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

Shi Feiyang was overjoyed and clasped his hands in a salute: "With your help, the Beggars' Clan will be even stronger! When we achieve our goal, we will share the glory with you all!"

Night was falling in Xiangyang City.

As Shi Feiyang gazed at the starry sky, he thought of Tu Yanfei, who was far away in the Northwest. He wondered what was the state of her Beggars' Sect's Northwest branch.

The autumn rain drizzled in Xiangyang, and a thin mist rose from the bluestone streets. Shi Feiyang, Shen Changle, Luo Jinyuan, and Lu Chenzhou sat in a secret room of the martial arts school. The candlelight flickered, casting their shadows on the wall, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

On the long table in the center of the secret room lay a yellowed map, marked with vermilion markings of the Qing troops' deployment in the Huguang region.

“Chief Xiang,” Shen Changle pointed to the Xiangyang government office on the map, “this place is heavily guarded. The prefect is in cahoots with the Imperial Guard, and martial arts figures are mysteriously disappearing every day.” His Heavenly Gang Finger tapped the table unconsciously, leaving shallow finger marks on the wood.

Luo Jinyuan waved his newly made folding fan, the ink on the four large characters "righteousness reaching the heavens" on the fan surface still wet. "The other day, news came that the Qing army was transporting a batch of red cannons to Wudang Mountain. If they succeed, all the martial arts sects will be in danger."

The sound of the fan ribs colliding was particularly clear in the silent, enclosed room.

A cold glint flashed in Shi Feiyang's crystal eyes, and the Heavenly Silkworm Skill in his palm shimmered faintly in the candlelight: "We can seize this batch of firearms first to cut off the Qing court's arrogance. Sect Leader Shen, please contact the Wudang and Emei sects and have them provide support along the way; Sect Leader Luo, please lead the Wind and Thunder Fan disciples to ambush at the Han River ferry and cut off the Qing army's retreat."

"And what about you, Chief Xiang?" Shen Changle asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I will personally lead the men straight to the heart of the enemy and seize the firearms." Shi Feiyang's voice was deep and firm. "Lu Chenzhou, you are familiar with the methods of the Sticky Pole Office, come with me."

Three days later, late at night, dark clouds obscured the moon.

The official road outside Xiangyang was shrouded in the inky darkness of night. The autumn insects were silent, and only the creaking of wheels rolling over gravel could be heard in the distance.

Shi Feiyang hid among the branches of the ancient locust tree, his glassy eyes reflecting the red cannon that gleamed coldly in the moonlight, and the deerskin bag at his waist felt slightly warm.

Twenty Beggars' Sect disciples hid in the bushes, their palms clenched with cold sweat as they held their bamboo staffs.

Lu Chenzhou lay prostrate behind the mound, the ruby ​​on the judge's pen resembling a drop of congealed blood in the night.

"Attack!" Shi Feiyang lightly touched the ground with his toes, streaking across the night sky like a golden meteor. The "Regretful Dragon" move from the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms was unleashed with a thunderous roar, the palm force transforming into a golden dragon shadow, causing the air to explode with unbearable force wherever it passed.

The Qing soldiers at the forefront didn't even have time to scream before they were sent flying backward like kites with broken strings, crashing into the carriage shafts, their brains splattering with wood chips.

Lu Chenzhou followed closely behind, his judge's pen drawing eerie arcs, targeting the Qing soldiers' vital points such as "Shanzhong" and "Shenque." Wherever the ink strokes passed, drops of blood spurted out like fountains. The crescent moon in the night sky cast a strange bluish light on the official road of Xiangyang.

As a sharp whistle shattered the silence, a hundred assassins from the sticky pole appeared like ghosts from the forest. They wore black tight-fitting clothes embroidered with dark python scales, and the nine blood-dripping darts at their waists gleamed with a cold, eerie blue light in the moonlight. The creaking of the chains was like the hiss of a venomous snake, sending chills down one's spine.

"Tear these robbers to pieces!" The leader, embroidered with golden python patterns, gave the order, and the assassins in the front row simultaneously flicked their wrists.

In an instant, the blood-dripping chains emerged like serpents from their holes, the nine iron beads spinning and emitting a piercing shriek.

These deadly weapons traced eerie arcs through the air, distorting and warping the air in their wake, and even carving half-foot-deep trenches into the blue bricks of the ground by the invisible force of their energy. A Beggar Clan disciple raised his staff to block, but the iron beads from the blood-dripping projectiles instantly entangled the bamboo staff.

The assassin grinned and tightened the chains, shredding the man and bamboo staff into dust. The flying fragments slashed the disciple's face like hidden weapons.

Before the other Beggars' Sect disciples could react, more flying darts grazed their necks, the sharp iron beads leaving bloody marks on their skin. The assassins from the Sticky Pole Division worked in perfect coordination, forming a strangulation formation of three to a group.

