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

Chapter 143: Battle of Wits: Undercurrents Between Lv Yuan and Shi Feiyang
A cold wind blew across Hengshan Mountain like a knife, each gust of wind carrying a sharp blade, ruthlessly slicing the air. The trees in the mountains had long since shed their branches and leaves, leaving only bare branches shivering in the wind, struggling against the biting cold.

There was thick snow on the ground. When you stepped on it, your ankles would be exposed. Every step in the snow seemed extremely difficult.

The occasional howling of wild beasts in the distance added a bit of desolation and loneliness.

The howling sound echoed in the empty valley, as if telling the loneliness and desolation of this land.

A few dark clouds drifted across the sky, blocking out the already dim sunlight and making the peak of Mount Heng even more chilling and chilling.

The sunlight was blocked by dark clouds, and even the last bit of warmth was taken away, leaving only endless cold and darkness.

In this world dominated by the cold wind, everything fell into endless silence and coldness.

Master Wukong was wearing a gray monk's robe, and in this snowy world, the corners of his robe were rustling in the cold wind.

He clasped his hands together and slowly walked up to Shi Feiyang. With a look of sincere gratitude on his face, he said, "Amitabha, Donor Shi, on behalf of all the monks of Hengshan, the heroes of the Xiongying Society have come to the aid of the various sects of Hengshan. I would like to express my gratitude to you. Without your help, the various sects of Hengshan would have suffered a great disaster this time."

His voice sounded particularly firm in the cold wind, expressing Hengshan Sect's deep gratitude to Shi Feiyang.

Nun Chixia also walked lightly to Shi Feiyang, bowed slightly with both hands, and said respectfully, "Master Shi, I would like to thank you for your continuous assistance to the Hengshan Sword Sect. Your great kindness will be forever remembered by the Hengshan Sword Sect."

Her voice was soft and full of gratitude, showing the Hengshan Sword Sect's respect and gratitude to Shi Feiyang.

Yi Li followed behind Master Chi Xia, walking step by step. Her cheeks were flushed by the cold wind, adding to her shyness. She slowly walked in front of Shi Feiyang, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Her voice was as gentle as the spring breeze, and seemed to carry a hint of warmth: "Master Shi, I have grown some hair."

There was a hint of shyness in her voice, showing Shi Feiyang her changes and growth.

Ellie lowered her head slightly, revealing the newly grown hair on her head, which spoke of her hard work and persistence.

Every movement and every look of hers was filled with gratitude and respect for Shi Feiyang.

In this cold winter day, her smile was like a ray of sunshine, warming Shi Feiyang's heart.

Shi Feiyang stared at the top of Yili's head, a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He said softly, "I'll wait for you. The New Year is coming soon, and I really want to take you back to Jiangnan to celebrate the New Year together."

His voice was full of anticipation and warmth, conveying his care and expectations to Ellie.

Upon hearing these words, Yili's face immediately blossomed into a sweet, brilliant smile, like a red plum blossom in full bloom on a winter's day, exceptionally dazzling and full of vitality. With a shy demeanor, like a young girl inexperienced in the world, she lightly slipped and hid behind Master Chixia, her safest and warmest haven.

Her smile was like a ray of warm sunshine on a winter's day, warming the air and bringing a bright glow, silently expressing her inner gratitude and endless joy to Shi Feiyang. At that moment, her smile seemed to possess magical power, able to dispel all the cold and gloom, and people could not help but be infected by her joy.

Shi Feiyang looked at Yili's sweet smile, and an inexplicable warmth surged in his heart. He took a deep breath of the cold air, clasped his hands together, and said solemnly to Master Chixia, Master Wukong and other sect leaders, abbots and nunnery masters: "Everyone, I have important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now. If you need me in the future, I will do my best to help." His voice was firm and powerful, showing his firm determination and commitment to everyone present.

After saying that, he turned around and walked down the mountain with Miao Menlong and Shan Zhi.

Their backs gradually walked away in the snow, showing their determination and resolve to everyone.

At this moment, Xie Wen soared down from the mountain like a swift bird. With a panicked look on his face, he ran to Shi Feiyang and anxiously reported, "Chief, this is bad! Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, and the other brothers and sisters have been kidnapped!"

Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, and the others cried out in surprise, their faces filled with worry. Shi Feiyang, however, remained calm, his lips curled up slightly in a smile as he said, "They weren't kidnapped. I hid them. Let's go. When we get home, Brother Wu, Sister Xiao, and the others will naturally be home too."

Everyone was stunned when they heard this, and then their worries gradually dissipated.

Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, Xie Wen, and their group, like warriors returning from a triumphant victory, set out swiftly, filled with eagerness and anticipation. They hurriedly found horses and meticulously purchased sturdy, durable vehicles suitable for long-distance travel, paying close attention to every detail.

It was a freezing winter day, and the cold wind was howling like a sharp blade, sweeping away everything.

Although they were in this icy and snowy environment, they were not afraid at all. They jumped on their horses, waved their whips, and the horses neighed as they galloped away, heading straight to the south of the Yangtze River.

Along the way, snowflakes drifted like goose feathers, like crystal petals showered from the sky, soft yet chilling, falling upon them, piercing the bone with icy cold. Yet, the swirling snow did not deter them; instead, it only fueled their eagerness to return home. Their gazes were determined, their hearts fixed on the direction of their homeland. Finally, they entered the territory of Suzhou Prefecture.

At this freezing time, Suzhou is shrouded in a layer of biting cold, but it also has its own unique charm.

In the streets and alleys, the elegant and refreshing fragrance of wintersweet slowly wafts through the air. This fragrance is like the warm sun in winter, bringing a touch of warmth to people in the cold.

By the ancient moat, although the willow trees have lost their emerald green attire, their slender branches still sway gently in the breeze, whispering ancient stories accumulated over the years, attracting passers-by to stop and listen.

Pedestrians were hurrying, all wrapped in thick coats to resist the biting cold wind. While their steps were quick, Shi Feiyang, Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, Xie Wen and others were deeply attracted by the quaint buildings on the street.

The carved beams, painted buildings, flying eaves and brackets all demonstrate the profound historical heritage of Suzhou Prefecture.

Occasionally, one or two crisp horse hoof sounds can be heard on the cobblestone road, echoing with the faint Pingtan tunes in the distance, like a harmonious piece of music, telling the history and culture of this city, making people intoxicated.

In this chilly wind, Suzhou Prefecture exudes both the chill of winter and a unique warmth and elegance, revealing its unique charm. From its ancient architecture to the delicate fragrance of wintersweet, it brings a sense of warmth and tranquility to this cold winter day. Before the majestic gates of the stone palace, the elders of the Xiongying Society, Liao Pei, the master of the "Tongbi Fist," Lie Quan, the master of the "Qiankun Blade," Jin Liufu, the "Water Dragon," Gongsun Ren, the "Centipede," and other heroes eagerly awaited their arrival.

In the cold wind, their figures were determined and eager, their eyes full of anticipation for the return of Shi Feiyang and the others. Liao Pei saw Shi Feiyang and the others and hurried forward, looking anxious, and asked eagerly, "Brother Shi, where is Wu Zhong? Where is Xiao Lingling?"

Shi Feiyang smiled and replied calmly, "Don't worry, Elder Liao. They've already gone to Taihu Lake. Everyone, let's go to Taihu Lake and gather together. Let's drink and eat tonight and prepare for the New Year!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in joy. Joy and excitement spread like a raging fire through the cold winter, seemingly ready to dispel the icy weather. They cheered and leaped for joy as they ran towards the shores of Taihu Lake. Sure enough, they saw heroes like Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Lu De De, Jiang Huotian, Xiang Kun, and more than 1,300 members of the Xiongying Society.

In an instant, the crowd gathered and the scene became extremely lively. People were excited and hugged each other warmly, with tears of excitement in their eyes.

It turned out that in the early hours of this morning, Shi Feiyang took advantage of the fact that Miao Menlong, Xie Wen and others were asleep, and used his peerless light skill of "Thousand Miles Without Stopping" to take out Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling and others from the deerskin bag on his waist that was imperceptible to mortals, and placed them on the shore of Taihu Lake.

Shi Feiyang knew very well that some secrets in life could not be shared with anyone.

The secret of heaven cannot be revealed. He must keep the secret between him and the Sunflower Saint, as well as the secret of the Dragon Pagoda.

