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

Chapter 285. A lone goose on the snowy mountain, a sorrowful sword shadow; evil spirits from the nine netherworlds, their blades stained with frost.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Guo Xiangyu pressed forward, using her left hand to unleash the "Soul-Seizing Hand" from the Nine Yin Manual. Her fingertips glowed with a faint blue light as she aimed directly at the shadowy figure's wrist. This move contained a hidden illusionary effect; even before her fingertips arrived, the shadowy figure felt a multitude of hallucinations before his eyes.

The shadowy figure was filled with shock and rage. He abandoned his knife and struck out with his palm, which turned a strange purplish-black color. It was the "Crimson Sand Palm," a secret technique from the Western Regions.

This palm strike is fierce and domineering, and it is also highly poisonous. Wherever the palm wind reaches, the ground is instantly scorched black.

The two palms struck each other with a muffled thud like thunder. Guo Xiangyu was forced back three steps, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth. But in the instant she retreated, she swept her bamboo knife horizontally, unleashing the ultimate move of the "Hundred Victories Qimen Three Talents Knife" – "Heaven and Earth Live Together"!
This move combines the yin and soft power of the Nine Yin Manual with the unpredictable nature of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. The arc drawn by the bamboo blade carries a sharp gale, and wherever the blade light passes, the air emits a piercing cracking sound.

The shadowy figure hastily raised his arm to block, but with a crisp "crack," his arms, hardened like iron by his Crimson Sand Palm technique, were severed at the root! A column of blood shot into the sky, and Guo Xiangyu, her jade feet touching the ground, wielded her bamboo knife like a shooting star, aiming straight for the shadowy figure's throat with the essence of the "Heart-Shattering Knife Technique" from the Nine Yin Manual.

With a dull thud as the blade pierced flesh, the dark figure's eyes widened, a strange hoarse cry escaped its throat, and it crashed heavily onto the snow. After a few convulsions, it went still, and blood trickled down the snow slope, staining large patches of snow a hideous dark red.

Guo Xiangyu put away her bamboo knife and took out the "Lesser Rejuvenation Pill", "Greater Rejuvenation Pill", "Soul Gathering Pill", "Heart Protection Pill" and "Soul Returning Pill" that Shi Feiyang had given her. She then used the "Holy Water of Heaven and Earth" from the Divine Water Palace to administer these pills.

Then, sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and practice internal energy to heal your injuries.

Faced with Shi Feiyang's mysterious "Concealing One's Identity and Name" lightness skill, Lu Wending shouted: "What a cunning rabbit with three burrows!"

The sword stance suddenly changed, unleashing the forbidden move of the Tianshan Sect, "Ice Soul Cold Pool".

In an instant, the temperature within a radius of ten feet plummeted, the frost on the sword condensed into ice shards, and the snow in its path instantly froze into ice walls. Even the jade bracelet on Guo Xiangyu's wrist developed fine ice patterns.

Shi Feiyang's pupils contracted sharply, his inner energy surged like boiling water, and his cloak fluttered in the wind. He joined his two fingers together like swords and unleashed the Shaolin "Flower-Picking Finger" technique. Wherever his fingertips passed, the air emitted a piercing explosion, tearing a gap in the sky filled with sword shadows.

Lu Wending's sword tip just barely touched Shi Feiyang's face, but it was firmly caught by two fingers radiating golden true energy.

"Crack!" The cold light suddenly disappeared. Lu Wending exerted his strength to draw the sword, but the sword did not move at all. He only felt a powerful internal force rebounding from the blade.

Gazing at the Shaolin martial arts' true energy swirling around Shi Feiyang's fingertips, Lu Wending's face turned ashen: "It...it's actually a Shaolin martial art! I, Lu Wending, the Sword of Tianshan, have fallen today..."

Shi Feiyang suddenly released his grip and stepped back, clasping his hands in a deep voice, "Senior Lu, please wait! I am Shi Feiyang, the Grand Master of the Xiong Ying Society, and I have no connection with the Nine Banners Gang. What I just killed were villains who forcibly occupied the Deer Farm, not your disciples. If you trust me, Senior, my Xiong Ying Society is willing to help you seek justice!"

Before the words were finished, the shouts of the Nine Flags Gang rose and fell in the distance, and countless torches flickered like will-o'-the-wisps in the darkness.

Lu Wending laughed loudly, his laughter as desolate as tearing silk: "Fine! I'll believe you this once! But if there's even a single falsehood..."

Before he could finish speaking, he twirled his longsword and charged towards the approaching Nine Banners gang.

Wherever the sword passed, blood and snowflakes flew together, and severed limbs and icicles scattered everywhere, painting a tragic picture of carnage under the moonlight.

