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

Seeing Shi Feiyang charge in alone, the leader, wielding a ghost-head knife, sneered, "Boy, you have a path to heaven but you choose the path to hell!" With that, he swung his knife, the wind from which was sharp and carried a bloody stench.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly and stopped using palm techniques, instead unleashing the Hundred Victories Saber Technique.

He used his palm as a blade, his palm contracting inward, the edges of his hand taut, instantly transforming into a sharp blade of light. He unleashed the move "Watching the Ocean"! The palm wind howled, surging forth like a tidal wave.

The ghost-headed saber struck the palm wind, producing a metallic clang. The wielder felt his arm go numb and nearly lost his grip on the weapon. "Good lad, you've got some skills!" another expert sneered upon seeing this, then drew his soft sword, which transformed into a silver snake and coiled around Shi Feiyang's wrist.

Shi Feiyang flipped his wrists and unleashed a double palm strike, "Slaying the Mortal World." The palm wind was like a knife, cleaving straight at the soft sword.

Although the soft sword was gentle, it hummed loudly from the force of the palm strike and nearly broke.

With the Mingyu Gong activated, Shi Feiyang's internal energy flowed continuously. His skin became increasingly translucent, like a piece of warm, smooth white jade. Every palm strike carried the fierce and sharp power of the Hundred Victories Saber Technique, with flashing saber light and crisscrossing saber energy, as dazzling as the blazing sun.

Suddenly, Shi Feiyang let out a long roar and unleashed a palm strike with the "Break the Universe!" The palm winds intertwined to form an invisible net, enveloping all the experts.

Several screams were heard as the experts were struck by the palm strikes, coughing up blood and flying backward, crashing into the grain silo, where they died instantly.

Shi Feiyang had no time to check on the enemy's life or death; he rushed to the place where the gunpowder barrels were piled up.

Just then, an assassin was about to light the fuse. Shi Feiyang panicked and, without time to use his swordsmanship, quickly activated his Heavenly Silkworm Technique. A crystalline light flowed from his palm, and silvery-white, thread-like substances flew out like serpents, instantly enveloping the entire gunpowder barrel.

Upon seeing this, the assassin cried out, "What is that?" He tried to cut the silver thread, but found it to be incredibly tough, impossible to cut with a knife or pierce with a sword. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shi Feiyang closed in and struck the assassin in the chest with a palm strike.

The assassin screamed and his body flew out like a kite with a broken string, crashing into the wall and dying instantly.

Just then, Jiang Caiping's exclamation came from outside the granary.

Shi Feiyang's heart tightened, and he rushed out of the granary. He saw Jiang Caiping being besieged by the Xuan Ya Tower Master and several experts, and she was in grave danger.

The martial arts of the Lord of Xuanya are extremely strange, with vicious and ruthless moves that aim straight for vital points.

Shi Feiyang roared, "You scoundrel who dares to injure Abbess Mingxia, I'll fight you to the death!" He suddenly unleashed the ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Saber Technique, "Demonic Cloud Sweeping." His palm strike was as sharp as a blade, aimed straight at the back of the Xuan Ya Tower Master.

The poster reacted extremely quickly, dodging to the side and thrusting his short blade towards Shi Feiyang's waist. Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, but instead activated his Mingyu Gong, instantly hardening the skin on his waist. The short blade struck it, producing a crisp "clang," failing to penetrate even an inch.

Seizing the opportunity, Shi Feiyang formed his left hand into a claw and unleashed the "Dragon Claw Hand" move, aiming straight for the face of the Xuan Ya Tower Master.

The poster was shocked and quickly retreated, but he was too slow. With a "crack", the bronze mask on his face was crushed by Shi Feiyang.

The mask shattered, revealing a face covered in scars. Shi Feiyang looked closely and saw a wolf's head tattoo on the corner of the man's left eye, now oozing blood—this was none other than the Left Envoy of the Heavenly Wolf Guard who had disappeared in the secret passage of Tongguan!
"It's you!" Shi Feiyang exclaimed, a cloud of doubt rising in his heart.

