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

Shi Feiyang sneered, "Why didn't you say so sooner? Why did you only say it on your deathbed? Humph!"

Its "Shocking Calamity" was unleashed in response to the incantation; its icy gaze, like two invisible knives, instantly sliced ​​Li Ningling's body into ice shards. Those fragments, mixed with jujube petals, floated in the spring water, like a strange rain of flowers.

He bent down and picked up the secret letter, which read: "After the Western Xia is destroyed, we will divide the territory of the Great Tang Dynasty..."

Shi Feiyang angrily cursed, "Wishful thinking." He crushed the letter with his fingertips, and the cold air caused the paper scraps to freeze into ice crystals in the air.

As he turned around, he bumped into He Yao and Guo Biyu—they were wiping the blood off each other's faces with handkerchiefs, their light green and pale yellow battle robes overlapping, like two blood-soaked lotus blossoms.

"Brother Shi, look!" Guo Biyu's iron hairpin had been found sometime earlier, and she was using it to raise the wolf flag of the Western Xia.

The flag was as brittle as thin ice in the cold air, crumbling into dust at the slightest touch. She exclaimed excitedly, "From now on, Xingqing Prefecture will be the land of the Great Tang!" A jujube flower was still pinned in her hair, the blood droplets on its petals shimmering in the setting sun like tiny rubies.

He Yao jumped off her warhorse and handed the water bottle to Shi Feiyang. The hem of her battle robe was covered in sand, but she carefully wiped the spout of the bottle with her sleeve. Her jade hairpin shone like a star in the twilight. She then teased, "Senior, this was boiled with water from Crescent Moon Spring. Please drink some to soothe your throat."

She suddenly tiptoed and wiped the bloodstains from his chin with a handkerchief. Her voice was as soft as spring water as she said warmly, "When we get back to Luoyang, I'll make you wheat cakes with lots and lots of honey, so sweet they'll warm your heart."

Shi Feiyang paused as he took the kettle. Looking at He Yao's reddened ears, he suddenly remembered the snow on the top of Mount Tai—she had done the same thing back then, handing him a wheat cake with her frozen red hands. Only back then, she would be shy for a long time after he touched her hand.

His gaze shifted to Guo Biyu, who was using Emei thorns to string together jujube branches, her movements as practiced as if she were arranging flowers in the Imperial Garden. Her shoulders, beneath her pale yellow cloak, were still trembling slightly from the earlier battle.

"You..." Shi Feiyang's voice suddenly became a little hoarse, and Ming Yugong's coldness could not suppress the warmth in his eyes. He said in a trembling voice, "Aren't you afraid?"

Guo Biyu drew a heart on the sand with her iron hairpin, and the petals of the jujube flower in her hair fell out. She said firmly, "With Brother Shi here, I'm not afraid of anything." Her eyes were bright, like the water of Crescent Moon Spring, and she said resolutely, "Even if it's a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I will follow you through it."

He Yao didn't speak, but gently held Shi Feiyang's hand.

His palms were icy cold, while her fingertips were burning hot. Their breaths intertwined in the twilight, like the yin and yang of a tai chi symbol. From Xingqing Prefecture in the distance came the cheers of the people. The dragon flag of the Tang Dynasty rose slowly on the city wall, fluttering in the yellow sand like a flower that would never fade.

……

When the peonies in Luoyang Palace were in full bloom, Shi Feiyang stood on the steps of the Taiji Hall, receiving the homage of the officials.

He Yao's phoenix coronet and embroidered robes complemented Guo Tianyu's imperial concubine court dress on either side, shining like the sun and moon.

His dragon robe was embroidered with a nine-clawed golden dragon, and the Seven Star Sword at his waist was still wrapped with three circles of red silk—that was the tassel of He Yao's Tai Chi sword, which had now become a mascot of the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the Tibetan king has sent an envoy to offer congratulations, wishing to present three thousand bolts of brocade as tribute every year." Guo Biyu's voice was clear and bright, and the pearl on her hair ornament swayed gently with her movements. She then reported, "Prince Duan of Dali has also sent 'Drunken Immortal Tea,' saying it is a congratulatory gift for the two ladies."

Her fingertips traced the vermilion seal on the memorial, and the smile in her eyes seemed to overflow.

He Yao replaced her jade hairpin with a phoenix hairpin, but it still carried the heroic spirit of a chivalrous heroine.

She was using the scabbard of her Tai Chi sword to unfurl a map of the Western Regions, her voice gentle yet firm as she said, “Your Majesty, General Cheng Fei has built three new cities in the Hexi Corridor. The people say that this is an achievement that only a ‘Heavenly Khan’ could accomplish.”

Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over the peach blossoms outside the palace, where petals were falling on Yelü Mingquan's wolfskin boots.

