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

Chapter 384. Emerald Feathers Bravely Vanquish Enemy Bandits, Azure Blades Bathed in Blood Battle Amidst the Raging Sands.

Ruiyun shot into the fierce battlefield like an arrow released from a bow. Amidst the flashing blades and shadowy swords, the phantoms of the vengeful spirits clashed with the black sword, and the sparks that erupted condensed in the air into the shape of a skull.

Immediately afterwards, he unleashed an incredibly powerful move, "Avici Hell - Severing Illusion." The azure blade flashed like lightning, and a jet of blood spurted from the neck of an assassin.

However, before the corpse could fall, the twelve swordsmen had already swiftly formed a mysterious sword formation.

As the black-clad figures surged, twelve black whirlwinds rose from the ground with tremendous force.

Within the sword formation, the tip of each swordsman's sword shimmered with a ghostly light, as if it could draw upon the power of the netherworld.

Ruiyun's heart tightened. He knew this was no ordinary swordsman's sword formation; it must be the work of a master. He had to be extremely careful. However, instead of retreating, he advanced, his Avici Three Blades tracing eerie arcs in the air. Each swing was accompanied by the wails of wronged souls, as if he wanted to sever all the evil in the world.

However, the power of the sword formation was too great, and even a master like Ruiyun could not easily break it.

He could only rely on his superior agility and swordsmanship to dash left and right through the sword formation, searching for an opportunity to break through.

"Brother in trouble!" Shi Heming witnessed this scene and immediately flew over to help Ruiyun.

He swung both rings simultaneously, sending golden rays piercing the sky, and roared, "Brothers of the Sticky Pole Station, fire! Fire now!!!"

The twin dragon and phoenix rings drew a perfect Tai Chi pattern in the air, and an invisible force tore open a gap in the whirlwind, determined to destroy everything in its path. Hundreds of crossbow bolts coated with deadly poison rained down like a storm, but the leader in black let out a strange whistle, and the arrows miraculously changed direction in mid-air, shooting back at the Qing soldiers. The scene instantly became chaotic and dangerous.

Caught off guard, the Qing soldiers were thrown into chaos, their cries of agony filling the air. Seeing this, Shi Heming's eyes flashed with ruthlessness. He moved again, his twin rings weaving through the black-clad swordsmen like dragons, each strike imbued with the power to split mountains and shatter rocks.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ruiyun broke free from the sword formation. He was still panting, but his eyes grew even more determined. "Brother Shi, thank you for your help!" Ruiyun looked at Shi Heming gratefully. The two understood each other perfectly and needed no further words.

At this moment, the black-clad swordsmen in the sword formation seemed to feel the pressure as well. Their swordsmanship became increasingly fierce, and every point their swords pointed at was filled with the aura of death. But Ruiyun and Shiheming were not afraid at all. They fought side by side, and amidst the flashing blades, a deafening dragon's roar rang out. Immediately afterward, a golden spear shadow pierced the sky like lightning, heading straight for the center of the sword formation.

However, Yue Shan, wielding the Overlord Spear, moved like a war god descending, and wherever he went, the black-clad swordsmen fell one after another.

"Good!" Ruiyun and Shi Heming cheered in unison. They seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack. Under You Ning's command, the Qing soldiers gradually stabilized their formation and began to fight back against the black-clad assassins. However, the black-clad sword formation was still difficult to break.

The shouts of battle, the clash of weapons, and screams of agony mingled together, creating a tragic and devastating scene.

At the critical moment, a clear flute melody suddenly rang out from the southwest corner.

The voice was like heavenly music, bringing hope to the heroes in distress.

It turned out that the Red Flower Society heroes, who had already reconciled with Shi Feiyang, rushed to his aid after hearing the news, setting aside their past grievances.

The Grand Master, Chen Jialuo, dressed in a moon-white robe, gracefully strode across the roof tiles.

The jade flute in his hand swung like a sword, its movements conveying the force of a thousand armies. Following closely behind was Lady Chen Jialuo, Kalis, whose scimitar gleamed coldly, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating the path ahead.

