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

Chapter 383. Swords Point to the Western Frontier to Drive Out the Tartars, Incense Lingers in the Desert to Forge Heroic Souls.

Shi Feiyang's pupils contracted sharply, and he suddenly grabbed her waist, rapidly circulating his Mingyu Gong: "Qingru!" His voice was filled with unprecedented panic, and the cold energy in his palm surged into her wound, instantly stopping the bleeding.

"Your Majesty, I'm fine." Shen Qingru forced a smile, but saw that Shi Feiyang's eyes were full of heartache. "If anything happens to you, I..." He paused, but hugged her even tighter.

At this moment, Lu Chen, nicknamed "River Dragon," seized the opportunity to leap onto the main ship, his nine-ringed saber slashing down with a bloody gust of wind: "Hongli, you dog thief, if you don't give us food, we'll take your dog's life too!"

Shi Feiyang's eyes turned cold. He shielded Shen Qingru behind him, pushing his Mingyu Gong to its limit, making him almost transparent. He cursed, "Don't I feed you? Are you just lazy and good-for-nothing? You collude with corrupt officials to embezzle the national treasury, cunningly seizing the people's money and grain. You're a parasite! Humph! What use is such a poisonous creature?" He raised his hand and waved it lightly, and the "Shifting Flowers and Jade" divine skill was activated! Lu Chen's sword momentum suddenly reversed, almost injuring himself.

Shi Feiyang unleashed "Viewing the Vast Ocean" with both palms! The Hundred Victories Saber Technique transformed into a raging torrent, and the saber energy sent Lu Chen flying backward.

Seeing that Shi Feiyang was about to press his advantage, Shen Qingru worried about his safety and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, be careful, there may be a trap!" Before she finished speaking, countless water ghosts suddenly emerged from the river, which turned out to be water zombies made by the "Ten Thousand Slices Technique".

Huo Cheng charged forward, using both his palms and claws to tear the zombie to pieces, but the pieces of flesh would reassemble themselves as soon as they hit the ground.

Shi Feiyang unleashed "Burning Heaven and Earth" with both palms! Nine fiery blades shot into the sky, burning all the water zombies.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Lu Chen tried to escape, but Shi Heming's mother-and-child dragon and phoenix rings transformed into golden rainbows, blocking his way: "Want to leave? Not so easy!" The golden rings drew a strange arc in the air and accurately struck Lu Chen's vital points.

The morning light pierced through the clouds. Shi Feiyang looked down at Shen Qingru, whose face was pale, in his arms, and said softly, "I said I would protect you." He took off his dragon robe and wrapped it around her. "After we return to the palace, I will personally treat your wounds."

Shen Qingru leaned against him, feeling the warmth from his chest, and softly replied, "Qingru... waits for the Emperor."

The river breeze carries the scent of gunpowder and blood, yet it also brings a touch of tenderness.

Shi Feiyang gripped Shen Qingru's hand tightly, gazing at the gradually brightening sky, and made a silent vow in his heart—he would protect this vast land and its people with peace; and he would protect the person before him for the rest of his life.

In late spring, pear blossoms in the Forbidden City fell like snow.

Shi Feiyang stood under the pear tree in the Imperial Garden, gazing at the snow-like petals falling from the sky, holding half a piece of mutton-fat jade pendant in his hand.

Since the battle at the Jiangnan Water Village, this jade pendant has been kept close to his body, with the cracks carefully repaired with gold thread, just like the friendship between him and Shen Qingru that has become stronger despite the trials and tribulations.

"Your Majesty, it's time for your meal." A familiar voice came from behind. Shen Qingru, dressed in a light green palace gown, walked over with a light gait, her soft sword and silver bells replaced by gold hairpins. A few fine lines had appeared at the corners of her eyes, but they only made her look more gentle and beautiful.

Shi Feiyang turned around and placed the jade pendant in her palm: "Qingru, do you still remember this jade?" Shen Qingru's fingertips traced the crack in the gold thread, a faint smile appearing on her lips: "Of course I remember. That year at Mount Tai, I shielded His Majesty from a sword, and my blood splattered on the jade pendant, breaking it in two." She looked up, her gaze meeting his, "Later, His Majesty ordered skilled craftsmen to mend it with gold thread, saying that this crack was our shared mark."

Shi Feiyang chuckled and raised his hand to brush the pear petals off her shoulder: "I once thought that by possessing a vast empire, I could do anything. But after meeting you, I realized that some things are more precious than an empire."

He took out the other half of the jade pendant from his sleeve. The two jade pieces fit together perfectly, and the gold threads flowed in the sunlight, just like their intertwined fates.

Afterwards, Shi Feiyang placed the two jade discs into Shen Qingru's hands, picked her up, and carried her back to his palace to celebrate their marriage and honeymoon.