Her Liao Dynasty court robes were embroidered with gray wolves, and her scimitar gleamed at her waist. She exclaimed, "Your Majesty's strategy of 'befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones' truly puts Tibet and Dali to your own devices. I just wonder when Your Majesty will send troops to destroy the Jin Dynasty, so that I, a former Liao subject, can return to my hometown."

Shi Feiyang tapped the armrest of the dragon throne with his fingertips, the ice patterns on it gleaming under the circulation of the Mingyu Gong, and said domineeringly, "Almost there."

His gaze swept over He Yao and Guo Biyu, and he said domineeringly, "After the autumn harvest, we will use the 'fishing in troubled waters' strategy to take Zhongdu in one fell swoop while the Jin Kingdom is attacking the Southern Song Dynasty."

He Yao's phoenix hairpin swayed gently, and the hem of her light green palace dress swept across the gold bricks. She reported, "Your Majesty, I have sent disciples of the Taiji Sword Sect to contact General Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty." Her voice was sweet as honey, and she said with satisfaction, "General Yue said that he is willing to join forces with the Tang Dynasty to resist the Jurchens."

Guo Biyu's hair ornaments jingled as she used an Emei dagger to pry open a secret letter from the Jin Kingdom—it had been found in Xingqing Prefecture and bore the jade seal of Wanyan Zongbi's son. She said jokingly, "Brother Shi, look, these Jin dogs still want to collude with Western Xia. They're just daydreaming."

She crushed the letter with her fingertips, her movements swift and ruthless, much like when she killed Li Ningling in the Mingsha Mountain. She then said jokingly, "Once we destroy the Jin Kingdom, we'll burn their wolf flags as firewood."

Haha! Shi Feiyang laughed, his laughter echoing in the hall. He looked at the two girls—one gentle as water, yet capable of strategizing in the court; the other fiery as fire, yet capable of capturing enemy generals and flags on the battlefield.

The peach blossoms outside the window fell on their shoulders, like the sand date blossoms of Mingsha Mountain in those days, carrying the fragrance of blood and fire, yet also exuding the tranquility of a prosperous age.

Shi Feiyang then shouted loudly, "Issue my decree: next spring, we shall march on Zhongdu! I will ensure that no more wolves roam this land!"

He Yao's phoenix coronet and embroidered robes and Guo Biyu's imperial concubine court dress unfolded amidst the sword light, like two phoenixes protecting their master.

Amidst the thunderous cheers of the civil and military officials, Shi Feiyang's gaze swept over the peach blossoms outside the palace, where petals were falling softly, landing on his dragon robe and in the hair of the two young ladies, like a grand rain of flowers.

When the peonies in Luoyang Palace were in full bloom, Shi Feiyang held a victory celebration banquet in the Imperial Garden. He Yao, dressed in a light green palace gown embroidered with lotus blossoms, was picking up a piece of almond pastry with silver chopsticks when Guo Biyu gently tapped the back of her hand with a jade spoon.

"Sister, eat slowly," Guo Biyu said warmly, her pale yellow skirt brushing against the hem of Shi Feiyang's dragon robe, her pearl hairpins jingling. "Sister Yelü will be here later. She loves these almond pastries the most, so you should save a few for her." Her fingertips were stained with honey, which she secretly smeared on Shi Feiyang's palm. When she saw him raise an eyebrow and look over, she hurriedly lowered her head, her ear tips turning as red as ripe cherries.

He Yao gently swayed her jade hairpin, placed the almond pastry into Shi Feiyang's dish, and said tenderly, "Your Majesty has been working hard lately, you should eat more sweets." Her gaze fell on the ice patterns on his cuffs—marks left from practicing the Mingyu Kung Fu, crisscrossing like a map. She then reported, "Sister Yelü wrote that all the former Liao troops have surrendered and are awaiting Your Majesty's decree of reward."

Just as Shi Feiyang was about to speak, the chief eunuch rushed over, carrying a sandalwood box. He announced in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty, Prince Duan of Dali has sent a congratulatory gift, saying it's for the two empresses." Inside the box was brocade and two strings of pearls, each as large as a pigeon's egg. The chief eunuch added in a shrill voice, "Prince Duan also said that the 'Drunken Immortal Tea' from the Camellia Grove is ready and will be delivered personally at the Autumn Equinox."

"He certainly knows how to handle people," Shi Feiyang said jokingly, picking up a string of pearls and pinning them in He Yao's hair, the cool beads brushing against her temples.

He added jokingly, "Last year when we attacked Dali, he hid in Wuhua Tower and didn't dare to come out, but now he knows how to give gifts."

