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

A fierce wind, carrying sand and gravel like blades, swept across the city walls of Hami. Ashina Falcon's scarlet cloak fluttered in the sandstorm, and the obsidian inlaid on his wolf-head staff gleamed with an eerie light.

He stared at the icy blue true energy flowing around Shi Feiyang, and let out a low growl like a trapped beast: "You brat from the Central Plains, how dare you break my Mad Sand Demon Art?"

Shi Feiyang pointed his heavy iron sword at the ground, the ancient Miao script engraved on the blade gleaming coldly. His glassy eyes reflected the rolling sand clouds: "Western Region evil arts, how dare you act so violently on my Chinese land?" Before he finished speaking, Ashina Falcon roared, his wolf-headed staff stirring the air and emitting a sharp whistle. The sand within a radius of ten feet was as if pulled by an invisible giant hand, instantly condensing into a dark golden sand ball with a diameter of three feet.

The surface of the sand sphere was twisted and distorted, faintly revealing countless agonizing and contorted human faces—it was actually the "Sand Hell of Ten Thousand Souls," condensed from the resentment of thousands of fallen warriors. "Take this!" Ashina Sun's eyes flashed with bloodlust as the sand sphere, carrying an overwhelming force, pressed down on Shi Feiyang.

Wherever it passed, the ground cracked inch by inch, and the Qing soldiers were shaken so badly by the aftershocks that they coughed up blood and their armor was torn to pieces.

Shi Feiyang lightly touched the city wall with his toes, and his whole body soared into the sky like a white crane. He activated the Mingyu Skill to the peak of "Supreme Forgetfulness of the Ice Soul Cold Prison", and his skin shone with a glassy luster, like an ancient war god shrouded in cold mist.

He unleashed the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique: Demon-Slaying Cloud" from mid-air, golden blade energy crisscrossing like the blazing sun, colliding violently with the sand sphere.

In an instant, ice crystals and sand burst forth, exploding in mid-air with blinding light, turning the twilight sky into an eerie bluish-white.

"A mere trick!" Ashina Jun sneered, wildly brandishing his wolf-headed staff.

Suddenly, the human face on the surface of the sand sphere let out a shrill scream, transforming into countless sand blades that shot out.

Wei Nianhua's parting hook, like a dragon emerging from the sea, drew twelve streaks of blue light in the chaotic sand, shredding all the sand blades that attacked from the front; Chen Feng waved his black gold fan repeatedly, and thirty-six bone-piercing nails spun and cut through the side attacks.

Bai Zhen's iron claws swung wildly, and the shockwaves from his "Golden Eagle Nine Styles" plowed five deep furrows into the sand beneath his feet.

Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor avoided, but used the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill. With a flick of his palms and a guiding motion, the true energy of the Bright Jade Skill flowed rapidly throughout his body. The vortex suction force emanating from his palms was even stronger than that of a sandstorm. Half of the sand blades defied common sense and turned around, shooting back towards the Dzungar army formation.

Amid screams, dozens of cavalrymen were pierced by hidden weapons fired by their own men, and the blood mist bloomed into eerie red plum blossoms in the sand.

Ashina Sun's eyes widened in fury at the sight, and he plunged his wolf-headed staff into the ground: "Sandstorm Scorching the Sky!" The entire city suddenly trembled violently, and the scorching sand that surged from the ground instantly submerged the moat. Amidst the rising steam, the air was filled with the pungent smell of sulfur.

Sensing danger, Shi Feiyang activated the Mingyu Gong at high speed, unleashing the ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique, "Burning Heaven and Earth," with his Xuan Tie Heavy Blade.

The blade energy, carrying icy chill, collided with the scorching sand, creating a deafening roar that made people's eardrums ache, and a huge mushroom cloud shot straight into the sky.

Immediately afterwards, Shi Feiyang took advantage of the momentum to leap into the air, gripped the Xuan Tie Heavy Blade, and unleashed a move called "Severing Reincarnation"! The blade drew a golden arc in the air.

This ultimate move of the Hundred Victories Blade Technique carries the momentum of splitting the heavens and earth; wherever the blade's light reaches, the air emits a piercing shriek.

Ashina Sun hastily parried with his wolf-head staff, only to see Shi Feiyang's palm blaze with blue light—he had actually incorporated the vortex suction of the Mingyu Gong into his sword technique.

The wolf-headed staff was instantly absorbed by the blade's energy upon contact, causing Ashina Falcon's tiger's mouth to crack and blood to drip down the staff.

"Impossible!" Ashina Sun roared madly, veins bulging on his forehead. He suddenly bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood onto the wolf-headed staff. The magical artifact emitted a mournful cry of resentment, blood flowed from the wolf's eye at the staff's tip, and the sandstorm suddenly intensified tenfold.

