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

Shi Feiyang glanced at Su Dai unintentionally and was instantly captivated by her beautiful eyes.

Su Dai's eyes were like the most brilliant stars in the deep night sky, sparkling with wisdom and gentleness.

With a glance, one can almost see endless stories and emotions contained within, captivating the viewer.

Her eyelashes were long and curled, fluttering gently like butterflies about to take flight, adding a touch of liveliness and charm to her eyes.

Every blink is like the most exquisite scroll in the world slowly unfolding, inspiring longing and leaving a lasting impression.

In early summer, the misty rain at Chixia Peak in Taihu Lake transforms the seventy-two peaks into a long ink painting scroll.

Yu Wanting, the leader of the Red Flower Society, stood with his hands behind his back in front of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, the jade pendant with the inscription "Loyal Heart and Loyal Blood" on his waist gleaming dimly in the wind and rain.

The thirty-six dragon-carved pillars behind him are inscribed with the words "Overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming" in cursive script, which are particularly eye-catching after being washed by the rain.

The flickering candlelight inside the hall made the flame patterns on everyone's clothes seem to come alive.

"Chief, that fellow Qianlong has arrived in Suzhou!" Wen Tailai, the "Thunder Hand," shouted loudly, causing the dust on the beams to fall.

This burly man from Guanzhong with a dark face and a thick beard opened his shirt, revealing a scar the size of a bowl on his chest—a wound inflicted by the Qing government's henchmen years ago.

The leather wine pouch at his waist swayed gently with his breathing, emitting a strong aroma of barley wine.

"Don't rush into action." Daoist Wuchen, the Soul-Chasing Sword Master, stroked his three long wisps of beard and tapped the pillar with his iron sword. "That dog emperor has expert guards from the Sticky Pole Bureau and a ruthless character like Zhang Zhaozhong from Wudang." Although this Quanzhen Daoist had become a monk, he still wore a Daoist robe embroidered with flame patterns, and the red tassel on his sword hilt was stained with the blood of his enemies, which had not faded over the years.

“Brother Wuchen is right.” Thousand-Handed Tathagata Zhao Banshan twirled his prayer beads, his voice gentle as jade, yet concealing a sharp edge. “The ambush at Zuixianlou a few days ago was just to alert the enemy. In my opinion, we must outsmart them.”

Luo Bing, nicknamed "Mandarin Duck Blades," suddenly slammed his fist on the table and stood up, the golden swords at his waist clanging loudly: "Outsmart them? Back then, when we were besieged in Shandong, if it weren't for Brother Wen's brave charge into the Qing army camp, where would we be today? Now that Emperor Qianlong is right in front of us, how can we face our fallen brothers if we don't slaughter him without leaving a single one alive?"

This feisty woman from the martial arts world had her almond-shaped eyes wide open, and the coral pendants on her earlobes swayed violently with her movements, like two dancing flames.

"Don't be anxious, Sister Luo Bing," said Yu Wanting, the chief of the guild, calmly. "As the art of war says, 'Make the real appear real, and the real appear false.' We might as well make a move on the canal transport, disperse his forces, and then set up an ambush."

"The Grand Canal?" Xu Tianhong, the short strategist known as "Martial Zhuge," paced to the map, his fingertip pointing at the Grand Canal. "Emperor Qianlong will definitely inspect the Grand Canal during his southern tour. We can sabotage the canal embankment in the Yangzhou section to lure him to his rescue—but then set up a 'water ghost camp' in Gaoyou Lake, ensuring his death by drowning." Chang Hezhi, known as "Black Impermanence," smiled sinisterly, slamming his mourning staff heavily on the ground. "Brilliant! When he arrives in Gaoyou, my brother and I will lead a raid to ambush him, ensuring he can't coordinate his attacks." He and Chang Bozhi, known as "White Impermanence," dressed in contrasting black and white outfits, with deadly grappling hooks hanging from their waists, spoke simultaneously, their voices remarkably hoarse.

"Wait a minute." Yu Wanting finally spoke, his voice deep and resonant like a morning bell. "There is a mysterious master by Qianlong's side. It is said that he is proficient in the Frost Palm and the Hundred Victories Knife Technique. Have you been able to find out where he came from?" Because Su Dai was arrested and unable to return to report, they mistakenly believed that "Emperor Qianlong" was the master who was proficient in the "Frost Palm" and the "Hundred Victories Knife Technique".

“Reporting to the Grand Master,” Wei Chunhua, the Nine-Lives Leopard, clasped his hands and said, “That man was wearing a moon-white brocade robe, with a plain silver pendant hanging at his waist. He was accompanied by Wei Nianhua and Bai Zhen from the Sticky Pole Office, as well as Zhang Zhaozhong from Wudang.”

The monk with the leopard-like head was shirtless, with a lifelike leopard totem tattooed on his chest. The bronze staff in his hand gleamed with an oily sheen, clearly the result of years of fighting. Suddenly, "Iron Tower" Yang Chengxie pounded the giant drum at his waist, the sound like thunder: "Who cares who he is! I've been looking for a place to sharpen these two iron whips!"