The north wind howled, carrying tiny ice crystals across the Helan Mountains, but when it touched the two people embracing, it quietly melted into a gentle breeze.

Shi Feiyang's black cloak fluttered in the wind, like the most vigorous brushstroke in a splashed ink landscape painting. He knelt on one knee, his palm pressed against Guo Xiangyu's blood-stained back. When he activated the Mingyu Gong, a warm, jade-colored halo emanated from his body.

The red plum blossom hairpin at Guo Xiangyu's temple was crooked, which only made her pale cheeks look like withered plum blossoms in the frost, making her look pitiful.

"Xiangyu, don't be afraid, I'm here." Shi Feiyang's voice was deep and firm, and the warmth from his palm traveled slowly along Guo Xiangyu's meridians, dispelling the surging pain in her body.

He looked down at the slightly trembling shoulders of the woman in his arms, his eyes filled with tenderness. His fingertips unconsciously caressed her thin back, as if he wanted to knead all his tenderness into this subtle movement.

Just then, a sharp whistle suddenly rose from the summit of Helan Mountain, and dozens of dark figures broke through the wind and came flying in.

Shi Feiyang seemed not to hear, gently wiping away the bloodstains from Guo Xiangyu's lips with his fingertips, his movements as gentle as if he were touching a rare treasure.

The moonlight reflected on the menacing weapons of the newcomers, making them appear like the fangs of demons, trapping them like caged beasts.

Lu Wending, the "Sword of Tianshan," with his white hair flying, rang the copper bell on the tassel of his sword as he held it across his chest. He glanced warily at Shi Feiyang, only to see the young man still focused on healing the woman in his arms, exuding a calm and reassuring aura.

Suddenly, nine wolf-like howls echoed from below the cliff, causing the surrounding crowd to change color instantly, and a portal to emerge as if a tidal wave had crashed open.

Nine-colored banners fluttered in the wind, some as red as fire, others as black as ink, each embroidered with a ferocious taotie.

The flag bearer's footwork subtly corresponded to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, and wherever he passed, the accumulated snow condensed into sharp icicles, the chilling aura pressing directly to everyone's faces.

"Welcome, Chief!" The shouts were like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down. The bearded old man walked slowly in, stepping on a blood-red banner. A nine-section steel whip with dark red cloth wrapped around his waist left charred footprints on the ground with each step he took.

Shi Feiyang finally stood up slowly and pulled Guo Xiangyu into his arms. His hands were warm, and they gently caressed her waist through the thin fabric of her clothes. His deep voice brushed against her ear: "Hold me tight, my Xiangyu."

Before he finished speaking, he had already carried her on his back, his movements as gentle as if he were lifting a snowflake that might melt at any moment.

Guo Xiangyu's cheeks flushed instantly, and she clung to his broad back like a vine, feeling his steady and powerful heartbeat.

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her fingertips unconsciously caressing the fabric of his collar, burying her face in his shoulder, greedily absorbing the warmth from his body: "Your back is the most reassuring place for Xiangyu in this life."

Her voice was so soft and sweet it could melt water, “Even if there’s an abyss ahead, as long as I can lean on you like this, I’m not afraid of anything.”

The bamboo knife in her hand transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into her sleeve, but she whispered in his ear: "Xiangyu's life was given to her by you, young master. From now on, Xiangyu will follow you through life and death."

Shi Feiyang smiled gently, patted her hand lightly, and looked firmly into the enemy ranks: "With me here, no one can hurt you in the slightest."

His body was enveloped in a flow of true energy, his black cloak billowed like sails, and the Heavenly Frost Blade at his waist emitted a clear and melodious sound, as if protecting the perfect couple.

The laughter of the Nine Flags gang members tore through the snow like the howl of wolves.

The bearded old man, Zhou Wanjie, lashed out with his steel whip, shattering a boulder three zhang away. The four blood-red characters "Nine Banners Deer Farm" appeared like ferocious fangs. "What a pair of doomed lovers! Today, I'll send you both to the Yellow Springs!"

His venomous gaze swept over Lu Wending, which made Guo Xiangyu's heart tremble.

She instinctively hugged Shi Feiyang tightly, whispering urgently in his ear, "Young Master, be careful of their poisonous attacks... If you are injured, Xiangyu's heart will break too..." Lu Wending's longsword stirred up a cloud of snow mist, the sword energy of "Lone Goose on the Snowy Ridge" cascading like a silver river. Guo Xiangyu, however, had no heart to watch the battle; her gaze remained fixed on Shi Feiyang's profile, watching his slightly furrowed brows and the tiny ice crystals clinging to his eyelashes.

She gently pressed her cheek against his hair, her breath filled with his unique, cool scent: "Young Master's Mingyu Skill is powerful, but you must not be careless... Xiangyu only wishes for your safety. If I could exchange ten years of my life for your well-being, I would do it willingly..."

