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

Chapter 327. The Mystery of the Imperial Daughter Shocks Heroes, Candlelight in Yunnan Disrupts the Emperor's Heart.

The heroes of Xiong Ying gradually returned to Jiangnan from the vast grasslands.

The plum rain season in Jiangnan always carries a lingering, melancholic air. After the rains clear and the sun shines, glistening water droplets still cling to the bluestone steps of the Misty Peak headquarters, refracting delicate light in the morning glow. Moss creeps along the cracks in the stone steps, adding a touch of softness to this otherwise desolate place. The bronze bells on the eaves of the council hall are stirred by the wind, producing a clear, melodious sound that blends with the faint sound of pine trees in the distance, like a prelude to a martial arts symphony.

Liao Peili stood outside the council hall, the wear and tear on his Tongbi boxing gloves clearly visible over the years—marks left from countless battles.

He took a deep breath and slammed his gauntlets against the brass rings, the dull sound startling the crows roosting under the eaves.

"Chief, a battle report has been sent back from the Ryukyu branch that the Japanese spies have become increasingly rampant recently." His voice was deep and powerful, carrying the weight of experience and every word bearing a heavy responsibility.

Lie Quan sat in the hall, the Qiankun Blade resting on his lap. The copper ring on the scabbard trembled slightly as he spoke, emitting a faint hum.

This seasoned hero of the martial world now had eyes as sharp as a hawk's: "We old bones have been riding across the grasslands for months, it's time to go to Ryukyu and meet up with old friends." A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth, as if recalling the exhilarating battles with the Japanese pirates in the past, and the trembling of the hilt of his sword seemed to echo the fighting spirit in his heart.

Inside the hall, Kong Sanjiao, wielding the Big Dipper pattern carved on the hilt of his "Seven-Cultivation Sword," frowned slightly; Fan Shi, wielding "Xingyi Quan," stood in a standard horse stance, his entire being exuding a unified aura; Liu Yehua, wielding "Hundred-Leaf Blade," played with the thirty-six fine steel blades in his hand, emitting a soft hum; and Xinanfeng, wielding "Tai Chi Blade," slowly twirled his long blade, the blade reflecting his calm and composed face.

The people all had different expressions, but they all exuded an aura that should not be underestimated.

Shi Feiyang sat upright in the main seat, his slender fingers tracing the ice patterns on the Heavenly Frost Blade. His glass-like skin shimmered with a warm glow in the morning light, like a piece of naturally beautiful jade. He raised his eyes and swept them over the assembled heroes in the hall, his gaze as sharp as cold stars: "Ryukyu is the throat of the sea, and the Japanese have long coveted it. Shan Zhi, you lead the brothers and set off immediately to visit the two branch leaders, Lu Chengfeng and Li Cheng, on my behalf."

His voice was calm and unhurried, yet carried an irresistible authority, each word striking the hearts of the crowd like a heavy hammer.

As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Feiyang's gaze fell on Wu Zhong.

The one-armed hero's prosthetic arm, made of black iron, gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the sunlight, every edge exuding strength and resilience. "Brother Wu, your forging secrets..." Shi Feiyang began meaningfully, his unfinished words filled with trust and expectation.

"Understood!" Wu Zhong stood up abruptly, his prosthetic iron limb slamming heavily onto the ground with a thunderous roar that shook the entire council hall. With a wave of his hand, he disassembled and reassembled the iron prosthetic limb, revealing its intricate internal gear structure, each component gleaming with the light of intelligence.

"The watertight compartment design of this prosthetic will definitely give the Ryukyu warships a better chance of winning." His voice resounded throughout the hall like a bell. He slammed his iron hand heavily on the table, causing the tea in the teacup to splash out and spread a dark stain on the table. "If the Japanese pirates dare to come, let them be swallowed by the fish!" His eyes burned with fierce fighting spirit, as if he could already see the scene of the Japanese pirates being routed by their counterattack.

Upon hearing this, the assembled heroes in the hall were all filled with fervor. The candlelight flickered. Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back before the nautical chart, his Mingyu Gong flowing, his glass-like skin reflecting the outline of the Ryukyu Islands in shifting light and shadow, as if he had taken in the entire sea.

His fingertips, sharp as swords, jabbed heavily at a spot on the nautical chart. He said in a deep voice, "The Japanese pirates have countless secret agents scattered throughout the land. As long as this intelligence network remains unbroken, Ryukyu will never have peace!" Kong Sanjiao, the "Seven Swordsman," drew his longsword with a clang. The Big Dipper pattern on the blade gleamed coldly, and the tip pointed directly at the southeast of the chart: "Chief! The coral reefs are a strategically important and dangerous location, a vital choke point for the Japanese pirates! I am willing to lead the Seven Swordsman Formation in a night raid, using the stars as our guide, to shatter their defenses!"