A look of pity flashed in Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes, but he showed no hesitation as he swung his sword and unleashed "Breaking Heaven and Earth".

The golden blade energy transformed into a giant dragon phantom. Wherever the dragon's head went, the sandstorm crumbled inch by inch, and the wolf-headed staff shattered into pieces.

Ashina Falcon screamed and flew backward, his chest charred black, coughing up blood mixed with sand.

He struggled to get up, only to see Shi Feiyang already closing in on him like a ghost.

Shi Feiyang, whose Mingyu Gong was operating at high speed, was like a transparent ice sculpture. The moment his fingertip touched Shi Feiyang's Tanzhong acupoint, the cold air froze his heart along the meridians.

“Tell your Khan,” Shi Feiyang’s voice was so cold it could freeze time, “that this world cannot tolerate evil spirits who slaughter the people.”

With a powerful flick of his wrist, Ashina Falcon flew dozens of feet like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the sand dune.

Seeing their Grand Preceptor suffer a crushing defeat, the Dzungar army, watching from afar, was thrown into chaos. The sound of horses' hooves and cries of agony mingled with the sandstorm, turning the setting sun blood-red. Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword, gazing at the devastation, his glassy eyes swirling with complex emotions.

Wei Nianhua and the others gathered around and saw that Shi Feiyang's robes were stained with blood, yet he still stood tall and straight like a pine tree.

Chen Feng gently shook his folding fan: "Your Highness's moves are truly astonishing."

Shi Feiyang shook his head, looking at the flickering lights in Hami City, and said with emotion, "It is easy to startle the world, but difficult to bring peace to the people." The wind and sand swept past his eyebrows, and the two characters "people" on the black iron heavy sword were soaked in blood, yet they became even clearer.

Under the crimson sunset, this handsome, godlike young man used his sword to protect every wisp of smoke rising from the chimneys of this land.

The following morning, the sand and gravel of the Hami Gobi Desert were scorching hot under the blazing sun. Shi Feiyang stood atop the command platform, his black cloak fluttering in the wind.

He raised his hand and placed it on the hilt of the Xuan Tie Heavy Blade, his fingertips tracing the two characters "common people" engraved in the engraving. His glassy eyes reflected the sky-covering dust raised by the Dzungar army.

A sudden gust of cold wind swept by, ruffling the stray hairs on his forehead to reveal thin lips pressed tightly together beneath his sword-like brows—his handsome face now held a killing intent colder than the snow and ice of the Tianshan Mountains. "Commander Wei, Mr. Chen, Guard Bai!" His voice boomed like a bell, "Follow me to defeat the enemy!"

Wei Nianhua took a half step forward, and the parting hook in his palm turned out with a cold light: "This humble general requests to lead the sticky pole execution soldiers to directly attack the left flank of the enemy formation."

His hook shimmered with a ghostly blue light, drawing blood with every hook, leaving no survivors. Chen Feng followed, brandishing his large, black-gold fan. The wild calligraphy on the fan, depicting "enemies vanquished in the midst of laughter," though eroded by the wind and sand, appeared even more vigorous. He said, "Your Highness, behold how many bandit souls this fan will collect today." Bai Zhen, meanwhile, gripped his iron claws, his knuckles cracking like a machine gun, and roared, "Golden claws and iron hooks, let us be the vanguard!"

Shi Feiyang nodded, and the Mingyu Gong was quietly activated. His skin glowed with a crystal-clear jade color, and his whole body was like an ice sculpture shrouded in cold mist.

He lightly touched the ground with his toes, swooping down like a wild goose, the heavy black iron sword humming and vibrating at his waist, as if sensing the impending bloodshed.

Wei Nianhua's parting hook has already cut into the enemy's formation.

His figure was like a ghost, and in the blink of an eye, three cavalrymen had their throats explode, their blood splattering on the sand like red plums blooming out of season.

"You dog of the Dzungars, do you know the Central Plains hook technique?" he shouted in a low voice. The parting hook drew a strange arc, and a soldier who tried to sneak up on him had his eyes bulging and made a gurgling sound in his throat. His scimitar clattered to the ground.

Chen Feng chuckled as he fanned himself, and as the black gold fan unfolded, thirty-six bone-piercing nails poured out like a torrential downpour.

"These barbarians from the Western Regions dare to act so arrogantly in my Central Plains?" He flicked his wrist, and the mechanism between the fan bones rattled, sending twelve more bone-piercing nails whistling out, drawing twelve deadly arcs in the air. Then he hurled a blood-dripping dart. A centurion raised his shield to block, but the dart bypassed the shield as if it were alive, severing his head cleanly.