Jiang Shaokun, the deputy leader of the Nine Flags Gang, pierced the air with a sinister laugh: "Boy, how do you plan to repay the blood debt you owe for killing my hall master Li Qi?"

Shi Feiyang steadily supported Guo Xiangyu's knees with one hand, while drawing the Heavenly Frost Blade with the other.

In the instant the blade flashed, Guo Xiangyu felt the chill emanating from his body, but she also felt the warmth emanating from his palm.

She buried her face in his neck and said softly but firmly, "Young Master, Xiangyu's life is yours. If anyone dares to harm you in the slightest, Xiangyu will make them pay even if she is shattered to pieces..."

In the snow-covered landscape, their figures, intertwined amidst the glint of swords, appeared so small, yet so resolute. Guo Xiangyu gazed at Shi Feiyang's tall, upright back, her mind filled with only one thought: as long as she could stay by his side, what did it matter if she had to fight the entire world?

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Shaokun, the deputy leader of the Nine Flags Gang, glared at Shi Feiyang and sneered, "Boy, you ruined one of our gang's hall masters and three incense masters. How do you plan to settle this score? Speak!"

With one hand supporting Guo Xiangyu's back, Shi Feiyang drew his Heavenly Frost Blade with the other. His sword-like eyebrows twitched, revealing a murderous intent, and he said in an extremely cold voice, "It wouldn't be too much to kill you all for your despicable style of winning by numbers and disregarding the code of the martial world!"

This arrogant statement immediately drew a chorus of angry snorts.

Enraged, Jiang Shaokun, the leader of the Nine Flags Gang, laughed and said, "Boy, you're really arrogant. If I don't grind you to dust today, I won't be able to quell my hatred!" Suddenly, from the circle of people, a scholar-like man of about thirty years old, dressed in a plain white scholar's robe and holding a folding fan, stepped out from the direction of the white flag. He swaggered up to Jiang Shaokun, the deputy leader of the Nine Flags Gang, and bowed, saying, "White Flag Hall Master requests permission!"

Jiang Shaokun nodded slightly and said, "Hall Master Lu, be careful. This kid might be a tough opponent!"

"Yes, sir!" The white-robed scholar suddenly turned around, took three steps forward, and sneered at Shi Feiyang, saying, "I am Lu Shi, the White Flag Hall Master of the Nine Flags Gang. I never kill nameless people. Boy, state your name so I can send you on your way!"

Upon seeing the scholar, Guo Xiangyu was reminded of the hatred she felt for her grandparents being forced to their deaths by the "Four Beasts of the Northwest." In her subconscious, it seemed that all people who looked like scholars were her enemies, unforgivable criminals. Instantly, murderous intent arose in her heart. Her handsome face turned cold, and she said in an icy tone, "Telling you your name is pointless. Anyway, you're going to die today!"

At the summit of Helan Mountain, a fierce wind whipped up icicles like a barrage of arrows, and nine-colored banners fluttered in the wind, their ferocious taotie patterns glowing eerily in the blood mist.

Lu Shi, the "Powder-faced Scholar," lightly waved his folding fan, his face contorted with rage, and sneered like an owl: "You brat dare to run wild in the Nine Banners Gang? Today I'll teach you that the depths of the martial world aren't determined by words!"

Before he finished speaking, he unleashed the "Yin Wind Corroding Bone Palm" with his left hand. Wherever the palm wind passed, the accumulated snow instantly turned into a purplish-black poisonous mist. His right hand spun open a folding fan, and thirty-six bone-piercing nails hidden between the fan ribs emerged like a swarm of bees, heading straight for Guo Xiangyu's back.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly and used the "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill. His black cloak left afterimages in the snow and he instantly circled around to Lu Shi's side. The Heavenly Frost Blade roared and unleashed a move from the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" called "Golden Dragon Coiling Claws". The blade light was like a golden dragon, aiming straight for Lu Shi's throat.

Lu Shi spun his folding fan rapidly, unleashing the "Jade Fan Covering the Sky" technique, where thousands of fan shadows condensed into a substantial air shield.

Shi Feiyang lightly touched the ground with his toes, and his body suddenly rose three zhang high. The Heavenly Frost Blade drew out a half-moon - it was the "Moon Falling into the Long River" of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique"!
A chilling blade aura tore through the sky. Lu Shi crossed his arms and used his Iron Sand Palm to withstand the attack, but a crisp "crack" was heard, and his arms, which were as strong as steel, snapped in two! A column of blood shot into the sky, but before it hit the ground, it was blown into a blood mist by the cold wind.