One of them threw out a blood-dripping projectile to block their retreat, and the spinning iron beads created a death vortex that enveloped the two Beggar Clan disciples; the other attacked from the side, and the chain lashed out like a whip at their ankles.

As the disciple leaped to dodge, the third person's blood-dripping droplet fell rapidly from above, the nine beads spinning to form an iron cage, instantly trapping the person in the center.

"Ah!" The trapped disciple screamed and brandished his steel knife, only to see the blood-dripping chains skillfully avoid the blade and instead wrap around his arm along the blade.

As the assassin exerted sudden force, the chains tightened, causing the disciple's arm bones to crack with a sickening sound. Blood dripped from the chains, blooming into flowers on the ground. Faced with the onslaught of Shi Feiyang and his group, the assassins unleashed the deadly power of the Blood Droplets to their fullest extent.

When they swung the chains, the iron beads spun as fast as lightning, and the resulting gust of wind could easily snap a tree as thick as a bowl in half.

Some assassins even used the flying guillotine as a shield, with the rotating iron beads forming an impenetrable defensive net that blocked all of Lu Chenzhou's Judge's Pen shadows.

In the midst of the melee, an assassin seized an opportunity and fired a flying dart at Shi Feiyang's face like a meteor.

Suddenly, the iron bead split in mid-air, and the nine beads scattered in a 3x3 grid, forming a larger strangulation zone.

However, Shi Feiyang's glass eyes were as cold as stars, and the silkworm silk he spat out from his palm broke through the air and instantly wrapped around the blood droplet chains.

The two forces collided, unleashing a deafening roar. The shockwave sent debris flying and the ground shattered.

Upon seeing this, the leader of the Sticky Rod Office personally took action.

His blood-dripping chain was three times longer than that of an ordinary person, and when it was swung out, it was like a black dragon swinging its tail, sweeping across thousands of troops.

Wherever the chains passed, trees snapped in half, and dirt flew everywhere. As he twisted his wrist, the blood-dripping guillotine suddenly accelerated, and the shrill whistling sound produced by the spinning iron bead grew increasingly mournful, like the wails of ghosts from the deepest hell.

But this terrifying killing move ultimately proved ineffective against Shi Feiyang. The Heavenly Silkworm Silk poured down like a cascading silver river, instantly binding the Blood Droplet chains. Shi Feiyang unleashed his inner force from his palm and shouted, "Break!" The nine iron beads were twisted and deformed by the silver silk, the chains snapped inch by inch, and flying fragments rained down in all directions. The assassins on the sticky poles couldn't dodge in time, and screams of agony rang out as blood blossomed in the night.

However, the calm lasted only a moment, as a sharp whistle ripped through the night.

Suddenly, hundreds of men in black sprang out from the depths of the woods, their blood-dripping chains rattling, and nine iron beads gleaming with a sinister blue light under the moonlight.

The leader's mask was embroidered with gold-threaded python patterns, and the emblem of the sticky pole was faintly visible on the token at his waist. He smiled sinisterly and said, "The Beggars' Clan is audacious enough to touch the Emperor's things! Today will be your burial ground!"

Shi Feiyang sneered, his palms gleaming with crystalline light: "You think you're worthy?" He activated his Heavenly Silkworm Technique at full power, unleashing thousands of silver threads from his palms like a torrential downpour. The silk threads pierced through the black-clad man's protective aura, precisely embedding themselves in his skin.

An assassin swung his knife, but silver threads followed the blade and instantly wrapped around the wrist, causing the internal energy in the meridians to rush back like water from a burst dam.

The assassin's pupils constricted, black blood gushed from his seven orifices, and he crashed to the ground, creating a bloody crater.

Lu Chenzhou's Judge's Pen and Heavenly Silkworm Silk worked in perfect harmony, the ink strokes like swimming dragons, specifically designed to exploit the weaknesses in the enemy's moves.

He roared, "Take this!" The Judge's Pen drew the "Twenty-Three Deadly Moves," while Shi Feiyang simultaneously unleashed the "Heavenly Silkworm Binding Dragon Technique." Silver threads and the shadows of the pen intertwined to form a deadly net, trapping the five assassins in the center.

One of them tried to break through, but his ankle was entangled by the silkworm silk. Lu Chenzhou took the opportunity to strike his vital point in the back. The assassin screamed as his internal organs were shattered by the internal force, and his blood stained the surrounding grass and trees red.

At this moment, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from the other side of the official road, and more than thirty skilled Qing palace guards wielding spiked clubs suddenly joined the battle.

