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

Chapter 295. Grudges Gather Before Flying Tiger Pass, a Life-or-Death Alliance Formed in the Mingyu Skill.
At the critical moment, a clear, bell-like shout rang out from the cliff top: "Demon, cease your arrogance!"

Yu Xuzi landed gracefully, his feet resting on the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) positions, the golden cloud patterns on his Taoist robe swirling in the moonlight.

He lightly swung his longsword, and the airflow generated by his "Tai Chi Dividing Light and Dust-Sweeping Skill" was like a dragon's tail, shaking off all the poison needles.

The Seven Swords Formation of Wudang followed closely behind, with seven longswords intertwining to form the Big Dipper constellation. Amidst the crisscrossing sword energy, the horde of blood corpses let out a series of mournful howls.

Yun Wuyue staggered and flew backward, her red clothes fluttering in the shockwave, her eyes flashing with a mixture of hatred and envy.

The Blood Rakshasa suddenly burst from the shadows, its crimson claws clashing with Jade House's longsword, sending sparks flying. "Chief, catch!"

Liao Pei used his Tongbei Fist to smash the blood corpse and threw a jar of strong liquor over.

Shi Feiyang understood, and with his Heavenly Frost Blade dipped in wine, he unleashed a move called "Drunkenly Picking Up the Lamp," the blade flashing amidst raging flames, burning the five blood corpses to ashes.

Seeing the situation reverse, Yun Wuyue's eyebrows furrowed, and she let out a sharp whistle like tearing silk.

In an instant, the menacing, blood-soaked corpses seemed to have their souls ripped away, retreating into the dark abyss below the cliff.

She glared at Shi Feiyang with hatred, her eyes seemingly spitting fire: "You're lucky today. Next time we meet, you'll know what happens when you offend me!"

Before she finished speaking, she vanished into the thick fog in a flash, leaving only a faint, cold laugh echoing in the air.

Shi Feiyang was extremely anxious and, disregarding the pursuit, immediately devoted all his attention to treating Su Qinghan.

The icy blue true energy in his palm flowed like a gentle stream, continuously pouring into Su Qinghan's body, engaging in a fierce battle with the evil Gu poison.

Two completely different forces collided within Su Qinghan's body, red and blue intertwining, as if it were a thrilling life-or-death battle.

Finally, with a crisp, light sound, the red silk that coiled around Su Qinghan's neck like a venomous snake snapped.

The Emei heroine slowly opened her beautiful eyes, still gazing at them with lingering confusion: "Thank you so much, Hero Shi, for saving my life."

Her voice was weak, but filled with deep gratitude.

Shi Feiyang let out a long sigh of relief, his tense nerves finally relaxing. He subconsciously turned his head to look for that familiar figure, only to see that Guo Xiangyu's white clothes were already stained red with blood, like a white plum blossom blooming in a pool of blood.

However, a radiant smile graced her face, a smile gentler than the warm spring sun and brighter than the stars in the night sky: "My husband, I knew it! As long as we're together, there's no obstacle we can't overcome!"

Shi Feiyang felt a pang of pain in his heart and quickly stepped forward to embrace her tightly.

He could feel her body trembling and smell the pungent odor of blood on her. "Silly girl," he choked, his voice filled with tenderness and guilt, "don't take such risks again. If anything happens to you, how can I live on alone?"

Guo Xiangyu buried her face in his chest, listening to his familiar and strong heartbeat, and sighed happily, "As long as I'm by your side, I'm not afraid of any danger. You are my sky, my earth, my entire world."

She looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with affection, "Promise me, no matter what happens in the future, you won't face it alone, okay?"

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and gently kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes: "Okay, I promise you. From now on, we'll walk this path together."

At this moment, the mist on the cliff edge gradually dissipated, and the east began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

The first rays of dawn pierced the darkness, shining upon the couple who had survived life and death, bathing them in a golden glow.

In the distance, the mountains appear and disappear in the morning light, witnessing this unforgettable romance in the martial arts world.

Dusk stained Feihu Pass blood-red, and the battle flags on the city walls were tattered like summoning banners amidst the smoke of battle. Shi Feiyang stepped over the scorched earth, his boot crushing half a rusted arrowhead, and his icy blue true energy flowed in his palm, dispelling all the remaining poison in the surrounding area.

