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

Lin Ruoxue gripped the long sword at her waist tightly, the silver bracelet on her jade wrist clinking softly.

She watched Shi Feiyang calmly wiping the dog-beating stick, recalling what she had seen in the secret room three days ago—the "chain of stone mines" set up overnight by twenty skilled craftsmen, the "net of heaven and earth" filled with poison in the dark alley, and the Bagua compass hidden deep in some leather bag at his waist.

At this moment, the compass was hanging above the gate of the village, its bronze pointer spinning rapidly in the wind, seemingly foreshadowing the coming bloodshed.

Suddenly, the war drums of Hunyang Palace sounded, like a death knell.

The leader, clad in a crimson-gold python-patterned cloak, lightly tapped the ground with his judge's pen, causing the bluestone to crumble inch by inch.

Dark clouds pressed down on the Snow Eagle Fortress's arrow tower like lead blocks, and the copper bells on the eaves wailed in the fierce wind.

The Palace Master of Hunyang Palace, Xiao Baiwan, was wearing a crimson-gold python-patterned cloak, and the Taotie pattern on his gilded mask emitted a ghostly light, making him look like a Shura crawling out of the underworld.

He raised his hand and lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist, his voice colder than the ice of the northern frontier: "Xiang Tiange, your little tricks are nothing but child's play. Today I will turn this Snow Eagle Fortress into a living hell, so that the imperial court can see what happens when they oppose the Hunyang Palace!"

Before the words were finished, twelve black shadows darted out from the formation like ghosts. These "Twelve Fiends of Mixed Yang" were dressed in black iron soft armor, and the blades of their curved swords gleamed with an eerie peacock blue. They were the "Heart-Eating Blades" that had been soaked in a hundred kinds of poisons for forty-nine days.

As the blades sliced ​​through the air, they emitted a shrill cry like that of an infant. The moment the twelve men formed their ranks, the snow within a ten-zhang radius instantly turned into a foul-smelling pool of blood. On the wall of Snow Eagle Fortress, Fan Jie's white hair stood on end, his dragon-headed cane slamming heavily onto the blue bricks, causing the watchtower to tremble and hum: "This old man will see today whether the blades of the Hunyang Palace are sharper, or whether my palm strikes are superior!"

He tossed aside his dragon-headed cane, his palms swirling like wheels as he unleashed the fourth move of the "Giant Spirit Palm," "Lone Goose Lost from Its Flock." Wherever his palms touched, the air exploded with a continuous, bean-like sound. The leading demon swung his blade to block, but felt a numbness in his palm. His curved blade was jolted out of his hand and flew straight into the throat of a henchman behind him.

Lu Chenzhou simultaneously pointed out with his judge's pen, the strokes of which, like dragons and snakes, outlined the trajectory of the Big Dipper.

The "Jade-Faced Judge" has always been known for his acupoint striking skills in the martial arts world. At this moment, he used his pen to strike the major acupoints of the Twelve Fiends, but found that the skin of those men in black turned a strange bluish-black color, and the force of his finger strikes was completely dissipated.

One of the demons grinned and attacked, his curved blade grazing the man's ear and shaving off a strand of hair: "Scholar, you should save your pressure point skills for charming girls!" Elder Peng's "Spring and Autumn Greatsword" cleaved through the blood mist, the thick back of the blade bearing the "Azure Dragon Crescent Blade" with the power to split mountains and shatter rocks.

However, the Twelve Fiends swiftly turned, and the black curtain of curved blades dissolved the attack like flowing water, instead twisting the blades toward his wrist.

At the critical moment, Elder Liu's "Qiankun Blade" appeared from the side, his swordsmanship like a dragon coiling around the enemy's blade. The two exchanged sword flashes, barely managing to repel the attack. Lin Ruoxue's white clothes fluttered in the rain of blood, and the "Snow Dance Returning Wind" technique of the "Longevity Swordplay" transformed into countless sword flowers.

She specialized in exploiting the weaknesses of the Twelve Fiends Formation, her sword tip flicking like a snake's tongue, yet the Netherworld Blade Qi made her tiger's mouth go numb.

Suddenly feeling a strong gust of wind behind her head, she spun around and swung her sword, narrowly deflecting the sneak attack with "Sword Pointing to the Sky." She then saw Xiao Baiwan, behind the gilded mask, coldly watching the battle, a crystal-clear jade flute appearing in his sleeve at some unknown time.

"Watch out! That's the 'Soul-Capturing Flute' that the Hunyang Palace has lost for a hundred years!" Fan Jie's desperate shouts were torn apart by the howling wind of the blades.

