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

Chapter 318. Snow Locks Suzhou, Intrigue Shocks the Martial World

When Wu Zhong recounted the inside story of the Xiong Ying Society, he put down his teacup, leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, interlaced his fingers against his chin, and stared intently and sharply, like a hawk eyeing its prey.

When Xiao Lingling mentioned that Shi Feiyang seemed to have something special around his waist, Lu Bing's pupils suddenly contracted, and he sat up abruptly, oblivious to the teacups on the table being swept off his robe.

The sound of shattering porcelain rang out, but he ignored it, muttering to himself, "That Shi Feiyang..."

Suddenly, he stood up abruptly and paced back and forth in the hall, his boot heels slamming heavily on the blue bricks. His hands were behind his back, sometimes clenching into fists, sometimes loosening them, his face showing a mixture of emotions, revealing his inner excitement and calculation.

"Once I take his Qiankun bag, let's see what he can use to oppose the imperial court!" Lu Bing stopped in his tracks, turned around abruptly, and slashed his right hand fiercely at the air, as if it were Shi Feiyang's neck.

When he turned to look at Wu Zhong, a sinister smile reappeared on his face, but there was no joy in his eyes. "Now that you have surrendered, you should atone for your sins. Where are Liao Pei and Lie Quan now?"

As he spoke, he reached out and fiddled with the gilded sachet at his waist, seemingly casually, but he distorted the patterns on the sachet by pinching it.

Xiang Yushan snorted coldly and finally spoke: "Lord Lu, you have quite the arrogance. Shi Feiyang has managed to establish himself in the martial world for so long; how could he be so easily dealt with?" His tone was unfriendly, and his words were full of sarcasm.

Lu Bing paused, slowly turned his head to look at Xiang Yushan, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth, but a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

The two stared at each other for a moment, as if sparks were flying in the air. Finally, Lu Bing chuckled lightly, the smile not reaching his eyes, and beckoned to a commander. As he gave orders, he scratched the armrest of his chair with his fingernails, sending wood chips flying: "Immediately issue my order to mobilize three thousand Imperial Guards. They shall set off for Misty Peak first thing tomorrow morning!"

As everyone agreed, Lu Bing sat back down in his chair, crossed his legs, and continued to twirl the jade thumb ring. He had a confident smile on his face, but the knuckles of his fingers, gripping the ring tightly, turned white from the force, indicating that his inner peace was not as calm as it appeared.

In his eyes, this contest between the imperial court and the martial arts world was already a victory that was about to be won.

The next morning, the north wind swirled snowflakes like shattered jade, turning the Misty Peak of Taihu Lake into a vast expanse of white.

The icicles hanging upside down on the cliff face were as thick as an arm, gleaming coldly under the dark clouds. Occasionally, snow would slide down and fall into the bottomless valley, startling a few mournful cries of crows.

The armor of 30,000 Ming soldiers and 3,000 Imperial Guards gleamed coldly in the wind and snow, and their warships, lined up like black dragons, pressed down on the lake, making it creak and groan.

Lu Bing stood at the bow of the ship, the golden dragon on his python robe twisted and deformed by the cold wind.

His knuckles turned white as he gripped the jade-inlaid riding whip, and he sneered, "A mere Misty Peak dares to defy the imperial court? General Wei, once this mountain is breached, I, the commander, will certainly petition the Emperor for your reward!" Wei Xiaodao clasped his hands in salute, the clanging of his armor ringing out crisply, "I will obey Lord Lu's orders!"

Wu Zhong stood on the gunwale, his neck hunched, watching the snow-capped mountains draw ever closer, his Adam's apple bobbing incessantly.

Xiao Lingling quietly tugged at his sleeve, but he brushed it off without making a sound.

"Everyone, perk up!" the rehabilitation trainee suddenly roared. "Anyone who shrinks back or retreats will face the ruthlessness of my 'Fossil Divine Skill'!"

His palm turned bluish-gray, and with a casual slap on the side of the boat, five finger marks were left amidst flying wood chips.

As soon as the fleet docked, Imperial Guards rushed eagerly toward the mountain path.

The snow crunched under the armor, but it couldn't mask the rustling sounds coming from afar.

"Be careful, it might be a trap!" Just as Lü Yuan was about to unleash his "Frosty Palm," a scream suddenly came from ahead.

The snow beneath the feet of more than 170 Imperial Guards collapsed with a roar, revealing a deep pit filled with bamboo skewers.

Blood splattered on the white snow, staining the bamboo skewers a hideous crimson. More than a hundred corpses were piled up, like burlap sacks that had been punctured.

