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

Lu Siniang's pupils shrank sharply as she saw dozens of blood droplets hurtling through the air like steel demons. With a shrill whistling sound that shredded the air, the surrounding trees exploded, and wood chips mixed with gravel shot out like shrapnel.

She spun around and swung her sword, unleashing the "Phoenix Perching on the Wutong Tree" sword technique of the Mysterious Maiden. Thousands of sword shadows wove a silver screen, barely managing to send the two blood droplets flying into the air.

The wire mesh grazed past her ear, pulling down a strand of her hair, which instantly turned to dust.

A wave of scorching heat, carrying the pungent smell of sulfur, hit us.

Lü Siniang instinctively turned and retreated hastily. The strange man in red robes stepped on the charred blue bricks and pressed closer step by step. Wherever he passed, wisps of white smoke rose from the ground, and even the falling snowflakes turned into white mist the moment they touched the heat wave.

He Biyan's palms were as red as charcoal, and a strange, eerie blue flowed between the bulging veins on his ten knuckles: "A Central Plains girl dares to lay her hands on the Dragon Court? Taste the Heavenly Blazing Palm of my Western Regions Fire Sect!" The moment he pushed out his palms, the crimson waves of "Crimson Flames Burning the Sky" rushed over like two fire dragons baring their fangs and claws.

With a delicate shout, Lü Siniang drew her soft sword and unleashed the "Mysterious Maiden Picking Stars" technique. The loud bang caused by the collision of sword energy and fire waves made the palace lanterns sway.

However, the Heavenly Palm technique was extremely insidious, and the burning pain from the sword made her expression change drastically—the surface of the soft sword forged from fine steel was covered with spiderweb-like black spots, which was a sign of the fire poison corroding it!
"A mere trick!" Hebiyan sneered, his palm shadows conjuring up three heads and six arms like ghosts. He unleashed "Zhurong's Wrath" and "Flaming Dragon's Tail Sweep" in succession, trapping Lü Siniang in the center with his crimson palm shadows.

She leaped into the air with her toes touching the ground, only to see a ghostly blue flame ignite in the other's palm: "Try the taste of the Netherworld Fire!" The blue flame instantly devoured her sword energy, and the chilling aura rushed through her meridians and into her heart. A metallic taste surged in Lü Siniang's throat, and she staggered, crashing through the window frame.

The furnishings inside the hall exploded in the flames, and the sandalwood beams and pillars burst into flames.

Lu Siniang wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, then suddenly abandoned her sword and unleashed the Wudang "Two Elements Yin-Yang Palm". The white and black yin-yang fish phantoms in her palm collided with the crimson palm force, and frost actually condensed in the intense heat.

He Biyan's pupils constricted sharply: "He can actually use yang to counter yang?!" Taking advantage of his distraction, Lü Siniang lunged forward, her fingertips forming a sword-like shape, aiming straight for his Tanzhong acupoint. The Fire Sect Protector, however, did not retreat but advanced, his arms suddenly swelling like drums, and his skin cracked with crimson lines.

"Burning Heart Across Ten Thousand Calamities!" He laughed maniacally, and the area within a radius of ten feet instantly turned into a sea of ​​fire.

Flames erupted from Lü Siniang's clothes, but at that moment she bit her tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood into her palm: "Shaoyang Burning Heaven Technique!" Golden internal energy surged like a raging tide, and the entire palace trembled violently the instant it collided with the crimson flames.

The blast wave ripped off the triple eaves, and tiles fell like rain.

With seven golden sword energies piercing his chest, black blood gushing from his mouth, he staggered and crashed into the coiled dragon pillar.

Lu Siniang was also swaying precariously, the fire poison spreading along her meridians, each breath feeling as if scalding iron filings were being poured into her lungs.

She looked towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the golden light of Emperor Yongzheng's bright yellow dragon robe had already pierced through the smoke of battle.

"It's not over yet..." She reached out and grabbed the blood-stained soft sword, and ancient runes of the Mysterious Maiden Sword Technique appeared on the blade.

Just then, the buzzing of dozens of blood-dripping droplets rang out again. Lü Siniang gently stroked her lower abdomen, a tragic smile curving her lips. The sword flowers she wielded with her soft sword were even more dazzling than the blood-dripping droplets exploding in the night sky.

Seizing the opportunity, Lü Siniang threw out her specially made blood-dripping dart, aiming directly at Emperor Yongzheng.

At this critical moment, a figure in black appeared like a ghost.

Shi Feiyang used the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" technique, forming a vortex of true energy in his palm, which actually changed the direction of the blood droplet.