Shi Feiyang leaped into the air, unleashing a move called "Flying Dragon in the Sky" with both palms. A golden dragon shadow soared into the sky, sending the leading horse and its rider flying. The Heavenly Silkworm Silk, like a serpent emerging from its hole, pierced through the chainmail of a Qing Dynasty palace guard, aiming straight for his throat.

A skilled palace guard attempted to block with his shield, but the silkworm silk instantly wrapped around the edge of the shield. Shi Feiyang unleashed his inner strength, and the shield was shredded into iron filings. The sharp fragments shot out in all directions like hidden weapons, taking several more lives.

In the midst of the melee, the leader of the Sticky Rod Office suddenly threw out twelve smoke bombs.

In an instant, white mist mixed with the smell of sulfur filled the surroundings. Shi Feiyang's glass eyes flashed with a cold light as he used the Mingyu Gong to protect himself.

He roared, "Hold your breath!" At the same time, he unleashed "Heavenly Silkworm Shadow Detection," his palms slicing through the surroundings like radar. With a series of "thuds," three assassins attempting a sneak attack were pierced through the heart by the silver threads. As their bodies fell, they crashed through the thick fog, revealing their distorted faces.

The shouts of battle coming from the direction of the Han River ferry grew increasingly fierce. Luo Jinyuan wielded his large, black fan with impenetrable force, unleashing techniques such as "Willow Swaying in the Wind" and "Fallen Leaves Sweeping Away in the Wind." Wherever the fan's wind reached, Qing soldiers fell into the river and were swept away by the swift current.

Shen Changle led a group of masters from various sects out of the mountain path, using the Tiangang Finger technique combined with the Emei Sword Technique and the Kongtong Palm Technique to tear the Qing army's defenses to shreds.

A Qing army commander attempted to resist with his sword, but Shen Changle's "Heavenly Gang Breaking Mountain Finger" pierced his chest, and his blood splattered on the "Qing" military flag behind him, staining the character a strange dark red.

On the official road, Shi Feiyang fought with increasing ferocity. Seeing the leader of the Sticky Pole Division trying to escape in the chaos, he sneered, "Trying to run?" He unleashed the killing move of the Heavenly Silkworm Skill, "Silkworm Devouring Nine Heavens," and thousands of silver threads spit out from his palms transformed into a giant silver net, enveloping the entire area.

The leader of the Sticky Rod Bureau's protective aura crumbled inch by inch under the strangulation of the silver threads. He watched in horror as his skin was torn apart by the silkworm threads, and finally, amidst his heart-wrenching screams, he turned into a corpse riddled with bloody holes.

At this moment, the official road had become a battlefield. Qing palace guards and assassins from the Sticky Rod Bureau lay scattered in pools of blood, their severed limbs strewn everywhere. The red cannons gleamed dark red in the moonlight, as if they too had been stained with blood by this carnage.

Shi Feiyang stood up after finishing his training. Although there was no blood on his body, he exuded a chilling killing intent.

Looking at the mountains of spoils, Shi Feiyang looked at the mountains of firearms, and turned to the crowd, saying, "This great victory is all thanks to your help. But the Qing court will not let this go. We need to move these firearms as soon as possible and prepare for the next step."

Shen Changle, who had flown over, stroked his beard and laughed: "Fighting alongside Chief Xiang is truly exhilarating! From now on, if there is any need for my command, Tiangang Finger will go through fire and water!"

Luo Jinyuan put away his folding fan, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This disciple of the Wind and Thunder Fan is willing to obey the orders of the gang leader!" The rain had stopped sometime earlier, and the east was beginning to lighten with the first light of dawn.

Standing on high ground, Shi Feiyang gazed at the lights of Xiangyang City gradually illuminating, his glassy eyes filled with determination.

Tiger Roar Valley outside Xiangyang City has always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists.

Shi Feiyang and the martial arts community of Xiangyang secretly moved the red-clothed cannons here and were preparing for their next move when a scout came to report that the Western Regions Asura Sect, in conjunction with the Jiangnan Thunderbolt Hall, had gathered hundreds of followers and were carrying gunpowder weapons, heading towards Tiger Roar Valley in Xiangyang.

"What a blatant act of taking advantage of someone's misfortune!" Luo Jinyuan angrily waved his folding fan, the four characters "righteousness reaching the heavens" on the fan trembling slightly from the force of his energy. "I've heard that the Thunderbolt Hall's newly crafted 'Heaven-Shattering Thunder' is incredibly powerful, exploding upon contact with the ground, leaving no grass growing within a radius of ten feet."

Shen Changle stood with his feet on the Bagua position, and his Tiangang Finger gleamed with a faint blue light: "The Asura Sect is skilled in using poisonous and evil arts. If the two join forces, I'm afraid they are up to no good."

He turned to look at Shi Feiyang and saw the cold glint in his glassy eyes, which calmed him down a little.