"You surnamed Wu!" Lu Bing lashed Wu Zhong's back with his whip, his python robe billowing as he exuded an aura of power. "Is this how you lead the way?"

Wu Zhong's knees buckled, and he knelt on the snow: "My lord, please understand! I have been guarding the front all along, but these brothers are eager to make a name for themselves..."

"Shut up!" The rehabilitation student kicked him in the chest, sending Wu Zhong flying more than ten feet like a kite with a broken string, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Xiao Lingling's face turned deathly pale, her nails digging deep into her palms, but she dared not step forward.

Just then, a whooshing sound rang out. Deep in the dense forest, a disciple of the Male Cherry Blossom Society drew his bow and nocked an arrow; the poison coated on the arrowhead gleamed eerily blue in the snowy light.

"Fire!" Miao Menlong shouted instinctively, but Lu Bing slapped him so hard he staggered: "Is it your turn to give orders?"

Before the words were even finished, a rain of arrows descended. The Imperial Guards hastily raised their shields, but they couldn't stop the poisoned, bone-piercing nails. Amidst screams, over a hundred more men collapsed, clutching their throats, black blood flowing from their seven orifices, winding into eerie patterns on the snow.

"Miao Menlong! Aren't you a master archer?" Lu Bing grabbed his collar. "Shoot up the mountain and find out what's going on!" Miao Menlong gritted his teeth and drew his feathered arrows. With the bowstring trembling, more than a hundred arrows pierced through the fog.

But the arrows fell into the forest and disappeared without a trace, like stones sinking into the sea.

The fog had thickened to an impenetrable barrier, and the Imperial Guards gripped their weapons tightly, their figures barely visible to each other.

“Stars… how come there are so many stars…” a member of the Imperial Guard suddenly muttered to himself, staggering as he reached out to grab the nothingness in the air.

His pupils dilated instantly, and his skin turned black and rotted at a visible speed. When he fell to the ground, he had become a rotting corpse covered in pus.

Lu Yuan's expression changed drastically: "Not good! There's poison in the fog! Retreat quickly..."

The only response was a deafening roar. Dozens of logs as thick as buckets crashed down from the treetops, crushing the Imperial Guards into a bloody pulp before they could dodge.

At the same time, a volley of arrows rained down like locusts, tearing through the air with a sharp whistling sound. Boulders rolled down the mountain, leaving limbs and severed bodies flying everywhere they went. More than two thousand Imperial Guards were killed or wounded in this attack; their blood mixed with brains stained the mountain path a thick, dark red.

Lu Bing wiped the blood from his face, his eyes filled with terror: "Retreat! Retreat now!"

He turned and ran with his remaining few dozen confidants, but froze at the foot of the mountain.

Wei Xiaodao's 30,000 Ming soldiers were reduced to a mere thousand. The trees were covered with corpses, each riddled with hidden weapons, resembling skewered hedgehogs. Blood dripped from the tree trunks, forming small pools on the ground.

Looking at this scene of carnage, Xiang Yushan suddenly burst into laughter: "Lu Bing! Is this what you call 'flattening Misty Peak'?"

He was very unwilling to have his position as commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard replaced by Lu Bing.

Lu Bing clenched his fist, blood seeping from between his fingers: "Shi Feiyang! I will tear you to pieces..."

The howling wind scattered his unfinished harsh words, leaving only a mess of corpses scattered on the ground, gradually cooling in the snowy night.

A biting north wind, carrying shards of ice, pierced the vermilion pillars of the Suzhou government office like countless tiny steel needles, causing the bronze bells on the eaves to shatter. Lu Bing stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the hall, the golden dragon embroidered on his robe twisted and contorted in the flickering candlelight, mirroring the turmoil in his mind. He gazed at the shattered porcelain scattered on the floor, his anger burning like flames doused in tung oil—how could the dignified Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard possibly suffer such a crushing defeat at Misty Peak? How could he swallow this insult?

"Useless! All of you are useless!" Lu Bing kicked over the table, causing dust to fall from the roof beams.

He narrowed his eyes, his chilling gaze like a poisoned dagger piercing Wu Zhong and the others. "You've followed Shi Feiyang for years, yet you can't even figure out the true strength of the main headquarters. What use are you to us?"

The roar echoed in the empty hall, startling the constables in the corner who all lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound.

Wu Zhong fell to his knees with a thud, his knees hitting the cold stone slab hard, causing him to gasp in pain.