He was nine feet tall, and his towering figure blocked out most of the candlelight when he stood in the hall. The barbs on his whips were still stained with the blood from the previous day's battle.

Zhang Jin, nicknamed "Shi Gandang," touched the scar on his face and said in a deep voice, "Why don't we use a 'feigned attack on the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass'? On the surface, we'll make our move at the Grand Canal, but in reality, we'll set up a trap at Hanshan Temple. That dog emperor loves literature and calligraphy, so he'll definitely go there to write a poem. We'll finish him off there!"

The one-armed man's sleeves were empty, but a dark green parrot perched on his shoulder, its head tilted as it stared intently at the candlelight.

After listening to everyone's discussion, Yu Wanting's gaze fell on the plaque "Return My Rivers and Mountains" hanging in the hall. Suddenly, he drew his sword from his waist, and the tip of the sword flicked up the candle wick, causing the flame to leap up three feet high. "Let's follow Military Advisor Xu's plan and proceed in three directions—Master Wuchen will lead people to blow up the dike, Brother Wen and Sister Luo Bing will ambush at Gaoyou Lake, and Military Advisor Xu and Brother Yu will set up an ambush at Hanshan Temple."

He paused, the blade sweeping across everyone's faces. "Remember, in this operation, only victory is allowed; defeat is not permitted! If there are any cowards who fear death, get out of the Red Flower Society now!"

"Red Flower Society, we swear to overthrow the Qing!" the crowd shouted in unison, their voices shaking the rooftops.

Outside the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, the rain suddenly intensified, and the waves of Taihu Lake surged like thousands of warhorses galloping.

Looking at the rain-soaked sky, Yu Wanting thought to himself, "When I take Qianlong's head, it will be time to reclaim the empire!"

That night, lanterns lit up one after another on Crimson Cloud Peak, illuminating the seventy-two peaks in a blood-red hue.

The heroes of the Red Flower Society packed up their weapons and led their troops down the mountain, instantly causing boats to ply the lake and breaking the tranquility of Taihu Lake.

Before the evening drum of Hanshan Temple had faded, the moonlight was swallowed up by the rapidly approaching dark clouds.

As Shi Feiyang escorted Su Dai out of the mountain gate, they suddenly heard a piercing tremor from the copper bell on the eaves—a warning signal that the sticky pole had been attacked.

Wei Nianhua's parting hook was instantly drawn, its dark blue body reflecting the swaying shadows of treetops twenty feet away—the distinctive night-clothes of the Red Flower Society disciples. "Protect the young master!" Bai Zhen roared, his iron claws tearing through the night, five cold lights aimed straight for the throats of the ambushing soldiers on the left.

The assassin swung his knife to defend himself, but with a "crack," the blade was crushed by the eagle's claws.

Commander Wei Nianhua lightly touched the ground with his toes and unleashed the Thirty-Six Forms of the "Parting Hook Technique." The parting hooks transformed into countless silver snakes, specifically targeting the enemy's wrists and knees. Wherever the hook tips passed, blood splattered, drawing ferocious plum blossom patterns on the bluestone slabs.

The young guard Zhang Zhaozhong drew his longsword, stepping with the Nine Palaces Step, and unleashed the Wudang "Soft Cloud Sword Technique." His swordplay was sometimes gentle and sometimes forceful, like a spring breeze rustling willows, yet concealing deadly intent. "Take this!" With a clear shout, the tip of his sword drew seven sword flowers, aiming straight for the face of "Golden Flute Scholar" Yu Yutong.

Yu Yutong blocked with his golden flute, but three bone-piercing nails suddenly popped out from the flute.

Zhang Zhaozhong sneered and unleashed the Wudang Cotton Palm technique "Pushing the Window to Gaze at the Moon" with his left palm. The palm force transformed into an invisible barrier, shaking off all the hidden weapons.

You Ning's Golden Crow Blade Technique had already been unleashed, the crimson blade light shining like the blazing sun in the sky.

She shouted, "The blazing sun melts gold!" The short sword, carrying a scorching heat wave, slashed towards a Red Flower Society disciple. The man raised his sword to block, but felt a jolt in his hand, and his weapon was knocked out of his grasp.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, You Ning lunged forward, the blade slicing across the other's throat. Warm blood splattered on her beautiful face, making her almond-shaped eyes appear even brighter.

Lu Fangtian stood in the center of the battle circle, his hands drawing the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) positions in front of his chest, his body radiating a faint golden aura.

“Three consecutive lines for Qian, six broken lines for Kun!” His fingertips moved like lightning, tracing profound paths in the air.

The seemingly casual finger strikes actually hit the enemy's vital points with precision.

The disciples of the Red Flower Society clearly dodged the finger strike, but suddenly they were struck as if by lightning, their bodies convulsing and collapsing to the ground, black blood slowly seeping from their seven orifices—this Heavenly Gang Finger Technique specifically breaks through the body's protective true energy, shattering bones and internal organs wherever it touches.

