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

"Chief, Prince Shang Feng of Ryukyu has sent a secret letter, inviting our Xiong Ying Society to discuss a grand plan to resist the Japanese pirates." Xie Wen knelt on one knee and presented a letter embroidered with the Ryukyu royal totem with both hands.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's expression hardened, and he took the letter and read it carefully.

At the same time, hurried footsteps came from the courtyard. The elders of the Xiong Ying Society, including "Seven Swordsmanship" Kong Sanjiao, "Xingyiquan" Fan Shi, "Hundred Leaf Blade" Liu Yehua, and "Taiji Blade" Xinanfeng, as well as masters such as "Tongbeiquan" Liao Pei, "Qiankun Blade" Lie Quan, and "Iron Palm" Wu Zhong, and the hall masters of various incense halls, including "Mandarin Duck Blade" Xiao Lingling, "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong, and "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi, all rushed to the scene.

The pageboy Shi Xiong, holding a long sword, followed closely behind the group.

"Chief, there must be something fishy about this!" Liao Pei, a straightforward man, spoke first, his thick eyebrows furrowed and his face full of worry. "Ryukyu is far overseas, and Japanese pirates are rampant. The journey there is fraught with danger. What if something goes wrong..." Lie Quan stroked his beard and said in a deep voice, "Brother Liao is absolutely right. Moreover, the Ryukyu prince's sudden invitation is suspicious. We must be on guard."

“Not bad!” “Iron Palm” Wu Zhong clenched his fist, the veins on his arm bulging. “Chief, our Xiong Ying Society has a deep foundation in the Central Plains. If we go overseas, we will be unfamiliar with the place and people and we may fall into someone’s trap!”

Xiao Lingling, known as the "Mandarin Duck Blades," blinked her bright eyes and said softly, "Chief, Yu Yan is still young and needs your company. Who knows when she will return..."

Shi Feiyang listened quietly to everyone's advice, his gaze as firm as a rock.

After everyone finished speaking, he slowly rose, walked to the lakeside, gazed at the withered lotus leaves swaying in the wind on the lake, and said in a deep voice, "I, Shi Feiyang, understand the intentions of all my brothers and sisters. However, the Japanese pirates are rampant, not only ravaging the coastal areas of our Central Plains, but also extending their poisonous hands to overseas countries. The people of Ryukyu have suffered greatly. The prince has invited me; if I do not go, wouldn't I be chilling the hearts of the people of the world?"

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and continued, "I, Shi Feiyang, have roamed the martial world for many years, relying solely on my chivalrous heart. Now that the Japanese pirates are causing trouble, it is time for us to step forward! Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, I will definitely go and meet those Japanese thieves!"

His voice was powerful and resonant, echoing in the courtyard, filled with a stirring sense of pride. "But the Grand Master..." Xie Wen was about to speak again when Shi Feiyang raised his hand to interrupt him. "Brother Xie, my mind is made up! I will be careful on this trip to Ryukyu. I entrust the Xiong Ying Society to you all. Be sure to protect our foundation and take good care of Yu Yan."

As Shi Feiyang spoke, he walked to Shi Yuyan's side, squatted down, and gently stroked her little head. "Yuyan, your big brother is going on a long trip. You must be a good boy and listen to your teacher and study hard. When your big brother comes back, he will bring you the most beautiful Ryukyu beaded flower."

Tears welled up in Xiao Yuyan's eyes as she hugged Shi Feiyang's neck tightly: "Big brother, you must come back safely! Yuyan will wait for you obediently!"

Shi Feiyang felt a warmth in his heart and hugged her tightly: "Don't worry, your brother will definitely return safely!"

As the autumn wind blows, the camphor trees by the lake rustle.

Shi Feiyang gazed into the distance, his eyes revealing determination and resolve.

He knew that his journey to Ryukyu would be fraught with danger, but as the leader of the Xiong Ying Society and a chivalrous hero, he had no choice but to face the challenge head-on and use his Hundred Victory Blade to rid the world of Japanese pirates!

The glazed tiles of the Ryukyu Royal Palace glowed with a bloody light in the twilight, and the coral lamps at the banquet cast distorted shadows of Shi Feiyang and his companions.

The vermilion walls of the Ryukyu Royal Palace gleamed faintly under the blazing sun, while the incessant chirping of cicadas tore at the summer heat.

It is said that Shi Feiyang, the leader of the Xiong Ying Society, who is famous throughout the martial arts world of China, has visited Ryukyu. The martial arts community of Ryukyu has been petitioning the royal family to have a match with Shi Feiyang to see if he is really as amazing as he seems.

At the martial arts arena of Shuri Castle in Ryukyu, thirty-six sun and moon flags fluttered in the wind, and the tung oil torches on the sandalwood arena illuminated the night sky as bright as day.