In the cold winter, Taihu Lake is like a dazzling pearl, inlaid in the vast land. The lake surface shimmers in the winter sun, sparkling with charming brilliance, as if countless diamonds are dancing, showing its beauty and mystery to people.

The rolling hills in the distance contrast with the lake, creating a tranquil and profound scene that invites one to immerse oneself in the beauty of the lake and mountains. A chilly wind sweeps across the lake, creating ripples that, while chilling, also allow one to appreciate the purity and grandeur of nature.

The ripples on the lake surface sparkle charmingly under the sunlight, as if telling the ancient and moving legend of Taihu Lake.

On the shore, the withered reeds swayed in the cold wind, making rustling sounds, whispering the chapter of winter and making people feel the tranquility of time.

Occasionally, a few water birds glide lightly across the lake, leaving behind a series of long calls, adding a bit of vitality and vigor to this quiet Taihu Lake. Their calls echo across the lake, a dialogue with nature, praising the beauty and tranquility of Taihu Lake.

In this cold winter, Taihu Lake still maintains its unique tranquility and beauty, like a beautiful woman who is isolated from the world.

After Liao Pei, Lie Quan and others left, Shi Feiyang returned to the Shi Mansion.

He gently took out Zhuque, Baihu, Gong Simeng and Xiao Yuyan from the deerskin bag around his waist.

In an instant, the whole family was filled with laughter and joy.

The maids and servants of the Shi Mansion gathered around, their eyes filled with joy.

Despite the vast expanse of the Stone Mansion, Shi Feiyang, Gong Simeng, and Xiao Yuyan, a family of three, were surrounded by a harmonious atmosphere. Gong Simeng stood in the courtyard of the Stone Mansion, the warm sun shining down on her, illuminating the increasingly bright and joyful smile on her face.

Ever since the three stunning beauties, Lin Wanqing, Yi Li and Liu Tingting, stopped interfering in their lives, her mood became more relaxed, like the surface of a thawing lake in spring.

Now, looking at the warm scene in front of her, Shi Feiyang is playing with Xiao Yuyan in the courtyard, and the maids are busy shuttling around, preparing items for the New Year. Gong Simeng only feels that the years are peaceful, and that being able to have a family gather together so peacefully is the most beautiful thing in the world.

In Suzhou Prefecture, despite the bitterly cold winter, it cannot conceal the rich and warm atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

The streets and alleys are filled with joy, just like a gorgeous folk painting slowly unfolding.

Red lanterns are hung high under the eaves of every household. The bright red color is like burning flames, swaying gently in the cold wind, like the brightest stars in the night sky, not only illuminating people's way home, but also warming the hearts of every wanderer.

The door lintel is covered with Spring Festival couplets and blessing characters, and the scent of ink is everywhere.

The handwriting on the Spring Festival couplets is either strong and powerful or elegant and lively. Every stroke reveals the good wishes of the people of Suzhou for the New Year. It is a cultural imprint that has been passed down for thousands of years and carries the profound historical heritage of this city.

The market is extremely lively, with a wide variety of New Year goods that are dazzling.

On the stalls, fresh fruits are bright in color and emit an enticing fruity aroma; juicy vegetables are covered with morning dew and are tender and juicy; all kinds of meat and seafood are neatly arranged, and the stall owners are shouting enthusiastically.

In addition, there are a variety of Suzhou specialty New Year snacks, such as plum blossom cake, crabapple cake, sugar porridge, etc. The cakes are decorated with colorful sugar grains, exuding a sweet aroma, making people salivate.

People are shoulder to shoulder, scrambling to buy New Year's goods in preparation for the arrival of the New Year.

Children dressed in brand new clothes ran and laughed in the crowd, holding candied haws, cotton candy and other snacks in their hands, with innocent and happy smiles on their faces, and their crisp laughter echoed over the market.

During the Spring Festival, traditional activities such as dragon and lion dances, rice cake making, and firecrackers are carried out one after another.

The dragon and lion dance teams are mighty and powerful. Controlled by the dragon dancers, the giant dragon sometimes soars and sometimes circles, its agile figure seeming to break through the sky; the lions leap and tumble majestically, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

In the rice cake workshop, workers work in unison, hammering wooden mallets with a rhythmic thump, and the aroma of rice cakes fills the air. As night falls, fireworks burst into life, their dazzling brilliance instantly illuminating the night sky, adorning the entire Suzhou prefecture with a dreamlike atmosphere and illuminating the hearts of the people filled with joy. In this city steeped in traditional charm, the Spring Festival is more than just a festival; it represents the continuation of Suzhou's millennia-old culture and the emotional sustenance of its people.

Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng walked hand in hand in the streets and alleys, lovingly feeling the warmth of home and the joy of the festival, and spending an unforgettable Spring Festival together.

Holding the adopted little sister Xiao Yuyan in her arms, Gong Simeng looked at Shi Feiyang from time to time, her eyes full of tenderness. She silently hoped that she could give birth to a son for Shi Feiyang as soon as possible to make this happiness more complete.

In Kaifeng Prefecture in the Central Plains, the chill of winter shrouds every corner.

The cold wind was raging on the streets and there were few pedestrians, which was in stark contrast to the prosperity of Suzhou Prefecture.

The buildings of Kaifeng Prefecture appear particularly dignified in the cold wind, and the ancient city walls stand silently, witnessing the changes of time.

Xie Zhichuan returned to the Shenjian Villa in Kaifeng Prefecture, and sat in the dim hall with Zhong Renwang, Ding Hong, Zhong Wanqiang, Zhong Wanwang, and the leaders of other martial arts sects and their disciples who came to eat for free, to enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner.

However, their minds were not on the New Year's Eve dinner, but on plotting something evil.

Zhong Renwang's expression was unusually gloomy, his eyes gleaming with cunning and sinister intent. He whispered, "According to our intelligence, Shi Feiyang participated in several battles in the northwest after the Ningxia campaign. The Xiongying Society has expanded to over 200,000 members, a formidable force intent on unifying the martial arts world. This situation is extremely unfavorable for us! If we allow this to continue, will we have any place in the martial arts world in the future?" His words were like a chilling wind on a cold night, sending shivers down one's spine. Ding Hong, whose son Ding Peng had been killed by Shi Feiyang on Mount Heng, was filled with deep hatred.

At this moment, he vividly described Shi Feiyang's "brutal and mean-spirited" behavior, doing everything he could to slander him and try to stir up the indignation of the martial artists present. His words were full of incitement, and people could not help but feel a deep disgust towards Shi Feiyang.

Some martial arts sect leaders, some fearing the Xiongying Society's growing power, others bewitched by Zhong Renwang's rhetoric, echoed his words. Their faces were filled with confusion and turmoil as they pondered their future. Xie Zhichuan sat nearby, his face twisted, secretly plotting how to leverage the imperial court to completely eradicate the Xiongying Society and avenge his personal vendetta.

After some conspiracy, they decided to go to the capital through Huashan Sect's leader Zhou Zhihan to contact the commander of the imperial guards Kang Jiansheng, the commander of the Jinyiwei Xiang Yushan, the deputy commander of the Jinyiwei Lu Yuan, the Jinyiwei Cai Kun and Xiang Laixiang and others.

Their goal was to obtain an imperial edict, mobilize the imperial army, wipe out the Xiongying Society, behead Shi Feiyang, and send the head to Jiuzhou to completely eliminate this threat.

However, their plan was not foolproof.

The spies that the Xiongying Society has planted in various gangs in the underworld are like keen hawks, always keeping a close eye on the movements around them.

As soon as Zhong Renwang's vicious plan was formed, the news was reported to Shi Feiyang as fast as a meteor using "carrier pigeon".

When Shi Feiyang heard this, the teacup in his hand suddenly stopped, and some tea spilled out.

His sword-like brows were instantly frowned, twisted into the shape of the Chinese character "川", but there was no panic or cowardice in his eyes. Instead, they were burning with blazing determination and indomitable spirit, just like a blazing beacon fire that never went out in the cold night.

He knew in his heart that a crisis as turbulent as a storm was coming like a surging tide and there was no way to avoid it.

Only by standing up and facing the enemy head-on can we protect the territory that we and our brothers have fought hard for.

Shi Feiyang acted decisively and quickly summoned the core members of the Xiongying Society.

Everyone gathered together, and the atmosphere in the room was so solemn that it seemed like the dead silence before a storm.