Zhao Banshan, known as "Thousand-Handed Tathagata," flicked his ten fingers in rapid succession, sending hidden weapons such as bone-piercing nails and iron lotus seeds, imbued with the soft power of Tai Chi, flying out of the air.

However, these hidden weapons struck the black-clad man's protective aura, causing him to stagger backward.

Master Wuchen wielded his sword with one arm, unleashing the move "Stars Hanging Over the Plains"! The arc drawn by the Azure Sword carried a scorching wave of air, and large shards of crimson stone burned and fell, as spectacular as a meteor shower.

Wen Tailai struck out with both palms, and in the white mist stirred up by the "Thunderbolt Palm," the blue bricks on the ground cracked inch by inch: "Demon, prepare to die!"

His voice was like thunder, shaking people's hearts.

With each step he took, the ice surface was steamed by the powerful force of his palm strikes, and as his palms crossed, two white energy dragons rushed straight towards the sword formation. These energy dragons seemed to have a life of their own, roaring as they charged towards the enemy.

Zhou Weirou's dog-beating stick suddenly grew three feet longer, and the emerald green patterns on the bamboo stick flowed like a living thing. She unleashed the move "Hungry Dog Blocks the Road"! The shadow of the stick transformed into a net that entangled the assassin who was trying to launch a sneak attack, making him unable to move.

Lin Ruoxue's Longevity Sword rang with a sharp, silvery sound, and her swordsmanship echoed that of Daoist Wuchen.

Amidst the flashing swords, drops of blood from the man in black splattered onto the plaque of the examination hall, staining the four characters "Mingjing Qushi" (meaning "selecting scholars through the classics") mottled, like a mark of history.

Zhou Weirou moved with agility, like a feather fluttering in the wind. Her Dog-Beating Stick Technique was flawless, every movement perfectly timed, both powerful and nimble. The assassins caught in the shadows of her stick could only watch helplessly as they were trapped, unable to escape.

Lin Ruoxue's Longevity Sword was like a blade drawn from its sheath, its light as fine as silk, each strike aimed directly at the vital points, showing no mercy.

Her swordsmanship was graceful and agile, complementing Master Wuchen's swordsmanship perfectly. The two, one soft and the other strong, worked together flawlessly. In the chaos of battle, the number of men in black gradually decreased, and their protective auras were gradually weakened under the continuous attacks of the crowd.

Each flash of sword light was accompanied by a scream, and the black-clad man's blood splattered, making the plaque of the examination hall even more mottled.

The air was thick with the stench of blood, but no one showed any sign of backing down. In the heat of battle, Shi Heming's Dragon and Phoenix Rings suddenly split and reformed, transforming into four golden rainbows: "Break the formation!" The golden rings struck the four corners of the sword formation with pinpoint accuracy.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ruiyun suddenly attacked, unleashing three slashes from the Avici Hell. The phantom of Yama, appearing amidst the flashing blades, bared its fangs and shattered the protective aura of one person.

The assassin let out a shrill, inhuman scream, and his body suddenly began to twist and deform, turning into a pool of viscous black blood that slowly seeped into the ground until it disappeared completely.

"Danger! This is a Blood Escape Technique!" Upon seeing this, Chen Jialuo roared, warning the crowd. He immediately tapped the ground with his jade flute, his figure leaping lightly onto the roof like a hawk in a somersault. His gaze was sharp as lightning, quickly locking onto the controller of the Soul-Capturing Bell in the shadows of the northwest corner.

The controller wore a mysterious black robe and clutched a copper bell tightly in his arms. The bell was engraved with obscure Sanskrit characters. Each time he gently shook the bell, a new puppet would emerge from the ground.

These puppets, like summoned undead, carried the aura of death with every step they took, launching a new round of fierce attacks on the assembled heroes.

Moreover, they were like manipulated puppets, without their own will, only the instinct to kill, making everyone present feel an unprecedented threat.

Kalis drew a crescent-shaped arc with her scimitar as she unleashed her move, "Desert Smoke"! The blade light, like a swirling sandstorm, swept towards the black-robed man.