Xiao Baiwan lightly raised his jade flute, and the eerie music coiled around everyone's eardrums like spider silk.

Lu Chenzhou felt a throbbing pain in his temples, and he almost lost his grip on the judge's pen; Elder Peng's Spring and Autumn Broadsword slashed wildly, and he almost injured his own brother.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Twelve Fiends launched a full-scale attack, their Heart-Eating Blades weaving a web of death in the air.

Lin Ruoxue's left shoulder was slashed by the blade, and her snow-white clothes were instantly stained with red plum blossoms.

She gritted her teeth and unleashed "Twin Blossoms," firing both swords simultaneously to force back her two opponents. However, Fan Jie was surrounded and attacked by the Three Fiends. Although the Giant Spirit Palm was incredibly powerful, it was unable to withstand the opponent's relentless attack, and blood was already spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"Chief! If you don't make a move soon, all these old brothers will perish here!" Lu Chenzhou's roar tore through the sound of the flute.

Just at this critical moment, a clear and melodious howl came from the top of Snow Eagle Fortress. Shi Feiyang, holding a jade-green dog-beating stick, leaped down from the air, his glassy eyes flashing with cold light: "The Hunyang Palace has gone too far. Today I will let you know that the Beggar Clan's dog-beating stick is specially used to beat vicious dogs!"

Fan Jie unleashed the ultimate technique of "Giant Spirit Palm" with both palms, unleashing moves such as "Opening Heaven and Earth" and "Overturning Rivers and Seas" in succession, each strike carrying immense power. However, the Twelve Fiends' curved blades were simply too unpredictable. Although Fan Jie possessed immense strength, he could only barely defend himself, and several wounds gradually appeared on his body, staining his white hair with blood. Lu Chenzhou's Judge's Pen clashed repeatedly with the Twelve Fiends' curved blades, sparks flying everywhere.

With his agile movements, he weaved through the array of blades, searching for the enemy's weaknesses.

Suddenly, he noticed a slight opening in the defense of one of the fiends. The judge's pen, like a venomous snake, shot straight for the opponent's throat. The fiend reacted swiftly, his curved blade rapidly returning to defense, barely managing to block the fatal blow.

Elder Peng's "Spring and Autumn Broadsword" and Elder Liu's "Heaven and Earth Sword" worked together to form an impenetrable wall.

However, the Twelve Fiends' formations were ever-changing, and the two men's attacks often missed.

Elder Peng was frantic, swinging his broadsword even faster, but inadvertently revealed an opening. A fierce warrior seized the opportunity, his curved blade aimed straight for his chest. At the critical moment, Elder Liu's "Qiankun Blade" blocked the attack, saving Elder Peng.

Lin Ruoxue's "Longevity Sword Technique" appeared somewhat weak in this Netherworld Blade Formation.

Although her swordsmanship was exquisite, she gradually found herself struggling against the combined attack of the Twelve Fiends.

Sweat soaked her clothes, and strands of hair clung to her face, but her eyes grew ever more resolute. She had only one thought in her mind: she had to survive, she had to help Tiange. Blood splattered continuously, staining the ground red.

The dark clouds, as black as ink, pressed down on Snow Eagle Fortress, making it hard to breathe.

Shi Feiyang narrowed his glassy eyes slightly, and the emerald green dog-beating stick at his waist suddenly flew out of his hand, drawing a mysterious arc in the air. It was the "luring the dog into the stronghold" technique from the "luring" mantra! The bamboo stick, like a serpent spitting its tongue, accurately struck the wrist of the leader of the evil spirits.

Before the man could even draw his scimitar, the end of his staff had already wrapped around his throat like a living thing, flinging him through the air towards the stone mine array behind him.

"Boom!" The explosion shook the mountains, and blood, flesh, and rubble rained down, but it did not deter the fierce glint in the eyes of the people from Hunyang Palace.

In the blink of an eye, the enemy formation had formed a "Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation." Xiao Baiwan stood at the center of the formation, striking twelve times with his judge's pen, and twelve masters simultaneously swung their swords. The sword energy condensed into a substantial black mist, turning everything in its path into charred remains.

Shi Feiyang positioned himself according to the Big Dipper constellation, wielding his Dog-Beating Stick in the "Seal" technique, his bamboo staff dancing like silver snakes, deflecting the incoming blade energy one by one. Elder Peng's "Spring and Autumn Greatsword" and Elder Liu's "Heaven and Earth Sword" attacked from the flanks, but were firmly suppressed by the Hunyang Palace's "Hun Tian Halberd Technique".