"This sticky rod place is quite something, it has some tricks up its sleeve!" "Martial Zhuge" Xu Tianhong waved his folding fan lightly, and thirty-six bone-piercing nails shot out in a plum blossom pattern.

Wei Nianhua shouted loudly, and the Li Bie Gou transformed into a silver shield, deflecting all the hidden weapons.

Just then, the bell of Hanshan Temple suddenly rang, and it turned out that Yu Wanting, the leader of the Red Flower Society, had arrived with his followers!

In early summer, Hanshan Temple was shrouded in rain and mist, and the copper bells on the eaves were torn into broken, mournful sounds by the wind.

Zhao Banshan stood under the eaves of the Great Buddha Hall, his dark blue robe covered in mud, but the deerskin pouch at his waist was spotless—it contained twenty-four Dragon-Returning Jade Tokens and thirty-six Flying Swallow Silver Shuttles, enough to strike fear into the hearts of the martial arts world.

He lightly twirled the Buddhist prayer beads on his wrist, his gaze falling on the experts from the Sticky Pole Division who were pouncing like wolves and tigers at the bottom of the stone steps. A pitying smile appeared on his lips: "Heh heh, these old hands of mine will be stained with blood again today."

"Thousand-Handed Tathagata, cease your arrogance!" Sun Yunhe, the deputy chief steward of the Sticky Pole Office, roared, his judge's pen flashing seven ink-black spear flowers—the Sticky Pole Office's signature move, "Ink Dragon Breaking Through the Clouds." Zhao Banshan remained calm and composed, his palms embracing Tai Chi as he slowly pushed them out. The "Grasping the Sparrow's Tail" movement from Tai Chi, seemingly gentle, completely neutralized the fierce attack.

Just as the judge's pen was about to touch his sleeve, it suddenly made a "ding" sound, as if it had hit an invisible wall of air, making Sun Yunhe's tiger's mouth go numb.

Just as everyone was astonished, twelve bone-piercing nails suddenly flew out from Zhao Banshan's sleeve, targeting twelve major acupoints.

This hidden weapon did not fly in a straight line, but drew a strange arc in the air, which contained the silk-reeling force of Tai Chi.

A guard parried with his sword, but the bone-piercing nail suddenly changed direction, piercing his throat through a gap in the back of the blade. The moment blood splattered on the stone steps, Zhao Banshan swung his hands in rapid succession, the sound of flying swallows and silver shuttles cutting through the air like the flapping of bees, instantly weaving a web of death.

"Watch out! It's the Flying Swallow Silver Shuttle!" Wei Nianhua's parting hook transformed into a silver shield, but the silver shuttles collided in mid-air, splitting into countless fine needles. His pupils constricted—this was no hidden weapon; it was clearly a deadly move that combined mechanical arts with hidden weapon skills!
The elite soldiers of the Sticky Pole Division all used their "Iron Bridge" skills, but three of them were unable to dodge in time. They were hit in three vital areas—between the eyebrows, the throat, and the heart—at the same time. When they fell to the ground, their eyes were wide open, and they could not believe that they had been defeated by such a strange and bizarre hidden weapon until their deaths.

Bai Zhen's eagle eyes widened, and his iron claws tore through the rain, aiming straight for Zhao Banshan's face.

The third leader of the Red Flower Society flipped his palms and stepped out with the "Seven Star Steps." In what seemed like a casual dodge, he actually redirected Bai Zhen's attack toward his companion.

The guard couldn't dodge in time and had half of his chest torn open by the iron claws, his internal organs spilling out onto the ground.

Taking advantage of the situation, Zhao Banshan threw out the Returning Dragon Jade. This disc-shaped hidden weapon had a sharp edge like a knife. As it spun, it brought with it a gust of bloody wind, cutting three guards in half at the waist. Before the severed limbs hit the ground, the second Returning Dragon Jade had already condensed the splattered blood droplets into ice shards.

"Zhao Banshan! You fat butcher, how dare you kill my brother! Give me your life!" Zhang Zhaozhong drew his longsword, displaying the essence of the "Soft Cloud Sword Technique" of Wudang swordsmanship, his sword movements as fluid as flowing clouds.

Zhao Banshan clasped his hands together, the prayer beads spinning rapidly between his fingers. The penetrating nail, following the trajectory of the beads, wove a Tai Chi pattern in the air. The instant the sword and nail collided, Zhang Zhaozhong felt a gentle force travel along the blade, his wrist went numb, and the sword nearly slipped from his grasp.

Before he could change his move, the Flying Swallow Silver Shuttle had already shot towards him at breakneck speed, aiming specifically at his acupoints on the lower body.

You Ning's Golden Crow Blade Technique cleaved through the rain curtain, and the crimson blade light collided with the bone-piercing nail, sparks flying everywhere.

Seeing this, Zhao Banshan smiled slightly, and suddenly his hands shot out, releasing all twenty-four Returning Dragon Jade Discs at the same time.

The hidden weapons arranged in a Bagua formation in the air, effectively locking down You Ning's sword strike.

