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

Lan Xiaodie's martial arts skills were much stronger than before. She drew her Bilin Sword, and the blue light reflected the killing intent in her eyes: "How can my Five Poisons Sect allow jackals to rule the way!" She used the "Hundred Poisons Soul-Chasing Sword" like a snake emerging from its hole, with purple mist swirling around the tip of the sword, and the air sizzling wherever it passed.

However, Tiger Wolf Star, having cultivated the "Black Bone Asura Technique," was already immune to all poisons and actually grabbed at the sword with his bare hands.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Tang Qianji threw out the Bone-Piercing Nail. Yue Wuying's Blood Blade attacked from the side and back like a ghost. Wherever the blade's light touched, the air was stained with blood.

Lan Xiaodie spun around quickly, unleashing a move called "Poison Dragon Tail Sweep" with her Azure Phosphorus Sword, deflecting Yue Wuying's blood-red blade by half a foot.

Suddenly, he felt a chill on the back of his neck. Tang Qianji's iron claws were already upon him, and the "Three-Step Heartbreak Powder" tempered on his fingertips gleamed eerily in the moonlight.

Lan Xiaodie gritted her teeth and spun around, thrusting her sword at Hu Langxing's face with an unorthodox move. But with a clang, the nine-ringed broadsword struck the Bilin sword heavily, the recoil making her hands go numb. She never expected that Hu Langxing's martial arts had improved so much.

Tiger Wolf Star grinned maliciously: "Your little poison skills are nothing but child's play in front of me!" He turned the blade and aimed straight for her throat.

Lan Xiaodie narrowly dodged to the side, only to see Yue Wuying's blood-red blade glide past her waist and abdomen, tearing a large gash in her clothes and turning her skin bluish-purple. Tang Qianji's bone-piercing nails rained down like a storm. She swung her sword to block, but heard several "thuds" as two nails were driven into her right leg, instantly staining her skirt with blood.

Lan Xiaodie leaned against the cave wall, panting, as the purple mist on the Bilin Sword gradually thinned.

As she watched the three figures closing in, the image of Shi Feiyang protecting the people in her hallucination resurfaced in her mind.

"Am I really going to die here?" She gripped the sword hilt tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. "No! Now that I've seen through the difference between good and evil, even if I die, I'll die with honor!"

The sweet, metallic taste of blood flooded her mouth. Lan Xiaodie leaned against the stone wall, panting, watching the three figures closing in. She vaguely saw again the figure of Shi Feiyang protecting the people in her hallucination. "Could it be... that I'm really going to die here?"

She gripped the sword hilt tightly, blood seeping from under her fingernails. "No! Now that I have seen through the difference between good and evil, even if I die, I will die with honor!" The purple mist on the Azure Phosphorus Sword, though thinning, suddenly surged at this moment, making her eyes appear even more resolute.

Outside the cave, the poisonous miasma surged like a tide, as if to forever seal this battle of betrayal and perseverance within the bloody darkness.

At the critical moment, a figure broke through the air. Shi Feiyang's Heavenly Frost Blade drew out half a moon of ice, and his "Bright Jade Skill" was pushed to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison" level. Wherever the blade energy reached, Tiger Wolf Star's blade wind instantly froze.

"You audacious traitor!" Shi Feiyang's voice boomed like a bell. "You dare to attempt to split the Five Poisons Sect? Do you know your crime?" He then flashed behind Tang Qianji like a ghost, unleashing a fierce attack with his Divine Dragon Skill, and roared, "You rats from the Tang Clan, how dare you be so presumptuous here!" Tang Qianji threw out a bone-piercing nail with his backhand, and at the same time used the "Tang Family Mysterious Steps," but Shi Feiyang suddenly swooped down like an eagle, his sharp claws aimed straight at his face.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Yue Wuying turned his scimitar into a bloody light and unleashed the "Thirteen Forms of Blood Blade".

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly, and the Heavenly Frost Blade danced with thousands of blade shadows. The "Cloud-Breaking Style" move from the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" crashed down. Yue Wuying raised her blade to block, but felt a chill run down her spine. Looking down, she was shocked to see that her legs were covered in frost.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Tiger Wolf Star wildly brandished his nine-ringed broadsword, attempting to break through the encirclement.