His eyebrows were raised high, and his body was filled with sword energy, as if he were already in the midst of a fierce naval battle.

Fan Shi of Xingyi Quan took a sudden step, causing the blue bricks on the ground to sink slightly. His aura was as imposing as a deep pool and a towering mountain: "The Japanese are arrogant at sea, but they are probably lax on land! I will lead twenty disciples to land from the northwest and use a set of Tiger-Taming Fist Formation to let them know that the tiger's might on land is more powerful than the storms at sea!" After saying that, he unleashed a set of fist techniques with great force, the wind from his fists whistling and shaking the candlelight in the hall.

Liu Yehua, known as "Hundred-Leaf Blade," toyed with the steel blades at his waist, which emitted a teeth-grinding hum. A wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth: "No matter how fast the Japanese swords are, can they be faster than my thirty-six flying leaves? I will lead my fleet in a frontal assault. When they come out in full force, I will use my Hundred-Leaf Blade Formation to shred them into dust!"

He flicked his wrist, and the leaf shot out like a startled swan, embedding itself in the hall pillar with a "thud".

Southwest Wind, wielding his long sword with a leisurely flourish, drew a smooth arc with the blade, and said with a half-smile, "The Japanese pirates are accustomed to using the 'Wild Goose Formation,' which looks imposing, but the core of the formation is actually the flagship. Once that ship is destroyed, the rest are nothing but scattered sand."

His voice was calm and unhurried, yet it exuded a confident air. As he wielded his long sword, there was a subtle sense of yin and yang shifting within him.

Before he finished speaking, Xie Wen flashed into the hall like a ghost, his hawk-like eyes sweeping over the nautical chart. He said urgently, "Chief! I have learned that the Japanese pirates are using smoke signals to send out secret ships every three days! We can set up a net along their inevitable route and capture them all, ship and crew!" He unfolded a yellowed map, which was densely marked with the distribution of sentries and the routes of the secret ships. Every mark showed his painstaking efforts.

Wu Zhong suddenly slammed his fist on the table with a "bang," the black iron prosthetic arm hitting the table so hard that the edges of the map were curled up: "What's the use of just capturing people! I've been modifying warships overnight, installing wolf-tooth rams on the bows and mounting thunder and fire muskets all over the sides! When the Japanese pirates come, they'll know that the steel of the Ming Dynasty is much tougher than their broken ships!"

With a wave of his iron hand, the gears inside the prosthetic limb clattered as if they had begun to operate.

A chilling aura surged from Shi Feiyang's body, his glassy skin glowing with an icy blue light. He unleashed the illusory "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" from his palms, golden blade energy crisscrossing and dimming even the candlelight: "Good! Kong Sanjiao and Fan Shi, muster your troops immediately! We'll depart in three days! Liu Yehua and Xinanfeng, prepare warships and practice formations! Xie Wen, continue your reconnaissance! Wu Zhong, do your utmost to improve our tactics! This time, we must let the Japanese pirates know—"

His voice, booming like a bell, resounded throughout the hall: "Where the blade of the Mighty Cherry Blossom Society points, that is their burial ground!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices shaking the rooftops. Outside the council hall, thunder roared and torrential rain poured down, as if playing a war song for the impending naval battle. The heroes of the Ou-Ying Society were already fired up, waiting only for the order to unleash a storm of waves in the Ryukyu waters.

Looking at his loyal brothers, Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes flashed with satisfaction. The twilight over the South China Sea was blood-red. Twelve warships adorned with crimson-gold cherry blossom totems cleaved through the waves, their sails fluttering in the gale, seemingly tearing the entire sky apart.

Standing at the bow of the ship, Shan Zhili swiftly twirled ten plum blossom darts between his fingers, their cold glint flashing like falling stars. Gazing at the churning leaden clouds in the sky, he suddenly sneered, "Brother Miao, there's a bloody smell hidden in those dark clouds. I'm afraid the Japanese pirates' 'ghost ships' are about to play their tricks again."

Upon hearing this, Miao Menlong suddenly drew back his iron bow, the bowstring taut to its fullest extent, emitting a beast-like hum.

