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

Chapter 458. The Feud Begins at Vermilion Bird Peak: The Glass Couple Battles the Demons.

Zhuang Menglian lay in the brocade quilt, listening to Shi Feiyang's even breathing outside, her heart filled with gratitude and admiration.

She quietly lifted a sliver of the curtain and saw that Shi Feiyang was shrouded in a thin layer of white mist under the moonlight, a sign that the Mingyu Gong was in operation. Zhuque quietly squatted to the side, occasionally letting out a low chirp, guarding their dream.

In the dead of night, Zhuang Menglian was wide awake. Her mind was filled with images of Shi Feiyang, his gentle touch as he wiped away her blood, his unwavering support as they walked hand in hand, and his figure guarding outside the tent.

She knew she had fallen deeply in love with this arrogant and unrestrained knight-errant, even if he might still have someone else in his heart, she was willing to be a shadow by his side. She quietly got up and tiptoed out of the tent.

Shi Feiyang immediately opened his eyes, a hint of surprise in them, and asked in astonishment, "Menglian? Why aren't you asleep yet?" Zhuang Menglian's cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "I... I saw you keeping watch here, and I was worried you'd be tired."

She took out a clean handkerchief from her bosom and carefully wiped the sweat from Shi Feiyang's forehead, saying with deep affection, "Feiyang, you've worked so hard to protect me. From now on... from now on, let me take care of you, okay?"

Shi Feiyang was taken aback. Looking at the undisguised adoration and concern in her eyes, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He had never imagined that this seemingly delicate woman could possess such a resilient and affectionate heart. He took her hand and whispered, "Silly girl, protecting you is my responsibility."

Zhuang Menglian shook her head and said earnestly, "No, Feiyang, you are my hero, the light in my heart. I would do anything to stay by your side. Even... even if it's just washing your clothes and cooking for you, I would do it willingly."

Her voice trembled slightly, yet it was full of determination.

Looking into her sincere eyes, Shi Feiyang felt a tenderness in his heart. He gently pulled her into his arms, feeling her warm body, and whispered, "Silly girl, having you by my side is my greatest comfort."

Zhuang Menglian nestled in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, a happy smile spreading across her face. She knew that her love for Shi Feiyang was as steadfast as the pine trees of Mount Song. Even if the road ahead was fraught with thorns, she was willing to follow him and be his most loyal protector.

The Vermilion Bird seemed to sense the warmth between the two and let out a soft chirp. Shi Feiyang and Zhuang Menglian smiled at each other and returned to their tent.

This time, Shi Feiyang didn't sleep outside anymore. Instead, he and Zhuang Menglian were happily married and completely absorbed in their joy.

The Vermilion Bird quietly stood guard nearby. Occasionally, when a villain approached, it would let out a long cry, take flight, and frighten the villain into fleeing in panic.

Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, illuminating Zhuang Menglian's sleeping face. A sweet smile played on her lips; she was likely having a beautiful dream. Zhuang Menglian's deep affection for Shi Feiyang was like a clear spring, nourishing his heart, weathered by the vicissitudes of life in the martial world.

……

As dawn broke, Shi Feiyang lifted Zhuang Menglian from Zhuque's back, his arms around her. The warm glow of the morning sun shone on her fair skin, making her face appear as delicate as a peach blossom.

Zhuang Menglian raised her hand and stroked the front of his clothes, her fingertips touching the faint icy mist rising as the Mingyu Gong was activated. She said softly, "Husband, today's martial arts tournament will surely be dangerous. Why don't I stay on the Vermilion Bird's back and protect you?"

Shi Feiyang looked down and saw the worry and determination in her eyes. He suddenly laughed and said, "Silly girl, when has your husband ever been afraid of danger?" He reached out and pinched her cheek, saying affectionately, "Since you came with me, I will let these ugly men of Songshan see what kind of demeanor my wife, Shi Feiyang, is like!"

Before the words were finished, the Vermilion Bird let out a long cry, its wings flapping to create a sky full of rosy light, like a burning crimson flame slowly descending from the sky.

Experts from various sects had already gathered in front of the mountain gate, and hundreds of eyes were fixed on this strange phenomenon that had appeared in the sky, with discussions rising and falling.

"What is that? Could it be the ancient divine beast, the Vermilion Bird?"