Bai Zhen was like a hawk swooping down on a rabbit; wherever his iron claws struck, the enemy's breastbone was shattered.

"Golden claws and iron hooks, indestructible!" he roared, grabbing a cavalryman by the shoulders and tearing him in two. Blood splattered onto his armor, instantly turning into ice crystals in the cold wind, shimmering eerily in the sunlight.

After defeating the Dzungar army in another battle, Bai Zhen looked at his prince and suddenly felt a surge of respect in his heart—this was no ordinary Prince Bao who lived a life of ease and comfort; he was clearly a chivalrous man with the world in his heart!
He gripped the iron claws tightly, secretly vowing to follow Prince Bao, wipe out the bandits, and restore peace and prosperity to the people.

As dusk deepened, the groans of wounded soldiers could be heard in the distance.

Shi Feiyang took a deep breath, raised his arms, and shouted: "Soldiers! In today's battle, we defend our Great Qing people with our flesh and blood! When we return in triumph, we will surely ensure that all the people of the world can live in peace and prosperity, and be forever free from the suffering of war!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the three armies raised their arms and shouted, their voices shaking the heavens. Shi Feiyang gripped the heavy black iron sword tightly, the two characters "Cang Sheng" (meaning "All Living Beings") on the blade shimmering with a warm light in the setting sun—not the color of blood, but the color of hope.

In early summer, the Junggar grasslands resemble a giant emerald, lush and vibrant with life.

Wildflowers, like twinkling stars, bloom in vibrant colors, vying for attention and releasing their fragrance. The azure sky is like a mirror, spotless and crystal clear. White clouds, like a leisurely flock of sheep, drift slowly by, ever-changing in their shapes.

In the distance, the continuous mountain ranges rise one after another, resembling a giant dragon winding its way through the landscape. The peaks stand majestically, exuding an imposing aura. Under the sunlight, the snow-capped peaks shimmer with a silvery-white light, like dazzling pearls embedded among the mountains.

The snow-capped peaks are shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland.

It's a rare treat to leave the palace, a rare treat to escape the capital, a rare treat to escape the oppressive atmosphere.

During the lull in the fighting, Shi Feiyang, accompanied by Wei Nianhua, Chen Feng, and Bai Zhen, went hunting in the mountains.

On this day, before the morning mist had even dissipated, Shi Feiyang's heavy black iron blade had already severed the throat of the third snow fox.

The frost that had formed on his fur fell in a soft rustling sound, reflecting a shimmering light in the morning sun, but it couldn't compare to the fleeting look of surprise in his glassy eyes—the faint groan coming from behind the bushes was more chilling than the dying whimper of the snow fox.

He parted the thorny vines and saw the woman lying in a pool of blood.

The silver bells on the exotic clothing were covered in mud, but the curved sword at his waist exuded the fierceness of the Tianshan Sect.

The woman's eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing eyes as clear as autumn water: "Young master... save... save me..."

Before she could finish speaking, she had already fainted on Shi Feiyang's black cloak.

Inside the military camp tent, the aroma of medicine mingled with the stench of blood.

Shi Feiyang stared at Ayina on the bed, and as her pale face gradually regained its color, a sudden sense of alarm arose in his heart.

Just as he was lost in thought, the woman suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze overflowing with emotion like spring water: "Young master, for saving my life, Ayina is willing to..."

“Young lady, you have just recovered from your serious injuries, there is no need for further words.” Shi Feiyang took half a step back, the cold light of his Xuan Tie heavy sword swaying gently in the candlelight. “The Western Regions are a thousand miles away from here, it is puzzling that you have come here alone.”

Ayina chuckled softly, her silvery laughter ringing out with each movement: "If you don't believe me, young master, you can look at this." She took out a token engraved with Sanskrit from her bosom, but the token was incomplete, and the Sanskrit was illegible.

Ayina continued, "My father is the patron saint of the faith in the Kingdom of Kucha. I am going to the Central Plains to find..."

Before he could finish speaking, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the tent.

"Your Highness! Traces of a mysterious organization have been discovered!" Wei Nianhua's farewell hook was still dripping blood. "They have set up the 'Nine Netherworld Fire Array' at Black Wind Cliff, and have already injured dozens of my brothers!" Shi Feiyang's glassy eyes instantly turned as cold as ice, and he tossed the token back to Ayina: "Miss, please rest in the camp."

As I turned around, I heard a barely audible cold laugh behind me.

On Black Wind Cliff, the night was as dark as ink. Shi Feiyang gazed at the eerie blue flames surging at the bottom of the valley, his thoughts drifting back to the Divine Water Palace of Liaodong Heavenly Lake. Suddenly, the stone pillar in the mysterious deerskin pouch at his waist became scorching hot, so hot that he could barely hold the Xuan Tie Heavy Blade.