This attack was incredibly powerful, seemingly capable of tearing apart any enemy in its path. However, the opponent seemed to have been prepared. He flicked a chain from his sleeve, the end of which was a dripping skull, grinning menacingly at Kalis. This skull seemed to possess a life of its own, radiating an evil power that sent chills down one's spine.

Seeing this, Zhou Weirou quickly swung her dog-beating stick, slammed it into the ground, and unleashed a move called "Pushing the Dog Up to the Sky"! The bamboo stick picked up pieces of stone, which collided with the skull, sparks flying everywhere.

Stones flew through the air, sparks flew everywhere, and the scene was exceptionally spectacular.

She shouted, "Friends of the Red Flower Society, destroy the Soul-Capturing Bell first! We can't let this evil artifact continue to control the puppets!"

Zhao Banshan raised both hands in quick succession, and twelve bone-piercing nails formed a Big Dipper formation, shooting towards the major acupoints all over the black-robed man's body.

The man in black robes sneered, and the copper bell shook wildly, causing all the hidden weapons to freeze in mid-air and shoot back in the opposite direction.

This scene shocked everyone present.

At the critical moment, Wei Nianhua's parting hook suddenly flew out of his hand like lightning, accurately hooking a bone-piercing nail, and using the force of the hook to rush forward.

He roared, "Watch how I break your sorcery!" His voice was loud and clear, full of confidence and determination.

Chen Feng's black gold fan suddenly tripled in size, unfolding into a massive shield. A blue light flowed across the fan's surface, as if it were alive, deflecting all the incoming projectiles. His movements were graceful and fluid, like an artist wielding his paintbrush.

Master Wuchen's Azure Nether Sword was like a shooting star streaking across the night sky. He unleashed the "Soul-Chasing and Life-Taking Seventh Form," his sword energy soaring like a rainbow. The sword energy from his single arm actually sliced ​​off half of the black-robed man's sleeve, revealing the hideous blood lotus tattoo on it.

Wen Tailai clasped his hands together, and white mist condensed into a ball of lightning in his palms. He unleashed a powerful palm strike, causing the ground to shatter and the earth to tremble. The black-robed man was thrown back by the powerful shockwave, and the Soul-Capturing Bell in his hand slipped from his grasp.

Shi Heming's dragon and phoenix rings swept past like lightning, striking the bronze bell and shattering it. Amidst the ear-piercing explosion, all the puppets froze in place, their skin beginning to peel off inch by inch.

The bloody battle finally ended, and Shi Feiyang stepped into the examination hall, his feet treading on the blood-stained ground.

The chilling aura of the Mingyu Gong surrounding him condensed the stench of blood into ice crystals. He nodded slightly to Chen Jialuo and the others: "Many thanks to the heroes of the Red Flower Society for their great help! I will never forget your kindness! Chief Chen, please come to the Yangxin Hall. I know you have important matters to discuss with me!"

Chen Jialuo nodded and, accompanied by Kalis, headed towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Imperial Palace, led by Shi Heming and Shi Huiyu.

Then, Shi Feiyang's gaze turned to the dog-beating stick in Zhou Weirou's hand, and his palm under the dragon robe tightened slightly—the emerald green light flowing on the bamboo stick was somewhat similar to Huo Qingtong's emerald feather yellow robe back then.

He gripped the dragon-patterned jade pendant tightly, and icicles on his palm swelled three inches: "Issue an imperial decree that the Imperial Guard thoroughly investigate this case. Anyone who dares to covet my throne shall be killed, whether god or Buddha!"

As Zhou Weirou gazed at the unharmed Yongyan in the distance, glistening water droplets suddenly seeped from the bamboo joints of the dog-beating stick.

Lin Ruoxue sheathed the Longevity Sword, her silver bells tinkling softly: "As long as the children are safe, we can break even the most dangerous situation."

The autumn wind swept up the fallen leaves, gradually burying the traces of this thrilling battle.

……

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and the flames on the gilded candlesticks flickered in the breeze, as if they were performing some kind of mysterious dance.