He knew in his heart that the slightest misstep at this moment would mean utter ruin. "My lord, please forgive me!" He pressed his forehead to the ground, his voice trembling slightly, "This humble servant has followed the Stone Bandits on countless campaigns, with no fixed abode. The affairs of Misty Peak have always been managed by Elders Liao Pei and Lie Quan. We are truly..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiang Yushan slapped him hard across the face. The slap was so powerful that his head buzzed, blood instantly seeped from the corner of his mouth, and several of his teeth loosened.

Xiang Yushan looked down at Wu Zhong with disdain in his eyes: "The court doesn't support you to listen to excuses! Speak! Where else can we put Xiong Yinghui to death?"

Wu Zhong was startled by the angry shout and his mind raced as he desperately tried to grasp at any straw.

Miao Menlong stood to the side, his legs trembling slightly. He stole a glance at Lu Bing's gloomy face, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, as if he had seen a glimmer of light in the darkness.

"Tiger's Den Sword Pool!" He slapped his thigh, making the feathered arrows in his quiver buzz. "Although the Jiangnan Canal Gang is a branch of the Xiong Ying Society, its headquarters is located in a much less treacherous area than Misty Peak. If we could..."

"Good! Good! Good!" Lu Bing said "good" three times in a row, his eyes flashing with murderous intent again. He grabbed the gold-inlaid token from the table and slammed it down hard. The token struck the table with a crisp sound, like the call of death.

"Kang Sheng, listen to my command! Immediately use this token to mobilize the Ming Dynasty's navy and ensure that the Jiangnan Canal Gang is crushed within three days!" His voice was filled with unquestionable authority, as if he could already see the scene of the Xiong Ying Society's destruction.

The rehabilitation student accepted the token with both hands, and his "Fossil Divine Skill" quietly activated in his palms, leaving five deep finger marks on the golden surface.

He was secretly pleased with himself, thinking that if he could achieve this merit, his status in the Embroidered Uniform Guard would surely rise in the future.

"Rest assured, sir, I will make sure that all the members of the canal gang are turned into wronged souls at the bottom of Taihu Lake!" he said confidently, his eyes gleaming with greed.

However, Lü Yuan was not blinded by the illusion of victory.

He spoke in a sinister tone, "Wait a minute. That Shi Feiyang is cunning and treacherous; I'm afraid the Canal Gang has set up an ambush. In my humble opinion, we should send out assassins to scout ahead first." As he spoke, he observed Lu Bing's reaction out of the corner of his eye, calculating how to maximize his own interests in this struggle.

Lu Bing stroked his chin, lost in thought. After a moment, he sneered, "Lord Lü is absolutely right. Wu Zhong, since you are so familiar with the Grand Canal Gang, lead three hundred elite soldiers ahead. If anything goes wrong..."

He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over the tiger-head guillotine models hanging from everyone's waists. The cold metallic luster seemed to be stained with blood. "This commander's instrument of torture hasn't drunk human blood in a long time."

Xiao Lingling stood behind Wu Zhong, her face ashen. She gazed at her husband's resolute yet slightly weary back, her heart filled with worry and regret.

If she had known that surrendering to the imperial court would lead to this outcome, why had she done it in the first place…? She instinctively shrank behind Wu Zhong and whispered, “Husband, this is dangerous; perhaps…”

"Shut up!" Wu Zhong shook off her hand, his eyes filled with ruthlessness. "If we don't achieve military merit, how can we establish ourselves in the court?" Despite his words, he was also filled with unease, but he was unwilling to show it in front of others.

Meanwhile, a hundred miles away at Piaomiao Peak, sunlight pierced through the clouds, dispersing the mountain mist into wisps of white smoke.

Liao Pei stood by the cliff, leaning on his iron crutch, the mottled staff still stained with the blood of the Imperial Guards from the day before.

Looking at the corpses lying haphazardly along the mountain path, a surge of pride welled up within him. "This old man has followed Chief Shi through the martial world for over a decade, bearing more than a thousand scars. These lackeys of the imperial court, do they even deserve to contend with us?" He threw his head back and laughed, his laughter filled with disdain for his enemies.

Lie Quan plunged the Qiankun Blade into the snowdrift, and beads of blood that had congealed on the blade began to fall.

He untied the gourd from his waist and took a big gulp, the pungent smell of alcohol mixed with white steam as he exhaled: "The hardships they endured were just appetizers! Back in the day, when we were suppressing bandits in Liaodong, wasn't every time we faced death?"

The laughter of the two echoed through the valley, and the three thousand disciples of the Xiong Ying Society shouted in unison. The sound startled the crows in the forest, and a dark flock swept across the clear sky.