The Left Envoy of the Heavenly Wolf Guard, now the Master of the Black Crow Pavilion, coughed up a mouthful of black blood and grinned maliciously, "Hahaha... That's right, it's me! The roots of the Heavenly Wolf Guard... are in the Western Regions..." He pulled out half a mutton-fat jade seal from his robes, the inscription of which read "Heavenly Wolf Devours the Sun!"

Jiang Caiping picked up the jade seal, ice crystals forming on her fingertips, and asked in confusion, "The Heavenly Wolf Guard Altar in the Western Regions... could it be related to the Eye of the Abyss?"

She recalled the ancient records she had seen in the Ice Tribe during her years of travels, which stated that the seal of the Eye of the Abyss needed to be guarded by five sacred artifacts, and the Western Regions Altar was a key part of that.

As Shi Feiyang stared at the crack on the jade seal, he suddenly remembered the missing corner of the Imperial Seal of the State—its shape perfectly matched the jade seal!

His heart trembled violently. Could it be that the true purpose of the Imperial Seal was to seal the Eye of the Abyss? And that the Heavenly Wolf Guard and the Black Crow Pavilion were actually plotting to resurrect ancient demonic beasts and overthrow the world? "Hand over the jade seal and the imperial seal, and I will spare your lives!" the Black Crow Pavilion Master roared, charging forward once more.

A large group of experts surrounded Shi Feiyang and Jiang Caiping.

Shi Feiyang took a deep breath and circulated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions: Ice Soul Cold Prison" level.

In an instant, his skin became crystal clear, like a piece of ancient ice, radiating a bone-chilling cold.

He unleashed the ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, "Burning Heaven and Earth," his palms flying, the air sizzling wherever his palm winds passed. Immediately afterward, Shi Feiyang let out a long roar, his palm winds transforming into a massive blade of light, unleashing the move "Viewing the Vast Ocean," directly slashing at the Xuan Ya Tower Master.

The landlord was terrified and hurriedly brandished his short blade to defend himself, but with the combined power of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique and the Bright Jade Skill, his short blade shattered into pieces instantly, and the palm strike hit his chest. The landlord screamed and flew backward, crashing into a pillar of the granary, spitting out blood; he was clearly beyond saving.

Upon seeing this, the experts around him all showed fear and wanted to run away.

Shi Feiyang wouldn't let them get away with it. He used "Shifting Flowers and Jade" to redirect their attacks, causing the assassins to instantly kill each other, dying inexplicably. Immediately afterward, Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Slaying the Mortal World" technique from the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. With the enhancement of the Bright Jade Skill, the blade energy emanating from his palms far surpassed that of a precious sword. As the blade energy crisscrossed, dozens of assassins were cut to pieces.

The granary was saved. Shi Feiyang and Jiang Caiping stood before the ravaged granary, watching the sky gradually brighten with the first light of dawn, and both breathed a sigh of relief. Shi Feiyang looked at Jiang Caiping's bald head, knowing that his ex-wife could not reconcile with him, and sighed, "Master Mingxia, are you going back to Hengshan next?"

Jiang Caiping shook her head and said calmly, "No! I'm going to Mount Song to participate in the World Martial Arts Conference! Benefactor Shi, ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. You're a man, you can't always be single. Find a woman to accompany you for the rest of your life."

Her words were heartwarming, but after she finished speaking, she drifted away without looking back, which was quite heartless.

Shi Feiyang was the leader of the Beggars' Sect, so he was naturally well-informed and knew about the World Martial Arts Conference.

He watched Jiang Caiping leave resolutely, sighed deeply, and then walked towards Mount Song.

It would take at least a month to walk from Yangzhou to Shaolin Temple on Mount Song.

In March, the Slender West Lake in Yangzhou is shrouded in mist and rain.

Shi Feiyang walked along the lake embankment, his blue scholar's robe dampened by the drizzle, yet it couldn't conceal the warm glow flowing beneath his fair skin. Several years had passed in the blink of an eye; he had transformed from the fake prince Li Xiao back into Shi Feiyang, the leader of the Beggars' Clan. A hint of vicissitude had appeared between his brows, but the flame of chivalry still burned in his eyes.

As he gazed at the pale dawn on the horizon, he recalled Jiang Caiping's resolute figure as she turned away, and a long sigh dissipated into the rain and mist.