Before Shi Feiyang could even scream in agony, the blade had already pierced through his chest, lifting him up and flinging him ten feet away, where he crashed into the "White Flag Hall" banner. Crimson blood instantly engulfed the character "White," and the flagpole snapped in two with a deafening crash.

The north wind howled along the cliff edge, carrying icicles. Lu Wending's white hair flew like silver ribbons as his longsword drew out seven cold rays, the ultimate technique of the Tianshan Sect, "Lone Goose on Snow Ridge." Amidst the crisscrossing sword energy, thousands of ice blades condensed from the void, like a cascading Milky Way, shredding all the snow within three zhang into dust.

Zhou Wanjie, the leader of the Nine Flags Gang, sneered, and the nine-section steel whip at his waist suddenly grew longer. The barbs at the tip of the whip spewed out purple-black poisonous mist, which was the long-lost "Nine Nether Heart-Eating Poison"!
Wherever the poisonous fog passed, rocks instantly turned into pus, emitting a teeth-grinding "sizzling" sound.

Lu Wending's pupils contracted sharply, and he thrust his longsword forward, the icy blade colliding violently with the poisonous mist. In an instant, frost and poisonous miasma intertwined within a ten-foot radius, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the sword's surface.

The chill traveled along his meridians straight to his heart, and even this swordsman from Tianshan couldn't help but shiver.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhou Wanjie lunged forward, his steel whip lashing out like a serpent, managing to entangle Lu Wending's longsword. "Take my 'Nine-Finger Heart-Shattering Hand'!" With a furious shout, nine bluish-purple fingers shot straight for Lu's face like eagle claws, the force of the fingertips creating a piercing whistle in the air.

Lu Wending made a decisive move, discarding his sword and turning his palms to unleash the "Tianshan Six Yang Palms".

The two powerful internal forces collided, like a thunderclap, causing the snow accumulated on the cliff edge to fall in a flurry.

Lu Wending felt as if his internal organs had been struck by a heavy hammer, a metallic taste surged in his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, which condensed into a tragically beautiful blood mist in the air.

Zhou Wanjie, having gained the upper hand, pressed his advantage relentlessly, sweeping his steel whip across Lu Wending's lower body.

Lu Wending used his "Treading Snow Without a Trace" lightness skill to leap into the air, but unexpectedly the whip tip suddenly split into three strands, wrapping around his ankle like a venomous snake.

"Get down here!" Zhou Wanjie roared, pulling hard with all his might.

Lu Wending fell heavily onto the snow like a kite with a broken string. Before he could get up, the steel whip was already wrapped around his neck like an iron chain.

He struggled fiercely, gripping the steel whip tightly with both hands, his veins bulging.

Zhou Wanjie grinned maliciously, his arm veins bulging, and the steel whip tightened more and more.

Lu Wending's face was bluish-purple, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was making a hoarse, hissing sound. At this critical moment of life and death, he suddenly opened his mouth and bit down on the steel whip, blood and foam spurting from between his teeth, but he still refused to let go, showing the unyielding spirit of a grandmaster.

At this moment, the snow on the cliff edge was already soaked with blood, the red and white intertwined to create a tragic scene.

Guo Xiangyu, perched on Shi Feiyang's back, exclaimed in surprise, "Young Master, save Senior Lu!"

Shi Feiyang's eyes widened in fury as the Heavenly Frost Blade transformed into a bolt of lightning and hurtled through the air.

Zhou Wanjie hastily abandoned Lu Wending, wielding his steel whip to meet the attack, while shouting, "Nine Banners, heed my command! Form the 'Netherworld Poison Dragon Formation'!"

In an instant, the nine-colored banners danced wildly like demonic shadows, and the poisonous mist surged into a giant dragon shape, completely enveloping the three of them.

A mournful howl echoed from within the formation. With each flash of light from the banners, countless poisonous needles shot out, instantly staining the snow-covered ground a strange purplish-black. Purple mist surged within the Poison Dragon Formation, like the Netherworld pouring down upon the mortal realm.

Shi Feiyang's body was surrounded by a jade-colored aura, and he had circulated the Mingyu Gong to the eighth and a half level - "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison". The frost flowers that had condensed on his body fell down in a flurry, and his true energy erupted like a furnace, actually steaming the surrounding poisonous fog into wisps of white smoke.

Guo Xiangyu hugged Shi Feiyang's neck, blood beads mixed with shards of ice in her hair, yet she still whispered in his ear: "A chivalrous spirit upholds righteousness."

Before the gentle voice had even faded, the Nine Banners Gang's poisoned arrows pierced the air, their arrowheads gleaming with a ghostly blue light, instantly turning the snow in their wake into black water.