The female guard swung her sword to block, but with a "crack," the Golden Crow Sword was sliced ​​in half by the Returning Dragon Jade.

"Third Brother, let me handle this!" Chang Hezhi brandished his grappling hook and joined the fray. The barbs on the chain hooked onto a guard's ankle, dragging him into the battle. Taking advantage of the moment, Zhao Banshan unleashed his "Chaotic Ring Technique," showering the sticky pole guards with bone-piercing nails like raindrops.

A guard raised his shield, only to find that the bone-piercing nail had pierced through the shield and emerged from behind.

The guards from the Sticky Rod Office swarmed forward, but Zhao Banshan, instead of being angry, laughed and drew a Tai Chi pattern in front of his chest with both hands. All the hidden weapons that missed their target suddenly changed direction and flew back like swallows returning to their nests.

This was his unique "Swallow Returns to Nest" technique. In an instant, hidden weapons flew wildly throughout Hanshan Temple, and screams rose and fell.

The fierce battle raged on, and Zhao Banshan had very few hidden weapons left in his deerskin bag.

Instead of retreating, he advanced, striking out with both palms in the "Wild Horse Parts Its Mane" movement from Tai Chi, causing the air to explode wherever his palms struck.

Zhang Zhaozhong swung his sword to parry, but the blade vibrated loudly from the force of the palm strike. Bai Zhen seized the opportunity, aiming straight for Zhao Banshan's throat, but the Third Leader flicked his wrist, and the last Returning Dragon Jade flew in, forcing Bai Zhen to the ground.

On the bluestone ground of Hanshan Temple, blood mixed with rainwater meandered into a river. More than half of the experts from the Sticky Pole Division were dead or wounded, but Zhao Banshan, though dressed in rags, still stood upright, his Buddhist beads slowly turning between his fingers, as if the killing just now was merely a form of spiritual practice.

Looking at this opponent who was both compassionate and ruthless, Shi Feiyang sighed inwardly: "The legend in the martial arts world is that 'when the Thousand-Handed Buddha makes a move, he can walk into the Yama's palace.' Seeing him today, I can see that the legend is indeed true."

Bai Zhen let out a long roar and unleashed "Eagle Soaring Through the Sky," his iron claws drawing five cold streaks in the night sky, tearing a gap in the storm of hidden weapons.

Yang Chengxie, nicknamed "Iron Tower," wielded his double whips, the tips of which crackled with the sound of wind and thunder, whipping the nearby guards at the sticky pole until their skin was torn and bleeding.

Zhang Jin, nicknamed "Shi Gandang," wielded his spiked club, each strike sending up a shower of wood chips and blood.

The Black and White Impermanence's grappling hooks worked seamlessly together, and the chains coiled around Lu Fangtian's ankles like serpents.

Despite the danger, Lu Fangtian remained calm and used the "Kan Water Cut-off" technique from the "Tian Gang Finger" to point his fingertip at the opponent's "Yinlingquan acupoint".

Chang Hezhi grunted, and the iron chain snapped. But Chang Bozhi's grappling hook was already at his head!
At the critical moment, You Ning's Golden Crow Blade slashed horizontally, its crimson light severing the weapon and saving Lu Fangtian's life.

Zhang Zhaozhong was now in a bloodthirsty frenzy, using both Wudang swordsmanship and soft palm techniques, causing blood and flesh to fly wherever his swords and palms touched.

With a single move, "The Clouds Roll and Unroll" from the Soft Cloud Sword Technique, his green blade coiled around his body like a serpent, instantly piercing the throats of three Red Flower Society disciples.

Unexpectedly, Yu Wanting suddenly made a move, his soft sword transforming into a dragon, aiming straight for his vital point in the back!
Just at this critical moment, Shi Feiyang, who had suddenly disappeared into the shadows, reappeared. He had quietly taken out his night clothes from the deerskin bag at his waist and put them on. His aura suddenly changed, and he used the "Giant Spirit Palm" that Fan Jie, the leader of the Liaodong branch of the Beggars' Sect, had taught him!

The palm strike was like a tidal wave, the first palm strike, "Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons," was unleashed. The palm force transformed into countless bursts of energy, sending the surrounding Red Flower Society disciples flying backward and crashing into the walls of Hanshan Temple, splattering blood everywhere.

When the eighth palm technique, "Heavy as Mount Tai," was unleashed, the air emitted a piercing crack. Yu Wanting raised his sword to block, but felt an irresistible force, and his soft sword shattered inch by inch.

Shi Feiyang pressed his advantage, and a palm strike as light as a feather suddenly arrived. The seemingly gentle palm strike caused Yu Wanting to cough up blood and collapse to the ground.

The heroes of the Red Flower Society were terrified upon seeing this and rushed to the rescue at the cost of their lives.