Suddenly, a melodious zither tune drifted from the painted boat, mingled with the sounds of clashing weapons.

Shi Feiyang leaped onto the weeping willows by the lake, where he saw a girl in green standing at the bow of the boat, wielding a long sword with a poetic and dreamlike grace, the sword flowers sparkling—it was the "Dream Butterfly Sword Technique" of the Pangu Sword Sect. The girl in green was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a beautiful face and eyes as clear as water. Despite living in a turbid world, she possessed a pure and clear spirit, like a lotus flower in its first bloom.

"Little girl, the Pangu Sword Sect has produced traitors like He Qianshan and Li Muxue. Do you still dare to roam the martial world?" A ruffian in brocade robes on the shore said with a sinister smile. He was Huang Haisha from the evil martial arts sect "Supreme Palace".

A dark, eerie aura surged in his palm—the malevolent "Mysterious Ice Yin Qi," its wisps of cold mist causing even the lake water in March to freeze over with a thin layer of ice.

Although the green-clad beauty's swordsmanship was exquisite, her skill was ultimately still shallow. She was forced to retreat repeatedly by the Xuanbing Yin Qi, and the tip of her sword was already covered with white frost.

"My Pangu Sword Sect acts with integrity and uprightness. What do the faults of He and Li have to do with me?" the girl shouted angrily, biting her lip, but her swordplay became increasingly chaotic.

Upon seeing this, a hint of anger flashed in Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes.

This girl reminded him of Yang Guifei when he was young, both innocent and carefree, both untainted by the corrupt world.

He let out a long roar: "A bunch of grown men, bullying a mere woman, what are they?" As his voice echoed across the land, he had already used the mysterious technique of "Concealing One's Name and Body" to float to the bow of the boat like a willow catkin, standing right in front of the girl.

"Huang Haisha, bullying the weak with your big size, don't you feel ashamed?" Shi Feiyang shouted in a clear voice, with a hint of mockery. This arrogant demeanor stunned the beautiful girl in green, and her heart fluttered.

In an instant, Shi Feiyang activated the Bright Jade Heavenly Silkworm Technique, his skin gradually becoming as transparent as ice, and a net of heavenly silkworm silver threads was already emerging from his palm.

Seeing someone interfere, Huang Haisha roared, "Where did this arrogant brat come from, daring to meddle in the affairs of the Supreme Palace?" With that, black energy surged from his palm, transforming into an ice dragon that lunged at Shi Feiyang. This Xuanbing Yin energy was chillingly cold; even with equal skill, a slight misstep would allow it to penetrate to the bone, freezing one to death within twelve hours. Shi Feiyang coldly snorted, neither dodging nor avoiding, and used the "Shifting Flowers and Jade" divine skill. With a flick of his palms, he redirected the ice dragon's force, directing it directly at Huang Haisha. Huang Haisha was terrified and hurriedly tried to circulate his energy to defend himself, but felt an immense force surge back, the chill instantly invading his meridians.

"You're courting death!" Shi Feiyang cursed angrily, pressing his advantage and unleashing the "Viewing the Vast Ocean" technique from the Hundred Victories Saber Style with both palms. The palm wind was like a raging sea, carrying the silver threads of the Heavenly Silkworm Skill, aiming straight for Huang Haisha's chest. Those silver threads seemed soft, but they could penetrate the skin, seal acupoints, and dissipate internal energy.

Huang Haisha felt a numbness in his chest, and his internal energy suddenly became disordered. He was actually attacked by his own Xuanbing Yin Qi, and his internal organs felt as if they were being pierced by thousands of ice needles.

He opened his mouth as if to vomit, but instead spat out a mouthful of black blood. His body quickly withered and shrank into a monkey-like shape, and he died.

Upon seeing this, the henchmen of the "Supreme Palace" on the shore were terrified and scattered in all directions.

"Thank you for saving me, hero!" The girl in green sheathed her sword and bowed, her eyes filled with gratitude. She then introduced herself and said softly, "I am Zhuang Menglian. May I ask your esteemed name, benefactor?" Shi Feiyang saw a resemblance between her features and "Yu'er," and his heart warmed. He smiled and said, "I am known in the martial arts world as Shi Feiyang. I once used the alias of the fake prince Li Xiao. In reality, I was just a beggar."