Amidst the flying sparks, some Snow Eagle Village disciples were already sent flying by halberds, their blood staining the bluestone slabs in front of the village.

Lin Ruoxue's white robes fluttered as she unleashed the "Snow Dance Returning Wind" technique from the "Longevity Sword Art," transforming it into countless sword flowers that pierced the heart of a guard from the Sticky Rod Bureau who was attempting to ambush Shi Feiyang.

However, the Hunyang Palace's offensive was as turbulent as a tidal wave. Eighteen "Thunderfire Envoys" wielding chain hammers joined the battle. The barbs on the chain hammers were coated with sulfur, and when they were swung, sparks flew everywhere, instantly igniting the grass and trees around the village.

Shi Feiyang suddenly sensed something unusual—the enemy's attack, though seemingly chaotic, actually contained a hidden rhythm.

He stared intently, his pupils suddenly contracting: "It's the 'Hun Yang Zhou Tian Formation'! This formation requires seventy-two people to use their internal energy as a guide. Once it reaches its peak, everything within a ten-mile radius will become a dead zone!"

"Elder Peng, guard the Northeast Gate of Life! Elder Liu, the Southwest Gate of Death!" Shi Feiyang shouted several times, his body radiating a brilliant jade-colored light. The Heavenly Silkworm Silk in his palms swirled like a reversed Milky Way, binding the three Thunderfire Envoys.

The silver threads pierced through the armor and entered the meridians. Amidst screams, the three men's internal energy was forcibly extracted and injected back into the formation.

The formation rippled instantly, and a cold laugh came from beneath Xiao Baiwan's mask: "A dying struggle!" He swung his judge's pen, and the black mist in the formation transformed into a giant ghost face, which opened its blood-red maw and pounced straight at him.

At the critical moment, Shi Feiyang lightly touched the ground with his toes, his body soaring into the sky like an eagle. He unleashed the "Pick" technique with the Dog-Beating Stick, the bamboo stick piercing towards Ghost Face's throat like lightning. Ghost Face, in pain, roared and spewed out poisonous mist.

Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, but successively used the "Turning" technique's "Vicious Dog's Counterattack" and the "Tripping" technique's "Horizontal Strike of Two Mastiffs." As the staff flew, it actually pulverized the poisonous mist. "Those who offend my Beggars' Sect shall die!" Shi Feiyang roared, and the Dog-Beating Staff suddenly flew out of his hand, spinning rapidly in the air.

This was the ultimate move of the Dog-Beating Stick Technique, "No Dogs Under Heaven"! The bamboo stick transformed into a sky full of green shadows, and where the force reached, the air shattered with a crisp sound like glass breaking. The giant ghost mask exploded, and the seventy-two experts at the core of the formation simultaneously coughed up blood. The Hunyang Palace's offensive instantly collapsed.

Xiao Baiwan's expression changed drastically, and he waved his judge's pen repeatedly, attempting to regroup.

Shi Feiyang gave him no chance to catch his breath; the silkworm silk emerged like a serpent from its hole and wrapped around his wrist.

Xiao Baiwan struggled desperately, but felt his inner strength leaking out like water bursting its banks. "You... are you a human or a ghost..." He looked at his rapidly withering skin in horror, and before he could finish speaking, he had turned into a hunched, dried-up corpse.

After this battle, the area in front of Snow Eagle Fortress was littered with corpses, and the banner of Hunyang Palace lay fallen in a pool of blood.

Holding a dog-beating stick, Shi Feiyang's crystal-clear eyes swept across the battlefield, his cold gaze sending chills down the spines of the survivors.

As the smoke cleared, Shi Feiyang discovered a token engraved with strange runes on the body of a Hunyang Palace assassin.

The runes, resembling twisted vines, were entwined around a skull, emanating a chilling aura. Upon seeing this, Fan Jie's expression changed drastically: "This is the mark of the 'Nine Nether Alliance'! It's said they've been lying in wait for a century, attempting to overthrow the martial world..."

Shi Feiyang gripped the Dog-Beating Stick tightly, a resolute light flashing in his glassy eyes: "No matter what kind of demons or monsters they are, if they dare to invade my Beggars' Sect, I will make sure they never return!" He gazed into the distance, where the setting sun dyed the horizon blood red.

The banner of Snow Eagle Fortress grew ever brighter and more dazzling amidst the bloodshed.

Lin Ruoxue sheathed her sword, walked to Shi Feiyang's side, and looked at him tenderly.

Shi Feiyang put the emerald green nine-section dog-beating stick into the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, picked up Lin Ruoxue, and flew up to the tent on the back of the Vermilion Bird.