Shi Feiyang's fingers gently stroked the Hetian jade paperweight on the table. The surface of the jade still retained the warmth of Huo Qingtong's gift from years ago, as if her tenderness and care were still flowing from his fingertips.

Suddenly, the copper bells on the eaves rang sharply, breaking the tranquility of the hall.

Chen Jialuo, carrying Kalis, strode in under the moonlight. Their clothes were mottled with frost and the weapons at their waists were still drawn, clearly indicating that they had rushed to see the Emperor without having time to prepare themselves.

"Your Majesty!" Chen Jialuo knelt on one knee, the jade flute in his hand striking the blue brick, producing a clear and melodious sound.

His usually gentle face was now ashen, his eyes bloodshot, as if they might bleed at any moment. He spoke with difficulty, "The smoke of war rises again on the northwestern border, Huo Qingtong... Huo Qingtong, she..."

Before she could finish speaking, Kalis covered her face and wept, the jeweled pendant on the scimitar in her hand swaying gently with her trembling shoulders.

The teacup in Shi Feiyang's hand shattered with a "crack," and the scalding tea flowed meanderingly across the dragon-patterned floor tiles, like a small river.

The Mingyu Gong suddenly activated, causing the temperature inside the hall to drop sharply, and frost flowers instantly formed on the window frames.

Shi Feiyang's voice trembled slightly: "What did you say? Qing Tong, she..."

The emperor's voice abruptly stopped, as if a thousand-pound boulder was stuck in his throat, making it impossible for him to continue.

His fists, clenched so tightly beneath his black dragon robe, were white at the knuckles, revealing his extreme tension and unease.

A flicker of disbelief crossed his eyes, followed by deep pain and despair, as if the whole world had lost its color.

An indescribable grief welled up in Shi Feiyang's heart. He felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly, and the pain was so intense that he could hardly breathe.

His Qing Tong, that gentle and intelligent woman who fought alongside him, had met with such misfortune. Shi Feiyang's body trembled slightly. He tried his best to control his emotions, but tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

He closed his eyes tightly, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart, but the memories of his time with Huo Qingtong kept replaying in his mind. Those beautiful memories had now become sharp blades piercing his heart.

Shi Feiyang took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He knew that no matter what happened, he had to be strong, for Qing Tong, and for their shared beliefs and future.

Chen Jialuo trembled as he pulled a blood-stained handkerchief from his bosom. Half an unfinished snow lotus was still embroidered on the corner of the handkerchief.

He lay prostrate on the ground, weeping bitterly, "The remnants of the Dzungar Khanate colluded with Tsarist Russia, and with the help of the 'Wind and Sand Pavilion' in the Western Regions, they learned the evil art of controlling sand. Huo Qingtong led his troops in a fierce battle for three months, commanding thousands of troops to defeat the enemy by day, and studying ways to break the spell by night..."

He choked back tears, which dripped onto the white handkerchief, staining it with blood. His voice was filled with grief and helplessness. "That day, a sandstorm suddenly arose. To save the trapped herders, she mustered her inner strength to unleash the Tianshan Sword Technique. When she was exhausted..."

"Enough!" Shi Feiyang suddenly stood up, his dragon robe sweeping the memorials off the table. In his rage, Ming Yugong extinguished all the candles in the hall, leaving only the icy aura emanating from him condensing into a ghostly blue halo in the darkness, as if freezing the entire world in that moment.

The encounter atop Mount Tai many years ago flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern—the Hui woman riding a white horse and holding a long sword, who taught him to recognize the fragrance of snow lotus and chatted with him about the world around the campfire. Those beautiful memories have now become the deepest pain in his heart.

Kalis suddenly knelt forward, her movements swift and solemn, her scimitar striking the ground with a crisp sound. "Your Majesty," she said, "my sister held this jade pendant tightly before she died, and she instructed me to return it to you." She carefully picked up the mutton-fat jade pendant, and saw a red rope wrapped around the crack in it.

This is the very piece of jade pendant that Shi Feiyang risked his life to protect her, and was cleaved in two by an assassin's sword.