At this moment, he had reverted to his Beggars' Sect attire, wielding the Dog-Beating Stick, his unrestrained and wild demeanor even more pronounced.

Zhuang Menglian chuckled and said, "Master Shi, you are joking. With such superb martial arts skills, how could you be a beggar? Moreover, you were the most meritorious official in suppressing the An Lushan Rebellion, and the righteous people of the martial arts world worship you to the extreme!"

Her innocent and carefree appearance reminded Shi Feiyang of bygone days, of the childhood appearance of Yang Guifei, who tragically passed away.

The two traveled north together, chatting and laughing all the way. Despite her difficult past, Zhuang Menglian maintained a poetic spirit, often incorporating natural scenery into her poems, which gradually eased Shi Feiyang's tense nerves. That night, they spent the night in a dense forest, the moonlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows.

“Master Shi, look at this moonlight. Doesn’t it resemble the line from Li Bai’s poem, ‘The bright moonlight shines before my bed, I wonder if it is frost on the ground’?” Zhuang Menglian pointed to the ground, her eyes sparkling with innocent light. Shi Feiyang was about to answer when his expression suddenly changed, and he said with concern, “Be careful!” Before he finished speaking, dozens of dark figures darted out of the forest. They were the experts from the “Supreme Palace” and the “Half Moon Palace”.

The leader, wielding a crescent-shaped blade, was none other than Tu Ba, the master of the "Half Moon Palace".

"Shi Feiyang, you actually killed my disciple! Tonight, you will pay for this in blood! Prepare to die!" Tu Ba roared, his blade flashing like lightning, aimed straight at Shi Feiyang's head. The experts of the "Supreme Palace" unleashed their "Mysterious Ice Yin Qi," instantly enveloping the forest in a chilling mist.

Shi Feiyang shielded Zhuang Menglian behind him, activated the Mingyu Gong, his skin became transparent as ice, and his aura was chilling.

He unleashed the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill! With a flurry of palms, he redirected Tu Ba's blade energy towards the disciples of the "Supreme Hall" nearby. Those disciples screamed in agony as Tu Ba cleaved them in two with each strike. Shi Feiyang pressed his advantage, unleashing the "Slaying the Mortal World" technique from the Hundred Victories Blade Art! His palms lashed out like blades, each palm radiating silver threads of the Heavenly Silkworm Technique, crisscrossing and maneuvering. Wherever the blade energy passed, trees snapped, and blood and flesh flew everywhere.

The masters of "Half Moon Pavilion" were all caught in the trap. Some had their meridians severed, while others had their internal organs shattered, resulting in gruesome deaths.

Seeing this, Tu Ba was terrified and feigned a strike to escape. Shi Feiyang, however, would not let him go. He used his unparalleled "Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace" lightness skill to catch up instantly and struck Tu Ba in the back with a palm. The "Evil Blood Calamity" divine skill was unleashed in response, and Tu Ba immediately vomited blood, his body shriveled and he died, barely recognizable as human.

Zhuang Menglian had never seen such a bloody battle before. She closed her eyes in fright, but couldn't help but peek. She saw Shi Feiyang standing like a god in the pool of blood, his glassy skin shimmering in the moonlight. She couldn't help but feel a strange emotion in her heart.

At midnight, Shi Feiyang and Zhuang Menglian arrived at "Eagle's Sorrow Stream" on Snake Cloud Mountain. The stream roared like thunder, and under the moonlight, it surged with silvery white waves.

Zhuang Menglian, exhausted from days of travel, was panting heavily. Her beautiful face showed signs of weariness under the moonlight. She said with a trembling voice, "Master Shi, the terrain here is treacherous. I'm afraid we shouldn't stay any longer."

Shi Feiyang gazed at the waning moon on the horizon, his smooth skin glowing warmly in the dim light. He smiled and said, "Miss Menglian, let's find another place to rest tonight." With that, he reached into the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, invisible to mortals. This bag was a sacred object called the "Qiankun Bag," a gift from the two fairies, Bailingniao and Biyan'er, in the Divine Dragon Pagoda, capable of containing all things in heaven and earth.