The copper bells in the Forbidden City tinkled in the night wind. Shi Feiyang stroked the secret report on the sticky rod. The vermilion ink on the desk was not yet dry, but it was already stained with the bloodstains of the Red Lotus Sect's gathering of people to rebel.

Yongyan knelt below the steps, the four-clawed dragon on his python robe rising and falling slightly with his breath. His adoptive mother, Youning, stood beside him, the iron sword at her waist gleaming coldly, just like the determination in her eyes.

"This suppression of the rebellion is both a trial and a touchstone." Shi Feiyang's voice was like an icicle falling to the ground, and Mingyu Gong condensed into frost in his palm. "Minister Wei, Minister Chen, you assist Yan'er; You Ning, you protect him."

Wei Nianhua's farewell hook lightly tapped the blue bricks, producing a clear and melodious sound: "Your Highness, I will certainly guarantee your safety with my own head."

Chen Feng waved his large black gold fan, the Big Dipper constellation on the fan surface shimmering with blue light: "Under the Heavenly Gang Acupoint Technique, those petty villains will not succeed."

Three days later, an army of 100,000 men, their banners obscuring the sun, marched south in a mighty procession.

Yongyan unfolded a map of Mount Tai in the central command tent, his gaze falling on the mark of the hidden valley: "Gentlemen, the Red Lotus Sect boasts that Mount Tai is an impregnable natural barrier, but they do not know that the more arrogant they are, the greater their flaws will be."

His finger traced the location of the main headquarters on the map. "Lord Wei and Lord Huo, I request that you two lead your elite troops in a night raid; Ruiyun and Commander Shi, you two flank them from the side; Mother and General Yue, lead the main force to hold the line, and wait for my signal to annihilate the remaining enemy forces in one fell swoop."

On a dark and windy night, the Red Lotus Sect's headquarters deep in the Tai Mountains was brightly lit. The sect leader, "Red Lotus Venerable," sat cross-legged on a lotus platform, his body shrouded in scarlet true energy. Twelve protectors stood on either side of him, the red lotus totems embroidered on the hems of their robes swaying as if alive in the candlelight.

“That Yongyan is nothing but a callow child. By the time he reaches the foot of the mountain, we will already be…” Before he could finish speaking, the sound of tiles breaking suddenly came from the roof.

Wei Nianhua's parting hook broke through first, its dragon pattern emitting a blue light: "You cowards who hide their heads and tails, prepare to die!"

The hook tip, swift as a serpent emerging from its hole, pierced the throat of a guardian in an instant. Huo Cheng followed closely behind, a bluish-gray light rising from his claws—the vicious Ten Thousand Cuts Technique: "Taste what it's like to be torn to pieces!"

He collided with another cultist using the Crimson Lotus Evil Art, the air ripping apart with a piercing tearing sound. The cultist was instantly ripped to pieces, only to reform himself in the blood mist. Chen Feng unleashed the "Heavenly Gang Acupoint Strike Technique"! His black gold fan transformed into a sky full of stars, the fan ribs precisely striking the cultist attempting to form an array.

However, the Red Lotus Cult members, fearless of death, bit their tongues, and the blood they spat out condensed into phantom red lotuses in the air.

Where the petals fell, Ruiyun's mount suddenly went berserk. The young prince leaped into the air, his three blades of the Avici Path glowing with a ghostly blue light as he unleashed the move "Avici Path: Soul Devourer"! The phantom of the vengeful spirit that appeared in the blade light tore the phantom of the red lotus to shreds.

The dragon and phoenix rings that commanded Shi Heming at the sticky pole transformed into two golden rainbows, drawing mysterious trajectories in the air.

"No rings in hand, but rings in heart!" The young commander spun his twin rings rapidly, the invisible force shattering the entire Crimson Lotus Illusion. Wherever the golden rings touched, the heads of the cultists fell like ripe melons, but suddenly a strange chanting came from the depths of the headquarters, and more cultists dressed in red emerged from the ground, who were actually "Crimson Lotus Puppets" made from living people.

You Ning drew her iron sword, and the golden crow totem engraved on the blade suddenly shone brightly. She used the "Golden Crow Sword Technique," her toes touching the puppet's shoulder, and the iron sword transformed into a crimson stream of light, igniting raging flames wherever it passed.

Yue Shan's Overlord Spear roared like a dragon, and the dried bloodstains on the spear tassel looked even more ferocious in the firelight: "Marine Corps, listen to my command, charge with me!" The Overlord Spear swept across the army, smashing the puppet group that was trying to surround them into pieces.

Seeing the situation was dire, Venerable Crimson Lotus's crimson lotus phantoms expanded tenfold, transforming into a blood-red lotus that blotted out the sky: "You want to kill me? Dream on!"

With a flick of his sleeve, countless flower petals shot out like hidden weapons, each containing a potent poison that could induce hallucinations.

