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

Chapter 471. Mad Song of Blood Sacrifice to the Abyss Moon - Lotus Shadow and Heroic Traces, Two Worlds Intertwined.

Before the morning mist in southern Xinjiang had dissipated, Shi Feiyang and Zheng Lingyi had already embarked on their journey north, following the scent of the fragments of the star map.

The phantom of a white tiger silently followed, its crystal-clear eyes reflecting the lingering stars in the sky.

Shi Feiyang suddenly felt the jade pendant in his arms getting hot—a sign that the star map fragments were resonating.

Zheng Lingyi reminded him, "Husband, there is an abandoned city thirty miles to the northwest." Gripping the soft whip tightly, the cinnabar mark between her eyebrows glowed faintly, and she said with great certainty, "I can feel it, the third fragment is there."

Before the words were finished, a gust of cold wind blew by, and the seven corpses hanging on the withered trees suddenly opened their empty eye sockets, black blood seeping from the wounds on their necks, which was the mark of the White Bone Boat's "Corpse Hanging Technique".

Shi Feiyang drew his Xuan Shuang Blade, a chilling vortex swirling up fallen leaves as he quipped, "They're really persistent!" Wherever the blade sliced, corpses shattered into bone dust, only to instantly reform into a skeletal battle formation upon landing.

Zheng Lingyi lashed out with her soft whip to entangle the array's core, unleashing the Blood Moon Demon Art's "Moon Devour!" Blood-red moonlight enveloped the skeleton, and Shi Feiyang seized the opportunity to unleash the Hundred Victories Blade Technique's "Slaying the Mortal World." Wherever the blade flashed, the white bones receded like a tide.

The setting sun, like blood, shrouded the "City of Ghost Cries" before them. Strange runes were carved into the mottled bricks of the city walls, and dark red tears of blood seeped from the eyes of the stone lions on either side of the city gate. Zheng Lingyi's crescent moon necklace suddenly hummed, pointing to a collapsed bell tower inside the city, and said with great certainty, "The fragments are there."

The two then stepped into the city, and the ground suddenly sank.

Shi Feiyang embraced Zheng Lingyi's slender waist and used his wondrous "Deeds Done, Departure" lightness skill, only to see countless poisoned steel spikes burst forth from the ground. The white tiger phantom roared, and a ghostly blue light from its claws illuminated the wall—those talismans were actually the key to activating the mechanism.

"Watch out!" Shi Feiyang cried out, shoving Zheng Lingyi aside. An arrow grazed past her ear and embedded itself in a stone pillar behind her. The sparks that flew up illuminated the mural on the wall: disciples of the Star Moon Sect and the Yihua Palace joined forces to fight against a group of people dressed in black robes. In the center of the picture, a jade plate engraved with star patterns emitted a mysterious light.

On the top floor of the clock tower, the leader of the Golden Light Cult held the third fragment of the star map, with Asina and a group of bandits standing behind him.

"Shi Feiyang, Zheng Lingyi, you've finally come. Very good! Very good! Saves me the trouble of searching for you two scoundrels, hehe! Today, I'll bury you alive right here." The cult leader threatened, his laughter filled with madness and smugness. "Back then, during the Battle of the Ancient City, it was I who sent men to kill Miss Zheng's mother and seize this third fragment!"

Zheng Lingyi trembled all over, almost unable to hold the whip: "What did you say?"

A one-eyed man, his face contorted with scars, sneered, "That's right, the current Palace Master of Yihua Palace went into seclusion because of your mother's death. Shi Feiyang, the truth you think you can protect is nothing but a joke!" He swung his nine-ringed broadsword, the blade's wind carrying a deadly poison.

Shi Feiyang activated the Mingyu Gong, his skin becoming as transparent as ice. He then used the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill to unleash the power of his blade.

Zheng Lingyi took the opportunity to throw out a soft whip, but her wrist was entangled by Aqi Na's "love curse threads".

The Gu silk seeped into her skin, and Zheng Lingyi's pupils instantly turned red. She turned her soft whip and aimed directly at Shi Feiyang's throat.

At the critical moment, the jade pendants in Shi Feiyang and Zheng Lingyi's arms simultaneously emitted a brilliant light. The warm light dispelled the control of the love potion, and Zheng Lingyi regained her senses. Her eyes were filled with regret as she sadly said, "Husband, I..."