The flying guillotine, accompanied by a sharp whooshing sound, flew towards Ma Teng.

"Watch out!" Lu Siniang cried out in alarm. Ma Teng was caught off guard and only managed to throw a punch.

However, the power of the flying guillotine was immense; it instantly severed his head, and warm blood gushed out like a fountain.

"No!" Lü Siniang cried out in anguish, her eyes red-rimmed. Shen Zaikuan was frantic with worry, brandishing his judge's pen in an attempt to avenge Ma Teng, but unexpectedly, Shi Feiyang activated the Mingyu Gong, and the chilling aura of the "Ice Soul Cold Prison" spread instantly.

Shen Zaikuan couldn't dodge in time. His legs were chilled by the cold air and instantly stiffened like iron. He fell heavily to the ground.

Seeing this, Bai Taiguan and Tang Xiaolan respectively used Bagua Youshen Palm and Tianshan Sword Technique to desperately cover Lü Siniang.

"Fourth Sister, run!" Bai Taiguan shouted, his palm strike sending two experts from the Sticky Pole Division flying.

Tang Xiaolan's longsword spun in a series of brilliant strokes, blocking Wei Nianhua's parting hook and repelling him.

With tears in her eyes, Lü Siniang glanced at Shen Zaikuan, gritted her teeth, and swung her sword to carve a bloody path.

She knew that tonight's operation had failed, and that Shen Zaikuan was disabled because of her; she had to bear this responsibility.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the candlelight flickered like will-o'-the-wisps. Emperor Yongzheng slumped on his dragon throne, his blood-stained dragon robe trailing on the ground. A thin crack appeared on the nine-dragon jade pendant at his waist, swaying gently with his heavy breathing.

Shi Feiyang knelt on one knee, his black python robe still stained with fragments from the chaotic battle, and drops of blood from his sleeves spreading into ferocious red plum blossoms on the blue bricks. Just now, when he swung his palm to deflect Lü Siniang's deadly sword energy, the flying sparks had illuminated the same ruthlessness in his eyes as Yong Zheng, but now it had transformed into a humble expression.

"Your Majesty, I arrived late to protect you and failed to uncover the villain's plot. I beg your forgiveness, Father." Shi Feiyang's voice was low, his glassy eyes concealing the turbulent undercurrents within.

The emperor's withered fingers traced the Taotie pattern on the armrest of the dragon throne, and he let out a hoarse laugh, a laugh with a metallic sweetness: "Good... good Hongli, you are more decisive than I was back then."

He suddenly coughed violently, and blood seeping from between his fingers dripped onto the memorial, staining the words "Lü Liuliang's treason case" even more crimson. "Back then, I personally executed the entire Lü family, but I never expected to miss this poisonous seed, who even dared to try to deceive me with the child in her womb!"

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and remained silent, the deerskin bag rising and falling gently with his breath. When Yongzheng's hawk-like gaze swept over him, he bowed and said, "Your Highness is so brave and fearless in the face of danger, it is truly a blessing for the Qing Dynasty. Your subject has only used a few minor tricks and dares not take credit."

"A mere trick?!" Yongzheng suddenly flew into a rage, slamming his teacup onto the blue brick. Porcelain shards flew like knives. "If it weren't for your so-called method of transferring the Blood Droplet, I would be a headless ghost by now! Do you really think I don't know that you have connections with people from the martial arts world?"

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze. Shi Feiyang remained standing respectfully with his head bowed, but the hem of his robes trembled slightly in the night breeze.

He took a deep breath, his voice as deep as the morning bell of an ancient temple: "Your Majesty, my loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon. In this emergency, I only wished to protect Your Majesty. As for the rumors circulating in the martial world, they are nothing but baseless gossip spread by treacherous people."

Yongzheng stared at "Hongli" for a long time without speaking. He slowly waved his hand, the hem of his dragon robe sweeping across the mess on the ground: "All of you, step back. I want some peace and quiet."

After everyone left the hall, a burst of wild laughter suddenly echoed in the empty hall, the laughter tinged with sobs.

Yongzheng stared at the spider webs swaying on the beam and murmured, "Lu Siniang, Lu Siniang, you spent three years pretending to be the gentle and virtuous Ruoyao, and I didn't notice at all... That night in the Imperial Garden, when you draped a fox fur coat over me, did you ever think of today?" He grabbed the hairpin that Lu Siniang had left on the table, with a few strands of hair still tangled between the sandalwood comb teeth, and suddenly threw it hard into the brazier.

Inside the Prince's residence, Lady Fucha placed the calming soup on a sandalwood table, the rising steam blurring the worry between her brows.