The north wind whipped up ice shards that lashed against the ship's hull. Three hundred assassins huddled in the cabin, the clanging of armor mingling with heavy breathing, creating a suffocating atmosphere in the cold air. The underworld of the Jiangnan water towns was always rife with undercurrents, with various gangs and factions deeply entrenched in their own ways.

As a rising star, the Xiong Ying Society established its prestige with "chivalry" and in just a few years, it gathered heroes from all over the world, with its branches spread all over the country.

Its headquarters were located on Piaomiao Peak in Taihu Lake, a place that was easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Jiangnan Canal Gang, as an important branch of the Xiong Ying Society, controlled the main canal transport route in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Countless merchant ships came and went, making a fortune every day. It was an important source of wealth for the Xiong Ying Society to establish itself in the Jianghu.

The Sea Sand Gang is a long-established force based along the southeastern coast, with a history spanning over a century. Its members are skilled in naval warfare and possess a fleet of thousands of well-equipped warships. Every member is an excellent swimmer and adept at using various unusual weapons.

Huang Haitian, the young leader of the Hai Sha Gang, has practiced martial arts since childhood, possessing extraordinary talent. He has mastered the ancestral "Wave-Breaking Halberd Technique," a technique of immense power that has already made him famous throughout the martial arts world. The Hai Sha Gang has always maintained a delicate relationship with the imperial court, neither actively provoking it nor allowing excessive interference, thus remaining a dominant force in the martial arts world thanks to its formidable strength. Meanwhile, the Jinyiwei, as the imperial court's henchmen, are ruthless and insidious, dedicated to eliminating dissidents for the court.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lu Bing was cunning and ruthless, and he was determined to bring the martial arts world under the control of the imperial court. This siege of the Xiong Ying Society was an operation he had carefully planned to curry favor with the court.

A biting wind whipped up ice shards that lashed against the ship's hull. Wu Zhong stood at the bow, gazing at the churning clouds stretching towards Tiger's Den and Sword Pool in the distance, a chill creeping into his heart. Beside him, Xiao Lingling clutched his sleeve, her voice trembling, "Husband, I have a feeling this trip..."

"Silence!" Xiang Yushan snorted coldly, slamming his iron palm heavily on the mast, sending splinters flying. "Dare to shake morale again, and I'll take your head first!" His gaze swept over Wu Zhong, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "Didn't Warrior Wu say that Tiger's Den Sword Pool was poorly defended? Don't disappoint Lord Lu later." Miao Menlong lowered his head to wipe his bow and arrows, cold sweat sliding down his neck and into his collar. Shan Zhi gripped the plum blossom dart at his waist tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

When the boat was about half a mile from the shore, Lü Yuan suddenly raised his hand and said, "Wait!" Everyone followed his gaze and saw that the apricot-yellow flag that was originally embroidered with the words "Xiong Ying" on the shore had been replaced with a dazzling bright yellow flag, and the words "Hai Sha" on the flag were fluttering in the wind.

The reeds on the bank were more than two people tall, their withered yellow leaves rustling in the wind, concealing the murderous intent beneath. Five thousand black-armored warriors had been lying in wait here for three whole days, their bodies cushioned by thick animal hides, which both protected them from the cold of the ground and prevented them from making any noise.

The warriors wore iron helmets with grotesque beast heads on their faces, their scarlet whiskers billowing. Their fish-scale armor, made of fine iron, gleamed coldly in the moonlight. Each plate of armor was meticulously polished, with almost no gaps where they were joined together.

The Sea Sand Gang is renowned for crafting exquisite armor, and these fish-scale armors are made by the gang's top craftsmen, offering extremely strong protection.

They had long and short weapons hanging from their waists, and their various weapons gleamed coldly in their hands.

The Sea Sand Gang excels in naval warfare, and their weapons are mostly advanced naval weapons.

Some wielded eighteen-foot spears, their tips coated with a ghostly blue venom, the shafts wrapped with coarse hemp for slip resistance—a common grappling weapon used by the Sea Sand Gang in naval battles. Others carried massive mountain-splitting axes, their broad, sharp blades covered in serrations, with scarlet strips of cloth tied to the handles, swaying gently in the breeze; these axes were incredibly powerful in boarding maneuvers. Still others carried three-pointed, double-edged knives, their blades engraved with intricate blood grooves, their backs inlaid with sharp barbs—weapons for close-quarters combat.

Every weapon speaks of its deadly power.

The warriors held their breath, remaining motionless, even controlling their breathing to a very low level.