“This fire… is exactly the same as the ‘Heart-Devouring Gu Fire’ of the Divine Water Palace.” Shi Feiyang muttered to himself, his voice torn apart by the howling mountain wind.

Chen Feng waved his large black fan, the words "With a laugh, the enemy's ships and towers are reduced to ashes" on the fan surface distorted and deformed in the firelight: "I have investigated and found that the leader of the mysterious organization calls himself the 'Netherworld Envoy' and is skilled in using poisoned silver needles. It seems to have some connection with the 'Thousand Machine Needles' of the Divine Water Palace back then."

Before the words were finished, a strange flute melody suddenly rang out from the top of the cliff.

Countless poisoned silver needles pierced the air, while Bai Zhen's iron claws swirled, the shockwave from his "Golden Eagle Nine Styles" knocking most of the needles away. Shi Feiyang used "Shifting Flowers and Receiving Jade," the vortex in his palm drawing the needles back, and with screams, dozens more men in black leaped out of the darkness.

"You treacherous Central Plains scoundrel, how could you possess such sorcery!" The leading Netherworld Envoy lifted his black robe, revealing half of his face adorned with a snake-shaped tattoo. "Shi Tianyu, you fiend, you're still alive! It's time to settle the score with the Divine Water Palace from back then..."

His words abruptly stopped, for Shi Feiyang's Xuan Tie Heavy Blade had already unleashed "Severing the Mortal World." The blade light crisscrossed like the blazing sun, carrying the icy chill of the Ming Yu Gong, instantly shattering the Netherworld Envoy's protective true energy.

The Netherworld Envoy staggered backward, then suddenly bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of black blood.

The Netherfire on the ground suddenly surged, transforming into a fiery python that lunged at Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly and swung his sword to unleash "Severing the Edge of Heaven." The ice crystals collided with the flames, creating a deafening roar.

Amidst the swirling mist, Shi Feiyang caught a glimpse of the token at the Netherworld Envoy's waist—it was a pair with Ayina's.

"So that's how it is." Shi Feiyang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his glassy eyes reflecting the pale dawn. "The remnants of the Divine Water Palace dare to stir up trouble in the name of the Western Regions." To cover up the name "Shi Tianyu," Shi Feiyang had no choice but to execute the Netherworld Messenger on trumped-up charges.

At this moment, he gripped the deerskin bag tightly, the warmth of the stone pillar penetrating his palms and reaching his heart. He thought to himself, "I will find the descendants of the Divine Water Palace sooner or later."

On the way back to camp, Bai Zhen suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, that woman from the Western Regions..." "Keep a close eye on her."

Shi Feiyang gazed at the distant, faintly visible military camp. The two characters "Cang Sheng" (meaning "All Living Beings") on his Xuan Tie Heavy Blade were soaked in blood. "The people of Shen Shui Palace are most adept at using emotions as weapons." Back then, Liu Tingting, the young master of Shen Shui Palace, had indeed done just that, deceiving Shi Feiyang time and time again. However, in the end, their love was real! Moreover, they had a child—Shi Tianyu!

As night deepened, Ayina leaned against the tent, watching Shi Feiyang's departing figure and chuckled softly. She stroked the tattered token, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes: "Hongli, Hongli, did you think saving me would uncover the secrets of the Divine Water Palace? Heh heh!"

With a soft tinkling of silver bells, she turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind only a string of meaningful laughter that echoed for a long time in the mountains.

The moonlight on the mountaintop was tinged white by the cold mist. When Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword, the two characters "Cang Sheng" (meaning "All Living Beings") on the Xuan Tie Heavy Blade seemed to still be dripping with black blood. He gazed at the ruins of the Divine Water Palace lying scattered on the ground, his glassy eyes reflecting the flickering Netherworld fire.

Suddenly, a soft tinkling sound came from behind me.

Ayina walked barefoot across the broken ice, the pearls on her exotic clothing gleaming coldly in the moonlight. The curved blade in her hand drew a graceful arc, but stopped abruptly three inches from Shi Feiyang's throat: "Prince Bao, you actually broke the Thousand Machine Array of the Divine Water Palace."

As Shi Feiyang turned around, the Mingyu Gong quietly circulated within his body, and his entire body shimmered with a glass-like luster.

He gazed at the cinnabar mole at the corner of the woman's eye, recalling her pale face when she was unconscious half a month ago, and his heart trembled slightly: "So the so-called daughter of the Kucha Kingdom who protects the faith is nothing but a trick to fool a three-year-old child?"

