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

"I will definitely return in seven days at most." Shi Feiyang turned the two of them around, gently wiped away the tears from Yang Xue'er's eyes with his thumb, and then kissed Lu Hongye's forehead. "When I come back, we will go to Xishan to see Wanfeng, and invite Xiang Kun and Xiao Lingling to join us for a ten-table banquet."

The next morning, Shi Feiyang disguised himself as an ordinary merchant and hid in the long street.

From afar, Mu Tong could be seen dressed in a smart outfit, her scarlet cloak fluttering in the morning breeze.

He was about to follow when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Yang Xue'er running up, panting, a food box in her hand. The pearl hairpin at her temple swayed gently with her breath: "Here...I brought you some osmanthus cake. Eat it if you get hungry on the way..."

Lu Hongye then stuffed a brocade pouch into his hand. The pouch was embroidered with auspicious dragons and phoenixes: "Inside are wound medicine and Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Pill. If you encounter danger..." She suddenly couldn't finish her sentence, turned her head away, and secretly wiped the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

Shi Feiyang's throat tightened slightly as he pulled the two women into his arms, whispering on their heads, "Wait for me." He watched them disappear around the street corner before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Meanwhile, Mu Tong was galloping at full speed towards the outskirts of the capital.

The autumn air in Sichuan is shrouded in mist, making the treacherous plank roads slippery.

The Jinniu Ancient Road winds and twists, like a giant dragon weaving through towering mountains. Sometimes it clings to sheer cliffs, sometimes it spans deep ravines and streams, its form ever-changing and its grandeur magnificent. On both sides of the ancient road, the cliffs are steep, as if carved by a knife and axe, piercing the clouds. The stone steps are uneven, mottled and worn by time; every step must be taken with utmost care, for a slight misstep could lead to a fall into the abyss.

Enveloped in mist, the Jinniu Ancient Road appeared even more mysterious and unpredictable. Shi Feiyang and his companions walked along the ancient road, with the whistling wind and the mournful sound of ancient cypress trees in their ears, and the slippery plank road beneath their feet, every step filled with challenge and danger.

Xiang Kun's hand holding the iron flute suddenly stopped. The "tap-tap" sound of the flute striking the plank road startled a flock of crows: "Chief, something's fishy!" Thirty-seven corpses dressed in the attire of the Xiong Ying Society lay across the road, their blood already congealed into dark purple lumps.

Shi Xiong crouched down, his white rainbow sword lifting the collar of a corpse to reveal half of a faded Vermilion Bird tattoo on the back of its neck. He flipped the blade, its cold light illuminating the faint dragon-shaped mark behind the corpse's ear. "These people all have the unique cinnabar branding marks from the Eastern Depot behind their ears!"

"What a clever scheme to kill someone with a borrowed knife!" Wu Zhong's prosthetic arm slammed heavily against the railing of the plank road, knocking off several pieces of rotten wood.

Thirty-six-barreled firearms unfolded in his hands, gleaming coldly. "The imperial court wants to frame us for the deaths of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, so they can have a legitimate reason to wipe out the Xiong Ying Society!" Before he finished speaking, the sound of metal clashing echoed from the cliff.

Xiao Lingling's Mandarin Duck Blades flashed two streaks of snow as she clashed with twelve red-clad sword maids.

These sword maids all had gold silk knots tied in their hair, unique to the Eastern Depot. The soft swords in their hands moved like serpents, and their sword formations changed in a way that subtly corresponded to the twelve earthly branches.

"Break!" Xiao Lingling shouted, unleashing her twin swords in a "Mandarin Duck Shadows" technique. However, the blades were pulled by a strange suction force as they touched the sleeve of the sword maid, nearly slipping from her grasp. The lead sword maid sneered, her soft sword transforming into a red light as she aimed straight for her face: "Female thief of the Xiong Ying Society, you killed my Imperial Guards, a heinous crime! Surrender now!" Just as "Iron Palm" Wu Zhong had guessed: the Imperial Guards were using a vicious scheme to frame the Xiong Ying heroes!

Xiao Lingling dodged quickly to the side, a bloody gash already appearing on her left shoulder. Gritting her teeth, she channeled her inner strength into her twin swords, preparing to unleash a killing move, when suddenly she felt a chill on the back of her neck—another swordswoman had circled behind her, the tip of her sword pressed against her vital point!

At the critical moment, a crimson sword light streaked across the sky like a shooting star. Mu Tong's ninja sword cleaved through the sword formation, the wind from the blade carrying the unique fragrance of osmanthus from the southwest.

She lightly touched the crossbeam of the plank road with her toes, her figure as light as a butterfly: "The Eastern Depot bullies the weak with numbers. Do they think there's no one in Bashu?" Before she finished speaking, her ninja sword clashed with her soft sword, and sparks flew onto Xiao Lingling's blood-stained clothes.