He turned to look at Liao Pei, his black cloak fluttering in the wind: "Elder Liao, the sword formation of the Seven Heroes of Wudang and Lady Su is complete. The city is ablaze on three sides, which is the perfect opportunity to defeat the enemy."

Guo Xiangyu gripped the Mandarin Duck Swords tightly, the silver bells on the scabbards trembling slightly: "I will go with my husband!" Shi Xiong drew his white rainbow sword, his eyes burning with excitement. Xie Wen's eagle eyes flashed like lightning as he silently gripped his steel claws on his wrist.

Liao Pei clasped his hands in a salute, his powerful fist striking the ground, sending pebbles flying: "Rest assured, Grand Master, the disciples of the Xiong Ying Society will make these rebels know what the righteous path is!"

Deep within Feihu Pass, the bronze mirror in the secret chamber shattered amidst the flames of war, its fragments reflecting Yun Wuyue's deathly pale face. She clutched half a scroll of the *Miao Frontier Secret Manual* tightly to her chest; the peacock feather was broken, and the scattered poisoned needles gleamed dark red in the firelight, like congealed blood. Hearing footsteps, she turned her head with difficulty, the silver ornaments in her hair jingling with each violent cough: "Shi Feiyang, you've finally come."

Shi Feiyang sheathed his Heavenly Frost Blade, and icy blue true energy condensed into a flowing shield of light in his palm: "Let go of your obsession. The Yun family tragedy was a frame-up by treacherous officials, and the imperial court has dispatched eight provincial inspectors to thoroughly investigate."

"A thorough investigation?" Yun Wuyue suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, black blood dripping from the corner of her mouth onto the secret manual, spreading out grotesque patterns. "My father was killed by having his heart ripped out, my mother didn't even have a complete body when she threw herself into the well, and my three-year-old brother was devoured by wild dogs. Can these things be investigated and recovered?"

She staggered towards the shards of the bronze mirror, her fingertips cut and bleeding profusely. "You say you have the world in your heart, but has the world ever given me a place to stay?" Before she finished speaking, a muffled rumble suddenly came from underground.

Yang Yinglong's rebel henchmen detonated gunpowder, causing the secret chamber to shake violently.

Shi Feiyang roared and activated the Mingyu Gong at full power, transforming his icy blue true energy into a dome-like shield.

Rocks rained down, and Yun Wuyue swayed precariously in the shockwave. Shi Feiyang reached out and pulled her under his shield.

As the smoke and dust dissipated, Yun Wuyue suddenly broke free, her scarlet skirt sweeping past the poisoned needles scattered on the ground: "Don't pretend!" As she disappeared at the end of the passage, a fragment of peacock feather pierced the air, leaving a dark blue mark on the stone wall.

Xie Wen raised his steel claws slightly, Shi Xiong's white rainbow sword was already pointing forward, and Guo Xiangyu's mandarin duck knives flashed coldly: "Let me go after her! This witch." Shi Feiyang reached out to stop him, the icy blue true energy in his palm gradually subsided: "No. Although Yun Wuyue is obsessed, she has not tried to kill me."

He looked in the direction where Yun Wuyue had disappeared, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "Sparing her life might offer a chance for things to turn around."

Guo Xiangyu suddenly grabbed his wrist, her silver bells jingling urgently: "You...you didn't just do this because she's pretty, did you?"

Her voice trembled, and tears welled in her starry eyes. Xie Wen and Shi Xiong hurriedly turned their heads, but couldn't help shaking their shoulders.

Shi Feiyang was both amused and exasperated. He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Nonsense! In my heart, no woman in the world is more beautiful than you." His voice was gentle yet firm, and his icy blue true energy quietly enveloped her slightly chilled fingertips. "Once the war is quelled, I will take you to Liaodong to see the mountains and fields covered with forget-me-nots."

Outside the city, shouts of battle echoed like crashing waves. Liao Pei's Tongbei Fist caused the blue bricks of the city wall to crumble and fall. The Seven Swords of Wudang sang a clear and melodious tune, transforming into seven silver rainbows that pierced the night sky. Su Qinghan unleashed her Emei Sword Technique, and thousands of sword shadows condensed into a golden lotus platform, forcing the rebel army to retreat repeatedly.

Shi Feiyang gripped Guo Xiangyu's hand tightly. As the Heavenly Frost Blade was drawn, its cold light intensified, and the icy blue true energy surrounding the blade dimmed the surrounding firelight, making it seem as if a cold moon had descended to earth: "Xiangyu, you, Xie Wen, and Shi Xiong should take refuge here for now. To protect my Xiong Ying Hui'erlang, today I will let these rebels at Feihu Pass witness the extreme cold power of the Mingyu Skill!"