They had barbed wire planted beneath their feet and tripwires around them, so they could launch an attack instantly once the enemy got close.

Hidden among the reeds were dozens of powerful crossbows, their bolts coated with deadly poison. Spare arrows were piled beside the crossbows, ready to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy at any moment. These crossbows were the "Wave-Breaking Crossbows," developed by the Sea Sand Gang over several years; they possessed extremely long range and astonishing power.

"What...what's going on?" Wu Zhong muttered to himself, his heart pounding suddenly. Before he could finish speaking, a grating sound of metal scraping against metal came from the reeds. Five thousand black-armored warriors appeared like ghosts, raising their weapons in perfect unison. Spears stood like a forest, giant axes gleamed in the moonlight, and three-pointed double-edged swords gleamed with an eerie red light in the firelight, like an army of demons crawling out of hell.

"Wu Zhong! How have you been?" With a loud laugh, a young man in silver armor walked across the waves, his halberd splashing water everywhere.

This man was none other than Huang Haitian, the young leader of the Haisha Gang. He stood in mid-air about ten feet in front of the ship, the tip of his halberd pointing directly at Wu Zhong's throat. "Chief Shi has long since transferred the Jiangnan Canal Gang to my Haisha Gang. This Tiger's Den Sword Pool now belongs to Huang, not Xiong Ying!"

Xiang Yushan's expression changed drastically. He instantly activated his "Wind Pillar Technique," creating a fierce wind around the ship: "You audacious madman! Do you know we are imperial envoys? If you know what's good for you, get out of the way at once, or else..."

"What else?" Huang Haitian laughed loudly, and slammed the tip of his halberd into the water.

In an instant, the surrounding water surface exploded with a deafening roar, and hundreds of fast boats burst out of the water, their gunwales densely packed with Sea Sand Gang members holding grappling hooks.

On the distant mountaintops, countless torches lit up the night sky as if it were daytime, and the "Sea Sand" banners could be faintly seen stretching for miles. The Sea Sand Gang's fast boats were specially modified, making them extremely fast, and equipped with various firearms, making them unparalleled in the martial arts world.

Lu Yuan gasped as the "Ice Palm" condensed and dissipated in his palm.

He gazed at the five thousand well-equipped and orderly ambushes on the shore and secretly calculated: These men are highly trained; with their poisoned spears and serrated giant axes alone, even with the three hundred elite soldiers behind them, they have no chance of winning.

Wu Zhong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, forcing himself to remain calm: "Young Master Huang, is there a misunderstanding? Shi Feiyang, he..."

"A misunderstanding?" Huang Haitian's halberd trembled slightly, slicing off a wisp of the approaching sail. "Chief Shi handed over ten million taels of silver to the Canal Gang, and the document also bears the handprints of two elders of the Xiong Ying Society. If Warrior Wu doesn't believe it, why don't you come ashore and take a look?"

Xiao Lingling gazed at her husband's tense profile, her heart filled with worry. She quietly grasped the pair of mandarin duck swords at her waist, but Wu Zhong stopped her with a look. Shan Zhi's hand clenched and unclenched in his sleeve, Miao Menlong's arrow was nocked, but he hesitated to release it.

“Lord Xiang, Lord Lü, this…” Wu Zhong turned to look at the two leaders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, his voice trembling slightly.

Xiang Yushan's face turned ashen, and he suddenly kicked him in the back: "Useless trash! Why aren't you ordering the ship to turn back?"

The three hundred warriors, as if granted a pardon, desperately retreated with their oars. The Sea Sand Gang, however, did not pursue them, but instead beat their war drums, the sound echoing across the land.

Huang Haitian sheathed his halberd and stood up, laughing loudly, "Go back and tell Lu Bing that although the Hai Sha Gang is a Jianghu sect, it is not a soft persimmon to be squeezed! If they ever invade my territory again, I will make sure they never return!"

On the return trip, everyone remained silent.

Xiang Yushan stared intently at the water, as if trying to etch this humiliation into his heart; Lü Yuan's face was gloomy, and he seemed to be plotting something.

Wu Zhong slumped onto the deck, staring at his trembling hands, his heart filled with regret and fear.

Once the boat docked, everyone hurried back to the Suzhou government office.

Lu Bing was pacing back and forth in the hall when he saw them return looking disheveled. He flew into a rage: "Useless idiots! You can't even handle a small-time canal gang?"

“My lord, that Tiger's Den Sword Pool…” Before Wu Zhong could finish speaking, Lu Bing grabbed the inkstone from the table and smashed it down hard. The inkstone flew past his ear and smashed into the wall, leaving a deep dent: “Shi Feiyang, that treacherous villain! How dare he use such a trick!”