Lan Xiaodie let out a sharp cry, and her Azure Phosphorus Sword transformed into a green snake, aiming straight for his throat. Hu Langxing hastily swung his blade to block, but with a "crack," the blade was severed in two. Shi Feiyang delivered the finishing blow, his icy blue blade energy piercing through Hu Langxing's chest. Hu Langxing's eyes widened as he slowly collapsed.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Tang Qianji turned around to escape, but Shi Feiyang reached out and grabbed at the air. The "Snow Blood Claw" divine skill stirred up a hurricane, which wrapped Tang Qianji around Shi Feiyang and slammed Tang Qianji heavily to the ground.

Shi Feiyang lifted his foot and stepped on it.

"Crack!" Tang Qianji's head shattered instantly, red and white matter splattered all over the ground, and the mutilated corpse rolled around on the ground, which was quite disgusting.

Yue Wuying exerted all her strength, aiming her curved blade straight for Shi Feiyang's back, only to see Lan Xiaodie's soft sword flash like lightning, piercing into his back.

As the dust settled, Lan Xiaodie sheathed her sword, looked at Shi Feiyang with tears of gratitude streaming down her face, and choked out, "Thank you so much, Hero Shi, for saving my life." Shi Feiyang planted the Heavenly Frost Blade into the ground and said in a deep voice, "Leader Lan, the Five Poisons Sect is currently leaderless and beset by internal and external troubles. My Heavenly Demon Sect is willing to form an alliance with the Five Poisons Sect to fight against external enemies. What does Leader Lan think?"

Lan Xiaodie gazed at Shi Feiyang, recalling the scene of him fighting against foreign enemies in her hallucination, and a thought struck her: "If you can ensure the safety of my Five Poisons Sect, I am willing to lead my followers to surrender. However..." She paused, "I have a condition."

Shi Feiyang laughed heartily: "Speak freely!"

Lan Xiaodie said with a firm gaze, "I will personally take charge of the Five Poisons Sect, and the Heavenly Demon Sect shall not interfere in the affairs of the sect."

Shi Feiyang nodded and said, "Alright! From now on, the Five Poisons Sect will be a branch of the Heavenly Demon Sect, and I will definitely protect you!"

At this moment, the morning mist gradually dissipated, and the sunlight shone on the Five Poisons Sect's headquarters, making the bloodstains on the ground particularly glaring.

The rebellion of the Five Poisons Sect was thus quelled.

Once, Lan Xiaodie swore to make Shi Feiyang pay for his crimes in blood, but now that hatred evaporated quickly like morning dew under the scorching sun, baked by her memories. "Prepare tea." She straightened her hair in front of the bronze mirror, and when her fingertips touched the snake-shaped jade bracelet left by her father, she inexplicably took it off. "Use...use the best Yunwu tea." The maid acknowledged the order and withdrew.

As Lan Xiaodie gazed at that tall and straight figure, she seemed to see again the "hero with the world in his heart" mentioned by the immortals in her illusion.

The moment their eyes met, she suddenly remembered Sun Wukong's last words in her hallucination: "Grievances are like a spider's web, the more they entangle, the more chaotic they become; justice is like a clear mirror, reflecting one's true nature." Cold sweat soaked her sleeves, and she heard her hoarse voice trembling: "Master Shi, this cup of tea is my apology..."

The mountain wind howled past, making the prayer flags outside the Sacred Gu Cave flutter loudly.

A dialogue that transcends hatred is quietly rewriting the turbulent landscape of the martial arts world.

Shi Feiyang and Xie Wen disappeared like shooting stars at the end of the mountain path. Shi Ying stood in front of the main gate of the altar, with Shi Nian in her arms babbling and her little hands restlessly tugging at the silver ornaments on her temples.

The autumn wind swept the withered petals of the datura flower across the stone steps. She gazed in the direction her husband had left, a wave of melancholy washing over her.

“Madam, a secret report from Miao territory arrived three days ago. The leader of the ‘Red Serpent Hall’ under Lan Xiaodie’s command has been exchanging letters with the traitors of Yang Yinglong’s forces.” A personal maid stepped forward, holding a lacquered box. The yellowed letters inside still carried the unique fragrance of mugwort from the southern frontier.

Shi Ying took the letter and examined it closely. The candlelight made her brows furrow, and the words "After the matter is accomplished, we will share Bozhou" at the end of the letter made her pupils shrink.

Shi Ying used to assist Yang Yinglong's troops, but after several battles with Shi Feiyang, the righteous and wicked Shi Ying was moved by Shi Feiyang's noble spirit and married him, becoming a completely righteous person.