Shi Feiyang gently stroked the deerskin bag at his waist and said in a deep voice, "Tiger Roar Valley is a strategically important location, and we can defend it from our stronghold. Sect Leader Shen will lead the disciples of the Heavenly Gang Finger to set up the 'Big Dipper Demon Subduing Formation' to seal off the valley entrance; Sect Leader Luo will lead the disciples of the Wind and Thunder Fan to ambush on both sides, waiting for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack; Lu Chenzhou and I will lead the elite of the Beggars' Sect to provide support from the center."

After speaking, the Heavenly Silkworm Technique flowed through his palm, its crystalline light flickering in the twilight.

Three days later, the combined forces of the Asura Cult and the Thunderbolt Hall arrived.

Smoke and dust billowed at the valley entrance. Leading the way was a man clad in a crimson robe and wearing a bronze mask, who played a bone flute that emitted a piercing sound—it was none other than the Left Protector of the Asura Cult, "Red-Faced Yama." Behind him, members of the Thunderbolt Hall pushed dozens of carts loaded with gunpowder, black skull and crossbones flags fluttering in the wind on the shafts.

"Beggar brat, hand over the Red Cannon!" The voice of the Crimson-Faced Yama King, mixed with the sound of his flute, shook the cliff face, causing rocks to fall in a flurry.

Before the words were even finished, the Thunderbolt Hall had already launched an attack, sending more than a dozen "Sky-Shattering Thunderbolts" hurtling through the air, their explosions echoing through the valley like thunder.

Shi Feiyang unleashed "Dense Clouds Without Rain" with both palms, and the resulting air shield completely blocked the explosive shockwave.

Luo Jinyuan shouted and unleashed the "Wind Sweep Away Clouds" technique, his large black fan whipping up a whirlwind that sent the remaining gunpowder shells flying into the air.

Shen Changle's "Big Dipper Demon-Subduing Formation" was activated simultaneously. The twelve disciples of the Heavenly Gang Finger Sect stepped on star positions, their finger shadows intertwining to form a net, forcing back the Asura Cult members who were trying to break into the valley. Seeing this, the Crimson-Faced Yama King played his bone flute even more urgently.

Suddenly, the Asura Cult members coughed up black blood, their veins bulging, as they unleashed the "Blood Fiend Demon Art".

These people pounced like madmen, impervious to swords and spears, devouring anyone they saw.

Shi Feiyang's pupils contracted sharply. He activated his Heavenly Silkworm Skill at full power, and the silver threads that shot from his palms were like serpents emerging from their holes, piercing through the Blood Fiend Cult members' protective true energy and heading straight for their vital acupoints. In the midst of the chaotic battle, Chen Lie, the Thunderbolt Hall Master known as "Thunderfire Judge," suddenly appeared.

Holding a judge's pen with a fuse wrapped around its tip, he threw the "Thunderbolt" as a hidden weapon.

Shi Feiyang moved like a ghost, unleashing the move "Flying Dragon in the Sky." The golden dragon shadow collided with the explosive flames, and amidst the deafening roar, he suddenly noticed the token from the sticky rod hanging from Chen Lie's waist.

"Watch out! They're colluding with the Sticky Rod Bureau!" Shi Feiyang shouted. Before he finished speaking, the Crimson-Faced Yama King had already seized the opportunity and fired a poisoned needle from his bone flute.

Lu Chenzhou used his pen to block Shi Feiyang, but was accidentally grazed on the arm by the poisoned needle, and his face turned black instantly.

Shi Feiyang flew into a rage, his glassy eyes flashing with murderous intent: "You're courting death!" He unleashed the "Dragon Battle in the Wilds" technique with both palms, and wherever his palms struck, the ground exploded with a deafening roar, sending rubble mixed with blood and flesh soaring into the sky. Heavenly silkworm silk poured down like a silver river, binding the throat of the Crimson-Faced Yama.

Seeing that things were not going well, Chen Lie turned to run away, but was forced back by Luo Jinyuan's fan.

Shen Changle seized the opportunity and used the "Heavenly Gang Breaking Mountain Finger" to strike Chen Lie directly in the face.

In his haste, Chen Lie used his judge's pen to defend himself, but with a "crack," the pen broke.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shi Feiyang struck out with his palm, the Heavenly Silkworm Silver Threads emanating from his palm sealing off the major acupoints all over Chen Lie's body. His internal energy was also intercepted, severed, and forced into his internal organs, where it was torn apart and crushed. Chen Lie clutched his chest with both hands, vomiting blood, and fell backward, dying with his eyes wide open.

The allied forces, having lost their leader, were thrown into chaos. Pursued by the martial arts community of Xiangyang, they abandoned their armor and fled in disarray.

After the fierce battle, Lu Chenzhou had taken the antidote and was fine.

