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

Chapter 286. Frosty Blade Sweeps Away Demons, Startling the Jade Palace; Cold Silk Treads Through Snow, Seeking a Strange Map.

The north wind swept through the bluestone streets, carrying snowflakes. Shi Fei's dark cloak fluttered in the wind, and his jade-like face was covered with a layer of frost.

The girl's cold jade sword shimmered with blue light, its tip trembling slightly as if about to break through the air, but it emitted a clear and melodious sound when it touched the air shield casually waved by the opponent.

"Young lady, your Kunlun 'Frosty Jade Severing Clouds' technique shows you've truly mastered some of the skills." Shi Feiyang flicked a snowflake off his shoulder, the dragon-patterned scabbard gleaming in the morning light. "But to rashly draw your sword against someone, do you think my Xiong Ying Martial Arts School is just for show?"

His words were calm, but the end of his tone carried a chilling coldness, like a knife cutting through ice.

The young woman's expression changed slightly, and as she sheathed her sword, the silver bell on her wrist jingled softly: "I am Xue Li, and I am here only to find someone."

Before the words were finished, three dark figures swooped down from the eaves like owls, their crimson chains tearing through the air, the barbs at the end of the chains gleaming with dark red rust—the infamous "Blood Soul Lock" that struck fear into the hearts of the martial world!
As Shi Feiyang spun around, his cloak billowed out like a curtain of snow. Before the Heavenly Frost Blade was even drawn, the force of his palm strike had already shattered the chains inch by inch.

Amidst the flying iron filings, Xie Wen disappeared into the alley like a wisp of smoke, heading straight for the headquarters of the Canal Gang.

Xie Wending wasn't worried about Shi Feiyang's safety at all, because he knew that Shi Feiyang's martial arts were unparalleled. Therefore, after observing from a distance for a while, he used the "Flying Willow Light Smoke Skill" and quickly merged into the air like a wisp of green smoke, flying towards the Jiangnan Canal Gang headquarters at Tiger Hill Sword Pool, where the gang leader Qi Meizhen was handling official business.

That was also the place where heroes such as "Water Dragon" Jin Liufu, "Centipede" Gongsun Ren, and "Blue-faced Beast" Yang Feng accompanied Qi Meizhen.

Xie Wen really missed his brothers Jin Liufu and the others, and he also needed to inform Qi Meizhen.

Xue Li stared in the direction Xie Wen had disappeared, her grip on her sword tightening unconsciously. Then she heard Shi Feiyang say in a deep voice, "Since we're on the same path, we should be honest. What does that Cold Jade Sword and the Kunlun 'Snow Soul Sword Technique' have to do with the person you're talking about?"

Before Xue Li could finish speaking, a sinister laugh came from the shadows.

Three dark figures approached through the snow, the one in the lead wielding a short blade that emitted a green light—the "Bone-Eating Soul-Chasing Thorn," a lost technique from the Five Poisons Sect of Miao territory.

Shi Feiyang's pupils shrank sharply, and the Heavenly Frost Blade was drawn from its sheath with a dragon's roar. The blade light was like a reversed Milky Way, instantly splitting the poisonous mist three zhang apart!

"What a brilliant move, 'Raging Seas and Surging Waves'!" The dark figure on the left chuckled, suddenly throwing out twelve bone-piercing nails from his sleeve, the nails covered with Sanskrit mantras.

Xue Liyu wielded her sword swiftly, unleashing the Kunlun "Snow Shadow Splitting Light Sword," seven sword shadows fluttering like pear blossoms, knocking down all the hidden weapons.

However, the dark figure on her right seized the opportunity to close in, its iron claw aimed straight for her back!
Shi Feiyang roared, unleashing the ultimate technique of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," "Heaven and Earth Live Together," with a swift and unexpected attack. Before the blade even arrived, the shockwave shattered the iron claws into dust. Amidst the splattering of blood, he flipped backwards onto the roof, his Heavenly Frost Blade drawing a crescent moon, ultimately cleaving the entire roof off!
Amidst the flying splinters, the three assassins had formed a three-man formation, their short blades, chains, and iron claws weaving a deadly net.

"Be careful! They are the Netherworld Guards of the White Bone Cult!" Xue Liyu's sword blazed with blue light as she unleashed the forbidden technique "Snow Soul Burning Heaven Technique".