As dusk settled, a ten-foot-long bonfire blazed in the Heavenly Demon Sect's martial arts arena. Shi Ying handed Shi Nian to her wet nurse, her delicate hands removing her phoenix hairpin, her long, flowing black hair cascading down like a waterfall. She picked up a rusty iron sword from the side of the arena, its blade stirring up the ashes of the bonfire, and loudly commanded: "Wood-element disciples, form the 'Withered Wood Rejuvenates Formation,' Metal-element disciples, form the 'Eight Trigrams Dragon-Locking Formation.' Tonight at midnight, all prepare for battle!"

The drumbeats shattered the night in Miao territory, and Shi Ying sat alone in the secret chamber of the Heavenly Demon Sect's headquarters.

The Five Poisons Sect's secret files spread out on the table were tinged blood red by the candlelight. Her hand, holding the cinnabar pen, paused for a moment before she circled "Red Serpent Hall" and "Ten Thousand Spider Palace" heavily. The "Nine Transformations of the Heavenly Demon" sword manual hanging on the wall trembled slightly in the wind, and the sword tassels brushed against the stone wall, making a soft rustling sound.

"Although Lan Xiaodie has the heart to do good, I'm afraid the jackals under her command may not be willing to lay down their butcher knives." Shi Ying whispered to the void, her fingertips lightly tracing the dragon pattern on the sword manual. "Feiyang, you are quelling the chaos at the front, but don't forget the hidden arrows behind you."

At the third quarter of midnight, three purple-flaming arrows suddenly exploded in the southwest sky, dyeing the night sky an eerie crimson-purple.

Shi Ying suddenly stood up, her Gentleman's Sword unsheathed with a dragon's roar, the dragon patterns on the blade emitting a cold light. She leaped onto the wall with her toes touching the ground, and saw billowing smoke and dust in the distance, as Yang Yinglong's remnants and the Five Poisons Sect rebels surged towards her like a tide.

Leading the group was Liu Yu, the "Red-Haired Ghost," a traitor from Yang Yinglong's "Blood Blade Sect," whose serrated blood blade gleamed with a ghostly blue poisonous light. Beside him was Li Meiniang, the "Red Serpent Fairy," the leader of the "Red Serpent Hall" of the Five Poisons Sect, with a twelve-section poisoned soft whip wrapped around her waist. Song Que, the "Thousand Spider Hands" leader of the "Ten Thousand Spider Palace," wore steel claw gloves on both hands, with foul-smelling venom dripping from his fingertips.

"Activate the 'Nine Netherworld Fire Array'!" Shi Ying gave the order, and immediately, ghostly blue flames ignited around the main altar.

As the flames flickered, they made her face appear even more stern. She held Shi Nian tightly in her arms, and with her Gentleman's Sword, she unleashed the "Seven Forms of Heavenly Demon." The sword shadows were like silver ribbons in the sky, and wherever they passed, the poisoned arrows fell to the ground, turning into pools of black water.

Liu Yu laughed wildly, brandishing his blood-red blade and unleashing the "Thirteen Forms of the Blood Blade," shouting, "Shi Ying, today is the end of your Heavenly Demon Sect!" Li Meiniang's soft whip lashed out like a serpent, aiming straight for Shi Ying's throat.

Song Que's steel claws also attacked from the flank, and the wind from the claws dug five deep grooves into the ground.

Shi Ying lightly touched the ground with her toes, and leaped into the air with Shi Nian in her arms. She took an unorthodox approach and used the move "Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens" to force the three of them back.

As the fierce battle raged, the cry of an eagle suddenly echoed in the distance. "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen appeared like a ghost, the hawk's claws gleaming coldly on his shoulder. "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong drew his bow, arrow tip crackling with lightning; "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi flicked his dart pouch, thirty-six plum blossom darts transforming into cold stars; the young page Shi Xiong gripped his white rainbow sword, following closely behind. Over a hundred disciples of the Xiong Ying Society formed a battle formation, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

Miao Menlong drew his bowstring taut, and the "Chasing Stars and Chasing the Moon Arrow" drew forth heavenly thunder, crashing into the enemy ranks.

Liu Yu swung his knife to block, but the powerful impact made his hands go numb.

Shan Zhi's plum blossom darts were designed to strike the enemy's vital points. Just as Li Meiniang's soft whip caught a dart, Shi Xiong's white rainbow sword shot out like a venomous snake, aiming straight for her lower body.

Xie Wen's Eagle Claw Kung Fu was incredibly fierce, specializing in breaking enemy joints, and screams of agony followed wherever it went. Shi Ying, seeing that reinforcements had arrived, felt much more at ease. The cold light on her Gentleman's Sword surged, and she unleashed the killing move "Heavenly Soul Summoning" from the "Nine Transformations of Heavenly Demon".