At the critical moment, the crimson sword light streaked across the night sky like a shooting star, dazzling yet deadly. Mu Tong, beautiful as a celestial being, was like a fairy stepping out of a painting; her skin was crystal clear, and a gentle touch would bring a blush.

Her features were exquisitely delicate, with arched eyebrows like a crescent moon and bright eyes like deep autumn water, sparkling with wisdom and determination.

She had a high, straight nose, pink lips, and a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She wore a scarlet, form-fitting outfit that flowed in the wind, making her as fiery and dazzling as a flame.

The outfit clung to her graceful figure, outlining her perfect curves, making her appear both heroic and feminine. A silver belt, adorned with several dazzling gemstones, shimmered brilliantly around her waist.

She wore a pair of black boots with tight shafts and thin, sturdy soles, which made her move with greater agility and speed. Holding a gleaming ninja sword, she easily cleaved through the dense, net-like array of swords.

Her movements were fluid and elegant, her blade flashing sharply, carrying the unique fragrance of osmanthus from the southwest, adding a touch of poetry to the tense standoff.

Mu Tong lightly touched the crossbeam of the plank road with her toes, her figure light and graceful, like a butterfly about to take flight.

Her face was aloof and noble, her eyes gleaming with an unassailable light: "Does the Eastern Depot think that we, the people of Bashu, are all alone?" Her voice was clear and melodious, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Before she finished speaking, Mu Tong's ninja sword clashed fiercely with the enemy's soft sword, sparks flying everywhere like fireworks blooming in the night sky.

Mu Tong's swordsmanship was superb, and every move revealed her profound internal strength and outstanding martial arts skills.

Her noble temperament was on full display in that instant.

When Shi Feiyang and the others arrived at the scene, they saw Mu Tong effortlessly fighting against twelve opponents.

Her swordsmanship combines the sharpness of Japanese swords with the power of Miao swords, each swing carrying the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.

"Little Night! Take this!" Shi Feiyang laughed loudly, circulating his Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness Ice Soul Cold Prison", and struck out the "Hundred Victory Blade Technique" "Severing the Sky's Edge" with his palm. The golden blade energy, wrapped with icy coldness, instantly dispersed the sword formation.

The tide of battle can turn in an instant.

Wu Zhong's thunder-fire musket roared, suppressing the sword maids' retreat; Xiang Kun's iron flute unleashed sonic attacks to disrupt their minds; and Shi Xiong's white rainbow sword focused on attacking their lower bodies. Seeing the situation was dire, the twelve sword maids simultaneously bit their tongues, the spray of blood condensing in the air into a ferocious emblem of the Eastern Depot.

"Not good! It's the 'Twelve Deadly Blood Fiends'!" Mu Tong's expression changed drastically, but she saw Shi Feiyang's body radiate a brilliant light, and the vortex suction of the Bright Jade Skill drew all the blood mist into his palm. When the last sword maid fell to the ground, Xiao Lingling was already leaning weakly against the cliff wall.

Her eyes held both gratitude and wariness as she looked at Mu Tong: "Thank you so much for saving my life, young lady..."

Shi Feiyang stepped forward, looked at Mu Tong's blood-stained crimson cloak, and suddenly laughed, "Xiao Yezi, we really are destined to meet."

Mu Tong's hand trembled slightly as she recalled the time she set a trap for Shi Feiyang on Ryukyu Island, and a bitter feeling welled up in her heart.

She turned her face away and said coldly, "Chief Shi has mistaken me for someone else." With that, she sheathed her blood-stained ninja sword and turned to leave.

Shi Feiyang gazed at her retreating figure, his eyes deep: "If Princess Mu encounters any difficulties, Xiong Ying will be at your beck and call at any time!"

Mu Tong paused, but ultimately did not turn around, leaving only her crimson cloak fluttering in the autumn wind as she gradually disappeared into the misty end of the plank road.

On the plank road, the corpses of the Eastern Depot's sword maids and the corpses of the Imperial Guards disguised as disciples of the Xiong Ying Society were interspersed.

The setting sun on the Shu Road was like blood, dyeing the glassy luster flowing around Shi Feiyang a dark red.

Suddenly, a disciple of the Xiong Ying Society staggered over, the bloodstains from the arrows at his waist leaving a winding trail on the stone slabs of the plank road: "Chief! General Guo Dunyi of Bozhou has colluded with the Iron Saber Society to launch a surprise attack on our Bozhou branch! Our branch leader fought desperately, but is now in imminent danger!"

The blood-stained letter rustled in the wind, the words blurred and indistinct by the bloodstains. Shi Feiyang's eyes suddenly turned icy cold, and with a casual wave of his palm, the remaining power of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" cleaved the three-foot-thick stone slab beneath his feet into spiderweb-like cracks.

As he circulated the Mingyu Gong, icy blue mist rose around him, dimming the evening glow: "Does the imperial court intend to use the martial arts world to eliminate dissidents?"

He turned to look at the leaders of the various incense halls, golden light gleaming in his eyes, "Today I will let them know that the sword of the Xiong Ying Society can not only slay the villains, but also cut through these conspiracies!"