In an instant, the area within a radius of ten feet transformed into an icy inferno, with spiderweb-like ice patterns forming on the ground.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang's sword aura suddenly changed, merging with her sword energy to form a dazzling halo.

Amidst the clash of swords and the glint of blades, the screams of the Netherworld Guards mingled with the cracking of bones, splattering blood-red plumes across the snow.

The north wind swept across the green tiles of Suzhou with snowflakes, Shi Feiyang's black cloak fluttered in the wind, and the dragon pattern on the Heavenly Frost Blade at his waist gleamed coldly in the dark clouds.

He stared at the three dark figures that were faintly visible in the shadows at the alley entrance, his voice as cold as the millennia-old ice on the top of Helan Mountain: "Does the young lady know which evil spirits these persistent ghosts are?"

Xue Li's white silk dress was lifted by the wind, and blood had seeped from the tips of her fingers that were holding the cold jade sword.

Gazing at Shi Feiyang's tall, straight back, she recalled the blood-red skull markings she had glimpsed through the inn's window yesterday, and a chill ran down her spine: "I only discovered it yesterday; they have the White Bone Cult's markings embroidered on their bodies."

Before he could finish speaking, a strange laugh like that of an owl echoed from the shadows, and three more dark figures rushed in, their powerful gusts of wind freezing the remaining snow on the ground into ice crystals. Suddenly, a layer of jade-colored light rose around Shi Feiyang, a sign that the Mingyu Gong had reached its peak.

He lightly tapped the scabbard with his fingertips, and the dragon pattern suddenly came to life: "The White Bone Sect has always been secretive, but today they dare to run wild right under the nose of my Xiong Ying Society. If you trust me, then follow me on this unorthodox path."

Xue Liyu held her sword horizontally, its blade shimmering with blue light like an inverted galaxy: "Young Master Shi, please make your move. The Kunlun Snow Shadow Sword Technique is certainly on par with the Heavenly Frost Blade!"

Before the words were finished, the dark figure on the left had already thrown out a poisoned short blade. When the green light pierced the air, it left a phosphorescent trail in the air—it was the "Bone-Corroding Heart-Piercing Thorn" that had been lost by the Five Poisons Sect of Miao territory for a long time!
Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, and swung the Heavenly Frost Blade like a raging torrent splitting the shore, which was the ultimate move of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" - "Slaying the Mortal World".

The cold light surged three zhang (approximately 10 meters) and, upon colliding with the poisoned blade, sparks flew like fireflies.

The poisoned blade grazed past Shi Feiyang's ear, instantly turning his black hair into black ash, and filling the air with a nauseating, sweet-smelling stench.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xue Li spun around and closed in on the enemy on the right. Her jade sword drew out seven illusory images of winter plum blossoms, which was the "Winter Plum Blossoms" from the Kunlun "Snow Shadow Sword Technique".

Before the sword tip even arrived, it had already struck the opponent's seven vital acupoints, including "Shanzhong" and "Shenque".

The man grinned maliciously, the barbs on his iron claws gleaming with a dark light; they were none other than the "Netherworld Ghost Claws" of the White Bone Sect's Netherworld Guards!
The jade sword clashed with the iron claw, and the sparks that erupted fell like drops of blood. Xue Li used the force to fly backward, spinning in the air and leaving two icy trails. When she landed, her toes barely touched the ground, leaving no trace on the snow.

"What superb lightness skill!" Shi Feiyang exclaimed, suddenly feeling a strong gust of wind behind him.

The dark figure in the middle swung out a crimson chain, the three-edged barbs whistling as they tore through the air, aiming straight for his waist and abdomen.

Shi Feiyang used his superb lightness skill, "Concealing One's Name and Body," and his black cloak transformed into a blur in the wind and snow, instantly circling behind the enemy.

The Heavenly Frost Blade slashed out with the momentum of the "Heaven and Earth in Silence" move from the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. Before the blade even arrived, the sharp blade energy had already torn the opponent's clothes, revealing the hideous white bone tattoo on his back. The black figure screamed in agony as the chains swept back.

Shi Feiyang dodged to the side, his blade flashing like lightning, slicing a half-foot-long wound on the opponent's shoulder and neck.