The archer's single pupil contracted slightly as he stared into the depths of the mist: "Perfect timing! My 'Cloud Piercing Arrow' has drunk the blood of grassland wolves and the lives of desert bandits; today, I'll taste the flavor of the Japanese!"

Before the words were even finished, the sea suddenly boiled, and three warships adorned with ghastly white cherry blossom patterns burst forth from the waves. The demonic heads carved on the hulls gaped open, seemingly ready to devour the heavens and the earth. "Baka!" roared the Japanese ronin standing at the bow, his poisoned chains rattling at his waist. "You ants from the Sakura Society, how dare you meddle in the East China Sea routes!"

The leading samurai brandished a three-pointed, double-edged sword engraved with images of the Eight Man Gods, its blade gleaming with an eerie light. "Today, I will make you perish in the belly of fish and be sacrificed to the sea god!" "Form ranks! Eight Trigrams Swimming Dragon Formation!" Shan Zhi roared like thunder, and the twelve warships instantly changed formation, their grappling hooks crisscrossing like a spider web.

Xiao Lingling lightly touched the mast with her feet, and the Mandarin Duck Swords flashed with two cold lights. The blades clashed and produced a clear and melodious sound like a dragon's roar: "Sisters, let these Japanese devils see the power of the Central Plains swordsmanship!"

Before she could finish speaking, dozens of poisoned kunai flew through the air, but Miao Menlong bowstring twitched slightly, and twelve divine arrows with phosphorescent tails shot out, weaving into a fire net in the air and shooting down all the kunai.

Wu Zhong's prosthetic arm made of black iron suddenly unfolded, and the thirty-six-barreled thunder and fire guns were arranged like ferocious steel fangs. "Boom!" With his iron palm slamming the mechanism, lead bullets rained down like a storm, but only sparked a string of sparks as they grazed the turtle-shaped hull of the Japanese pirate warship.

Upon seeing this, the pirate leader laughed arrogantly: "Child's play! Taste the power of 'Hachiman Poison Mist'!" He swung his demon sword fiercely, and purple mist burst forth, causing the seawater to boil and bubble wherever it went, and puffs of pungent white smoke to rise.

Jin Liufu used his "Water Dragon" technique, transforming into a black shadow and diving into the seabed, but was forced back by poisonous fog when he approached the enemy ship.

He emerged from the water, black blood spilling from his mouth and nose, and gritted his teeth, saying, "This poisonous mist can actually turn water into a bone-corroding poison!"

At the critical moment, a stirring battle song came from afar—Lu Chengfeng's Azure Dragon Blade cleaved through the mist, and wherever the blade's energy reached, the poisonous fog was torn open; Li Cheng's Wind and Thunder Sword summoned heavenly thunder, and purple lightning danced across the blade, creating a thunderous explosion.

"The reinforcements from the main force have arrived!" Lu Chengfeng stood at the bow of the improved warship, his Azure Dragon Blade pointing at the enemy ranks. "Today, we will show these Japanese that the Ryukyu waters are not a place for them to run wild!"

The watertight design of the new warship proved effective, allowing it to maintain stable navigation even when hit by Japanese cannon fire. Li Cheng swung his longsword repeatedly, the sword energy transforming into lightning, cleaving the sails of an enemy ship into fragments.

Just as the battle was at a stalemate, an eerie blue light suddenly appeared on the sea surface.

Shi Feiyang's figure had appeared on the crest of the wave without anyone noticing. He had activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison," his glass-like skin becoming almost transparent, and his body condensing into a three-zhang-long white mist of icy aura. He slowly raised his palms, and the sound of the wind in the world suddenly disappeared. Only a clear and melodious sword cry pierced the air: "Hundred Victories Sword Technique - Viewing the Vast Ocean!"

Nine golden blades of icy cold energy swept across the sea in a fan shape, creating towering waves ten feet high wherever they went.

The sails of the Japanese pirate warship were instantly ripped to shreds, and the hull was violently shaken by the aftershocks of the blade's energy. The ronin on the deck were swept into the sea like falling leaves. Seeing the situation was dire, the pirate leader turned the ship around to try to escape, but Wu Zhong sneered, removed the core component of the Xuan Tie prosthetic limb, and hurled it into the watertight compartment of the enemy ship with lightning speed.

"Sink!" Wu Zhong slammed his iron palm down, and the improved mechanism roared into action, sending seawater surging into the cabin like a ferocious beast. The Japanese pirate warship creaked and groaned, slowly tilting. The desperate cries of the ronin on board were mercilessly swallowed by the surging waves.

