of them quietly crept up to the vicinity of the warehouse and peered through the window. They saw that the warehouse was filled with bags of salt, and some people dressed in strange clothes were busy at work.

Those people were dressed in strange, colorful clothes and wore hats of various shapes on their heads, making it clear at a glance that they were not from the Central Plains.

Guo Xiangyu said in a low voice, "It seems this is where they stockpile salt. The Hak tribe is colluding with the Western Regions forces, attempting to monopolize Ningxia's salt resources. Their intentions are extremely sinister. Their actions are causing great suffering to the people of Ningxia!"

Just then, a guard seemed to notice something was wrong and walked toward where they were hiding.

The guard walked with a steady gait, his eyes sharp, and he gripped his spear tightly, ready to strike at any moment.

Shi Xiong gripped his sword tightly, ready to strike. His eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity, like a cheetah about to pounce on its prey.

Guo Xiangyu quickly pulled him back and whispered, "Don't be impulsive, watch me."

She took a pebble from her bosom and threw it into the distance.

With a crisp, clear "thud," the sound of the pebble hitting the ground was particularly striking in the quiet valley.

The pebble kicked up a cloud of dust as it landed.

The guard turned and walked hurriedly toward the direction from which the sound came, as if he had discovered some important clue.

The three took the opportunity to sneak into the warehouse and carefully examine the situation inside.

However, their actions were discovered.

Someone was shouting in a shrill, piercing voice, like the wailing of ghosts and howls of wolves, which echoed through the warehouse.

A group of guards, armed with weapons, surrounded them.

The guards had fierce expressions, their eyes filled with murderous intent, and their weapons gleamed coldly.

Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Guo Xiangyu stood back to back, ready for battle.

Guo Xiangyu's beautiful eyes widened, and the short knife in her hand gleamed coldly. She said, "Even if it costs me my life, I will find out the truth about this secret! We cannot let these villains' conspiracy succeed. We must seek justice for the people of Ningxia!"

Having said that, he charged towards the enemy first.

Her movements were light and graceful, like a nimble swallow. The short knife flashed in her hand, each swing carrying a sharp and fierce aura. In the warehouse full of salt, Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Guo Xiangyu were surrounded by a surging tide of guards.

All around were gleaming weapons, and the shouts of battle were so loud they hurt your eardrums, as if they were going to shatter your soul.

The stench of blood hung heavy in the air, like a thick layer of gloom, pressing down on everyone's hearts and almost suffocating them. The bloody stench, mixed with the smell of rust and the putrid odor of death, permeated the enclosed warehouse.

Guo Xiangyu's beautiful eyes darted around, quickly scanning the area. She noticed a pile of sacks in one corner of the warehouse, and an idea immediately came to her.

She lowered her voice and said urgently yet calmly, "Gentlemen, let's move closer to that pile of sacks and use them to block the enemy's attack, then look for an opportunity to break through! This is the best way right now, so don't panic!"

Upon hearing this, Xie Wen and Shi Xiong understood immediately. The three of them stood back to back, brandishing their weapons to fend off the fierce guards, while slowly moving towards the pile of sacks.

Shi Xiong wielded his sword with great force, each strike carrying the power to split mountains and shatter rocks, forcing his enemies to keep their distance.

He unleashed one of the "Thirteen Deadly Swords," the move "Slaying Gods and Destroying Buddhas," his sword streaking across the night sky like a shooting star, aimed straight for the enemy's throat. The enemy scattered in panic, letting out cries of alarm.

Xie Wenze wielded a soft sword, displaying exquisite swordsmanship with agile and unpredictable moves, like a serpent emerging from its hole, frequently striking the enemy's vitals. He employed the "Gentle Breeze Sword Technique," a sword style that was gentle yet concealed deadly intent; each strike was like a gentle breeze, capable of injuring the enemy unnoticed.