In the instant blood splattered, the Snow Jade Sword pierced through from the side, its "Snow Shadow Chasing Soul" swordplay entangling another enemy like a ghost, the tip of the sword never leaving the opponent's throat by more than three inches. The three dark figures fought and retreated, leaving streaks of black blood on the snow, and the stench of decay in the air grew even stronger.

The north wind swept through the bluestone streets and alleys, carrying snowflakes. The cold glint of the stone blades against the frost reflected the snow, making the surroundings feel as cold as an ice cellar.

As the dark figure turned hastily, the force of the chains carved three furrows, each half a foot deep, into the ground. The mottled dark red bloodstains on the chains revealed that this weapon had drunk the blood of countless heroes of the martial world.

A sinister smile curled at the corner of Shi Feiyang's lips. His swordplay abruptly changed, unleashing the most ferocious and domineering ultimate move of the "Hundred Victories Sword Technique," "Heaven and Earth Live Together." In an instant, the sword light surged ten zhang in size, like a monstrous wave cascading down from the heavens, accompanied by a piercing explosion in the air. Under this powerful sword force, the chains crumbled inch by inch like rotten wood, and the flying iron filings, accompanied by sharp whistling sounds, scattered like countless flying knives.

The shadowy figure couldn't dodge in time; a sharp, severed chain, like a venomous snake, slashed across his cheek, instantly drawing blood and staining half his face crimson. He let out a beast-like roar, pulled a black bamboo tube from his robes, and threw it to the ground with a savage grin: "Since you want to die, then go to the Yellow Springs!"

"Be careful! It's the White Bone Cult's 'Netherworld Poison Mist Nails'!" Shi Feiyang's expression changed drastically. He wrapped his long arm around Xue Li's soft waist and pulled her into his embrace.

He lightly touched the ground with his toes and used his superb lightness skill, "After accomplishing his task, he brushed off his clothes and left," his figure retreating rapidly like a ghost.

As soon as the two left the spot, a deafening roar shook the ground violently, and purplish-black smoke billowed up like a ferocious beast, with countless tiny poison needles hidden within the smoke pouring out like a torrential rain.

Shi Feiyang activated his Mingyu Gong to its fullest extent, his body radiating a warm, jade-colored light. His black cloak billowed like a giant sail, transforming into an indestructible barrier of true energy. The poison needles struck the barrier, producing a dense series of clanging sounds, like a sudden downpour striking a bronze bell, yet they could not penetrate it even slightly.

As the poisonous fog dissipated slightly, a cold glint flashed in Shi Feiyang's eyes. He touched the ground with his toes and charged towards the dark figure like an arrow released from a bow.

The Frostblade in his hand transformed into a dazzling white rainbow, aiming straight for his opponent's throat.

In a panic, the shadowy figure raised its claws to block, but a crisp "crack" was heard. Shi Feiyang's blade easily severed its arm, and blood gushed into the air like a fountain, drawing a scarlet arc in the sky.

The shadowy figure screamed and staggered backward. The Snow Jade Sword, flashing like a cold star, swiftly thrust out from the side, piercing the figure's chest with pinpoint accuracy. The shadowy figure's eyes widened, and a hoarse "hoarse" sound escaped its throat as it slowly collapsed into a pool of blood. The blood quickly soaked into the white snow, staining the ground with grotesque patterns.

Upon seeing this, the remaining two figures exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with fear, and turned to flee.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly, channeling his powerful inner force into the Heavenly Frost Blade, and unleashed a sharp blade of energy.

The blade energy, like a white ribbon, instantly pierced through the back of a dark figure. The man screamed and collapsed to the ground, twitching a few times before losing consciousness.

Another figure in the shadows, terrified, sprinted away, only to see the Snow Jade Sword fly from his hand, tracing a dark blue arc in the air before precisely embedding itself in his shoulder blade. The force of the impact sent him crashing into the wall, the jade sword deeply embedded, pinning him firmly in place, unable to move.

After the fighting, the streets and alleys were in a mess.

Limbs and severed arms were scattered everywhere, the white snow was stained dark red with blood, and the air was filled with a strong smell of blood and decay.

Shi Feiyang slowly sheathed his sword, blood still dripping from the dragon-patterned scabbard, blooming like red plum blossoms on the snow.

He turned to look at Xue Li and saw that her disheveled hair only added to her heroic spirit. He couldn't help but praise, "Your Kunlun sword technique is truly superb and has broadened my horizons."