Zhuang Menglian opened her eyes wide with curiosity, only to see Shi Feiyang flick his fingertips, and a faint golden ripple appeared at the opening of the deerskin bag at his waist.

In an instant, a crimson streak of light shot into the sky, accompanied by a long cry that reverberated through the valley. A colossal divine bird spread its wings and stood upright, its feathers burning like flames, and its tail feathers flowing with rosy light. It was none other than the ancient divine beast, the Vermilion Bird!

"Oh dear, my master's wife!" Zhuang Menglian had never seen such a strange sight before. She was so frightened that her face turned pale, and she stumbled and fell on the grass covered with night dew. Looking at the divine bird that was over ten feet tall with eyes as bright as stars, she felt her heart pounding like a drum. After a long while, she murmured, "What... what is this? Could it be the manifestation of the mountain god?"

Shi Feiyang chuckled softly and gently helped Zhuang Menglian up.

His palms were warm and dry, and when they touched her slightly cool skin, Zhuang Menglian couldn't help but feel a flush on her cheeks. "This is Zhuque, my good brother," Shi Feiyang said gently, with a hint of teasing. "Don't be afraid, young lady. It's gentle and only eats mosquitoes."

With that, he swung his arms and lifted Zhuang Menglian up in his arms.

The beautiful girl's body was as light as a swallow, carrying a faint fragrance of lotus. Shi Feiyang's heart stirred slightly, but he calmly placed her into the brocade tent on the back of the Vermilion Bird. The tent, made of an unknown material, hung between the Vermilion Bird's wings and remained perfectly still with the divine bird's movements.

"Master Shi, no!" Zhuang Menglian exclaimed, her hands instinctively grabbing Shi Feiyang's sleeves, but she touched the faint flow of internal energy beneath his fair skin, feeling a warm and smooth sensation that seemed unlike that of an ordinary person.

She quickly let go of his hand, looked down at the soft quilt inside the tent, and a sudden unease rose in her heart. She asked in a trembling voice, "And what about you?"

Seeing this, Shi Feiyang knew what she was thinking and couldn't help but chuckle. He said in a serious tone, "Don't worry, Miss, I'll sleep outside the tent." He covered Zhuang Menglian with a brocade quilt, and his fingertips accidentally touched her hair, feeling its smoothness like satin. He comforted her, "Sleep well. With the Vermilion Bird protecting you, even a thousand armies can't break in."

After Zhuang Menglian lay down, Shi Feiyang turned around and walked out of the tent, sitting cross-legged outside the curtain.

He took a deep breath and activated the Mingyu Gong. In an instant, a faint white mist rose around his body, and his skin gradually became transparent like ice, like white jade shrouded in cold mist. His internal energy did not disperse outward, but instead converged inward, forming an endless cycle.

"Chirp—" The Vermilion Bird suddenly let out a long cry, its wings flapped violently, and its massive body soared into the air like an arrow released from a bow!

Zhuang Menglian felt a sudden dizziness and couldn't help but lift a sliver of the curtain to look outside. She saw towering mountains at her feet, and the sea of ​​clouds churning like angry waves. The moonlight shone on Shi Feiyang, and the layer of white mist transformed into an invisible barrier, completely isolating the violent air currents.

To her even greater surprise, a burst of crystalline light suddenly emanated from Shi Feiyang's palm, and silvery-white filaments flew out like serpents, instantly forming a fine silken net that enveloped his entire body.

The silken net shimmered with a soft silver light in the night sky. No matter how fast the Vermilion Bird flew, Shi Feiyang remained as steady as a rock, not even the hem of his clothes fluttering. "This... what kind of divine skill is this?" Zhuang Menglian stared in disbelief, thinking to herself, "Could Master Shi be a reincarnation of a celestial being? Otherwise, how could he command a divine beast and possess such astonishing martial arts?"

She recalled Shi Feiyang's heroic figure battling the demons during the day, and now, seeing him sleeping peacefully high in the sky, she felt that this person was like a fog, unfathomable yet irresistibly alluring. The Vermilion Bird carried the two of them through the night sky, but Zhuang Menglian was wide awake.

She gazed at Shi Feiyang's figure outside the tent, enveloped in a silken net, her heart filled with questions.