The moment Shi Feiyang stepped into the training ground, tens of thousands of eyes turned to him, some with curiosity, some with doubt, and some with hidden glints in their eyes. The twelve Ryukyu war drums standing at the edge of the field had not yet been sounded, but the air was already thick with tension.

Shi Feiyang, dressed in a dark, sleek outfit, stood in the center of the stage. As his Mingyu Gong (a martial arts technique) flowed, his skin shimmered with a warm, jade-like luster. His palms, like invincible blades, subtly revealed a chilling sharpness. The audience below the stage included not only Ryukyu royal nobles but also martial arts masters from Japan and Ryukyu Island. Their eyes were fixed intently on witnessing the prowess of this chivalrous hero from the Central Plains.

The Ryukyu royal family's stands were covered with luxurious brocade cushions.

Prince Shang Feng of Ryukyu, dressed in a royal robe embroidered with gold dragons, sat upright on a carved chair inlaid with pearls, holding a white jade wine cup in his hand, his eyes full of anticipation and curiosity.

The princess beside him, dressed in a colorful glazed gown and adorned with coral hairpins, nervously clutched the hem of her skirt. She glanced at the old imperial advisor beside her from time to time and asked softly, "Imperial Advisor, can this Master Shi from the Central Plains truly defeat the masters from Liuli Island and Japan?"

The old national advisor, with his white hair and wide Taoist robe, gently shook the tortoise shell divination plate in his hand. A glint of light flashed in his cloudy eyes: "Your Highness, this young man has an imposing presence, and his internal energy flows naturally around him. He is probably a martial arts prodigy that Ryukyu has not seen for many years. The outcome is still uncertain."

"What a handsome young man!" A woman's exclamation caused a burst of laughter from the crowd. In the sunlight, Shi Feiyang's black outfit fluttered in the wind, and the Hundred Victory Blade at his waist, though still sheathed, subtly revealed its sharpness. With his sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, he truly looked like an immortal descended to earth.

In the Ryukyu royal family's stands, the three princesses were already unable to contain themselves.

The eldest princess's fingers, gripping the embroidered handkerchief, turned slightly white, her gaze fixed intently on Shi Feiyang's jade-like profile.

The second princess bit her lip, her cheeks flushed, and whispered to the maid beside her, "I've never seen such a handsome man before. His eyes are even brighter than the glass beads of Ryukyu." The youngest, the third princess, was even more direct, standing on tiptoe and waving at the crowd, "Young Master Shi! Can your Mingyu Technique truly make your skin glow like glass?"

"Having heard that Chief Shi's Hundred Victories Sword Technique is renowned throughout the Central Plains, I, Ryukyu Maru, a junior from Ryukyu, wish to learn from him my family's Coral Thorn Technique!"

Before he finished speaking, the young man in the green robe leaped onto the stage to the beat of the drums, the coral spikes at his waist gleaming with a warm red light.

Shi Feiyang clasped his hands in a fist salute, his Mingyu Kung Fu subtly flowing beneath his dark, fitted attire: "Please!"

With a flick of his wrist, Ryukyu Maru sent seven illusory shadows through the coral thorns, aiming straight for Shi Feiyang's throat.

This seemingly light and graceful move actually contained a triple killing blow: "throat stab, heart lock, and tendon severing." Shi Feiyang stepped on the "Seven Steps of Dragon Walking," his body weaving like a swimming fish. The stabbing shadows brushed past the hem of his clothes, but not even a single piece of fabric was cut off.

"What amazing agility!" exclaimed a Ryukyu warrior from the sidelines.

Shi Feiyang countered each move, then suddenly changed his palm technique, unleashing the "Golden Dragon Coiling Claws" from the Hundred Victories Saber Technique.

The golden blade energy crashed like waves against the shore, and Ryukyu Maru hurriedly retaliated by thrusting back to parry.

The coral thorns collided with the sword energy, producing a crisp sound like jade shattering. The boy's tiger's mouth was ripped open, and blood trickled down the coral thorns. But he gritted his teeth and did not back down. He threw three fish-shaped hidden weapons in his backhand. The hidden weapons exploded in the air, releasing foul-smelling ink.

"A mere trick!" Shi Feiyang sneered, circulating his Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions: Ice Soul Cold Prison," causing white mist to surge in his palm.

The ink froze into ice before it even got close, then fell to the ground and shattered. Ryukyu Maru seized the opportunity to close in, his coral spike aimed straight for Shi Feiyang's lower body, but suddenly his opponent used a vortex suction force, causing him to fall forward uncontrollably.

Shi Feiyang's palm grazed his shoulder, the sharp wind leaving a bloody mark, but he stopped exerting force when it touched his skin.