Shi Feiyang gripped her hand tightly and said warmly, "Madam, there's no need to say more! I'm the one who understands you best!" His glassy eyes blazed with fighting spirit, and he said in a deep voice, "Today, we will seek justice for the deceased!" After saying that, he released Zheng Lingyi's hand, and the two of them simultaneously unleashed the "Star Moon Jade Soul Technique." The dazzling light intertwined with the blood-red moonlight, forming a huge pillar of light that shot straight into the sky.

Upon seeing this, the leader of the Golden Light Sect embedded the three star map fragments into the jade plate.

The jade disc instantly emitted an evil aura, and countless dark figures crawled out from the ground—the remnants of an ancient demon god's soul, sealed away. He laughed wildly, "You think you can stop me? Hmph! With the power of the Star Chart, I am the master of this martial world!"

The roar of the demon god's remnant soul shook the heavens and earth, but Shi Feiyang and Zheng Lingyi were of one mind and fought with increasing ferocity.

Immediately following, Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Burning Heaven and Earth" technique of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique! Zheng Lingyi unleashed the "Blood Moon in the Sky" technique of the Blood Moon Demon Art! The icy blue blade energy collided with the blood-red moonlight, unleashing a world-destroying power.

During the fierce battle, Shi Feiyang discovered the weakness of the jade plate—the star pattern in the center matched the crescent shape on Zheng Lingyi's necklace.

He shouted, "Lingyi, use the necklace!" Zheng Lingyi threw the necklace without hesitation, and the crescent moon embedded itself precisely in the jade plate. The star map shone brightly, engulfing the remnant soul of the demon god and the members of the Golden Light Sect.

As the dust settled, Shi Feiyang and Zheng Lingyi stood embracing. In the distance, the phantom of the White Tiger roared to the sky, and the Vermilion Bird flew down from the clouds, scattering a shower of rosy light across the sky.

Zheng Lingyi leaned on Shi Feiyang's shoulder and said with relief, "The grudges and feuds of the martial world have finally come to an end."

Shi Feiyang gently kissed her forehead, his glassy eyes filled with tenderness, yet he said in a deep voice, "No, this is just the beginning. We still have the history between Yihua Palace and Xingyue Divine Sect to explore, and we still have the world to protect."

Zheng Lingyi nodded, the two smiled at each other, and walked hand in hand toward the rising sun.

The north wind whipped up heavy snowflakes, turning the world into a vast expanse of white.

Shi Feiyang put his arm around Zheng Lingyi and sat on the back of the Vermilion Bird. Looking at the Ice Soul Peak where the Yihua Palace was located in the distance, a smile appeared on his lips. He said tenderly, "Madam, we will be home soon. I heard that the ice-brewed snow lotus dew of the Yihua Palace tastes wonderful. I must ask for a few jars later."

Zheng Lingyi leaned against him, her scarlet cloak contrasting beautifully with the white snow. The cinnabar mole between her brows remained vibrant in the cold wind. She scolded playfully, "I knew you were eyeing the wine. Be careful, or the Palace Master will punish you by making you face the wall in the ice cave. Then we'll see who steals wine for you."

Before she could finish speaking, the Vermilion Bird suddenly let out a clear cry, its wings vibrating violently.

Shi Feiyang's expression changed drastically, and a cold light flashed in his glassy eyes. He exclaimed, "There's killing intent!" He lightly touched the ground with his toes, and jumped off the Vermilion Bird with Zheng Lingyi in his arms. At the same time, three cold lights pierced through the air and nailed three pieces of black ice into the spot where the Vermilion Bird had just been.

Twelve people clad in silver armor slowly appeared in the snow. The armor was engraved with frost flower totems, the very symbol of the "Silver Frost Clan." The silver-haired elder at the head stroked his long white beard and said in a voice as cold as ice, "Shi Feiyang, hand over the Star Map fragments, and I will spare your husband and his wife your whole corpses."

Shi Feiyang shielded Zheng Lingyi behind him, and as he drew his Xuan Shuang Blade, a chilling aura swept across the snow, leaving a half-foot-long icy trail. He said mockingly, "Old man, at your age, you're still out here fighting and killing. Aren't you afraid of hurting your back? If you want the star map, ask this blade in my hand if it will agree first." The silver-haired old man was furious. He swung his Frost Pattern Sword, and his twelve men immediately formed the "Frost Formation."

In an instant, the temperature plummeted, snowflakes condensed into ice crystals, shooting towards Shi Feiyang like sharp blades. Seeing this, Zheng Lingyi lashed out with her soft whip, unleashing a swift "Chasing Stars and Catching the Moon" move to protect the two of them. The crimson whip shadow collided with the ice crystals, producing a crisp clanging sound.