"Look at that person riding the bird, it must be the Glass Hero Shi Feiyang!"

Suddenly, a furious shout broke through the clamor: "Shi Feiyang! You killed my son, today I will make you pay for your crime in blood, come and give me your life!" It was Han Tianyang, the master of the Supreme Palace, holding the Xuanbing Staff, leading dozens of black-clad experts out of the crowd.

His face was ashen, his eyes blazing with fury as he stared at Shi Feiyang. The Xuanbing Token hanging at his waist swayed gently in the wind, making a soft clinking sound. Zhuang Menglian instinctively gripped the Pangu Sword at her waist, its tip trembling slightly, yet she still stood tall in front of Shi Feiyang, her voice trembling as she said, "Husband, be careful!" Shi Feiyang gently pulled her behind him, a cold glint flashing in his glassy eyes. A wild, arrogant smile curled at the corner of his lips as he said coldly, "Han Tianyang, you wicked villain from Jiangnan who commits all sorts of evil deeds and harms the people, is the grass on your son Huang Haisha's grave even waist-high? Hmph! Today, I'll send you to the underworld to join him!"

Han Tianyang snorted angrily, slamming his Xuanbing Staff into the ground. Instantly, a thick layer of ice armor formed on the ground. He cursed, "What an arrogant brat! Today, I'll let you taste the Xuanbing Yin Qi of the Supreme Palace!" With that, black energy surged in his palm, transforming into a ferocious ice dragon that lunged straight at Shi Feiyang's face. Wherever it passed, the air seemed to freeze, cracking with a "crackling" sound.

"A mere trick!" Shi Feiyang sneered, neither dodging nor avoiding, and activated the Mingyu Skill. In an instant, his skin became as transparent as ice, and a faint white mist rose around him, indicating that the Mingyu Skill had reached the "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison" stage.

The ice dragon crashed into him, instantly melting away like a mud ox entering the sea, turning into droplets of water that slid off. "What?! This...this is impossible!" Han Tianyang exclaimed repeatedly, his pupils shrinking, and the Xuanbing Staff in his hand trembling involuntarily.

Seeing this, Lei Jingtian, the lord of "Thunder Light Fortress" behind him, roared, "Shi Feiyang, stop being so arrogant! Behold my Five Thunder Lightning Hand!" Before he finished speaking, he raised both hands, and two bolts of lightning as thick as bowls burst from his palms, shooting towards Shi Feiyang's eyes like two silver snakes.

Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes flashed with cold light, and the "Shocking Calamity" divine skill was activated in response.

Two icy blue eyes collided with the lightning in mid-air, producing a deafening explosion, and countless tiny currents crackled in the air.

Lei Jingtian felt a sharp pain in his eyes, as if thousands of ice needles had pierced them at the same time. He screamed and covered his eyes, retreating repeatedly. What seeped from between his fingers was not blood, but strands of ice crystals.

Shi Feiyang pressed his advantage, unleashing the "Viewing the Vast Ocean" move from the Hundred Victories Saber Technique. The palm wind surged towards Lei Jingtian like a raging sea, carrying the force of an overturned mountain. Where the palm wind passed, a trench three feet deep was plowed into the ground.

Before Lei Jingtian could recover from the excruciating pain of blindness, he was struck in the chest by a palm strike, screaming as he flew backward and crashed into a stone lion on the mountain gate. His brains splattered out instantly, and he died a gruesome death.

"What a fine Glass Hero! He truly lives up to his reputation!" The voice of Yue Wuhen, the master of the Shadow Moon Tower, echoed like a ghost in the crowd. Before he finished speaking, a dark figure floated down from the flagpole, a short blade in his hand gleaming with a ghostly blue light in the sunlight.

Her movements were incredibly unpredictable; she could be on the left one moment and on the right the next, a technique known as "Moon Shadow Mystery" from the Shadow Moon Tower.

Upon seeing this, Zhuang Menglian exclaimed, "Husband, be careful of ambushes!" With that, she drew the Pangu Sword from her waist and wielded it in a flurry of swordplay to protect Shi Feiyang's side. Her "Dream Butterfly Sword Technique" was poetic and dreamlike; the tip of her sword touched the ground, creating sparks as it clashed with Yue Wuhen's short blade.