The White Tiger quickly jumped onto the Vermilion Bird's back.

The lingering smell of blood from the battle was swept away by the gale, and the Vermilion Bird spread its crimson wings, piercing the sky.

Lin Ruoxue leaned against Shi Feiyang's chest, listening to the steady and powerful heartbeat coming from his chest, and for a moment she felt as if the battle just now was a distant memory.

Outside the tent, the white tiger growled softly as it nuzzled her ankle. Its warm breath seeped through the brocade skirt, mingling with the warmth in her arms to create a comforting current. "Does it hurt?" Shi Feiyang's fingertips gently traced the sword wound on Lin Ruoxue's shoulder, his glassy eyes filled with tenderness.

Holding Lin Ruoxue in his arms felt like holding Lin Wanqing in his arms.

Lin Ruoxue was startled to realize that she had buried her face in his blood-stained clothes without even noticing, greedily inhaling his scent.

She gently shook her head, her jade-like arms tightening around him instead: "Compared to your old injuries, what is this little pain?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the Vermilion Bird suddenly let out a clear and melodious cry, carrying the two of them through layers of clouds.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, casting a golden glow on Shi Feiyang's sharply defined profile.

Lin Ruoxue gazed at him intently, recalling the playful and joking boy she first met, and now the valiant leader of the Beggars' Sect. Every mark left by time and swords transformed into the most moving poem in her heart.

“Tiange…” she murmured softly, her voice even gentler than the clouds, “If I could travel the world with you like this, I would not fear even the thousands of troops of the Nine Nether Alliance.” With that, she pressed her face closer to his, feeling the warmth from his neck.

Shi Feiyang chuckled upon hearing this, tightening his grip on her arm slightly, and gently brushing aside her wind-blown hair with his other hand: "Silly girl, with me here, no one can hurt you." The howling wind came from outside the tent, but it couldn't dispel the warmth inside.

Lin Ruoxue suddenly sat up and took out a plain handkerchief from her sleeve. Embroidered on it was a half-finished twin lotus, which she had embroidered in her spare time at Snow Eagle Fortress. "Look..." she unfolded the handkerchief, her ears turning red, "After I finish embroidering this lotus, we...we..." Before she could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang gently interrupted her.

He took the handkerchief and lowered his head to kiss her forehead: "After I finish embroidering this twin lotus, I will take you to Jiangnan to see real lotus flowers. At that time, we will sail on the lake, forgetting all the grudges and feuds of the martial world..."

His voice gradually deepened, carrying a bewitching allure. Lin Ruoxue felt her heart pounding like a drum, almost leaping out of her chest.

Zhuque suddenly swooped down, and the feeling of weightlessness made her gasp. She instinctively clung tightly to Shi Feiyang.

He seized the opportunity to pull her into his arms, the scent of jasmine from her hair lingering around his nose: "What are you afraid of? I'm holding you." His warm breath brushed against her ear, making her feel weak all over.

Lin Ruoxue raised her head and looked at her reflection in those glassy eyes. Suddenly, she felt that there was nothing else in the world worth cherishing.

She tiptoed and gave him a light kiss on the lips, then blushed and hid in his arms: "Tiange, I always thought the world was dangerous, until I met you... I realized that the most precious thing in this world is having you by my side."

Shi Feiyang didn't say anything, but simply hugged her tighter.

The last rays of the setting sun pierced through the clouds, covering the intertwined shadows of the two figures, overlapping with the wings of the Vermilion Bird. Dusk quietly crept into the heavens, and the Vermilion Bird flapped its wings, slicing through the golden sunset, shattering the brocade of clouds into stardust-like light and shadow.

Lin Ruoxue leaned against Shi Feiyang's chest, gazing at the glow in his glassy eyes, and suddenly felt that the light was a thousand times hotter than the fiery clouds on the horizon.

Unconsciously, her fingertips traced the old scar on his chest, a mark left from the battle at the Ten Thousand Beasts Manor when he protected her. Now, it felt like a burning brand, searing her heart. "Tiange, look..." she suddenly whispered, her jade hand pointing to the sky.

Before I knew it, the sunset had faded to a deep blue, the Milky Way cascaded down like a ribbon, and millions of stars twinkled in the sky, like scattered diamonds on earth.

Shi Feiyang followed her gaze and caught a glimpse of her profile, which was bathed in moonlight and tinged with pearly white—her eyelashes trembled like butterfly wings, and when her lips parted slightly, she was even more captivating than the crescent moon in the sky.