Shi Feiyang staggered, his body swaying precariously. He barely managed to hold onto the dragon throne, his fingertips gently tracing the cracks on the jade pendant. The icy touch seemed to rush straight to his heart through his veins, causing him a sharp heartache. A metallic taste rose in his throat, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Just then, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. The farewell hook in Wei Nianhua's hand touched the threshold and made a slight sound: "Your Majesty!" The old minister Wei Nianhua rushed into the hall, but was stunned by the sudden scene in front of him.

Shi Feiyang was slumped on the dragon throne. The golden dragons on his black dragon robe gleamed coldly in the moonlight. The jade pendant he clutched in his palm reflected a broken image, just like his heart, which was riddled with holes and shattered.

"Issue the decree." Shi Feiyang's voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible. He issued the order with all his might. The cold air condensed by Mingyu Gong swirled in the hall, enveloping the entire hall in a solemn atmosphere. "Summon Wei Nianhua, Yue Shan, Chen Feng... and Yan'er and Ruiyun to come."

He suddenly coughed violently, and drops of blood seeped from between his fingers onto the dragon-patterned jade pendant, staining the originally white jade with an eerie red color, just like the blood-red emotions surging in his heart at that moment.

Half an hour later, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was brightly lit, illuminating the entire hall.

Yongyan gazed at his father's pale face, which was dressed in a python robe. His hands were clenched into fists beneath the robe, and his heart was filled with worry and unease.

You Ning quietly tightened her grip on the iron knife in her hand. The golden crow totem danced in the candlelight, and the dancing light and shadow made the cinnabar mole at the corner of her eye even more vivid and dazzling, reflecting her secret joy and great excitement.

Shi Heming's twin dragon and phoenix rings were slightly warm. The young commander sensed the aura of despair surrounding the emperor, an aura that was even more terrifying than the chilling atmosphere on the battlefield.

Shi Feiyang slowly unfurled the imperial edict he had prepared long ago. The bright yellow dragon-patterned scroll made a soft rustling sound as it unfolded, as if telling the weight of history.

The imperial edict read: "The fifteenth prince, Yongyan, is a man of extraordinary talent and virtue. I have decided to make him the crown prince. I will abdicate the throne next year, change the era name to Jiaqing, and exempt all land taxes and levies for the following year."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the assembled high-ranking officials, before continuing to read: "Wei Nianhua, Yue Shan, Chen Feng, Shi Heming, Rui Yun, and the other eight are hereby appointed as regents to assist the new emperor."

Chen Feng's large, black gold fan trembled slightly, the four characters "Sun and Moon Shine Together" on its surface soaked with cold sweat, as if they had lost their former luster. He tried to ask, "Your Majesty, what's wrong...?"

However, before he could finish speaking, Shi Feiyang had already pressed the imperial seal heavily onto the edict. The vermilion ink splattered on the dragon-patterned table, resembling drops of blood and tears, making it particularly shocking to see.

"You Ning, receive your title." Shi Feiyang turned to look at his former imperial concubine, a gentle light flashing in his eyes. "From this day forward, you shall resume your original surname, Wei Jia. I hope that you, as the Empress Dowager, will wholeheartedly assist the new emperor, protect the Qing Dynasty, and treat your sisters Qingru, Ruoxue, and Weirou well."

Lady Wei knelt and kowtowed, her actions seemingly sensing the emperor's resolute heart.

After everyone left, Shi Feiyang took off the dragon-patterned jade pendant from his waist and combined it with Huo Qingtong's half of the jade pendant.

The gold threads at the crack shimmered in the moonlight, just like the bond between him and her that spanned half a lifetime, witnessing their love, hate, and passion.

"Chen Jialuo, Kalis," he said as he turned around, the ice armor formed by Mingyu Gong swirling in the candlelight, as if telling an immortal legend, "Wait for me at Tianshan. Next spring, I will go to pay homage to Qing Tong's spirit in heaven!"

"Yes, sir!" Chen Jialuo obeyed the order and left. He took Kalis's hand and walked out of the palace together to join the heroes of the Red Flower Society. They returned to Tianshan first to prepare for the coming spring.