Shi Feiyang remained calm and composed. He activated his Mingyu Gong, and his skin glowed with a crystalline jade color, resembling an ice sculpture shrouded in cold mist.

Immediately afterward, he flicked his wrist, unleashing the "Shifting Flowers and Jade" technique! The ice crystals all turned and shot towards the "Silver Frost Clan." The old man's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly swung his sword to block, only to see Shi Feiyang already approaching like a ghost, his Xuan Shuang Blade aimed straight for his throat.

In the blink of an eye, Shi Feiyang had already unleashed the "Viewing the Vast Ocean" technique from the Hundred Victories Blade Technique! The snow waves stirred up by the blade wind transformed into a raging torrent. The old man hastily raised his sword to defend, but was blasted backward by the powerful shockwave, spitting out blood.

The others tried to come to their aid, but Zheng Lingyi's soft whip had already coiled around their ankles like a serpent. Taking advantage of the situation, Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Evil Blood Calamity," instantly causing the dozen or so people to vomit blood and collapse to the ground, turning into dried corpses. Just as Shi Feiyang was about to sheathe his Xuan Shuang Blade, he suddenly heard the melodious sound of a flute coming from the sky. Looking up, he saw a huge flying tower emerging from the clouds, its body engraved with star totems—the very symbol of "Zhaotian Tower."

On the rooftop, a woman dressed in black held a jade flute, her captivating eyes visible beneath her veil.

"Master Shi, your kung fu is truly superb." The woman's laughter was like the sound of silver bells, yet it carried a hint of coldness. On the surface, she was praising Shi Feiyang, but in reality, she was mocking him. She said sarcastically, "However, this martial world cannot be navigated by brute force alone."

She lightly waved her jade flute, and countless arrows shot out from the building, each one glowing with a ghostly blue light, clearly coated with deadly poison.

Shi Feiyang, with Zheng Lingyi's slender waist in his arms, soared into the air, displaying the profound lightness skill of "Concealing One's Form and Name," leaving a trail of afterimages on the snow. He sneered, mocking, "A mere trick! You dare to show it off?"

A cold glint flashed in her glassy eyes, and the "Shocking Calamity" was unleashed in response. Her icy gaze swept over the arrows, and they instantly shattered into ice shards.

Upon seeing this, the woman's expression changed slightly, and she played a strange melody on her jade flute. Thirty-six people in white robes emerged from the flying tower and formed the "Zhou Tian Xing Dou Formation".

Shi Feiyang activated the Mingyu Gong and sensed that the true energy flowing within the opponent's formation was in harmony with the trajectory of the stars, making it incredibly powerful.

After a moment's thought, he whispered to Zheng Lingyi, "Madam, when I break the formation's core, you use the soft whip to entangle her."

Zheng Lingyi nodded, twirling the soft whip in her hand. Shi Feiyang took a deep breath and suddenly unleashed the "Emperor's Heavenly Thunder" divine skill, transforming ice into lightning, which shot towards the array's core like a meteor.

A deafening roar erupted, billowing black smoke filled the air, and the thirty-six men in white were instantly blasted into countless fragments. Zheng Lingyi's soft whip shot out like a serpent, aiming straight for the woman in black's throat. However, the ground suddenly began to tremble.

A huge pavilion rises from the ground, carved with mountains and seas, which is the symbol of "Shan Hai Xuan".

A burly middle-aged man emerged from the pavilion, holding a pair of enormous cleavers, the blades still stained with undried blood.

He roared, "Shi Feiyang, you are not invincible! Hmph! To be our enemy is to die. Just hand over the star map!" He swung his mountain-splitting axe, which stirred up a shockwave that was like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting.

Shi Feiyang parried with his sword, then unleashed the "Mountain Splitting" technique from the Hundred Victories Swordplay!

The palm strike and the axe energy collided, creating a deafening roar, and a huge crater immediately appeared on the snow.

Zheng Lingyi wanted to step forward to help, but then dozens of people came out of the pavilion and surrounded her.

These people wielded various weapons and displayed a wide array of martial arts, clearly the elite of "Shan Hai Xuan". However, Zheng Lingyi was not afraid at all. Instead, she sneered, swept her soft whip horizontally, and unleashed the Blood Moon Demon Art "Moonfall and Crow's Cry!"

The crimson moonlight enveloped the crowd, and wherever the soft whip struck, flesh and blood flew everywhere.