Liao Pei's Tongbi gauntlets clanged loudly, shaking rocks off the cliff: "Chief, I am willing to lead the vanguard battalion to raze the Iron Saber Society to the ground!"

Lie Quan drew his Qiankun Blade half an inch from its sheath, the clanging of the blade rings sounding like the beating of war drums: "Bozhou is a vital strategic point in the southwest; we must not let the imperial court succeed!"

Wu Zhong inspected the Thunderfire Gun on the Xuan Tie prosthetic arm one by one. The sound of the lead bullets entering the chamber was as crisp as pearls falling on a jade plate: "This time, we will definitely let that dog Guo Dunyi taste the power of firearms!"

Shi Feiyang laughed and said, "Brother Xie Wen, I'll trouble you to investigate the Iron Saber Society's headquarters. We'll wipe out the Iron Saber Society, and while we're at it, we'll collect some money and grain to reward the brothers in the Bozhou branch. We'll make sure every male disciple can get married and every female disciple has a dowry."

"Hahahaha!" The heroes burst into laughter.

Xie Wen clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed in response to the command, and departed using the "Flying Floss and Light Smoke Technique".

Three days later, the sounds of battle shook the heavens outside Bozhou City.

The Iron Knife Society's "Earth-Splitting Formation" completely surrounded the Bozhou branch, with the shouts of the members mingling with the war drums of the Ming army.

Guo Dunyi stood on the watchtower of the Ming army camp, the ink on the "victory report" in his hand still wet, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "The Xiong Ying Gathering is nothing but fish on the chopping block of the imperial court..." Before he finished speaking, nine golden blades suddenly rose from the distant horizon, like divine thunder from the heavens striking the earth.

Shi Feiyang touched the rain of arrows with his toes, and activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions: Ice Soul Cold Prison". The ice crystals that condensed around his body refracted seven colors of light under the sunlight. He pushed out the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" "Slaying the Mortal World" with both palms, and nine blade energies wrapped in icy coldness swept across in a fan shape. Wherever they went, the weapons of the Iron Blade Society disciples were shattered, and they were sent flying backward like kites with broken strings.

"You dare to show off your petty skills before an expert!" His voice boomed like a bell, making the Ming army's banner tremble.

Shi Xiong's White Rainbow Sword transformed into a silver dragon, charging left and right through the enemy ranks. He unleashed the "Azure Peak Slicing Face" move from the "Thirteen Deadly Swords," and amidst the crisscrossing sword energy, the head of the Iron Knife Society leader rolled off like a watermelon.

Shan Zhi's plum blossom darts formed a rain of darts, specifically targeting the enemy's throat and dantian; Xiao Lingling's mandarin duck knives danced like a snow curtain, the clear and melodious sound of the blades clashing together forming a combined attack with the sonic power emanating from Xiang Kun's iron flute.

Guo Dunyi's expression changed drastically, and he drew his sword from his waist: "Fire arrows! Fire fire arrows!" Instantly, thousands of arrows were unleashed, carrying raging flames as they rushed towards Shi Feiyang.

But then Shi Feiyang drew in with his palm, and the vortex suction force of the Mingyu Skill transformed into an invisible giant maw, swallowing all the rockets.

His body shone brightly as he unleashed the ultimate move of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," "Severing Heaven and Earth." A golden blade of light pierced through the heavens and earth, crashing down. The Ming army's arrow tower collapsed amidst the blade's energy, with bricks, stones, and wood chips raining down like raindrops.

Hong Tianba, the leader of the Iron Knife Society, roared and charged forward wielding his Xuan Tie Heavy Blade: "Shi Feiyang, prepare to die!" Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, letting the blade touch his skin. But the Xuan Tie Blade seemed to strike a diamond, bursting out dazzling sparks.

"The Iron Blade Society, which has committed numerous evils, should end here." Shi Feiyang swung his palm back, and the "Severing the Sky" palm strike, carrying the power to split mountains and shatter rocks, cleaved Hong Tianba and his sword in two. Blood gushed out like a fountain, staining the entire battlefield red.

Seeing that things were not going well, Guo Dunyi turned around and tried to escape.

Wu Zhong, however, had already set up his improved 36-barreled musket and sneered, "Where is Lord Guo going?" As the trigger was pulled, lead bullets rained down, tearing Guo Dunyi's cloak to shreds.

Shi Feiyang strode over, his glass-like skin radiating a chilling aura: "Guo Dunyi, who is behind this?" He gripped Guo Dunyi's vital point with his palm, and icy true energy spread along his meridians, instantly forming frost flowers on his face.

"I...I was just following orders..." Guo Dunyi's teeth chattered, "It was...it was Director Cao of the Eastern Depot..."

Before he finished speaking, Shi Feiyang exerted his strength, and Guo Dunyi's body flew out like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily under the Ming army's command flag.