Amidst the crisscrossing sword shadows and splattering blood, disciples of the Crimson Serpent Hall and the Myriad Spider Palace fell one after another.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Liu Yu tried to break through the encirclement, but Miao Menlong shot him through the shoulder with an arrow.

He roared and brandished his blood-red blade, but Xie Wen's eagle claws locked his throat, while the gyrfalcon's claws simultaneously blinded him.

Li Meiniang's soft whip wrapped around Shan Zhi's wrist, and just as she was about to exert force, Shi Xiong's white rainbow sword pierced into her back.

Seeing his companions suffer heavy casualties, Song Que tried to escape, but Shi Ying appeared before him like a ghost. With a flash of cold light from her Gentleman's Sword, she unleashed the "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers" sword technique, slicing him into several pieces. As dawn broke, the smoke of battle gradually dissipated.

Shi Ying removed her blood-stained veil and gently stroked the crying Shi Nian in her arms: "Nian'er, don't be afraid. Mother will stay home and wait for Father to return."

The distant horizon was turning a pale white, making the corpses and undried bloodstains on the ground stand out starkly.

The rising sun, like blood, dyed the towers of the Heavenly Demon Sect's headquarters a ferocious crimson.

Shi Ying held the crying Shi Nian in her arms, looking at the mess on the ground, with undried black blood still clinging to the edges of her embroidered shoes.

Suddenly, a strange melody came from the northwest, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, piercing everyone's eardrums. In the distance, countless owls took flight from the treetops, their dark wings obscuring half the sky.

"Not good! It's the Poison Guanyin's 'Soul-Seizing Demonic Sound'!" Miao Menlong's expression changed drastically, and he had already nocked a lightning arrow with his longbow.

Before the words were finished, a moon-white silk gauze floated in from the mist. The snake-shaped jade ornament on the forehead of the "Poison Guanyin" emitted a ghostly light. Behind her, more than a hundred disciples carried the pitch-black "Ten Thousand Poison Coffin". Wherever the green liquid seeping from the cracks of the coffin passed, the grass instantly turned into charcoal.

The Thousand-Faced Scholar appeared, stepping on a carpet of decaying leaves. With a gentle wave of his folding fan, he created seven illusory figures, each bearing a different eerie smile: "Master Shi, you have quite the methods, but unfortunately, this Thunder God Rock is ultimately a burial ground." As soon as he finished speaking, the Poison Guanyin's ten fingers flew, and thousands of golden needles shot out, weaving together in the air to form the "Hundred Poison Soul-Devouring Array," their tips glowing with a ghostly blue phosphorescence.

Shi Ying handed Shi Nian to her wet nurse, and drew her Gentleman's Sword, Dragon's Roar, its dragon patterns radiating a chilling aura. "Since you're here, leave something behind before you go!" With a light tap of her toes, she unleashed "Heavenly Soul Summoning" from the "Nine Transformations of the Heavenly Demon." Her sword shadow soared like a silver dragon, deflecting the incoming golden needles. However, the needles transformed into Gu worms upon landing, baring their fangs and claws as they lunged at the disciples of the Xiong Ying Society.

With a flick of his dart pouch, Shan Zhi unleashed a series of "Plum Blossom Darts," transforming them into cold stars that aimed precisely at the vital spot of the Gu worms.

Suddenly, the illusory figures of the Thousand-Faced Scholar merged into one, and as the folding fan unfolded, it shot out thirty-six bone-piercing nails, each with a scarlet silk thread tied to its end, weaving a large net in the air. "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen's Eagle Claw Kung Fu struck fiercely, severing the silk threads one by one, while the gyrfalcon's sharp claws also tore apart two of the Thousand-Faced Scholar's illusory figures.

Upon seeing this, the Poisonous Guanyin let out a piercing shriek, ripped off the jade ornament from her neck, and the "Ten Thousand Poison Coffin" exploded with a deafening roar. Hundreds of corpse snakes, their bodies covered in golden needles, burst forth from the ground, and wherever their forked tongues spewed black mist, the stone bricks hissed and emitted white smoke.

Shi Yingjian took an unconventional approach, using the sword move "Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens" to cut the corpse snake into several pieces, but the snake blood splattered on her body caused scorch marks.

The Thousand-Faced Scholar approached with a strange laugh: "Master Shi, do you know the wonders of this 'Ten Thousand Poisons Devouring Heart Formation'?" He waved his folding fan lightly, and suddenly the scene that Shi Ying feared most appeared in the poisonous mist—Shi Feiyang lying in a pool of blood.