Looking at the mess on the ground, Shi Feiyang said to everyone, "Although we have won this time, the interference at the Sticky Rod Point means there will definitely be more fierce battles in the future." He gripped the Xuan Tie Token tightly, "Only if we are united as iron can we fight for a glimmer of hope for the martial arts world in this chaotic world."

As night deepened in Xiangyang, the smoke from the battle in Tiger Roar Valley had not yet dissipated.

Shi Feiyang stood at the entrance of the valley, gazing at the distant lights, his glassy eyes reflecting the starry sky.

Later, Shi Feiyang appointed Shen Changle and Luo Jinyuan as the leader and deputy leader of the Xiangyang branch of the Beggars' Sect, and took Lu Chenzhou back to Jiangnan and Suzhou.

In the golden autumn season, Suzhou is ablaze with color. The ancient moat glistens, reflecting the red maples and ginkgo trees on both banks, while golden leaves fall gently like a light rain, carpeting the cobblestone paths.

A gentle breeze carries the faint fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, making one feel refreshed and relaxed.

Although the lotus flowers in the pond in the garden have withered, the lotus leaves are still green. Occasionally, a few water birds skim across the water, creating ripples.

In the distance, the Tiger Hill Pagoda appeared even more ancient and solemn in the afterglow of the setting sun. The rain in Jiangnan is always so lingering, falling softly and mournfully on the eaves of the "Guihua Restaurant". Zhou Weirou leaned against the carved wooden window, watching the Beggar Clan disciples below, some squatting in the corners, others holding broken bowls, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

These seemingly destitute beggars were actually a carefully laid trap by Shi Feiyang. Each of them had a sharp look in their eyes, like a lurking tiger, ready to strike for the Beggars' Gang at any moment.

Zhou Weirou gently stroked the window frame, her fingertips touching the cool raindrops, but her thoughts drifted far away. She still remembered her first encounter with Shi Feiyang, his free and unrestrained demeanor, and his crystal-clear eyes that seemed to see right through people.

From that moment on, her heart was irrevocably drawn to him. Now, "Xiang Tiange" has rebuilt the Beggars' Sect with his great talent and ambition, and her only wish is to stand by his side and shelter him from the wind and rain.

As night fell, Zhou Weirou sat alone in her study.

On her desk lay secret reports from various branch offices, and the flickering candlelight cast a long shadow over her.

Holding the brush, she wrote lines of delicate characters on the rice paper, but in her heart she wondered: "Where is Brother Xiang now? Is the battle in Xiangyang going well? Is Miss Tu in the Northwest also thinking of him as much as I am?"

Just as I was lost in thought, I heard a faint sound of pigeons whistling outside the window.

She hurriedly got up, opened the window, and a white dove fluttered down onto her shoulder, a familiar letter tied to its leg. Trembling, she untied the letter, and Shi Feiyang's vigorous handwriting came into view: "All matters in Jiangnan are thanks to Miss Wei Rou. Once the situation is settled, we will surely drink and celebrate together."

These few words brought tears to Zhou Weirou's eyes. She pressed the letter tightly to her chest, as if she could feel his warmth. "Brother Xiang, do you know that for me, the most precious thing is not this beautiful land, but the time I can spend with you?"

She murmured to herself, her voice filled with longing and yearning.

The next morning, Zhou Weirou went to the kitchen of Guihua Restaurant.

On the surface, this appears to be an ordinary kitchen, but in reality, it is a crucial hub for the Beggars' Sect to transmit intelligence.

Zhou Weirou personally inspected each dish, seemingly managing the business, but in reality, she was secretly arranging various affairs. Whenever a disciple came to report, she would carefully inquire about the situation in Xiangyang and the Northwest, and only when she heard that Shi Feiyang was safe and sound would she show a relieved smile.

That day, Elder Peng rushed over: "Miss Zhou, the business of Simeng Inn is booming, but recently the Canal Gang seems to be making some strange moves. I'm afraid they're going to target our business." Zhou Weirou frowned slightly, already having a plan in mind: "Elder Peng, please don't worry, I have my own way. They're just some clowns. How dare they touch the Beggar Gang's property? I'll make them know what's what."

In the stillness of the night, Zhou Weirou practiced her sword alone in the courtyard.

The moonlight, like water, bathed her graceful figure, and as she wielded her soft sword, the sword energy surged like a rainbow.

Zhou Weirou silently recited the mantra Shi Feiyang had taught her, striving for perfection in every move. "Brother Xiang, I must become stronger, strong enough to share your burdens, strong enough to fight alongside you."

Her clothes were soaked with sweat, but she was oblivious, her eyes filled only with determination and perseverance.

The sound of a night watchman striking the gong came from afar. Zhou Weirou sheathed her sword and stared blankly at the night sky.