Shi Feiyang watched the departing members of the Red Flower Society, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Wei Nianhua and the others gathered around, all bearing wounds. Dozens of corpses lay scattered on the ground, and the bluestone slabs of Hanshan Temple were soaked with blood, gleaming eerily dark red in the moonlight. The bronze bell of Hanshan Temple wailed in the rainy night, as if weeping and lamenting. Rainwater dripping from the eaves mixed with blood, winding strange totems on the bluestone slabs, like the patterns of fate.

Wei Nianhua knelt on one knee, the blood droplets on the black iron farewell hook slowly falling along the dark patterns, staining his dark blue night clothes with dark red cloud patterns, like the surging blood-red dawn in the night. Zhang Zhaozhong leaned against the mottled corridor pillar, his Wudang longsword already chipped, the four characters "Taiji Hanyuan" on the blade stained with blood, vaguely showing the entanglement of yin and yang energies.

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back on the steps in front of the main hall, his black cloak fluttering in the wind, like a cold and stern war god. He stared at the corpses lying on the ground, but his eyes were as bright as cold stars, as if they contained a wildfire that could start a prairie fire and illuminate the night of the entire Jiangnan region.

"Your Majesty, the Sticky Rod Division has lost seventeen elite soldiers, and the Imperial Guards have also suffered half their losses. A total of thirty-nine men have been lost!" Bai Zhen's iron claws were stained with black and red blood, and his hawk-like eyes couldn't hide his grief. "Those hidden weapons from the Thousand-Handed Tathagata of the Red Flower Society are insidious and ruthless. If it weren't for Your Majesty's swift and decisive action..."

"Enough." Shi Feiyang raised his hand, his voice as cold as the millennia-old ice atop the Tianshan Mountains, cutting off Bai Zhen's words. "The conflicts in the martial world are inherently bloody and brutal. There is no victory without a price."

He suddenly turned his head and looked at You Ning, who was curled up in the corner.

The young girl's Golden Crow Blade was chipped, and her apricot-yellow palace sash was splattered with blood, resembling blooming red plum blossoms. "You Ning, tell me, for us, is tonight's battle a victory or a defeat?"

You Ning's delicate body trembled slightly, and the short knife in her hand clattered to the ground, the crisp sound echoing in the deathly silent hall: "This servant...this servant is foolish, I only feel that the casualties this time are too heavy, it is really hard to say that we have won..."

"Hahahaha!" Shi Feiyang threw his head back and laughed loudly, his voice shaking the sky and startling the crows under the eaves. In that laughter, there was both a domineering ambition and an unfathomable calculation. "Heavy casualties? No, this is exactly the perfect situation I have been looking for."

He bent down and picked up a bone-piercing nail, his fingertips gently tracing the remaining poison on it, his movements as delicate as if he were touching a rare treasure. "Zhao Banshan's hidden weapons are superb, Master Wuchen's swordsmanship is exquisite, Yu Wanting's internal strength is profound and powerful... Tonight, how many of these top masters of the Red Flower Society have been lost?"

Zhang Zhaozhong's expression changed drastically, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "His Majesty's intention... is to use someone else to do the dirty work?"

"This Wudang lad has some discerning eyes." Shi Feiyang cast an approving glance, and suddenly a ghostly blue flame rose from his palm, the eerie flames turning the Bone-Piercing Nail red-hot. "Why do you think I used the Giant Spirit Palm in the midst of the chaos? That palm technique is the signature move of Fan Jie, the leader of the Liaodong branch of the Beggars' Sect. People in the martial world don't know this, but do you think I don't?"

Lu Fangtian, pale-faced, forced himself to step forward. He had exhausted eighty percent of his inner strength by using the Heavenly Gang Finger Technique today: "Hmm! Your Majesty is wise! In this way, the Red Flower Society will surely mistakenly believe that it was the Beggar Clan disciples who joined forces with the court's experts to carry out this poisonous act!"

“Exactly.” Shi Feiyang turned to look at the pitch-black night sky. Raindrops fell on him, turning into a misty haze—the chilling aura of Mingyu Gong circulated around his body, making him appear like an immortal descending to earth. “The Beggars’ Sect and the Red Flower Society have been fighting tooth and nail for the territory of Jiangnan. With this palm strike, the Red Flower Society will surely think that a new leader of the Beggars’ Sect has suddenly appeared, intending to seize power; while Fan Jie’s former subordinates will definitely think that the Red Flower Society is trying to wipe them out. When two tigers fight, one will surely be injured.”

Wei Nianhua's parting hook suddenly emitted a clear and melodious sound. He looked up sharply, his eyes filled with admiration: "Your Majesty is wise! Such a brilliant plan will surely cause the two major gangs to fight to the death, allowing us to reap the benefits!"

Shi Feiyang slowly pulled out the Jade Dragon Hook. The four characters "Jie Xiao Yong Ren" (meaning "Avoid Haste and Be Patient") on the hook flickered in the lightning, as if telling the story of the way of the emperor.

“That’s not all.” His voice was deep and resonant, each word carrying immense weight. “Why do you think Su Dai would betray us at such a crucial moment? The silver bracelet on her wrist is engraved with the character ‘red,’ but inside it lies a secret letter from the Beggars’ Sect.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked. Bai Zhen slammed his iron claws heavily on the stone steps, sparks flying: "Could it be... that she is a double agent?"