Shi Ying's pupils contracted sharply, and her sword strike slowed slightly as Poison Guanyin's golden needle grazed past her ear. "Don't fall for her illusion!" Miao Menlong shouted, unleashing a bolt of lightning with his "Chasing Stars and Chasing the Moon Arrow."

The Thousand-Faced Scholar hastily dodged, and the seven afterimages dispersed once more. Xie Wen seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack, his Eagle Claw technique aimed straight for his back.

The Thousand-Faced Scholar turned around and waved his fan to block, but Shi Xiong suddenly appeared from the side, wielding the White Rainbow Sword like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, and stabbed into his left shoulder.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the Poison Guanyin formed a hand seal and cast the "Nine Netherworld Poison Array".

In an instant, the world turned pitch black, with only the eerie light of the silver needles flickering like will-o'-the-wisps in the darkness.

Shi Ying took a deep breath and unleashed the ultimate killing move of the "Nine Transformations of Heavenly Demon," "Uncompromising Righteousness," with her Gentleman's Sword. The icy blue sword energy poured down like a galaxy, tearing a gap in the poisonous mist.

The Thousand-Faced Scholar, clutching his wound, laughed wildly: "Shi Ying, you think you can get away with this..." Before he could finish speaking, Miao Menlong's second lightning arrow pierced his chest. Poison Guanyin let out a shrill scream, about to unleash her trump card, the "Snake King's Decree," when suddenly a familiar whistling sound came from the sky—Shi Feiyang's Heavenly Frost Blade, carrying the chilling aura of ice, streaked across the night like a meteor.

"Poisonous Guanyin, how dare you disturb my wife and children! Today is your death day!" Shi Feiyang's voice echoed through the mountains.

His Mingyu Gong had reached the "Limitless Asura's Hell on Earth" level, and wherever he passed, poisonous mist, golden needles, and corpse snakes turned to dust. Seeing the situation was dire, Poison Guanyin tried to escape into the poisonous mist, but Shi Ying's Gentleman's Sword had already blocked her retreat.

"Let's settle our old and new grudges today!" Shi Ying's eyes were cold as she attacked at the same time as Shi Feiyang.

The Heavenly Frost Blade and the Gentleman's Sword clashed, leaving streaks of blood on the Poison Guanyin's body. With a scream, the Poison Guanyin collapsed into a pool of blood, her jade ornaments shattering into dust. This thrilling and bloody battle finally came to an end.

The first rays of dawn pierced the clouds like a sharp sword, illuminating the corpses scattered on the ground in minute detail.

The blood of the Poisonous Guanyin meandered into eerie totems on the bluestone slab, and the shattered phantom fragments of the Thousand-Faced Scholar still trembled slightly in the morning breeze.

Shi Ying watched as Shi Feiyang walked over, stepping through the mess on the ground. The icy blue true energy of the Heavenly Frost Blade in his hand had not yet dissipated, but it softened when it met her gaze. "Congratulations, Grand Master!" Miao Menlong strode forward, the quiver at his waist still dripping with blood from last night's fierce battle. As he clasped his hands in greeting, a hole bitten through by Gu worms was visible in his sleeve. "This trip to Bozhou has brought me back to my virtuous wife and young children, and also brought the Five Poisons Sect under my command. Truly, a double blessing!"

With a smile, Shan Zhi reached out and took Shi Nian from Shi Ying's arms, teasing the child's rosy cheeks with his fingertips, and praised, "Look at those sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, no wonder he is the bloodline of the Grand Master, he will surely be a figure who stirs up the winds and clouds in the martial world in the future!"

Shi Ying's smile froze slightly. Shan Zhi's unintentional words pierced her heart like a fine needle.

Looking at Shi Nian's face, which resembled Shi Feiyang's, she suddenly recalled the vague rumors circulating in the martial arts world—how could Shi Feiyang, who had dominated the martial arts world for so many years, only have one wife?
Xie Wen keenly sensed the change in atmosphere, his hawk-like eyes flashing as he declared loudly, "Now that the Five Poisons Sect has joined us, our sect's power is even greater than before. In my humble opinion, it would be better to change the name 'Heavenly Demon' to 'Heavenly Star,' taking the meaning of 'stars hanging over the plains, illuminating the martial world'!"

The gyrfalcon on his shoulder seemed to understand him, and at just the right moment let out a clear and melodious cry, flapping its wings to swirl up the fallen leaves on the ground.

The crowd roared in approval. Shi Feiyang stroked his son's soft baby hair, but his gaze fell on Shi Ying's pale face: "What does Madam think?"