Ayina chuckled, her laughter carrying the desolate chill of a lone desert: "Hongli, do you know why the Dzungar cavalry always seem to know the Qing army's deployments?" She flicked her wrist, the curved blade suddenly slipping from her grasp, only to be held captive by an invisible force as it touched Shi Feiyang's clothes—the vortex of true energy from the Mingyu Gong. Wei Nianhua's parting hook suddenly shot out from the side, its dark blue shadow aimed straight for Ayina's face.

In a moment of panic, Shi Feiyang unleashed a palm strike, "Shifting Flowers and Receiving Jade," redirecting the attack towards the rock wall. With a deafening roar, the mountain collapsed, and Ayina seized the opportunity to disappear into the mist, leaving behind only a message carried on the wind: "Meet me at Black Dragon Pool tomorrow at dawn."

The following morning, the rising mist from Black Dragon Pool carried a sweet, pungent smell of blood. Shi Feiyang broke through the thin ice and saw Ayina leaning against the Broken Dragon Stone, her curved blade pressed against the throat of a Qing soldier.

“If Prince Bao takes another step forward,” she lightly stroked the soldier’s neck, “he won’t be able to keep his head.” Shi Feiyang landed ten feet away, his heavy black iron sword pointing diagonally at the ground: “What do you want?”

"Your life, or..." Ayina suddenly spun around, her scimitar flying out of her hand, but instead of attacking Shi Feiyang, she cut the rope by the pool.

In an instant, thousands of poisoned steel needles poured down like a torrential rain; they were none other than the "Rain of Pear Blossom Needles," a technique long lost by the Divine Water Palace.

Shi Feiyang gripped his sword and unleashed "Slaying the Mortal World," the chilling aura transforming into an ice crystal barrier that froze all the poison needles.

In the midst of the melee, Ayina's scimitar suddenly grazed his back.

Shi Feiyang grabbed her wrist with his other hand, the chill of Mingyu Gong seeping into her through her meridians: "Do you know why I didn't kill you?"

His voice was deep, carrying a gentleness he himself was unaware of, "That day in the mountains, when you called me 'Young Master,' the fear in your eyes didn't seem fake." Ayina's pupils shrank, and her scimitar clattered to the ground.

She suddenly struggled to break free, but Shi Feiyang pulled her into his arms.

The moment their skin touched, Shi Feiyang felt a surge of scorching true energy—it was Jungar's "Crimson Flame Demon Art"!
"Hongli, you're too naive!" A fierce glint flashed in Ayina's eyes, and flames surged in her palm.

Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor avoided the flames. He activated the Mingyu Gong at high speed, and the cold mist around him completely swallowed the flames.

He looked down at the woman's face, contorted with pain, and said softly, "You cultivate this self-destructive demonic art just to survive in Dzungar, isn't that right?" These words were like a heavy hammer, shattering all of Ayina's pretense.

She suddenly collapsed into his arms, tears mingling with blood dripping onto her dark cloak: "They captured my brother... If I don't risk my life for them..."

Shi Feiyang gently wiped the blood from her face, his glassy eyes filled with pity: "I once saw a child in Hami, about the same age as your brother." He sheathed his heavy iron sword. "Come back to camp with me, and I will protect you and your brother."

Ayina grabbed his sleeve, trembling, "Aren't you afraid I'll betray you again?"

“I’m afraid.” Shi Feiyang led her toward the morning light. “But what this world needs is not endless killing, but people who can let go of hatred.”

The warmth of his palm seeped through his clothes, even warmer than the morning sun.

Wei Nianhua's shouts came from afar, and Shi Feiyang held Ayina's hand tightly.

The silver bell at her waist jingled softly once more, this time not as a prelude to death, but as a gentle echo in the chaos of the world.

As the morning mist on the mountain ridge was torn apart by the gale, the remaining blood on Shi Feiyang's Xuan Tie Heavy Blade was congealing into dark red ice crystals.

He lightly swung his knife, the blade's energy slicing through the thin mist to reveal Ayina's blood-stained scimitar.

The woman walked barefoot on sharp icicles, her exotic skirt adorned with pearls, soaked in the icy pool water, yet she still shielded the kidnapped Qing soldiers behind her, like a trapped beast guarding its last weakness.

“Prince Bao’s ‘Ice Palm’ is indeed as good as its reputation.” Ayina raised her chin, the cinnabar mole at the corner of her eye burning like a flame on her pale face. Suddenly, she pressed her scimitar against the hostage’s throat artery. “Would you like to make a bet, is your Ice Palm faster, or is my scimitar faster?” Shi Feiyang’s movement of sheathing his scimitar was as elegant as breaking a branch. His black cloak billowed in the mountain wind, and the unicorn embroidered with gold thread breathed out clouds.

