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

In the spring nights of Northwest China, the temperature suddenly drops, making it feel as cold as if one has returned to the depths of winter.

In the valley, the cold wind howled, making a sharp sound, as if the tail end of winter was struggling desperately, unwilling to leave, clinging tightly to the cold air, refusing to let go.

The wind howled mournfully, like the wailing of ghosts and howling of wolves. The trees rustled in the wind, their branches creaking and groaning as they collided with each other, a helpless sigh for this chaotic and bloody battle.

Moonlight pierced through the clouds, casting eerie shadows on the earth and adding a mysterious and unsettling hue to the valley. In this tense atmosphere, the remaining masked men, sensing danger, scattered like a flock of frightened birds, vanishing into the dark valley in an instant, as if they had never been there.

Lianxing walked lightly to Shi Feiyang's side. Faced with the chaotic scene, she was filled with doubt and couldn't help but ask Shi Feiyang, "Chuntao, do you know who those masked men are?"

Shi Feiyang rolled his eyes, many thoughts flashing through his mind. He smiled slightly and replied with an air of confidence, "Master Lianxing, based on my judgment, these guys are definitely from the Five Alliance Gang! They always like to sneak around and launch surprise attacks when people are not paying attention."

Upon hearing Yang Xi's words, Lianxing frowned and her expression became serious.

She gently scolded, "Chuntao, how can you be so arbitrary? You draw conclusions based on mere guesswork. What if your judgment is wrong?"

Upon hearing the rebuke, Shi Feiyang showed no sign of panic. Instead, he replied with a grin, "Master Lianxing, don't be anxious! I'll investigate this thoroughly for you. If I'm wrong, you can hit me with your shoe if you want!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Feiyang rushed to the side of a masked man's corpse like an arrow and squatted down.

He touched this and rummaged through that, his movements as practiced as those of a seasoned江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry).

He quickly ripped off the masked man's veil, stared at the lifeless face, deliberately frowned, and put on a mysterious air, muttering, "Hmm... look at this face, all blue and purple, he must have done too many bad things and is now being punished!"

Then, he grabbed the masked man's knife, waved it in the air a couple of times, and said in a pretentious manner, "This knife is of so-so quality, and the workmanship is not very good either. There is a small chip on the handle. Isn't this the kind of broken thing that the penniless bastards of the Five Alliance gang usually use?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he eagerly began to carefully search through the masked man's clothes, as if looking for some precious treasure.

Finally, he pulled out several hidden weapons from various corners of his clothes, carefully held them up in his hands, and said to his master Lianxing with a beaming smile, "Master Lianxing, come and take a look at these hidden weapons. Their shapes are extremely strange, and they are even engraved with the Five Alliance Gang's exclusive mark! And look closely at these clothes. Patches after patches, and the color is grayish-brown. Isn't this the typical style of those beggars from the Five Alliance Gang?"

Master Lianxing was furious at Shi Feiyang's performance, but she couldn't help but laugh.

She couldn't help but say, "Chuntao, you usually seem so carefree and irresponsible, but I didn't expect you to actually be so capable when it matters. But are you really so sure that all these characteristics belong to the Five Alliance Gang?"

Upon hearing Lianxing's question, Shi Feiyang sprang to his feet as if he'd been electrocuted, reacting with astonishing speed like a wildcat whose tail had been suddenly stepped on. He frantically patted himself down, the dust rising up as if trying to cover up his panic, muttering to himself, "Oh dear, why is there so much dust? Don't disturb Master Lianxing's peace and quiet."

Immediately afterward, he puffed out his chest, raised his chin slightly, deliberately striking a pose of overflowing confidence, his face radiating certainty as he confidently replied, "Master Lianxing, you can rest assured! I, Chuntao, may not be able to boast about anything else, but my eyes are like the brightest stars in the night sky, incredibly bright. I know the characteristics of those Five Alliance Gang guys inside and out. I could recognize them even if they were reduced to ashes! Based on these clues, I dare to swear on my life that they are definitely bandits from the Five Alliance Gang! If I'm wrong, I'll immediately change my name backwards, and from now on, I'll be too ashamed to face anyone in the martial arts world, and I'll have to walk with my head down!"

After saying that, he winked at Lianxing with a smug look on his face, just like a cat that had just successfully stolen some fish, its tail almost sticking up in the air, completely unaware that danger was quietly approaching.

Fate loves to play tricks on people; this wink just happened to give him away.

Under the cold moonlight, his Adam's apple, bobbing up and down with exaggerated movements, was as strikingly conspicuous as a firefly in the night, instantly caught by Lianxing's sharp, hawk-like gaze. Lianxing, already incredibly perceptive, saw this, and her suspicions instantly ignited into a raging fire. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, like a sharp blade suddenly drawn in the darkness, chillingly menacing.