Shi Feiyang was locked in fierce combat with the middle-aged man when he suddenly saw the man's axe technique change, revealing a hidden element of the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" technique from the Yihua Palace.

He was startled, realizing that there must be a connection between "Shanhaixuan" and Yihua Palace.

Shi Feiyang gripped his knife in his right hand and unleashed the ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Knife Technique, "Breaking the Universe!" His left hand drew a circle, executing "Star Shift and Star Reversal," the palm wind carrying a world-destroying force. The middle-aged man hurriedly raised his axe to block and redirect Shi Feiyang's fierce attack. Unexpectedly, Shi Feiyang redirected the attack with even greater force, striking the middle-aged man.

Thud! Instantly, the middle-aged man was struck as if by lightning, his whole body trembling uncontrollably, vomiting blood, and he lost his footing.

It was clear that he was severely injured and his internal organs were badly damaged. Seeing that their leader was no match for him, the members of "Shan Hai Xuan" leaped over and surrounded Shi Feiyang. Zheng Lingyi was extremely anxious and, disregarding her own safety, wielded her whip and charged into the encirclement.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang hurriedly used his "Heavenly Silkworm Skill," a crystalline light flowing through his palm, forming silver silkworm threads that shot out and entangled everyone.

However, the woman in black from Zhaotian Tower seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, the poisoned needle on her jade flute striking Zheng Lingyi in the shoulder. Zheng Lingyi groaned, her face instantly turning pale. Shi Feiyang, his eyes blazing with fury, gripped his sword and unleashed the "Severing Reincarnation" move from the Hundred Victories Sword Technique!

A flash of light, and the head of the "Shan Hai Xuan" leader flew off, blood splattering on the snow like blooming red plum blossoms. He used the profound lightness skill of "Concealing One's Person and Name" to pull Zheng Lingyi into his arms, saying with concern, "Madam, hold on!"

At this moment, the remnants of "Silver Frost Temple," "Zhaotian Tower," and "Mountain and Sea Pavilion" surrounded them again. Shi Feiyang activated his Bright Jade Skill, emanating a chilling aura, and roared, "Today, I will show you how terrible the fate of those who offend me, Shi Feiyang, will be!"

Holding Zheng Lingyi, he advanced instead of retreating, using the mysterious lightness skill of "Concealing One's Body and Name" to rush into the enemy ranks. Holding the Xuan Shuang Blade in one hand, he unleashed the "Burning Heaven and Earth" technique of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. In an instant, the Kunlun Blazing Flame Technique was activated, and the blade energy transformed into a sea of ​​fire, engulfing all the enemies. A series of ear-piercing "crack" sounds rang out, and charred corpses flew everywhere.

However, Zheng Lingyi, whom Shi Feiyang was holding, was already unconscious, with black blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. He gently comforted her, "Madam, don't be afraid, we'll be home soon. The sacred medicine from Yihua Palace will surely save you."

Holding Zheng Lingyi, he walked step by step towards Ice Soul Peak, step by step, through the blood-stained ground, with the snow behind him stained red.

The ancient ice jade steps of Yihua Palace gleamed with a cold, eerie light under the moonlight. Shi Feiyang carried the unconscious Zheng Lingyi as he stepped up the steps, his boots making a soft, crisp cracking sound as they touched the ice.

His crystal-clear eyes reflected the candlelight in the hall, and he saw that the portraits of Yaoyue and Lianxing hanging high in the center were still as cold and beautiful as ever. On the offering table below the portraits, his own memorial tablet was covered with a thin layer of dust, and the three golden characters "Shi Feiyang" seemed to be silently mocking him.

"You audacious madman! Anyone who trespasses on the Yihua Palace will be killed without mercy!" Elder Xuan Yuzi roared, suddenly appearing from the shadows. His jade flute glowed with a bluish light, and his white hair danced wildly in the night wind. He feigned ignorance of Shi Feiyang, his voice booming like a bell, while twelve Ice Soul Silver Needles were already poised to strike from his sleeve. A mocking smile played on Shi Feiyang's lips as Zheng Lingyi's pale face pressed against his cold chest. He didn't flinch, but a chilling glint suddenly flashed in his glassy eyes as he coldly said, "Old man Xuan Yu, twenty years have passed, and your memory has certainly faded."