"Hmph, a little girl from the Pangu Sword Sect dares to interfere?" Yue Wuhen sneered, her short blade suddenly changing its attack, transforming into a crescent moon that slashed towards Zhuang Menglian's wrist. Shi Feiyang's eyes sharpened, his left hand forming a claw, unleashing the "Divine Dragon Claw" divine skill, a move called "Dragon's Roar to the Nine Heavens," which, in the nick of time, grabbed Yue Wuhen's wrist. At the same time, his right hand struck out, the "Slaying the Mortal World" of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, carrying a sharp blade aura, aimed straight at her face.

Yue Wuhen felt a numbness in her wrist, and her internal energy flowed uncontrollably upwards. Startled, she tried to retreat, but was entangled by the silver threads of the Heavenly Silkworm Technique that Shi Feiyang spat out from his palm. The silver threads looked soft, but they were incredibly tough. They tightened instantly, making her bones crack.

Yue Wuhen screamed in agony as blood flowed from all seven orifices. His body quickly withered and turned into a dried-up corpse, collapsing to the ground.

"Shi Feiyang! Give me back my senior brother's life!" With a roar, the eldest disciple of the Songshan Sword Sect charged forward, sword in hand. His eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating a close relationship with Yue Wuhen.

Shi Feiyang dodged to the side and was about to make a move when Zhuang Menglian stepped in front of him first. The Pangu Sword drew a beautiful arc, which was the exquisite move "Zhuang Zhou Dreaming of a Butterfly" from the "Dream Butterfly Sword Technique"!

The eldest disciple's swordsmanship was fierce and relentless, each move aimed at Zhuang Menglian's vital points, clearly intending to die together with her. Zhuang Menglian, after all, was still relatively weak and gradually fell into a disadvantageous position. Suddenly, she cried out in alarm as a longsword slashed her left shoulder, and blood instantly stained her clothes.

"Menglian!" Shi Feiyang's eyes widened in fury, his glassy eyes blazing with murderous intent. He moved like lightning, instantly appearing beside Zhuang Menglian, his left hand encircling her waist, while his right hand unleashed the "Breaking Heaven and Earth" technique of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique.

The palm strike was like a blade, carrying the force of splitting the heavens and earth as it slashed towards the eldest disciple. With a "plop," the eldest disciple was cleaved in two, his internal organs spilling onto the ground. Zhuang Menglian leaned against Shi Feiyang's chest, her face pale, but she still forced a smile and said, "Husband, I'm alright..." Before she could finish speaking, she fainted.

Shi Feiyang's heart tightened, and he quickly pressed several acupoints to stop the bleeding. He gently placed her on a stone platform to the side, turned around to face the swarming experts from various sects, and the icy mist on his fair skin grew thicker and thicker, his eyes as cold as ten thousand years of ice.

"Who else?" His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a chilling pressure.

"Shi Feiyang, you have committed too many killings. Today, we will act on behalf of Heaven to punish you!" The one who spoke was Zhang Luo, the leader of the Taishan Sect. He held an ancient bronze sword and was followed by dozens of disciples, all of whom had solemn expressions.

"Acting on behalf of Heaven?" Shi Feiyang laughed loudly, his laughter filled with disdain and sorrow, and then said coldly, "You hypocrites, colluding with the Heavenly Wolf Guard to persecute the loyal and good, do you even deserve to talk about acting on behalf of Heaven?"

Just then, Master Wuran, a high-ranking monk from Shaolin who had been observing the situation with a cold eye, suddenly spoke up, his voice as loud as a bell: "Amitabha, Mr. Shi, please calm down. This old monk also finds this matter strange. I hope that all of you benefactors will calm down and consider this carefully."

"Master Wuran, there's no need for further words!" Zhu Zhixin, the head of the Songshan Sword Sect, stepped forward and roared, "Shi Feiyang murdered my sect's disciples, he must pay for this in blood!" With that, he pointed his long sword directly at Shi Feiyang's throat.

Shi Feiyang's eyes turned cold, and he was about to make a move when he suddenly heard Zhuang Menglian groan softly on the stone platform.

In his haste, his movements slowed down slightly, and Zhu Zhixin's longsword seized the opportunity to pierce his shoulder blade.