Having finally retreated to the pile of sacks, the three quickly hid behind them. The guards, seeing this, shouted and swarmed forward, but the sacks hindered their advance, and their formation instantly fell into chaos. Guo Xiangyu seized the opportunity, pulled out a specially made plum blossom dart from her bosom, and with a powerful flick of her wrist, sent the dart flying like a meteor towards the densest part of the enemy ranks.

Several screams rang out, and several guards fell to the ground, struck by darts, their blood splattering everywhere, a stark contrast against the dim warehouse lights.

The plum blossom darts were shaped like plum blossoms, their shafts gleaming coldly, their tips coated with deadly poison; a hit would be fatal or fatal. The guards struck clutched their wounds, groaning in pain, blood gushing from between their fingers, pooling on the ground. At that moment, a burly guard, wielding a large sword, roared and charged forward.

He wielded his broadsword with great force, the wind from the blade whistling through the air.

He unleashed the "Mountain-Splitting Saber Technique," slashing at Shi Xiong with immense force, aiming to split Shi Xiong in two.

Shi Xiong hurriedly raised his sword to defend, but with a loud clang, sparks flew everywhere. Shi Xiong felt a jolt in his arm and his hand went numb.

But he did not back down and quickly counterattacked, unleashing one of the "Thirteen Deadly Swords" moves, "Green Peak Cuts the Face," with his sword flashing coldly as it pierced straight into the guard's chest.

The guard quickly dodged to the side, but the sword still tore his clothes, leaving a bloody gash on his chest.

Taking advantage of the enemy's confusion, Xie Wen flashed forward like a black lightning bolt, closing in on one of the guards.

With a flick of his soft sword, he unleashed a move from the "Gentle Breeze Sword Technique"—"Wind Sweeps Away Clouds"—the sword flashing and instantly slashing several wounds across the guard's body. The guard screamed in agony and collapsed dead.

Guo Xiangyu, meanwhile, was constantly firing plum blossom darts to support Xie Wen and Shi Xiong.

Her gaze was resolute, and the plum blossom darts in her hand seemed to have eyes, constantly hitting the enemy's vitals.

In an instant, shouts of killing and screams filled the warehouse, and the stench of blood grew stronger.

However, the enemy surged forward like a raging tide, relentlessly and relentlessly charging forward.

A burly guard, resembling a towering mountain, wielded a heavy spiked club, its spikes gleaming with a cold light, like menacing fangs.

He roared, his voice booming, and slammed the spiked club down on the pile of sacks.

With a loud "bang," like a bolt from the blue, the warehouse was shattered, and salt poured out like a white torrent, surging forth like an avalanche.

Upon seeing this, Shi Xiong's eyes widened, burning with rage. He leaped out, gripped his sword, and slashed at the guard. His sword strikes were fierce and carried an indomitable momentum, like a silver lightning bolt slicing through the night sky.

The guard quickly raised his baton to defend himself, and with a clang, sparks flew everywhere, just like fireworks blooming in the night sky.

Shi Xiong felt a jolt in his arm, as if he had been struck by a giant hammer. The opponent's strength was beyond imagination. His arm went numb instantly and lost all feeling.

At that moment, Xie Wen's sharp eyes spotted a small window in the warehouse wall. Though small, in this life-or-death situation, it seemed like a door to hope. With their skills, they might be able to squeeze through.

He took a deep breath to calm his rapid breathing and shouted, "Brother Shi, Miss Guo, there's a window over there! Let's rush over! This is our only chance of survival, we can't afford to miss it!" His voice was firm and powerful, like a ray of dawn piercing through the gloom in the chaotic and noisy warehouse.

Upon hearing this, Guo Xiangyu raised her eyebrows slightly, a resolute glint flashing in her eyes, and quickly nodded in acknowledgment.

She pulled out the sleeping powder again; it was pale blue and emitted an eerie glow in the dimly lit warehouse.

She channeled her power towards the enemy, the movement flowing smoothly and effortlessly.