Xue Li's cheeks flushed slightly as she bowed and curtsied, her legs still trembling slightly beneath her white silk skirt. "If it weren't for your help, young master, I fear I would be dead today. I will never forget your great kindness."

Shi Feiyang flicked away the poisoned needle embedded in his shoulder, his gaze sharp as lightning, and landed on the jade sword in Xue Li's hand: "In your Kunlun swordsmanship, there is a hint of the Western Regions' 'Ice Soul Cold Technique.' Such a subtle fusion is something that ordinary Kunlun disciples could not achieve."

Xue Li's delicate body trembled violently. She looked up at Shi Feiyang, her eyes filled with shock and panic.

She bit her lower lip and said with a wry smile, "Young master has a good eye. To tell you the truth, I was originally a disowned disciple of the Kunlun Sect. I was adopted by the white-haired old woman in the snow cave of Tianshan Mountain when I was young. What I have learned is nothing but unorthodox and unorthodox methods, which are hardly worthy of being called elegant."

Before the words were finished, a melodious Qiang flute sound suddenly broke through the air in the distance, the tune was plaintive and sorrowful, with a touch of eeriness and sadness.

Xue Li's face turned deathly pale instantly, and her jade sword involuntarily emitted a soft hum, sensing the approach of some kind of danger.

A north wind swept snowflakes across the green tiles, Shi Feiyang's dark cloak fluttered in the wind, and a pale golden vortex swirled in his palm, evaporating the snow within a three-foot radius into white mist. He glanced sideways at Xue Li's pale face, his icy voice carrying a hint of authority: "Does the young lady know that the Xiong Ying Society only saves those who are honest? If you continue to hide anything, don't blame me for standing idly by."

Xue Li gripped the sword hilt tightly with her slender hand, the blue light of the jade sword reflecting in her eyes, making them glisten with tears.

Suddenly, she pressed the sword tip against her heart, her snow-white skirt billowing like a butterfly in the wind: "My name is indeed Xue Li! This journey south is solely to find the 'Kunlun Jade Void Map,' which can command the thirty-six caves of the Western Regions. The 'Three Envoys of the Netherworld' of the White Bone Sect covet the key to the map and intend to use my Blood Sacrifice Flag to pave their way!"

Before she could finish speaking, she coughed lightly, and crimson blood splattered onto the sword, turning into ice crystals that fell down in a flurry.

Suddenly, the sound of tiles shattering came from the eaves, and three dark figures swooped down like owls.

The leader, clad in black iron scale armor, had three scarlet eyes on his mask that swirled eerily in the morning light. He slammed his spiked club heavily on the ground, instantly cracking the bluestone slabs like a spiderweb. "You treacherous, scoundrel! Shi Feiyang, my White Bone Sect and your Xiong Ying Society have always kept to ourselves. Don't seek your own death!" Shi Feiyang laughed loudly, his laughter causing the accumulated snow to fall in a flurry. The roar of his Heavenly Frost Blade echoed through the long street as it was drawn, its cold light reflecting off the rising sun. "To wage war on my Xiong Ying Society's territory is to be an enemy of all heroes! I've heard the White Bone Sect is colluding with the Bozhou rebels. Today, I'll first behead you dogs, saving me the trouble of going to Bozhou myself!"

After speaking, he lightly touched the ground with his toes and unleashed the killing move of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, "Burial of Heaven and Earth." Before the blade even arrived, a deep ravine half a zhang wide had already split open in the ground, and the wooden windows along the street shattered wherever the gale passed.

Xue Li was shocked to realize that the young man in front of her was actually the leader of the famous Xiong Ying Society. She was both surprised and ashamed.

Without a second thought, she drew seven ice lotuses with her jade sword and unleashed the Kunlun Sect's forbidden technique, the "Snow Soul Sealing Demon Formation."

In an instant, the temperature within a radius of ten feet plummeted, and frost quickly formed on the weapons of the three Netherworld Envoys.

However, with each swing of her sword, a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of her lips—this technique, which reversed the flow of internal energy, was slowly eroding her meridians.

"Step back!" Shi Feiyang shouted, turning around to block Xue Li.

The leader of the Three Envoys of the Underworld swung his spiked club with tremendous force. He parried it with his sword, and with a loud "boom," the two of them staggered back three steps as debris flew everywhere.