As the bloody battle ended, the setting sun dyed the sea a crimson hue. Shi Feiyang gazed at the newly renovated warships of the Ryukyu branch, his glass-like skin gleaming with satisfaction: "Brother Wu's iron arm technique surpasses that of a thousand armies."

He turned to look at Lu Chengfeng and said in a deep voice, "Strengthen our defenses. The Japanese will not give up easily. If we are going to fight, we must fight for two hundred years of peace, so that the Japanese pirates will not dare to invade for two hundred years. We should not let those Japanese pirates always bother us to deal with them."

Lu Chengfeng gripped the Azure Dragon Blade tightly, its blade reflecting his resolute face: "Rest assured, Grand Master! As long as we are here, Ryukyu will be an insurmountable barrier for the Japanese!" The sea breeze howled, whipping up everyone's clothes, and the banner of the Xiong Ying Society fluttered in the sky above Ryukyu, seemingly proclaiming the unyielding spirit of the Central Plains warriors, and also declaring to the barbarians of the East China Sea: This sea area is not to be violated!

A few days later, Shi Feiyang left the heroes to visit Ryukyu and cooperate with the Ryukyu branch to fight against pirates and Japanese ronin, while Shi Feiyang himself led Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Bai Zhi to the capital to inspect the situation of the Xiong Ying Society's three branches in the capital.

As dusk settled over the streets and alleys of Beijing, Shi Feiyang pushed open the carved wooden door of the "Listening to Snow Inn," and the familiar scent of agarwood wafted in through the tinkling of the copper bells.

The candlelight flickered in the front hall. Lu Hongye leaned against the Xiangfei bamboo couch, the twin lotus flowers embroidered on her moon-white dress appearing and disappearing in the candlelight. As she gently waved the round fan in her hand, the gold bracelet with intertwined branches that Shi Feiyang had brought back from Persia last year was revealed on her wrist.

"You heartless thief, you've finally decided to come back?" Her eyes sparkled, but a smile played on her lips. As she rose, her wide sleeves brushed against the celadon teacup on the table. "I've been keeping this pre-rain Longjing tea warm every day, using different methods."

Before she finished speaking, Yang Xue'er had already rushed into his arms like a swallow returning to its nest. The scent of jasmine from her hair mixed with the sweet fragrance unique to young girls wafted over him: "Husband, after you left, Xue'er counted the raindrops on the eaves every day. Today, I have finally waited for you to come back!"

Shi Feiyang wrapped his arms around their waists, and the shimmering light of Mingyu Gong enveloped them.

Suddenly, children's laughter came from the corridor, and three adorable children came running over, holding kites. The eldest daughter, with pearls he had brought back from Ryukyu tied to her pigtails, exclaimed in a clear voice, "Daddy, look! We've painted the totem of the Cherry Blossom Festival on the kite!"

Shi Feiyang knelt down and held his infant son on his lap, nuzzling his chin until the child giggled. He then saw Lu Hongye leaning against the doorframe, her gaze so tender it seemed to drip with affection. The midnight gong struck three times, and Shi Feiyang had just closed his eyes on the bed when he heard the soft rustling of the bed curtains.

Yang Xue'er, wrapped in a scarlet nightgown, slipped in, her hair still damp with moisture: "I noticed a fresh wound on your back while you were bathing..."

Lu Hongye's voice suddenly came from outside: "Don't talk nonsense again. Our husband is immune to all poisons and never gets hurt." She pushed open the door and entered, carrying a steaming bowl of medicinal soup. The silver hairpin in her hair swayed lightly with her steps. "Drink this bowl of soup first."

Seeing that Shi Feiyang was about to get up, she sat directly on the edge of the couch, stirring the soup with a spoon: "Open your mouth." When the soup was brought to her lips, she suddenly took a sip herself, her red lips slightly parted and covered his lips, the fragrance of medicine mixed with the sweetness of rouge going straight into her throat.

Seeing this, Yang Xueer playfully pounced on them, and the three of them knocked over the soup bowl while laughing and joking.

Lu Hongye feigned anger and tried to get up to tidy up, but Shi Feiyang pulled her back into his arms with his long arm, his glass-like skin pressed against her burning cheek: "This time you're back, you're going to slowly make up for the time you've missed."

A light rain suddenly began to fall outside the window, pattering softly on the banana leaves. Lu Hongye rested her head on his arm, gazing at his face so close to hers: "Do you know that for the past few months, I've been waiting by the window every day, hoping to catch a glimpse of your clothes..."

Yang Xue'er curled up on the other side, her little hands tightly clutching the hem of his clothes: "Next time you leave, you must take me and my sister with you, otherwise..."