Guo Xiangyu's starry eyes sparkled as she slipped a jasmine-scented pill into his palm, her fingertips trembling slightly. "Husband, be careful in all things. If anything unusual happens, I'll use this silver bell..."

With a slight flick of her wrist, the silver bell on the scabbard rang out with a clear, melodious sound. "Even if it costs me my life, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you!"

Xie Wen's eagle eyes flashed like lightning as he silently gripped his steel claws on his wrists, their cold gleam flickering in the night. Shi Xiong gripped the White Rainbow Sword tightly, the young man's chest heaving violently, his eyes filled with eager anticipation: "Rest assured, Grand Master! I will protect the Lady!"

Shi Feiyang let out a long howl, and his figure transformed into a green shadow as he darted out of the secret chamber.

The moment he stepped onto the city wall, Ming Yu Gong had already reached the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison" realm. Wherever the chilling sword energy passed, the rebel soldiers were instantly frozen into ice sculptures, their terrified faces still frozen in the ice crystals.

Shi Feiyang's palms flew, unleashing the "Evil Blood Calamity" technique of the Sacred Heart Manual. Blood patterns surged in his palms like living things, drawing upon the blood of countless enemies with his own. In an instant, wails erupted from the city walls. Over ten thousand rebel soldiers trembled violently, black blood seeping from their seven orifices. In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, their shriveled corpses, like drained sacks, twisted into bizarre shapes, rustling in the cold wind, telling tales of the capriciousness of fate.

Guo Xiangyu and the others burst out of the secret chamber, their bamboo swords flashing like twin lotus blossoms, and the iron chains locking the city gate snapped in an instant. Liao Pei's Tongbei Fist was powerful and fierce, shattering the rebels' shields with every strike; Lie Quan's Qiankun Blade unleashed a golden curtain of blades, cutting down any enemies who tried to stop him; Wu Zhong's Iron Palm flew, smashing enemy soldiers to pieces with the force of an iron palm splitting a monument; Xiao Lingling's Mandarin Duck Blades and Su Qinghan's Qingming Sword complemented each other, spraying blood wherever they went.

The flames of war at Feihu Pass were finally extinguished, and the tattered rebel banner on the city wall crashed to the ground, raising a cloud of dust, just as if marking the end of a dark reign. The city gates swung open, and the heroes of the Xiong Ying Society poured into the city.

On the streets, doors and windows that were previously closed were opened one after another. People carried lanterns, their eyes filled with tears, and offered the last of their food and water to the heroes who brought them hope.

Some knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly in gratitude; others held the heroes' hands, too moved to speak. The disciples of the Xiong Ying Society distributed the captured grain and fodder to the people, and for a time, the sounds of weeping, laughter, and gratitude mingled together in the city.

Shi Feiyang took out a variety of items from the deerskin pouch at his waist. The oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar gleamed faintly in the moonlight. He said loudly, "Shi Xiong, quickly order the kitchen to prepare wine and meat! Tonight, except for Xie Wen who is on duty, all the other brothers shall drink to our hearts' content! This peace is hard-won, so let's drink until we're completely drunk!"

Shi Xiong accepted the order and left. Soon after, wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, and the aroma of roasted meat and wine mingled with the joyful laughter of the people.

Bonfires were lit along the streets, and the disciples of the Xiong Ying Society sat around them with the common people. Some played the erhu, while others sang folk songs, their voices drifting through the night sky. As night deepened, Shi Feiyang strolled through the city with Guo Xiangyu in his arms.

Her white dress was still stained with blood, but her smile was brighter than the peach blossoms in spring: "Feiyang, look at that house, the red silk is still hanging on the eaves." Shi Feiyang followed her gaze and saw that on the lintel of an old house, the faded red silk was swaying gently in the wind, as if waiting for a new story.

He placed his large hand on Guo Xiangyu's cold hand, his eyes full of tenderness: "I'll have someone make arrangements later, so that Feihu Pass can also share in our joy. When the world is at peace, I will marry you in a grand and glorious ceremony with a ten-mile-long red bridal procession."

Cheers rose and fell in the distance, and people began to set off the captured fireworks, their brilliant light illuminating the night sky.

