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

As the fishing boat docked, the sky was already beginning to lighten. Tu Pengpeng suddenly drew her Seven Star Sword, the tip carving a lotus flower on the sand. She declared with righteous indignation, "My master said that those who live in the martial world must clearly distinguish between gratitude and resentment."

Her gaze met Shi Feiyang's eyes, which reflected the rising sun, brighter than the luminous pearl in the secret vault. She said with unwavering devotion, "You avenged the Seven Star Sword, so my life... my life of Tu Pengpeng is yours."

Shi Feiyang gently tapped the tip of her sword with his bamboo cane, making the lotus pattern rounder. He said with deep affection, "Silly girl, your life is your own." His fingertips brushed against the stray hairs on her cheek. The "Healing Holy Method" of the Lotus Manual carried a faint medicinal fragrance. He promised, "After things are settled in Dali, come back to Luoyang with me. The peonies there are more beautiful than the camellias of Erhai Lake."

Tu Pengpeng's cheeks were so red they could bleed. Suddenly, she turned and leaped onto the willow tree at the dock. Her Seven Star Sword drew an arc in the morning light. She said coquettishly, "Who wants to go back to Luoyang with you!" Her voice was tinged with laughter, but she threw a silk handkerchief embroidered with lotus flowers at Shi Feiyang's feet and said shyly, "This was left to me by my mother. Consider it... a thank-you gift!"

Shi Feiyang picked up the silk handkerchief; the lotus stitches on it were so fine that they bore a resemblance to Zhao Qingyi's embroidery. He watched as Tu Pengpeng's red dress disappeared into the morning mist, his bamboo staff lifting the purple-gold cassock. The secret knot beneath the hem gleamed in the morning sun—the chaos in Dali had only just begun, and his fate with this girl from the southwest seemed to be like a luminous pearl in a secret vault, quietly shining in the shadows.

The waves of Erhai Lake crashed against the dock, gradually swallowing Duan Zhenghong's screams.

Shi Feiyang's long hair shimmered with golden light in the morning glow, and the icy light emanating from the silver earring on his left ear reflected the direction of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, three thousand miles away—where three beauties were waiting for him, while behind him, in the southwest land, there was another red figure that he longed for.

The path of the martial world is truly tangled and inextricably intertwined.

Before the morning mist of Cangshan Mountain had dissipated, Shi Feiyang had already copied the secret agreement hidden in the purple-gold cassock into three copies.

He dipped his bamboo staff into the water of Erhai Lake and wrote the three large characters "Song, Tubo, Dali" on the sand. The "True Qi Condensation" finger technique from the Lotus Sutra made the water marks linger for a long time, like three invisible boundaries.

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword held the copied secret agreement, its red tassel brushing against Shi Feiyang's hand in the morning breeze, causing a slight itch. With a hint of doubt, she asked, "Can this secret agreement really turn the three kingdoms against each other? The Song Dynasty values ​​literature over military prowess; I'm afraid they wouldn't dare to be enemies with Tibet." Lately, under Shi Feiyang's influence, Tu Pengpeng had also begun to develop an interest in military affairs and strategy.

Shi Feiyang's "Lotus Palm Technique" unleashed a "lotus blossoming" effect, the palm wind stirring up pebbles on the beach, creating a small mound around the character "Song." He analyzed, "Although Zhao Ji dares not send troops, he loves to stir up trouble. If we send him the secret agreement, within three days, the Tibetan king will know that the Duan family is secretly colluding with the Western Xia." He suddenly chuckled, his long hair dyed golden-red by the morning sun, "This is called 'using a borrowed knife to kill.'"

The sound of horses' hooves came from the distant official road; it was Li Xian, a disciple of the Beggars' Sect, carrying a reply from the Song Dynasty envoy.

Li Xian carried a brocade box on his bamboo cane, inside which was a jade pendant belonging to the Song royal family. He respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, the Song envoy said he was willing to exchange 50,000 bolts of Shu brocade for a secret treaty, and also said—that he wanted to appoint you as the 'Protector-General of the Southwest'."

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword suddenly drew its sheath, its light slashing towards the jade pendant. However, upon touching the jade surface, she abruptly withdrew her force, leaving only a shallow sword mark. She decisively declared, "The Song Kingdom clearly intends to reap the benefits without lifting a finger! Such hypocrisy is better left unaccepted!"

Her gaze fell on Shi Feiyang's face, and seeing the smile on his lips, her cheeks flushed slightly. After following Shi Feiyang for half a year, Tu Pengpeng finally understood some matters of court politics and military strategy.

Shi Feiyang used the "Lotus Shadow Illusion" footwork to sweep past Li Xian, picked up the brocade box with his green bamboo staff, and asked meaningfully, "Why don't you accept it?"