Shi Feiyang sat upright in the main seat, his expression stern and his gaze like a torch. He slowly scanned the crowd and spoke in a voice as resonant as a bell: "Brothers! Now a catastrophe is imminent. That Zhong Renwang has colluded with the imperial court, attempting to eradicate our Xiongying Society. The imperial court is powerful, and those sects with ulterior motives in the martial arts world are also ready to make a move. But our Xiongying Society has never been afraid of trouble since its founding! Today, we must not give in to these scoundrels!"

His words were resounding, each one like a hammer, hammering down upon the hearts of the crowd. Liao Pei stroked his beard, his expression solemn as he spoke slowly and steadily, "Master Chief, in my opinion, we must stop being so high-profile in our actions. As the saying goes, a tall tree attracts the wind. We are too conspicuous, undoubtedly providing a target for the imperial court, making us more vulnerable to being targeted." His tone was steady, revealing the wisdom and composure of a seasoned veteran.

Lie Quan nodded quickly and agreed loudly: "Elder Liao is absolutely right! Our Xiongying Society may have to move underground, keep a low profile, reduce exposure to public attention, and avoid the imperial army as much as possible. We must not be wiped out by them!" There was worry in his tone, and his eyes were full of concern for the future of the Xiongying Society.

Upon hearing this, "Iron Palm" Wu Zhong slammed his fist on the table, and the tea set on the table was shaken to pieces.

He raised his voice and roared, "I'm not afraid of anything! I have never been afraid of anyone since I was born! What about the imperial court? If they dare to come, I will fight them to the death! If one comes, I will kill one, if two come, I will kill a pair!" His face flushed red, his eyes were wide open, and raging anger burned in his eyes. His rough and heroic appearance revealed his fearless heroism.

"Water Dragon" Jin Liufu stood up with a whoosh, hands on hips, and laughed loudly with his head raised, his voice as loud as a bell: "What are you afraid of? If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. At worst, we will die. Which of the men in our Xiongying Society is not a man of steel? We must die with honor and let those bastards in the court know that we are not to be trifled with!"

His voice was so loud that it seemed to be able to break through the roof, and he exuded a heroic spirit of sacrificing his life.

The "archer" Miao Menlong was even more excited and punched the dining table hard. With a "boom", a deep crack was smashed on the table.

His eyes widened with anger as he roared, "Even if my head fell off, it would only leave a scar the size of a bowl! If the Jinyiwei dare to come, I'll chop off a few of their heads and kick them around like balls! Kill one and I'll break even, kill two and I'll make a profit. I'm afraid of no one!"

His eyes were wide open, revealing ferocity and determination, a ferocity that was chilling.

Gong Simeng stood aside, quietly observing everyone, her eyes filled with worry. She quickly walked over to Shi Feiyang, her brow furrowed, and said softly, "Feiyang, I'm really worried about you... The imperial court's offensive this time is extremely fierce, you must be careful."

Her voice was soft, but filled with deep concern and uneasiness. Her slender fingers unconsciously tugged at the corner of her clothes, revealing her inner tension.

Shi Feiyang turned his head and looked at Gong Simeng with tenderness. He gently held her hand and comforted her, "Simeng, don't be afraid. With the brothers and me here, we will definitely get through this difficult time."

His gaze was firm, conveying a reassuring strength.

After a heated discussion, everyone expressed their opinions and sparks of thought collided fiercely.

In the end, they decided to adopt a strategy of dividing their forces and attacking together.

Shi Feiyang stood up, looked around at everyone again, and said in a firm tone: "Brothers! On the one hand, we will send some brothers to stay where they are and be on high alert to guard against the sudden attack of the imperial army. We must defend our foundation; on the other hand, select elite troops to sneak into the capital, gather information, and do everything possible to sabotage the imperial court's extermination plan. At the same time, we must actively contact other martial arts sects, make allies, and gain more support and assistance. This fierce battle is not only about the life and death of our Xiongying Society, but also about the justice and freedom of the entire martial arts world! We must never retreat, we must go all out until victory!" His words were like a passionate war song, igniting the fighting spirit of everyone.

Everyone stood up, raised their arms and shouted: "We will follow the leader till death! We will live and die with the Xiongying Society!"

The voice was earth-shaking and powerful, full of fearless courage and firm belief.