Shi Feiyang seemed to notice her gaze and suddenly asked, "Miss, are you still awake?"

His voice came through the silken net, without a sound of wind.

Zhuang Menglian was startled and quickly lowered the curtain, stammering, "I... I just couldn't sleep and wanted to see the scenery outside."

Shi Feiyang chuckled and said, "It's late and the dew is heavy, so you should rest early, young lady. We'll probably have to go through some trouble once we arrive at Mount Song."

He thought of the upcoming martial arts tournament and the covetous sects, and a cold glint flashed in his glassy eyes.

Zhuang Menglian sensed the deeper meaning in his words and couldn't help but ask, "Master Shi, won't it be dangerous for us to participate in the martial arts tournament?"

Shi Feiyang smiled and said, "The world is dangerous, it has always been so. But don't worry, young lady, with me here, I will make sure you don't suffer the slightest grievance."

Zhuang Menglian felt a warmth in her heart and suddenly mustered up her courage to ask, "Master Shi, why...why are you so kind to me?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang thought of Yang Yuhuan and Jiang Caiping, and felt a pang of pain in his heart. He gazed at the stars in the sky and slowly said, "Because you resemble someone, someone... someone who has long since passed away."

His voice carried a hint of melancholy and longing.

Zhuang Menglian sensed the sadness in his tone and didn't ask any more questions.

She curled up in the brocade quilt, inhaling the faint fragrance of lotus blossoms and listening to the sound of the Vermilion Bird flapping its wings, and gradually drifted off to sleep. In her dream, she saw Shi Feiyang's heroic figure fighting against the demons, saw his glass-like skin shimmering in the sunlight, and saw his gentle smile.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhuang Menglian was awakened by a soft golden light.

She lifted the tent flap and saw a red sun rising from the summit of Mount Song, its rays shining on the Vermilion Bird and turning its feathers a golden-red hue.

Shi Feiyang had already risen, standing with his hands behind his back at the head of the Vermilion Bird Pavilion. His fair skin shimmered with an eerie light in the morning glow, making him appear like an untouched deity. Zhuang Menglian rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked, "Master Shi, have we arrived?"

Shi Feiyang turned around, a smile in his eyes, and said calmly, "Yes, we've arrived. Look, young lady, that's the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song."

Zhuang Menglian looked in the direction he pointed and saw an ancient temple standing majestically amidst the surrounding mountains. The temple was already crowded with people, with heroes and warriors from all walks of life gathered here, clearly for today's martial arts tournament.

However, the Vermilion Bird was quite perceptive and knew that Shi Feiyang did not want to rush to the martial arts tournament immediately, so it flew to the "Soul-Severing Valley" on the southern slope of Mount Song.

Shi Feiyang picked up Zhuang Menglian, jumped off Zhuque's back, and then put Zhuang Menglian down.

Zhuang Menglian rubbed her eyes to calm herself down, but all she saw was a miasma filling the valley, with jagged rocks that looked like the bared fangs of a demon.

She instinctively gripped the Pangu Sword at her waist, a hint of unease flashing in her clear eyes. She said tremblingly, "Master Shi, the atmosphere in this valley is strange; there might be an ambush."

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back, his fair skin glowing warmly in the twilight, like the finest white jade.

He roared to the sky, his voice echoing through the valley and startling countless birds: "Well done! I've been itching for a fight, so let these rats taste the flavor of the Hundred Victory Blade Technique!" Before he finished speaking, dozens of dark figures suddenly emerged from the cliffs on both sides of the valley. As their clothes fluttered, the cold light of their weapons pierced through the twilight.

"Shi Feiyang, you killed my nephew. Today, you shall pay with your blood! Give me your life!" The leader, dressed in a black outfit, had a dark aura surging in his palm. He was none other than Han Wuchang, the second master of the Supreme Palace.

Standing beside him were several people: Tu Hu, the "Curved Blade Demon" of Half Moon Palace; Jiao Chu, the "Thunderfire" of Thunder Light Fortress; and Yao Ji, the "Moon Shadow" of Shadow Moon Tower, all of whom were notorious villains in the martial arts world.

Han Wuchang launched the first attack, his palm transforming into an ice dragon, its chilling aura hurtling straight at Shi Feiyang's face.