Guo Biyu suddenly burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her handkerchief and saying, "Brother Shi, have you forgotten? It was my Tai Chi sword that broke through his Camellia Formation, and only then did Prince Duan write a letter of surrender in fear." Her hair ornament brushed against Shi Feiyang's shoulder, and she said with some worry, "However, his 'One-Finger Divine Skill' has improved. Last time I sent someone to Dali, I saw him carving words on a stone tablet with his finger force, and the carving was even deeper than with a knife."

Just then, Yelü Mingquan's laughter came from the moon gate. Her Liao court dress was embroidered with a gray wolf, and the curved sword at her waist was a pair with Shi Feiyang's. She said excitedly, "I heard that His Majesty has destroyed Western Xia, so I specially rushed back from Youzhou to drink the victory wine."

Her wolfskin boots crunched over the flower petals as she tossed a sheepskin bag to Shi Feiyang, then declared domineeringly, "This is the head of Wanyan Zongbi's son. Consider it a gift for my two sisters."

He Yao turned her face away in fright, but Guo Biyu took the sheepskin bag, used the Emei dagger to pry it open and looked inside. She said with emotion, "Thank you, Sister Yelu. This head is perfect for soaking in the 'Dissolving Power Powder,' so that those remnants of the Jin Kingdom can see the consequences of betraying His Majesty." Her tone was casual, as if she were talking about something ordinary, which made He Yao secretly click her tongue—this girl's ruthlessness was becoming more and more like Tu Pengpeng's.

Shi Feiyang tapped his fingers on the table, his gaze sweeping over the peonies in the Imperial Garden, and said, "Qin An's Flying Tiger Battalion has entered the Hexi Corridor, Cheng Fei is pacifying the people in Xingqing Prefecture, and Instructor Lin's spear battalion is guarding Xiaoguan Pass."

His voice suddenly softened as he looked at He Yao and said with concern, "Shouldn't your father's Tai Chi Sword Sect be moved to Luoyang? Shandong is not peaceful these days, and I don't feel comfortable leaving the Beggars' Sect brothers to look after it."

He Yao's eyes instantly reddened, the pearl on her jade hairpin reflecting her tears. She choked out, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty." Her fingers twisted the hem of her skirt, but she stubbornly said, "It's just that my father said he wants to rebuild a Taoist temple on the top of Mount Tai and erect a monument for those martial arts heroes who died in battle."

“Alright.” Shi Feiyang nodded. “Have Li Tieniu send some Beggars’ Sect disciples to help, and also allocate some silver.” He turned to Guo Biyu. “The Emei Sect’s Abbess who wiped out the sect wrote to say last time that she wanted you to return and inherit the position of sect leader?”

Guo Biyu shook her head like a rattle drum, her pale yellow skirt brushing against Shi Feiyang's dragon robe. She said shyly, "I'm not going back! What's the point of the ancient Buddha and the green lamp on Mount Emei?" Her pearl hairpin jingled, and she said affectionately, "I want to stay by His Majesty's side, help you manage the affairs of state with my sister, and practice martial arts with you when we're free. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Yelü Mingquan suddenly burst into laughter, his Canglang Palace attire unfurling in the wind. He then said with a smile, "Your Majesty is so fortunate. You have the gentle and understanding Sister He on your left and the feisty and capable Sister Guo on your right. No wonder you were able to pacify the world."

Her scimitar suddenly drew, slicing silver lines in the moonlight, and she said mockingly, "How about we have a match? Let me see if your 'Hundred Victories Blade Technique' has improved since you destroyed the Stone Emperor of Western Xia?"

Shi Feiyang drew his Seven Star Swords simultaneously, the red silk on the scabbards adorned with Yelü Mingquan's tassel. He teased, "I was just about to learn from the Imperial Concubine's 'Heavenly Wolf Saber Technique' and see if your skills have declined over the years in Youzhou." His gaze swept over He Yao and Guo Biyu, and he raised an eyebrow, saying, "You two should also have a go. It'll be perfect for me to see who has improved faster, the Tai Chi Sword or the Emei Dagger."

He Yao's Tai Chi sword was drawn with a "whoosh," and the moon-white sword tassel intertwined with Guo Xiangyu's pale yellow sleeves in the air.

Shi Feiyang's Seven Star Sword and Yelü Mingquan's curved saber moved like two streaks of light, weaving through the peony bushes. The petals of the Imperial Garden were shaken by the sword energy and flew everywhere, landing on the four of them like a grand rain of flowers.

However, none of them noticed the resentful gazes of Zhao Qingyi and her daughter, especially Shi Feiyang and Zhao Qingyi's daughter, Princess Shi Nian. Seeing her father Shi Feiyang taking a new concubine while her mother looked worried and distressed, and with her maternal grandfather's Song Dynasty being destroyed by the Jin Dynasty, while Shi Feiyang's Tang Dynasty stood by and did nothing, Shi Nian hated Shi Feiyang, as well as the two new imperial concubines, He Yao and Guo Biyu.