In late spring, Fengming Mountain was shrouded in leaden clouds. On the vermilion gate of the Iron Knife Society's headquarters, mottled bloody handprints looked like the sinister smile of a demon in the twilight.

Shi Feiyang stood at the front of the formation, his glass-like skin reflecting lightning as he channeled his Mingyu Gong.

He surveyed the assembled heroes behind him and said in a deep voice, "The Iron Blade Society plunders the people and colludes with the Tatars. Today, we will reduce this evil den to dust!"

Liao Pei's Tongbi boxing gloves vibrated so loudly that the air hummed: "Chief, your subordinate is willing to be the vanguard!" Before he finished speaking, the Iron Knife Society's copper bell suddenly rang, and hundreds of henchmen, wielding Pofeng knives, surged out from the stockade wall.

Lie Quan's Qiankun Blade slashed out a half-moon, the clanging of the blade ring startling crows from the mountainside: "Well done! My old bones have been itching for a fight!"

Kong Sanjiao drew his "Seven-Strike Sword," the Big Dipper pattern on the blade gleaming coldly: "Watch me break their dog-head formation!" His sword strikes were like a swimming dragon, instantly knocking down three henchmen. Fan Shi of "Xingyi Quan" assumed a horse stance, his aura as imposing as a deep abyss and a towering mountain. With a "Tiger Pouncing on Its Prey," he shattered the bluestone blocking his path, and wherever his fist struck, the henchmen flew backward like kites with broken strings.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle rang out, and the deputy leader of the Iron Knife Society appeared.

This man had a gloomy, iron-like face, and a nine-section soft whip wrapped around his waist, the tip of which was coated with emerald green venom. He was none other than Wan Qizheng, known in the martial arts world as the "Poison Dragon Whip".

He sneered, "The Xiong Ying Society has some nerve, daring to mess with me! Fine, that'll save me the trouble of coming to their door. I'll dig a hole right here and bury you all."

With a flick of his whip, he aimed straight for Shi Feiyang's throat like a nimble snake.

Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique" with both palms, unleashing nine golden blade energies imbued with icy coldness in a fan-shaped sweep.

Wan Qizheng's soft whip was instantly shredded into pieces by the sword energy. His expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly retreated.

But then Xiao Lingling wielded her pair of mandarin ducks like a snow curtain, shouting, "You scoundrel, take this! Have you dug the pit yet? Dig a bigger pit, so you can bury many villains like you!" The two swords clashed, producing a clear and melodious sound, aimed straight at Wan Qizheng's lower body.

Liu Yehua's "Hundred Leaf Blade" suddenly transformed into thirty-six fine steel blades, which rained down on the Iron Blade Society's crossbowmen.

Southwest Wind, wielding the "Tai Chi Sword," deflected the incoming arrows to both sides using the Yin-Yang fish footwork.

He proclaimed loudly, "Chief, watch me break their arrow formation!"

With a swing of his longsword, he unleashed a "Tai Chi Cloud Hands" technique, transforming the sword energy into a soft force that directed the dense rain of arrows into the sky.

Wu Zhong's prosthetic arm, made of black iron, unleashed a thirty-six-barreled thunderfire cannon, and he roared, "You scoundrels, taste the might of the Ming Dynasty's firearms!" Lead bullets rained down like a storm, instantly riddling the wooden walls of the Iron Knife Society's stronghold with holes. Suddenly, dozens of experts surged out of the stronghold, led by the "Blood Blade Duo"—the elder brother, Gao Kui, wielding a serrated blood blade, and the younger brother, Gao Xiong, holding the Judge's Pen. The two worked in perfect harmony, unleashing a barrage of deadly moves.

Shi Xiong brandished the White Rainbow Sword and charged into the enemy ranks. Although his swordsmanship was not yet fully developed, it was characterized by its unpredictable and cunning nature.

Xiang Kun, the "Iron Flute Scholar," played "Ambush from Ten Sides," his sonic power transforming into invisible blades that made the eardrums of the Iron Knife Society members ache.

Jin Liufu suddenly burst out of the moat and wrapped his arms around Gao Xiong's legs.

Kao Hsiung was terrified and stabbed with both pens, but was dragged into the water by Chin Liu-fu. Seeing his brother in danger, Kao Kui's eyes turned red and he roared as he charged toward Chin Liu-fu.

Seizing the opportunity, Shi Feiyang activated his Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions: Ice Soul Cold Prison," and the cold air around his body condensed into a hundred-foot-long ice wall.

He unleashed the ultimate killing move of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," "Severing Heaven and Earth," with both palms, and a golden blade of light that pierced through the heavens and earth crashed down.

Gao Kui's serrated blood-red blade shattered inch by inch in the blade's energy. He was thrown dozens of feet away and crashed heavily onto the stone steps, spitting out blood and dying instantly.

Seeing the situation was bad, Wan Qizheng tried to escape, but Xie Wen blocked his way like a ghost. "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen threw down the Heavenly Silkworm Net, which enveloped Wan Qizheng. He then used his Eagle Claw Kung Fu to swiftly and fiercely seize Wan Qizheng's "Jianjing" acupoint.