Before the words were even finished, the "Shocking Calamity" appeared instantly, and a chilling gaze shot towards Xuan Yuzi as if it were a tangible object. In an instant, frost enveloped Xuan Yuzi's body, and before he could even play his jade flute, he was frozen into an ice sculpture. Then, with a "crack," he shattered into countless crystalline ice shards on the ground.

The hall erupted in commotion as the thirty-six elders abruptly rose to their feet. They saw Shi Feiyang carrying Zheng Lingyi as he slowly walked towards them. The aura of Mingyu Gong emanating from him caused frost to form on the Xuanbing floor tiles along the way.

"I never imagined that twenty years after I left, Yihua Palace would become such a pedantic place." His cold gaze swept over everyone. "From this day forward, all elders are hereby dismissed and sent to reflect on their mistakes! They are only allowed one steamed bun a day. We will discuss this again when they have grasped the true meaning of the 'Mingyu Gong'!"

The elders looked at each other in bewilderment. Some wanted to argue, but were forced to take three steps back by the sudden surge of cold energy emanating from Shi Feiyang.

"Yes!" The crowd responded in trembling voices, then scattered like startled birds.

Just as Shi Feiyang was preparing to settle Zheng Lingyi, a tinkling sound of jade pendants came from afar.

More than three hundred women dressed in fine silks and satins escorted a young man as he walked in. The young man was dressed in a magnificent palace master's robe embroidered with gold thread, but he could not hide the air of a playboy in his eyes and brows. This man was Shi Feiyang's great-grandson and the current palace master of Yihua Palace, Shi Shiwei.

"Ancestor! You've finally returned!" Shi Shiwei's face was beaming with smiles, while the beauties behind him either covered their faces and giggled or looked on with affection.

Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over the group of beautiful women, a flash of anger crossing his glassy eyes. He scolded, "What kind of behavior is this? Are you still the Palace Master of Yihua Palace?" Shi Shiwei scratched his head, his handsome face turning bright red, and said "self-reproachfully," "It's all my fault for getting married every day, thinking it would be more lively with more people..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang kicked him in the buttocks. Although he didn't use his full strength, it still made Shi Shiwei stagger and fall more than three zhang away.

He roared again, "Get out! Take your beauties and face the wall to reflect on your mistakes! Except for practicing your skills, you are not allowed to step out of the Cliff of Repentance!"

Shi Shiwei scrambled to his feet, leading his ladies away tremblingly. Before leaving, he couldn't resist winking at Shi Feiyang, which made Shi Feiyang both angry and amused. After all, he was his own grandson, and it wasn't convenient for him to kill him outright.

Looking at this group of absurd juniors, Shi Feiyang sighed deeply. It seemed that the reorganization of Yihua Palace was far more difficult than he had imagined. He looked down at Zheng Lingyi in his arms; her pale face was devoid of color, and the poison wound on her shoulder was still faintly turning black.

"Rest assured, my lady, I will surely restore the Flower Palace to its former glory and heal your injuries." He murmured softly, carrying Zheng Lingyi toward the Ice Palace. Three days later, Zheng Lingyi slowly awoke on the ice bed.

Shi Feiyang stood by the bedside, holding a steaming bowl of snow lotus soup in his hands. His glassy eyes reflected the candlelight, full of tenderness: "Madam, I have fed you the holy water 'Ice Soul Dew' from the Yihua Palace. Rest quietly for three months, and the toxins in your body will be cleared away on their own."

Zheng Lingyi smiled weakly and reached out to grasp his cold hand: "You've worked so hard. This Yihua Palace..." Before she could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang interrupted her: "With me here, everything can be resolved. As for you, just focus on recovering."

After Zheng Lingyi fell asleep again, Shi Feiyang left the Ice Palace.

Night had fallen, but the Yihua Palace was brightly lit. He summoned several of his capable disciples and began to devise a reorganization plan.

"Starting tomorrow, the hereditary system of elders will be abolished. All disciples, regardless of their background, can be promoted through martial arts competitions." Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over the disciples below. "Every day at 3:45 AM, all disciples must assemble at the martial arts arena. Those who are late will have to run 100 laps around the palace wall!"

"Palace Master, about the transmission of martial arts techniques..." an older disciple asked cautiously. "From today onwards, the library of Yihua Palace will be open to all. Except for the highest level of the 'Mingyu Gong' technique, all other martial arts manuals can be freely studied," Shi Feiyang said decisively. He paused, then added in a deep voice, "But there is one ironclad rule—anyone who steals a manual will have their meridians severed and be expelled from Yihua Palace!"