"Are you looking at the stars, or at me?" Shi Feiyang suddenly chuckled, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

Lin Ruoxue trembled, a blush spreading from her ears to her neck, like the sunset falling on a snowdrift. She turned and buried herself in his arms, her voice muffled like a spoiled kitten: "I won't tell you... but all these stars in the sky, how can they compare to even a fraction of the brilliance in your eyes?"

Before the words were finished, the Vermilion Bird suddenly let out a clear and melodious cry, its wings stirring the night wind and lifting the curtains.

Lin Ruoxue gasped and grabbed Shi Feiyang's collar, but he pulled her firmly into his arms. Moonlight streamed in, casting a silvery glow on his sharply defined features. The dog-beating stick in his hand had somehow been replaced by a jade hairpin adorned with luminous pearls. "Don't move," Shi Feiyang coaxed softly, his long fingers threading through her cascading black hair, gently tucking the hairpin into her locks. The luminous pearls shimmered in her hair, making her even more radiant than a moon goddess.

Looking at his focused eyes, Lin Ruoxue suddenly recalled her cold words when they first met, but now she was willing to be trapped in this gentle cage and never wanted to escape.

“I used to think that the world of martial arts was far away and that I could venture out on my own.” She suddenly murmured, wrapping her jade-like arms around his neck. “But since I met you, I’ve realized that in the world of martial arts, even the wind is sweet when you have someone by your side.” As she spoke, she tilted her head back and gently kissed his chin. “Tian Ge, no matter how terrible the Nine Nether Alliance’s conspiracy is, as long as you are by my side, I dare to be an enemy of the world.”

Shi Feiyang's throat moved slightly, and he suddenly tightened his grip on her arm.

He lowered his head and kissed away the starlight at the corner of her eye, his voice deep and resonant, as if it were grinding from the depths of his chest: "Silly girl, it is I who should be saying these words. If anyone in this world dares to harm you in the slightest, I will make sure they know that the Beggars' Sect's Dog-Beating Stick can quell injustices in the world; and my Heavenly Silkworm Silk can sever the unjust people in the world."

Outside the tent, the white tiger suddenly let out a low whimper, seemingly disturbed by the intense affection. Lin Ruoxue was amused and chuckled softly, her laughter as clear as silver bells, rippling across the heavens.

She rested her head on Shi Feiyang's shoulder, gazing at the fleeting clouds outside the window, and suddenly realized that this wandering journey through the world had become the most romantic way home.

"Ruoxue, after we've dealt with the Nine Nether Alliance..." Shi Feiyang's voice, mixed with the sound of his heartbeat, came through, "we'll go to Peach Blossom Island to see the peach blossoms, ride horses in the borderlands, and listen to the rain in Jiangnan. I want to experience all the beautiful scenery in the world with you."

Lin Ruoxue closed her eyes and chuckled softly, her eyelashes casting butterfly shadows on her cheeks: "As long as I'm with you, what does it matter if we go to the ends of the earth? Even if I fall into an abyss tomorrow, I'm willing to be the flower that never fades in your palm."

Before she could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang leaned down and kissed her lips, turning all the unspoken vows into the most tender and lingering affection in the world.

At this moment, the Vermilion Bird carried the perfect couple across the majestic snow-capped mountains, the moonlight draped them in a silver veil, and the stars twinkled all around, offering their blessings.

High above the heavens, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, all the grudges and conspiracies of the martial world have vanished like smoke. Only two hearts, tightly bound together, are writing the most moving legend in the vast galaxy.

The Vermilion Bird flew steadily through the night sky, while the White Tiger lay outside the tent, occasionally letting out a contented purr. Inside the tent, Lin Ruoxue nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, her fingers unconsciously drawing circles on his chest.

Shi Feiyang looked down at the person in his arms and gently pinched her cheek. "What's wrong? Are you tired?"

Lin Ruoxue raised her head, her eyes full of longing, "I'm not tired, I just feel that this time is too beautiful, I'm afraid it's a dream."

As she spoke, she propped herself up and cupped Shi Feiyang's face in her hands. "Tiange, do you think we'll stay this happy forever?"

Shi Feiyang smiled and pulled her back into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Silly girl, with me here, we'll definitely make it. No matter what happens in the future, I'll protect you. This world may be vast, but it can't be bigger than ours."

His voice was deep and firm, carrying a reassuring power.

Listening to his strong heartbeat, Lin Ruoxue felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Suddenly remembering something, she smiled mischievously, "Tiange, you know what? The first time I met you, I thought you were a lecherous man, who would have thought..."

Her voice gradually faded, and her cheeks flushed.