The smoke instantly spread, as if a fog had enveloped the earth. The enemy's coughs and curses were incessant, like a swarm of disturbed bees. Their vision was obstructed, their movements became unsteady, their formation grew increasingly chaotic, and they collided with each other in a state of utter disarray.

Taking advantage of the chaos, the three used all their skills to break through towards the small window.

Guo Xiangyu moved nimbly, weaving freely among the enemies.

Her figure was graceful, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, and the short knife in her hand gleamed coldly, like lightning in the cold night.

She unleashed the "Three Talents of the Mysterious Sword Technique," with unpredictable and ever-changing sword moves that frequently slashed the enemy's wrists and throats, making them impossible to defend against.

Each strike was imbued with a fierce killing intent; when the enemy was struck, blood splattered, leaving bloodstains on the ground.

Xie Wen used his soft sword to protect the three of them on the flanks, his sword moves were dense and he forced back the enemies who tried to get close.

He unleashed the "Gentle Breeze Sword Technique," a swordplay that was gentle yet concealed deadly intent. The blade, like a nimble snake, drew graceful arcs in the air, each strike precisely aimed at the enemy's vital points. Once stabbed, the enemy screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground.

Shi Xiong led the way, brandishing his sword, and no one could withstand his sharpness.

He unleashed the "Thirteen Deadly Swords," a ruthless and incredibly powerful technique.

His eyes were firm and fierce, like a brave cheetah. Wherever he went, the enemy retreated, either scratched or stabbed, and blood stained his clothes and the ground beneath his feet.

Just as they were about to reach the small window, a dark shadow shot down from above at a speed like a falling meteor.

It turned out to be the man in black robes, whose robes fluttered in the wind, like black flames burning.

The man in black robes held a cane, his eyes flashing with a cold light, like will-o'-the-wisps in a cold night. He sneered, "Trying to leave? No one will leave here alive today!"

The voice was deep and cold, as if it came from the deepest hell, carrying endless killing intent, echoing in the warehouse and sending chills down one's spine.

With that, he waved his cane, and a black aura swept towards the three of them. The aura was like a black dragon, carrying a world-destroying momentum. Wherever it passed, the air distorted and made a "buzzing" sound.

Guo Xiangyu was shocked. Her beautiful eyes widened. The power of this energy was astonishing. If they were to collide head-on, the three of them would be seriously injured, or even lose their lives.

Without a second thought, she pulled a silk scarf from her bosom. The scarf was soft and light, but she infused it with all her inner strength.

She channeled her energy and flung it towards the source of the energy. Under the impact of the energy, the silk scarf instantly turned into dust, like willow catkins in the wind, disappearing without a trace. However, it also slightly hindered the momentum of the energy, buying everyone a precious moment.

Taking advantage of the moment, Xie Wen shouted loudly, his voice shaking the surrounding walls. His soft sword, like a dragon emerging from the sea, thrust straight at the black-robed man's throat. His sword strike was fierce and carried with a determination to kill.

The man in black robes dodged to the side with lightning speed, easily avoiding the attack as if he were a ghost. He swept his cane around in a whirlwind of black energy, forcing Xie Wen to retreat several steps to evade the fierce blow. Xie Wen was secretly amazed by the man's superior martial arts skills.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shi Xiong swung his sword at the man in black robes, unleashing the move "Slaying Gods and Destroying Buddhas" from the "Thirteen Deadly Swords." The sword, carrying a dazzling light, cleaved straight at the man in black robes.

The man in black robes sneered, his smile as cold as frost in winter. He raised his cane to block the attack, and with a clang like the ringing of a bell, Shi Xiong felt a tremendous force. His tiger's mouth was shattered, and blood slowly flowed down the hilt of his sword. The sword almost slipped from his hand, and his arm trembled violently from the impact.

Guo Xiangyu knew she couldn't panic at this moment. She quickly surveyed her surroundings, her beautiful eyes darting around, and spotted a pile of torches in the corner of the warehouse.