Shen Qingru's Canglang Sword Technique transformed into a shower of silver streaks, unleashing the "Nine Layers of Canglang"! The silver sword collided with the flower petals, the resulting shockwave causing everyone's eardrums to ache. At the critical moment, Yongyan led his elite cavalry out from behind the mountain, his longsword gleaming coldly: "Traitor, prepare to die!" Although his swordsmanship was not as refined as the other masters, it exuded the unique majesty and ferocity of royalty.

Venerable Red Lotus's pupils shrank suddenly, only then realizing that he had underestimated this "young brat." But when he tried to escape, he saw that Wei Nianhua's parting hook had already locked his throat, and Chen Feng's black gold fan was pointing at a major acupoint on his back.

"Slash!" With Yongyan's command, Shi Heming's Dragon and Phoenix Rings, Huo Cheng's Ten Thousand Slices Technique, and Ruiyun's Avici Path Three Blades simultaneously attacked Venerable Red Lotus.

The illusory image of the red lotus shattered under the bombardment of numerous ultimate techniques. The sect leader let out a shrill scream and turned into a cloud of blood mist, dissipating into the night.

The Red Lotus followers, having lost their leader, scattered like birds and beasts, only to be intercepted and slaughtered by the army led by Yue Shan. Their screams echoed through the valleys of Mount Tai.

As the morning light pierced through the clouds, Yongyan stood on the blood-stained lotus platform, gazing at the corpses scattered everywhere, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Wei Nianhua knelt on one knee: "Congratulations, Your Highness, on your first victory!" You Ning stepped forward to straighten his clothes, her eyes full of satisfaction: "Yan'er, you did it." Yongyan gripped his long sword tightly and looked towards the capital.

He knew this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was long, but tonight's victory brought him one step closer to that supreme position.

Yongyan's suppression of the rebellion spread like wildfire throughout the land, letting everyone know that a new bloodline of the royal family had risen.

In early summer, the land of Gansu is sweltering with heat, and the low-hanging, ink-like clouds dye the Qilian Mountains a dark purple.

When Yongyan's army reached Wushaoling, the hot wind swirled sand and gravel onto the soldiers' armor, making a soft rustling sound.

On the sheepskin scroll presented by the secret agents of the Sticky Rod Office, the totem of the Red Lotus Sect was ferocious and terrifying—three upside-down blood lotuses were wrapped around white bones, with droplets of cinnabar embedded in the lotus hearts, just like blood tears that never dry up.

"According to intelligence, the Red Lotus Sect has set up the 'Blood Lotus Calamity Fire Array' on the outskirts of Lanzhou." You Ning stroked the iron sword engraved with golden crow patterns at his waist, the crimson scabbard gleaming eerily in the twilight. "This array borrows the fire poison of the northwest. Once activated, the area within a ten-mile radius will be turned into scorched earth."

Inside the central command tent, Yongyan's hand, which was unfolding a map, tightened slightly. His robe collar was soaked with sweat, but it couldn't hide the sharp glint in his eyes: "Lord Wei and Lord Huo, I request that you two lead your elite troops in a night raid on the enemy's stronghold; Lord Chen and Commander Shi, be responsible for covering the rear and preventing enemy reinforcements; Ruiyun and Miss Shen, you will accompany me to strike directly at the enemy's central camp."

He turned to look at You Ning, "My adoptive mother is in charge of the central army; if there is any unusual movement..."

"Don't worry, with me here, no one can hurt you in the slightest. Back then, I fought alongside your father in every battle, and every single one of them was a brush with death." You Ning interrupted him, drawing her iron sword three inches from its sheath. The golden crow totem emitted a crimson light, making the cinnabar mole at the corner of her eye even more vibrant.

At midnight, the wind on Wushaoling suddenly turned a fishy, ​​sweet smell.

Wei Nianhua's parting hook was the first to snag on the vines on the cliff, the dragon-patterned hook cutting through the night: "Silence, there's an ambush!"

Before the words were finished, the blood lotus totem on the cliff suddenly lit up, and hundreds of red-robed cultists burst out of the ground, their skin surging with strange red veins. They were the assassins transformed by the "Red Lotus Evil Art".

Chen Feng unleashed the "Heavenly Gang Acupoint Strike Technique"! He swiftly approached, waving his large black gold fan, and struck the assassin's Tanzhong acupoint with the fan ribs.

However, those people actually had their meridians shattered, turning into exploding blood lotuses, from which countless man-eating insects emerged.

Lu Fangtian flicked his Heavenly Gang Finger repeatedly, the wind from his fingers like swords shredding the swarm of insects, but then a towering flame rose from the distant mountain valley—the Blood Lotus Calamity Fire Array had been activated!

Huo Cheng's body was enveloped in a bluish-gray light, and his Ten Thousand Slices Technique tore through the air: "A bunch of scum, daring to spread rumors, incite rebellion, and challenge imperial authority!" He crashed into the group of assassins, tearing them to pieces with both his palms and claws, but the pieces of flesh would fall to the ground and reassemble into new bodies.