Shi Feiyang drew his Heavenly Frost Blade with a humming sound, and the blade flashed, creating nine cold rays of light. It was the "Golden Dragon Coiling Claws," a move from the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" that combines offense and defense.

The blade flashed like a dragon's tail, each arc precisely intercepting the poisoned arrows, the metallic clanging as dense as a sudden downpour on banana leaves. He lightly touched the ground with his toes, employing the "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill, his black cloak tracing the Big Dipper's path in the poisonous mist, his figure shifting east and west like a ghost.

"Break!" A thunderous shout shattered the sky as the Heavenly Frost Blade transformed into a streak of lightning, unleashing the "Three Forms of the Green Bag," the first of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique: Three Poison-Breaking Forms." Shi Feiyang's posture suddenly shifted, sometimes like a tiger pouncing on its prey, sometimes like a nimble deer leaping about, incorporating the ferocity of a bear, the agility of an ape, and the lightness of a bird into his blade techniques.

Wherever the chilling blade energy passed, the Poison Dragon Formation exploded with a deafening roar. Thirty-nine flag bearers, along with the nine-colored flag, were shredded into minced meat. One hundred and forty-seven severed limbs, mixed with icy blood rain, fell to the ground, creating a grotesque picture of carnage.

At this moment, Lu Wending's face turned purplish-blue from Zhou Wanjie's nine-section steel whip, and he let out a dying hoarse sound from his throat. Shi Feiyang pounced like an eagle hunting a rabbit, and his Heavenly Frost Blade, with the force of splitting a mountain, went straight for Zhou Wanjie's back.

Upon hearing the sound, Zhou Wanjie spun around, his steel whip dancing wildly like a serpent, colliding with the Heavenly Frost Blade and sparking countless fireballs, which actually blasted away all the snow within a radius of three zhang. "Nine-Fingered Yama, you have harmed living beings, today is your retribution!" Shi Feiyang struck out with his left hand the "Auspicious Light Appears" move from the "Buddha's Palm," the palm print shining with golden light, the powerful palm force like a tidal wave.

Zhou Wanjie hastily raised his arm to block, but heard several "crack" sounds as his arm bones shattered, and he flew backward like a kite with a broken string.

Shi Feiyang's Heavenly Frost Blade pressed its attack, and with a flash of cold light, half of his arm was severed at the root. Blood splattered onto the boulder of "Nine Banners Deer Farm," staining the character "Deer" a glaring crimson.

Zhou Wanjie screamed and flung out the "Bone-Piercing Nail" from his sleeve, unleashing seventy-two poisoned hidden weapons like a swarm of bees. Shi Feiyang snorted coldly, his Mingyu Gong protecting him, a transparent wall of energy rising around him. The hidden weapons exploded upon impact, poisonous smoke and frost intertwining, making the scene even more tragic.

He trudged up through the snow, his Frostblade aimed directly at Zhou Wanjie's throat, his eyes filled with a murderous intent as deep and cold as a bottomless abyss: "You thief, it's time to cut your losses today!"

Shi Feiyang stepped into the void, his black cloak fluttering in the wind, and his Heavenly Frost Blade, gleaming with a cold light like a shooting star, aimed straight for Zhou Wanjie's throat.

The massive rock at "Nine Flags Deer Farm" trembled violently.

Zhou Wanjie was nailed to it, and blood trickled down the strokes of the character "deer," resembling a funeral couplet painted with his life.

The members of the Nine Banners Gang watched their leader die a gruesome death, their hearts breaking with despair. Their cries of alarm mingled with the thud of weapons falling to the ground, creating a desperate lament.

Vice-leader Jiang Shaokun, his face ashen, shouted hoarsely, "As long as we live, we can fight again! Retreat to headquarters, and we'll avenge this humiliation another day!"

He led six incense masters of varying heights and turned to flee, the snow crunching under his feet like a death knell.

Just then, a whooshing sound came from the sky, like a thunderclap.

The elite warriors of the Xiong Ying Society descended like divine soldiers—Liao Peishi unleashed his Bajiquan Tongbei Fist, the force of his punches powerful and fierce, sending snow flying wherever it went; Lie Quan wielded his Qiankun Blade, unleashing golden blade energy, the chill penetrating wherever it touched; Wu Zhong's palms danced, the shockwaves from his iron palms causing the trees within a radius of several feet to tremble. Xiao Lingling's Mandarin Duck Blades transformed into twin lotus blossoms, their swirling blades concealing deadly intent; Miao Menlong drew his bow and fired a barrage of divine arrows, each trailing a long line of blood; Shan Zhi's plum blossom darts rained down like a shower of flowers, each one precisely piercing the enemy's vitals.