The crowd stood at attention and responded in unison. Shi Feiyang then looked at the disciple in charge of internal affairs: "Starting tomorrow, palace expenses will be reduced by seventy percent. All the fine silks, satins, and delicacies are to be removed! The disciples' clothing, food, lodging, and transportation should all be kept simple!"

The news caused an uproar throughout Yihua Palace. The pampered disciples complained bitterly, but fell silent after seeing Shi Feiyang's cold gaze. Shi Shiwei and his wife tried to plead for mercy, but Shi Feiyang punished them by making them chop wood in the kitchen for three months. The beauties were also assigned to do laundry and cleaning, and the former extravagance was completely swept away.

However, the rectification was not without its challenges. Three days later, while Shi Feiyang was instructing his disciples in practicing the "Mingyu Skill," a disciple rushed in to report: "Palace Master, someone has broken into the forbidden area behind the mountain!"

Shi Feiyang frowned, used his "Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace" lightness skill, and arrived at the back mountain in the blink of an eye. He saw three men in black trying to break through the forbidden stone gate, their weapons engraved with strange totems.

Shi Feiyang's heart skipped a beat—that was the mark of the "Silver Frost Clan"! It seemed that the last battle had not made these people give up.

"Perfect timing." Shi Feiyang sneered, then roared, drawing his Xuan Shuang Blade. A chilling vortex swept over them, and he cursed, "You managed to escape last time, but this time you'll leave your lives behind!"

Seeing the situation was dire, the men in black immediately launched an attack. One swung a chain hammer, sending up a shower of rubble; another threw a poisoned dart; and yet another used unpredictable movements to aim straight for Shi Feiyang's face.

Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill, gently guiding his left and right palms, sending his chain hammer crashing towards the black-clad man who had thrown the darts, while the darts themselves flew towards the man using his movement technique. Immediately following, Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Demon-Slaying Cloud" technique from the Hundred Victories Saber Style! His palm strike, like a raging storm, sent the three flying. One of them tried to escape, but Shi Feiyang used his "Shocking Calamity" divine skill; a flash of cold light, and the man instantly shattered into countless ice shards.

The remaining two were terrified and knelt down, begging for mercy.

Shi Feiyang said coldly, "Speak, who sent you?"

The two trembling figures revealed the mastermind behind it all—the unwilling leader of the "Zhaotian Tower." Shi Feiyang's eyes turned cold; it seemed the undercurrents of the martial world were far more turbulent than he had imagined. But now, under his reorganization, the Yihua Palace was gradually recovering its strength, so why would he be afraid?
Six months later, Yihua Palace was completely transformed. In the training ground, the disciples were sweating profusely as they practiced various martial arts; inside the library, all was quiet except for the rustling of turning pages; in the kitchen, the delicacies of the past had been replaced by simple meals, but the disciples ate with great relish.

Shi Shiwei shed his纨绔 (playboy) air and practiced diligently every day, his hands calloused from chopping wood. He brought his wife to apologize to Shi Feiyang, respectfully saying, "Grandfather, your grandson knows his mistake. Yihua Palace should behave like Yihua Palace." Shi Feiyang nodded in satisfaction and praised, "It's good that you know you were wrong. From today onwards, you will assist me in managing Yihua Palace. Remember, never bring shame to Yihua Palace again."

Zheng Lingyi's injuries gradually improved. That day, she came to the training ground and looked at her energetic disciples. She smiled and said to Shi Feiyang, "I never expected that in just half a year, you would have transformed the Yihua Palace."

Shi Feiyang put his arm around her waist, his glassy eyes full of laughter, and said domineeringly, "Madam, this is just the beginning. Once you've recovered, we'll uncover the secrets of the martial world together and restore the glory of Yihua Palace!"

As the sun sets, its afterglow spills onto the ancient ice of the Yihua Palace, shimmering with golden light.

Shi Feiyang, with Zheng Lingyi in his arms, led her through a peach blossom grove, past a Bagua formation, and among countless stone mounds. He needed to guide Zheng Lingyi to familiarize herself with the Qimen Dunjia (a form of divination and strategy) within the Yihua Palace. Next, Shi Feiyang would go to Luoyang, hoping that his new wife, Zheng Lingyi, could succeed him as the Palace Master of Yihua Palace.