He flicked out a "True Qi Condensation" fingertip, sending the copy of the secret agreement into the box. He then gave a suggestion: "Have the Song envoy take it back and tell Zhao Ji that the secret agreement can be given, but he must send someone from the Censorate to Dali to 'investigate the case'—this is called 'luring the snake out of its hole'."

……

The Tibetan king's envoy, carrying the ritual implements of the "Blood River Great Dharma," waited at the Three Pagodas Temple outside Dali City. Shi Feiyang had changed his blue cloth shirt into a brocade robe of a Tibetan nobleman, and his silver earring was wrapped with red silk, making him look like a Tantric master who had come from afar.

The messenger's golden bowl contained human bones—the remains of a lama who had gone mad from practicing the "Blood River Great Method." Curious and doubtful, he asked, "Master Yang, can the 'Holy Healing Method' in the Lotus Sutra truly cure the backlash of the 'Blood River Great Method'? The Zanpu said that if his old wounds could be healed, he would be willing to give him ten cities."

Because Shi Feiyang had previously used the alias "Yang Huatian," the other party addressed him as "Master Yang!"

Shi Feiyang activated his "Yin-Yang Harmony" technique, and with a gentle flick of white energy from his palm across the golden bowl, the black energy on the human bones receded like a tide. His Tibetan, tinged with mystery, explained, "The Zanpu's 'Blood River Technique' has reached its ninth level. To eradicate the backlash, he needs the assistance of the Duan family's 'One-Finger Divine Skill'—unfortunately, Duan Zhengzhong is colluding with the Western Xia and is unlikely to intervene."

The envoy's expression changed drastically. He slammed the golden bowl heavily on the ground and cursed, "The Duan family dares to betray the alliance! Humph!" His hand rested on the curved sword at his waist, the ruby ​​on the scabbard gleaming fiercely in the sunlight. But after a pause, his emotions calmed down somewhat, and he said, "If the master can provide evidence, the Tibetan cavalry can flatten Dali within three days!"

Tu Pengpeng gave a timely sneer, the hilt of the Seven Star Sword trembling slightly within her sleeve: "Evidence? We have the secret agreement between the Duan family and Western Xia, but..."

She paused deliberately, her gaze shifting from anger to urgency as she looked at the envoy, before coaxing him further: "We just need the cooperation of the Tibetan 'Blood River Iron Cavalry' to help us reclaim the 'Lotus Sutra' that Duan Zhengming stole."

Shi Feiyang's "Lotus Palm Technique" suddenly unleashed a "Lotus Fury," the palm wind causing the bronze bells of the Three Pagodas Temple to ring wildly. He then advised, "At noon today, Duan Zhengming will go to the Five Flowers Tower to worship his ancestors. This is the best opportunity to retrieve the treasure manual—this is called 'taking advantage of a crisis.'" His gaze met Tu Pengpeng's, and seeing the excited light in her eyes, a strange feeling swept through his heart.

……

In the Zichen Hall of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, Zhao Qingyi's Dingsong sword lay askew on the table, its tassel wrapped with a secret letter sent from Dali.

The letter was written in the handwriting of a Beggars' Sect disciple, saying that Shi Feiyang "had a very close relationship with Tu Pengpeng, a woman from the southwest, and they entered the secret vault together and rode on the same boat!"

Ling Shuanghua held a glass lamp on her Emei dagger, the light casting a soft glow on her pregnant belly. She came over and advised, "Qingyi, don't overthink it. His Majesty must be traveling with that female knight from the Seven Star Sword Sect for the sake of the country."

Although she spoke calmly, her fingertips twirled the prayer beads, making a clicking sound.

Su Xiaoman suddenly slammed her golden dart on the table, the red silk at the end of which tangled around Zhao Qingyi's sword tassel. She angrily cursed, "What kind of heroine is she! I think she's just a vixen!" Her pregnant belly was more prominent than in previous months, but she still couldn't suppress her fiery temper. She huffed, "And that pretty boy! He left the three of us alive and well to run off to the southwest to fool around with other women! He's a real scoundrel!"

Ling Shuanghua said rather naively, "Your Majesty, please be well before the wedding!"

Zhao Qingyi sneered, "Men are all like this! Bah!"

At this moment, Qu Cheng's footsteps came from outside the hall. The black official robes of the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were damp with night dew. He came in and reported: "Your Majesties, new news has come from Dali. His Majesty used the secret agreement of the Duan family to cause Tubo and Xixia to turn against each other, and even made the Song Kingdom send an imperial censor—" His words were stuck in his throat. Looking at the secret letter on the table, cold sweat seeped from his forehead.