"Take this!" Ruiyun's Avici Path Three Blades glowed with a ghostly blue light. The young prince leaped into the air and unleashed the move "Avici Path: Crossing Calamity"! The phantom of the wronged soul that appeared in the light of the blade bit off the neck of the assassin.

You Ning's iron sword suddenly emitted a clear sound, and the Golden Crow Sword Technique transformed into a crimson rainbow piercing the sun. He unleashed another move, "Golden Crow Descends Upon the World"! Where the sword passed, the flames actually flowed backward and died out, revealing the red-robed elder sitting cross-legged at the center of the formation.

The old man was surrounded by nine blood-red lotus stems. Seeing that things were not going well, the lotus stems suddenly stretched out and stabbed.

Wei Nianhua's farewell gesture drew a cold glint in the waning moon, hooking three of them: "Your Highness, now is the time!"

Yongyan drew his longsword, its tip pointing straight to the sky: "Imperial Guards, heed my command! Charge with me!" Shen Qingru's Canglang Sword Technique transformed into a sky full of silver streaks, closely following behind, unleashing a move called "Canglang Die Lang"! The sword light shattered the incoming hidden weapons, protecting him as he broke into the core of the enemy formation.

But then the new leader of the Red Lotus Sect appeared, holding a lotus platform made of white bones. Each petal of the lotus platform was inlaid with a living human eyeball, which rotated eerily in the firelight.

"You imperial henchmen, how dare you invade my Red Lotus Holy Land?" The cult leader's voice was like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, and the white bone lotus platform burst forth with thousands of blood-red rays.

You Ning brandished his iron saber, and the phantom of the Golden Crow spread its wings: "Demons, prepare to die!" The Golden Crow saber technique clashed with the blood-red light, and the resulting shockwave sent sand and stones flying within a ten-zhang radius. Yue Shan's Overlord Spear suddenly let out a dragon's roar, the bloodstains on the spear tassel steaming in the high temperature, and he unleashed the move "Overlord Lifts the Cauldron"! The spear, like a dragon, sent three protectors who were trying to surround You Ning flying.

Shi Heming's mother-and-child dragon and phoenix rings transformed into two golden rainbows, drawing a Tai Chi pattern in the air.

He spun his twin rings rapidly, and the invisible force of his energy repelled all the blood-red light.

Wherever the golden ring went, the heads of the followers fell like ripe melons, but the leader suddenly gouged out the eyeballs of the living and threw them into the air: "Use blood as the catalyst, Red Lotus Karmic Fire!"

In an instant, the entire world turned into a sea of ​​blood.

Shen Qingru's soft sword jingled rapidly, and her Canglang sword technique wove a shield of light: "Your Highness, be careful!" Yongyan suddenly pulled her behind him, and royal dragon energy emanated from his longsword: "I am of imperial blood, how could I fear you!"

The dragon's energy collided with the karmic fire, and the resulting intense light was so blinding that everyone could not open their eyes.

In the chaos of battle, Huo Cheng's Thousand Slices Technique suddenly went berserk, engulfing three assassins in a bluish-gray light. His skin began to crack, yet he continued to laugh wildly: "Come on! Let's see if your evil technique is more powerful, or if my Thousand Slices Technique is more domineering!"

Wei Nianhua's parting hook suddenly snagged his belt, forcibly dragging him back: "Old Huo, save your strength to kill the cult leader!" Seeing that the situation was not good, the Red Lotus Cult Leader transformed into a blood lotus and fled.

Ruiyun unleashed her Avici Hell Three Blades, roaring, "Where do you think you're going!" The azure blade light pierced the night sky, only to be repelled by the suddenly appearing blood lotus barrier.

Shi Heming unleashed both rings simultaneously, and the golden rainbow pierced through the barrier, but only managed to sever half a lotus petal.

"Withdraw!" Yongyan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, gazing at the pale dawn breaking on the horizon. He gripped his blood-stained longsword, looking at the extinguished blood lotus totem at the heart of the formation. "Send the order: three days from now, march straight to the Lanzhou headquarters. This poisonous lotus, I will uproot it completely!"

As You Ning bandaged his wounds, the golden crow totem on the iron knife suddenly dimmed.

She gazed at the boy's resolute profile and whispered, "Yan'er, you've grown up."

Yongyan smiled back, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes! He was thinking of his birth mother, Zhou Weirou, but Zhou Weirou was a Han Chinese and could not be empress. Helpless, he could only submit to the will of heaven and slowly change the reality of this vast land.

The summer heat in Lanzhou was unbearable, and the air was filled with a nauseating smell of blood and sulfur.

The Red Lotus Sect's headquarters is located in a secluded canyon on the banks of the Yellow River. A giant blood lotus totem hangs upside down on a sheer cliff, with crimson sap flowing between the petals, making it look like the earth is bleeding from a distance.