Under the despicable and calculating promotion of Zhong Renwang, Xie Zhichuan's continuous financial support was like a helper in the dark, and the head of Huashan Sect Zhou Zhihan was actively running around and trying his best to make contacts.

The capital, Kangfu.

The commander of the imperial army, Kang Jiansheng, a high-ranking official who had been in the court for a long time and knew little about the affairs of the martial arts world, was full of disdain.

In his opinion, those underworld gangs were just a group of unorganized ragtag troops, and it was not worth mobilizing the imperial army to march to Suzhou Prefecture to encircle and suppress them.

Kangfusheng sat leisurely on the imperial chair with a scornful smile on his face. He said to Xiang Yushan, the commander of the Imperial Guards beside him, "In my opinion, those scoundrels don't have any real skills. They just rely on their numbers to mess around. We only need to send a small number of the Imperial Guards to subdue them."

Xiang Yushan nodded slightly, thinking that what Kang Fusheng said made sense. After thinking about it for a while, he decided to adopt this suggestion.

With a wave of his hand, he assigned Lü Yuan, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, known as the "Ice Palm," to lead a group of Jinyiwei experts, including Cai Kun, the "Nine Continents Stick," and Xiang Laixiang. They led over 3,000 elite Jinyiwei soldiers, disguised as ordinary civilians. These men shed their usual imposing Feiyu uniforms for coarse linen clothing, blending in with the common people and quietly heading south towards Suzhou Prefecture.

They shoulder a secret mission - to apprehend Shi Feiyang, a man who is famous in the underworld but regarded as a thorn in the side of the imperial court, and bring him to justice, so as to maintain the dignity of the imperial court and reshape the so-called underworld order.

To ensure the success of this operation, Xiang Yushan summoned Lü Yuan to his presence. With a solemn expression, he warned him earnestly, "Lü Yuan, this mission is crucial. You must make good use of our Jinyiwei intelligence network to gain a thorough understanding of Shi Feiyang's whereabouts and hiding places. Furthermore, this operation must be kept extremely secret. All participating Jinyiwei must strictly adhere to discipline. Leaking our whereabouts and alerting the enemy would be disastrous."

Lu Yuan looked solemn, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and respectfully accepted the order.

He knew in his heart that this mission was of great importance, not only concerning the dignity of the court, but also the honor of the Jinyiwei. If it could be completed successfully, his position in the Jinyiwei would surely be raised to a higher level.

After receiving the order, Lu Yuan did not dare to slack off and immediately began to prepare.

He knew very well that his opponent Shi Feiyang was no ordinary person and it would be no easy task to capture him.

So, he racked his brains, carefully planned, and laid out a series of thorough plans, repeatedly considering every detail, striving to make it foolproof, and just waiting for the right time, then he would take down Shi Feiyang in one fell swoop like a cheetah pouncing on its prey.

It is early spring in Suzhou at this time, and it is full of vitality and vigor everywhere.

The willow trees along the street have sprouted tender green buds, their slender branches swaying gently in the breeze like graceful girls dancing. The peach blossoms, a vibrant pink and green, fill the trees with blossoms, clustered in clusters, like clouds drifting down from the horizon, attracting bees and butterflies to buzz among them.

From the teahouse on the street, bursts of Pingtan music can be heard. The soft and tender Wu dialect tells ancient stories in the mist of tea fragrance.

The market is bustling with people coming and going, the hawkers' cries can be heard one after another, and it is a peaceful scene.

Lu Yuan first selected several meticulous and agile Jinyiwei to secretly follow Shi Feiyang's close associates, hoping to catch some clues about Shi Feiyang from their daily whereabouts.

Like ghosts in the night, these Jinyiwei followed their target silently, their eyes fixed on him, not missing a single movement. Simultaneously, he ordered another group of Jinyiwei to set up ambushes at places Shi Feiyang might appear, such as inns, taverns, and docks. Hiding in the shadows, blending in with their surroundings, weapons tightly grasped, they waited for Shi Feiyang to appear, then immediately surrounded him like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey.

To ensure the success of his plan, Lü Yuan also arranged for several Jinyiwei who were skilled in disguise. These people were like skilled craftsmen, able to quickly change their appearance and imitate the expressions of others.

They were already prepared. Once Shi Feiyang was arrested, they would immediately impersonate him, continue to track down other suspicious people related to him, and dig deeper into the forces behind Shi Feiyang.