"You flatter me." Shi Feiyang took half a step back, and the chill around him gradually dissipated.

Ryukyu Maru clutched his wound, his eyes filled with admiration: "Chief Shi's control is impeccable, I am truly convinced!"

"Wait!" A loud shout came from the crowd. A burly man wielding a meteor hammer smashed through the crowd and leaped onto the arena, his chains rattling: "I, Iron Anchor, don't believe in evil! Taste my 'Sinking Ship in the Raging Sea'!" With that, he swept his meteor hammer across the arena with a whooshing sound, shattering stone slabs wherever it passed, sending shards of stone flying like bullets.

Shi Feiyang slapped his palms together, transforming the Hundred Victories Saber Technique into a golden net of blades. The blade energy collided with the hammer shadow, unleashing a deafening roar. Tie Mao staggered back three steps, his tiger's mouth numb, only to see Shi Feiyang already closing in like a ghost.

As Mingyu Gong circulated, Shi Feiyang's skin shimmered with a glassy luster. He flicked his finger onto the iron chain of the meteor hammer, and the icy true energy spread along the chain, instantly freezing Tie Mao's hands into ice blocks.

"Shall we continue?" Shi Feiyang's voice was calm as still water, yet it silenced the entire audience.

In the Ryukyu royal family's stands, Prince Shangfeng excitedly stood up and applauded: "Chief Shi truly lives up to his reputation!"

Those Ryukyu warriors who had been eager to try their skills now looked at the composed figure on the arena and put away their contempt.

The heat in the training ground was still scorching, but no one dared to underestimate this chivalrous man from the Central Plains anymore.

"Great Hero Shi of the Central Plains, do you dare to accept my Liuli Island's 'Thousand Wave Palm'?" A loud shout rang out from the southeast corner. Liu Feng, a martial artist from Liuli Island dressed in a sea-blue outfit, surged forward, his palms wrapped with oil-soaked iron chains, leaving wet footprints on the arena with every step he took.

Shi Feiyang cupped his hands slightly and said, "Please enlighten me." Before he finished speaking, Liu Feng's palms flew, and the palm shadows brought forth tangible waves of water. "Thousand Waves!" Ten waves of water surged like silver dragons emerging from the sea, carrying the salty sea breeze as they rushed towards him.

Shi Feiyang stepped on the "Seven Steps of Dragon Walking," his body weaving like a swimming fish. Just as the waves were about to touch his clothes, he suddenly used his palm as a knife to unleash the "Golden Dragon Coiling Claw" from the Hundred Victories Knife Technique.

The golden blade energy collided with the water waves, and with a deafening roar, the water curtain was split in two. Amidst the rising steam, Shi Feiyang had already closed in.

"Good! Good!" Prince Shangfeng stood up excitedly and shouted, "The martial arts of the Central Plains are indeed worthy of their reputation!" The nobles around him also applauded, and their praises rose and fell.

Meanwhile, the envoys from various countries on Liuli Island had grim expressions, staring intently at the situation on the field, their fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

Liu Feng was terrified and quickly retreated three steps, sweeping out the iron chain.

Shi Feiyang sneered, activated the Mingyu Gong, and the vortex suction suddenly kicked in. The iron chain flew uncontrollably toward his palm. Liu Feng staggered forward, pulling on the chain, but then saw a flash of white light in Shi Feiyang's other palm. The chilling aura of "Ice Soul Cold Prison" instantly froze the iron chain.

Liu Feng pulled hard, and the iron chain snapped with a crack. His hand was lacerated, and blood dripped into the tung oil on the arena, rising in wisps of smoke. Liu Feng stared at the broken chain in his hand, his pupils contracting sharply. The salty sea breeze swirled the blood beads at his temples, which gleamed eerily in the torchlight.

He suddenly threw his head back and laughed, his navy blue outfit billowing without wind, and the leather pouch at his waist exploded, releasing twelve sea urchin-shaped hidden weapons enveloped in poisonous mist: "Shi Feiyang, taste the 'Ten Thousand Needles Returning to the Sea' of Liuli Island!"

Shi Feiyang clasped his hands together in front of his chest, and activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison", instantly causing white mist to rise around his body.

With a light touch of his toes, his figure transformed into a blur, leaving a trail of icy lotus footprints on the ground as he traversed the poisonous fog.

The hidden weapon grazed his shoulder, and the air it touched condensed into fine ice patterns.

Shi Feiyang roared and unleashed the "Slashing Heaven and Earth" technique from the Hundred Victories Swordplay, his palms like knives.

The golden and white sword energy, like a raging sea, rushed straight towards Liufeng with the force to split mountains and shatter rocks.