In a flash, her movements were as swift as lightning. She lunged forward, her hand moving with lightning speed, and precisely grabbed Shi Feiyang's Adam's apple. Shi Feiyang felt a tightness in his throat, as if it were being clamped by an iron vise. His breathing instantly became difficult. His eyes widened, filled with terror and helplessness, like a lamb to the slaughter, pitifully looking at Lianxing. His mouth was slightly open, but no sound came out.

Lianxing snorted coldly, her voice seemingly coming from the deepest hell, so cold that it could instantly freeze the surrounding air.

She curled her lip slightly, her eyes filled with anger and disdain, and said, "You audacious brat, daring to deceive me and my sister! Humph! Look at your flawed appearance, you've finally been exposed, haven't you? You really are a man." Shi Feiyang's heart skipped a beat, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and he thought to himself, "It's over, it's over, I've been caught red-handed, what am I going to do?"

But his mind was like a rapidly spinning little motor; at this critical moment, it started working at lightning speed, his eyes darting around, and in an instant, a plan came to mind.

He quickly forced a smile that looked worse than a grimace; the smile froze on his face as if it had been frozen.

She quickly clasped her hands together, like a devout believer, and began to speak eloquently: "Master Lianxing, please calm down and let me explain! I had no other choice. You see, the martial world is full of dangers. A weak man like me, without the strength to even kill a chicken, would have been devoured by some villain long ago if I hadn't used my woman's body as cover. I did this all so that I could survive in this treacherous world and continue to serve you! Moreover, my loyalty to you and Palace Mistress Yaoyue is as clear as day! I always serve tea and water with both hands, making sure the water temperature is just right; I do my best in washing clothes and cooking, striving to make the food delicious. My devotion to you two is even greater than that of a son to his parents!"

Lianxing frowned, her grip tightening even more than before, and said coldly, "Hmph, stop with the nonsense! Then why were you staring at me and drooling just now? Were you up to something?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's face instantly changed color, alternating between white and red, much like the ever-changing sunset. He hurriedly explained, "Master Lianxing, you've really misunderstood me! I... I was so stunned by your unparalleled beauty that I was completely mesmerized and my mind went blank! Just think about it, you look like a fairy descended from heaven. What mortal wouldn't be stunned? I was completely dumbfounded, my soul seemed to leave my body, I was totally dazed, I had no idea what I was doing. I swear to heaven, I have absolutely no disrespectful intentions whatsoever. If I did, may I be struck by lightning, die a horrible death, and be reborn as a stinking rat that everyone hates!"

Lianxing watched Shi Feiyang's comical antics, sometimes arguing animatedly, sometimes making solemn vows, and she was both annoyed and amused. Her anger subsided considerably under Shi Feiyang's rapid-fire explanations.

She thought to herself, "This kid, though his identity is suspicious, has been quite diligent along the way, and he played a crucial role in the fight against the masked man. Besides, his glib tongue, while annoying, is also somewhat endearing. If I tell my sister about this, given her temperament, this kid's life might be in danger. Oh well, I'll let him off this time and see how he behaves in the future."

Thinking this, Lianxing sighed softly, slowly released her grip, and even spat lightly, saying, "You glib little rascal, all you do is flatter people. I'll let you off this time, but if there's a next time, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang felt as if he had been pulled back from the brink of death. Overjoyed, he hurriedly shouted, "Thank you so much, Master Lianxing, for your great kindness! You are my second parents, the person I respect most in this world! From now on, my life, Chun Tao's life, belongs to you. I will go through fire and water without hesitation! I will go through water and fire without batting an eye, just give the order!"

While speaking, she exaggeratedly wiped away non-existent tears. Her rich expressions and superb acting skills were so impressive that she could easily become a leading actress in the most famous theater in Beijing, and might even draw thunderous applause from the audience.

Lianxing shook her head helplessly as she looked at Shi Feiyang's appearance, secretly thinking to herself, "When I get back to Yihua Palace, I have to find a way to cover for this kid in front of my sister. I'll say that he's my newly adopted sister who has been disguised as a boy since childhood, hence this misunderstanding. My sister has always doted on me, so perhaps she can give me face and spare his life."

Thinking of this, Lianxing coughed lightly and said to Shi Feiyang, "From now on, you must be careful and cautious in your actions. Don't reveal any flaws again, otherwise, I won't be able to save you. Hey, what's your name, kid?"

Shi Feiyang nodded hastily, saying, "This humble one is Shi Feiyang!" His face was full of ingratiating smiles as he followed behind Lianxing, secretly rejoicing that he had escaped another calamity. Lianxing looked at Yang Xi's smug and self-satisfied expression, and a sudden thought struck her. She felt that letting him go so easily would not dispel the resentment of being deceived.