Yongyan gazed at the location of the "Ten Thousand Lotus Devouring Heaven Formation" marked on the map, and tapped the center of the formation heavily with his fingertip. Under the candlelight, the four-clawed dragon on his python robe seemed to come alive.

"This formation borrows the fiery energy of the Yellow River's veins, supplemented by human sacrifices." You Ning unfolded the yellowed ancient book, lightly tapping the distribution of altars on the diagram with his iron sword. "The thirty-six altars form the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend formation. Only by destroying them simultaneously can the formation be broken."

The generals gathered around the sand table in the tent. Wei Nianhua's farewell hook traced an arc in the sand: "This humble general is willing to lead the elite troops in a night raid on the three eastern formations to draw the enemy's main force." "No." Yongyan suddenly spoke, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "The enemy is certain we will launch a strong attack on the formation's core. Lord Chen, please lead the Divine Machine Battalion, carrying thunderbolts, disguised as a supply convoy, to bypass the western mountain path and bombard the altar when the battle begins." He turned to Shi Heming, "Commander Shi, the Sticky Pole Division excels at infiltration with hidden stakes. They can take advantage of the chaos to sneak into the main altar and destroy Lady Blood Lotus's magical artifacts."

"Yes, sir!" The generals obeyed and left. At this moment, You Ning thought of He Shen again, grateful for his advice and strategies that had led to her having her adopted son, Yong Yan. Now it seemed that Yong Yan was indeed fit to be emperor; how decisive he was!
At midnight, a piercing sound of copper bells suddenly rang out in the canyon.

Wei Nianhua led three hundred elite soldiers like black butterflies flitting among flowers, their farewells linked by the need to pinpoint the hidden points of sentries along the way.

As the first altar ignited with ghostly blue flames, Hoten's Thousand-Slice Technique was already activated, the bluish-gray light tearing apart three Night Patrol Cultists.

"As expected, there was an ambush!" Lady Blood Lotus's laughter echoed through the valley. She lashed out with a soft whip woven from the tendons of living people, which stirred up a sky full of blood lotuses.

"Change formation!" Chen Feng shook his black gold fan, the Big Dipper pattern on the fan surface shimmering with blue light.

The Shenji Battalion soldiers wrapped thunderbolts in wheat straw, and the disguised grain carts sped along the mountain road.

Chen Feng unleashed the "Heavenly Gang Acupoint Strike Technique"! He pointed his fan at the red-robed cult members who tried to stop him, while shouting, "Light the fire!"

Twenty thunderbolts shot through the air, exploding into a sky full of flames at the western altar. Lady Blood Lotus's expression changed drastically, and she was about to send troops to her aid when Shi Heming's twin dragon and phoenix rings transformed into golden rainbows, heading straight for the white bone lotus platform behind her.

"No rings in hand, but rings in heart!" The old commander spun his two rings rapidly, and the invisible force sent the twelve guardians protecting the platform flying.

However, the lotus platform suddenly burst forth with thousands of blood-red rays, and Shi Heming's clothes were torn to shreds, yet he clung tightly to the magical artifact's mechanism.

Ruiyun's Avici Path Three Blades glowed with a ghostly blue light. The young man charged into the blood-red light like an arrow released from a bow, unleashing the move "Avici Path: Crossing Calamity"! The phantom of the wronged soul that appeared in the blade light collided with the blood-red light, giving Shi Heming a momentary opportunity.

Shen Qingru's Canglang Sword Technique transformed into a shower of silver streaks, closely following behind, the silver sword shredding the incoming hidden weapons. Seeing the opportunity, You Ning seized it; the golden crow totem on her iron blade suddenly shone brightly. She unleashed the move "Melting Gold Under the Blazing Sun"!
She lightly touched the boulder with her toes, and a crimson blade of light shot straight towards the central altar. At the same time, Yue Shan unleashed the power of his Overlord Spear, the dried bloodstains on the tassel steaming in the high temperature, unleashing the move "Overlord Lifts the Cauldron"! The spear, like a dragon, knocked away the Lotus Demon who tried to stop her.

Yongyan gripped his blood-stained longsword, gazing at the crumbling blood lotus totem at the heart of the formation. Suddenly, he removed the dragon-patterned jade pendant from his waist and infused it with royal dragon energy: "Imperial Guards, heed my command! Charge into the formation with me!" Wherever the dragon energy passed, the evil red lotus technique began to crumble.

Lady Blood Lotus brandished her whip to fight, but Wei Nianhua's parting hook suddenly appeared from the side and hooked her wrist.

"Take this!" Huo Cheng's Ten Thousand Slices Technique tore through the air, ripping Lady Blood Lotus's soft whip to shreds.

Under the combined attack of everyone, Lady Blood Lotus's body began to disintegrate.