His glassy eyes reflected the broken stubbornness in the woman's eyes. He suddenly remembered the way she curled up in a pool of blood on the day they first met—the same sharp defensiveness, the same fragile trembling. He then questioned her with a smile: "Do you know why the Rain of Pear Blossoms Needles of the Divine Water Palace are mixed with the aura of the Dzungar Crimson Flame Demon Art?" Shi Feiyang stepped forward slowly, the sound of his boots crushing thin ice startling crows.

Ayina's pupils contracted sharply, but her scimitar trembled slightly involuntarily. "Southern Xinjiang poison, Western Region evil arts, Central Plains hidden weapons... Miss Ayina, just how many people's blood has your blade stained with?" Before she finished speaking, Ayina suddenly spun around and swung her scimitar.

As the cold light pierced the air, Shi Feiyang lightly guided the blade with his palms, using the vortex of true energy from "Shifting Flowers and Jade" to direct it towards the cliff. With a deafening roar, the flying debris suddenly changed direction—it was Ayina's "Returning Wind Blade Technique" that she had secretly unleashed!
"Watch out!" The Qing soldier who had been kidnapped suddenly struggled free and used his body to block the fatal blow.

Shi Feiyang's eyes were bloodshot, and he pushed his Mingyu Gong to its limit, his whole body shimmering with a glass-like luster.

He unleashed a palm strike, "Hundred Victories Blade Technique: Severing the Mortal World," the golden blade energy blazing like the sun, shattering the rubble into dust, yet its remaining force precisely avoided the woman's hair. Ayina stared blankly at the blood seeping from her palm—just now, Shi Feiyang had actually transformed his deadly attack into a gentle force, injuring her own hand that held the blade. Amidst the swirling mist, Wei Nianhua's Parting Hook and Chen Feng's Black Gold Fan had already flanked them from both sides, but Shi Feiyang raised his hand to stop them.

"Step back." He took off his cloak and wrapped it around the woman's trembling shoulders. "Your brother is a hostage in the Dzungar royal court, isn't that right?"

Ayina shuddered violently, and her scimitar clattered to the ground. Only then did she see clearly that beneath Shi Feiyang's blood-stained sleeve lay half of a silver bell unique to the Kingdom of Kucha—which fit perfectly with the broken bell around her neck.

The moment the rising sun pierced through the clouds, Shi Feiyang took her cold hand in his.

The warmth emanating from his palm, mingled with the refreshing coolness of Mingyu Gong, was like melting snow from the Tianshan Mountains flowing into a dried-up riverbed. "My blade is only wielded to protect myself and my loved ones," Ayina murmured softly, only to see the other's dark sleeves brush against the water, creating ripples that reflected their intertwined figures.

"Your blade will eventually find its true purpose." Shi Feiyang raised his hand to wipe the blood from her cheek, his glassy eyes gleaming with a light warmer than the morning sun. "Like the snow of the Tianshan Mountains, it may seem cold and hard, but it nourishes all things."

He gripped Ayina's hand holding the knife tightly, his force as she walked towards the morning light irresistible. "And I will be your strongest support."

Wei Nianhua gripped the farewell hook tightly, watching his lord embrace the enemy spy and walk away into the distance.

Chen Feng chuckled as he fanned himself, the four newly inscribed characters "Chivalrous Heart and Tender Soul" on the fan were tinged crimson by the morning glow.

In the valley, the two characters "Cang Sheng" (meaning "All Living Beings") on Shi Feiyang's Xuan Tie Heavy Blade resonated with the rising sun, while the silver bell that Ayina had re-tied around her waist emitted a clear, bloodless sound for the first time.

Outside the Dzungar king's tent, the north wind carried sand and gravel, turning the twilight into a terrifying iron gray. Shi Feiyang's dark cloak fluttered in the wind, his glassy eyes reflecting the heavily armored soldiers arrayed before him, the ancient Miao script on his heavy iron sword at his waist gleaming coldly in the shadows.

He raised his hand and pressed it against the hilt of the knife, his fingertips tracing the two characters "common people" engraved in the inscription. Suddenly, a child's suppressed sobs came from inside the tent.

"Commander Wei led his elite troops to break through the left flank, and Mr. Chen cut off their reinforcements." He announced in a deep voice, his tone as loud as a bell. "Guard Bai, follow me straight to the center, with General Su, Lieutenant General Mu, and Commander Yue providing support from three directions!"

Before he finished speaking, Wei Nianhua's farewell hook was already drawn, its dark blue shadow piercing the night: "I will make the enemy's ranks splatter with blood!"

Chen Feng chuckled, waving his large, black fan. A corner of the wild calligraphy on the fan, proclaiming "With a laugh, enemy ships are reduced to ashes," was lifted by the wind: "Watch how this fan collects souls." The moment the horn ripped through the night sky, Shi Feiyang lightly touched the ground with his toes, his entire body swooping down like a white crane. He activated the Mingyu Gong to its peak, "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison," his body radiating a glassy luster, and wherever he passed, sand and gravel instantly froze into ice.