A sudden inspiration struck her; a daring thought flashed through her mind. She ran towards the torches, her movements swift and decisive. She picked up a torch and threw it forcefully at the enemy. The torch traced an arc through the air, like a burning shooting star.

The torch fell into the enemy ranks, instantly igniting some flammable materials. The fire spread rapidly, like a raging fire dragon, engulfing everything around it. Thick smoke billowed into the warehouse, the acrid fumes making it difficult to breathe.

The shouts and cries mingled together, creating a chaotic scene, like a living hell.

Taking advantage of the chaos and the fire, the three finally reached the small window.

Shi Xiong's expression was solemn. He squatted down and said in a deep voice, "Sister Guo, quickly step on my shoulders and get up first!"

His voice was firm and steady, exuding an undeniable power, a clear imitation of his master, Shi Feiyang.

Guo Xiangyu looked at him gratefully, her eyes full of trust, as if she saw the shadow of Shi Feiyang in Shi Xiong.

She was quick and agile, and in a few moments she climbed onto the small window by stepping on Shi Xiong's shoulders.

She moved with a light and graceful gait, like a nimble little bird, and quickly slipped out of the small window.

Then, with Shi Xiong's help, Xie Wen also successfully crawled out.

Shi Xiong was the last to climb onto the small window. Just as he was about to crawl out, a guard rushed over. The guard had a ferocious face and thrust his spear toward Shi Xiong's back. The spear tip gleamed coldly, like a deadly venomous snake.

At the critical moment, Guo Xiangyu leaned in through the window, a resolute glint in her eyes. She swung her short sword and used the "Woodcutter's Guidance" move from the "Three Talents of Qimen Sword Technique" to deflect the spear. The short sword and the spear collided, producing a crisp sound.

Shi Xiong was then able to successfully crawl out of the small window.

After escaping the warehouse, the three dared not linger and ran desperately into the night.

The cold wind was like a knife, cutting painfully on my face, as if it would tear my skin apart.

But they dared not slow down at all, with only one thought in their minds: to escape this dangerous place.

Behind them, the firelight from the warehouse illuminated half the sky, with flames raging.

The shouts of battle still faintly echoed, like the howls of demons, reverberating in the night sky.

They knew that although they had temporarily escaped, they had already learned of the conspiracy between the Hak tribe and the Western Regions forces. They had to inform Shi Feiyang of this secret as soon as possible and discuss countermeasures together. Otherwise, the people of Ningxia would be plunged into a great crisis.

The next morning, soft sunlight pierced through the thin clouds, like strands of gold, gently sprinkling into the tranquil courtyard of the Famous Sword Manor.

The flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard trembled slightly under the warm light, as if they had just awakened from a deep sleep.

Dugu Chang slowly woke up, stretched lazily, then got up and began to carefully change his clothes.

He wore a magnificent brocade robe, made of the finest Shu brocade and embroidered with lifelike Qilin patterns, every stitch showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Bathed in sunlight, the robe shimmered with a soft, noble light, further accentuating his handsome figure.

Dugu Chang was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards to his temples, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and slightly upturned lips with a faint smile. At first glance, he seemed like a graceful young gentleman who had stepped out of a painting, with an elegant demeanor, completely inheriting the style of his father, Dugu Yan, before he was crippled by Shi Feiyang.

However, a glint of cunning and greed would occasionally flash in his eyes, like a will-o'-the-wisp flickering in the dark, marring his perfect appearance. His every move, though seemingly elegant and composed, concealed a scheming mind, exuding an air of sanctimonious hypocrisy that made one feel he was not to be trusted.

After washing up, Dugu Chang couldn't wait to find Guo Xiangyu. The filthy thoughts from last night were now burning even hotter in his mind, like a raging fire that was hard to suppress.

He arrived at Guo Xiangyu's door, extended his slender, fair fingers, as delicate as a woman's, and gently knocked on the door. He wore what he thought was an incredibly charming smile, but a hint of imperceptible urgency was hidden in that smile. He said, "Miss Guo, are you awake? I have come to invite you to have breakfast together. I hope you will do me the honor."