Before she died, she detonated the Blood Lotus Demon Seed within her body, causing the entire canyon to tremble violently.

"Proceed according to the second plan!" Yongyan shouted the order, and the well-prepared soldiers quickly evacuated along the pre-marked secret passage.

As the dust settled, Yongyan gazed at the ruins and gripped his longsword tightly: "Send down the order to investigate the remaining rebels and rebuild Lanzhou."

In the golden autumn, the capital city was covered with a thin layer of frost. The eaves of the Deshengmen Arrow Tower were covered with white frost like broken jade, which reflected a cold light under the morning sun.

Shi Feiyang, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, with a coiled dragon jade pendant at his waist gleaming with a dark red light, stood with his hands behind his back on the city tower.

He gazed at the dust rising at the end of the official road, and Ming Yugong, unintentionally, condensed into a translucent ice crystal in his palm.

"Your Majesty, His Highness's triumphant army has crossed Lugou Bridge." Wei Nianhua's farewell hook lightly tapped the blue bricks, producing a clear and melodious sound.

This veteran minister, who had followed Shi Feiyang for over a decade, had graying temples, yet still stood tall and straight like a pine tree.

Chen Feng, waving his large black gold fan, strode up the city tower, the four characters "定鼎山河" (meaning "stabilizing the mountains and rivers") on the fan surface being blurred by the morning mist.

Below the city gate, all the civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their ranks. Du Ming, the Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, stroked the jade-inlaid belt at his waist and said with a face full of doubt, "His Majesty personally welcomed the triumphant return, such honor... could it be..." Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the cough of the Minister of Rites.

The ministers whispered amongst themselves, their voices rising like a tide over the bluestone slabs.

At the third quarter of the hour of Chen (7:45 AM), banners obscured the sun. Yongyan, clad in blood-stained silver armor, rode his black steed, Ta Xue Wu Zhui, to the foot of Desheng Gate.

The long sword hanging at his waist was still dripping with dark red blood, but the four-clawed dragon on his python robe shone even brighter in the morning sun.

Behind them, You Ning's iron sword was wrapped with scarlet strips of cloth, and Rui Yun's Avici Dao Three Blades gleamed with a cold, eerie blue light—these generals who had fought alongside him had all returned, bathed in blood. "Long live the Emperor!" the 100,000-strong army shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

Shi Feiyang slowly walked down the city wall. As his Mingyu Gong flowed, a warm, jade-colored light emanated from his body.

He reached out to help Yongyan, who was about to perform a grand salute, and glanced at the boy's blood-stained armor: "Get up, let me see you."

When Yongyan looked up, he met his father's deep eyes. Those eyes seemed to pierce through his armor and reach straight into his weary heart.

"You've worked hard to quell this rebellion." Shi Feiyang's voice was low, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor. He ran his fingertips over the bloodstains on Yongyan's face, and quietly activated the Mingyu Gong, letting a warm sensation seep into the wound.

Seeing this, You Ning stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Yan'er was exceptionally brave on the battlefield and personally killed the leader and deputy leader of the Red Lotus Sect." The golden crow totem on her iron sword shone brightly in the sunlight. "The Golden Crow Sword Technique combined with Yan'er's royal dragon aura is truly invincible."

Wei Nianhua knelt on one knee: "Your Highness's strategic planning and feint attack broke the 'Ten Thousand Lotus Devouring Heaven Formation.' This humble general is ashamed; even this old minister admires such a strategy." His parting hook struck the ground heavily, making a clanging sound.

Ruiyun gripped the Abyssal Three Blades tightly, the seventeen-year-old boy's eyes bright: "Father, my brother is like a god descending to earth on the battlefield! Under his command, the Abyssal Three Blades made the enemy cry out in terror!"

Hearing the praise from everyone, Shi Feiyang finally smiled.

He took off his own dragon-patterned jade pendant and tied it around Yongyan's waist: "I have worn this jade pendant for twenty years. Today, I will pass it on to you."

These words shocked the entire court. Duo Ming's face turned deathly pale, while the other ministers whispered amongst themselves.

“Your Majesty, this…” Yongyan looked at the jade pendant, his eyes filled with shock and emotion.

He naturally understood the significance of the jade pendant—it was not only a precious ornament, but also a symbol of imperial power.

Shi Feiyang raised his hand to stop him: "You did a great job. This world will eventually be handed over to you."

His voice was firm, carrying an unquestionable authority.

At this moment, Shen Qingru stepped forward with a brocade box and said softly, "Your Majesty, this is a sacred object of the Red Lotus Sect that Yan'er captured on the battlefield."

The brocade box was opened, revealing half a jade pendant engraved with a blood lotus totem, which gleamed with an eerie red light in the sunlight.

Shi Feiyang stared at Yu Jue, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Although the Red Lotus Sect has been destroyed, its remnants have not been eradicated. Yan'er, are you willing to continue to share my burdens?"