“She is a brilliant pawn I have laid out.” Shi Feiyang’s jade dragon hook drew a cold light like a crescent moon, and the cold light swept across everyone’s faces. “Later, let Su Dai out. The Red Flower Society will think that she has secrets about my whereabouts, and the Beggars’ Gang will believe that she knows the core plan of the Red Flower Society.”

He chuckled softly, a laugh brimming with the confidence and ruthlessness of someone in control of the world. "Next, let these two giants of the martial world fight to the death over Su Dai, until both are severely injured."

The rain stopped sometime later, and the sky began to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

Shi Feiyang gazed at the distant mountains, where the Red Flower Society's lair and the Beggars' Sect's branch were hidden, as if a magnificent scroll of the martial world was unfolding before him. As the Jade Dragon Hook was sheathed, his tone was calm yet carried an undeniable authority: "Minister Wei, convey my decree: the entire Sticky Pole Office is to lie low. In future gang conflicts, you may only secretly instigate trouble, and you must not easily reveal yourselves."

"As you command!" Wei Nianhua knelt on one knee, his voice booming like a bell, echoing throughout Hanshan Temple. Shi Feiyang turned and stepped into the morning mist.

In early summer, Taihu Lake was suffocated by leaden clouds. Deep within the Red Flower Society headquarters at Chixia Peak, the smell of wound medicine mixed with the stench of blood permeated the corridor.

Yu Wanting's face was ashen, and the charred palm print on his chest had an eerie bluish-purple hue, clearly left by the Beggar Clan's lost ultimate skill, "Giant Spirit Palm".

Master Wuchen waved his whisk with one arm, the Soul-Chasing Sword sparking as it scraped against the blue bricks, his three long wisps of beard trembling with rage: "Fan Jie of Liaodong has been dead for eight years. If it weren't for the collusion between the Beggars' Sect and the Qing court, how could this palm technique have reappeared in the martial world?"

"Third Brother, did you see that person's face clearly?" Wen Tailai's clenched fists cracked, veins bulged under his dark face and bushy beard, and the bronze double sticks at his waist made a muffled thunderous sound with each breath.

Zhao Banshan's fingers, which were twirling the prayer beads, suddenly exerted force, and the twelve bone-piercing nails sprang out with a "hum," gleaming coldly in the candlelight: "That person was masked, and his palm strike was powerful yet chilling, much like the feather-light move in the Giant Spirit Palm."

"Hmph! It must be those filthy bastards from the Beggars' Sect!" Zhang Jin swung his bronze cudgel, the shaft slamming into a beam and pillar, sending splinters flying. "Back then, we attacked their Liaodong branch; that blood debt should have been settled long ago!"

Yang Chengxie pounded the giant drum at his waist, the sound like thunder: "I, Yang, am eager to test my iron whips against the Beggars' Sect's dog heads!" Yu Yutong gently stroked his golden flute and said, "Brothers, please wait. Before Su Dai disappeared, she sent back a secret letter mentioning the palace..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chang Hezhi's flying claw slammed heavily to the ground, the chains rattling loudly: "Something terrible has happened! Su, the head of the Vermilion Bird Hall, appeared on the pleasure boat on Taihu Lake, only to be kidnapped by the Beggar Clan!" "What?!" Daoist Wuchen swung his arm, sweeping away the teacups scattered on the table, and the Soul-Chasing Sword was drawn with a dragon's roar: "Su Dai holds the secret map to the Western Regions; it must not fall into enemy hands!"

Zhao Banshan's deerskin pouch was already bulging, and the twenty-four Dragon-Returning Jade discs inside emitted a faint hum: "The Grand Master is still seriously injured, we must set off immediately!" On Taihu Lake, the lanterns on the painted boats flickered like will-o'-the-wisps in the rain.

The gray-clad man at the bow of the boat stood with his hands behind his back, the tassel of his long sword at his waist stained dark red with blood. He was none other than Fu Shouchuan, the leader of the Beggars' Sect. His gaze swept over the approaching Red Flower Society members, his eyes sharp as lightning, and he said in a deep voice, "Leaders of the Red Flower Society, why are you trying to intercept my fishing like this!"

"Fu Shouchuan, stop pretending and hand over the person! Su Dai, the head of our Vermilion Bird Hall!" Daoist Wuchen tapped the ground with one foot, and the Soul-Chasing Sword transformed into a white rainbow, unleashing the "Wind Sweeps Away Clouds" technique from the Soul-Chasing Swordplay.

Although he was only one arm, his swordsmanship was as fast as lightning, and he had already launched seven attacks in an instant. Fu Shouchuan sneered and drew his long sword. It was the "Head-Cutting Sword Technique" that Shi Feiyang had taught him when he inspected the Northwest Branch of the Beggars' Sect. The sword flashed and was used to target people's necks.

Each sword strike carried the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks, clashing fiercely with Master Wuchen's swift sword, sparks flying everywhere.