She watched as Shi Feiyang entered, his expression weary, his glassy eyes filled with gloom. "Your Highness, please have some calming soup," she said softly. Shi Feiyang shook his head, walked to the window, and gazed at the cold moon outside.

The sound of horses' hooves, chasing after the pursuers, could be heard in the distance, and it was especially clear in the quiet night.

Lady Fucha said softly, "Your Highness's hands are trembling." She reached out to remove his blood-stained cloak, and when her fingertips touched his cold skin, her heart tightened. "Did something happen at the Hall of Mental Cultivation today?"

Shi Feiyang suddenly grabbed her hand, about to say something.

At this moment, Bai Zhen leaped over the high wall like a ghost, landing without making a sound.

Shi Feiyang quickly released Fucha's hand and walked out.

Bai Zhen said in a low voice, "Miss Ruoyao has already left Xizhimen and is probably safe." He lowered his voice, the moonlight illuminating his face, and after a moment of silence, he said, "The poison from the sticky rod has already invaded the fetus; I'm afraid it won't be able to be saved..."

Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes suddenly welled up with tears. He staggered and grabbed the pillar, his nails digging deep into the carved peony pattern in the wood: "Did she...did she say anything?" Bai Zhen shook his head: "She only left the words 'The grudges are settled, do not dwell on it.'"

Shi Feiyang nodded, and Bai Zhen quietly left.

As she watched her husband's trembling back, Lady Fucha suddenly remembered the gentle and refined young man, who now seemed to have lost his soul, leaving only an empty shell. She walked over and gently took Shi Feiyang's cold hand: "Your Highness, things have come to this... taking care of yourself is the most important thing."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Yongzheng held the hairpin that Lü Siniang had left behind, with a few strands of her hair still tangled between the sandalwood comb teeth.

He pressed the hairpin to his throat, suddenly recalling the image of her picking crabapple blossoms in the Imperial Garden when she first entered the palace. At that time, she had smiled and said, "These crabapple blossoms are not as dazzling as the Emperor's countenance." Now, every word seemed like a cruel irony. "What a pity..."

The emperor muttered to himself, casually tossing the hairpin into the brazier, watching the silver threads twist into ash in the flames.

Thunder roared outside the window, and rainwater meandered down the dragon pillar, mixing with the still-damp bloodstains, forming a dark red stream on the steps.

The cold night in the Forbidden City seemed endless. Inside the Qianqing Palace, the bronze incense burner emitted ambergris, its wisps of smoke twisting and turning into eerie shapes amidst the candlelight. Shi Feiyang knelt on the golden bricks, his knees, beneath his black python robe, long since numb, yet still ramrod straight. The harrowing battle three months ago seemed still vivid in his mind; Lü Siniang's resolute departure, the fate of the child in her womb—all weighed heavily on his heart like boulder.

It wasn't until the urgent news of the Miao uprising arrived that he found a moment of calm amidst his boiling blood.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to lead troops to quell the rebellion!" Shi Feiyang's voice pierced the silence of the hall, carrying the stubbornness and heroism unique to a chivalrous warrior. He looked up at Yongzheng on the dragon throne, his glassy eyes burning with fervent passion, "Your Majesty, I am willing to pledge my military command as Prince Bao: I will not withdraw my troops until there are no starving people in Guizhou and until peace is restored to the Miao region!"

Emperor Yongzheng leaned forward slightly, his hawk-like gaze sharp as knives and swords, seemingly capable of piercing through Shi Feiyang. After a long while, Yongzheng suddenly chuckled softly, his laughter carrying a hint of satisfaction and a touch of melancholy.

He tossed down a secret decree, the yellow ribbon tracing a graceful arc in the air: "Granted. But remember—a king's army should be like a spring breeze and gentle rain."

At 3:45 AM, the rising sun pierced through the clouds, turning the Forbidden City Square into a shimmering gold.

Shi Feiyang sat upright on his neighing Akhal-Teke horse, the python dragon pattern inlaid on his black iron scale armor emitting golden light, and the vermilion bird embroidery on the deerskin bag at his waist appeared and disappeared with the swaying of the horse.

As the roar of "Prince Bao will lead his troops into battle and will surely win!" swept in, Lu Chenzhou's knuckles, gripping the secret report, suddenly turned white—the silhouette of him turning around and reining in his horse was clearly overlapping with the "Song to the Heavens".

The new leader of the Beggars' Sect had cold sweat seeping from his palms hidden beneath his blue robe, and his gaze, fixed on the other person's silhouette, was fixed on him from under the brim of his tattered felt hat.