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and placed a kiss on Guo Xiangyu's hair, his icy blue true energy quietly dispelling the chill around her.

That night, the moonlight over Feihu Pass was exceptionally gentle, as if it were sending the most sincere blessings to these heroes who had quelled the chaos of the world. And this battle-hardened fortress, amidst this warmth and joy, welcomed a new life.

As the smoke of battle cleared from Feihu Pass, the setting sun painted the battle flags a gentle crimson. Shi Feiyang led Guo Xiangyu up to the arrow tower, her hair ruffled by the evening breeze, brushing against his cheek, carrying a unique scent of jasmine mingled with the smoke of gunpowder.

"Feiyang, look at this landscape." Guo Xiangyu leaned against him, gazing at the peaceful village in the distance. "After so much fighting, we can finally watch the sunset in such tranquility." Her voice was soft, filled with the relief of surviving a catastrophe.

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and placed a kiss on her hair: "Thanks to you. Whenever I'm in danger, just thinking of you gives me the courage to overcome any obstacle."

Guo Xiangyu turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and her starry eyes were filled with tenderness: "Silly boy, you are my courage. Without you, what does this world, no matter how big, mean to me?"

She tiptoed and buried her face in his chest. "Promise me, no matter what happens in the future, you will never go into danger alone again."

"Okay, I promise you." Shi Feiyang hugged her tightly, wanting to meld her into his very bones. "From now on, we will be together through life and death."

In the following days, Feihu Pass was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

The disciples of the Xiong Ying Society were busy repairing the city, and the people spontaneously sent fine wine and delicacies.

Shi Feiyang and Guo Xiangyu's new house was decorated with exceptional warmth, with red silk hanging from the eaves and twin lotus flowers symbolizing happiness displayed inside.

Late at night, Guo Xiangyu leaned against the window, the moonlight shining on her face, making her look as beautiful as a dream.

Shi Feiyang wrapped his arms around her waist from behind: "What are you thinking about?"

"I've been thinking, what have I done to deserve such treatment from you?" she said softly, her voice filled with happiness and unease. "You are a world-renowned hero, and I..."

“In my eyes, you are more precious than any treasure in the world.” Shi Feiyang turned her around and looked earnestly into her eyes. “Without you, no matter how high the fame or how great the achievement, it would all be in vain.”

Guo Xiangyu's eyes reddened, and she pressed her face against his chest: "Feiyang, I'm so scared, scared that this happiness will be too short, scared that one day I will lose you." "Silly girl," Shi Feiyang gently wiped away her tears with his fingers, "With me here, no one can separate us. When the world is at peace, we will find a secluded paradise, where the man tills the fields and the woman weaves, watching the seasons change, and growing old together."

"Really?" Guo Xiangyu looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Of course it's true." Shi Feiyang lowered his head and gently kissed her lips.

Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, perfectly blended the figures of the two lovers who had gone through life and death together.

The brothers of the Xiong Ying Society were genuinely happy to see their leader and his wife so affectionate.

Liao Pei smiled and said to Lie Quan, "With a new wife by your side, the road ahead will surely be smoother for the Grand Master."

Laughter and cheerful voices could be heard from time to time at Feihu Pass at night. Some people drank and sang under the moon, while others sat together listening to the elders tell the legendary story of Shi Feiyang and Guo Xiangyu.

In their new home, the couple embraced tightly, whispering sweet nothings to each other, the only sound in the world being their heartbeats.

A few days later, Shi Feiyang, "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen, "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong, and "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi led the Xiong Ying Heroes to scale the Dragon Cliff. Yang Yinglong even used civilians tied to the beacon tower as human shields. On a stormy night, the Xiong Ying Society launched a surprise attack using flying kites and fire.

The torrential rain was like an inverted Milky Way, and the cliff face of Panlong Cliff transformed into a giant black python in the rain.

Shi Feiyang's dark, tight-fitting clothes clung to his hunched back, and the Heavenly Frost Blade at his waist gleamed coldly, like a lurking ice dragon.

He looked up at the swaying beacon tower on the cliff top, his eyes suddenly blazing with icy flames, and his furious roar exploded like thunder: "Using women and children as shields, Yang Yinglong is truly a wolf in human skin!"