Six months later, Shi Feiyang made a major decision: he decided to completely hand over imperial power to Yongyan and then quietly leave the capital to travel alone to the distant Xinjiang region.

On the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, snow blankets the entire mountain peak.

Dressed in mourning clothes, Shi Feiyang walked along the snowy path Huo Qingtong had led him on years ago. Each step felt like a heavy weight on his heart. When he saw the newly erected tombstone, his steps suddenly faltered.

The tombstone is inscribed with the five large characters "Tomb of Huo Qingtong," written in a vigorous and powerful style, which she herself carved during her lifetime.

"Qingtong, I'm too late." Shi Feiyang's voice was torn apart by the mountain wind. Mingyu Gong condensed into ice flowers in his palm, but melted into tears the moment it touched the tombstone. He slowly took out the jade pendant that had been reunited and gently placed it before the grave. "Back then, you said that the Heavenly Snow Lotus only blooms for those with a destined connection. Now this vast land is at peace, but my destined one..."

Before he finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind arose, and the snowflakes in the sky condensed into thousands of sword shadows, which was Huo Qingtong's most proficient Tianshan sword technique.

Chen Jialuo gazed at the emperor's trembling back and played a low, mournful song on his jade flute.

Kalis's scimitar plunged into the snow, and the frost that had formed on the gem pendant fell away.

In the distance, snow lotuses bloom amidst the wind and snow, their white petals glistening with snowmelt—whether from melting snow or still-wet tears, it's hard to tell.

Shi Feiyang knelt before the grave, letting the wind and snow turn his black hair white, as if at this moment, he had become one with this world.

Chen Jialuo sat beside the grave, his expression solemn, as he recounted Huo Qingtong's final battle to Shi Feiyang once more...

The night wind on the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains carried sand and gravel, causing Huo Qingtong's emerald feathers and yellow robe to flutter wildly, telling the story of that thrilling battle.

She gripped the Qingfeng sword at her waist, her gaze fixed firmly on the endless smoke rising in the distance. The silver bells on the sword tassel gleamed coldly in the moonlight, like the frost and snow that had settled in her eyes.

Three days ago, the urgent report sent by the secret agents of the Sticky Rod Office still echoed in her ears—the remnants of the Dzungar Khanate colluded with Tsarist Russia, burning, killing, and looting in the Hami area, and had even learned the evil sand-controlling magic of the "Wind and Sand Pavilion" in the Western Regions. Wherever they went, yellow sand covered the sun, and people and livestock died.

"Master Huo, the scouts report that the enemy has set up a 'sandstorm formation' in the Black Gobi." Huo Aiyi led his warhorse at a brisk pace, the boy's face reddened by the wind and sand. "The firearms that the Russians brought are very powerful, and there are also Western Region sorcerers controlling the yellow sand. Our cavalry can't get close at all."

Huo Qingtong gently stroked the horse's mane, her gaze sweeping over the Hui warriors outside the tent, who were fully prepared for battle.

The moonlight shone on their scimitars, casting a chilling gleam that foreshadowed the fierce battle to come.

She suddenly took off her cloak, revealing a plain-colored outfit underneath, and the snow lotus sachet hanging from her waist swayed gently: "Pass down the order, depart at midnight. Tell everyone to prepare plenty of wet towels, in case the sandstorm starts, cover your mouth and nose."

The Black Gobi Desert at midnight was eerily silent, with only the mournful sound of the night wind sweeping across the dunes echoing in my ears.

Huo Qingtong led two thousand cavalrymen silently toward the enemy camp when suddenly a strange orange-red hue appeared on the horizon—it wasn't the morning glow, but the sorcery of the Wind and Sand Pavilion had been activated! Yellow sand filled the sky like a surging tide, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, as if countless vengeful ghosts were howling and screaming within it, creating a tremendous spectacle.

"Form a shield formation immediately!" Huo Qingtong gave the order, and her longsword was drawn, its clear ringing piercing through the roar of the sandstorm.