He unleashed the "Hundred Victories Saber Technique: Viewing the Vast Ocean" with a palm strike, the resulting shockwave like a raging sea, sending the oncoming cavalrymen and their horses flying three zhang (approximately 10 meters). Wei Nianhua's Parting Hook was as cunning as a venomous snake, specifically targeting the enemy's vital points.

"Once hooked, it's goodbye! Goodbye to life!" he shouted coldly. The hook traced a strange arc in the air, and before the three heavily armored soldiers could react, blood bloomed from their throats.

Chen Feng swayed, the thirty-six blood droplets on his back spinning and cutting through the enemy's defensive line, causing screams of agony wherever they went.

Bai Zhen unleashed the "Nine Forms of the Golden Eagle," his iron claws churning up the soft sand like a plow. "Golden claws and iron hooks, indestructible!" he roared, grabbing a cavalryman's shoulders and tearing him in two with a single pull.

Sukhbaatar's goose-feather saber gleamed coldly, and wherever the blade passed, severed limbs and broken arms flew off; Mutia waved his folding fan, and the hidden mechanisms between the fan ribs made a whooshing sound, with poisoned silver needles aimed at knocking enemies off their horses; Yue Zhongqi wielded his tiger-head spear, the spear shadow blooming like pear blossoms, knocking away enemy shields as easily as tearing through thin paper.

Shi Feiyang broke through layers of defenses and suddenly saw Ayina's younger brother tied to the stake inside the royal tent, with several shamans chanting incantations around the child. "Slay the mortal world!" he roared, and the golden blade energy from his Xuan Tie Heavy Blade cleaved the shaman in two like a blazing sun.

Inside the tent, the Dzungar generals drew their scimitars, only to see Shi Feiyang unleash a "Flower Shifting Jade" technique with both palms, the vortex of suction from his palms deflecting all attacks. Ayina's younger brother gazed at the handsome young man exuding a chilling aura, his eyes filled with both fear and hope.

Shi Feiyang used his "Leave No Trace for a Thousand Miles" lightness skill, darting over the crowd like a ghost. The vortex suction of his Mingyu skill activated, tearing the iron chains binding the child. The moment he caught the child, three bloody gashes appeared on his back from the enemy's curved blade.

"Brother! My dear brother!" Ayina had somehow already reached the outside of the tent, her scimitar stained with blood.

She looked at her younger brother, who was safe and sound in Shi Feiyang's arms, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Shi Feiyang shielded the child behind him, a hint of tenderness flashing in his glassy eyes: "I said I would protect you."

At this moment, the Dzungar Khan charged forward, brandishing his spiked club: "Hongli, you brat, prepare to die!" Shi Feiyang handed the child to Ayina and unleashed his Xuan Tie Heavy Blade with all his might, slashing out with "Breaking Heaven and Earth." The golden blade energy transformed into a giant dragon phantom, colliding violently with the spiked club, the resulting roar so loud it hurt the eardrums.

Amidst the billowing dust, Shi Feiyang's Mingyu Gong was operating at high speed, and the cold mist around him transformed into ice crystal armor, making him resemble an ancient war god.

As Ayina held her younger brother and watched Shi Feiyang maneuvering swiftly through the enemy ranks, an unprecedented surge of emotion welled up within her.

This seemingly frail Prince Bao risked his life to save a complete stranger.

Ayina gripped her scimitar tightly, the wariness and hostility in her eyes gradually turning into determination: "From this day forward, my blade will protect all living beings alongside you."

When the sun rose, the Dzungar royal tent was already in ruins.

Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword and looked at the returning crowd in the distance, his eyes filled with relief.

Ayina walked to his side and whispered, "Thank you, young master."

Shi Feiyang turned his head and smiled, the morning light gilding his silhouette, and said majestically, "This world is meant to protect every citizen."

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the foothills a crimson red.

Shi Feiyang, carrying Ayina's younger brother, slowly walked out of the smoke-filled Dzungar royal tent.

The bloodstains on his dark cloak were still wet, but his glassy eyes were filled with tenderness as he lowered his head and gently comforted the trembling child in his arms: "Don't be afraid, it's alright." Ayina stood there stunned, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

As she watched Shi Feiyang patiently coaxing her younger brother, a crack quietly appeared in a long-frozen corner of her heart.

This Prince Bao, whom she once considered an enemy, not only risked his life to save her brother, but his tenderness at this moment made her heart race. "Young Master..." Ayina's voice choked with emotion, a thousand words unspoken.