His voice was gentle and refined, carrying a touch of scholarly elegance; however, behind these seemingly polite words lay a different mind. Yet, despite knocking for a long time, there was no response from inside the room.

He felt a sudden sense of unease, his brows furrowed slightly, forming a shallow "川" (river) shape, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, like ripples on a calm lake.

He cursed inwardly, "How can Guo Xiangyu sleep so soundly? She really doesn't know what's good for her. Humph, could she be fooling around in that Yang guy's room?" At this thought, the jealousy in his heart suddenly flared up, burning his chest as if a raging fire was burning inside him.

So, suppressing his anger, Dugu Changqiang quickly ran to Shi Feiyang's bedroom.

He reached out and knocked on the door again, this time with more force, sounding somewhat impatient. His fingers tapped on the door, making a "bang bang" sound, as if venting his inner dissatisfaction.

Shi Feiyang calmly replied from inside the room, "Please come in!" Dugu Chang pushed open the door and entered, only to see that Shi Feiyang was already dressed neatly in a plain-colored robe, simple yet elegant.

He stood tall and straight, like a pine tree standing on a mountaintop, calm and resolute.

At this moment, he was sitting cross-legged on the bed, his eyes closed, his expression calm, concentrating on practicing breathing exercises.

Above his head, billowing white mist swirled, resembling mountain clouds or the auspicious aura surrounding an immortal, showcasing his profound skill. Upon seeing this, Dugu Chang's burning jealousy instantly turned to embarrassment; his face flushed red and then paled, much like the rapidly shifting clouds at sunset.

However, he was still unwilling to give up and secretly plotted how to find out the truth.

He pretended to casually strike up a conversation with Shi Feiyang, a cunning smile on his face, like a sly fox eyeing its fat prey, his eyes gleaming with calculation. He said, "Young Master Yang, judging from your breathing technique, with white mist rising from your head, it is truly a sign of divine skill. May I ask which school or sect you belong to? To have such profound martial arts skills at such a young age is truly rare in this world, and I admire you wholeheartedly."

As he spoke, he secretly observed Shi Feiyang's expression out of the corner of his eye, not missing any subtle changes, trying to find a clue from Shi Feiyang's reaction.

Last night at the banquet, Shi Feiyang had already keenly noticed Dugu Chang's infatuation with Guo Xiangyu. Just now, after hearing the knocking on the door of the next room, he understood Dugu Chang's filthy intentions in coming here.

He sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, like a still lake, undisturbed.

He remained calm and cleverly replied, "Ascetic meditation, the Yang family generals outside Yanmen Pass!"

His voice was deep and authoritative, like the ringing of a great bell, echoing in the room, carrying an undeniable power, and declaring to Dugu Chang that he was no ordinary person.

When Dugu Chang heard Shi Feiyang mention such an astonishingly illustrious family background, it was as if he had been struck by a thunderbolt. His heart jolted, and the smile on his face froze instantly, like a flower suddenly struck by frost in the dead of winter, stiff and distorted.

A fleeting look of deep fear and endless regret flashed in his eyes, like a ray of despair suddenly appearing in the darkness.

He quickly apologized, his voice trembling slightly with fear and panic: "I'm sorry! Young Master Yang, I've disturbed your cultivation. I only came to invite you out for breakfast, that's all. I hope you will forgive me for the inconvenience."

After saying this, he bowed slightly, his waist bent very low, his face full of apologetic smiles, but those smiles could not hide the fear and unease in his heart.

Shi Feiyang nodded, his expression calm as if he were an inviolable Buddha statue, continuing to immerse himself in his breathing exercises, as if nothing in the world concerned him, no longer paying attention to Dugu Chang.

Seeing this, Dugu Chang was filled with resentment, like a trapped beast struggling in a cage, yet he dared not retaliate. He could only quietly leave the room, each step heavy and slow, secretly pondering his next plan, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes from time to time.

(End of this chapter)