Shi Feiyang walked slowly over, his glassy skin glowing with an icy blue light: "Tell me, where is the evidence of your collusion with the Tatars hidden?" He lightly touched Wanqizheng's Tanzhong acupoint with his fingertip, and the icy true energy instantly invaded the other party's meridians.

Wan Qizheng's face turned purple with pain, and he stammered, "In...in the secret chamber..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang had already shattered his skull with a single palm strike.

With the shouts of the members of the Xiong Ying Society, all the bandits at the Iron Blade Society headquarters were killed.

The mountain of money and grain in the stronghold was counted, and the members of the Xiong Ying Society looked at these supplies with joy in their eyes.

A few days later, the Bozhou branch was brightly decorated. The male disciples married the girls they loved, and the female disciples received generous dowries.

Standing atop the branch headquarters, Shi Feiyang gazed at the bustling scene, a look of satisfaction flashing in his crystal-clear eyes. At that moment, the setting sun cast a crimson glow upon the Bozhou battlefield, and the banners of the Xiong Ying Society fluttered in the smoke, testifying to the unyielding spirit of the heroes of the martial world.

Capital.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, gilded incense burners with animal heads emitted wisps of smoke, casting flickering light on the candles. The emperor tapped his fingertips heavily on the dragon-headed desk.

The battle report delivered by the secret agent on the table was covered in cinnabar circles, and the three characters "Xiongying Society" with the ink still wet were twisted in the blood.

The sandalwood tabletop emitted a dull echo, startling the bronze crane wind chimes under the eaves into trembling noises: "Let the Xiong Ying Society fight against the Mu Prince's Mansion? Shi Feiyang dares to meddle in the Southwest? Isn't Shi Feiyang my Marquis of Zhennan? Has he really abandoned wealth and honor?"

The beaded curtain rustled softly, and Zhou Yanru's python robe brushed against the white marble steps, the python pattern and cloud emblem gleaming with a cold, eerie light under the flickering candlelight.

As he bowed, his goatee almost reached his gold-inlaid jade belt, but his voice was like a poisoned silver needle: "Your Majesty, this is a golden opportunity. The Mu family has inherited the title of Duke of Qian and guarded Yunnan for over a hundred years. How can we allow these outlaws to meddle? I request that you immediately order Mu Tianbo to lead 30,000 iron cavalry south to quell the rebellion in Bozhou!" Before he finished speaking, the ivory tablet in his sleeve struck the ground with a clear sound, startling the owls lurking in the rafters.

When the hidden compartment in the Imperial Study was opened, the gears of the mechanism emitted a faint hum.

As Xiang Yushan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, unfolded the secret letter by the flickering candlelight, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints in the leaping flames.

His withered fingers traced the python-patterned scabbard of his Embroidered Spring Blade, his nails scraping against the gilded dragon design with a grating sound: "Order Guo Dunyi to have the remnants of the Iron Blade Society launch a surprise attack on the Xiong Ying Society's supply depot. Also, send five hundred Blood Shadow Guards disguised as caravans to infiltrate the heart of Miao territory—"

A sinister smile crept across the wrinkles around his eyes. "No matter how poisonous the Five Poisons Sect's Gu worms are, they can't beat the Thunderclap Cannon of the Divine Machine Battalion!"

Three days later, an urgent military report, delivered over 800 li (approximately 400 kilometers), pierced through the morning mist like an arrow released from a bow.

The crisp sound of horses' hooves shattering the bluestone slabs startled the flock of pigeons in the imperial city. A courier, his clothes soaked with sweat, burst through the palace gates, the twelve vermilion fire tokens in his robes reflecting a chilling killing intent in the morning light. From the direction of Bozhou, dark clouds surged, and the faint rumble of thunder sounded like an ominous sign before an impending storm.

In the Ming army camp in Bozhou, Guo Dunyi, the Bozhou general who had been badly injured by Shi Feiyang, stroked his newly acquired military tally and grinned at the fully equipped cavalry outside the tent: "Shi Feiyang, Shi Feiyang, even if you are a master of martial arts, can you withstand the roar of cannons?" Behind him, the remnants of the Iron Saber Society were quenching the poisoned arrows bestowed by the imperial court into their arrowheads, the arrowheads gleaming with an eerie blue light.

Meanwhile, inside the Mu Prince's residence, Mu Tianbo gazed at the imperial edict and fell into deep thought.

In the corner of the study, an elderly man with white hair stroked a map of Yunnan and slowly spoke: "Your Highness, there seems to be something fishy about this. Shi Feiyang is always meticulous in his actions, why would he rashly become an enemy of my Mu family?" Before he finished speaking, the cry of an eagle suddenly came from outside the window—it was Xie Wen's eagle delivering a secret letter.