Shi Nian glanced at the cowardly young emperor Shi Nianyun and his mother, Liu Dan, a former palace maid, and felt disdain.

She vowed to become the second Wu Zetian and avenge her mother.

The autumn hunting grounds for the Double Ninth Festival are located in Mangshan.

Shi Feiyang's hunting attire was covered in grass, and the bow and arrows at his waist were tied with red silk—a ribbon He Yao had tied herself, saying it would bring good luck. He Yao wore a fox fur coat over her light green riding clothes and was using a slingshot to knock wild fruit off the branches. Her jade hairpin had been replaced with a deer antler hairpin, making her look exceptionally lively.

"Senior, look at the hawthorns I picked!" He Yao habitually addressed Shi Feiyang, and tossed a bright red fruit to him. The reins in her hand looked like a green snake as she chuckled and said, "These taste much better than the ones in the Imperial Garden, they have a wild flavor."

Her horse's hooves trod over fallen leaves, startling a flock of sparrows, and she ran right into Shi Feiyang's arrow net—he had originally aimed at a sika deer, but seeing her having fun, he simply put away his arrow and let the deer run away.

Guo Biyu's pale yellow riding outfit was embroidered with a falcon. She shot a wild rabbit with a hidden arrow, the colorful silk at the end of the arrow drawing a golden line in the air. She said gently, "Brother Shi, this rabbit's fur is perfect for making a hand warmer for my sister to use in winter."

Her horse drew near Shi Feiyang's mount, the tassels of her pearl hairpin brushing against the back of his hand, and she said affectionately, "We'll roast rabbit tonight; I brought some cumin powder from the Western Regions." Just then, Instructor Lin's spear suddenly thrust out of the woods, the tip of which held a fox. He said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this fox pelt can be used to make scarves for the two empresses." His spear technique was still as swift as a dragon emerging from the sea, but he stopped three zhang away from Shi Feiyang and reported, "I just saw a few remnants of the Western Xia lurking in the woods. I severed their Achilles tendons with the tip of my spear and threw them to the wolves."

He Yao was alarmed, but Guo Biyu clapped her hands and laughed, "Instructor Lin did a good job! These people should be fed to the wolves, so they won't cause trouble in the shadows." She fired another hidden arrow, but this time it missed its prey and hit the venomous snake in front of He Yao's horse—the snake was flicking its tongue, obviously released by someone. She quickly warned, "Sister, be careful! This snake has poisonous fangs!"

Shi Feiyang used his "Transferring Flowers and Jade" skill to guide the snake's head and make it bite the tree trunk on its own.

Ming Yugong's chilling aura instantly froze the snake into an ice sculpture. His gaze swept across the depths of the forest, where the grass bore the marks of being trampled and still bore traces of Western Xia military uniform fabric. He said jokingly, "Looks like there are still some survivors. Perfect for stretching my muscles." He then used the profound "Hidden Body and Name" lightness skill to whirl through the forest, leaving afterimages, and his Seven Star Sword cleaved the poisoned arrow shot at him.

He Yao's Tai Chi sword and Guo Xiangyu's Emei dagger followed closely behind. Although their moves were different, they coordinated perfectly. He Yao's sword was both defensive and offensive, protecting Shi Feiyang's back. Guo Xiangyu's Emei dagger was cunning and ruthless, specifically designed to exploit the enemy's weaknesses.

Suddenly, Shi Feiyang unleashed the "Mountain Splitting" move of the "Hundred Victories Saber Technique" with both palms, cleaving the ancient tree in half. The screams of the remnants of the Western Xia army came from behind the tree.

Shi Feiyang's sword suddenly stopped, but He Yao's sword tip had already pierced the throat of the last enemy. She stared blankly at her blood-stained sword, when Shi Feiyang gently patted her shoulder. He encouraged her, "Well done. You don't have to be soft-hearted when dealing with this kind of person."

Guo Biyu used her Emei dagger to probe the enemy's token, the Western Xia wolf pattern on it already soaked in blood. She analyzed, "These people are Li Ningling's old subordinates. It seems they want to assassinate him during the autumn hunt." Her fingertips traced the notch on the token, but she also said sarcastically, "But they're too stupid. Do they think they can hurt Brother Shi with their mediocre skills?"

As the sun set, a campfire was lit in the hunting grounds. Guo Biyu was skewering rabbit meat with branches, while He Yao roasted hawthorns nearby. Shi Feiyang's bow and arrows leaned against a tree, the arrowhead still adorned with a piece of fox fur.