Shi Ying lowered her eyes to hide the turbulent emotions within them, and when she looked up again, she had regained her composure: "What you say is absolutely right, Master Xie. The name 'Tianxing' is just right for our sect's new chapter of abandoning darkness and embracing the light."

The crowd surged towards the hall, with Shi Xiong jogging to bring over a tiger-skin chair. Shi Ying gently stroked Shi Nian's sleeping back, her voice flowing like a gentle stream: "To tell the story of the Heavenly Demon Sect's origins, we must begin with the martial world one hundred and thirty years ago..."

As she gazed at the gradually brightening sky outside the hall, her thoughts drifted back to bygone days.

"Back then, the Heavenly Demon Elder swept through the martial world with his two extraordinary skills, the Nine Dragons True Qi and the Devouring Ice Soul. On the day he founded his sect, the snow on the summit of Kunlun Mountain was stained blood-red." Her fingertips unconsciously caressed Shi Nian's swaddling clothes. "For over a hundred years afterward, the struggle with the Five Mountains Sword Sect never ceased. Forty years ago, the alliance with the Sun Moon Divine Sect broke down, and twenty years ago, there was that decisive battle with the old sect leader Ling Yangzi..."

At this point, her gaze swept over the eagle claw hook at Xie Wen's waist, "Back then, the sect acted ruthlessly and truly deserved the name 'demonic sect'."

Miao Menlong added a piece of firewood to the brazier, sparks flying as it crackled: "But now, under the leadership of the Grand Master and his wife, we have long since changed our ways!"

Shan Zhi nodded in agreement, and Shi Nian in his arms suddenly began to babble, her little hand grabbing his plum blossom dart tassel.

Shi Ying smiled slightly, the cinnabar mark between her brows shining brightly in the morning light: "Since I met Fei Yang, I have known that the distinction between good and evil lies not in sects, but in people's hearts. Although Lei Gong Yan is still the main altar, the disciples of the sect are doing the work of protecting their homes and country, and safeguarding the peace of all people under heaven."

She looked at Shi Feiyang, her gaze filled with both tenderness and determination, "The name 'Tianxing Sect' is meant to let the martial world know that the former 'demon' has transformed into a star that illuminates the human world!"

A mountain wind suddenly rose outside the hall, causing the copper bells on the eaves to ring loudly.

Shi Feiyang stood up and took Shi Ying's hand; the two smiled at each other. Morning light streamed through the carved window lattice, gilding the sword marks scattered on the floor with a layer of gold, much like the new chapter in the martial arts world they were rewriting together.

After lunch, Shi Feiyang sent "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen, pageboy Shi Xiong, "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong, and "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi back to the Xiong Ying Society disciples' camp on the banks of the Chishui River to work with the Xiong Ying Society elders and "Tongbei Fist" Liao Pei to guard the camp and prevent it from being attacked by evil figures.

As the setting sun painted Leigong Rock a honey color, Shi Feiyang stood under the eaves of the main altar, watching Xie Wen and the others disappear at the end of the mountain path.

The mountain wind swept past the stone, causing the black robe to flutter. The embroidered cloud patterns surged like living things. Suddenly, the sound of jade pendants jingling behind him was like celestial music from the heavens.

Shi Ying carried Shi Nian as she gracefully approached, the mandala patterns on her moon-white gauze dress trembling with each step, mirroring the shimmering light in her eyes. The setting sun bathed her in a golden glow, making her appear like a fairy stepping out of a painting.

Shi Feiyang took out a yellowed ancient book from the deerskin bag. The four seal characters "Five Poisons True Scripture" were faintly visible in the twilight, and the winding snake-shaped patterns on the cover seemed to be breathing out mist. "This scripture is profound and extensive," he said, his fingertips tracing the pages, his voice deep and resonant like a morning bell, "With your intelligence, you will surely be able to decipher its mysteries one day. At that time, controlling the Five Poisons Sect will be as easy as using your own limbs."

Shi Ying gazed at the ancient book that contained countless secrets, her breathing slightly rapid.

She gently raised her hand, about to take it, when Shi Feiyang took out two more white jade porcelain bottles.

As the bottle was uncorked, the elixir emitted a warm, luminous glow, like the brightest star in the sky, and wisps of exotic fragrance wafted out, causing the surrounding plants to sway gently. "This Xu Fu elixir," Shi Feiyang said solemnly, "is equivalent to a thousand years of arduous cultivation. If you and Nian'er take it, even though I am a thousand miles away, I can rest easy."