Shi Feiyang raised his head, his gaze meeting hers, and smiled slightly: "Miss Ayina, now that your brother is safe, you will no longer be coerced by others." His words were calm and gentle, but they stirred up a storm in Ayina's heart.

For a long time, she struggled in darkness, forced to do things against her will to protect her younger brother, but the person in front of her was like a ray of light, illuminating her desperate world.

Back at the Qing army camp, Ayina volunteered to stay and serve by Shi Feiyang's side. Every day she watched Shi Feiyang handle military affairs with composure and decisiveness; she saw him share weal and woe with the soldiers without any airs; and she saw his concern for the people, his tireless efforts to spare the people on the frontier from the suffering of war.

Every scene deepened her admiration and love for this man.

However, their relationship was not without its challenges. Wei Nianhua and the others remained wary of Ayina, repeatedly reminding Shi Feiyang, "Your Highness, this woman's origins are unknown; she was once used by the enemy. We must be cautious."

Shi Feiyang simply shook his head, his gaze resolute: "Humans are not plants or trees, how can they be without feelings? Miss Ayina was only forced by circumstances. Now that she has abandoned darkness and embraced the light, we should treat her with sincerity." Ayina heard these words and felt both moved and guilty.

She was well aware that her past actions had caused Shi Feiyang a lot of trouble.

To prove her feelings, she became even more courageous on the battlefield.

During a surprise attack by the enemy, she noticed something was wrong and risked her life to rush into Shi Feiyang's tent to warn them.

Facing the swarming enemy, she wielded her scimitar, fighting ten against one, sustaining multiple wounds but never retreating, until reinforcements arrived.

Looking at her blood-stained clothes, Shi Feiyang felt both heartache and anger. While bandaging her wounds, he scolded her, "Why were you so reckless? What would have happened if something had gone wrong?" Ayina smiled and said, "Young Master risked his life for my brother and for the people of this world. My life was saved by Young Master. Even if I die, it would be worth it to protect Young Master."

As they spent more time together, their feelings for each other grew stronger.

However, Shi Feiyang always held the greater good of the people in his heart. He understood that his responsibilities were heavy and that he could not let personal feelings interfere with national affairs.

Ayina gradually came to understand that her love for Shi Feiyang should not be a burden to him, but rather that she should fight alongside him to protect this hard-won peace.

One day, the two were gazing into the distance from the hillside behind the military camp.

As the setting sun cast its golden rays upon them, Shi Feiyang pointed to the distant village and said, "Look at those people, all they ask for is a peaceful and prosperous life. For their sake, no matter how bitter or difficult, I will never back down."

Looking at his resolute profile, Ayina's heart was filled with tenderness: "My love, from now on, no matter what storms we face, I will protect all living beings under heaven with you."

As dusk painted the Tianshan Mountains a honey color, Shi Feiyang reached for the deerskin bag at his waist, a bag invisible to ordinary people.

His fingertips traced the Miao ancient seal script embroidered on the bag, and he suddenly felt his palms burning—the stone pillar he had brought from the Divine Water Palace was now glowing with a warm luster tonight. Ayina gazed at his handsome profile, and the silver bells on her exotic clothing suddenly swayed gently, as if sensing something.

“Ayina, look.” Shi Feiyang opened the deerskin bag and took out a brocade curtain embroidered with twin lotus flowers.

Moonlight filtered through the silver threads of the curtains, shattering into starlight in his glassy eyes. "This was meticulously crafted by Mr. Chen using silkworm silk. It can not only withstand wind and rain, but also..." He suddenly paused, a faint blush rising to the tips of his ears.

Ayina's cheeks were more radiant than the sunset, and her scimitar had been left lying on the meadow at some point.

She recalled those days when he reviewed memorials in the military tent until late at night, his brows furrowed with worry for the suffering of the people, yet now he was preparing a bridal chamber for her alone in this desolate wilderness.

“Young master…” her voice trembled slightly, “Why must you do this…”

“Not young master, but husband.” Shi Feiyang suddenly grasped her hand, his palm, which was adorned with Mingyu Gong, conveying just the right amount of warmth. As he spoke, the mountain wind lifted his black cloak, revealing the words “Eternal Mountains and Rivers” embroidered by the Fucha clan on the inner lining. At this moment, he gently placed it on Ayina’s shoulder.

Inside the brocade tent, the butter lamp cast a hazy glow on their figures. Ayina loosened the silver ornaments from her hair, letting her cascading black hair fall freely, her pearl earrings swaying gently: "I was originally a lone wolf of the grasslands, but it was you..."

She choked back tears, but Shi Feiyang silenced her with a kiss.

His lips carried the crisp coolness of snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains, tinged with the smoke of battle, but the moment they touched her, they softened into tender affection. (End of Chapter)