However, the moment the sword tip touched his skin, it made a crisp "clang" and was deflected, leaving only a white mark on his fair skin.

"What...what kind of kung fu is this?" Zhu Zhixin stared in shock at the longsword in his hand, its blade riddled with countless nicks. Shi Feiyang ignored the crowd and turned to Zhuang Menglian's side. He saw that her brows were furrowed, her face was as pale as paper, and a faint black aura emanated from the wound on her left shoulder.

Shi Feiyang cried out in alarm, "Not good! It's Xuanbing Yin Qi!" He immediately activated his Mingyu Gong, placing his palm against her wound, letting wisps of cold energy flow in, attempting to force out the Yin poison. Just then, Jiang Caiping, the Hengshan Sect leader who had been silent all along, suddenly stepped forward, gently waving her whisk, and a beam of white light shot towards Zhuang Menglian's wound. The white light was soft and warm, complementing Shi Feiyang's cold energy perfectly, quickly forcing out the black energy from the wound.

Shi Feiyang looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and asked in astonishment, "Master Mingxia, are you not going to be my enemy today?"

Jiang Caiping smiled faintly, her gaze falling on Zhuang Menglian's Pangu Sword. She said thoughtfully, "Shi Tanyue, this young lady's sword technique is the 'Dream Butterfly Swordplay' of the Pangu Sword Sect. I wonder what her relationship is with He Qianshan and Li Muxue?"

Shi Feiyang was startled and looked down at Zhuang Menglian, only to see her eyelashes trembling slightly, as if she was about to wake up.

A thought struck him, and he quickly asked, "Menglian, do you know He Qianshan and Li Muxue?" Zhuang Menglian slowly opened her eyes, saw Shi Feiyang's concerned gaze, and whispered, "He Qianshan is my martial uncle, and Li Muxue is my senior sister... Are they... are they really traitors?"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Master Wuran clasped his hands together and exclaimed, "Amitabha! Excellent! Excellent! It seems the injustice done to the Pangu Sword Sect should be redressed."

Just then, the Xuan Ya Tower Master, who had been hiding in the crowd, suddenly appeared, holding a mutton-fat jade seal in his hand. He sneered, "Exoneration? Too late! Shi Feiyang, Zhuang Menglian, you will all die!" After saying that, countless black Gu worms flew out of the jade seal, instantly enveloping the martial arts tournament.

"Be careful!" Shi Feiyang shouted, tightly protecting Zhuang Menglian in his arms. He activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Love: Ice Soul Cold Prison" level, and his glassy skin instantly became transparent like glass armor, keeping all the Gu worms out.

However, the Lord of Xuanya seized the opportunity to pounce, his short blade aimed straight for Zhuang Menglian's back.

"Don't even think about it!" Jiang Caiping flicked her whisk, wrapping it around the Xuan Ya Pavilion Master's wrist, while simultaneously drawing her longsword and thrusting it towards his throat. The Xuan Ya Pavilion Master hadn't expected Jiang Caiping's sudden attack and was momentarily subdued. Just then, Zhuang Menglian exclaimed, "Look! The pattern on the jade seal!" Everyone looked closely and saw that the mutton-fat jade seal was engraved with a broken wolf's head, perfectly matching the missing corner of the Imperial Seal. Master Wuran's expression changed drastically, and he said with a sense of realization, "Could it be... that the Heavenly Wolf Guard's conspiracy is related to the Imperial Seal?"

Seeing that his conspiracy had been exposed, the Lord of Xuanya suddenly bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of black blood. His body quickly withered away, and before he died, he sneered, "Shi Feiyang, did you think you won? The real mastermind... Hahaha..." He died before he could finish speaking.

Shi Feiyang looked at the corpse of the Xuan Ya Tower Master, then at Zhuang Menglian in his arms, a trace of confusion flashing in his glassy eyes. Zhuang Menglian nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms and whispered, "Husband, no matter what happens, I will stay by your side."

Shi Feiyang looked down and saw the determined light in her eyes. His heart warmed, and he said softly, "Silly girl, with you here, what more could I ask for?" At this moment, the sun had already risen, illuminating every corner of Songshan Mountain.