The moment Shi Feiyang turned to look at the civil and military officials, the slight furrowing of his brows and the cold light in his glassy eyes were exactly the same as the boy in his memory who had cut the iron chains with a sword.

Lu Chenzhou's Adam's apple bobbed. "How could this be?"

He staggered back half a step and knocked over a sugar painting stall on the street.

With the crisp sound of the wooden spoon falling, a scene from three years ago exploded in my mind: the cliff of Broken Water on a stormy night, the boy who called himself "Xiang Tiange" stepped across the blade with a strange technique, and the gale brought up by the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms was exactly the same as the trajectory of Shi Feiyang's armor reflecting light at this moment.

Lu Chenzhou turned around abruptly, his blue robe fluttering in the morning breeze. He used his "Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada" lightness skill, disappearing into the depths of the alley in a few leaps.

When he kicked open the back door of "Drunken Immortal Abode," Fu Shouchuan was using a dog-beating stick to pick up a wine jar. His cloudy eyes suddenly widened: "Brother Lu, your face looks worse than a stray dog!"

"Chief Fu, the Prince Bao who is setting off today..." Lu Chenzhou pulled open his collar, revealing a scar on his neck from an arrow wound three years ago, "...looks exactly like Xiang Tiange, who saved me back then! Look at the cinnabar mark on this secret report—"

Fu Shouchuan's dog-beating stick clattered to the ground, causing ripples to spread across the Zhuyeqing wine jar.

He grabbed Lu Chenzhou's wrist to take his pulse, his aged voice trembling slightly: "This...this...is exactly the same as that mysterious young man on the summit of Mount Hua a few years ago!" The moment the two locked eyes, a dark shadow suddenly swept past the window.

Lu Chenzhou grabbed a copper coin and shot it at a pillar. The carrier pigeon fell onto the wine table, the ink on the secret report tied to its claws still wet. "Have Lin Ruoxue and Zhou Weirou set off for Miao territory immediately," Fu Shouchuan's cloudy eyes suddenly brightened. "Let them thoroughly investigate this Prince Bao."

As dusk began to fall, Lu Chenzhou stood at Yongding Gate, watching the departing banners fade into thin lines on the horizon.

The wind whipped up the hem of his blue robe, revealing half of his Dog-Beating Stick. "So you've already embroidered the martial world into your imperial robes all along," Lu Chenzhou whispered to the night sky, the bamboo plaque creaking as he gripped it. "But the Beggars' Clan's rules... only recognize chivalry, not banners!"

A distant rumble of thunder came from the direction of Miao territory. Gazing at the churning clouds on the horizon, he suddenly burst into song, "Lotus Flower Ballad." The desolate melody startled a flock of crows, which fluttered away in the direction Shi Feiyang had gone.

On this land of Miaojiang Ancient Prefecture, the army led by Prince Hongli was stationed.

The camps stretched out in a continuous line, like a black behemoth lurking in the night.

The central command tent was particularly impressive, with a towering roof made of thick and expensive animal hides that could withstand wind and rain.

The tent curtains were made of the finest brocade, embroidered with golden dragons, shimmering with a majestic light in the dim glow. Around the tent, flagpoles stood in a forest, their banners fluttering in the night wind, bearing the words "Prince Bao" and "Qing," signifying the identity and affiliation of this army.

The tent was spacious and bright, with a huge tallow candle casting a soft yet bright light. On a tiger-skin-covered chair, Shi Feiyang was deep in thought, holding the "Strategy for Controlling the Miao" sent by the Beggars' Sect.

Outside the tent, large raindrops pounded against the tent, making a dense sound that mingled with the conversations of soldiers and Miao elders.

Those simple words and the yearning for a peaceful life reminded Shi Feiyang of his years wandering the martial world, and of the chivalrous heroes who risked their lives for justice. As he personally distributed grain to the starving people, a Miao girl suddenly knelt down, her silver ornaments jingling in the night like a beautiful melody. The girl said in broken Mandarin, "Thank you, Prince Bao, for saving my people!" The tears glistening in her eyes made Shi Feiyang momentarily see Tu Yanfei—the woman who had fought alongside him in the martial world.

At this moment, the rain outside the tent intensified, the raindrops pounding heavily on the ground, splashing up layers of water, as if adding to the turmoil of the already complex situation. Inside the tent, Shi Feiyang's heart was as restless as the rainy night. He knew that how to properly handle the affairs of Miao territory was not only related to the fate of these people, but also to the stability and peace of the Qing Empire. And the road ahead seemed to be shrouded in layers of mist.