Before he finished speaking, the rock beneath his palm was cracked in a spiderweb pattern by the chilling energy of Mingyu Gong, and pebbles mixed with rainwater tumbled down. Miao Menlong knelt on one knee, drawing his bow to its fullest extent. As the bowstring vibrated, a gap of about ten feet was torn in the rain: "Chief! This humble general is willing to lead his elite warriors to brave the waves and clear a path. Even if it costs us our lives, we will pave a way for the people to survive!"

In his bronze quiver, the star-chasing arrows gleamed with a ghostly blue light, as if echoing the thunderous explosions in the sky.

Dan Zhi's hands moved swiftly like butterflies, fourteen plum blossom darts gleaming coldly between his fingers: "These scoundrels are stained with the blood of innocents, tonight they will pay for their crimes in blood!" The moment the lightning struck, the poisoned tips of the darts glowed with a ghostly blue, reflecting the vengeful fire burning in his eyes.

Xie Wen's steel claws dug deep into the rock wall, the torrential rain washing over his angular face, his eagle eyes piercing through the rain: "I'll first scout out the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, the Grand Master only needs to wait for good news!" After speaking, he moved swiftly along the slippery rock wall like a gecko, his claws scraping against the rocks and sparks flying.

Just then, a heart-wrenching cry came from the top of the cliff. Dozens of civilians were chained around the beacon tower, while Yang Yinglong, clad in black iron armor, stood in the center of the high platform, his spiked club hooking up the collar of a young child.

The rebel commander's sinister laughter boomed like thunder: "Shi Feiyang! If you want these ants to live, sever your own meridians and kneel down to beg for mercy!"

The desperate cries of the young child drifted on the wind, bringing tears to everyone's eyes.

Shi Feiyang's body was enveloped in icy blue true energy that soared into the sky, and the rain within a radius of ten feet instantly condensed into ice crystals.

He activated his Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison" level, gripped the Heavenly Frost Blade, and slashed out. Thousands of ice spikes, carrying a world-destroying force, broke through the air, but exploded three zhang away from the people. Yang Yinglong had actually driven the rebel army to form a human shield, and blood mixed with ice shards rained down.

As the night grew darker, a red figure, like a weeping red plum blossom, swept past in the torrential rain.

Yun Wuyue was soaked to the bone, her red clothes clinging to her body and outlining her graceful curves, while the peacock feather in her hand glowed with an eerie blue light.

She flung out a scroll of sheepskin map, and amidst the whistling sound of a hidden weapon, a peacock feather pierced the blue stone at Shi Feiyang's feet: "Fire Dragon Emerging from Water Map, the secret to breaking the formation lies in this map!" Before anyone could react, she had already disappeared into the depths of the rain curtain, with only the faint sound of silver bells echoing gently between the thunderclaps.

But Yun Wuyue's actions were exactly what Shi Feiyang expected, because Shi Feiyang had already spared her life several times.

Shi Feiyang took the blueprints, and the crowd gathered around him.

Shi Feiyang unfolded the blueprints, his sharp eyes reflecting the flickering lightning: "Yun Wuyue's plan is truly ingenious! Brother Miao, quickly order the craftsmen to make a hundred fire-carrying kites; Shan Zhi and Xie Wen, in seven days, lead your elite soldiers to launch a feint attack from the east and west flanks to draw enemy fire!"

He tucked the blueprints into his robes, and his Heavenly Frost Blade flashed with a chilling light: "Disciples, heed my command! In seven days, we will launch a fire attack on the enemy's formation, rescue the people from their suffering, and restore peace and order to the world!"

Inside the camp at the bottom of the cliff, Liao Pei's Tongbei Fist made the ground tremble slightly: "Our leader is in danger, how can we sit idly by!"

Lie Quan drew his Qiankun Blade, its gleam reflecting on his taut face: "I will lead my men in a fierce attack, even if it costs me my last breath."

Guo Xiangyu gripped the Mandarin Duck Swords tightly, her knuckles turning white: "I must go help Feiyang! If anything happens to him, I..."

The Seven Heroes of Wudang stood with their feet aligned with the Big Dipper, their sword formation accompanied by the sounds of wind and thunder; Su Qinghan's Azure Sword hummed, and the Emei Sect's ultimate technique, "Golden Summit Buddha Light," condensed in his palm, ready to rush up the cliff at a single command.

Everyone held their breath and stared at the Dragon Climbing Cliff through the rain. Every flash of lightning seemed to be a countdown to this thrilling final battle.

However, in order to reduce casualties, Shi Feiyang, who loved his soldiers dearly, led his troops to retreat dozens of miles from the cliffs of Longya and set up camp.