Everything was ready. Lu Yuan hid in an inconspicuous house, quietly waiting for the opportunity.

His eyes were sharp as a torch, and he kept a close eye on the news coming from all sides, waiting for the perfect moment to capture Shi Feiyang.

However, Shi Feiyang seemed to have sensed the approaching danger long beforehand. Like a sharp lone wolf, he acted with increasing caution.

He reduced the number of times he went out, and even when he did, he was always cautious and vigilantly observed everything around him.

Interactions with close people have also become extremely low-key. Meeting places have changed from public places to hidden places, and conversations are also conducted in low voices for fear of being noticed.

This made the Jinyiwei sent out by Lu Yuan like headless flies, unable to track his whereabouts.

The pursuit of Shi Feiyang reached a stalemate, and the two sides were caught in a silent but thrilling contest. The air in the entire Suzhou Prefecture was filled with a strange atmosphere.

Lu Yuan, the prestigious Tongzhi in the Jinyiwei, is by no means an ordinary person.

His eyes were as deep as the abyss, with sharp light flashing in the darkness, as if he could see through all the secrets of the world.

A shallow scar stretched from the corner of his eye to his temple on his chiseled face, adding a touch of coldness and vicissitudes to his appearance, further highlighting his extraordinary past experiences. Faced with the stalemate in his competition with Shi Feiyang, Lu Yuan was not the least bit discouraged. Instead, he exuded a ruthless determination to achieve his goal.

He is like an experienced and patient hunter who knows that in this game with cunning prey, only by keeping calm can he have the last laugh.

He quickly adjusted his strategy, his resolute demeanor proclaiming his absolute control over the situation. His gaze was sharp, and without hesitation, he ordered the Imperial Guards to intensify their surveillance of Shi Feiyang's close associates.

He personally laid out detailed tasks for the Jinyiwei who were in charge of the surveillance, his tone stern but clear: "Remember, every move of the target person, even the slightest change, could become a key clue. You must not slack off in the slightest!"

Under his strict orders, the Jinyiwei who were sent out were like ghosts hiding in the dark, always keeping a high level of vigilance, not missing any move of the target person, and no slight abnormality could escape their sharp eyes.

At the same time, Lu Yuan waved his hand and ordered a significant expansion of the scope of the investigation of places where Shi Feiyang might appear, from the bustling and noisy streets to the hidden and deep suburban roads, from the bustling inns and pubs to the quiet and secluded temples and Taoist temples. The investigation work was like a fine and tough fishing net, spread out evenly bit by bit, striving to ensure that nothing was missed.

Furthermore, Lü Yuan knew that details determined success or failure, so to ensure the operation was foolproof, he personally visited each ambush point. At each location, he acted like a sophisticated detector, carefully checking the Jinyiwei's preparations.

When it comes to equipping weapons, he would personally pick up the weapons and examine their sharpness and whether they are easy to use; when choosing a hiding place, he would repeatedly consider the surrounding environment to ensure that it is convenient for hiding and attacking; when it comes to signal transmission methods, he would inquire about every link in detail to ensure that the information is conveyed accurately; when formulating emergency plans, he would ask about each one one by one, repeatedly deduce various possible situations, and strive to make every detail perfect.

As he inspected, he muttered to himself, frowning and nodding, and sternly demanded of his subordinates, "This is related to whether we can successfully complete the mission and the dignity of the court. Any small mistake could lead to total failure. Pay close attention!"

He knew that this operation was of grave importance, bearing upon the dignity of the court and his own honor and disgrace. Any misstep could lead to failure, and all his efforts would be wasted. During the long wait, Lü Yuan remained like a taut bowstring, constantly vigilant, his ears constantly capturing the slightest movement, his eyes never missing a single suspicious sign.

He sat in a dim room, surrounded by intelligence documents. The teacup in his hand had long since lost its heat, but he was completely unaware.

His brows were furrowed, and he kept thinking about various possibilities in his mind. He looked so focused as if the whole world had nothing to do with him, and the only thing he was thinking about was the battle with Shi Feiyang.

He had a firm belief in his heart, believing that as long as he persisted, he would be able to catch Shi Feiyang and bring him to justice one day.

(End of this chapter)