As Mu Tianbo unfolded the plain silk, his gaze swept over the words "Willing to assist the Prince in guarding the border," and his aged fingers trembled slightly. He turned to look at the ancestral sword hanging there, its peacock feather tassel swaying gently in the breeze: "Men! Prepare the horses! I wish to personally meet this Marquis of Zhennan!"

Deep within the Forbidden City, the emperor was playing with the newly cast seal for suppressing the rebellion when he suddenly heard thunder booming outside the window.

As dark clouds loomed over the city, he gazed at the location of Bozhou on the map and muttered to himself, "Shi Feiyang... I want to see how much trouble you, a mere outlaw, can stir up." With the imperial edict inscribed, a storm carrying intrigue and the glint of swords was surging toward Bozhou.

As dusk settled, staining Mount Qingtian with inky blackness, Shi Feiyang stood amidst the broken walls and ruins, the icy blue true energy flowing from his Mingyu Gong technique condensing into spiderweb-like frost patterns on the blue bricks. In the distance, the iron cavalry of the Mu Prince's Mansion shattered the twilight, Guo Dunyi's artillery battalion's bronze cannons gleamed coldly in the setting sun, while the remnants of the Iron Knife Society, like lurking venomous snakes, concealed themselves in the dense forest, watching the impending storm.

Xie Wen unfolded a secret carrier pigeon message, his knuckles rustling as he gripped the paper: "Chief, Mu Tianbo has personally led 30,000 iron cavalry, and Guo Dunyi's artillery battalion has already deployed red-coated cannons ten miles away." Before he finished speaking, Liao Pei slammed his gauntlets heavily against the bluestone railing, sparks flying: "Chief! When has our Xiong Ying Society ever feared mountains of knives and seas of fire?"

Shi Feiyang's dark-colored martial attire fluttered in the strong wind as he said in a deep voice, "Brother Liao, this is not fear, but clarity. The court's plan to use someone else to kill us is intended to cause mutual destruction among the three parties."

He unleashed the "Viewing the Vast Ocean" move from the "Hundred Victories Sword Technique" with both palms. The wind from his palms swept across the sand table, causing the small wooden figures marking the enemy troops to collapse one after another. "Mu Tianbo has guarded Yunnan for decades, and Guo Dunyi controls the military power in Bozhou. Both of them are shrewd and calculating. How could they kill each other because of a secret letter?"

Lan Xiaodie raised her jade hand lightly, and the Golden Silkworm Gu King flew out of the Myriad Gu Pot, weaving a green light screen above everyone's heads: "I have already had the disciples of the Five Poisons Sect lay down 'Bewitching Miasma' on both sides of the Chishui River, but this miasma can only disturb the mind and has limited effect on generals who have been through many battles."

Her beautiful eyes gazed northward, "The Blood Shadow Guard's firearms and Guo Dunyi's red-coated cannons are the real killer moves."

Shi Feiyang pondered for a long time, then his gaze suddenly fell on the Chishui River tributary on the map—Qingya Ravine. "Do you all know that Qingya Ravine is prone to flash floods during heavy rains?" He lightly tapped the map with his fingertip, his icy blue true energy condensing into the trajectory of the water flow. "And in three days, that will be the time of the heavy rain."

Wu Zhong's prosthetic arm, made of black iron, hummed with the sound of gears turning: "What does the Grand Master mean?"

“What we need to do is not to make them kill each other, but to force them to join forces to overcome the danger.” Shi Feiyang took out a forged hydrological report, stamped with the official seal of the Ministry of Works. “Xie Wen, you take the Flying Eagle Battalion to infiltrate Guo Dunyi’s camp and ‘accidentally’ leak this report. At the same time, have the Five Poisons Sect spread the news that the Qingya Ravine is about to breach its banks.”

He turned to Lan Xiaodie and said, "Die'er, you need to use Gu worms to create the illusion of a raging river, causing panic and flight among the people on both banks. A few days later, we will use the money and grain we harvested from the Iron Knife Society headquarters to compensate the people."

As night fell, panic gripped the banks of the Chishui River. Guo Dunyi frowned deeply as he stared at the hydrological report in his hand. He knew all too well that if the Qingyajian dam were to burst, not only would his firearms battalion be destroyed, but the people of Bozhou would also suffer immense devastation.

Upon receiving the news, Mu Tianbo also fell into deep thought—Yunnan and Guizhou are geographically connected, and once the floods occur, they will inevitably affect southern Yunnan.

As the first raindrop fell, Shi Feiyang stood atop the mountain, gazing at the two armies poised to attack on the opposite bank.

He activated his Mingyu Gong, and the sound waves echoed throughout the valley: "Prince Mu, General Guo! Qingyajian is about to breach its banks. If we continue to fight now, it will only cause thousands of people to perish in the flood!" Guo Dunyi looked at the churning dark clouds on the horizon, gritted his teeth, and ordered: "All troops, be on alert! Reinforce the river embankment first!"