Shi Feiyang raised an eyebrow. "How is it now?"

"Now," Lin Ruoxue raised her head, her eyes gentle yet burning, "I only regret not meeting you sooner. If only I could be by your side sooner, sharing your burdens and solving your problems. Even if there were mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, as long as I could be with you, I would be willing to do it. You are my world, my destiny."

Shi Feiyang felt a warmth in his heart, lowered his head and kissed the chattering little mouth, pouring all his affection into the kiss.

After a long while, the two finally separated. Lin Ruoxue was panting heavily, her eyes glazed over. "Tiange, I really want to stay like this, flying with you in these clouds forever, never returning to the ground, ignoring all the chaos of the martial world."

“Alright, once we’ve settled things with the Nine Nether Alliance, we’ll find a secluded place and live in seclusion,” Shi Feiyang promised. “We’ll spend every day watching the sunrise and sunset with you, listening to the wind and appreciating the moon, and never have to worry about the affairs of the martial world again.”

Lin Ruoxue laughed happily, her smile brighter than the stars in the sky. "It's a promise!" She hugged Shi Feiyang tightly, as if she wanted to merge herself into his body. "Tiange, I love you more than the stars in the sky, and deeper than the vast world." Shi Feiyang hugged her even tighter and whispered in her ear, "I love you too, Ruoxue. I will never let you go in this lifetime."

In the silent night sky, only two loving hearts clung tightly together, whispering the most touching words of love.

The Vermilion Bird seemed to sense this sweetness as well, letting out a joyful cry before continuing to fly away into the distance.

As the Vermilion Bird's wings pierced through the night clouds, they brought with them a shower of starlight.

Lin Ruoxue's fingertips trembled slightly as she lifted the brocade curtain. Gazing at the wispy, blue-glowing clouds outside the window, she suddenly felt her eyes burning.

Those points of light were like a shattered Milky Way, each one changing rainbow colors as it flowed, and in the flickering light, they pieced together the smiling eyes of Shi Feiyang when they first met.

"Tiange." Her voice caught in her throat, and when she turned around, her eyelashes were already glistening with tiny tears. Shi Feiyang had already wrapped a mink cloak around her thin shoulders, and the warmth of his palm against the back of her neck seeped through the fabric, carrying a familiar sense of comfort.

He gazed at her reddened eyes, a ripple of emotion welling in his glassy gaze: "Why are you crying again? Is it because this cloud is warmer than my chest?"

Lin Ruoxue grabbed his collar with her other hand and buried her face in his embrace, which was filled with the smell of gunpowder and pine: "I just suddenly remembered that night at Black Tiger Stronghold, when you took the palm strike of the Poison Dragon Hand for me and coughed up blood that stained my skirt."

Her voice was muffled, her fingertips unconsciously tugging at the raised scar beneath his fabric, "If only I could have been half a step faster back then, if only I could..."

"Don't think about it." Shi Feiyang suddenly tightened his arms, almost pulling her whole body into his embrace.

His chin pressed heavily against the top of her head, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion: "You always say you're a burden, but do you know that when I saw that blade about to pierce you, I wished I could turn my own flesh and blood into a shield?"

He trembled as he cupped her face in his hands, his fingertips brushing against her damp eyelashes. “For the three days and three nights you were unconscious, I stayed by your bedside, fearing every moment. Fearing that I would never hear you call me ‘Tiange’ again.”

Outside the tent, the white tiger suddenly let out a low whimper, while the vermilion bird cried out and flapped its wings, swirling the wispy clouds into a luminous vortex. Lin Ruoxue gazed at the twin lotus blossoms gradually coalescing in the clouds, and tears suddenly welled up in her eyes: "Look, even heaven and earth are witnessing."

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, saying, "Witness how much I love you. I love you so much that I'm afraid of every separation, afraid of you getting hurt, afraid..."

"I understand." Shi Feiyang kissed away the hot tears at the corner of her eyes, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded. "Just like how I'm afraid of putting you in danger in every battle, afraid of you taking risks for me, afraid..."

He suddenly swept her up in his arms, the quilt covering their intertwined figures. "I'm afraid I won't be able to hold you tight every time you need me." Lin Ruoxue buried her face in his neck, listening to his rapid heartbeat, her fingertips tracing the protruding knuckles on the back of his neck: "Tiange, please don't carry the danger alone anymore, okay? Your life is mine."

She tilted her head back and gently kissed his lips. "Just like my life, it has belonged to you ever since you took the first sword for me."