This "mysterious ice yin energy" is extremely vicious; touching it can freeze the meridians, causing the body to freeze stiff and die within twelve hours.

Zhuang Menglian cried out in surprise and drew her sword to block, but Shi Feiyang stopped her with a wave of his hand.

"A mere trick!" Shi Feiyang sneered, advancing instead of retreating, and used the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill. With a light touch of his palms, he seemingly casually shifted the ice dragon's force, directly targeting Han Wuchang himself.

Han Wuchang was shocked and hurriedly tried to circulate his internal energy to defend himself, but he felt a tremendous force surge back, and the cold air instantly invaded his heart meridian, causing him to vomit a mouthful of black blood. "What a brilliant 'Transferring Flowers and Jade' technique!" Tu Hu roared, and the crescent blade in his hand transformed into a silver streak, cleaving straight at Shi Feiyang's waist and ribs.

This "half-moon slash" technique is cunning and ruthless, specifically targeting the lower body.

Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, his Mingyu Gong reaching the "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison" realm. His crystal-clear skin gradually became transparent, like white ice shrouded in icy mist. Tu Hu's blade struck him, producing a metallic clang, countless nicks appearing on the blade. Shi Feiyang let out a long roar, unleashing his "Hundred Victories Blade Technique: Viewing the Vast Ocean" with both palms! The palm wind surged like a raging sea, carrying the force of an overturned mountain towards Tu Hu.

Where the palm strike passed, blade energy crisscrossed, sand and gravel flew, and vegetation was broken. Tu Hu felt a giant wave crashing down on him, completely unable to resist. He was struck in the chest by the blade energy, his ribs shattered, and he screamed as he flew backward, crashing into the rock wall and dying instantly.

Seeing this, Jiao Chu raised both hands simultaneously, two bolts of lightning erupting from his palms—the ultimate technique of Thunder Light Fortress, the "Five Thunder Lightning Hand." The lightning crackled and shot straight towards Shi Feiyang's eyes. Instantly, thunder and fire arose, accompanied by flashes of lightning and roars of thunder!
A cold glint flashed in Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes, and the "Shocking Calamity" was uttered in response. His icy gaze shot out like a sharp blade, colliding with the lightning and producing a piercing explosion. Jiao Chu felt a sharp pain in his eyes, as if they were pierced by ice, and screamed as he covered his eyes.

Shi Feiyang pressed his advantage, unleashing the "Slaying the Mortal World" technique from the Hundred Victories Saber Art with both palms. The palm wind was like a blade, carrying a sharp force as it slashed towards Jiao Meng. Amidst the crisscrossing blade energy, Jiao Meng was cleaved in two, his blood staining half the valley red.

"Shi Feiyang, taste my 'Moon Shadow Mystery'!" Yao Ji laughed, her figure as elusive as a ghost, her short blade transforming into countless afterimages as she attacked Shi Feiyang from all directions.

This "Moon Shadow Sword Technique" is unpredictable and specializes in assassination, making it difficult to defend against.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly, activated the Bright Jade Heavenly Silkworm Technique, and a crystalline light flowed from his palm. Silvery-white silk-like threads flew out like serpents, weaving into a net that stretched from heaven to earth. Yao Ji's short blade pierced into the silk net, but was firmly entangled and unable to move.

Shi Feiyang flipped his wrist, and the silkworm silk suddenly tightened.

Yao Ji screamed in agony as the bones in her arm shattered and the short blade fell to the ground.

Shi Feiyang cursed angrily: "You androgynous monster, living in this world is a disgrace! Die, hmph!"

His "Evil Blood Calamity" divine skill was born in response to the thought! Red light surged from his fingertips, and an invisible force penetrated directly into Yao Ji's heart.

Yao Ji's face turned deathly pale, she vomited blood, her body quickly withered and curled up like a monkey, and she died.

Seeing Han Wuchang's unusual appearance, he was so frightened that his soul almost left his body, and he turned to run away.

"Where do you think you're going!" Shi Feiyang swayed and used his unparalleled "Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace" lightness skill to catch up with Han Wuchang in an instant, and struck him in the back with a palm.