Shi Feiyang felt a numbness in his tiger's mouth, and the cold energy from his palm rushed straight to his heart meridian. He immediately circulated the Mingyu Gong to expel the cold energy.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xue Li threw out three Ice Soul Silver Needles, the "Binding Immortal Rope" tied to the end of the needles wrapping around the neck of a pursuer like a serpent.

But then the man let out a sinister laugh and ripped the chains off, the flesh around his neck tearing open to reveal bare white bones—a clear sign that the White Bone Sect's "Corpse Demon Technique" had reached its peak! The stench of decay assaulted her senses, making Xue Li's stomach churn, and she nearly lost her balance.

Shi Feiyang wrapped his arms around her waist and used his "Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace" light-foot technique to retreat swiftly.

He caught a glimpse of Xue Li's pale face and the blood at the corner of her mouth had turned purplish-black. He immediately channeled a wisp of Mingyu Gong true energy into her body: "Saving her life is the most important thing. We can talk about the jade map later!"

The three Netherworld Envoys pressed closer, and the leader tore open his clothes, revealing a dense mass of corpse spots on his chest that were slowly writhing.

He let out a piercing, eerie howl: "Shi Feiyang, today I'll show you the White Bone Sect's 'Ten Thousand Corpses Devouring the Heavens'!"

With that eerie howl, countless pale arms suddenly emerged from the ground, their fingernails as black as iron, their tips still clinging to rotting flesh, surging towards the two like a tidal wave. The stench of decay in the air grew even stronger, and Xue Li felt her vision blur, almost fainting.

Shi Feiyang's expression was solemn, knowing full well that the three Netherworld Envoys he was facing were no ordinary opponents. The leader tore open his clothes, revealing writhing corpse spots on his chest that seemed almost alive, and the stench emanating from his body grew increasingly intense, like a demon crawling out of the deepest hell. Before his eerie howl had even faded, pale arms that emerged from the ground surrounded him and Xue Li like a tidal wave.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly, and the Frost Blade rapidly spun in his hand, its blade gleaming with a cold light, instantly severing the approaching arm.

Severed arms lay scattered on the ground, black blood splattered everywhere, corroding black holes that emitted bluish smoke into the snow.

His figure moved like a ghost among the corpses, unleashing the exquisite killing move "Heaven and Earth in Silence" from the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique". Each strike carried the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks, and the howling wind of the blade even swept the surrounding snow into the air, mixing it with the flying bones and severed arms, creating a bloody and chaotic scene.

Xue Li forcefully gathered her inner strength, and the blue light on the jade sword flickered faintly, but she still managed to unleash the "Snow Shadow Splitting Light Sword" with all her might.

Seven sword shadows crisscrossed, attempting to cover Shi Feiyang's retreat.

However, with each thrust of her sword, she felt as if her meridians were being scorched by raging fire, her blood and qi churning within her body, and she almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

Upon seeing this, the three Netherworld Envoys let out a sinister laugh.

One of them flashed and ghost-like, circled behind Shi Feiyang, his short blade glowing with an eerie green light, aiming straight for his vital point in the back.

Shi Feiyang sensed the disturbance behind him, lightly touched the ground with his toes, and used the "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill to instantly disappear from the spot.

The short blade missed its target, but upon touching the ground, it corroded a pit about a foot deep in the bluestone street, releasing a pungent fumes.

"A mere trick!" Shi Feiyang's voice came from mid-air. The Heavenly Frost Blade, wrapped with his true energy, slashed down like a golden ribbon. It was the ultimate move "Slaying the Mortal World" from the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique".

This strike was incredibly powerful; wherever the blade's energy touched, the air emitted a piercing explosion, and a deep ravine, half a meter wide, was carved into the ground.

The Netherworld Guard wielding the short blade was unable to dodge in time and was struck by the blade's energy. He screamed in agony as his body was instantly cleaved in two, his internal organs and blood splattering all over the ground in a gruesome scene.

"You dare kill my brother!" The leader of the Three Envoys of the Underworld roared, his eyes blazing with fury. He brandished his spiked club with ferocious force, creating gusts of black, bloody wind as he swung it down at Shi Feiyang. Shi Feiyang parried with his sword, and with a deafening boom, like a thunderclap in a clear sky, the ground around them instantly cracked, and dust billowed into the air.