The deputy gang leader, Lu Chenzhou, held a judge's pen, the tip of which gleamed with a ghostly blue light, clearly indicating that it was coated with a potent poison.

His movements were elusive as he unleashed the "Judge's Deadly Pen," targeting the vital acupoints of several Red Flower Society disciples.

Seeing this, Zhao Banshan's hands flew, weaving a silver net with his flying swallow-like shuttle, but Lu Chenzhou skillfully deflected it with his judge's pen, striking back with a blow that nearly hit Zhao Banshan's throat. Another gang leader, Zhang Yi, wielded half a Dog-Beating Stick, employing the half of the "Dog-Beating Stick Technique" taught to him by Zhou Weirou. His stick flashed, unpredictable and numerous. Yang Chengxie's double iron whips, fierce and unparalleled, were repeatedly thwarted by this bizarre stick technique.

Zhang Yi's dog-beating stick sometimes lashed out like a venomous snake, and sometimes coiled like a giant python, as he fought Yang Chengxie and Zhang Jin in a fierce battle.

Wen Tailai roared like thunder, unleashing his "Thunderbolt Palm," the palm wind carrying a thunderous boom, sending waves three zhang high into the lake. He wielded his bronze double staffs with ferocious speed, forming an encirclement with the Chang brothers' flying claws and Wei Chunhua's double hooks.

The Beggars' Sect members formed a battle formation using the Dog-Beating Stick Technique, their stick shadows weaving into an impenetrable net.

The Chang brothers' flying claws suddenly transformed into venomous snakes, their chains wrapping around the neck of a Beggar Clan disciple. The disciple struggled in his death throes, flinging out three poisonous caltrops, instantly swelling Chang Hezhi's shoulder like a bun. Chang Bozhi's eyes widened in fury, and with a sweeping motion of the chains, he severed the man in half at the waist, blood gushing forth like blooming red plum blossoms.

Yu Yutong used his flute as a sword and displayed the Wudang "Soft Cloud Sword Technique," with the shadow of the flute and the light of the sword complementing each other.

Fu Shouchuan remained unmoved, his "Head-Chopping Sword Technique" growing faster and faster, each strike aimed at the vital points of the group.

In the nick of time, Zhao Banshan flung out the Returning Dragon Jade Disc, a disc-shaped weapon with a sharp, swirling force that grazed past Fu Shouchuan's ear, shaving off a strand of white hair. Amidst the chaos, Su Dai was protected inside the cabin by Beggar Clan disciples. Watching the carnage, she suddenly pulled out a firework signal flare.

As the crimson light soared into the sky, the sound of horses' hooves grew louder as they approached—it was the Sticky Rod Division that had arrived!
"The imperial henchmen have arrived!" Daoist Wuchen's sword was already dulled, but he fought with increasing ferocity. "Red Flower Society brothers, listen to my command! Seize the man and retreat!" Wen Tailai slapped his palms repeatedly, knocking away those who blocked his way, and finally cleaved a bloody path.

Unexpectedly, Su Dai suddenly broke free of her restraints and leaped into the lake, leaving only ripples on the surface.

Wei Nianhua's farewell hook drew a dark blue arc, unleashing the "Hook Locking Heaven and Earth" technique to target the lower body; Bai Zhen's Eagle Claw skill was fierce and unparalleled, tearing off half of the enemy's shoulder; Zhang Zhaozhong's Wudang swordsmanship combined with his Cotton Palm technique, each strike aimed directly at vital points.

You Ning's Golden Crow Blade Technique unleashed a crimson blade light, sending blood and flesh flying wherever it passed.

Seeing the critical situation, Zhao Banshan waved both hands, and hundreds of bone-piercing nails rained down like a storm.

Suddenly, a dark figure descended from the sky, its palm force transforming into an invisible barrier that shattered all the hidden weapons.

Shi Feiyang, dressed in black, unleashed a powerful blast of air from his "Giant Spirit Palm," capsizing several pleasure boats and instantly turning the lake into a turbulent sea.

"Retreat!" Master Wuchen covered the rear, his Soul-Chasing Sword unleashing a flurry of sword shadows.

The members of the Red Flower Society fought and retreated, their sails fluttering in the wind and rain.

Hundreds of corpses floated on Taihu Lake, and the blood stained the lake water dark red.

Shi Feiyang watched the departing fleet, a cold smile playing on his lips—this meticulously planned conflict was merely the first move in his game.

The rain, as heavy as iron, enveloped Taihu Lake, turning it into a blood-red battlefield.

Fu Shouchuan's "head-chopping sword technique" intensified, the blade slicing through the rain curtain and leaving several white streaks in mid-air. Daoist Wuchen wielded his sword with one arm, the Soul-Chasing Sword clashing with the opponent's longsword with a sharp, dragon-like roar, sparks flying onto their robes, burning them with dense scorch marks.

Master Wuchen demanded sternly, “Fu Shouchuan, is your Beggars’ Sect colluding with the Qing Dynasty? Do you truly intend to make enemies of all the heroes of the world?”