Shi Ying's fingertips trembled slightly as she took the porcelain bottle, touching the calluses on her husband's palm. Those crisscrossing scars were marks left by countless battles, yet now they warmed her heart. She looked up at Shi Feiyang, her eyes brimming with tears: "Feiyang, you have thought of everything for my son and me. I will never forget this deep affection."

Shi Nian seemed to sense her mother's emotional fluctuations, and began to babble, her chubby little hands grabbing Shi Feiyang's clothes.

Shi Feiyang smiled and picked up his son, gently kissing his rosy cheek: "Nian'er, be good, listen to your mother. When Daddy returns, I will teach you swordsmanship and take you to see all this beautiful land."

As Shi Ying gazed at the scene before her, all the resentment and jealousy in her heart vanished like morning mist.

She leaned gently on Shi Feiyang's shoulder and said softly, "I will definitely cultivate diligently, protect our child, and safeguard this land. You must take good care of yourself while you are fighting on the frontier. No matter what, this will always be your home."

The mountain wind roared like a ferocious beast across Leigong Rock, lifting Shiying's moon-white skirt. The mandala patterns swirled wildly in the wind, yet they could not sweep away the tenderness that lingered in her eyes. Shi Feiyang's dark robe fluttered in the wind, the embroidered cloud patterns seeming to break free from the fabric and dance with the flowing clouds in the sky.

She looked up at him, her eyelashes still glistening with tears of emotion, which shimmered in the setting sun.

"Feiyang, this elixir..." Shi Ying's fingertips traced the white jade porcelain bottle, her voice softer than a mountain stream, "You gave us, mother and son, the opportunity of a thousand years of arduous cultivation, have you ever thought of yourself?"

She suddenly stood on tiptoe and gently cupped Shi Feiyang's face in her hands, as if holding a rare treasure. "These calluses on my palms, each one a scar left to protect the peace of the world... it breaks my heart."

Shi Nian seemed to sense her mother's emotions and reached out to grab Shi Feiyang's clothes, babbling as she did so.

Shi Feiyang smiled and picked up the child, but then Shi Ying suddenly leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against his ear: "Do you know, since you left, I've been counting the hours of the moon every day? When I count to the hundredth, I wonder if you're also looking up at the moon right now, if you're thinking of me too..."

Her fingertips slid slowly down his eyebrows, nose, and finally stopped at his lips: "I will study this 'Five Poisons True Scripture' day and night. Not to control the Five Poisons Sect, but so that I can fight alongside you as soon as possible and no longer let you face danger alone."

As she spoke, she gently bit his lower lip, her eyes filled with grievance and longing. "If you dare to face danger alone again, I will... I will never let you touch me again!" Though her words were harsh, she blushed after saying them and buried her head in his chest.

Shi Feiyang was amused by her daughterly behavior and laughed. He tightened his arms and pulled her and the child into his embrace: "Good, good, good, my wife. From now on, I will take you and the child with me to the ends of the earth."

Shi Ying raised her head, her eyes sparkling: "Really? Your female confidantes..."

Before she could finish speaking, Shi Nian suddenly reached out and patted her cheek, making a crisp sound.

She playfully pinched her son's nose: "Nian'er, you know how to speak up for your father now?"

Then she pressed her face against Shi Feiyang's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat and whispering, "Actually, I understand that your heart can hold the whole world, so how could it only hold one person? But I'm greedy, I insist on being the softest spot in your heart..."

The mountain wind still howled, but it couldn't disperse their embracing figures. Shi Ying suddenly recalled the first time she met Shi Feiyang, when he stood proudly atop the snow-capped mountain. Now, this renowned hero, who was famous throughout the martial world, was showing her his most tender side.

She gently tugged at his sleeve, like a spoiled young girl: "If you dare to betray me, I will use this 'Five Poisons True Scripture' to refine the most poisonous love potion in the world, so that you will only think of me for all eternity..."

After a sweet two-week stay, Shi Feiyang set off for the Chishui River.

"Feiyang," Shi Ying said as she saw her husband off, gently placing Shi Nian on her lap. The child's chubby little hand was clutching the silver hairpin in her hair. "You must be careful on your journey to Chishui. Although Miss Guo is highly skilled in martial arts, the world is a dangerous place..."

"Nonsense," Shi Feiyang lightly flicked her brow with his finger, his eyes full of tenderness. "Now that I have settled you and your child here, I will protect you well. Once the rebellion is quelled, I will definitely take you to see the world."