Shi Feiyang felt a tremendous force coming from him, and his arm went slightly numb, but he managed to withstand the blow thanks to the profound internal strength of the Mingyu Gong.

Taking advantage of the billowing smoke, Xue Li forcefully channeled her inner energy and threw out the jade sword.

The jade sword drew a dark blue arc in the air, aiming straight for the throat of another of the three Netherworld Envoys.

The man reacted extremely quickly, swinging his iron claws to knock the jade sword away.

However, the chill emanating from the jade sword instantly corroded his arm, causing his iron claws to falter.

Seizing the opportunity, Shi Feiyang moved with lightning speed, closing in instantly.

The Heavenly Frost Blade transformed into a streak of cold light, unleashing the ultimate killing move of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," "Peerless and Unrivaled."

This move contained all his skill and will; wherever the blade passed, space seemed to be torn apart, emitting a "sizzling" sound.

The leader of the three Netherworld Envoys was greatly alarmed and hurriedly brandished his spiked club to defend himself.

The knife and the stick clashed, emitting a dazzling light that blinded people.

The powerful shockwave swept up all the surrounding snow, severed limbs, and broken blades, forming a huge vortex.

Under the impact of this powerful force, the last of the three Netherworld Envoys was blasted away by the shockwave and crashed heavily into the wall on the side of the street. The wall collapsed with a roar, burying him inside.

As the light faded, Shi Feiyang was seen standing there, holding a knife in one hand, his black cloak fluttering in the wind.

The leader of the three Netherworld Envoys knelt on one knee, his spiked club broken in two, the half in his hand still trembling slightly.

A shocking wound appeared on his chest, and blood gushed out, staining the snow beneath him crimson.

"You...you actually..." His eyes were filled with resentment and fear. Before he could finish speaking, he collapsed to the ground and died.

Shi Feiyang let out a long sigh and put away the Frost Blade.

He turned to look at Xue Li and saw that her face was as pale as paper and she was about to collapse, so he quickly stepped forward to support her.

"Young lady, are you alright?" he asked with concern.

Xue Li forced a smile: "Thank you, young master... I... I can still manage."

Even so, her voice was extremely weak.

Shi Feiyang frowned slightly, rushed forward, and pulled Xue Li into his arms, channeling a wisp of Mingyu Gong true energy into her body: "Don't speak yet, regulate your breathing." At this moment, the surroundings were deathly silent, with only the howling wind carrying the stench of blood. Looking at the mess on the ground, Shi Feiyang knew that although the fierce battle had temporarily come to an end, the crisis they faced might have only just begun.

Shi Feiyang, with Xue Li's slender waist in his arms, lightly touched the eaves with his toes, his figure as swift as a fleeting shadow, displaying the supreme lightness skill of "leaving without a trace after the deed is done," leaping and bounding between the rooftops of Suzhou City. His clothes fluttered, bringing with them gusts of cold wind, and in the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the vast night.

As night deepened, a magnificent mansion loomed in the moonlight. On the vermilion gate, a pair of enormous bronze lions stood proudly, and the two characters "Shi Fu" (Stone Mansion) on the lintel were powerful and vigorous, gleaming with an ancient luster under the moonlight.

Shi Feiyang gently landed with Xue Li in his arms. With a creak, the heavy door slowly opened, and over a hundred servants and maids dressed in close-fitting clothes filed out and lined up in neat rows.

These servants were tall and straight, with sharp eyes. They looked like ordinary servants, but in reality, they were all elite disciples carefully selected by the Xiong Ying Society. The maids were graceful and beautiful, but they possessed considerable martial arts skills and were disguised female soldiers of considerable combat power within the Xiong Ying Society. The head steward quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed: "Chief, you've finally returned!" His gaze fell on Xue Li in Shi Feiyang's arms, and he paused slightly, but said nothing more.

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Arrange guest rooms and prepare hot water and healing herbs."

Having said that, he carried Xue Li and strode into the mansion. They passed through the ornately decorated porch and stepped onto the white marble steps.

Xue Li looked up and was amazed by the scene before her.

Ancient trees towered in the courtyard, and palace lanterns hanging from their branches emitted a soft glow, illuminating the entire courtyard in a dreamlike manner.