Then, her eyes darted around, and a sly smile appeared on her lips. She said, "Hmph, Shi Feiyang, how can I let you off so easily? From today onwards, you will be responsible for cooking for me and the flower servants for a month, and every meal must be delicious and visually appealing. If even one dish doesn't meet my expectations, hmph, you'll be in for a taste of my Flower-Shifting Jade Palm!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's smiling face instantly fell, and he said with a mournful expression, "Master Lianxing, I do know a little about cooking, but making something that looks, smells, and tastes delicious is really too difficult. As you know, my cooking skills are limited. If I don't cook it well, and you get angry, my life will be in danger!"

Lianxing snorted coldly and said, "Stop complaining to me. This is your punishment. If you can't do it, don't blame me for being impolite. And I'm warning you, don't try to be clever. If I find out that you've secretly gone out to buy ready-made food to fool me, you can expect to be thrown into the wilderness to be fed to the wolves!"

Left with no other choice, Shi Feiyang had to bite the bullet and agree.

The next morning, sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick fog, scattering sparsely across the open space in front of the Yihua Palace.

Because of the disastrous failure of their previous day's sneak attack and their fear of the formidable reputation of the Yihua Palace, the Five Alliance Gang, along with the Iron Palm Gang and the Flying Eagle Gang, reluctantly but obediently handed over the money and provisions.

At this moment, the gates of Yihua Palace slowly opened, and Palace Master Yaoyue appeared, coming out to greet Lianxing, Shi Feiyang, and the others.

Yaoyue wore a pure white robe, as white as frost and snow on a cold night. The robe fluttered, and the silver patterns embroidered on it resembled stars in the dark night, shimmering with a cold and aloof luster in the dim sunlight.

Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back, smooth as a waterfall. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were like the coldest stars in the night, revealing an innate coldness and aloofness. Every step she took was steady and elegant, and she exuded a powerful aura that made people dare not approach her easily. In this way, it seemed that nothing in the world could catch her eye. She walked out of the Yihua Palace, ready to meet Lianxing and Shi Feiyang.

Just then, a sudden burst of intense and noisy fighting sounds came from not far away.

Upon hearing the voice, Yaoyue frowned slightly, revealing her aloof and elegant demeanor.

Her eyes were sharp as lightning. Following the sound, she saw a man locked in a fierce battle with a group of martial arts practitioners.

The handsome man was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, with exquisite patterns meticulously embroidered with gold thread, showcasing his extraordinary taste. The precious mink fur trim on the collar and cuffs further highlighted his noble and distinguished background as a wealthy and powerful family.

This person was none other than the renowned "Jade Gentleman" Jiang Feng.

It is said that no girl in the world can resist his gentle smile, which is enough to melt ice and snow.

At this moment, Jiang Feng's posture was still elegant, but his sword skills were a bit clumsy and immature. Several places on his clothes had been torn by the sharp blade, revealing shocking bloodstains. The crimson blood was particularly dazzling in the sunlight.

Even so, his handsome face and the elegant temperament he exuded from within were even more dazzling, as if these scars only added a unique charm to him, and could not overshadow his innate brilliance.

Upon seeing this, a subtle, complex expression flashed in Yaoyue's eyes, a mixture of reluctance and a touch of weariness towards the conflicts of the martial world.

However, in the blink of an eye, her figure flashed like a ghost, like a white lightning bolt slicing through the sky, rushing swiftly towards the group of martial artists. Her attacks were as fast as thunder, her moves ruthless and fierce, displaying the unfathomable martial arts of the Yihua Palace in every gesture.

In the blink of an eye, those martial arts practitioners fell to the ground like fallen leaves, unable to resist, with only painful groans echoing in the air.

Jiang Feng breathed a long sigh of relief. His face, which had been slightly pale from tension and pain, now showed a hint of relief at surviving a disaster.

He endured the pain in his body, turned around, looked at Yaoyue, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude, clasped his hands, and said respectfully, "Thank you for your righteous rescue, young lady. I will never forget it. If it weren't for your help today, I would probably be dead already. Your martial arts skills are unparalleled and superb. I have been traveling the martial world for many years, but I have never seen such sharp skills. It is truly admirable."

His voice was gentle and warm, like a clear mountain spring, with an innate elegance. His body trembled slightly from the pain as he spoke, which only highlighted his resilience.

Yaoyue looked at Jiang Feng quietly, her face expressionless, like an iceberg that had never melted in a thousand years.

She nodded slightly, her voice as cold as the frost of a winter night, devoid of any warmth, and said, "It was merely a matter of convenience, no need to dwell on it. The conflicts of the martial world are inherently murky and corrupt; since you are powerless to deal with them, you should avoid getting involved in such troubles in the future." Her tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority, conveying her indifference and disdain for worldly affairs. (End of Chapter)