The night in Bamei Village, Guzhou, was as dark as ink. The Miao people's unique stilted houses were faintly visible in the drizzle, but inside Baoli's tent, candles were lit.

Outside the cowhide tent, Miao soldiers guarding the area held bamboo spears coated with the sap of the upas tree, vigilantly watching their surroundings.

Inside the tent, the crackling charcoal fire cast flickering light on everyone's faces. Bao Li, clad in a striped tiger skin, with a Miao knife inlaid with malachite at his waist, stood on either side of Hong Yin and Shi Jinyuan. The three men, their eyes blazing, scrutinized the martial arts practitioners from the Central Plains before them.

Fu Shouchuan leaned on his bamboo dog-beating stick, Lu Chenzhou held a wine gourd and leaned against a pillar, while the members of the Red Flower Society sat in order. Master Wuchen's Soul-Chasing Sword and Zhao Banshan's Money Bag gleamed coldly in the firelight.

“Heroes of the Central Plains,” Bao Li began in broken Mandarin, “what does your Prince Bao have to do with the survival of my Miao region?”

Lu Chenzhou took a big gulp of wine, the liquid dripping down his chin: "Does Chief Baoli know? That Prince Bao is now leading a large army to press on the border, and he... is very likely my old friend from the Beggars' Sect, the former leader Xiang Tiange!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the tent. "Absurd!" Master Wuchen slammed his hand on the table, the copper ring on the hilt of his Soul-Chasing Sword making a soft sound. "Prince Bao is of noble birth; how could he be associated with commoners of the martial world?"

Lu Chenzhou sneered, pulling out a bamboo plaque engraved with the character "Tian" from her bosom: "Several years ago, Xiang Tiange stayed overnight at my Shengshi Inn. That night, he left alone, using his lightness skill to enter the palace, and has been missing ever since. And now, Prince Bao's riding skills, gait, and appearance are exactly the same as Xiang Tiange's!" The red and silver ornaments jingled with her movements, her beautiful eyes sparkling: "Even so, how will this help our uprising?"

Yu Wanting, who had remained silent until now, clapped his hands and laughed, "If Prince Bao is indeed Xiang Tiange, then things will get interesting. Do you all remember that Xiang Tiange hated the cruel officials of the Qing Dynasty the most back then, and often said, 'Behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste, while on the road, frozen corpses lie.'"

Zhao Banshan stroked his beard and added, "That's right. If we can verify his identity, we might be able to persuade him to hold back, or even..."

He paused deliberately, a sly glint in his eyes: "Do you all still remember the rumors circulating in the martial arts world—the Chen family of Haining?"

Shi Jinyuan suddenly stood up, his Miao sword drawn half an inch from its sheath: "The Qing dogs are full of tricks, do not trust them! Back then, that corrupt official Zhang Guangsi used the pretense of peace negotiations to massacre three hundred of my people, young and old!"

The atmosphere inside the tent instantly became tense, with both the Beggars' Sect disciples and the Red Flower Society members gripping their weapons tightly.

Fu Shouchuan slammed his Dog-Beating Stick down heavily. "Stop arguing!" His murky gaze swept over everyone. "Old Beggar suggests sending a few skilled fighters to infiltrate Prince Bao's camp and investigate. Lu Chenzhou, you know Xiang Tiange best. You lead a team and have Lin Ruoxue and Zhou Weirou assassinate Prince Bao to test his martial arts style. The Heavenly Silkworm Skill, the Three Talents of Qimen Blade Technique, the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, and the Dog-Beating Stick Technique are all characteristic of Prince Bao's martial arts. Moreover, regarding the Heavenly Silkworm Skill, he, Daoist Wuchen, and Brother Zhao San are all from the same Wudang lineage."

Lu Chenzhou slammed the bamboo plaque heavily on the table: "I want to see if that imposing Prince Bao still remembers Xiang Tiange, who fought a bloody battle against the Qing court's henchmen to save a beggar on Taihu Lake!"

Outside the tent, the rain had stopped sometime earlier, and the sound of the lusheng (a traditional Miao reed pipe instrument) echoed faintly in the night, accompanied by the howling of wolves, adding a touch of eeriness to the secret meeting.

As everyone dispersed, no one noticed that a pair of eyes in the shadows had witnessed everything – it was a spy from the Sticky Rod Office, rapidly relaying the message to the Qing army camp.

The ancient city, after the rain had cleared, was filled with an atmosphere of miasma and bloodshed. A rainbow of seven colors stretched across the sky, but it could not conceal the grim atmosphere in front of the central command tent.