"Collusion?" The Beggar Clan leader suddenly laughed wildly, his sword tip catching a wisp of rain. "Eight years ago, the entire Liaodong branch was slaughtered. Today, we will avenge that blood debt!" Before he finished speaking, the sword light had already transformed into a sky full of cold stars, which was the killing move of the "Head-Chopping Sword Technique," "Frost on the Neck."

Master Wuchen lightly touched the ground with his toes and swept backward, but felt a chill on the back of his neck. Three strands of his long beard had been cut off by the sword energy and fell into the lake with the wind.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Banshan's hands moved like butterflies flitting among flowers, and twelve bone-piercing nails shot out in a Big Dipper formation.

With a swift stroke of his judge's pen, Deputy Gang Leader Lu Chenzhou drew a strange arc in the air, directing all the hidden weapons toward Yang Chengxie.

The towering man roared, his double whips forming an impenetrable wall, sparks flying amidst the clanging sounds.

But Lu Chenzhou sneered, and suddenly three barbs popped out from the tip of his pen, aiming straight for his face!

At the critical moment, Chang Hezhi's flying claws emerged like black snakes from their holes, wrapping around the judge's pen and pulling it violently.

Lu Chenzhou used the momentum to leap into the air, doing three somersaults in the air, and actually shook out a "silver silk soft net" from his sleeve.

Chang Bozhi swept his iron chain across, but the soft net wrapped around him like a living thing. The two brothers exerted their strength at the same time, and with a "crack," the soft net snapped. In the instant Lu Chenzhou threw out three "bone-piercing nails," which hit Chang Bozhi's shoulder blades.

"Second brother!" Chang Boshe's eyes were bloodshot, and he unleashed a black sand palm strike accompanied by a foul wind.

Lu Chenzhou lightly waved his folding fan and unleashed the "Eight Trigrams Wandering Steps," then used his judge's pen to strike the opponent's Tanzhong acupoint.

Just then, Zhao Banshan's Returning Dragon Jade flew in, forcing Lu Chenzhou to dodge to the side. However, Chang Shezhi seized the opening, wrapped the iron chain around Lu Chenzhou's ankle, and yanked it hard! The Beggar Clan's deputy leader fell to the ground in a sorry state, his hair disheveled, revealing a flame tattoo on the back of his neck—the mark of the Red Flower Society's mortal enemy! "What a two-faced traitor!" Daoist Wuchen's sword light surged, and the "Soul-Chasing Sword" transformed into a raging torrent.

Lu Chenzhou rolled on the spot, the judge's pen sparking as it drew lines on the blue bricks, and suddenly pointed the tip at his own throat.

Zhao Banshan inwardly cried out in alarm. Before the Flying Swallow Silver Shuttle could even be used, Lu Chenzhou had already bitten into the poison in his mouth, bleeding from all seven orifices and dying, leaving only a strange smile on his lips. At this moment, Zhang Yi's half of the Dog-Beating Staff Technique was already locked in fierce combat with Wen Tailai. His Thunderclap Hand's palms struck like thunderbolts, each blow causing ripples on the lake's surface. His bronze double staffs whistled through the air, yet they could not break through the opponent's "Entanglement" technique.

"Wen Tailai, try the old beggar's 'tripping' technique!" Zhang Yizhu lightly tapped the water's surface with his bamboo stick, and the splashes of water condensed into ice spikes that shot towards him.

Wen Tailai roared and unleashed his "Thunderbolt Palm." Amidst the spray of water from the exploding ice cones, his double sticks, accompanied by the sound of wind, slashed towards the top of his opponent's head.

On the deck of the pleasure boat, Su Dai was held down tightly by two Beggar Clan disciples.

She suddenly bit her tongue, spitting blood onto the other person's face. Taking advantage of their panic, she pulled a dagger from her hair. A flash of cold light, and one disciple's throat bled. Another hurriedly swung his staff, but Su Dai kicked him in the dantian with her "Mandarin Duck Chain Kick".

Just as she was about to leap into the lake, Fu Shouchuan's sword tip was already pressed against her back: "Master of the Vermilion Bird Hall, this play should come to an end."

"Is that so?" Su Dai suddenly smiled slyly and took out a jade pendant from her bosom.

"Brothers of the Red Flower Society, attack together!" Daoist Wuchen pointed his sword at the sky, and the Soul-Chasing Sword transformed into a white rainbow.

Zhao Banshan's Bone-Piercing Nail, Yu Yutong's Golden Flute, and Luo Bing's Mandarin Duck Blades clashed with the Beggars' Clan.

The lake water was stained dark red with blood, severed limbs floated on the waves, and thick smoke from the burning pleasure boats shot into the sky, turning the entire sky blood-red. Fu Shouchuan fought three against one, his decapitation sword technique growing faster and faster, but he could not withstand the overwhelming numbers of the Red Flower Society. Suddenly, a "crack" was heard, and his longsword shattered into pieces! (End of Chapter)