This attack contained nine moves and thirty-six variations. Before the blade even arrived, Liu Feng's clothes were already torn in several places.

Liu Feng's expression was solemn as he formed intricate hand seals: "Thousand Waves Palm - Raging Tide!"

Suddenly, the seawater around the training ground boiled, and three jets of water as thick as buckets burst through the railings, carrying pebbles as they flew and slashed towards Shi Yang.

Wherever the water dragon passed, the stone slab arena shattered with a deafening roar, and the flying wood chips froze into ice shards in the air.

Shi Feiyang's eyes sharpened, and he activated the Mingyu Gong at full power, his skin becoming crystal clear, like white ice shrouded in cold mist. He stepped into the water dragon with the "Seven Steps of the Dragon," each step leaving ice patterns on the ground.

As the water dragon drew near, he slapped his palms together, the sword energy and cold air mingling together, actually splitting the water dragon in two.

The shattered water droplets froze into ice crystals in the air, refracting the torchlight and creating the illusion of a colorful hailstorm.

Seeing the situation was dire, Liu Feng tried to retreat, but felt a powerful suction force coming from ahead. Shi Feiyang was using the vortex suction of his Mingyu Gong, drawing the surrounding air towards his palm. Liu Feng was thrown forward uncontrollably, his eyes flashing with terror: "You..."

Shi Feiyang formed a claw with his left hand and gripped Liu Feng's wrist. The terrifying chill generated by his true energy penetrated directly into the opponent's heart meridian.

In an instant, frost formed on Liu Feng's arm and spread to his shoulder.

"Remember, those who offend our Central Plains will be punished no matter how far away they are!" Shi Feiyang's right palm grazed Liu Feng's ribs, and the sharp palm wind cut a deep wound that revealed the bone. Blood gushed out, but it froze into blood ice the moment it came into contact with the cold air.

Liu Feng screamed and flew backward, crashing heavily onto the edge of the arena.

He struggled to get up, but found that he had lost all feeling in his limbs and could only watch helplessly as Shi Feiyang walked slowly towards him.

The chill emanating from Shi Feiyang caused the surrounding temperature to plummet, and the water stains on the ground froze into a thin layer of ice.

"You flatter me." Shi Feiyang withdrew his inner force, and the luster of the Mingyu Gong gradually faded.

Prince Shang Feng of Ryukyu, standing in the stands, stood up excitedly and applauded enthusiastically.

The envoys from Liuli Island were ashen-faced, their fists clenched in hatred. Liu Feng, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, muttered, "Central Plains martial arts... truly live up to their reputation."

An uproar erupted in the stands, with the Ryukyu nobles whispering amongst themselves, their faces filled with shock.

An elderly minister, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, stood up shakily and exclaimed in amazement, "Such divine skill is truly beyond the comprehension of gods and ghosts!"

The princess breathed a sigh of relief, a joyful smile spreading across her face: "Grand Preceptor, you were right, this Master Shi is indeed remarkable!"

"What superb kung fu!" Kuroda Takamori, the owner of the Fusang Martial Arts Center, clapped his hands and laughed. Behind him walked a burly man dressed in a white karate uniform, with a black belt embroidered with gold chrysanthemums at his waist.

"I am Matsumoto Tsuyoshi, and I wish to learn from the martial arts of the Central Plains through karate!" Matsumoto Tsuyoshi roared like thunder, his palms forming claws as he slammed them into the ground. The arena was cracked like a spiderweb, and fragments of stone shot out like bullets.

Shi Feiyang flicked his sleeves, and the shockwave sent all the broken stones flying. Matsumoto seized the opportunity to close in and unleashed his "Hundred-Crack Fist," the fist shadows like a torrential rain of pear blossoms.

This scene made the Ryukyu royal family tense again. Prince Shangfeng frowned, his eyes full of worry. The old national advisor stroked his beard and smiled slightly: "Your Highness, do not worry. Master Shi has not yet used his full strength. Let's see how he handles it."

Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor avoided; as the Mingyu Gong flowed, his skin became crystal clear, like cold jade.

Matsumoto Tsuyoshi's fist struck his chest, but it felt as if he had hit a wall of iron, the recoil making his own hand go numb.

The Ryukyu Queen in the stands couldn't help but cover her mouth. The old Grand Preceptor gently shook the tortoise shell divination plate in his hand: "Chief Shi has integrated the fierce sword technique with the profound Yin internal force into one, truly marvelous!"

"My turn." Shi Feiyang unleashed both palms simultaneously, his "Golden Dragon Coiling Claw" of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique leaving a golden afterimage as it grabbed at him. Matsumoto Tsuyoshi hurriedly used "Iron Wall Encirclement," crossing his arms to protect his chest.