Shi Feiyang leaned on the gilded python-patterned tent pillar, gazing at the rising white mist in the Miao Mountains, his fingertips stroking the secret report in his sleeve—Bao Li's 20,000 Miao soldiers were guarding the natural barrier of Leigong Mountain, the Red Flower Society and the Beggars' Sect were secretly supplying gunpowder, and there were even rumors in the martial arts world that the Five Poisons Sect of Miao territory had refined poison arrows that could kill on sight.

"Your Highness, it's time for lunch." Before the guard could finish speaking, a strange noise suddenly arose from the woods.

Shi Feiyang's pupils shrank suddenly as he saw two cold glints pierce through the fog! Lin Ruoxue's Longevity Sword unleashed nine sword flowers, its blade pointing straight at his throat; Zhou Weirou's Dog-Beating Stick transformed into thousands of bamboo shadows, targeting his lower body.

The two women shouted in unison, "Xiang Tiange, you heartless man! Have you forgotten us, mother and son? Do you know how miserable our lives have been since you left?" Amidst the cries, Shi Feiyang suddenly staggered and fell to the ground, the hem of his python robe sweeping through the mud. This was a disheveled posture most despised by the imperial family, yet it sent a shiver down the spine of Lu Chenzhou, who was watching from the shadows—Xiang Tiange's lightness skill was exceptional; he would never be so clumsy.

Just then, Wei Nianhua's parting hook, which was commanded by the Sticky Rod Office, emerged like a venomous snake, and Chen Feng's black gold fan unleashed eighteen cold rays.

Bai Zhen's Eagle Claw Technique tore through the air, Suhebalu's Goose Feather Blade cleaved with the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks, Mu Tie'a's Iron Sword went astray and stabbed towards Zhou Weirou's back, and Yue Zhongqi's Tiger Head Spear swept across the battlefield, aiming straight for Lin Ruoxue's waist and abdomen.

The six weapons, clanging sharply like metal clashing, completely halted the two women's attacks! "How dare these江湖草莽 (jianghu cao, outlaws of the martial world) attempt to assassinate a prince?"

Wei Nianhua sneered, the parting hook gleaming with a ghostly blue light under the rainbow glow, "The sticky spot is right here, you can't escape even if you grow wings!"

Lin Ruoxue spun around to dodge, and her Longevity Sword drew a "Rainbow Piercing the Sun" pattern, but the sword energy was easily deflected by Chen Feng's fan.

Zhou Weirou unleashed her "Dog-Beating Stick Technique" with a move called "Pulling the Dog Up to the Sky," colliding with Bai Zhen's Eagle Claw in mid-air. Sparks flew up and landed on Suhebalu's blade, producing a crisp sound.

Yue Zhongqi's spear tip suddenly trembled, and seven spear flowers enveloped Shi Feiyang's body.

At the critical moment, Lu Chenzhou suddenly threw out three copper coins, which bounced off the spear tip with a "clink". Fu Shouchuan's dog-beating stick swept out and collided with Mu Tie'a's iron sword. The two powerful internal forces collided, causing the ground to crack with spider web-like patterns.

"Wait!" Yu Wanting suddenly appeared from the shadows of the trees, gently waving his folding fan. "Do you all know how similar this Prince Bao's appearance is to the 'Chen family sons of Haining' mentioned in the martial arts world?" His eyes were sharp as he swept over the crowd in the melee. "Back then, Yinzhen abducted the two sons of the Chen family. This matter has long been rumored in the martial arts world."

Wei Nianhua's farewell hook suddenly stopped, and Chen Feng's fan ribs trembled slightly.

Sukhbaatar roared, "Nonsense! The Prince is of noble birth; how dare you slander him!"

He swung his sword and unleashed a powerful strike, but half of the blade was sliced ​​off by Master Wuchen's Soul-Chasing Sword. Zhao Banshan raised both hands in quick succession, and money darts rained down to block Bai Zhen's attack. Wen Tailai struck out with his palms with the "Thunderbolt Hand," which collided with Yue Zhongqi's tiger-head spear, creating a deafening roar.

Shi Feiyang curled up on the ground, a cold glint flashing in his glassy eyes.

He watched Lu Chenzhou and Fu Shouchuan exchange glances, and saw Yu Wanting's thoughtful expression, and chuckled inwardly.

When Lin Ruoxue's sword tip was three inches from his throat, he suddenly raised his hand and grabbed the blade. Blood seeped from his palm and trickled down the spine of the sword—this was not a profound martial art, but the ruthlessness of an emperor using his flesh and blood to intimidate the martial world.