Zhao Qingyi suddenly drew her Ding Song sword, its light tracing an arc in the hall, splitting a teacup on the table in two. She said coldly, "Qu Cheng, convey my decree," her voice colder than the blade, "order Elder Su of the Golden Wing Alliance to take three hundred disciples to Dali to 'protect' His Majesty's safety—and incidentally, to see what Tu Pengpeng really looks like."

Ling Shuanghua, with a string of antidote pills tucked behind her Emei thorn, said meaningfully, "I will also prepare some pills and have Elder Su take them. Tell His Majesty that if he dares to betray us, these antidote pills will become deadly poison."

……

The bells of the Three Pagodas Temple echoed amidst the fighting. The Tibetan "Blood River Iron Cavalry" slashed at Duan Zhengming's "One-Finger Divine Skill" with their curved swords. Blood and gold intertwined under the shadow of the pagoda, and the splashed blood droplets landed on Shi Feiyang's brocade robe. Surprisingly, they were deflected by the "True Qi Condensation" aura of the Lotus Sutra, condensing into droplets of blood that rolled down.

Duan Zhengming spurred his horse to Shi Feiyang, who then dismounted and unleashed his "One-Finger Divine Skill" in mid-air, striking at Shi Feiyang. He roared, "Shi Feiyang! How dare you collude with the Tibetans! I will tear you to pieces to vent my hatred!" His finger strike pierced the throats of three Tibetan soldiers, and a wall of blood mist condensed in front of Shi Feiyang. Shi Feiyang's "True Qi Condensation" was both gentle and domineering.

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword transformed into "The Big Dipper Across the Sky," its sword light weaving a net of swords in front of Shi Feiyang, blocking all of Duan Zhengming's finger strikes.

Her red robes flickered like flames in the blood mist as she sharply rebuked him, "Prince Duan, stop making baseless accusations! It was you who colluded with Western Xia and betrayed Dali!"

Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Lotus Palm Technique," unleashing a "Lotus Fury" with both palms. The supple palm wind swirled between the three pagodas, creating a giant white lotus flower that separated the fighting sides. His bamboo staff pointed outside the temple, where the Tibetan envoy was arguing with a Song dynasty censor, the original copy of the secret treaty gleaming golden in the sunlight. Shi Feiyang then teased, "Duan Zhengming, look who's over there?"

Duan Zhengming's "One Finger Divine Skill" suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed on the secret contract—it bore his personal seal and was an alliance he had secretly signed with Western Xia in order to compete for the position of crown prince.

He couldn't help but look up to the sky and roar, "No! That's not real!" His finger strength suddenly went out of control and struck his own crown.

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword deftly deflected his wrist, the red silk tassel of the sword wrapping around his knuckles. She said meaningfully, "Keep your dog's life, go and explain to Duan Zhengzhong!" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shi Feiyang looking at her, and her cheeks flushed slightly, but she gripped the sword in her hand even tighter.

Shi Feiyang used the "Lotus Shadow Illusion" footwork to sweep past Duan Zhengming. His green bamboo staff lightly tapped Duan Zhengming's knee, and the "Yin-Yang Harmony" internal energy from the Lotus Manual flowed through his meridians, temporarily sealing his "One-Finger Yang" internal energy.

"Hand him over to the Tibetans," Shi Feiyang's voice rang in Tu Pengpeng's ears, carrying a faint scent of medicine. He explained, "This is called 'using a borrowed knife to kill.'" Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword escorted Duan Zhengming toward the Tibetan envoy, her red-clad figure fluttering in the shadow of the three pagodas. She suddenly turned around and saw Shi Feiyang looking at her with a smile on his lips, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

The distant Erhai Lake shimmered, reflecting the image of the Three Pagodas.

On the ancient Tea Horse Road outside Dali City, the Black Eagle Banner of the Golden Wing Alliance fluttered in the wind. Elder Su's gilded curved sword was slung across his waist, the golden eagle pattern on the scabbard gleaming coldly in the sunlight—he was Su Xiaoman's uncle, known in the martial arts world as "Golden Eagle Hand." His "Golden Eagle Claw" technique had once shattered the collarbone of a master from the Western Xia's "First-Class Hall." Now, Elder Su was the Commander of the Imperial Guard of the Tang Dynasty.

At this moment, Elder Su roared, "Where is Tu Pengpeng?" His hawk-like gaze swept across the fishing village by Erhai Lake. The Golden Wing Alliance disciples had already nocked their crossbows, the arrows pointing directly at Tu Pengpeng, who was mending fishing nets.

Elder Su said angrily, "My Lady Xiaoman has ordered that she personally ask this girl why she is clinging to His Majesty!"