But Shi Feiyang's palm strike was mixed with icy coldness, and Matsumoto Tsuyoshi felt his arms instantly lose all feeling. He was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the edge of the arena. He struggled to his feet, his arms already frozen purple, and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Wonderful!" Prince Shangfeng slapped his thigh excitedly. "With such hard skills, even Japanese karate can't do anything about it!" The Ryukyu nobles in the stands cheered and applauded thunderously. The Japanese martial artists, on the other hand, looked ashen-faced, their eyes filled with resentment.

"Tang Hand - Hokushin Ittō-ryū, I've come to challenge you!" The Japanese swordsman Hokushin Ittō-sai slowly stepped onto the stage, his Tang sword sheath wrapped with talismans, the blade gleaming with an eerie purple light.

Hokushin Ittōsai gripped his swords with both hands, the tips pointing directly at Shi Feiyang's throat: "People from the Central Plains always say that swordsmanship is domineering, but today I'll show you the true spirit of the sword!"

With a flash of light, Hokushin Ittosai unleashed "Purple Lightning Flash," the blade trailing trails of purple lightning. The Ryukyu nobles in the stands gasped again, the women's screams rising and falling. Prince Shofeng's expression also turned serious, his eyes fixed intently on the flashing swords on the field.

Shi Feiyang's pupils contracted sharply, and he activated the Mingyu Gong to its fullest extent, causing the cold air around his body to solidify.

He swung his palm, and the Hundred Victories Blade Technique merged with the icy chill of the Ice Soul, forming a golden ice blade.

The two blades collided, unleashing a deafening roar that shook the arena violently, sending splinters flying everywhere.

The Tang Hengdao of Beichen Yidaozhai was actually chipped by the ice blade. He was shocked and furious, and slashed seven times in a row, his sword momentum like the Yangtze River.

Shi Feiyang responded calmly, each palm strike containing variations of nine moves and thirty-six techniques.

Suddenly, he seized an opening in his opponent's attack, activated the vortex suction of Mingyu Gong, and Beichen Yidaozhai fell forward uncontrollably.

Shi Feiyang's palm grazed his shoulder, the sharp wind from his palm cutting a deep wound that revealed the bone, blood gushing out and staining his white Taoist robe red.

"You flatter me." Shi Feiyang withdrew his palm and stood up, his gaze sweeping across the entire arena. Prince Shang Feng of Ryukyu personally stepped onto the stage, holding a jade-inlaid martial arts token: "Great Hero Shi's martial arts are unparalleled in the world; this title of 'Ryukyu Martial Arts Champion' is well-deserved!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, and the nobles rose to their feet, casting admiring glances at Shi Feiyang, their praises lingering long afterward. But no one noticed the fleeting figure of Kazema Sayoko in the shadows; her eyes, fixed on Shi Feiyang, gleamed with hatred and scheming.

As dusk settled, the Ryukyu Royal Palace was bathed in a honey-colored glow, and the dragons swallowing pearls on the glazed tiles shimmered with golden light under the setting sun.

Prince Shangfeng hosted a celebratory banquet at the Coral Pavilion by the sea. Thirty-six mermaid oil lamps illuminated the entire pavilion as bright as day, and the luminous conch shells inlaid on the Persian carpets shimmered with colorful light as the guests moved about.

Shi Feiyang, dressed in a brocade robe gifted by the Ryukyu royal family, sat upright in the host's seat, yet he could not conceal the innate chivalrous spirit emanating from him.

"Master Shi's prowess today has truly broadened the horizons of the Ryukyu Kingdom!" Prince Shangfeng raised his luminous cup, the amber rice wine rippling within. "I have already ordered a residence to be prepared on Suzaku Street, the most bustling street in Shuri Castle. I hope Master Shi can stay a little longer."

Before the words were even finished, the three princesses could no longer contain themselves. The eldest princess, Liuyue, dressed in a peacock blue silk dress, with a nine-phoenix hairpin adorning her hair trembling slightly with her movements, her cheeks flushed, moved gracefully to stand before Shi Feiyang: "I've heard that it's common to have multiple wives and concubines in the Central Plains. I wonder if Young Master Shi would be willing to bring Ryukyu into his gentle embrace?"

The second princess, Liuxing, was even bolder, directly taking off the coral bracelet from her wrist and placing it on Shi Feiyang's table: "This is a coming-of-age gift bestowed upon me by the Empress Dowager. If you do not mind, young master, consider it a token of betrothal."

The youngest princess, Liuying, tugged at Shi Feiyang's sleeve, her big, watery eyes full of anticipation: "Young Master Shi, will you teach me the Mingyu Skill? If you do, I'll be your bride!"