"Trying to escape? Helan Mountain is not a place where you dogs can come and go as you please!" Xie Wen's eagle eyes flashed like lightning, and his iron claws moved like serpents, wrapping around the ankle of a temple master. With a sudden tug, he lifted the master upside down. The temple master screamed repeatedly, struggling desperately in mid-air, but he could not break free from the shackles of death.

Shi Xiong was short in stature but as agile as an ape. Under the cover of the crowd, he silently darted behind Jiang Shaokun.

"Let's see where you can run now!" Shi Xiong roared, gripping the white rainbow sword like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, and thrusting it straight into the back of his opponent's knee.

Jiang Shaokun screamed in agony, collapsing to his knees, his eyes filled with terror and despair. Lie Quan's Qiankun Blade was already poised to strike; a flash of cold light, and Jiang Shaokun's head flew into the air, blood spurting like a fountain onto the nine-colored banner, staining the prominent "nine" character a dark red. The banner fluttered in the wind, a final lament for the demise of the Nine Banners Gang.

Shi Feiyang stood amidst the pool of blood, surveying his surroundings, his voice booming like a bell: "The Nine Banners Gang has committed countless evils, and today is divine punishment! My Xiong Ying Society stands here not to dominate the martial arts world, but to protect the people of this land. If any villain dares to offend us, we will make sure they never return!"

His words, like the resounding tolling of a great bell, echoed across the Helan Mountains, startling countless birds and stirring up a thousand waves in the hearts of everyone present.

The setting sun on the Helan Mountain peak was like blood, and three thousand disciples of the Xiong Ying Society, dressed in crimson outfits, formed a flowing river of fire on the snow-covered plain.

Their weapons, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, roared slogans of "Protecting the country and the people," as they pounced on the Nine Banners gang like tigers descending a mountain.

Shi Feiyang, carrying Guo Xiangyu on his back, stood on a high place. His black cloak fluttered in the strong wind, and the Heavenly Frost Blade at his waist emitted a cold light, making him look like a mountain god looking down on all living beings.

The fierce battle raged until dawn, turning the Nine Banners Deer Farm into a living hell. All ten thousand bandits of the Nine Banners Gang were slaughtered by the heroes of Xiong Ying, leaving no survivors.

Severed limbs and broken nine-colored banners intertwined, the snow was stained dark red, and the air was filled with a nauseating smell of blood.

Shi Feiyang slowly stepped into the Nine Banners Gang's headquarters. Suddenly, the deerskin pouch at his waist shone brightly with golden light, like a gluttonous maw swallowing up the mountain of money, grain, salt, and iron piled up in the warehouse. As the crimson banner of the Xiong Ying Society fluttered atop Helan Mountain, Shi Feiyang looked down at Guo Xiangyu in his arms, his gaze gentle yet resolute: "Xiangyu, from this day forward, we will protect the winds and snows of Helan Mountain. When the Xiong Ying Society is fully grown, we will ensure that the people of the Northwest are free from hunger and cold, and free from the worries of bandits!"

Guo Xiangyu nestled in his arms, her jade-like hand gently stroking his blood-stained clothes, and whispered, "With you here, young master, I feel that there is no danger in the world that cannot be overcome." In the distance, Lu Wending, supported by his disciple, looked at Shi Feiyang's back with eyes full of praise and emotion.

Despite his severe injuries, the Tianshan swordsman forced himself to walk, escorted by disciples of the Xiong Ying Society, to the snow-covered cave chamber. Inside, Xie Wen used the Medicine King Valley healing techniques taught by Guo Xiangyu, his golden needles piercing Lu Wending's major acupoints like shooting stars, finally stopping the surging poisonous blood within him.

Lu Wending struggled to his feet, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed deeply, his voice booming: "Chief Shi, I will never forget your life-saving grace! I came down the mountain this time to seek revenge on my beloved disciple, Zhou Wanjie of the Nine Banners Gang. My disciple, Lai Yixing, led a team to aid the Khorchin tribe, but was ambushed by Zhou Wanjie's poisonous smoke on the way and unfortunately perished. If it weren't for the timely intervention of the Chief, I fear I would have followed in my disciple's footsteps today!"

After speaking, the old hero's eyes reddened, his heart filled with sorrow and gratitude.

Shi Feiyang quickly stepped forward to help Lu Wending up, and said loudly, "Senior, there's no need for such formalities! The Nine Banners Gang has committed numerous evils and harmed loyal and good people. They are a scourge that our Xiong Ying Society must eradicate. If you don't mind, the doors of the Xiong Ying Society will always be open to you!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Wending's spirits lifted, and he immediately declared, "I am willing to bring my disciples to follow the Grand Master! My disciples are nearby; if I can invite them to join us, it will be a great help to the Xiong Ying Society!"