The heroes obeyed the order and prepared for the next battle. Xie Wen led some of his disciples to strengthen patrols and increase vigilance.

Shi Feiyang and his new wife Guo Xiangyu were enjoying their honeymoon.

The north wind was like a knife, turning the late autumn of Bozhou into a desolate ice field. The withered yellow grass curled up in the frost and snow, the flagpoles outside the tents creaked from the cold, and even the white breath of the patrolling disciples condensed into tiny ice crystals in mid-air.

Shi Feiyang leaned back on the soft cushions covered with thick bearskin, the Frostblade at his waist gleaming coldly, a stark contrast to the warmth of the brazier in the tent. He watched Guo Xiangyu tiptoeing to hang the warm curtain, his brows furrowing slightly, his eyes filled with tenderness yet concealing an unyielding worry. "Don't bother," he said, his voice low and hoarse, carrying the weariness of days of battle.

When he reached out and grasped Guo Xiangyu's wrist, which was red from the cold, the calluses on his palms touched the thin calluses on hers, telling a story of the hardships faced by people from all walks of life. He gently pulled her into his arms and could feel her body trembling slightly, whether from the cold or from heartache, he didn't know. "These trivial matters can be handled by the servants."

Guo Xiangyu leaned against Shi Feiyang's chest, the gold thread pattern on her brocade jacket brushing against his soft armor.

“I just want to do it myself.” She looked up, her eyelashes frosted with tiny frost, her starry eyes filled with heartache. “You’re out there fighting blood and gore, and I’m guarding this little world. I want you to have a warm home when you come back.”

Shi Feiyang's throat tightened, and he lowered his head to kiss away the white frost that had formed on her temples.

Suddenly, the third watch gong sounded outside the tent, mingling with the howling north wind, making the leather tent vibrate.

He instinctively tried to get up to check, but Guo Xiangyu immediately hugged him tightly. Her fox fur cloak wrapped around the two of them, barely blocking out some of the cold. "Xie Wen led his disciples on patrol, so there's no chance of anything going wrong." Her voice was soft and gentle, and her fingers pressed lightly on his waist. "You haven't had a proper rest for days. The way you look now, you look like a wilted eggplant."

"Xiangyu, this war is not over yet." Shi Feiyang's words were tinged with helplessness as he looked out of the tent, his gaze piercing the darkness to see the distant battlefield. He knew that as long as Yang Yinglong was not eliminated, the people could not truly live in peace, and the burden on his shoulders was as heavy as Mount Tai.

"No matter how urgent the battle is, it can't be more urgent than your health." Guo Xiangyu suddenly sat up, her breath forming a thin mist between them.

Her fingertips gently traced the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, the cool touch carrying concern. "You always say you want to protect all living beings, but who will protect you?"

Shi Feiyang sighed and buried his face in the crook of her neck.

The lingering jasmine scent in her hair mingled with the aroma of charcoal from the fireplace, swirling in the small space and managing to dispel some of the chill.

"You always think of me as the most important person in the world." Shi Feiyang's voice was muffled, with a hint of dependence that was hard to detect. "But do you know? Every time I'm in danger, just thinking of you gives me the courage to overcome all obstacles. It's just that the world is in turmoil, and as the leader of the Xiong Ying Society, I can't afford to be complacent for even a moment."

“You are my everything!” Guo Xiangyu suddenly sat up straight, the silver ornaments in her hair jingling.

Frost flakes fell from her eyelashes, and her beautiful eyes welled up with tears, reflecting the flickering candlelight in the tent. "Just now at Dragon Climbing Cliff, you rushed up there risking your life. I watched from the bottom, and I felt like my blood was freezing. You always say you want to protect all living beings, but without you, what do these living beings mean to me? Feiyang, promise me, you'll never take such risks again."

Shi Feiyang cupped Guo Xiangyu's face in his hands, his fingertips brushing across her reddened eyes and touching the ice crystals that had formed on her eyelashes.

“Okay, I promise you.” He lowered his head and bit Guo Xiangyu’s trembling lower lip, lingering on it for a while before letting go. “But you haven’t even reached the ninth level of your Hundred Victories Three Talents Saber Technique yet. Are you willing to let me go to see the King of Hell so early? When the world is at peace, we’ll find a beautiful place with clear waters and green mountains, teach the children martial arts, and watch them grow up.”