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword was suddenly drawn, its red silk tassel taut in the morning breeze. The tip of her sword pointed diagonally at the ground, and the pebbles stirred up by her sword energy coalesced into a small mound at her feet. Without fear, she said, "Elder Su, what a show of power! Brother Shi and I are upright and honorable; why should we explain ourselves to your Golden Wing Alliance? Humph!"

Shi Feiyang used the "Lotus Shadow Illusion" footwork to instantly appear between the two. He gently flicked his bamboo staff between Elder Su's scabbard and Tu Pengpeng's sword tip. The "Yin-Yang Harmony" internal energy from the Lotus Manual transformed into a warm current, simultaneously dissipating the energy of both sides.

His long hair was slightly damp from the morning mist, and the icy light emanating from the silver ring on his left ear reflected Elder Su's angry expression and Tu Pengpeng's stubborn profile. However, he did not use his status as the retired emperor to intimidate Elder Su. Instead, he teased, "Elder Su has come from afar. Let's have a cup of Tuocha from Dali first."

Elder Su's Golden Eagle Claw suddenly gripped Tu Pengpeng's shoulder, the wind from his fingers whistling through the air. His claws gleamed a bronze color in the sunlight, a sign of reaching the seventh level of the "Golden Eagle Claw"—their claw strength capable of shattering gold and breaking stone. Not only did he not stop, but he also angrily shouted, "What rules do you know, you little brat! His Majesty is the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty; how dare you, a wild girl from the martial world, harbor such delusions?"

Tu Pengpeng unleashed her Seven Star Sword with the deadly move "Big Dipper Across the Sky," the sword light forming a net that protected her entire body, while the red silk tassel of the sword wrapped around Elder Su's wrist.

Her sword tip was only three inches from Elder Su's throat, yet the sword energy already made his beard flutter. She retorted sarcastically, "Who I, Tu Pengpeng, like is none of your business, you old thing."

Shi Feiyang hurriedly used the "Lotus Palm Technique," striking out with both palms to create a "Lotus Blossoming" effect. The palm wind swirled between the two, forming a white lotus-shaped air wall that pushed away the Golden Eagle Claw and the Seven Star Sword simultaneously.

His inner energy from the "True Qi Condensation" technique in the Lotus Sutra surged around his body, causing his coarse cloth shirt to move even without wind. His voice suddenly turned fierce as he roared, "Stop! Elder Su, Pengpeng is a meritorious official who helped the Great Tang Dynasty; Pengpeng, Elder Su is the uncle of the Great Tang Imperial Concubine Su Xiaoman. How dare you be so rude!"

Suddenly, a deafening drumbeat resounded from the west gate of Dali City, and Duan Zhenghong's wolf-head banner rose amidst the smoke of battle. The remnants of the Western Xia "Armor-Piercing Cone" battalion were charging along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, their iron hooves splattering blood and sparks from horseshoes on the bluestone slabs, creating a flowing river of fire.

Duan Zhenghong roared like a madman, "Shi Feiyang! Your death is near!" He unleashed his "One-Finger Divine Skill," his finger force piercing through the city gate and piercing a bloody hole in the guard's iron armor. He then roared, "The Western Xia's 'Ten Thousand Gu Formation' has been set up outside the city. Today, I will make you taste the bitterness of wishing for death!"

Shi Feiyang slammed his bamboo staff against the city wall, unleashing the "Lotus Steps" technique. His footwork created a series of lotus-shaped bursts of energy, sending the surging Western Xia soldiers flying backward. He then roared, "Elder Su, lead the Golden Wing Alliance disciples to guard the East Gate! Quickly!"

He used the "Lotus Shadow Illusion" footwork to pass by Tu Pengpeng, gently tapping her wrist with his fingertip, and said tenderly, "Pengpeng, use the 'Meteor Chasing the Moon' move of the Seven Star Sword Technique to guard the arrow tower and prevent the archers from getting up!"

Just as Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword leaped onto the arrow tower, Elder Su's Golden Eagle Claw suddenly struck her in the back, angrily saying, "Let this little brat guard the arrow tower? If the Western Xia people are allowed to enter, who can bear the responsibility!"

His claws were filled with ruthlessness, and he disregarded the fighting below the city wall, determined to prove himself against Tu Pengpeng.

Tu Pengpeng angrily cursed, "You old bastard, if you have the guts, go kill the Western Xia soldiers! What kind of hero bullies women!" Her sword tip spun on the wooden pillar of the arrow tower, and her body spun like a top. The sword energy of the Seven Star Sword sparked on Elder Su's golden eagle claws, and the two actually started fighting in the small space of the arrow tower.

Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Lotus Fury," a powerful palm strike that repelled Duan Zhenghong's "One-Finger Divine Skill." Turning back, he saw the clash of weapons coming from the arrow tower, and his anger flared. He flicked his "True Qi Condensation" finger strike, simultaneously knocking their weapons away, and shouted, "What kind of time is this to be fighting amongst ourselves! If you keep this up, we'll all be fed to the Gu!" His green bamboo staff pointed towards the "Ten Thousand Gu Formation" outside the city, where countless poisonous scorpions were emerging from the black mist.

Elder Su reluctantly withdrew his golden eagle claws, but still glared at Tu Pengpeng, saying unwillingly, "Little brat, I'll settle the score with you after we drive back the Western Xia people!" He turned and leaped down from the arrow tower, and the crossbow bolts of the Golden Wing Alliance disciples rained down on the "Armor-Piercing Cone" camp, turning the cavalry at the forefront into pincushions.

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword suddenly pointed behind Shi Feiyang, its light flashing like lightning. She then warned, "Be careful!" Duan Zhenghong's One Finger Finger strike had already silently arrived, only a foot away from Shi Feiyang's back.

Shi Feiyang used the "Lotus Shadow Illusion" footwork, suddenly shifting to the side. His finger force grazed past Shi Feiyang's shoulder, piercing a bloody hole in the wooden beam of the arrow tower.

He said gratefully, "Thank you." A white mist of "healing magic" emanated from his palm, and he gently brushed it over Tu Pengpeng's arm, which had been slashed by the sword energy. A light blue protective film immediately appeared on the wound.

Tu Pengpeng's cheeks flushed red in the smoke of battle. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Shi Feiyang leap down from the arrow tower, his green bamboo staff moving like a dragon emerging from the sea, aiming straight for Duan Zhenghong's throat. With a "thud," the green bamboo staff pierced through Duan Zhenghong's neck.

Duan Zhenghong fell backward, blood splattering on his face, and died tragically on the ground.

As night fell, the corpses of the Western Xia soldiers piled up into a small mountain outside Dali City. The remnants of the "Armor-Piercing Cone" battalion retreated into the black mist of the "Ten Thousand Gu Formation," while Duan Zhenghong's wolf-head banner appeared and disappeared on a distant mountaintop, clearly waiting for reinforcements.

Shi Feiyang's coarse cloth shirt was stained with blood, but it was quietly repaired by the "holy method of healing" in the Lotus Sutra, and even the hole in the hem of the shirt gradually healed.

He looked at Tu Pengpeng, who was bandaging her wounds on the watchtower, and then at Elder Su, who was counting the casualties. He suddenly felt that the martial world was even more difficult to deal with than the imperial court—the sword fights in the imperial court were visible, but the hidden arrows of love and affection were impossible to guard against.

Elder Su crushed the skull of a Western Xia soldier with his golden eagle claws, his voice carrying an undeniable force. He turned to Shi Feiyang and said, "Your Majesty, the Little Barbarian Empress has decreed that this girl must leave Dali and never come within three feet of you again."

Tu Pengpeng drew her Seven Star Sword with a clang, the blade gleaming coldly in the moonlight. She said angrily, "I fought alongside Brother Shi, why should I leave?" Her gaze met Shi Feiyang's eyes, where the hesitation pierced her heart like a needle. She said sadly, "Do you think I'm just a nuisance?"

Shi Feiyang's "Yin-Yang Harmony" mental technique suddenly became disordered, and the internal energy in his dantian became somewhat restless—something that had never happened since he began cultivating the Lotus Sutra. Looking at Tu Pengpeng's tearful eyes, and recalling Zhao Qingyi's gentleness, Su Xiaoman's fiery temper, and Ling Shuanghua's tranquility in the Luoyang Imperial Palace, he suddenly felt that this key to "purifying the mind and reducing desires" was truly the most difficult cultivation in the world.

Shi Feiyang drew a line on the ground with his bamboo staff, separating the two of them, and said affectionately, "Pengpeng, after the matter in Dali is settled, I will send you back to the Seven Star Sword Sect. Your master..."

Tu Pengpeng's sword suddenly pointed at her heart. Her voice was choked with sobs, yet it held the fierce resolve of a woman from the southwest. She cried out hoarsely, "I won't go back to my sect! Unless you kill me, I will never leave! I know I'm not good enough for you, but I..."

Suddenly, a deafening shout erupted from outside the city. Duan Zhenghong had joined forces with the sorcerers of the "Ten Thousand Gu Formation" to unleash the poisonous Gu worms in another charge. The scorpions and snakes in the black mist gleamed with an eerie blue light under the moonlight, and they were less than a hundred paces from the city wall.

Shi Feiyang suddenly pointed his green bamboo staff towards the outside of the city and roared, "Repel the enemy first!"