Shi Feiyang was overjoyed and immediately ordered "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen to use his "Flying Floss and Light Smoke Skill" to escort Lu Wending to find his apprentice.

Within two days, not only were several of Lu Wending's top disciples found, but the mysterious Blood Rakshasa and his disciples Liu Pingsheng, Wu Zhenliang, and Ling Lanzhi also appeared.

Blood Rakshasa looked at Shi Feiyang with admiration in his eyes: "Chief, it has been half a year since we parted ways with the Kormi tribe. Although I, Blood Rakshasa, have long lived in the shadows of the martial world, I still understand what justice is. I am willing to lead my disciples to serve the Xiong Ying Society!"

The cave was brightly lit and decorated, filled with a joyous atmosphere. The members of the Xiong Ying Society held a celebratory banquet. Amidst the clinking of glasses, Shi Feiyang, Liao Pei, Lie Quan, Wu Zhong, and other heroes explained the Xiong Ying Society's mission of "protecting the country and its people" to Lu Wending, Xue Luosha, and others.

Holding a wine cup, Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over the crowd, and he declared loudly, "Our Xiong Ying Society is based in the Northwest, joining hands with the Salt Gang to protect the salt roads and salt fields. We do not act for personal gain, but only to ensure that the people can eat affordable salt and live a peaceful life! Half of our profits will be distributed to the people; this is our promise to this land!" Having said this, Shi Feiyang stood up and recited his own poem, "Man Jiang Hong: The Hero's Ambition": "Lone smoke rises from the desert, who can ask of the hero's courage? Frosty blades, dragon's roar and tiger's howl, their spirit swallows mountains. A chivalrous spirit upholds righteousness, a loyal heart shines brightly like the stars and moon. Though the road ahead may be filled with countless storms, we will face the imperial palace! The suffering of the common people is a knot in my heart; injustice will be resolved in my hands. See where the banners point, all demons and monsters will be destroyed. Blood will stain the mountains and rivers, yet I will not regret it; my name will be etched in history, what need is there for further explanation? In the future, we will restore order to the old order, and face the imperial palace!"

The powerful words echoed in the cave, and everyone was filled with excitement, rising to their feet to applaud and cheer.

Lu Wending clapped his hands and laughed: "What a wonderful 'blood stains the mountains and rivers, yet we will not regret it'! I admire the Grand Master's magnanimity! From now on, we are willing to follow the Grand Master and write a new legend of the martial arts world on this Northwest land!"

Blood Rakshasa nodded in approval, saying, "With such a heroic figure leading the way, how can the world not be at peace?"

Outside the stone chamber, the wind and snow of Helan Mountain continued to howl, but inside the cave, a burning flame ignited in the hearts of everyone.

The evening snow fell softly outside the stone chamber at the edge of Helan Cliff.

Inside the stone chamber, the incense smoke from the bronze censer curled gently. Blood Rakshasa lightly stroked the jade pipe, the embers in the bowl flickering and illuminating the fine lines around her eyes. This old woman from Tianshan, with her vast and profound experience in the martial world, looked at Shi Feiyang, who stood calmly before her, and suddenly felt that this young man possessed a sharpness more chilling than the snow-capped peaks of Tianshan.

"Since the Grand Master wishes to quell the rebellion in Bozhou, let me first tell you about the martial arts world there." She tapped her pipe lightly on the edge of the copper stove. "Now, a new 'Two Sects and One Association' has emerged in the martial arts world of Bozhou. Their prominence has even surpassed that of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Five Poisons Sect, which have been entrenched for a hundred years."

Shi Feiyang was playing with the tassel of the Heavenly Frost Blade at his waist when he heard this. He looked up and smiled, his eyes clear and cold like a deep pool: "I would like to hear the details."

Blood Rakshasa's expression turned solemn: "The Crimson Robe Sect uses blood as a sacrifice, the White Bone Sect manipulates corpses for treacherous purposes, and the Healing Society specializes in assassinations. These three forces have eyes and ears all over the world; no one in the martial world dares to utter a single word about them..."

She paused, pointing her pipe at the half-burnt candle on the table, "Just like this candle flame, it can be extinguished in an instant."

Shi Feiyang raised an eyebrow slightly, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound: "How is this any different from the actions of bandits who occupy mountains as kings?"

He suddenly sneered, his voice like shattering ice, "It reminds me of the fate of the Nine Banners Gang."

Blood Rakshasa was secretly alarmed as she watched the fleeting killing intent in the boy's eyes.

She lowered her head to pack a cigarette, but said, "Compared to the Five Poisons Sect a hundred years ago, this 'two sects and one association' is nothing but a firefly's light. However, now that the Five Poisons Sect has been humiliated several times by its leader, although Lan Xiaodie has the intention to do good, the sect has also fallen apart."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang stood up, pacing back and forth, his black cloak sweeping across the snow on the ground: "Where is the White Bone Sect's headquarters?"