The path meanders along the sides, adorned with clusters of flowers. Despite the cold winter, the flowers of all colors bloom in profusion, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air, as if by some unknown means.

In the distance, the artificial mountains stand majestically, and the stream flows gently. A winding stone bridge spans the clear water, and the railings on both sides of the bridge are carved with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, which are lifelike.

"This...this is the Stone Mansion?" Xue Li murmured softly, her eyes filled with shock. She had grown up in the snow caves of the Tianshan Mountains since childhood, and the most magnificent scenery she had ever seen was only snow-covered mountains. She had never seen such a luxurious and magnificent mansion.

Shi Feiyang glanced down at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's just a place to stay. Miss, focus on recovering. We can talk about other things later." His voice was deep and gentle, a stark contrast to the coldness he displayed during the battle.

Xue Li's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded gently, thinking to herself, "As expected, the reputation of the leader of the Xiong Ying Society is well-deserved. Not only is his martial arts unparalleled, but his wealth is also astonishing." Just as she was thinking this, she arrived at the door of the guest room.

Shi Feiyang gently put her down and instructed the maid beside him, "Take good care of the young lady. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible."

The maidservant quickly agreed and helped Xue Li into the room.

Shi Feiyang stood in front of the door, watching Xue Li's back, his brows furrowed slightly, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

This girl has a deep connection with the Kunlun Jade Void Diagram, and the White Bone Sect is relentlessly pursuing her. It seems that the days ahead are destined to be anything but peaceful.

A north wind swept across Tiger Hill Sword Pool, carrying lingering snow. On the vermilion screen wall of the Jiangnan Canal Gang headquarters, the four gilded characters "Righteousness Reaching the Heavens" gleamed coldly in the twilight. Shi Feiyang used his "Leaving No Trace for a Thousand Miles" light footwork, lightly touching the eaves with his toes. His black cloak billowed like a sail, and in an instant, he landed in front of the three-zhang-high bluestone steps.

"Chief!" The unified shouts shook the snow, causing it to fall in a flurry.

The figures on the steps were scattered, with Qi Meizhen, who was at the head, wearing a silver fox fur coat, and her young son in her arms was chewing on the pom-pom on the tiger head hat, making a "clucking" sound.

Her features were exquisite, yet now they held a hint of frost. The Miao sword at her waist hummed slightly in the cold wind: "I heard that the White Bone Sect is making strange moves in Suzhou. Did your trip, my husband, go smoothly?"

Shi Feiyang strode up the steps, the dragon-patterned scabbard of the Heavenly Frost Blade sweeping across the railing, leaving a trail of sparks on the bluestone: "I only killed a few clowns. But have you investigated the details of that batch of 'smuggled salt' that the Canal Gang was supposed to transport before the New Year, which is supposed to be 300,000 shi of military rations?"

Before he could finish speaking, Jin Liufu, nicknamed "Water Dragon," rushed forward, his bronze wrist guards clanging loudly: "Reporting to the Grand Master! The masts of those salt ships are engraved with Western Region patterns. Last night, when they were unloading, I personally saw someone mixing black sand into the sacks!"

"Black sand?" Shi Feiyang's pupils shrank sharply, and the true energy in his palm inadvertently knocked a piece of debris off the stone lion in front of the steps. "It's likely that the Bozhou rebels colluded with the White Bone Sect, using poisonous sand to impersonate military rations! Yang Yinglong has wolfish ambitions; he's trying to cut off the imperial court's escape route in suppressing the rebellion!"

He turned to look at the vast twilight, his sharply defined features appearing as if cast in bronze under the setting sun. "Brothers," he said, "this New Year's Eve, I'm afraid we'll be spending it in blood." "Round Bucket" Lu Dechu patted his round belly, gripped his wine gourd, took a sip, and said in a muffled voice, "At the Grand Master's command, brothers will brave water and fire! Last year, during the bandit suppression in Dongting Lake, my iron fist hadn't had enough blood yet!"

Before he could finish speaking, "Bamboo Pole" Jiang Huotian gripped his forked iron pole, swirling snowflakes in the air and drawing a silver rainbow: "Fatty Lu, stop bragging! If I hadn't used my 'Silk Entangling Force' to entangle the bandit leader last time, you would have had your head split open by that woman's willow leaf knife!"