She looked up, tears welling in her eyes, "Otherwise, I'll train myself to become the greatest martial arts master in the world, catch up with you, and spank you!"

Shi Feiyang smiled and hugged the two of them even tighter, the warmth dispelling the night chill.

In the distance, the long, drawn-out sound of the night watchman's clapper echoed, filling the inn in this corner of the capital with warmth and tenderness that touched the heart.

In late spring in Beijing, willow catkins fluttered like snow.

Shi Feiyang stood atop the eaves of the Xiong Ying Society's capital branch, his Mingyu Gong flowing smoothly, his glass-like skin glowing warmly in the twilight. Xie Wen leaped to his side like a nimble cat, his hawk-like gaze sweeping across the streets: "Chief, all three branch headquarters have been reorganized, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shi Xiong strode over, wielding the White Rainbow Sword, the tassel sweeping away the dust from the eaves: "I've heard that the Eastern Depot has been active in the west of the city recently, and I'm afraid they have some new developments."

Bai Zhi gently stroked her jade flute, the silver bells ringing softly: "Shi Lang, now that the branch affairs are settled, why not return to Jiangnan sooner?" She looked at the faint sorrow between her husband's brows, and a sense of unease rose in her heart.

Shi Feiyang, however, gazed in the direction of the Forbidden City, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "I suddenly remembered some old matters and must go to the palace. You all wait here and do not make any rash moves." With that, his figure disappeared into the night like a ghost.

Within the palace walls, the cold moon shone silently. Shi Feiyang used his "Leave No Trace for a Thousand Miles" lightness skill to evade numerous sentry posts and stopped before a deserted palace garden. Amidst the broken walls and ruins, only a few old plum trees still bloomed.

Suddenly, intermittent zither music drifted over, its melody mournful, like weeping and lamenting. Shi Feiyang's heart trembled. He pushed open the mottled palace door and saw a woman in plain clothes sitting by the window, her eyes blindfolded with white silk. It was Consort Gong, Lady Wang.

"Is it you?" Wang's voice trembled like an autumn leaf, and the string in her hand suddenly snapped. Shi Feiyang's throat tightened, and even circulating his Mingyu Gong couldn't hide the turmoil in his heart: "It's me." Before he could finish speaking, Wang staggered towards him, tears soaking his clothes: "All these years... I've been waiting for you every day..."

Shi Feiyang embraced her slender body, his heart aching as he gazed at the deep tear stains on her eyes.

He remembered their first meeting when she was picking plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden, her eyes filled with a sky full of stars. Now, however, she was blinded by lovesickness.

"Why is this?" His voice was low, tinged with a barely perceptible sob. Lady Wang smiled bitterly, her fingertips gently stroking his face: "Since you left, His Majesty has never set foot in this cold palace again. I gave birth to a son, yet I am seen as an omen of misfortune… Changluo…"

She suddenly coughed violently, and Shi Feiyang quickly used his internal energy to clear it, only to find that the stagnant energy accumulated in her body was even more difficult to resolve than the hidden injuries of a peerless master. Upon learning of his son Zhu Changluo's predicament, a chill suddenly rose from Shi Feiyang's body.

He gently stroked Wang's pale temples: "Don't worry, I will definitely protect him."

That night, he disguised himself as a palace guard and sneaked into Jingyang Palace, where Zhu Changluo lived.

Moonlight streamed through the tattered window paper, illuminating the small figure curled up on the bed.

The child, only a few years old, was emaciated and pale, his brocade robe was covered in patches, and there was only half a bowl of cold porridge beside his bed. "Little prince, eat something."

Shi Feiyang's voice trembled slightly as he quietly slipped the loose silver from his pocket to the old eunuch beside him.

Zhu Changluo raised his head, his dark eyes filled with terror, yet also revealing a restraint beyond his years: "Thank you, Eunuch, but... keep these to buy medicine for Mother." Shi Feiyang's throat tightened, and Ming Yugong almost lost control—this child was so intelligent, yet he had to suffer in this cold palace! Back in the cold palace, he suppressed his anger and explained Zhu Changluo's situation calmly.

Wang Shi touched his face, tears streaming down her cheeks: "With you here, I feel at ease..." Shi Feiyang looked at her increasingly gaunt face and secretly vowed: he would definitely free this mother and son from their suffering. And the best way was to teach Zhu Changluo both literary and martial arts.

After thinking for a while, Shi Feiyang took his leave, but he inadvertently discovered Fuma Sayoko and began to secretly keep an eye on her.