His "Lotus Palm Technique" unleashed a "Lotus Fury," the palm wind swirling into a wall of energy on the city wall, turning the first scorpions that climbed up into mincemeat. He then shouted, "Elder Su, use fire arrows to burn the black mist! Pengpeng, guard the mechanisms at the city gate!" Tu Pengpeng gritted her teeth and leaped towards the city gate with her Seven Star Sword, her sword flashing as she tapped the mechanisms. The heavy iron gate slowly slammed down, keeping most of the poisonous insects outside the city. Elder Su's Golden Eagle Claw flicked up a fire arrow, the crossbow bolt shooting towards the black mist with sparks, instantly igniting a wall of fire. The screams of the poisonous insects rose and fell, sending chills down one's spine.

Shi Feiyang gazed at the two men fighting side-by-side in the firelight, and suddenly felt that the tender emotions of lovers in this chaotic world, like the blood and fire on the city walls, were both a burden and a support. He flicked out his "True Qi Condensation" finger strike, shattering Duan Zhenghong's "One-Finger Divine Skill" attack in mid-air. The icy light emanating from the silver earring on his left ear reflected the city lights and the beacon fires outside—tonight, Dali was destined to be sleepless.

As the sky began to lighten with the first light of dawn, the black mist of the "Ten Thousand Gu Formation" was finally burned away by the rockets.

Duan Zhenghong's remaining troops dragged the wounded soldiers and fled towards Xixia. The corpses on the city wall were piled higher than the arrow towers. The corpses of the poisoned gu emitted a pungent stench, which mixed with the blood of the Golden Wing Alliance disciples, becoming a footnote to this bloody battle.

Elder Su's Golden Eagle Claw had three broken fingers, yet he still refused to retreat from the city tower, only coldly staring at Tu Pengpeng. Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword scabbard was stained with poisonous blood, and her face was as pale as paper, clearly suffering from a mild form of Gu poison, yet she stubbornly stood beside Shi Feiyang, refusing to leave.

Shi Feiyang's "Sacred Healing Technique" simultaneously swept over the two of them—forming a protective film at Elder Su's broken bones and drawing a lotus-shaped energy on Tu Pengpeng's wrist, slowly forcing out the Gu poison. "Elder Su," his voice carried the clear, melodious quality unique to the Lotus Sutra, "Pengpeng is afflicted with 'Mother-Child Gu,' which requires seven days to completely expel. These next few days..."

Elder Su slammed his golden eagle claw heavily onto the city bricks and said decisively, "I'll guard her! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking, old man! Once she's cured of the Gu poison, she must leave!" Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword carved a lotus flower on the ground, and a smile suddenly appeared on her lips as she looked at Shi Feiyang and said, "I won't leave. Unless you use this sword to drive me away."

Shi Feiyang gently tapped the tip of her sword with his bamboo cane, his gesture tinged with helplessness and indulgence. He said affectionately, "Let's heal your injuries first." He turned to look at the sunrise outside the city, where the sea of ​​clouds was churning, much like his own turbulent emotions. He murmured, "The matter in Dali isn't over yet. The reinforcements from Western Xia are probably already on their way." Of course, he was saying this to Elder Su.

Elder Su's cold snort and Tu Pengpeng's soft laughter rang out simultaneously, creating a strange harmony on the silent city tower. Shi Feiyang gazed at the gradually brightening eastern sky and suddenly recalled Zhao Qingyi's words: "Love in chaotic times is like a lotus in the wind, seemingly fragile, yet its roots are deeply embedded in the mud." Perhaps his fate with this girl from the southwest was like the morning mist of Dali—not something that could be easily dispelled.

The Beggars' Sect disciples below the city wall were clearing the battlefield. Li Xian, carrying Duan Zhenghong's wolf-head flag on his green bamboo staff, shouted excitedly, "Your Majesty, the Western Xia people have retreated!" Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over Tu Pengpeng's red clothes, then looked at Elder Su's black eagle flag. He suddenly felt that this path of the martial world might be even more difficult than recovering the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun—after all, a country can be conquered by force, but the hearts of the people cannot.

The morning breeze in Dali blew past the city gate, carrying the fragrance of camellias and a faint smell of blood, making Shi Feiyang's long hair flutter in the wind.

The silver ring on his left ear shimmered with a delicate, icy light in the morning glow. In that light lay his longing for Luoyang, his affection for the southwest, and the tangled threads of love that could not be severed amidst the chaos of war.

Fortunately, Elder Su stopped insisting and said to Shi Feiyang, "Your Majesty, Miss Tu is commendable, both brave and resourceful. I will know what to say and what to do when I return to Luoyang! The brothers of the Golden Wing Alliance will meet you in Xia Kingdom!" After saying this, he turned and left.

The camellias in Dali were still burning brightly on the branches when Shi Feiyang, with Tu Pengpeng in his arms, stepped onto the back of the Vermilion Bird. The wings of this divine bird shimmered crimson in the sunlight, and its tail feathers swept across the golden roof of the Three Pagodas Temple, the wind it stirred up carrying away the last wisp of smoke.