Guo Xiangyu stopped crying and started laughing. She gently punched his chest with her small fist, but he grabbed it and they intertwined their fingers.

She suddenly remembered something and took out a brocade box embroidered with gold thread from her sleeve, with a few loose threads still stuck to it.

"Oh, right, let me show you something." Guo Xiangyu opened the brocade box, inside was an exquisite silver bell, the body of which was engraved with intertwined lotus flowers, and two rubies were inlaid in the heart of the lotus flowers, which looked like dripping blood in the candlelight. "This was specially made by a craftsman from Miao territory."

She tied the silver bell around Shi Feiyang's waist, the cool bell brushing against his burning skin. "From now on, wherever you go, as soon as the bell rings, I'll know you're thinking of me." Shi Feiyang looked down at the silver bell at his waist, then at the beautiful woman's earlobes, which were slightly red from nervousness, and felt his heart and soul filled with tenderness.

He suddenly rolled over and pressed her down onto the bearskin cushion. The cold wind outside the tent flapped against the curtains, but it couldn't dispel the warmth in the room: "Xiangyu, once the war is quelled, I will definitely take you to Jiangnan. We'll build a new pleasure boat and travel around all day, never caring about the conflicts of the martial world again. Then, we'll have a few children and let them laugh and play on the boat."

"Really?" Guo Xiangyu's eyes lit up with an astonishing light. She wrapped her arms around his neck, the silver bracelets on her wrists clinking crisply. "Then I want you to pick lotus flowers for me every day, and teach me how to row a boat!"

"Whatever you want." Shi Feiyang's lips landed on her collarbone. "As long as you're happy, I'll pluck the stars from the sky for you."

His eyes were firm yet gentle, already seeing a bright future ahead.

Night deepened outside the tent, and the north wind whipped withered leaves against the tent poles. Guo Xiangyu rested her head on his shoulder, listening to his familiar heartbeat, and suddenly drew circles on his chest with her fingertips. "Feiyang," she said, "sometimes I think, 'If only I had met you sooner.'"

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" Shi Feiyang's chin brushed against the top of her head, stirring up a fine layer of frost. "If I had met you sooner, I could have spent more time with you." Her voice lowered, tinged with a sob, "I'm so afraid, afraid that happiness will be too short-lived."

Shi Feiyang rolled over and pulled her tightly into his arms. The curtains were blown up and down by the wind, enveloping the two figures in a hazy halo of light.

"Silly girl, we have a long road ahead of us." He placed a long kiss on her forehead. "From now on, I will watch every sunrise and sunset with you. I will protect this world; and I will protect you even more."

Before she finished speaking, the silver bell at her waist suddenly swayed gently, making a soft tinkling sound, without disturbing the warmth of the room.

Seven days later, at the third quarter of midnight, the air, just after the downpour had stopped, was filled with a sweet, metallic smell.

A hundred kites covered in black cloth soared into the sky from the dense forest, their sulfur-soaked linen trailing crimson flames in the night sky, like a hundred fire dragons tearing through the darkness.

Miao Menlong stood with his feet planted on the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) positions, his bow drawn to its fullest extent. The heavenly lightning wrapped around the Star Chasing Arrow echoed the lightning lurking in the clouds, and the runes at the arrow's tail shone brightly in the lightning: "May I ask the Thunder God for assistance in this battle?!"

With a roar, the arrow transformed into a bolt of purple lightning that pierced the sky and earth, precisely piercing the kite's abdomen.

In an instant, the world was engulfed in flames. Burning oil rained down like meteorites, and the beacon towers groaned under the immense strain of the inferno.

The cries of the rebel soldiers, mixed with the smell of burning flesh, soared into the sky. Some were engulfed by flames and rolled on the ground like dancing fireballs; others, in their panic, plunged off cliffs, leaving behind a series of shrill screams.

Amidst the cries of the trapped people, Shi Feiyang's icy blue true energy surged, and the shield formed by his Mingyu Gong, like a cold moon, tore through the sea of ​​fire. The Heavenly Frost Blade, imbued with the domineering aura of "Heaven and Earth Coexisting," flashed seven cold lights, and the iron chains binding the people snapped inch by inch.

"Soaring Eagle!" Xie Wen's steel claws were stained with blood as he swiftly swept across the enemy ranks like a peregrine falcon, leaving trails of blood on the throats of the rebel soldiers wherever he went.