Sayoko Fuuma, a young girl, possesses striking beauty.

Her skin was as delicate as jade, with a faint pinkish hue, like a cherry blossom in early spring, tender and fresh.

Those eyes were like the deep night sky, sparkling with starlight, both mysterious and captivating.

Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, and every blink seemed to stir the heartstrings.

She wore a scarlet ninja robe, embroidered with delicate cherry blossom patterns that shimmered faintly in the light of the palace lanterns, adding to her ethereal beauty. Her figure was graceful, and every gesture exuded elegance and agility, like a fairy stepping out of a painting, untouched by worldly dust.

The sandalwood box in her arms, though emanating a slight chill, did not diminish her gentle and graceful demeanor in the slightest.

On the contrary, this sense of mystery makes her more unique, intriguing, and unforgettable.

The night was still and deep, and the bronze beast incense burner in the South Study of the Qianqing Palace emitted wisps of ambergris fragrance.

Shi Feiyang hid in the shadows of the corridor, his Mingyu Gong at its peak, his glass-like skin blending seamlessly with the moonlight. The cherry blossom patterns on Fengmo Xiaoyezi's scarlet ninja robe were faintly visible under the palace lanterns, while the sandalwood box in her arms exuded a chilling aura, as if concealing a shocking secret.

"Your Majesty, this is the 'Xu Fu's Voyage to the East' scroll, a secret treasure of the Japanese imperial family for a hundred years." Fuma Sayoko knelt on the ground, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of murderous intent. "The scroll not only records the truth of the Japanese ancestor's voyage to the east, but also contains key guidance for Xu Fu's alchemy."

The moment the sandalwood box was opened, a beam of dark blue light shot into the sky. Shi Feiyang looked through the crack in the door and saw that the vermilion characters on the yellowed silk were moving as if they were alive. It was the brushwork of the long-lost "True Form Map of the Five Sacred Mountains".

Zhu Yijun abruptly rose from his seat, his dragon robe sweeping over the bronze candlesticks on the table.

As the candlelight flickered, a greedy glint appeared in the emperor's eyes: "Good! Good! Good!"

He exclaimed "Good!" three times in a row, his fingertips tracing the Penglai Immortal Mountain marked on the map. "No wonder I always felt that the Japanese etiquette and customs were of the same origin as those of the Central Plains. It turns out that their royal family is actually a descendant of Xu Fu!"

Shi Feiyang was shocked. He had seen some scattered records in the ancient books of Shenlong Pagoda, which said that Xu Fu took six hundred boys and girls with him when he sailed east, but he never expected that this secret was connected with the bloodline of the Japanese royal family.

What shocked him even more was Zhu Yijun's next words: "The young princess truly deserves to be called a rare and extraordinary woman in the Mu family."

Zhu Yijun suddenly burst into laughter, his voice shaking the roof tiles. "What a brilliant name, Fengmo Xiaoyezi! Absolutely brilliant! It has both deceived the Japanese pirates and allowed you to stir up trouble in the martial world. The Mu family has guarded Yunnan for two hundred years, their merits are as clear as the sun and moon. Now that you have stolen this map, it is an even greater achievement!"

Shi Feiyang's pupils constricted sharply. He never expected that this fearsome Japanese pirate woman, who struck terror into the hearts of the martial world, was actually a princess of the Duke of Qian's mansion!
Moonlight streamed through the window and fell on Kazema Sayoko's face. A bitter smile played on her lips, like a rose with thorns: "Your Majesty flatters me. My ancestor, Mu Ying, followed the founding emperor in pacifying Yunnan. The Mu family has been blessed with imperial favor for generations, and we could never repay it even if we were to die. This expedition into Japan is merely to do our part."

Outside the South Study, Shi Feiyang activated the "Heavenly Palace Illusion" technique of the Sacred Heart Mantra, bewitching the guards on duty as if they were in another world. He held his breath and concentrated, using the vortex suction force of the Bright Jade Skill to hear every word of the conversation inside the room.

But then Zhu Yijun suddenly lowered his voice and asked, "Has the location of Xu Fu's alchemy practice, as indicated in the map, been confirmed?"

"Your Majesty, according to the secret records of the Japanese Imperial Family, Xu Fu once refined the elixir of immortality on a certain fairy island in the East China Sea." Fuma Sayoko unfolded the scroll, her slender fingertip pointing to the northeast corner of the map. "The clouds and mist here never dissipate, and ordinary ships will lose their way if they approach."