Shi Feiyang held Zhuang Menglian in his arms, Jiang Caiping held a long sword, and Master Wuran clasped his hands together. The group stood on Qianzhangping, a place littered with corpses, gazing at the distant, continuous mountain range. They all sighed at the long road ahead in the martial world and the unresolved turmoil.

On Shaoshi Peak, the setting sun, like an ancient jade soaked in blood, is obliquely embedded in the western sky.

The crimson sunset painted the towering cliffs a poignant shade of cinnabar, and even the mountain breeze that rustled through the pines seemed to carry a touch of warmth.

Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back on the edge of the cliff, his dark-colored outfit fluttering in the mountain wind, his arms around Zhuang Menglian's slender waist. His glassy skin shimmered with a warm glow in the twilight, like the unmelting jade of the Kunlun Mountains, making Zhuang Menglian's cheeks blush.

Suddenly, he heard light footsteps behind him. Without turning around, Shi Feiyang knew who it was.

The footsteps were clear and melodious, like the striking of a jade chime, carrying the unique tranquility of a monk, yet subtly revealing a barely perceptible tremor.

A slight stirring in his heart brought back memories of playing the zither and discussing swordsmanship with Jiang Caiping in the bamboo forest of Luoyang, and his throat tightened slightly.

"Benefactor Shi, congratulations on the birth of your beautiful wife!" Jiang Caiping's voice rang out from behind him, peaceful yet with a hint of aloofness.

Shi Feiyang turned around and saw her dressed in a gray monk's robe. Her bald head gleamed softly in the setting sun, and she gently swayed her whisk, the tassels drawing elegant arcs in the wind. Her eyes were calm and still, like an ancient pool, but the barely perceptible tremor at the corner of her eye betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang burst into laughter, his laughter echoing through the pine trees and startling several sparrows returning to their nests. He said gratefully, "Master Mingxia is too kind! If it weren't for your persuasion a month ago, I would probably still be that carefree madman, and how could I enjoy the happiness of family life today?"

He released Zhuang Menglian, stepped forward, bowed deeply to Jiang Caiping, and the gust of wind from his robes swept a few fallen leaves into the air. He said gratefully, "If the Hengshan Sect needs anything, I, Shi, will lead the entire Beggars' Clan to rush to their aid day and night, braving fire and water, without hesitation!"

Upon hearing this, a tear suddenly flashed in Jiang Caiping's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

She knew that Shi Feiyang was arrogant and unruly, yet also chivalrous and tender-hearted, and that his tears and laughter came from the bottom of his heart. She knew that his gratitude at this moment was truly heartfelt.

"You are too kind, benefactor." She nodded slightly and turned to look at the rolling mountains. Her monk's robes billowed like sails in the mountain wind. She then said proudly, "I will bear the responsibility for the rise and fall of the Hengshan Sect. You have a bright future ahead of you, benefactor. Take good care of yourself."

Having said that, she didn't look back. With a flick of her whisk, she drifted down the mountain like a willow catkin, leaving only a gray afterimage swaying in the twilight. Shi Feiyang stared in the direction where she disappeared into the mist, remaining silent for a long time.

Zhuang Menglian gently grasped his hand, finding it icy cold to the touch. She couldn't help but whisper, "Husband, you..."

"It's nothing." Shi Feiyang came back to his senses and smiled gently at her. The momentary melancholy in his glassy eyes had been replaced by brightness. He said with emotion, "The grudges and affections of the past are like the setting sun, destined to fade into silence. Now that you are by my side, it is because God has been kind to me, Shi Feiyang." He gently stroked Zhuang Menglian's hand with his fingertips, his tone filled with unprecedented solemnity.

"Amitabha, well done, well done!" The steady chanting of the Buddha's name came from the pine forest. Master Wuran, holding an ebony staff, slowly walked out.

Behind him followed a group of martial arts masters, including Zhu Zhixin, the leader of the Songshan Sect, and Zhang Luo, the leader of the Taishan Sect, all of whom wore expressions of admiration.

Master Wuran walked up to Shi Feiyang, put his palms together in a gesture of respect, and smiled kindly with his eyes beneath his white eyebrows, saying, "Shi Tanyue and Miss Zhuang are truly a match made in heaven. This old monk congratulates you!"