Yongyan straightened his back and declared loudly, "Your subject is willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty, without hesitation!"

The jade pendant with the coiled dragon at his waist was slightly warm, as if responding to his determination.

On the city tower, Chen Feng waved his fan and sighed softly, "The younger generation surpasses the older. Back then, the Emperor was just as dashing and spirited."

Huo Cheng wiped his blood-stained hands and snorted coldly, "Your Highness has seven parts of the Emperor's ruthlessness, which makes those petty villains dare not act rashly."

As the sun sets, the silhouette of Deshengmen is stretched long.

Shi Feiyang and Yongyan stood side by side, gazing at the myriad lights of the capital. "Remember," Shi Feiyang said softly, "this empire was bought with the blood of countless people. If you want to secure your throne, you must not only have ruthless methods, but also a benevolent heart."

Yongyan nodded: "Your subject will remember your teachings, Father." He gazed into the distance, his eyes firm and fervent. He knew in his heart how heavy the burden on his shoulders was, and how many challenges awaited him on the road ahead.

As night fell, the palace was brightly lit. At the victory banquet, the air was filled with the aroma of wine and the sounds of laughter and merriment.

But beneath this prosperity, undercurrents are surging. All sides are watching and waiting, hoping for an opportunity to change the situation. And Yongyan has already stood at the center of the storm.

The era belonging to Yongyan is slowly unfolding.

The autumn wind on Zhuque Street swirled ginkgo leaves onto the bronze plaque of Jishi Pharmacy. The two characters "Jishi" were polished to a shine by the years, but they could not conceal the solemn atmosphere in the secret room in the backyard.

Zhou Weirou gently stroked the jade incense burner on the table, wisps of smoke curling around her brows, while Lin Ruoxue repeatedly wiped the soft sword she never parted with, the silver bell on the tassel long since lost its luster.

"Ladies, something terrible has happened." Shi Huiyu pushed open the door and entered, his specially made night clothes still damp with dew. The new bronze token at his waist was engraved with two dragons playing with a pearl, which was the deputy commander's token.

As the candlelight flickered, he pulled a secret letter from his sleeve. The edges of the letter were still stained with blood. "Although Heshen is dead, his cronies colluded with the 'Shadow Thirteen Killers' and the remnants of the Thousand Machines Sect to set up thirty-six assassination plots in the capital."

Zhou Weirou slammed the teacup down onto the sandalwood table, the spilled tea leaving a trail of blood-like marks: "These scoundrels dared to plot against Yan'er! Back in the Jiangnan water village, if it weren't for..."

She suddenly stopped, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Lin Ruoxue's soft sword was drawn three inches from its sheath, its clear, resonant sound piercing the deathly silence: "Huiyu, do you know their specific plans?" Shi Huiyu unfolded the secret letter, on which a map of the capital was drawn in vermilion, dozens of red dots distributed like festering sores: "Three days later, Yan'er will preside over the Autumn Examination Ceremony. The Shadow Thirteen Assassins will disguise themselves as tribute students and infiltrate the examination hall, while the Thousand Machines Sect has buried 'Chain of Thunder and Fire' beneath the examination hall. Even more troublesome is..."

He lowered his voice, "They also have a secret treasure from the Western Regions called the 'Soul-Capturing Bell,' which can control people's minds."

Lin Ruoxue rose and paced back and forth, the silver bells of her soft sword jingling softly with each step: "I remember Yan'er once said that Wei Nianhua's Parting Hook could break the Soul-Capturing Technique, and Chen Feng's Heavenly Gang Acupoint Strike could cure the puppet's ailment. But this Thunder and Fire Mechanism..."

Her brows furrowed, and she suddenly caught sight of the medicine cabinet in the corner. "Huiyu, quickly prepare the 'Fire-Repelling Pill' and the 'Armor-Breaking Powder.' Lady Weirou and I will enter the palace tonight to meet the Emperor." At midnight, the Forbidden City was shrouded in a thin mist, and the candlelight in the Qianqing Palace shone through the window lattices, casting Shi Feiyang's figure on and off.

Zhou Weirou stepped into the hall, the jade incense burner in her arms making a soft sound as it was struck: "Your Majesty, are you aware that someone wants to take Yan'er's life?" As Shi Feiyang turned around, Mingyu Gong condensed into ice shards in his palm: "I knew long ago that Heshen's remnants were restless, but I did not expect them to dare to make a move under the emperor's nose."

He glanced at the soft sword in Lin Ruoxue's hand, "You two ladies entered the palace late at night, you must have a plan?"

Lin Ruoxue knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, please grant us permission to infiltrate the Imperial Examination Hall tomorrow and first break the mechanisms of the Thousand Machine Gate. Shi Huiyu has already deployed the elite troops of the Sticky Rod Bureau, and Lords Wei Nianhua and Chen Feng can provide covert support. As for the Thirteen Shadow Assassins..."