Mu Tianbo also raised his ancestral sword: "Follow me to the rescue!" The torrential rain poured down, and Lan Xiaodie secretly manipulated her Gu worms, making the floodwaters even more powerful. Faced with this life-or-death situation, the various factions had no choice but to temporarily set aside their grudges and join forces to form a human wall.

In the distance, deep within the Forbidden City, the sound of the emperor smashing a teacup and the arrival of battle reports both faded into darkness.

However, things were quite peaceful on the banks of the Chishui River. The Bozhou branch of the Xiong Ying Society secretly withdrew from its camp and retreated entirely to Leigongyan, deep within the Leiyin Terraces, and merged into the Tianxing Sect's headquarters, under the command of Tianxing Sect Leader Shi Ying and Vice Leader Lan Xiaodie.

As dusk stained the mountains like a crimson ribbon, Xie Wen streaked across the sky like an arrow released from a bow. The afterimage created by his "Flying Willow and Light Smoke Technique" transformed into a pale golden shimmer in the setting sun. He touched Shi Feiyang's shoulder with his toes, his hawk-like gaze sweeping over the crowd: "Chief, Nurhaci has annihilated the Hada tribe, and Mengge Boluo's blood has spilled on the execution ground! Moreover, he created the Manchu language using Mongolian script, revealing his wolfish ambitions!"

Shi Feiyang raised his palm, which hummed and trembled like a frost blade. As his Mingyu Gong flowed, his glass-like skin glowed with an icy blue light: "The Lindan tribe is the bulwark of the grasslands. If it is annexed by Nurhaci, the Central Plains will be in danger!"

He gazed at the churning dark clouds on the northwest horizon, his palms frosting with icy coldness. "Prepare the horses! We'll head to Lindan's territory tonight!"

The night wind on the grassland carried the smell of gunpowder.

A few days later, Shi Feiyang led the Xiong Ying heroes to the Horqin region, when suddenly they saw a towering pillar of fire ignite on the grassland ahead. The viscous rock grease burned and meandered on the ground, eventually condensing into a "fire tornado" tens of feet high, with flames and gales intertwining to create a piercing shriek.

Dozens of dark figures rose into the air riding on fire dragons; they were the "Eagle Claw Sect" masters of the Haixi Jurchen.

"You bastards from the Xiong Ying Society, how dare you ruin my Great Jin's plans!" The leading Jurchen warrior brandished a gold-inlaid bone whip, the tip of which was coated with a bluish-green poison. "Since the Lindan tribe has already become an enemy of Nurhaci Khan, they are the mortal enemies of my Haixi Jurchens!"

Shi Xiong drew his white rainbow sword with a dragon's roar, the wolf-shaped stone on the tassel striking out with a clear, resonant sound: "Chief, let your subordinate deal with these madmen first!" He touched the ground with his toes and unleashed the "Green Peak Slicing Face" from the "Thirteen Deadly Swords," the sword light like a silver dragon heading straight for the enemy formation.

But then the Jurchen warrior swung out his bone whip, the tip of which hooked onto the sword and pulled hard. At the same time, oil sprayed from the soles of his feet, and the flames instantly engulfed Shi Xiong.

"A mere trick! How dare you invade my Lin Dan tribe! Humph!" Shi Feiyang's body was filled with a surge of cold energy, and he activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness Ice Soul Cold Prison".

He unleashed the "Severing the Edge of Heaven" technique from his palms, nine golden sword energies, each imbued with icy coldness, swept across in a fan shape, cleaving a gap in the fire tornado. Wherever the aftershocks of the sword energy reached, the Jurchen warriors' leather armor shattered inch by inch, their exposed skin covered in frost.

Xiang Kun's iron flute suddenly played a stirring melody, and the sonic power transformed into an invisible barrier, knocking down the poisoned crossbow bolts that were being fired.

Xiao Lingling wielded her Mandarin Duck Swords, creating a snow curtain as she engaged in a fierce battle with the Jurchen "Snow Wolf Twins."

The two women's chain knives were covered with barbs. When they hooked onto her sleeve, Xiao Lingling sneered and flipped the blade to use "Mandarin Duck Shadows," instantly severing the opponent's weapon. Blood splattered onto the burning petroleum water, making a "sizzling" sound.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the Jurchen leader suddenly took out a deerskin horn and blew it out.

A rumbling, thunderous tremor came from the depths of the grassland, as three hundred armored war wolves charged towards them.

The wolf's eyes gleamed with an eerie green light, and what it spewed from its mouth was sticky liquid tinged with sparks.

Shan Zhi threw out plum blossom darts to form a dart net, but with a "clang," the dart heads were bounced off by the wolf armor.

"Watch this!" Wu Zhongxuan unleashed his iron prosthetic arm and opened the thirty-six-barreled Thunderfire Gun, raining down lead bullets like a torrential downpour.

However, the Wolf Warrior was tough and resilient, and became even more ferocious after being shot.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang transformed into a streak of light and leaped into the air. He activated the Mingyu Gong to its fullest extent, making his entire body as transparent as jade.