He was so angry that he trembled all over. The hem of his python robe swept across the ground, knocking over a candlestick and instantly igniting the papers on the ground.

Xiang Yushan stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "My lord, please calm down. In my humble opinion, Shi Feiyang's actions were premeditated. With the loss of the Jiangnan Canal Gang, the Xiong Ying Society will surely have other plans."

Lu Yuan chimed in, "That's right. The most urgent task is to redeploy our forces and not fall for that villain's scheme again."

Lu Bing took a few deep breaths, suppressing his anger: "Send down the order to block all land and water routes and strictly inspect all ships! I refuse to believe that Shi Feiyang can sprout wings and fly away!" His eyes flashed with a fierce light, as if he could already see Shi Feiyang's doom. Little did he know that this was merely a pawn in Shi Feiyang's game, and an even greater storm awaited the court...

The atmosphere inside the council hall of the Sea Sand Gang was as heavy as lead.

Gang leader Huang Zhenyue sat upright in a tiger-skin chair, his face so gloomy it could drip water. He slammed his dragon-headed cane heavily on the ground, making a dull thud: "The imperial court has banned the canal transport, cutting off the source of our Sea Sand Gang's wealth. How can we swallow this insult!"

The young gang leader, Huang Haitian, stood aside, his halberd leaning against his shoulder, his eyes filled with resentment: "Father, I am willing to lead the elite troops and fight those imperial lackeys to the death!"

"No!" Huang Zhenyue suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing. "The imperial court is powerful; a direct confrontation would be like throwing an egg against a rock. We must plan this carefully."

At this moment, the advisor Zhuge Yi, waving his folding fan, slowly stepped forward: "Chief, in my opinion, the imperial court's ban on canal transport is intended to trap our Sea Sand Gang. We might as well do the opposite."

All eyes turned to Zhuge Yi, who smiled mysteriously and said, “Our Hai Sha Gang is skilled in naval warfare and has a thousand warships under our command. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to expand maritime trade? Nowadays, the countries of Southeast Asia have long been eager for silk, porcelain and tea from the Central Plains. We can send a fleet south to avoid the eyes and ears of the imperial court and open up new trade routes.”

Huang Zhenyue frowned slightly and pondered for a moment: "This idea is good, but the journey to Southeast Asia is long and rife with pirates, so the risks are considerable."

Zhuge Yi, confident in his plan, unfolded his folding fan and said, "Don't worry, Chief. I have already investigated and found out that there is a 'Coral Island' in the South Seas. It has a strategic location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and it can serve as a transit point for our gang. We can build docks and warehouses on the island, store goods, and train a navy to defend against pirates."

Huang Haitian was filled with excitement: "Excellent! I am willing to lead the fleet to the front and make a name for the Sand Gang in the South Seas!"

However, opening up new trade routes is no easy task.

On its first voyage south, the sea sand convoy encountered a storm, damaging several merchant ships and flooding their cargo.

Huang Haitian stared at the turbulent sea and gritted his teeth: "You think this little bit of wind and waves can stop my Sea Sand Gang? Repair the ship and keep going!"

After a brief rest, the fleet set sail again, only to be attacked by pirates once more.

The pirate ship swarmed around like a pack of wolves, and the pirates brandished their swords, letting out strange howls.

"Release the arrows!" Huang Haitian gave the order, and the disciples of the Sea Sand Gang drew their bows and nocked arrows, raining down arrows like locusts on the pirates.

At the same time, the "thunderbolts" on the ship were also ignited, and with a series of loud explosions, the pirate ship was blown to pieces.

After a fierce battle, the pirates fled in disarray, and the Sea Sand Gang fleet continued south, finally arriving at Coral Island.

On Coral Island, the sand-collecting gang worked day and night, and the docks and warehouses were quickly built. The sand-collecting gang's flag was also raised on the island, fluttering in the wind.

As the fleets continued to travel back and forth, trade between the sea sand merchants and the countries of Southeast Asia flourished. Silk and porcelain were continuously transported to Southeast Asia, while rare goods such as spices and jewels were brought back to the Central Plains.

However, the imperial court quickly became aware of the activities of the Hai Sha Gang.

Upon learning the news, Lu Bing, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was furious: "This Sea Sand Gang dares to defy the imperial decree and conduct maritime trade privately! Men, mobilize the navy and make sure to wipe out the Sea Sand Gang's fleet!"

A major naval battle is about to erupt...