He bent down and kissed away the milk stains on Shi Nian's forehead. The child giggled, and his saliva soaked his clothes.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated when Shi Ying stood on the edge of the cliff, holding Shi Nian in her arms, watching Shi Feiyang use "Leave No Trace for a Thousand Miles" and turn into a phantom.

The mountain wind whipped her long hair, but she was oblivious, only murmuring, "Nian'er, when Father comes back, we won't let him leave our home again." Shi Nian in her arms seemed to understand, babbling as she waved her little hand toward the sky.

As the moonlight climbed to the treetops, Shi Nian fell into a deep sleep in Shi Ying's arms. She gently stroked the child's soft cheek, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, and whispered, "Feiyang, no matter how far apart we are, our hearts will always be with you..."

The distant hooting of owls could not conceal the deep longing in her words, like the gentle moonlight on the banks of the Chishui River, traversing mountains and rivers just to illuminate the way home for her beloved.

On the banks of the Chishui River, Guo Xiangyu climbs the Waiting-for-Husband Cliff every day.

The setting sun dyed the Chishui River into flowing amber, and Guo Xiangyu once again stood on the Waiting-for-Husband Cliff.

Her embroidered shoes were covered in dust, but the twin lotus flowers embroidered on her skirt remained vibrant, just like the undying hope in her heart.

The wind swept through her cloud-like black hair, the scent of jasmine wafting with each breath, and for a fleeting moment, it overlapped with the scent of the person in her memory. Suddenly, a streak of light flashed across the sky, and her heart stopped abruptly.

That familiar figure, that unparalleled lightness skill unique to him—even across mountains and rivers, she could recognize him at a glance. "Feiyang!" she almost screamed, her toes barely touching the ground before she shot off like an arrow.

The skirt embroidered with twin lotus blossoms stirred up a cloud of dust, but it couldn't obscure the light shining in her eyes. Shi Feiyang caught the girl who rushed into his arms. The pearl on Guo Xiangyu's hairpin struck his chest, making a crisp sound, just like her frantic heartbeat at that moment.

“These days, I’ve been counting down the hours waiting for you…” She buried her face in Shi Feiyang’s chest, her voice trembling with sobs, “From sunrise to sunset, from moonrise to moonset, every moment has been agonizing.”

Guo Xiangyu looked up, tears glistening in her starry eyes, reflecting the sunset on the horizon, a breathtakingly beautiful sight. "Do you know how afraid I am? Afraid that the poisonous insects of Miao territory will bite you, afraid that the enemy's swords will wound you, even more afraid..."

Her voice suddenly choked up, "I'm afraid you've forgotten that on the banks of the Chishui River, there's a fool who longs for your return day and night." As she spoke, she suddenly bit his shoulder, the force heavy but full of grievance and longing, "Next time you leave, you must take me with you! I don't care about any danger, as long as I can be by your side, even if it means death, I'll be willing!"

As dusk deepened, the twinkling lights at the Xiong Ying Club camp resembled fallen stars.

Guo Xiangyu held Shi Feiyang's hand tightly, unwilling to let go for even a moment, leaning against him like a spoiled kitten: "After you left, I practiced the sword techniques you taught me every day. With every swing of the sword, I thought of you guiding me."

She suddenly smiled slyly, her eyes sparkling, "I even brewed some osmanthus wine especially for you, it smells wonderful. But..."

She leaned close to his ear, her breath sweet as orchids, and said, "If you want a drink, you have to let me hug you first, hug you as much as you want."

As night deepened, Guo Xiangyu nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling that she had no other desires in this life.

“Feiyang,” she murmured softly, her fingertips tracing circles on his chest, “Do you think we could stay like this forever? Sleeping in each other’s arms like this, waking to watch the sunrise, sleeping under the stars.” She looked up, searching for his gaze in the darkness. “I don’t want any status in the martial arts world, I don’t want any unparalleled martial arts skills, I just want you…”

Shi Feiyang hugged her tighter and lowered his head to kiss away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Guo Xiangyu sighed contentedly and snuggled closer into his arms, like a little animal seeking warmth.

"It's so nice..." she murmured to herself, "Being able to hold you like this, smelling your scent, even my dreams are sweet."

As she spoke, she gently kissed him on the lips, "Promise me you'll never leave me..."

The night was gentle, and the breeze along the Chishui River seemed to be blessing the couple.

Guo Xiangyu fell into a deep sleep, a happy smile on her lips, while Shi Feiyang gazed quietly at the person in his arms, his heart filled with tenderness.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and only their heartbeats and breaths remained in the world. (End of Chapter)