Before she could finish speaking, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. Ruiyun rushed in, the scabbard of Abi Dao Sandao still dripping blood: "Father! Your Majesty! I just intercepted and killed two black-clad assassins. Their swords were coated with Western Region snake venom, the very technique of the Shadow Thirteen Killers!"

The young man's robe was stained with blood, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "I am willing to lead three hundred Imperial Guards to lay a net around the examination hall tomorrow."

Shi Feiyang raised his hand and pressed on Ruiyun's shoulder, quietly circulating his Mingyu Gong to expel the poison from him: "You and your brother grew up in the martial world, so you know these undercover methods better. Tomorrow, I order you to be in charge of the outer patrols, and you must wipe out these thieves in one fell swoop." He turned to Zhou Weirou, "Weirou, you and Ruoxue are proficient in medicine and poison, so go and break the Soul-Capturing Bell."

Zhou Weirou bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will certainly protect Yan'er. However, the Soul-Capturing Bell is unpredictable and requires Wei Nianhua's Parting Hook for assistance."

Before she could finish speaking, Wei Nianhua had already slipped in from outside the hall, the parting hook gleaming faintly in the candlelight: "This old minister is willing to obey Your Majesty's orders."

Chen Feng, waving his large black gold fan, slowly entered the hall. The four characters "明察秋毫" (meaning "clear-sightedness") on the fan were blurred by the night dew: "Although the mechanisms of the Thousand Machines Sect are ingenious, they can be easily solved as long as we find the array's core, the 'Meridian Pivot.' I suggest that Shi Huiyu lead the team, as he is quite knowledgeable in Qimen Dunjia (a form of divination).

Shi Feiyang gripped the dragon-patterned jade pendant tightly, his eyes flashing with a cold light: "Good! Tomorrow morning, everyone take their duties. If any thief escapes, bring me your head!" He suddenly looked at Zhou Weirou, his gaze softening slightly, "Weirou, is your 'Seven Star Misty Steps' from back in the martial world still effective?"

Zhou Weirou was taken aback, then smiled slightly: "Your Majesty still remembers? Back in Taihu Lake..." She stopped abruptly, then said seriously, "Your Majesty, I will definitely use this footwork to make the Thirteen Shadow Assassins have nowhere to hide."

At Chenshi (7-9 AM), the Imperial Examination Hall in the capital was shrouded in morning mist, and the clamor of people from all walks of life concealed a deadly intent.

Shi Heming, disguised as a herbal medicine merchant, pushed a wheelbarrow loaded with wooden crates. The dragon and phoenix rings around his waist were wrapped with a dark-patterned silk ribbon. With each step, the subtle sound of the golden rings clinking together resonated with his heartbeat.

Shi Huiyu stood at the street corner under the wine flag, holding a barbed silver stick. The elites of the sticky pole unit transformed into vendors and porters, their eyes sweeping over passersby like hawks.

The fire in the kitchen was blazing when Zhou Weirou's dog-beating stick suddenly stopped.

She gripped the emerald green bamboo stick, which trembled slightly, the silver needle at its tip gleaming with an eerie blackness: "There was definitely a trap!"

Lin Ruoxue inserted the Longevity Sword into the brick seam, and with a slight turn of her wrist, the mechanism box slowly rose amidst the meshing of gears.

Before the purple mist seeping from the gap in the box lid had dissipated, the mournful wail of the Soul-Capturing Bell could be heard from afar, like the cry of a night owl piercing into everyone's ears.

The servant who was washing rice suddenly rolled his eyes back, raised his cleaver high above his head, and lunged straight at him.

Zhou Weirou spun around to dodge, her dog-beating stick arcing through the air as she unleashed the "Stick to Pick Up the Mangy Dog" move! The bamboo stick struck the servant's wrist, and the man actually tore off his own arm. What gushed from the severed wound was not blood, but inky poison.

Lin Ruoxue's sword light was like mercury spilling onto the ground, the silver ribbon shattering the poisonous mist that rushed towards her. But then, more figures surged in from all directions, each with bloodshot pupils and veins throbbing under their skin like earthworms.

"Ladies, please step back!" Wei Nianhua's farewell hook burst through the window, its dragon-patterned surface emitting a blue light. The old minister used the beam as leverage to flip over, the hook tip striking the five men's acupoints like a venomous snake's tongue.

Chen Feng's black gold fan hummed as it unfolded, the Big Dipper pattern on the fan surface shimmering with light. The fan ribs moved like shooting stars chasing the moon, subduing all those afflicted with the Gu poison. Just then, the sound of metal clashing came from outside the courtyard.

Ruiyun watched as twelve figures in black moved through the crowd like ghosts, the Avici Dao Three Blades burning hot in his palms. The young man's python robe fluttered, and the talismans on his scabbards moved without wind. He roared, "Well done!"

(End of this chapter)