Shi Feiyang roared, "Stop!" His voice was as loud as a bell.

The fighting crowd felt an invisible pressure bearing down on them and involuntarily stopped fighting. Shi Feiyang slowly rose, the dragon patterns on his python robe seeming to come alive in the rainbow light. "I, for the sake of your chivalry, will not pursue this matter for now. But if you dare to assassinate me again..."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Yu Wanting. "I have heard about the Chen family of Haining."

Yu Wanting was startled, and almost dropped his folding fan.

From afar came the sound of ox horns from the Miao village, faintly carrying the cries of thousands of warriors.

Lin Ruoxue and Zhou Weirou were heartbroken and left, returning to Jiangnan and Piaomiao Peak, where they built a hut to live with their children, teaching them to read, write, and practice martial arts.

Shi Feiyang gazed at the misty Leigong Mountain, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

The Miao Mountains were still shrouded in chill in late spring, and Fu Shouchuan's dog-beating stick struck the bluestone, producing a hollow echo.

Lu Chenzhou watched the Qing army camp recede into the distance, his wine gourd spinning in his palm. Suddenly, he took a big gulp: "That Prince Bao... is he really not Xiang Tiange?" Before he finished speaking, a mountain wind suddenly rose in the forest, lifting Master Wuchen's Taoist robe, and the Soul-Chasing Sword gleamed coldly in the twilight.

Yu Wanting gently waved his folding fan, the four characters "Return My Rivers and Mountains" on the fan surface were dyed blood red by the setting sun: "Have you all seen the way Hongli holds his sword? The thin callus on the second joint of his index finger is clearly the result of years of sword practice."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the money pouch in Zhao Banshan's hand. "Back then, the rumors of Yongzheng taking away the two sons of the Chen family were already widely known in the martial arts world. If Prince Bao is truly a descendant of the Chen family of Haining..."

"Chief!" Wen Tailai suddenly stepped forward, his iron palm cleaving through the thorns in front of him. "Even if he is a member of the Chen family, he is now a prince of the Qing Dynasty! Our Red Flower Society is fighting against the Qing and restoring the Ming Dynasty. Are we going to recognize a traitor as our father?"

The veins on his neck bulged, and Zhao Banshan chuckled, stroking his beard as copper coins jingled in his palm: "Thunderbolt Hand is mistaken. If we can send Prince Bao back to the Chen family and then help Chen Jialuo ascend the throne..."

He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, startling a flock of crows in the woods. Fu Shouchuan suddenly slammed his dog-beating stick heavily on the ground, sending withered leaves flying: "Old beggar, I don't care about dragon or phoenix offspring, I only ask one question—is the Chen family willing to acknowledge this son who has been tainted by the royal family for twenty years?"

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Chenzhou suddenly pressed down on the bamboo stick at his waist, his knuckles turning white from the force: "Even if the Chen family is willing to acknowledge it, how could Prince Bao himself be willing to give up the throne?"

By the time the group reached Wumeng Pass, dusk had fallen.

Yu Wanting suddenly closed his fan, the fan ribs striking his palm with a crisp sound: "The Qiantang tide will rise in seven days. The Chen family always holds a banquet at the Tide-Watching Tower at this time every year."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Lu Chenzhou. "The Beggars' Clan has many informants in Jiangnan. I would like to trouble Chief Fu and Brother Lu..."

"No need to say anything more!" Fu Shouchuan interrupted, using his bamboo cane to lift a gourd of wine and take a big gulp. "This old beggar will take another gamble! If this Prince Bao is really of the Chen family bloodline, it might be a glimmer of hope for us to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming!" He wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth and suddenly burst into a loud laugh, which startled the torches of the mountain people in the distance, causing them to sway.

When we reached the banks of the Qiantang River, the sound of the tide could already be faintly heard.

Lu Chenzhou gazed at the churning, turbid waves and suddenly recalled the image of the boy who called himself Xiang Tiange riding the waves. The bamboo token at his waist was digging painfully into him, and he subconsciously touched it—the character "Tian" on it now seemed to be mocking his naivety.

The lanterns of the Chen family mansion formed a sea of ​​red in the night, and the eaves of the Guanchao Tower held up a half-moon.

Yu Wanting straightened his clothes and turned to look at everyone: "Success or failure hinges on this. Daoist Wuchen, Brother Zhao, you two guard the outer perimeter; Brother Wen Tailai, if anything unexpected happens..."

Before he could finish speaking, the sound of porcelain shattering came from inside the house, followed by the angry roar of the young Chen Jialuo: "Make me acknowledge that lackey of the Qing Dynasty? Dream on!" The crowd exchanged glances and simultaneously leaped into the air.