Among the countless stars, which one belongs to him? She sighed softly, returned to her room, and took out her treasured portrait.

That was a drawing of Shi Feiyang that she had secretly made. Although her drawing skills were not very sophisticated, she had captured his spirit perfectly.

"Brother Xiang, look, the peach blossoms in Jiangnan are blooming again. How wonderful it would be if we could appreciate this beautiful landscape together..."

She whispered to the portrait, tears silently streaming down her face, wetting the handkerchief in her hand.

The rain outside the window started falling again sometime earlier, pattering softly, as if telling of her endless longing.

The late autumn in Suzhou is like a long scroll painted by a master artist.

The sound of the bell at Hanshan Temple startled a flock of returning geese. Frost swept across the white walls and black tiles, turning the maple leaves into a captivating crimson. Mist swirled over the moat, and the awning boats rippled through the golden waves. The boatwomen's soft Wu dialect blended with the sound of the oars, adding to the gentle and melancholic charm of Jiangnan.

Shi Feiyang took Lu Chenzhou back to Suzhou.

Stepping into Guihualou, one is immediately greeted by the rising smoke and the boisterous sounds of drinking games. Beggars in patched and coarse clothes mingle among the diners, some squatting in corners eating steamed buns, others moving between tables serving tea and water. To any person, it looks like an ordinary, down-to-earth restaurant.

But after passing the corridor filled with cured meats and pushing open the mottled wooden door of the kitchen, you can see the moss-covered stone steps winding down, and the damp, musty smell mixed with the scent of candle wax hits you, only then do you realize that there is another world inside.

At the end of the stone steps was a hidden door cast in bronze, with a door knocker carved with a fierce dragon, its eyes inlaid with red agate that shimmered in the light and shadow, staring at the person coming as if they were alive.

As the hidden door slowly opened, the sound of gears turning was deep and resonant, like the roar of a sleeping behemoth.

The headquarters was spacious, with dozens of bronze palace lanterns hanging from the dome. The oil from the lanterns danced on the whale fat candle wicks, illuminating the "Portraits of Heroes of the Beggars' Sect" painted on the walls in a flickering light.

In the painting, Hong Qigong's Dragon Subduing Palm splits the raging waves, and Huang Rong's Dog-Beating Stick dances with peach blossoms. Although the ink marks are mottled, they still exude a dignified chivalrous spirit.

The pillars on both sides are engraved with cryptic inscriptions resembling oracle bone script, all secret codes and rules passed down through generations of the Beggars' Sect. A fingertip can feel the warm, worn marks of time. In the center of the council hall stands a massive round sandalwood table, its surface inlaid with a map of the Central Plains in silver thread, important cities and shipping routes marked with red coral. Beside the table are twelve armchairs, their armrests carved with bamboo joints, their coarse linen coverings neatly patched—a perfect reflection of the Beggars' Sect's outward appearance of poverty, but inwardly concealing its strength.

A weapon rack stood in the corner, the Dog-Beating Stick and Judge's Pen gleaming coldly. Occasionally, the candlelight flickered, and the reflections of the weapons on the wall danced like a madman.

The deepest secret chamber requires passing through three mechanical doors, each with a copper lock inscribed with the five characters "仁义礼智信" (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness). These doors can only be opened by rotating them in a specific order according to the gang's rules. The room is filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and a tiger skin hanging on the wall adds a touch of wildness. The desk is piled high with secret letters, each sealed with a different shape of wax seal—some with camel patterns from the Western Regions, others with lotus seals from the Jiangnan region.

Half-dried tea stains lay on the low table by the window, and the pine soot ink in the inkstone was not yet completely dry, as if the owner had just put down the brush and left in a hurry.

The entire headquarters resembles a colossal beast hidden in the bustling city, its surface draped in tattered clothes, yet concealing an aura that can swallow the heavens and earth.

Every corner is steeped in the bloodshed and turmoil of the martial world, and every mechanism tells the story of the wisdom and vicissitudes passed down through the Beggars' Sect for centuries.

As the candlelight flickered, Elder Peng and Elder Liu suddenly stood up, Zhou Canghai's teacup trembled slightly, and Zhou Weirou's face was flushed, her fingers unconsciously twisting her handkerchief. Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, were already filled with Shi Feiyang's figure.

"Chief, Hero Lu!" Elder Peng clasped his hands in excitement, his voice filled with undisguised joy. "The entire headquarters has been waiting for you two to return!"

Elder Liu stroked his beard, his eyes filled with admiration: "The heroic deeds of the Xiangyang and Northwest branches have already spread throughout the martial world. With you two in charge, the revival of our Beggars' Sect is promising!"