Zhu Yijun's breathing became rapid, and his hands beneath his dragon robe trembled slightly: "I have heard that the elixir can grant immortality. If only we could find it..."

He suddenly looked up, a ruthless glint in his eyes, "This matter must be kept secret. Once I send people to find the Immortal Island, I will make sure this world..." His words trailed off, causing cold sweat to seep down Shi Feiyang's back.

Just then, Kazema Sayoko suddenly turned her head and smiled slightly in the direction where Shi Feiyang was hiding.

Shi Feiyang was greatly shocked. He instantly activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions: Ice Soul Cold Prison", and the cold air around his body condensed into an ice shield.

But she simply kowtowed gently: "Your Majesty, rest assured, no one else but you and this humble servant will know about this matter."

Zhu Yijun nodded in satisfaction and put the scroll into the secret box: "Tomorrow I will issue an edict to bestow upon you the title of Princess Zhenguo. After returning to Yunnan, please give my regards to Prince Mu."

His voice carried an unquestionable authority, "As for that immortal island..." He looked out the window at the night sky, "I will make the arrangements myself."

Instantly, Shi Feiyang's heart surged with turmoil. Xu Fu's alchemy, the secrets of Japan, the imperial ambitions... all these intertwined events were far more complex than he had imagined. And the true identity of Fuma Sayoko was something he had never expected.

Inside the South Study of the Qianqing Palace, a gilded incense burner with animal heads exhaled a mist of ambergris, which tinged Zhu Yijun's bright yellow dragon robe with a hazy golden-red hue.

His fingertips repeatedly traced the painting "Xu Fu's Voyage to the East" on the table. The candlelight flickered in his eyes, reflecting a mixture of fervor and suspicion: "Minister Mu, my mind is made up. Tomorrow I will issue a maritime ban, severing all communication between the Ming Dynasty and foreign countries."

Mu Tong, who was kneeling on the ground, suddenly raised her head, and the Miao silver belt under her scarlet ninja robe made a crisp sound.

Cold sweat trickled down her forehead, but she forced herself to raise her nail-painted fingertips: "Your Majesty, please reconsider! If the maritime ban is lifted, not only will the annual tax revenue of one million taels from the Maritime Trade Office be cut off, but it will also make our Great Ming Dynasty estranged from the surrounding countries!"

Her voice, clear and melodious like that of the dense forests of the southwest, trembled slightly with anxiety. "Spices from Siam, ivory from Luzon, pearls from Ryukyu... these products not only fill the national treasury, but also sustain the lifeline of the Maritime Silk Road!"

Zhu Yijun waved his dragon sleeve, and the Yongle Encyclopedia on the table flipped open with a bang: "Hmph! What use are those ingenious and cheap skills to me? Since the time of Emperor Hongwu, there has been an ancestral system of maritime prohibition. Now that Japanese pirates are rampant, only by fortifying the walls and clearing the fields can we protect the peace of my Great Ming!" His gaze swept over the sandalwood box in Mu Tong's arms, "The matter of Xu Fu's immortal island should have been carried out in secrecy. If the sea is not prohibited, and the news leaks out, wouldn't the world laugh at my foolishness?"

Mu Tong crawled half a step on her knees, her forehead slamming heavily against the blue bricks with a dull thud: "Your Majesty! The policy of maritime prohibition is truly like drinking poison to quench thirst! In the past, when Zheng He sailed to the Western Ocean, wherever his treasure ships went, all the countries submitted to him. This was the way of 'spreading virtue and pacifying distant lands.' If we implement maritime prohibition, it is tantamount to destroying our own Great Wall!"

When she looked up, her eyes were already bloodshot. "As for Japan, on the surface it's pirates causing trouble, but in reality it's their shogun coveting the wealth of our Great Ming. Banning the seas will only make them go underground, and will actually breed more smugglers!"

Shi Feiyang hid in the shadows under the corridor, his Mingyu Gong at its peak, his glass-like skin blending into the moonlight.

He gazed at Mu Tong's slender figure, recalling how this woman, under the alias "Fengmo Xiaoyezi," had stirred up a storm of bloodshed in the martial world, yet now she was arguing vehemently before the emperor for the sake of her country and its people.

The ninja sword at her waist gleamed coldly in the candlelight, yet it seemed more tragic than ever before.

Zhu Yijun's face was ashen, his dragon-patterned boots pounding heavily on the floor tiles: "The Mu family has guarded Yunnan for generations. Do they even dare to defy my decree?"