Instructor Lin and Yelü Mingquan sparred with their swords, the flashes of their blades flickering in the firelight, much like the fierce battle at Liangshan that night.

Guo Biyu said tenderly, "Brother Shi, try my roasted rabbit." She held a piece of glistening meat to Shi Feiyang's lips, her eyes brimming with laughter. "I put in a lot of cumin, it tastes just like the Western Regions." He Yao handed a skewer of hawthorns to Shi Feiyang, the bright red fruit dipped in honey, and said sweetly, "Senior, this will cut through the richness."

Shi Feiyang held rabbit meat in his left hand and hawthorn in his right, looking at the people around the campfire—Yelü Mingquan's wolfskin boots were stepping to the beat of the drums, Instructor Lin's spear was drawing formations on the ground, and He Yao's light green riding outfit and Guo Biyu's pale yellow riding outfit overlapped in the firelight, like two blooming flowers.

The morning bell shattered the morning mist of Luoyang, and Shi Feiyang's dragon robe gleamed in the morning light.

He Yao, dressed in her official robes, stood on the left, holding a map of Western Xia; Guo Xiangyu, dressed in her imperial concubine's court robes, stood on the right, using a dagger to open a letter from Tibet—she was now in charge of Western Regions affairs and was more skilled at handling these documents than anyone else.

"The Tibetan king has, as agreed, sent troops to capture Xiping Prefecture of Western Xia." Guo Biyu's voice was clear and bright, the pearl on her hairpin swaying slightly with her movements. She added with some unease, "However, he sent an envoy to say that he wants to marry a princess of the Tang Dynasty and form a marriage alliance." Her gaze swept over the assembled officials, and she offered a suggestion: "I think we should agree. We can use this marriage alliance to stabilize Tibet and let them restrain the remaining forces of the Jin Dynasty."

He Yao twisted the edge of the map with her fingers and said softly, "Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate. The Tibetan king just married a princess of Dali last year, and now he wants to marry a princess of the Tang Dynasty. It is clear that he wants to use marriage to expand his power."

Her jade hairpin gleamed in the morning light as she offered her suggestion, "Why not send an envoy to Tibet, saying we should wait until he deposes the Dali princess before discussing the marriage alliance, and see his sincerity?" Shi Feiyang tapped her fingers on the armrest of the dragon throne, her gaze fixed on Yelü Mingquan. Her Liao court robes, embroidered with grey wolves, were adorned with a curved knife as she picked her nails, saying domineeringly, "Both of you sisters have valid points, but in my opinion, directly sending Qin An with three thousand Flying Tiger Battalions to garrison the Tibetan border would be far more effective than any marriage alliance."

Her wolfskin boots stomped over the gold bricks as she said fiercely, "These alien races have always bullied the weak and feared the strong. If we hurt them, they will naturally obey."

The courtiers discussed the matter animatedly, some agreeing to the marriage alliance and others supporting military action. "Haha!" Shi Feiyang laughed, his laughter echoing through the hall, and said, "Consort Guo's appeasement, Lady He's checks and balances, and General Yelü's toughness all have their merits."

His gaze swept over the paulownia trees outside the palace, and he said with deep thought, "Pass on my decree, ordering Qin An to lead the Flying Tiger Battalion to garrison the Hexi Corridor. Do not attack the Tubo, nor arrange marriages; just wear them down. When their supplies run out, they will naturally come to me for help."

Guo Biyu's hair ornaments jingled, clearly finding the idea interesting. She agreed, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. This way, we can avoid sending troops, deter the Tibetans from making any rash moves, and take the opportunity to observe their movements."

Her fingertips traced circles on the official letter, and she offered a suggestion: "I'll send some followers of the Sun Moon Cult to Tibet and use the Gu poison of the Five Poisons Cult to frighten their Zanpu (king), and I guarantee he'll have nightmares every night."

He Yao's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Your Majesty's plan is truly brilliant, I admire it."

Her gaze fell on Shi Feiyang's dragon robe, where the golden dragon seemed to come alive, leaping in the morning light. She said with considerable sympathy, "But... but aren't those cultists using Gu poison too cruel?"

“There’s no need for mercy when dealing with jackals.” Shi Feiyang’s voice suddenly turned stern, and the chilling aura of Mingyu Gong made the candlelight in the hall flicker. He rebuked, “Back then, when they used ‘Black Blood Poison’ to kill the Beggar Clan brothers on the top of Mount Tai, did they ever think about how cruel it would be?”

His gaze swept over the assembled officials, and he declared loudly, "What I desire is peace throughout the land, not womanly compassion!"

After the court session ended, He Yao followed Shi Feiyang back to the Taiji Hall.