"This..." Blood Rakshasa shook her head and smiled bitterly, "It's a secret of the sect, and outsiders can hardly know it. However, the followers all have white bone skulls embroidered on their clothes, and the larger the skull, the higher their status. As for the two altar masters, Wind and Thunder Palm Li Ziqian and Drifting Guest Li Qi, they have been to the southern border of Tianshan. I met them once, and they are not vicious villains."

Shi Feiyang stopped and turned around, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "I would like to trouble Senior Lu and Senior Xue to go ahead and inform the Black and White Impermanence that the Xiong Ying Society will help the court quell the rebellion. If they are sensible, they should join us in this righteous cause."

Lu Wending stroked his beard and laughed: "The Grand Master is thinking too simply. Do you think these Jianghu forces will give in so easily?"

Shi Feiyang's lips curled into a sinister smile: "This is merely a matter of courtesy before resorting to force. Along the way, the Xiong Ying Society has killed over half a million villains with my blade." He reached out and pressed his hand against the Heavenly Frost Blade, the dragon pattern on the scabbard seemingly coming to life in the candlelight. "Add another million heads, and this martial world will finally be at peace."

After saying this, he turned and left, the gust of wind from his robes extinguishing the candlelight on the table.

In the darkness, only Lu Wending and Blood Rakshasa remained, staring at each other, with Shi Feiyang's bold words that could cleave the night still echoing in their ears.

As the snowy night deepened, Shi Feiyang summoned Shi Xiong and Xie Wen, instructing Shi Xiong to take good care of Guo Xiangyu before flying away with Xie Wen.

The two of them used their unparalleled lightness skills to fly away from the Helan Mountains.

Shi Feiyang's "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles" shattered the jade pendant, while Xie Wen's "Flying Catkins and Light Smoke Skill" stirred up a thin mist.

The cold night was as dark as ink. Shi Feiyang was surrounded by a pale white jade-colored vortex formed by the Mingyu Gong, which kept the fierce wind at bay.

His robes fluttered, and with a light step, he treaded through the clouds as if walking on flat ground. Gazing towards the south of the Yangtze River, his eyes reflected the twinkling lights.

Qi Meizhen's smile appeared in my mind. Are the banners of the canal gang still fluttering on the canal?
As he chanted this, his palm energy burst forth, and his figure transformed into a shooting star, plummeting straight down into the walls of Suzhou.

At three-quarters past dawn, the morning mist had not yet dissipated. Shi Feiyang and Xie Wen walked side by side through the bluestone streets, with snowflakes falling softly from the eaves. Suddenly, a clear voice called out from behind: "Hey!" This voice, like a nightingale's song, abruptly pulled Shi Feiyang back to reality from his reverie of Qi Meizhen holding her young child.

As he turned, his dark cloak billowed up a wisp of snow mist. Standing three zhang away was a girl in plain clothes, her moon-white silk skirt embroidered with silver-threaded plum blossoms, and a jade hairpin in her hair that shone with a warm glow, just like a white plum blossom blooming in the deep snow, exuding a cold and aloof aura.

The girl's clear, autumn-water-like eyes widened suddenly, her cherry lips parted slightly, and a gasp caught in her throat—she never expected to encounter such a person in this misty, cold alley.

Shi Feiyang had beautiful features, and his skin, nourished by the Mingyu Gong, was fair and rosy, with a warm and jade-like luster, yet his expression was as cold as ice.

He glanced at the girl indifferently, and was about to turn away when a patch of snow was swept off his sleeve.

This unintentional action made the girl's heart tremble, whether she was amazed by his unparalleled charm or annoyed by his indifference.

"Wait!" The girl suddenly took half a step forward, her skirt sweeping across the snow and leaving a winding trail.

Her already aloof face grew even more frosty, but a hint of panic lurked in her eyes. "I have something to ask you!"

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back, his body circulating with internal energy, shaking the drifting snowflakes into dust: "Since you know to ask for directions, why do you put on such an arrogant attitude?" His voice was clear and melodious, each word like an ice bead falling to the ground, "If this were the martial world, you would have already taken three of my moves."

The girl's cheeks suddenly flushed red, whether from shame or anger, it was hard to tell: "How...how do you know I don't know martial arts?" As she spoke, a crystal-clear jade sword suddenly slid out from her sleeve, its blade shimmering with a strange blue light. It was none other than the "Cold Jade Sword," a long-lost treasure of the Kunlun Sect.

The sword trembled slightly, causing the surrounding temperature to drop sharply, and the snow on Shi Feiyang's shoulder instantly condensed into ice crystals.

(End of this chapter)