He unleashed the ultimate killing move of the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," "Severing Heaven and Earth," and a golden blade of light that pierced through the heavens and earth crashed down.

Wherever the blade's edge struck, the fire tornado was cleaved in two, the pack of war wolves was cut in half, and blood mixed with burning petrolatum water spilled onto the grassland.

The Jurchen leader's eyes widened in terror as he tried to flee but was pulled back by Shi Feiyang's vortex suction. "You think you can stop the Central Plains martial arts world with such meager tricks?"

Shi Feiyang gripped the opponent's vital point with his palm, and his icy true energy instantly froze the opponent into an ice sculpture.

After the fierce battle, the grassland was littered with corpses, and the burning petrolatum water turned the sky an eerie crimson.

Shi Feiyang gazed northwest, his glassy skin gleaming coldly in the firelight: "Now that Nurhaci has bared his fangs, my Xiong Ying Society will be an impregnable wall on this grassland!"

His voice echoed in the night wind, startling a flock of crows returning to their nests.

Under the blazing sun, the Northwest Salt Sea gleamed with a blinding silver light. Queen Qi Meizhen of the Hak tribe, wearing a crown inlaid with salt crystals, her crimson cloak fluttering in the fierce wind, lightly stroked the Miao sword at her waist. Gazing at the distant banners of the Burial Moon Clan, faintly visible through the dust, a cold smile curled her lips: "Dare to lay a finger on my Hak salt fields? Today, I will make you perish in this salt crystal hell!"

Jin Liufu, nicknamed "Water Dragon," burst from the salt pond, his body gleaming with cold light from the salt crystals. "Great Khan, the Burial Moon Clan's 'Blood Moon Curved Blade' has already set up its formation!" He lashed out with his soft whip, swirling up salt crystals across the ground. "Those rebels are mixed in with them; it seems they intend to seize power through the Western Regions!"

The nine-section steel whip of "Centipede" Gongsun Ren hummed, and the barbs at the tip of the whip gleamed with a bluish-green venom: "Perfect, I haven't tried the newly refined 'Bone-Corroding Poison' yet!"

"Blue-Faced Beast" Yang Feng gripped his Ghost Ring Greatsword tightly, his eyes flashing with ferocity beneath his mask: "Queen, give the order! My Ghost Head Blade has long sought to taste the blood of the Western Regions!" Qi Meizhen drew her Miao sword, its blade reflecting her resolute face: "Hear my command, warriors of Hark! Take the salt crystals, set up the light array! Today, no one will leave this salt sea alive!"

At a command, the elite cavalry of Haq galloped forward, their scimitars scraping across the salt fields, sending glittering salt crystals flying everywhere.

Sunlight shines through these tiny crystals, refracting into thousands of dazzling silver rays in mid-air.

The experts of the Burial Moon Clan were immediately blinded, and the Blood Moon Scimitar formation showed a flaw. "Armor-Piercing Formation!" Qi Meizhen shouted, leading everyone to unleash the "Seventeen Forms of Miao Blade Armor-Piercing." The Miao blades danced wildly like silver snakes, and in the flashing cold light, the scimitars of the Burial Moon Clan were cut in half.

Qi Meizhen took the lead, her blade slicing through the throat of a Western Region warrior. Blood splattered onto the salt crystals, instantly congealing into an eerie purple. "Taste the flavor of Hake Salt Crystals!" she sneered, flipping her blade to knock away another man's weapon.

Jin Liufu's Bagua Golden Knife transformed into a silver snake, specifically targeting the enemy's joints. Salt crystals curled from the blade's tip shot out like concealed weapons, aiming straight for the opponent's face.

Gongsun Ren's pair of Wu-Yue hooks were even more unpredictable. With a sudden tug, he hooked the ankle of a rebel and lifted him upside down.

"Those who betray Hark must die!" he grinned maliciously, and Wu Yue's hook slammed down, smashing the man's head to pieces. Yang Feng wielded the Ghost Ring Greatsword, leaving a trail of blood and flesh in his wake. The spikes on the blade were covered in blood and salt, and each swing sent up a spray of blood.

"Who else?" he roared, his voice making the eardrums of those around him ache.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the experts of the Burial Moon Clan wanted to retreat and reorganize their formation, but found that their retreat route had been cut off by the Hack cavalry.

Finally, Yue Wuhen, the leader of the Zangyue Clan, could no longer contain himself. He brandished his Blood Moon Scimitar, the runes on the blade glowing with an eerie red light: "You brat, Hack, taste the power of my 'Blood Moon Eclipse'!"

The curved blade slashed out, unleashing a massive, blood-red blade aura that hurtled towards Qi Meizhen. Qi Meizhen, however, neither dodged nor evaded. She raised her Miao sword high above her head and roared, "Armor-Piercing Seventeenth Form - Sun and Moon Shining Together!" The two beams of light collided, producing a deafening roar. (End of Chapter)