"Shut up, all of you!" Qi Meizhen snapped, and the baby in her arms suddenly burst into tears.

She soothed the child, but her fingertips gently caressed the Miao sword: "Husband, an urgent report came from the Cao Gang's spies. The Thirty-Six Caves in the Western Regions have been making frequent unusual movements recently, probably because they are after the Kunlun Jade Void Map."

No sooner had she finished speaking than "Centipede" Gongsun Ren unleashed a venomous steel claw from his sleeve, its green light making his face appear like a vengeful ghost: "To hell with the Jade Void Map! Anyone who dares to touch the Xiong Ying Society will have to get past this centipede first!"

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the surging cold mist deep within the sword pool, and suddenly burst into loud laughter.

The laughter startled the crows in the woods, their dark wings obscuring half the sky: "Good! Good, the Thirty-Six Caves of the Western Regions! Good, the White Bone Sect! I was just wondering where to find you, and you've delivered yourself right to my doorstep!"

He abruptly drew his Frostblade, its blade slicing through the stone steps. Sparks flew, and a three-zhang-long crack snaked out like a venomous snake: "Send the order: assemble the elite troops of Jiangnan within three days. This Lunar New Year, we must not only protect the people's reunion, but also make those traitors who plotted to wreak havoc on the world pay for their crimes in blood!"

As dusk settled, the lanterns at the headquarters of the Grand Canal Gang lit up one by one.

Shi Feiyang embraced his wife and children, and looking at the weapons gripped tightly by the heroes below, a surge of heroic spirit welled up in his heart.

The distant sound of firecrackers could not drown out the clear clang of weapons clashing in the cold night—this martial world was destined to be protected with blood and sweat.

The flickering candlelight cast a warm yellow glow on the new room inside the Tiger Hill Sword Pool headquarters. On the carved wooden bed, the brocade quilt embroidered with twin lotus flowers in gold thread was slightly raised. Shi Feiyang leaned against the cushions, his gaze following Qi Meizhen as she busied herself.

She shed her imposing gang leader's robes and donned a pale pink nightgown. Her long hair cascaded down, highlighting her snow-white skin and exquisite features. At this moment, she bore no resemblance to the dashing gang leader; she was clearly a gentle woman whose heart and eyes were filled with love for her husband. "Feiyang, please wait a moment; the water will be warm soon," Qi Meizhen said softly, like a spring breeze, as she occasionally dipped her hand into the tub to adjust the water temperature.

Watching her busy figure, Shi Feiyang felt an overwhelming tenderness welling up in his heart and said softly, "Meizhen, it's so good to have you by my side. All the fatigue from the journey vanished the moment I saw you."

Upon hearing this, Qi Meizhen turned around, a gentle smile playing on her lips, a smile that could melt away all the coldness in the world.

She walked to the bedside, gently took Shi Feiyang's hand, pressed her cheek against the back of his hand, and murmured, "You are out there fighting against powerful enemies, which is the hardest thing for you. All I can do is protect this home and give you a warm harbor when you return."

Once the water temperature was adjusted, Qi Meizhen carefully helped Shi Feiyang to his feet and led him to the bathtub.

She knelt down and gently removed his clothes, her eyes filled with heartache and affection.

Seeing her distressed expression, Shi Feiyang was deeply moved. He reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, saying, "With you caring for me, even being injured is nothing. As long as you and the child are safe, I will gladly endure any suffering."

After taking a bath, Qi Meizhen carefully wiped Shi Feiyang's body and changed him into clean and soft nightgown.

The two walked hand in hand to the bedside and slowly lay down.

Qi Meizhen nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, resting her head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and felt incredibly at ease.

"Feiyang, promise me that no matter what danger you encounter in the future, you must remember that I and the children are waiting for you at home. If anything happens to you, I... I really don't know what to do." Qi Meizhen's voice trembled slightly, full of worry.

Shi Feiyang held her tightly, kissed her forehead, and said firmly, "Silly girl, how could I bear to see you and the child sad? I will protect you and safeguard this world. Because of you, the peace of this world is worth protecting."

The two embraced, whispering their longing and affection in the quiet night. The candlelight dimmed, illuminating their intertwined figures, warm and sweet. Time seemed to stand still, leaving only boundless love flowing in their new home.

(End of this chapter)