The early summer morning light seeped into the tent like golden threads, and as Zhuque folded its wings, the resulting breeze gently brushed against Lin Ruoxue's hair.

As Shi Feiyang gazed at the peaceful sleeping face of the person beside him, a gentle ripple of emotion welled up in his glassy eyes.

She curled up, her jade-like arms still unconsciously encircling the spot where he had slept the night before, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she had hidden all her beautiful dreams within that sweetness. He held his breath and sat up, afraid of disturbing this blissful moment.

His fingertips gently brushed through her loose black hair, tucking the fallen quilt back in, his movements as light as catching a falling petal.

With a flick of his wrist, the deerskin bag magically produced a white jade bathtub. As the water was poured in, the rising steam enveloped the entire tent, as if veiled in a hazy mist.

Shi Feiyang took off his clothes, his slender figure immersed in the warm water. Water droplets slid down his sharply defined shoulders, condensing into glistening beads on the old scars crisscrossing his chest. He closed his eyes to rest, but couldn't help but peek through the rising steam at the movements on the bed.

Lin Ruoxue's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly awoke in the morning light. The lingering warmth of the pillow hadn't yet dissipated, and she instinctively reached out, only to find nothing. Just as she was about to open her eyes, she caught sight of a figure faintly visible in the mist.

Water droplets slid down Shi Feiyang's lean waist and abdomen, splashing into the water and creating tiny ripples. "Tiange," Lin Ruoxue called softly, her voice still carrying a lingering languor. Her jade-like feet had barely touched the ground when she eagerly rushed to the bathtub.

Shi Feiyang smiled and reached out to catch her, gently pulling her into his arms. Lin Ruoxue leaned against his chest, her fingertips tracing the scar on his chest: "Does it still hurt here?" "With you here, even the pain becomes sweet."

Shi Feiyang rested his chin on the top of her head, tightening his arms around her. Warm water flowed over their intertwined bodies. Lin Ruoxue picked up a petal floating on the water and gently pressed it to his lips: "That day, high in the sky, you said you would take me to see all the beautiful scenery in the world. But I understand now that the most beautiful scenery is nothing more than being able to nestle in your arms like this."

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and kissed away the smile at the corner of her eye. Ripples spread with the movement, reflecting the intertwined figures of the two.

Lin Ruoxue suddenly turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and water droplets rolled down her snow-white skin: "Tiange, do you know? I want to blend myself into your bones so that wherever you go, you will carry my shadow with you."

"Silly girl." Shi Feiyang smiled and bit her earlobe. "You've always been my destiny's calamity. I can't escape it, and I don't want to."

He cupped her face in his hands and showered her with delicate kisses on her brow, the tip of her nose, and her lips. “For the rest of our lives, no matter how stormy the world may be, this pool of warm water will be our world.”

Lin Ruoxue buried her face in his neck, listening to his strong heartbeat, and traced circles on his back with her fingertips: "If I could stay with you like this, even if it meant giving up all my martial arts skills and being trapped in this small space forever, I would be willing. Because my Tiange is my Jianghu, my world."

Amidst the rising steam, love overflows like a sea in this small bathtub.

The morning mist shrouded Snow Eagle Fortress like a light veil. The Vermilion Bird folded its crimson wings, its sharp claws crushing the silver frost on the ground. Fan Jie stood before the fortress, leaning on his dragon-headed cane, his white hair trembling slightly in the morning breeze. Behind him, Elder Peng and Elder Liu stood respectfully with their fists clasped, the Spring and Autumn Greatsword and the Qiankun Blade at their waists gleaming coldly.

Lu Chenzhou leaned against the hitching post, playing with the judge's pen, and suddenly chuckled: "Old Fan, you know, the gang leader's honeymoon trip to the highest heavens has really worried us old friends."

As soon as he finished speaking, the tent curtains swayed gently.

Shi Feiyang was dressed in a moon-white outfit, and his glass-like eyes shone even brighter in the morning sun.

He reached out and helped Lin Ruoxue step out. The latter's silk dress was tinged with the color of rosy clouds, and the jade hairpin in her hair shimmered with a faint light, as if the stars of last night had been adorned at her temples. The two of them held hands and leaped down from the back of the Vermilion Bird. When they landed, they did not stir up a speck of dust. Their superb lightness skill amazed everyone present.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting." Shi Feiyang clasped his hands in greeting, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Liaodong has just been pacified, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Let's discuss this over breakfast today." With that, he led everyone towards the kitchen.

Lin Ruoxue walked lightly, yet her fingers remained intertwined with Shi Feiyang's, like the stems of twin lotus blossoms, impossible for anyone to separate.