Zhou Canghai strode forward and grasped Shi Feiyang's hand tightly: "Chief Xiang, you've had a tough time these past few days!" He turned to look at Lu Chenzhou, "Great Hero Lu's Judge's Pen is renowned throughout the martial world. It's truly a blessing for our sect that he's willing to join the Beggars' Sect!"

Zhou Weirou stood quietly to the side, her eyes reddening, a thousand words condensed into a soft whisper: "Brother Xiang, you're finally back..."

Her voice was so soft, as if she were afraid of shattering the beautiful dream before her.

Shi Feiyang looked around at everyone, and when his gaze fell on Zhou Weirou, he paused slightly before saying loudly, "I have returned safely this time and have fulfilled my mission. Brother Lu is both wise and brave. From now on, you will serve as an elder of the Beggars' Sect and discuss important matters with everyone."

Lu Chenzhou clasped his hands in a respectful bow, his expression solemn: "I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by Chief Xiang. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."

After everyone was seated, Shi Feiyang unfolded a yellowed map. In the candlelight, his glassy eyes shone brightly: "Although the Beggars' Sect is showing signs of improvement, the Qing court and various other forces are eyeing us covetously. We need to recruit more talented people, expand our power, and make strategic moves in key areas such as the Grand Canal and the Salt Gang."

Zhou Weirou stared intently at Shi Feiyang, listening to his eloquent speech, her heart filled with admiration.

She spoke softly, her voice gentle: "Brother Xiang is absolutely right. I have secretly contacted many heroes in the Jiangnan region, who are ready to serve the Beggars' Sect at any time." As she spoke, she took out a stack of secret letters, "These are their pledges of allegiance."

Shi Feiyang took the secret letter and nodded approvingly: "Miss Wei Rou has thought things through thoroughly, thank you for your hard work."

The simple phrase "You've worked hard" was just a normal greeting from a superior to a subordinate, but it made Zhou Weirou's heart flutter and her cheeks turn even redder.

She lowered her head and whispered, "As long as I can help Brother Xiang, any hardship is worth it..."

Just as the discussion was in full swing, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the window. A disciple rushed in, looking flustered: "Report! The Qing court's henchmen seem to have noticed the abnormality at Guihua Tower and are on their way here!"

Everyone's expression changed drastically, but Shi Feiyang remained calm and stood up, saying, "You've come at the right time. Elder Peng and Elder Liu, you take your men and evacuate through the secret passage; Boss Zhou, you stay here to stabilize the situation; Brother Lu, come with me to meet these uninvited guests."

Zhou Weirou rushed forward, her eyes filled with worry: "Brother Xiang, I'm going too!"

Looking into her determined eyes, Shi Feiyang hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "Okay! But follow my orders."

Zhou Weirou was overjoyed and nodded emphatically: "As long as I can stay by Brother Xiang's side, I'm not afraid of anything..."

That tender gaze seemed to want to etch Shi Feiyang's image into her heart.

Fortunately, it was just a group of imperial officials who came to inspect Jiangnan and heard that the food at Guihualou was good, so they came for a late-night snack.

After Shi Feiyang noticed that nothing was amiss, he asked Elder Peng to accompany Lu Chenzhou to rest.

Then, he returned to the secret headquarters in the cellar and taught Zhou Weirou three moves of the Dog-Beating Stick Technique.

Thus, every day at dawn, Zhou Weirou would personally teach the three moves of the Dog-Beating Stick Technique on the shore of Taihu Lake.

Shi Feiyang knew that for the Beggars' Sect to become strong, the disciples' martial arts skills and cohesion were indispensable. He used precious medicinal herbs taken from the Divine Dragon Pagoda to refine pills to heal the wounded disciples and improve their internal strength, which made the Beggars' Sect disciples even more loyal to him.

In terms of external liaison, Shi Feiyang fulfilled his promise and formally allied with the Red Flower Society.

He led Elder Peng, Elder Liu, Zhou Weirou, and others to a painted boat on Taihu Lake, where he had a long talk with Yu Wanting, Daoist Wuchen, Zhao Banshan, Wen Tailai, and others, finalizing many matters such as intelligence sharing and joint operations.

The morning mist in Suzhou had not yet dissipated, but the Guihua Tower was already wafting out an enticing aroma.

This ornately decorated restaurant appears to be a bustling place teeming with diners, but in reality, it hides a secret.

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window of the second-floor private room, looking down at the Beggar Clan disciples coming and going. They were dressed in coarse cloth clothes with patches upon patches, some holding broken bowls to beg, and others leaning against the corner of the wall to doze off. Who would have thought that these seemingly destitute beggars were actually the elites who controlled the intelligence network in Jiangnan?
"Master, Elder Liu has brought the accounts." Zhou Weirou walked in gracefully, carrying the account books, the scent of jasmine in her hair mingling with the fragrance of osmanthus from downstairs.