Her light green skirt swept across the gold bricks as she softly said, "Your Majesty, please don't blame Sister Guo. She was only doing it for the good of the Tang Dynasty."

Her jade hairpin brushed against his dragon robe, and she said with a pang of pity, "Actually, I know that using Gu poison to deal with the Tibetan king is the best way, but... but the thought of those poisonous insects makes my skin crawl."

Shi Feiyang gently pinched her cheek with his fingertips, the chill causing tiny ice crystals to form on her skin. He coaxed, "Silly girl, if you're scared, don't think about it." His dragon robe swept across her palace dress, and he said softly, "With Guo Xiangyu and me here, you don't need to get your hands dirty with this blood." He looked at the drifting clouds outside the window and said with emotion, "When the world is at peace, I'll take you back to Yimeng Mountain. The mountain peaks there still bear the footprints we left back then, okay?"

He Yao's tears suddenly welled up, not from sadness, but from sweetness. She knew that this vast land might never truly be at peace, but as long as she could stay by Shi Feiyang's side, whether watching him strategize in the court or fighting alongside him in the martial world, she would be willing to do it all.

At this moment, Guo Biyu's laughter came from outside the hall. She was wearing a pale yellow palace dress and holding a stack of memorials. She said excitedly, "Brother Shi, the Tibetan envoy has come to deliver gifts again. This time he brought a Ferghana horse, saying it's for my sister to ride."

Her hair ornaments clattered against the doorframe, and she said playfully, "I think that horse has a very fiery temperament. It's a good opportunity for you to practice your horsemanship, and then we can go hunting together in Mangshan in the future."

Shi Feiyang looked at the two imperial concubines. One was gentle as water, yet showed resilience in crucial moments; the other was fiery as fire, yet always showed thoughtfulness in the smallest details. His fingertips traced the ink on the memorial, and he suddenly felt that although the path of an emperor was lonely, with them by his side, it had become more meaningful.

The bronze crane in Luoyang Palace had ten new marks on it. When Shi Feiyang's black dragon robe brushed against the white jade steps, the cold light of the Mingyu Gong technique condensed into ice patterns on the hem of the robe. The young emperor Shi Nianyun could now wear his golden crown steadily on his head. He held the book "Zhenguan Zhengyao" and heavily traced the four characters "Min Wei Bang Ben" (The People are the Foundation of the State). The ten-year-old boy's voice carried an unquestionable majesty: "Father, the Song and Jin kingdoms have been fighting along the Yellow River for three months. The remnants of the Western Xia, Li Qianshun, took the opportunity to raid our Hexi Corridor and seized Xingqing Prefecture. Your son requests permission to personally lead the expedition."

Shi Feiyang gently placed his hand on his son's shoulder. The bones beneath his palm were already showing their initial sharpness, yet still retained the immaturity of a young boy. He said calmly, "Nianyun, do you know that the 'First-Class Hall' of Xia Kingdom has three great masters?"

His blue robe sleeve swept across the map on the table as he explained, "Li Mushui's 'Xiao Wuxiang Gong' can imitate all martial arts in the world. Her disciple, Li Ruitong, although only sixteen years old, has already defeated the three great Dharma Kings of Tibet with 'Cold Sleeves Brushing Acupoints'."

Tu Pengpeng's Seven Star Sword leaned against a vermilion pillar, its tassel of red silk entwined around Shi Feiyang's jade belt. Her red robes had been replaced with a phoenix robe befitting an empress. Ten years had etched faint lines at the corners of her eyes, but they only added a touch of tenderness to her gaze as she looked at Shi Feiyang.

She said affectionately, "Brother Feiyang, the provisions for the western expedition have been prepared for three years. The 'Lotus Flower Fall' code that Li Tieniu's Beggars' Gang has laid in the territory of Xixia can now reach the Drum Tower of Xingqing Prefecture."

Her fingertips brushed against the silver strands behind his ear, and she said, "But Li Ruitong is, after all, a woman. If we capture her..."

Qu Cheng, the commander of the Imperial Guard, offered a plan: "According to Sun Tzu's Art of War, 'winning hearts and minds is the best strategy.'" His gaze swept across the border between Western Xia and Tibet on the map, where the mountain ranges resembled a reclining dragon. He then suggested, "Let Lu Feng's Sun Moon Cult contact the Tibetan king and offer him a water source, so that Li Qianshun will be unable to attend to both ends."

Su Xiaoman's golden dart arced across the corridor, its tip carrying a secret letter from the Western Xia—Li Qianshun had sent an envoy with a "luminous pearl" to the Jin Kingdom, intending to share the Longyou region of the Tang Dynasty. Her second son, Shi Nianwu, was wielding a spiked club, a silver lock jingling against his chest.