The banquet was filled with laughter and banter, but Shi Feiyang looked slightly embarrassed and subconsciously turned to look at Bai Zhi, who was sitting at the next table.

Today, the Miao woman has shed her usual silver ornaments, and her snow-white dress makes her skin appear even more radiant. She lowers her eyes and sips her rice wine, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of the cup, exuding a gentler charm than usual.

"Your Highnesses are too kind," Shi Feiyang said, rising and clasping his hands in a fist salute, his gaze remaining fixed on Bai Zhi. "However, I already have..."

"Why do you refuse, my husband?" Bai Zhi suddenly chuckled and put down her wine cup as she walked over gracefully.

As she moved gracefully, the silver bells in her hair jingled softly. Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, she took Shi Feiyang's arm and said, "Ryukyu is a pearl of the sea, and the three princesses are so enamored with your husband. Wouldn't it be a wonderful story if they could form a marriage alliance?"

Shi Xiong's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly, and Shan Zhi almost choked on his tea. Prince Shang Feng's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "So Madam Shi is so magnanimous! I will certainly prepare the most lavish dowries for my three imperial sisters!"

After everyone dispersed, Shi Feiyang followed Bai Zhi into the bamboo grove behind the Coral Pavilion. The night wind blew, rustling the bamboo leaves, and the faint sound of the tide could be heard in the distance. "Madam, what's wrong?" Shi Feiyang frowned, about to speak, but Bai Zhi pressed her fingertip to his lips.

"My lord, are you aware of the strategic importance of Ryukyu?" Bai Zhi looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "To the east lies Japan, to the west, the Central Plains, and to the south, the Southeast Asian countries. If the Xiong Ying Society were to establish a branch here, opening shops, martial arts schools, and escort agencies, and also developing routes for iron smelting and mining..."

She smiled slyly and pressed her cheek against Shi Feiyang's chest, "If our silks and satins from Jiangnan were transported here, wouldn't they be snapped up like crazy?"

Shi Feiyang's heart skipped a beat, and with a swift movement of his Mingyu Gong, he gently pulled her into his arms: "You mean, to conduct business under the guise of marriage?"

“Exactly.” Bai Zhiyu fiddled with the Chinese knot button on his chest. “If the court joins forces with Nurhaci to deal with the Naiman, we will have a way out in Ryukyu; if nothing happens, we can make a fortune just from this maritime trade.”

When she raised her head, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes, a trait unique to Miao women: "Besides, the three princesses are of noble status. With them protecting us, those petty scoundrels who covet the Xiong Ying Association will have to think twice."

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and kissed the top of her head: "As you wish. Tomorrow we will discuss the establishment of a branch with the prince."

He paused, then suddenly laughed and said, "It's just a pity for Zhi'er, having to share her husband with others."

"Who wants to share with others?" Bai Zhi playfully pinched his waist, her silvery laughter startling the night birds in the bamboo grove. "The three princesses are probably willing to serve my Xiong Ying Society." The moonlight, like water, stretched their shadows long among the bamboo. In the distance, the Coral Pavilion was still brightly lit, and the melodious sound of a lute drifted from it.

Shi Feiyang held the beauty in his arms, already having made his plans.

This seemingly peaceful Ryukyu Kingdom may be the key step for the Oo Sakura to dominate the overseas world.

The next morning, Shi Feiyang woke up and asked Shi Xiong to inform Shang Feng that he was willing to marry one of the three princesses of the royal family. The royal family would be in charge of the wedding preparations, while the Xiong Ying Society would cover the wedding expenses. In addition, the Xiong Ying Society would give the royal family 100,000 taels of silver.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang asked Shan Zhi to accompany Bai Zhi to select a location in Ryukyu to establish a secret branch of the Xiong Ying Society, to develop impoverished youths in Ryukyu into disciples of the Xiong Ying Society, and to establish escort agencies, inns, shops, merchant ships, martial arts schools, and so on.

Later, Shi Xiong was sent in disguise to return to Jiangnan by ship. He informed Liao Pei and Lie Quan, the elders of the Xiong Ying Society, to contact the Hai Sha Gang and use their merchant ships to send various products from Jiangnan to Ryukyu for sale, in order to make up for the losses suffered by the Hai Sha Gang when the Xiong Ying Society was in danger.

A month later, the midsummer night in Ryukyu was filled with joyous music. Shuri Castle's Suzaku Street was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and silk tassels hung from the three-foot-high vermilion wedding canopy, swirling like red clouds in the sea breeze.

Shi Feiyang was dressed in a ceremonial robe embroidered with gold-threaded pythons. The morning light gilded his handsome features, drawing on the crowds on the street who stopped to admire him, exclaiming, "This is no groom, he's clearly a golden boy descended from heaven!"