Shi Feiyang took the ledger, but his fingers suddenly stopped—on the title page, a line of small, crooked handwriting read: “I am deeply grateful for the Chief’s kindness; this old beggar has no way to repay you in this lifetime.” Looking at these words, he recalled the day he handed over the position of manager of “Wanqing Teahouse” to Elder Liu, when this tough man’s eyes reddened: “I’ve begged for food and fought in my life, but I’ve never been a manager… Chief, you’ve warmed my old bones!”

Shi Feiyang took the ledger and nodded.

Zhou Weirou then left.

As dawn breaks, the surface of Taihu Lake shimmers with golden light, and the distant sails blend into the rosy dawn sky.

Willows sway gently by the lake, their branches lightly brushing the water's surface, as if composing a tender melody for this tranquil morning.

Zhou Weirou, dressed in a light pink, wide-sleeved silk dress, stood by the lake, holding a green bamboo staff. The morning light gilded her with a hazy golden veil, making her look like a dream. With a soft shout, her wide sleeves fluttered, and the bamboo staff danced—it was the Beggars' Sect's ultimate technique, the Dog-Beating Staff Technique. "Pushing the dog towards the sky," "Driving the dog into the alley"—the moves were graceful yet contained hidden sharpness. Each swing of the staff created a gust of wind, and the shadow of the staff intertwined with her graceful figure, like a fairy dancing.

But her mind was not on martial arts at all; her eyes, as clear as autumn water, would occasionally glance at the figure under the weeping willows by the lake.

Shi Feiyang leaned against the weeping willow, his moon-white robe swaying gently in the wind, his glassy eyes full of laughter, taking in all her little movements. "Wei Rou, the force of this 'pushing the dog upside down' could be a little gentler."

He spoke, his voice clear and bright, with a hint of teasing.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Weirou almost dropped the bamboo stick she had been holding, and her cheeks flushed instantly, like peach blossoms blooming in spring.

She stamped her foot and scolded, "It's all your fault... standing here distracted me!"

Despite her words, her feet involuntarily moved closer, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You said yesterday you'd teach me 'dog-circling stake technique,' does that still stand?" Shi Feiyang looked at her charming appearance, a strange feeling rising in his heart. But thinking that he was almost two hundred years old and still dating a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, he felt as if he were doing Zhou Weirou a disservice.

Shi Feiyang sighed softly, stepped forward, and gently took her hand.

Zhou Weirou's hands were as delicate as tender shoots. The moment he grasped them, her heart suddenly raced, and even her breathing became rapid.

Shi Feiyang channeled his inner energy into the bamboo stick and said gently, "Of course it counts. Come on, follow my rhythm."

The two wielded bamboo sticks together, Shi Feiyang patiently explaining the key points of the moves, while Zhou Weirou seemed to understand only vaguely, occasionally "accidentally" leaning into his arms. "Brother Xiang, how exactly do I turn this step?"

She tilted her head back, blinked her big, watery eyes, and asked innocently, while pressing her body tightly against him.

Shi Feiyang felt a warm sensation coming from where they were touching, and his heart began to beat faster.

“It’s like this…” Shi Feiyang forced himself to remain calm and continued to give instructions, but Zhou Weirou still kept making mistakes. One moment she said she twisted her ankle and needed his help; the next she said her hands were sore and needed his help to hold the bamboo stick.

Each "accident" brought the two of them closer together.

The faint fragrance of her body lingered in Shi Feiyang's nostrils, making his heart itch.

"Brother Xiang, do you think I'm stupid?" Zhou Weirou suddenly stopped, her eyes full of grievance. "No matter how I try to learn, I just can't."

But a sly smile lingered in her eyes. Before Shi Feiyang could answer, she continued, "Why don't you hold me tighter and teach me? Maybe I'll learn it then." As she spoke, she actually wrapped her arms around his waist.

Shi Feiyang froze. His heart, which had been calm for two hundred years, was now stirred up like the waters of Taihu Lake.

Looking at the charming and lovely Zhou Weirou in his arms, he sighed inwardly: Alas! Even heroes cannot resist the charms of a beautiful woman; the ancients were right.

The morning light shone on the two of them, their clothes fluttering, their bamboo sticks dancing lightly, creating the most moving picture of the martial arts world on the shore of Taihu Lake.

And the unspoken feelings grew stronger with each move.

The morning mist over Taihu Lake, like a light veil, shrouds the distant mountains in a dark blue-green hue.

Zhou Weirou leaned against Shi Feiyang's chest, her fingertips deftly twirling the jade pendant tassel at his waist. The subtle fragrance of jasmine in her hair mingled with the faint sandalwood scent emanating from him, creating an intoxicating aroma in the warm breeze. (End of Chapter)