Su Xiaoman took the initiative to invite Ying: "Your Majesty, why not let my son accompany you, so that he can see the 'Iron Falcon' cavalry of the Xia Kingdom."

Shi Feiyang said in a deep voice: "Someone, convey my decree that in three days, the sixteen armies sent to defend the emperor shall assemble at Tongguan."

The Tang Dynasty's war against the remnants of the Western Xia has begun again.

……

The morning mist at Tongguan Pass carried the stench of blood. Shi Feiyang's black armor gleamed coldly in the morning sun. Looking at the sixteen armies assembled in the training ground, he said to Li Tieniu beside him, "Have Qin An lead five thousand black armor soldiers westward along the Yellow River. Remember, the camps should be set up loosely, and the flags should be planted haphazardly."

Li Tieniu's bamboo cane slammed into the ground, leaving a dent, and the copper bell at its tip jingled. He understood immediately and said, "Your Majesty, is this a 'deceive the heavens' plan? But the 'Po Xi Army,' remnants of the Western Xia, are masters of reconnaissance. If they are discovered..."

Shi Feiyang raised his hand, and the ice patterns on his black armor flowed in the sunlight. He said confidently, "The more it looks like a flaw, the more likely it is to lure them in."

His gaze swept over He Yao—she was using a Tai Chi sword to draw the terrain of Helan Mountain on a sand table, and the jade hairpin under her light-green battle robe gleamed.

So Shi Feiyang came up with a plan and said to He Yao, "Yao Yao, you take the Taiji Sword Sect disciples and disguise them as merchants. Go south along the Qilian Mountains and use the 'borrowing a route to attack Guo' strategy to pass through the Tibetan territory and get behind the Western Xia remnants."

He Yao lightly tapped the sand table with the tassel of her sword and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have prepared the 'Drunken Immortal Tea' that the Tibetan king loves most." Her fingertips traced the canyon on the sand table, and she said with some doubt, "But this 'divide and conquer' scheme... can it really turn Western Xia and Tibet against each other?"

Shi Feiyang said confidently, "When Li Qianshun seized the Hexi Corridor from Tibet, he killed the Zanpu's younger brother. We only need to 'use a borrowed knife to kill' and send the secret letter from Western Xia to Tibet. The rest will be resolved by our hatred."

Guo Biyu, her pale yellow cloak fluttering outside the tent, burst in carrying a map of the Western Xia region, a jujube flower adorning her hairpin. She respectfully reported, "Brother Shi, Li Ruitong has led the experts of 'Yipintang' into Helan Valley. Their 'fire oil formation' has been in place for three days, just waiting for us to enter."

She poked a red dot on the map with her Emei dagger and introduced, "This is their supply camp. The commander is a successor of the 'Bone-Melting Palm' technique. It is said that Li Xian's left arm was injured by him."

Shi Feiyang traced an arc on the map with his fingertip and said sarcastically, "Remnants of the Western Xia, what a clever 'closing the door to catch the thief' plan!" Haha! He laughed again and said slyly, "Then let's put on a 'bitter trick' for them."

Everyone understood and obeyed the order.

The wind in the Helan Gorge carried the stench of blood, and Shi Feiyang's black armor was stained with the blood of the Western Xia soldiers. He deliberately led the black armor army "into" the fire oil formation. In the towering flames, those soldiers who seemed to be fleeing in panic were actually moving according to the "Bagua Formation," leading the Western Xia soldiers into a pre-set trap.

"Kill!" shouted the Western Xia's "Po Xi Army," surging forward like a tide, their iron trolleys carving deep grooves in the canyon.

With the blessing of Mingyu Gong, Shi Feiyang's Seven Star Sword transformed into an ice blade, fiercely slashing out the "Severing the Edge of Heaven" technique of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. The ice patterns on the Xuanjia suddenly expanded, freezing the splashed oil into ice beads.

The Xuanjia soldiers behind him simultaneously threw out hook-and-sickle spears, locking all the wheels of the iron chariot—this was the first step of the "chain scheme." Suddenly, the "ghost shadow" of Yipintang darted out from behind the rock wall. This man's "Netherworld Claw" had reached the ninth level; his fingernails were bluish-black, and the claw wind aimed straight for Shi Feiyang's back.

Shi Feiyang used the mysterious lightness skill of "Concealing One's Body and Name" to create afterimages, and then used the divine skill of "Shifting Flowers and Replacing Jade" to guide the ghostly shadow's claw force back to strike his own skull, causing his brains and broken bones to splatter onto the cliff wall.