Prince Shangfeng personally officiated the ceremony. Wearing a nine-tassel crown and holding a jade-inlaid wedding document, he proclaimed, "Today, Shi Feiyang, a hero of the Central Plains Cherry Blossom Gathering, and the Third Princess of Ryukyu have entered into a happy marriage. This is a joyous occasion shared by mountains and seas!" Before he finished speaking, thirty-six white elephants carried a coral-carved sedan chair slowly through the streets. The twin lotus flowers embroidered on the sedan chair curtains shimmered with pearly luster in the sunlight.

Princess Liuyue's bridal sedan chair was the first to stop in front of the wedding hall. The silk curtain was lifted by a pair of hands wearing jade nail guards. She was wearing a red and gold embroidered robe, and a shy smile could be faintly seen under the red veil covering her face.

As Shi Feiyang stepped forward to help her, he touched her slightly cool fingertips and suddenly heard her whisper, "Thank you for your kindness, young master." The bridal sedan chair of the Second Princess Liuxing landed immediately afterward. As she stepped out, she deliberately stepped on her skirt and playfully tugged at Shi Feiyang's sleeve, "My lord, you must protect me."

The youngest princess, Liuying, lifted her veil and hopped in front of him, holding a string of coral beads: "Brother Shi, I brought all my dowry!" The guests in the stands burst into laughter.

Shi Xiong whispered to Shan Zhi, "The Grand Master's entourage is going to make the entire Central Plains martial arts world envious." Shan Zhi glanced at Bai Zhi, who was overseeing the selection of shop locations in the distance, and lowered his voice, saying, "The most formidable one is still Lady Miao Jiang; she's played this game perfectly."

As soon as the auspicious hour arrived, the music suddenly became more urgent. Shi Feiyang, holding three red silk ribbons, led the three brides slowly into the wedding hall.

A tortoise shell diviner, a uniquely Ryukyu craftsman, stepped forward carrying a bronze tripod, from which wisps of white smoke rose from the burning camphor incense. "With the waters of the East Sea as witness, and the stones of Nanshan as our pledge!"

The fortune teller's voice echoed through the corridor, "The newlyweds drink this cup of mermaid pearl wine, and from this day forward, they will be bound together in life and death!"

As their glasses clinked, Shi Feiyang caught a glimpse of Bai Zhi standing behind a pillar. She was dressed in a fiery red outfit today, and the golden silkworm gu pouch at her waist swayed gently with her movements. Their eyes met, and she nodded slightly to him, indicating that everything was ready.

Shi Feiyang raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp. The strong liquor went down his throat, but it couldn't compare to the burning passion of the plans in his heart.

The wedding banquet was held at Wanghai Pavilion by the sea, with 360 famous Ryukyu dishes laid out on the long table.

As Shi Feiyang served food to the three princesses, Liuyue gently wiped his mouth, Liuxing fed him a peeled pearl shell, and Liuying raised her wine cup to challenge him to a drinking contest. Amid the cheers of the guests, Shi Feiyang suddenly stood up and announced loudly, "Gentlemen! The Xiong Ying Society is willing to open martial arts schools in Ryukyu to teach martial arts from the Central Plains and protect the peace of this region!"

Prince Shangfeng clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! I will allocate 30,000 mu of official land to help Hero Shi establish a merchant caravan!" Before he finished speaking, Bai Zhi led a group of strong men into the banquet hall. They were dressed in uniform black outfits, with bronze tokens of the Xiong Ying Society hanging at their waists. "These are our newly recruited disciples," Bai Zhi said, scanning the room, a sly glint in her eyes, "who will escort the first batch of silk merchant ships out to sea tomorrow!"

As night deepened, the lights of Wanghai Pavilion were reflected on the sea, like stars falling from the sky.

When Shi Feiyang was led into the bridal chamber, the three princesses were sitting around a silk curtain.

Liuyue shyly lowered her head to embroider, Liuxing played with his jade-handled short knife, and Liuying pestered to learn the Mingyu Kung Fu.

Shi Feiyang smiled and pulled them into his arms. The sea breeze outside the window carried news that Bai Zhi had arranged for the shops to open, and the Xiong Ying Society's grand undertaking overseas had already begun. As the moonlight climbed onto the coral window frame, Shi Feiyang and the three princesses gradually fell asleep, exhausted.

The rainy season in Ryukyu, with its salty and sweet sea breeze, gently brushes the pink and white petals of the double-flowered cherry blossoms across the glass windows of the Coral Pavilion.

Outside the silk curtain, raindrops fell like beads, tapping softly on the bluestone slabs. Shi Feiyang leaned against the tortoiseshell-inlaid chaise lounge, his skin glowing with a warm, pearly luster as he channeled his Mingyu Gong, making him appear like a beautiful jade under the moonlight.