His voice carried the unique imperial authority, "Since you brought back the 'Xu Fu's Voyage to the East' map, you should know my determination for the elixir of immortality! After the sea ban, all ships were burned, only my 'immortal ship' can go out to sea to find the elixir!"

"Your Majesty!" Mu Tong suddenly untied the jade pendant from her waist and raised it high above her head. "If the sea ban is lifted, I am willing to relinquish this title of princess, and the Mu family is also willing to return the title of duke of Qian!" Her voice echoed throughout the Southern Study, startling the owl on the beam into taking flight. "Our Great Ming governs the world with benevolence and virtue. If you sever all relations with other nations for your own selfish desires, how will the historians judge Your Majesty in the future?"

Shi Feiyang's heart trembled violently. He had witnessed Mu Tong's ruthless killing in the martial world, but now he saw her willing to sacrifice her family's honor for the sake of the common people. Moonlight shone through the window lattice onto her bloodstained fingertips, scars left from her battle with the heroes of Xiong Ying, which now shone brighter than any jewel.

Zhu Yijun suddenly stood up, his dragon robe sweeping the bronze paperweight off the table.

He paced back and forth, the sound of his boots hitting the blue bricks particularly jarring in the silence.

After a long silence, he suddenly sighed, "Enough, enough... How could I not know of Mu Qing's sincerity?" He reached out and took the jade token, gently placing it back in Mu Tong's palm. "Let's leave the matter of the sea ban aside for now. You will set off for Yunnan tomorrow to guard the southwestern gateway for me."

Mu Tong prostrated herself on the ground, tears dripping onto the blue bricks: "Thank you, Your Majesty! The Mu family has been blessed by Your Majesty for generations, and we will surely give our lives for you!" When she stood up, her posture was still upright, but she could not hide the weariness in her eyes.

As Shi Feiyang watched her departing figure, he felt a mix of emotions—this woman, known in the martial arts world as "Wind Demon Xiaoyezi," had always been protecting the Ming Dynasty in her own way.

The candlelight in the South Study gradually went out, and Shi Feiyang disappeared into the night.

He gazed at the cold moon above the Forbidden City, pondering to himself: It seems the entanglement between the martial world and the imperial court is far more complex than he imagined. And what kind of waves will Mu Tong, this extraordinary woman with a dual identity, stir up in the future?
The night in the capital was fragmented into varying shades of ink by the palace walls. Shi Feiyang used his lightness skill to glide across the rooftops, his glassy skin shimmering with a warm glow under the moonlight. When he landed on the eaves of Lu Hongye's "Listening to Snow Inn," a wisp of sandalwood incense mixed with the sweet scent of rouge wafted in from the window, instantly dispelling the heavy atmosphere in the Forbidden City.

"Husband!" Yang Xue'er's clear voice was like a nightingale singing in a valley, and the carved wooden door opened in response.

She was dressed in a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and the newly picked crabapple blossoms in her hair trembled slightly as she ran. There were still some lingering traces of rouge on the ends of her hair. "You're finally back! Sister Hongye was so worried that she let the tea go cold three times!"

Lu Hongye leaned against the carved door frame, her silver thread embroidered with twin lotus flowers faintly visible beneath her light red gauze dress.

She twirled the mutton-fat jade bracelet between her fingers, her eyes sparkling with reproach: "Master Shi is so busy with affairs of state, how could he possibly remember us young ladies?"

Despite saying that, she moved gracefully, her delicate hand reaching for his wrist, "I used too much energy just now, and my breathing is a little disordered..."

Shi Feiyang let her cool fingertips touch his pulse point, then suddenly wrapped his long arm around her and pulled them both into his embrace.

Yang Xue'er nestled coquettishly into his shoulder, the scent of begonias wafting from her hair; Lu Hongye's ears flushed red, but she didn't pull away, only whispering, "You should always take better care of yourself..."

"With you two here, even the toughest man would turn into a softie." Shi Feiyang lowered his head and kissed each of their hair, making Yang Xue'er blush and pound his chest, while Lu Hongye turned her face away, her earlobes turning bright red.

Suddenly, a muffled thud was heard from downstairs. It turned out that the waiter had been so startled by the enchanting scene that he had knocked over the tea tray.

Just then, the messenger pigeon in Shi Feiyang's arms fluttered over.

The moment he unfolded the note, Lu Hongye peeked out from behind him. When she saw the name "Mu Tong," her eyebrows furrowed slightly: "Are you leaving again?" Yang Xue'er immediately wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice trembling with tears: "It's always like this... We just got together and then we have to separate again..."

(End of this chapter)