Zhu Zhixin stepped forward and bowed deeply to Shi Feiyang. The tassel of the sword at his waist swayed gently in the wind. He said with considerable remorse, "Hero Shi, my Songshan Sect was misled by slander and offended you in the past. I hope you will forgive us. Today, having witnessed your chivalrous spirit, I admire you wholeheartedly!"

Shi Feiyang laughed heartily, reached out to help the two men up, and a gentle internal force lifted them up. He said magnanimously, "Master, you are too kind, sect leaders! When you travel the martial world, how can you avoid bumps and bruises? Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, it is our top priority to work together to protect the righteous path of the martial world."

He surveyed the crowd with piercing eyes, scanning each face, and solemnly declared: "I hereby pledge that the Beggars' Sect is willing to join hands with heroes from all over the world to eradicate evil, dispel demonic influence, and restore order to the martial world!"

"Excellent!" Zhang Luo shouted, slamming his dragon-headed cane heavily on the ground with a dull thud. He then exclaimed, "Master Shi truly possesses the demeanor of a great hero! The entire Mount Tai Sect is at your service!"

The crowd was filled with righteous indignation, and the leaders of various sects stepped forward to express their willingness to stand with the Beggars' Sect through thick and thin.

Standing beside Shi Feiyang, Zhuang Menglian watched this scene with a heart full of pride.

Gazing at her husband's tall and imposing figure, his glass-like skin shimmering with an eerie light in the setting sun, she suddenly felt that the man before her was not only a peerless martial arts master, but also the backbone that upheld the code of honor in this world of martial arts.

Just then, a slightly dragging sound of footsteps came from behind the crowd, accompanied by the "thud" of iron rods hitting the ground.

"Chief!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Tieguai Li walking over with a limp, leaning on his iron cane, followed by dozens of Beggar Clan disciples, all of them in high spirits, obviously having traveled all night.

"Elder Li," Shi Feiyang greeted him, his gaze falling on Li's travel-worn face, and asked with concern, "Are the Beggars' Clan brothers all well? Was the journey smooth?" Tieguai Li grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, his face crinkling with wrinkles, and said with emotion, "Thanks to the Chief, the brothers are all safe and sound. It's just that we heard the Chief encountered trouble on Mount Song, and everyone was extremely anxious, wishing they could fly here."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Zhuang Menglian before returning to Shi Feiyang's face. He smiled flatteringly and said, "Chief, congratulations! This must be your wife, Chief? She is truly a beauty, a match made in heaven for you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Menglian's cheeks flushed red, as if dyed by the sunset, and she said softly, "Elder Li, you are too kind."

Shi Feiyang laughed heartily, stepped forward and patted Tieguai Li on the shoulder, then said seriously, "Alright, Elder Li, we can talk about pleasantries later. You've come at the right time; I have something to discuss with you. Where should we go next?"

Tieguai Li's smile vanished, his expression turning grave. He lowered his voice and said, "Chief, now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, his power is unstable, and undercurrents are surging both inside and outside the court. According to reports from various branch headquarters, rebellions are occurring frequently in various places, corrupt officials are running rampant, and the people are suffering terribly!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang frowned, a hint of worry flashing in his glassy eyes. He walked to the edge of the cliff, gazing at the scattered lights below, the smoke rising from countless homes, which now seemed shrouded in a layer of gloom.

"I am deeply worried about this matter." His voice was tinged with sorrow as he said anxiously, "The new emperor is young and weak, and powerful ministers hold sway. I fear the world will once again descend into chaos. As the largest gang in the martial world, if the Beggars' Clan cannot share the burdens of the people, what difference is there between them and the walking corpses?"

"What the chief says is absolutely right!" Tieguai Li followed, slamming his iron staff heavily on the ground, and solemnly said, "The brothers are all eager to fight, just waiting for your orders! As long as the chief gives the order, we will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Shi Feiyang turned around, his gaze sweeping over the leaders of the various sects present. His voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable power, and he said loudly, "Everyone, I have a favor to ask."

Master Wuran clasped his hands together and said, "Master Shi, please speak freely!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Shi Feiyang said solemnly, "I, Shi, wish to issue a call to arms in the name of the Beggars' Sect to unite righteous heroes throughout the martial arts world." His voice was powerful and resonant, each word striking the hearts of the crowd. He then added authoritatively, "We must not only eliminate the scoundrels of the martial arts world, but also go to Chang'an to stop the corrupt officials of the court from interfering in politics and protect innocent people from the suffering of war!"