A few days later, the perpetually unmelting ice of Yihua Palace gleamed with a cold, eerie blue light in the twilight. Shi Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back on the observatory, his crystal-clear eyes reflecting the swirling stars in the sky. The aftershocks of the fierce battle with "Zhaotian Tower" half a month ago had not yet dissipated, and a conspiracy from within the palace walls was already creeping in like a venomous snake. "Palace Master, Third Disciple suddenly suffered a reversed flow of meridians while practicing, and blood is seeping from his seven orifices!" At this moment, a disciple stumbled in to report, his voice filled with barely concealed fear. Shi Feiyang's heart tightened, and he used his "Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace" lightness skill to rush towards the training room.

Dozens of disciples lay sprawled on the ground, their faces bluish-purple, black blood trickling from their mouths, resembling vengeful ghosts.

He crouched down to examine the disciple's pulse. The moment his fingertips touched the disciple's wrist, a chilling aura rushed in through the meridians. "Ice Soul Powder?" Shi Feiyang exclaimed in surprise, his pupils shrinking sharply. This kind of slow-acting poison could quietly erode internal strength within half a month. It was the unique method of the rebellious elder of Yihua Palace twenty years ago.

He whirled around, his gaze sweeping across the crowd like lightning, and said sternly, "From this day forward, I will personally inspect all the food served in the palace. And also..."

He paused, a half-smile playing on his lips, his face contorted with murderous intent as he said, "If I find out who's behind this, I'll make them taste the bitterness of this Xuanbing Cave." Three days later, at the martial arts arena.

Shi Feiyang, wielding the Xuanshuang Blade, was instructing his disciples on the "Mingyu Skill." Suddenly, a commotion erupted, and dozens of disciples, armed with weapons, stormed into the arena, escorting Murong Xue, the "Jade-Faced Asura," the personal disciple of the dismissed Law Enforcement Elder Xuan Yuzi.

Murong Xue, dressed in pristine white, gently waved a jade fan in her hand, but her eyes were filled with malice as she angrily rebuked, "Shi Feiyang! You abolished the elder system without cause and ruined our future. If you don't give us an explanation today, we will demand justice!"

The atmosphere instantly became tense. Shi Feiyang, however, remained calm, casually planting the Xuan Shuang Blade in the ground and laughing with his hands behind his back, "Fairness? I'd like to hear what kind of fairness this 'Jade-Faced Asura' speaks of. Do you perhaps want the Yihua Palace to continue supporting a bunch of incompetent fools?"

"You!" Murong Xue was furious and embarrassed. She opened her jade fan with a "whoosh," revealing a poisoned silver needle hidden between the fan ribs. She said viciously, "Since you don't know what's good for you, don't blame us for being impolite!" Before she finished speaking, the crowd pounced on her like wolves and tigers.

A cold glint flashed in Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes, and he quietly activated the Mingyu Gong, causing his skin to glow with a crystalline jade color.

The disciple at the forefront swung his sword, but he effortlessly dodged to the side, his long sleeves fluttering as he unleashed the "Shifting Flowers and Receiving Jade" divine skill, causing the sword to change direction and strike directly at Murong Xue. Murong Xue's expression changed drastically, and in a haste, she waved her fan to block, sending silver needles raining down on Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly and continued to use "Shifting Flowers and Receiving Jade!" His hands moved like butterflies flitting among flowers; with seemingly casual swings, the silver needles turned and shot back towards the people behind Murong Xue. Screams rose and fell, and blood splattered everywhere. Several disciples were hit by the silver needles they had fired, collapsing to the ground convulsing. In the chaos, Shi Feiyang suddenly caught sight of Murong Xue quietly retreating towards a hidden door in the corner of the martial arts arena.

He sneered, "Murong Xue, so you've already dug your own grave! Heh heh! Today I'll bury you alive, you traitorous dog!" He then used his "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill to chase after her.

Beyond the hidden door was a secret passage covered in moss, from which a putrid stench assaulted the senses. The phosphorescent flames on the walls flickered, casting eerie shadows all around.

"Trying to escape?" Shi Feiyang's voice echoed in the secret passage, tinged with a hint of mockery.

Murong Xue turned around abruptly, waved her jade fan, and dozens of smoke bombs rolled to the ground.

In an instant, thick smoke billowed through the secret passage, obscuring everything. Shi Feiyang, however, neither dodged nor avoided, his glassy eyes gleaming with a ghostly blue light, unleashing the "Shocking Calamity" divine skill! His icy gaze pierced through the smoke, revealing Murong Xue about to pull out a black pill.