Liu Yue knelt on a brocade cushion, her knees covered with Persian silk satin. Gold thread entwined around her fingertips, her silvery wrists shimmering in the candlelight, as she intently embroidered auspicious cloud patterns on the newly made satin boots for Shi Feiyang.

The nine-phoenix hairpin with pearls in her hair trembled slightly with her movements, each pearl reflecting a shimmering halo that occasionally fell onto her lowered eyelashes. "I saw you practicing martial arts the other day and your boots were ripped," her voice was as soft as willow catkins in spring, "so I specially sought out this mermaid silk, saying it can withstand the fierce winds of the Hundred Victories Sword Technique." As she spoke, the needle accidentally pricked her fingertip, and a bead of blood seeped out. She hurriedly tried to wipe it with a handkerchief, but Shi Feiyang caught it with lightning speed.

"How could you be so careless?" Shi Feiyang gently kissed her finger. "Does it hurt?"

Liu Yue's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, like a blooming peach blossom, her lowered eyes filled with shyness and sweetness: "No...it doesn't hurt. As long as I can do something for my husband, it's worth it no matter how painful it is."

Before she finished speaking, the tinkling of jade pendants and cheerful footsteps came from outside the glass screen. Liu Xing turned and entered, carrying a vermilion food box. The newly picked jasmine flowers at her temples were still wet with water droplets, and glistening raindrops dripped from the ends of her hair. A few strands of hair clung to her flushed cheeks, adding to her charming beauty.

"Husband, look!" She lifted the gilded food box, revealing twelve silver dishes filled with exquisite pastries. In the center, a crystal goblet held a lifelike sculpted sugar knife, its blade adorned with tiny gold leaf flakes that shimmered in the candlelight. "This is sugar made from freshly caught luminous clams. I stayed by the stove for three whole hours, even chasing away the head chef!"

She pouted and held the pastry to his lips, her coral nails gleaming softly in the candlelight. "If it's not good, I'll... I'll feed it all to the fish!"

Shi Feiyang smiled and took a bite. The sweet coconut flakes, mixed with the scent of the sea breeze, spread across his tongue, along with a faint hint of sea salt—a surprisingly rich and complex flavor. Just as he was about to praise it, a snow-white figure suddenly pounced into his arms—Liu Ying, with her wet bun, and the white fox "Xiao Shuang" shaking off the water droplets, its paws still tightly gripping his clothes.

"Brother Shi is biased!" She straddled the edge of the couch, the coral bead necklace in her hair clinking crisply, and the hem of her silk skirt was still dripping with water, clearly indicating that she had run there in the rain. "He didn't even look at the Ice Soul Frost Prison Cloak I made for Xiao Shuang!"

As he spoke, he lifted the fox fur coat, revealing that the lining was embroidered with layers of frost patterns in silver thread, and the edges were adorned with tiny blue glass beads. With each movement, the fur swayed gently, as if a real chill was emanating from it.

The sea breeze lifted the silk curtain, casting the shadows of the three people onto the painted screen.

Shi Feiyang put his left arm around Liu Ying's soft waist, took the fragrant tea from Liu Yue with his right hand, and smelled the aroma of jasmine and sea salt.

The teacup is made of warm, lustrous mutton-fat jade, and the rim is carved with a pattern of twin lotus flowers.

“With you all here,” he said, lowering his head to gently kiss Liuxing’s flushed cheeks, watching her nestle into his arms like a startled butterfly, her hair brushing against his chin, tickling him, “even mountains of knives and seas of fire would become a haven of tenderness.”

Liu Yue suddenly pressed the half-embroidered boots to her chest, her eyes glistening with tears: "That day, when I saw you defeat the pirates in the training ground, covered in blood but still smiling and comforting us... I thought then, if I could mend your wounds for a lifetime, I would be willing to shorten my life by ten years." Her voice was as light as a falling petal, yet it stirred ripples in Shi Feiyang's heart, as if an invisible hand was gently plucking at his heartstrings.

"Don't say such silly things!" Shi Feiyang gently pulled her into his arms. As he circulated his Mingyu Gong, the warmth emanating from his body dispelled the chill of the rainy night, and even the air was filled with a gentle warmth.

Liu Ying suddenly lifted up the white fox, mimicking his Ice Soul Prison technique, and said in a childish voice, "Xiao Shuang wants to protect Daddy too!"

They even made the white fox wave its paw in the air with great seriousness, causing everyone to burst into laughter. The laughter mingled with the sound of rain, echoing for a long time in the Coral Pavilion, as if time itself had frozen, transforming into eternal sweetness. (End of Chapter)