Han Wuchang spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flying out like a kite with a broken string, crashing into a boulder, his brains splattering out.

The setting sun cast its last golden rays upon the ancient road of Songshan, illuminating the corpses scattered on the ground like an ink painting.

Zhuang Menglian stared at the scattered enemy corpses, her delicate brows furrowed, her slender hands unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

The broken weapons and congealed blood looked grotesque and terrifying in the twilight. She instinctively took a half step back, only to bump into a warm embrace.

Shi Feiyang had appeared behind her without her noticing. The fierce anger surging in his glassy eyes gradually subsided, transforming into a gentle pool of tenderness.

He reached out, his fingertips carrying the unique warmth of Mingyu Gong, and gently wiped away the bloodstains splattered on her cheek.

The touch was like melting snow in spring, causing Zhuang Menglian's cheeks to flush red, as delicate and luscious as a ripe peach.

“Menglian,” his voice was deep and gentle, carrying a calming power, and he said with righteous indignation, “this is how the martial world is. Either I kill, or someone kills me. These people have blood on their hands, and they deserve what they get today.”

His fingertips traced a cool line across her delicate skin as he comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. I won't let you be disturbed in the slightest." Zhuang Menglian looked up and met his glassy eyes. Those eyes shimmered with an unusual light in the moonlight, as if they held a sky full of stars.

Seeing her shy reflection, she murmured softly, "I know... Master Shi... Brother Shi is a good man, the only light in this martial world." She remembered his arrogant figure as he fought against the demons, the coldness in his eyes when he killed, and now the tenderness in his eyes. A bittersweet feeling welled up in her heart. She recalled his fleeting glance at her first meeting by the Slender West Lake, and his chivalrous spirit and tenderness on their journey north, and her heart stirred with emotion.

The night was as dark as ink, with only a crescent moon casting its gentle light across the sky.

Shi Feiyang gazed at the undulating outline of the Songshan Mountains, where a bloody martial arts tournament was brewing.

He took a deep breath, his smooth skin gleaming with a resolute light under the moonlight, as if it were carved from the finest white jade.

“Menglian,” he suddenly turned around, extended his hand to her, palm up, with a hint of barely perceptible expectation, and said warmly, “We will be going up Mount Song tomorrow. Get a good rest tonight.”

Zhuang Menglian looked at his outstretched hand, the same hand that had once unleashed a devastating palm strike and had also gently wiped away her bloodstains.

She hesitated for a moment, her fingertips trembling slightly, before finally placing her small hand into his large palm.

His palm was warm and strong, instantly enveloping her hand and giving her a sense of security.

"Mmm," she replied softly, her voice barely audible, yet carrying an undeniable firmness.

The two walked side by side on the ancient road of Songshan, with the battlefield behind them, where a fierce battle had just taken place, and a faint smell of blood still lingered in the air.

But at this moment, they felt a rare tranquility. Zhuang Menglian secretly glanced at Shi Feiyang's profile. The moonlight outlined his handsome features: a high nose bridge, distinct lips, and an arrogant and unruly temperament that was particularly captivating in the night.

She recalled the legends about him in the martial arts world, the eccentric swordsman who could both cry and laugh, but now he was only gentle to her.

Suddenly, a clear bird song pierced the night sky, and a crimson streak of light flew in from the horizon—it was the divine beast Vermilion Bird.

Its massive body spread its wings under the moonlight, like a burning flame. Shi Feiyang put his arm around Zhuang Menglian's waist, leaped, and landed steadily in the brocade tent on the back of the Vermilion Bird. The tent was lined with soft brocade quilts and exuded a faint fragrance.

Shi Feiyang carefully helped Zhuang Menglian lie down, covered her with a blanket, and moved as gently as if she were a rare treasure.

"Sleep well," he said softly. "With the Vermilion Bird guarding you, there's nothing to worry about."

Zhuang Menglian watched him turn to leave the tent, a sudden pang of reluctance welling up inside her. She mustered her courage and softly asked, "Brother Shi... aren't you going to sleep?" Shi Feiyang turned back, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and said warmly, "I'll stay outside and watch over you."

Having said that, he stepped out of the tent, sat cross-legged outside the curtain, clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, and began practicing breathing exercises. (End of Chapter)