"That's the 'Blood Explosion Pill,' isn't it?" Shi Feiyang said mockingly, his figure approaching like a ghost. "You want to take me down with you by self-destructing your meridians? Too bad, you won't have that chance." He swung his palm and unleashed the "Heavenly Silkworm Skill," a crystalline light flowing through his palm, and the Heavenly Silkworm Silver Threads formed by his true energy wrapped around Murong Xue's major acupoints like a net.

Murong Xue struggled and spat out a mouthful of blood, her face full of resentment and viciousness as she said, "Shi Feiyang, do you think you can rest easy like this? The person behind the scenes..." Before she could finish speaking, she died.

Shi Feiyang crouched down and searched Murong Xue's arms, finding a token engraved with a frost flower totem—the very mark of the "Silver Frost Clan." He stroked the token, a dangerous smile curving his lips, and said with sudden realization, "So that's how it is, collusion between insiders and outsiders... Hehe! The show has only just begun."

That night, in the main hall of Yihua Palace.

Shi Feiyang held a grand "Hongmen Banquet," inviting all the elders who had been dismissed from their posts to the banquet.

The flickering candlelight in the hall reflected the uncertain expressions on everyone's faces. Shi Feiyang picked up his wine cup, the amber liquid swirling gently within, and said casually, "Elders, this cup of wine today is my apology to you all."

"Hmph! That sounds nice!" A white-haired elder slammed his hand on the table and angrily shouted, "Shi Feiyang, you ancient monster, you dismissed us from our posts and cut off our livelihoods, and you think you can settle this with just a cup of wine?"

Instead of being annoyed, Shi Feiyang laughed and suddenly threw his wine cup to the ground. With a crisp "crack," the wine splashed onto the icy floor tiles, producing wisps of white smoke. Everyone's expression changed drastically, and they all stood up. Shi Feiyang, however, slowly rose, circulating his Mingyu Gong, his body becoming transparent like white ice shrouded in cold mist. He said coldly, "Elders, how is the taste of this 'Ice Soul Powder'?"

Before he could finish speaking, several elders couldn't hold back any longer and attacked one after another. "You dog thieves, you think you can cause trouble in the Yihua Palace? Humph!" Shi Feiyang cursed angrily, swinging his palms and unleashing the "Demon-Slaying Cloud" technique of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique! The palm wind was like a tidal wave, sending the elder who was charging at the front flying backward and crashing into the wall, his brains splattering out instantly.

Seeing this, the other elders became even more enraged, and all sorts of hidden weapons and palm techniques were launched at Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang, however, moved with effortless ease, displaying his "Shifting Flowers and Jade" skill with unparalleled mastery. At times, he would lightly flick his sleeve, redirecting hidden weapons towards others; at other times, he would tiptoe behind his enemies like a ghost, sealing their pressure points with a flick of his finger. The vortex of his inner energy caused weapons that approached him to change direction, becoming deadly weapons in the process.

In the heat of battle, Shi Feiyang suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck—someone had shot a poisoned bone-piercing nail from the shadows! At the critical moment, a crimson figure flashed past; Zheng Lingyi wielded her soft whip, knocking the nail away. Though her injuries hadn't healed, she remained agile, unleashing the Blood Moon Demon Art's "Moonfall and Crow's Cry!" The crimson whip, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, coiled around the neck of an elder.

Taking advantage of the situation, Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Evil Blood Calamity," causing the attacking elders to suddenly cough up blood and rapidly shrink, transforming into withered "little monkeys" in an instant. The last elder retreated in terror, only to be struck by Shi Feiyang's "Emperor's Heavenly Thunder."

The ice thunder exploded, blasting it to pieces, its flesh and blood flying everywhere.

The hall returned to calm.

Looking at the mess on the ground, Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes flashed with a hint of weariness, but it was quickly replaced by determination. He turned around and took Zheng Lingyi's hand, saying softly, "Madam, I will definitely cleanse the turbid waters of Yihua Palace."

Zheng Lingyi nestled in his arms and whispered, "I believe you. But the world of martial arts is never short of undercurrents."

Shi Feiyang looked up at the outside of the hall. The night was deep, but a ray of dawn was quietly emerging on the horizon.

He gripped the Xuan Shuang Blade tightly, having already made up his mind—he decided to go out and kill the evil forces of the martial world outside the Yihua Palace, appoint Zheng Lingyi as the Palace Master of Yihua Palace, and have his grandson Shi Shiwei assist him. After all, with the young and beautiful great-grandmother Zheng Lingyi in charge, Shi Shiwei would not dare to act recklessly.

(End of this chapter)