……

The night in the ancient Miao region was as dark as ink, but the central command tent of Prince Bao's camp was brightly lit with candles. Tiger-skin curtains hung from gilded dragon-patterned hooks, and eight thick tallow candles, as thick as a child's arm, illuminated the room as bright as day on the bronze candlesticks on the table.

Shi Feiyang leaned back in the commander's chair covered with a bearskin, the gold thread embroidery on his black python robe shimmering in the firelight, his glassy eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

The atmosphere inside the tent was heavy. Wei Nianhua, the commander of the Sticky Pole Office, held a farewell hook in his hand, Chen Feng played with a large black fan, and Bai Zhen's eagle claws were still stained with blood that had not yet dried. General Suhebalu had a goose-feather saber hanging at his waist, Assistant General Mu Tie'a stroked his iron sword, and General Yue Zhongqi had his arms crossed, his tiger-head spear leaning against him, the red tassel on the spear trembling slightly.

"Prince Bao, the Red Flower Society and the Beggars' Sect joined forces to assassinate you today. This is suspicious; there must be a conspiracy behind it." Wei Nianhua broke the silence first, his voice as cold as iron. "Especially that rumor about the 'Chen family from Haining.' If it gets out, I'm afraid..."

Shi Feiyang raised his hand to stop him, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Heaven and earth will judge! Let Father Emperor handle this matter. Commander Wei, immediately draft a report on the assassination attempt by the Red Flower Society and the Beggars' Sect today and submit it to the Emperor! Now we should discuss how to quell the rebellion."

His tone was calm and collected, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Wei Nianhua thought to himself, "This Prince Bao is indeed shrewd. The Imperial Household Department is only loyal to the current emperor. Although they know that Hongli is the crown prince, the imperial family is ruthless. As long as he hasn't ascended the throne, countless changes are possible. By taking the initiative to report now, he not only clears himself of suspicion but also shows his loyalty to Yongzheng. It's truly killing two birds with one stone."

"Yes, sir!" He bowed and accepted the order, then retreated to the corner of the tent and began to write swiftly.

Yue Zhongqi stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, the Eighth Sister Village is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack. Bao Li is also aided by Jianghu gangs. If we launch a strong attack, our army may suffer heavy casualties."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "In my humble opinion, we must outsmart them."

Sukhbaatar chimed in gruffly, “General Yue is right! Those Miao barbarians know the terrain well and move through the mountains and forests as if they were flat ground. Our cavalry can’t maneuver properly. We need to find a way to lure them out of the camp!”

Chen Feng waved his large, black fan, a sinister smile playing on his lips: "This humble general has an idea. I've heard there's a secret passage in the back mountains of Eight Sisters Village that leads directly to the Qingshui River. We can send men disguised as merchants, pretending to transport grain, to lure the Miao army into an attack. At the same time, we can send elite troops to infiltrate through the secret passage and launch a pincer attack!"

Bai Zhen suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse like a night owl: "This plan is ingenious, but the secret passage is narrow and the main force will have difficulty passing through. It would be better to have the brothers from the Sticky Pole Office scout ahead first, find out the situation, and then send an elite squad to launch a surprise attack."

His eagle claws opened and closed slightly, gleaming coldly in the candlelight.

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Lieutenant General Mu Tie'a: "General Mu, you have been stationed in Miao territory for many years and know the terrain of this place like the back of your hand. In your opinion, is this plan feasible?"

Mu Tie'a pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, the secret passage in the back mountain does exist, but Bao Li is a suspicious man by nature and will definitely be on guard. However, if we can coordinate with a fire attack, we might be able to disrupt their formation."

He paused, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, "This humble general is willing to lead a suicide squad, carrying sulfur and gunpowder, to infiltrate through the secret passage, and when the two armies clash, ignite the oil and burn them to ashes!"

Shi Feiyang suddenly stood up, his python robe sweeping across the table, making a rustling sound: "Good! Let's proceed according to your plan! Tomorrow at dawn, the entire army will prepare for battle! Commander Wei, your Sticky Rod Division will be responsible for scouting the enemy's situation and must find out the defenses of Eight Sisters Village; General Yue and General Su, each of you will lead five thousand elite troops to launch a feigned attack in front of the village; Chen Feng and Bai Zhen, lead the elite of the Sticky Rod Division to infiltrate through the secret passage; General Mu, the fire attack is entrusted to you!"

The crowd responded in unison, "Your subordinate obeys!" (End of Chapter)