The summer breeze sweeps across the vast grasslands of the Naiman tribe, turning herds of cattle and sheep into flowing clouds.

Inside the palace of Wulang City, the sandalwood incense wafting from the gilded incense burner mingled with the scent of milk, blending with the sound of horses' hooves crushing dewdrops outside the window.

Shi Feiyang leaned back on the tiger-skin cushion, the deerskin pouch at his waist gleaming with a warm luster, as if it held all the secrets of the world. "This grassland is beautiful, but it always feels like it lacks the elegance of Jiangnan."

Lin Wanqing gently waved her fan, her gentle demeanor flowing like spring water. "As long as I can see my husband safe and sound, I am willing to stay with him even in the most remote place."

Before she could finish speaking, Bai Zhi had already knelt down at Shi Feiyang's feet, the Miao silver ornaments jingling with her movements: "Shi Lang, summer on the grassland is beautiful, but the sun is scorching. You just went out on patrol, what if you got sunburned?"

As she spoke, she took out the herbal ointment from her bosom and carefully applied it to Shi Feiyang's bare wrist.

Gong Simeng brought over a sanxian (a three-stringed zither), and with a light touch of her fingertips, a piece called "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate" poured out: "If we talk about extraordinary men in the world, who can compare to my husband? In just a few months, he safely transferred hundreds of thousands of brothers. He is truly a master strategist."

Her gaze remained fixed on Shi Feiyang, her admiration for him undisguised.

Liu Guihua tossed the wine flask to Shi Feiyang and laughed heartily, "Who cares about his brilliant military strategy! We can drink and eat to our hearts' content right now, that's great! But..." She suddenly leaned closer and whispered in Shi Feiyang's ear, "If you dare to betray us sisters, be careful, my sword won't discriminate." Just then, the tinkling of jade pendants suddenly rang out from inside the palace.

Queen Elizabeth, draped in a colorful cloak, walked gracefully like a fairy.

Behind her, Qi Meizhen stood awkwardly in a corner, her face flushed, holding a steaming bowl of goat's milk. Having relinquished her position as the leader of the Jiangnan Canal Gang, Qi Meizhen had given birth to another son for Shi Feiyang. Having already had three sons, she now only wanted to have a daughter.

“Feiyang, look at this vast grassland, but the young men of our Xiong Ying Society are all of marriageable age.” Elizabeth sipped her tea, her demeanor graceful. “It’s just that there are only so many girls on the grassland, I’m afraid there won’t be enough to go around.”

Shi Feiyang stroked the deerskin pouch at his waist and pondered, "Marriage alliances have always been a good strategy for strengthening our power. We can first exchange some money and grain with the surrounding tribes for girls, which will not only solve our immediate problem but also lay the groundwork for future alliances."

“But…” Qi Meizhen suddenly spoke, her voice barely audible, and everyone’s attention immediately focused on her.

She nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, her face flushed red: "My husband works so hard all day long. What if he ruins his health over these trivial matters? You can leave the matter of exchanging girls to the servants. Please take good care of yourself."

Shi Feiyang was slightly taken aback. Before he could respond, Qi Meizhen quickly stepped forward and handed him the goat milk: "This is specially cooked by me. I added the most nourishing herbs from the grassland. Please drink it while it's hot."

Her fingers accidentally touched Shi Feiyang's hand, and she quickly withdrew them like a startled rabbit, her ear tips turning bright red.

Seeing this, Lin Wanqing smiled and joked, "Sister Meizhen's care for her husband is truly meticulous."

Gong Simeng jokingly added, "It seems we should all learn from Meizhen how to take care of our husbands."

Qi Meizhen was so embarrassed that she almost buried her face in her chest, stammering, "I...I just..."

She raised her head, her eyes filled with deep affection and determination, "As long as my husband is well, Meizhen is willing to do anything."

Looking at the goat milk in his hand, Shi Feiyang suddenly felt that the summer on the grassland seemed warmer than usual.

He took a small sip, the rich milky aroma mixed with the fragrance of herbs spreading in his mouth, and looked up at Qi Meizhen: "Thank you, Meizhen. With you thinking of me like this, all the hard work is worth it."

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, bringing tears to Qi Meizhen's eyes, yet a smile more radiant than the Gesang flowers on the grassland bloomed on her lips. The wind outside the window seemed to soften, gently caressing everyone's hearts.

On a summer night on the grassland, the stars twinkled like stars, and candlelight flickered inside the palace of Wulang City.

Shi Feiyang gently touched the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, the faint light emanating from the bag illuminating his furrowed brows.