Zhu Zhixin pondered for a moment, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist, his knuckles turning slightly white, and solemnly promised: "Great Hero Shi is concerned about the country and its people, and I admire him! The Songshan Sect is willing to respond and await your command at any time!"

“The Taishan Sect is also willing!” Zhang Luo followed closely behind, his voice booming.

Immediately, all the major sects responded enthusiastically, their emotions running high, willing to stand with the Beggars' Sect in the face of national crisis.

Looking at these heroes of the martial world before him, Shi Feiyang's eyes flashed with excitement, but it was quickly replaced by deep worry: taking this step would mean making enemies of the powerful ministers of the entire court, and the road ahead would surely be full of thorns.

"Thank you all!" he said with a deep bow, his robe sleeves brushing the ground and creating a gust of wind. He then reminded everyone, "But this matter is of utmost importance. It will inevitably affect the interests of powerful officials in the court, and they will never let it go. We must make thorough preparations, or we will be doomed if we are not careful."

Zhuang Menglian walked to his side and gently held his hand. The warmth from her fingertips warmed Shi Feiyang's heart.

"My husband," she said softly yet firmly and resolutely, "whatever you do, I will support you. Although the Pangu Sword Sect has declined, my swordsmanship can still help you."

Shi Feiyang gripped her hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her palm. A surge of power welled up within him, as if it could dispel all the gloom. He exclaimed with renewed vigor, "With the help of all the heroes and with Menglian by my side, even if I am shattered to pieces, I will protect the peace of this world and restore a bright and clear sky for the people!" The setting sun sank into the western mountains, and the night, like a giant black velvet curtain, slowly covered Mount Song.

Standing atop Mount Song, Shi Feiyang gazed at the last rays of sunset on the horizon, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Zhuang Menglian nestled in his arms, feeling the warmth emanating from him, and softly asked, "Husband, what are you thinking about?"

Shi Feiyang sighed, a resolute light gleaming in his glassy eyes, reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. He said thoughtfully, "I'm wondering when this world will truly be at peace." He paused, looking down into Zhuang Menglian's clear eyes, and said with concern, "Menglian, following me might be very dangerous. The road ahead is long and fraught with peril, you…"

Zhuang Menglian raised her head, her eyes filled with trust and no fear, and said firmly, "My husband, I am not afraid of danger. I feel very happy to be able to work with you for the people of the world. This is the kind of martial arts world I want, rather than guarding the empty pavilion alone in the Pangu Sword Sect."

Looking into her determined eyes, Shi Feiyang felt a warmth in his heart. He couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her forehead, saying affectionately, "Silly girl..."

Just then, Tieguai Li walked over, followed by a group of Beggar Clan disciples, all of them full of energy and clearly ready to set off.

He respectfully said, "Chief, the brothers are ready and can depart at any time." Shi Feiyang nodded, turned around, and said to everyone present, "Gentlemen, let's not delay, let's go down the mountain now. The journey through the martial world is long, but if we meet again someday, we will be brothers fighting side by side!"

"Alright!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing through the valley and startling countless night birds.

Shi Feiyang, holding Zhuang Menglian's hand, walked slowly at the back. His figure appeared exceptionally tall and imposing in the night, his smooth skin shimmering with an eerie light under the moonlight, like a deity walking among mortals.

On the way down the mountain, the moonlight was like water, spilling onto the winding mountain path and draping everyone in a layer of silver gauze.

Shi Feiyang walked and talked with the leaders of various sects, discussing plans to contact righteous people from all over the world. Zhuang Menglian quietly followed beside him, listening to them talk about important matters of the world, and her respect for her husband grew even stronger.

“Master Shi,” Master Wuran suddenly spoke, his staff drawing sparks on the stone ground. He asked with suspicion, “I’ve heard that the Imperial Seal of the State is in your possession?” Shi Feiyang nodded, took out a brocade box from his robes, and opened it. Inside, a warm, lustrous jade seal lay quietly, radiating a soft glow in the moonlight. He said frankly, “Indeed. This is a national treasure, hard-won.”

(End of this chapter)