Tu Pengpeng's red dress blended with the fiery color of the Vermilion Bird, and the red silk tassel of the Seven Star Sword was wrapped around Shi Feiyang's wrist, as if binding an unbreakable bond. Her cheek was pressed against Shi Feiyang's chest, where the skin glowed with a jade-like luster when he circulated his internal energy. The Yin-Yang internal energy of the Lotus Sutra and the Bright Jade Skill merged, weaving a layer of faint white mist between the two of them.

She said excitedly, "Brother Feiyang, you are so heartwarming. You are even warmer than the hot springs of Erhai Lake."

Shi Feiyang stood before the tent atop the Vermilion Bird's back, the clouds beneath his feet churning like waves. He looked down and saw a camellia petal clinging to Tu Pengpeng's eyelashes, and couldn't help but gently brush it away with his fingertips, saying affectionately, "After we overthrow Xingqing Prefecture of Western Xia, I'll take you to Chang'an to see the peonies." He reached out to smooth her wind-blown hair.

Tu Pengpeng suddenly tilted her head back, her nose almost touching his chin. The scabbard of the Seven Star Sword traced a shallow arc on the back of the Vermilion Bird. With excitement mixed with a touch of sadness, she said, "Brother Feiyang, Elder Su said I'm not good enough for you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang silenced her with a kiss. The chill of Ming Yu Gong clashed with the warmth between her lips, condensing into tiny ice crystals on Zhuque's wings, which were then instantly melted by the flames.

Shi Feiyang's gaze swept across the distant snow-capped mountains, their icy peaks trembling under his stare. He suddenly chuckled softly, the silver earring in his left ear shimmering with light, and said tenderly, "In my heart, you are more precious than the peonies of Luoyang or the lotuses of Chang'an. Besides, whether someone is worthy of you is up to me." With that, he picked up Tu Pengpeng, slipped into the tent, and happily married, lost in blissful bliss!
The Vermilion Bird understood Shi Feiyang's thoughts and flew in the sky for three days and three nights. On the fourth day, Shi Feiyang finally emerged from the tent, exhausted. He took out many delicious things from the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, which was invisible to mortals, and put them into the tent.

Then, he picked up Tu Pengpeng, and together they jumped into the large bathtub to play in the water like mandarin ducks. After bathing and changing clothes, the two sat in front of the tent to eat. Zhuque obediently flew to Xixia, and as it passed through the clouds of Kunlun Mountain, the horns of Xixia's "Yipintang" sounded below. Undeterred, it swooped down and flew low.

A giant black eagle soared through the air, crashing into the Vermilion Bird. Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Flying Dragon in the Sky" technique from the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, the powerful palm wind transforming into a golden dragon that slammed into the pursuing black eagle. "Bang!" With a deafening crash, the black eagle, unable to withstand Shi Feiyang's ferocious and unparalleled palm force, coughed up blood and crashed into its own rider's mount, its screams echoing through the valley.

Tu Pengpeng cheered excitedly, "My husband's palm technique is truly amazing!" She untied the jade pendant from her waist and tucked it into Shi Feiyang's clothes, saying affectionately, "This is my mother's keepsake, engraved with the words 'Pengpeng.' Wearing it is like having me always by your side. From now on, my husband doesn't need to take me to live in the imperial palace in Luoyang. I don't want to compete with that Song princess, the Emei sect heroine, or Miss Su of the Golden Wing Alliance!"

Shi Feiyang said with emotion, "Madam, you are so kind! But I will not let you suffer any injustice." He turned around and pushed Tu Pengpeng behind his back, then swung his palm like a knife, unleashing the "Viewing the Vast Ocean" technique from the Hundred Victories Swordplay. The blade energy surged and deflected the oncoming crossbow bolts. He then pulled out a white tiger from a mysterious deerskin bag that was invisible to mortals, and instructed the white tiger to protect Tu Pengpeng. This moved Tu Pengpeng to tears.

The cry of the Vermilion Bird pierced the clouds, and the outline of Xingqing Prefecture came into view ahead. The city walls of this Western Xia capital were built of Helan Mountain stone, which gleamed coldly in the setting sun, and the wolf-head flags on the city walls fluttered in the wind.

……

At this time, Xingqing Prefecture was celebrating the Lantern Festival, and the river lanterns on the streets floated like stars in the canal.

Shi Feiyang's black brocade robe was embroidered with the intertwined branches of the Tangut people.

Tu Pengpeng changed into a silver fur coat worn by noblewomen of the Xia Kingdom. The Seven Star Sword was hidden under the pleated skirt, and the seven-star pattern on the hilt was covered by a sachet, with only the pearls on the tassels showing, shimmering in the crowd.