The safety of hundreds of thousands of Xiong Ying Society disciples rests entirely on his shoulders, leaving no room for negligence.

While enjoying the warm company of the ladies, Shi Feiyang was constantly thinking about the grand plan for the development of the Naiman tribe.

That day, Shi Feiyang summoned Elders Liao Pei and Lie Quan to discuss matters in front of a long table covered with grassland maps.

"The grasslands are flat and easy for cavalry raids, so we must establish a solid defensive line." Shi Feiyang traced the strategic locations on the map with his fingertips. "Around Wulang City, we will set up three lines of sentry posts along the mountains and rivers. The first line of sentry posts will be staffed by disciples with exceptional lightness skills, with a watchtower every ten miles. Once suspicious traces are detected, they will immediately set off smoke signals. The second line of sentry posts will be staffed by disciples skilled in concealed weapons, who will bury 'plum blossom nails' and 'bone-piercing cones' in key areas and set up tripwires. The third line of sentry posts will be guarded by strong disciples equipped with powerful crossbows, capable of covering an area of ​​a hundred feet in radius."

Liao Pei nodded and said, "The Grand Master's insight is excellent, but the grasslands are vast, and sentry posts require a lot of manpower, as well as cavalry patrols."

Shi Feiyang's lips curled into a confident smile: "That's exactly right. I've already ordered Shi Xiong to select three thousand elite troops to form the 'Flying Eagle Cavalry.' They will ride swift grassland horses, wield fine steel spears, and patrol the outer perimeter of the defense line for six hours a day. In the event of an encounter with the enemy, the Flying Eagle Cavalry can provide rapid support and simultaneously release carrier pigeons to deliver messages." Liao Pei and Lie Quan understood immediately and left to carry out the order.

Shi Feiyang knew that strong military force was the foundation for his survival.

He established a martial arts training ground on the west side of Wulang City, and every morning, shouts of battle would rang out from the training ground.

"Xiang Kun and Lu Wending, you two will respectively teach the disciples the art of using flute music to defend against enemies and the Tianshan sword technique," Shi Feiyang instructed the two. "Blood Rakshasa, you will be responsible for training the disciples to use poison to achieve unexpected victories on the battlefield."

To enhance his disciples' strength, Shi Feiyang also took out precious medicinal herbs from the deerskin bag and had Bai Zhi refine "Bone Strengthening Pills" and "Qi Boosting Pills".

"Taking this pill can increase your internal strength by 30% within three months, but it must be combined with cultivation techniques," Bai Zhi instructed as she distributed the pills to the commanders of each camp. Shi Feiyang even personally demonstrated the exquisite techniques of the Mingyu Skill and the Hundred Victories Saber Technique, drawing gasps of amazement from the disciples.

Shi Feiyang understood that going it alone on the grasslands was not a sustainable strategy; he needed to establish close ties with the surrounding tribes.

He dispatched the eloquent Xiang Kun and Jiang Huotian as envoys, carrying valuable gifts such as gold, silk, and porcelain to visit various tribes.

In terms of marriage alliances, Shi Feiyang not only selected suitable spouses for his disciples, but also set an example himself, developing a closer relationship with Queen Yili of the Naiman tribe. He often discussed the situation on the grasslands with Yili, proposing a strategy of "joint herding to jointly resist natural disasters," which received Yili's strong support.

"Shi Lang, with you here, the Naiman tribe and the Xiong Ying Society will surely prosper." Ellie nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, her eyes full of love and trust.

Shi Feiyang knew the importance of intelligence, so he asked "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen to build an intelligence network called "Eye of the Grassland".

Xie Wen selected clever and intelligent disciples and scattered them to various parts of the grassland, where they disguised themselves as herdsmen and merchants to collect information from all sides.

"Remember, not only should you pay attention to the movements of other tribes, but also be aware of whether the imperial court has sent anyone to gather information," Xie Wen instructed the intelligence personnel. "Once you have any important intelligence, immediately send it back via encrypted carrier pigeon."

Through the "Eye of the Grasslands," Xiong Yinghui promptly grasped the conflicts and needs of the surrounding tribes and also learned in advance that the imperial court had sent people to secretly investigate. Based on the intelligence, Shi Feiyang adjusted his deployment in advance, causing the imperial court's spies to return empty-handed.

After several months of effort, the status of the Xiongying Association on the grassland has become increasingly secure.

Wulang City is as solid as a rock, its elite disciples are formidable in combat, it maintains close and harmonious relations with the surrounding tribes, and its intelligence network allows Shi Feiyang to have a thorough understanding of the situation on the grasslands.

(End of this chapter)