Shan Zhi's hands moved like butterflies, his plum blossom darts aimed at the enemy's weak points. With each dart he threw, a man would fall to the ground, convulsing.

Miao Men's dragon arrows never missed their mark. The Star Chasing Arrow, trailing flames, pierced the enemy's throats, and the oil from the arrow ignited new rings of fire upon landing, completely sealing off the rebels' retreat. This place was transformed into a battlefield of carnage, with blood mixed with oil meandering among the rubble, staining the Climbing Dragon Cliff a ferocious crimson-black.

Yang Yinglong was clad in heavy black iron armor, and his spiked club was still stained with fresh human blood.

He stared at the routed army, his eyes bloodshot: "Shi Feiyang! Today it's either you or me who dies!" Before he finished speaking, his spiked club, imbued with immense force, slammed down.

Shi Feiyang sneered, circulating his Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison," the cold energy in his palm materializing and instantly freezing the spiked club into an ice sculpture. Before Yang Yinglong could react, the Heavenly Frost Blade flashed like a startled shadow, the "Heaven and Earth Coexisting" blade light flashing past, and the heads of the rebel soldiers fell like ripe melons, blood raining down and splashing scarlet flowers on the ground.

As the last rebel fell, the east began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword and looked at the survivors. His voice, carried on the morning breeze, said, "This world ultimately belongs to the people. Rest assured, everyone, from now on, no one will dare to use you as a shield!"

His shadow stretched long in the morning sun, and the bloodstains on his dark outfit shone with a dark red hue in the rosy light, like a tragic painting.

Just then, Xie Wen used his "Flying Floss and Light Smoke Technique" to rush over, his clothes still covered in the lingering smoke of gunpowder: "Chief, we have searched the entire battlefield but have not found Yang Yinglong's head. It seems that this villain has escaped!"

Shi Feiyang gazed at the distant, continuous mountain range, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "Brother Xie, I said long ago that the chaos in Bozhou is deeply rooted. Although we have thwarted its advance today, it is not the end."

He gazed at the first snowflake falling from the sky, a calm composure beneath the chill. "Yang Yinglong, well, he may run away, but he can't hide. Winter is here, let the people have a peaceful New Year. When spring comes next year, we will surely uproot this source of chaos!"

Xie Wen nodded and flew off to relay the order.

By the time they reached the Dragon Cliff, it was already snowing heavily.

Shi Feiyang handed over this strategic pass to Guo Dunyi, a Ming general who came to take it over.

Guo Dunyi pointed to Lu Yuan, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Cai Kun, the garrison commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and Xiang Laixiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and introduced them to Shi Feiyang.

Lu Yuan, Cai Kun, and Xiang Laixiang, all Jinyiwei masters who had been beaten to the point of questioning their existence by Shi Feiyang, were all filled with embarrassment.

Shi Feiyang casually clasped his hands in greeting and then led his troops to continue advancing. However, the Imperial Guards, eager to claim credit and relying on their high rank, ordered Shi Feiyang, the heroes of Xiong Ying, the Seven Heroes of Wudang, and the Emei heroine Su Qinghan to set up camp and await news.

Lü Yuan led the Embroidered Uniform Guard to continue their advance.

The setting sun seemed to ignite the sky, and the Bozhou Gorge was immersed in a pool of scarlet blood.

Lu Yuan's knuckles turned white as he gripped the Embroidered Spring Blade tightly, blood seeping into the rope binding the hilt of the blade from his palm, his eyes filled with greed for the commander's throne.

How could he possibly miss this golden opportunity to make a name for himself? "Hurry up! Taking down Yang Rusong will be the greatest achievement!"

Five hundred Imperial Guards hurried along the gravel path when suddenly they heard a mournful howl like that of an owl echoing from the depths of the valley.

Looking up, the steel centipede-like vehicle slowly crawled out, crushing the corpses. The sound of its eight iron legs crushing bones and tearing flesh echoed through the cliff face.

The bronze mechanism of the chariot shaft gleamed with a sinister blue light, and the thirty-six mechanism openings of the "Thunder and Fire Thousand Transformations" emitted a sulfurous odor, like a lurking giant python baring its fangs.

"What Embroidered Uniform Guard? They're nothing but a pile of stinking dog shit!" The traitor Yang Rusong's sunken eyes throbbed with a morbid excitement, his withered fingers digging deeply into the roulette wheel, the veins bulging like coiled venomous snakes.

(End of this chapter)