Tu Pengpeng pointed her finger toward the Liuli Pavilion at the end of the street, where the shadows of a young man in brocade robes flickered—it was none other than Li Deming, the Crown Prince of Western Xia.

She introduced, "Husband, that is the residence of the Crown Prince of Xia. I heard that he and the Second Prince Li Dewang have been fighting to the death for the throne for a long time."

Shi Feiyang nodded, put his arm around Tu Pengpeng, and used the mysterious "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill, making their figures appear and disappear in the sea of ​​lights.

He deliberately knocked over a sugar figurine stall, splattering sugar syrup onto Li Deming's brocade robe. Taking advantage of the chaos, he slipped a wooden plaque inscribed with "The Crown Prince's Secret Collusion with the Tibetans" into his sleeve. "This is called 'testing the waters'," he whispered in Tu Pengpeng's ear. The chill of Mingyu Gong made her involuntarily shrink back, her cheeks flushing even more. Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword suddenly drew half an inch from its sheath, its light deflecting a pickpocket lunging at Shi Feiyang. Their eyes, brighter than river lanterns, shone with a captivating light. The two followed the crowd into the Daxiangguo Temple, where Emperor Li Qianshun of Western Xia was worshipping Buddha.

Shi Feiyang's gaze swept across the Buddhist hall. Behind Li Qianshun, the Second Prince Li Dewang was staring at the Crown Prince with a venomous look, his nails digging deeply into his palms.

He suddenly chuckled and used the silver thread of his "Heavenly Silkworm Technique" to stick a note that read "The Second Prince Colludes with the Song Kingdom" onto the incense burner.

Tu Pengpeng immediately put to use the acting skills Shi Feiyang had taught her. Her voice, filled with surprise but deliberately raised a few decibels, said, "Husband, look at that incense burner! There seem to be words on it." Her seven-star sword tassel lightly brushed against Li Dewang's hand, startling him so much that he jerked his hand back, knocking over the candlestick beside him. The Buddhist hall was instantly thrown into chaos.

Li Dewang's guards snatched the note from the incense burner and loudly read the words aloud. Li Qianshun's face instantly turned ashen. Taking advantage of the moment, Crown Prince Li Deming pulled out a wooden plaque from his sleeve and pleaded, "Father! I'm innocent! It was my second brother who framed me!"

Li Dewang suddenly drew his scimitar, the blade flashing as he slashed at the crown prince, shouting angrily, "You're talking nonsense! It's clearly you who colluded with the Tibetans, trying to seize the throne with their help!"

Shi Feiyang, with Tu Pengpeng in his arms, retreated behind the Buddha statue. He then used his "Flower Transfer and Jade Replacing" technique to lure the charging guards towards the Crown Prince's confidants. A fierce battle suddenly erupted inside the Buddhist hall, with the screams of the Western Xia nobles, the clash of weapons, and the chanting of Buddhist scriptures all mixed together.

Tu Pengpeng exclaimed excitedly, "Husband, you are truly a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang! Look, they've really started fighting." Her cheek pressed against Shi Feiyang's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, she suddenly stood on tiptoe and gently pecked his chin.

As Shi Feiyang circulated his "Mingyu Gong," the shimmering light emanating from his skin flickered in the shadows of the Buddha statue. He gazed at the Western Xia princes slaughtering each other in the Buddhist hall, then at Tu Pengpeng, whose eyes sparkled in his arms. Suddenly, he felt that the power struggles of this chaotic world paled in comparison to the dazzling pearl hairpin adorning her hair. His fingertips brushed her lips as he said tenderly, "After we've dealt with Western Xia, let's go to the northern deserts to see the grasslands, and never care about this fighting again."

Tu Pengpeng's tears suddenly fell, landing on his brocade robe and spreading into small wet patches. She asked excitedly, "Really? My husband wouldn't lie to me? Even if Elder Su comes again, even if Empress Zhao and the others..."

Shi Feiyang grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping over the Buddhist hall, where the fighting was nearing its end, and the prince's corpse lay beside the incense burner.

The second prince was carrying a blood-dripping scimitar as he approached Li Qianshun to claim credit.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Evil Blood Calamity" divine skill. The Second Prince suddenly clutched his chest and vomited blood. His corpse shrank into a shriveled monkey shape a moment later.

……

The glazed tile hall of the Western Xia imperial palace gleamed coldly in the night. Beside Li Qianshun's dragon throne knelt trembling members of the imperial clan. The Second Prince's body had just been dragged away; the bloodstains on the ground hadn't been wiped clean, and the air was thick with a strange stench of blood mixed with ambergris. (End of Chapter)