Inside the kitchen, wisps of smoke rose.

The stove was set with rough steamed buns and wild vegetable soup, but because of the group's identities, these foods also seemed to have a unique sense of chivalry and adventure.

Fan Jie tore open a steamed bun, chewing as he said, "Chief, at my age, I've never seen a divine bird like the Vermilion Bird."

He suddenly turned his gaze to Lin Ruoxue, "But Madam's trip to the Cloud Swallow this time is probably even more precious than the divine bird!"

Lin Ruoxue's cheeks flushed, and she nestled against Shi Feiyang's shoulder: "Senior Fan, you flatter me. Ruoxue is just an ordinary woman, and it is already a great fortune for me to have won Tiange's favor."

Shi Feiyang affectionately pinched the tip of her nose before speaking seriously, "Let's get back to the main topic. The banditry in Liaodong has temporarily subsided, and Black Tiger Stronghold and Hunyang Palace have been destroyed, but the shadow of the Netherworld Alliance has not yet dissipated. We need to plan ahead and expand the Beggars' Sect's foundation."

Elder Peng swallowed the wild vegetable soup in his mouth and asked in a deep voice, "Does the leader mean to establish a branch in Shandong?"

“Exactly.” Shi Feiyang tapped the table. “Shandong is a vital transportation hub between the north and south, a hub for merchants, and well-informed. Moreover, local gentry and bullies run rampant, which is exactly what our Beggars’ Sect needs to uphold justice. However…”

His gaze turned to Lin Ruoxue, "The trip to Shandong might require you to make the trip yourself, Madam." Lin Ruoxue straightened her back, her eyes sparkling, "Tiange, just give the orders. Although I am a woman, I understand the principles of chivalry."

"Good!" Shi Feiyang clapped his hands and laughed. "Elder Peng and Elder Liu are highly skilled in martial arts and can escort the lady to Jinan Prefecture. First, befriend the local heroes with benevolence and righteousness, and then establish your authority with martial arts. Remember, do not kill innocent people indiscriminately and ruin the reputation of our Beggars' Sect."

Peng and Liu responded in unison. Lu Chenzhou twirled the judge's pen in his hand, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Then what should be done with this 'Jade-Faced Judge'?"

“Go to the capital first,” Shi Feiyang said, his eyes flashing. “Find out the court’s movements, especially whether the Sticky Rod Office and the Netherworld Alliance are still colluding. If the time is right, establish a branch in the capital. It’s under the emperor’s nose, with many informants, and the information there is a hundred times more readily available than elsewhere.” Lu Chenzhou’s playful expression vanished, and he solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, “I will certainly live up to your expectations! However…”

He glanced at Lin Ruoxue, "I hope the two elders will take good care of Madam on this trip." Elder Liu patted his chest and assured him, "Brother Lu, rest assured! Anyone who dares to harm your wife will have to get past me first!"

Shi Feiyang nodded, then turned to Fan Jie: "I'll leave the Liaodong branch to you. Although it's peaceful here, security measures still need to be strengthened. Pay special attention to maritime activity to prevent the Netherworld Alliance from launching an attack by sea."

Fan Jie slammed his cane on the ground: "Don't worry, Chief! I can still fight for another ten years! As long as I can still use my 'Giant Spirit Palm', no one will dare to act recklessly in Liaodong!" The morning light shone through the kitchen window onto everyone.

Shi Feiyang looked around and gripped Lin Ruoxue's hand tightly: "The Beggars' Sect owes its current success entirely to the strong support of all of you brothers. Once the Shandong and Imperial City branches are established, we will definitely eradicate the Netherworld Alliance!"

Everyone stood up and shouted in unison, "We are willing to serve the gang leader!" The sound echoed through the rooftops and startled many birds in the forest.

Looking at her spirited husband beside her, and then at the passionate Beggars' Sect heroes, Lin Ruoxue felt a surge of pride and tenderness in her heart.

She understood that this was the world she had chosen—full of passion and challenges, and with unwavering loyalty and deep friendship.

After breakfast, everyone dispersed to pack their bags.

Shi Feiyang pulled Lin Ruoxue to a secluded spot and whispered, "The journey is long, so please be careful."

Lin Ruoxue tiptoed and gently kissed his lips: "Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself. When you return, we'll plant the Beggars' Sect's flag all over the country." Shi Feiyang hugged her tightly, gazing at the distant mountain ranges, already planning a new scheme.

The journey through the martial world is long and fraught with peril, but with these brothers who share life and death, and this lover who cherishes me wholeheartedly, what is there to fear? (End of Chapter)