The legendary beauty of Western Xia, Li Ruitong, her white skirt billowing in the blood mist, unleashed silver threads from her "Cold Sleeves Flicking Acupoints" technique, the barbs at the ends of which were wrapped with the internal energy of her "Bone-Melting Palm" technique. She shouted, "What a brilliant 'feint attack'! Shi Feiyang, do you think that killing my father will destroy my Great Xia?"

Shi Feiyang activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Supreme Forgetfulness of Ice Soul Cold Prison" realm. The ice patterns on his black armor froze the silver threads into ice silk. He said sarcastically, "The Xia Kingdom princess's 'Tianshan Six Yang Palms' is more decent than your father's 'Beiwei Army'."

His palm was pressed against her wrist, and he could feel the internal energy of the "Xiao Wuxiang Gong" backfiring wildly. He then said jokingly, "It's a pity that you practiced a fake 'Nine Yin Manual'. Within three days, your meridians will be completely severed."

Suddenly, Li Ruitong's silver thread wrapped around his finger. The moment the barb pierced his flesh, she saw her blood mingling with his blood on the ice armor. Suddenly, she screamed, "Let me go!" Her boot tip kicked towards Shi Feiyang's dantian, but froze when it touched the dragon-patterned birthmark—the totem was exactly the same as the jade pendant she had worn since childhood.

"Your Majesty, be careful!" He Yao cried out in alarm, rushing to the rescue. Her Tai Chi sword suddenly shot out from the side, the green bead on the tassel deflecting the "Bone-Melting Palm" of the "First-Class Hall" steward.

The steward's palm was tinged with black energy, and Li Xian's swollen left arm, resembling a bear's paw, was a result of his actions. However, He Yao's "cloud hand" technique diverted the attack, and He Yao struck his own accomplice in the chest, instantly turning the man's ribs into dust.

Guo Biyu's Emei daggers resembled two silver snakes, specifically targeting the weaknesses of the Western Xia masters. Her pale yellow battle robe was torn by the silver thread of the "Cold Sleeves Brushing Acupoints" technique, revealing her moon-white undergarment, but she was only focused on shouting, "Brother Shi! The supply camp has been 'drained from under the cauldron,' their oil is almost gone!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang spun around and unleashed the "Shocking Calamity" divine skill. His gaze suddenly swept across both sides of the canyon, and his icy gaze instantly froze the archers on the cliff, shattering them into countless ice shards.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang soared into the air and unleashed the "Flying Dragon in the Sky" move from the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms. The fierce palm force transformed into a golden dragon that crashed into the cliff face. As the boulder shattered into dust in mid-air, the Xuanjia Army suddenly raised their shields—those shields had been coated with fire-retardant oil, which was just enough to block the final fire attack from the Western Xia.

Dusk, as dark as ink, spilled across the broken walls and ruins of Helan Mountain. Shi Feiyang's black armor was stained with blood, the golden rays of the setting sun washing over the icy patterns on his armor like molten gold poured onto cold jade. The Seven Star Sword in his hand was no more than three inches from Li Ruitong's throat, the wind from the sword already making the tassels of her white dress flutter loudly, but when he caught sight of the jade pendant, he froze in his stance.

The sun totem on the jade pendant fit perfectly with the missing corner of the dragon birthmark on his left chest.

"This jade pendant..." Shi Feiyang's voice trembled involuntarily. As the Mingyu Gong circulated within his body, the jade-like color on his skin suddenly became disordered. He asked in a trembling voice, "Where did you get it?"

Hehe! Li Ruitong suddenly laughed, her laughter like shattered jade being thrown into a pot, rippling through the blood mist.

The wind gently lifted her white skirt, revealing the silver threads wrapped around her calves—the barbs at the ends of those threads were still stained with Shi Feiyang's blood, but now they seemed to be wrapped around his sword tassel like threads of love.

She tiptoed and deliberately offered the jade pendant around her neck towards the sword's edge. The cool jade surface pressed against Shi Feiyang's hand as she asked, "Even the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has things he can't see through? Is this totem worthy of your dragon pattern?"

Shi Feiyang's Seven Star Sword clattered to the ground, and the ice patterns on his Xuanjia armor suddenly contracted, revealing the blood-soaked lining underneath.

He suddenly grabbed Li Ruitong's wrist. The cold energy of Mingyu Gong should have frozen her meridians, but at this moment it turned into a warm current, flowing along her blood vessels—this girl's internal energy was actually from the same source as his, but its direction was distorted by the insidious mental technique of "Xiao Wuxiang Gong".

He questioned, "Who taught you to practice 'Cold Sleeves Brushing Acupoints'?"

His fingertips gently traced the silver thread marks on her wrist, where the skin was as thin as a cicada's wing. He then instructed, "After three more months of cultivation, your heart meridian will shatter into a thousand pieces, just like this jade pendant." (End of Chapter)