The warriors of the Hui tribe acted swiftly, forming a circle with their warhorses and tightly interlocking their shields, creating an impenetrable wall of steel. However, the power of the sandstorm far exceeded their expectations. Sand and gravel rained down on their shields, producing a dense, cracking sound. Many warriors suffered splitting hands and knuckles from the impact, enduring excruciating pain.

At this critical moment, countless iron projectiles suddenly flew out from the sandstorm.

Huo Qingtong's pupils suddenly contracted, and she immediately recognized these iron bullets—these were bullets fired by flintlock muskets of Tsarist Russia!

"Everyone scatter!" she shouted, leaping into the air like a nimble swallow, tracing a graceful arc before unleashing a move from the Tianshan Sword Technique: Snow Dance Returning Wind. Sword light flashed, and iron pellets rained down, scattering sparks.

"Huo Qingtong, you're doomed today!" A sinister laugh echoed through the sandstorm, and a Western Region man wearing a bronze mask slowly walked through the dust.

At the top of his bronze staff was a blood-red gem. Every time he waved the staff, new pillars of sand would rise from the ground, as if it were the embodiment of "Sandstorm Fury": "Come and taste the power of my move!"

Huo Qingtong lightly touched the sand pillar with her toes, her figure as graceful as a fluttering butterfly. She swung her sword in a backhand motion, unleashing the "Tianshan Sword Technique: Plum Blossom in Bloom"! The sword tip pointed directly at the blood-red gem, but was unexpectedly bounced back by an invisible wall of energy.

At that critical moment, the snow lotus sachet at her waist suddenly emitted a soft glow, miraculously deflecting the oncoming sandstorm. "So that's how it is!" A look of sudden realization flashed in Huo Qingtong's eyes.

She took a deep breath, mobilized all her inner strength, and unleashed "Tianshan Sword Technique - Ice Soul Cold Light!" As her sword moves changed, the surrounding temperature plummeted, and the yellow sand in the sky was frozen into ice crystals, which fell down one after another.

Upon seeing this, the Western Region demon's expression changed drastically, and he turned to flee. "Where do you think you're going!" Huo Qingtong followed closely, her Qingfeng sword pointing directly at his back.

However, at that moment, a gunshot rang out, and a bullet grazed her shoulder.

She suddenly turned to the side, only to see a Russian officer approaching with a flintlock pistol, grinning maliciously.

"Master Khoai, watch out!" Khoai shouted as the boy lunged at the Russian officer with his knife.

However, the enemy was prepared and plunged their bayonets deep into Khoai's abdomen.

Huo Qingtong felt a flash of red before her eyes and a sharp pain in her heart. Her swordsmanship suddenly quickened, unleashing a move called "Tianshan Sword Technique - Wind and Snow!" The sword light was as white as snow, instantly enveloping the Russian officer and the Western Region demon.

As the last wisp of sandstorm dissipated, the dawn's light shone on the black Gobi Desert.

Huo Qingtong knelt beside Huo Aiyi, tears dripping onto the boy's blood-stained clothes.

She gently removed the jade pendant from the boy's waist and put it in her bosom: "Don't worry, I will avenge you, and avenge all my fallen compatriots."

Over the next two weeks, Huo Qingtong led the warriors of the Hui tribe to victory after victory.

Using her wisdom, she cleverly utilized the surrounding terrain and devised a clever fire attack plan, successfully breaking through the enemy's sandstorm formation. At the same time, she also meticulously planned a night raid, sending elite troops to attack the Russian artillery battalion, not only successfully capturing a large number of advanced flintlock muskets but also greatly weakening the enemy's firepower.

In every bloody battle, when the situation became deadlocked and it was difficult to determine the victor, the snow lotus sachet at Huo Qingtong's waist would always emit a soft glow at the right time, as if it were a power bestowed upon her by heaven, helping her to turn danger into safety.

Finally, on a full moon night, Huo Qingtong led her warriors to the enemy's main camp.

She stood outside the enemy camp, gazing at the mountains of grain and weapons piled up inside, a resolute and ruthless glint flashing in her eyes.

"Tonight is our decisive moment! If we fail, we will die here!" She gripped the Qingfeng sword tightly, and the silver bell on the tassel rang out with her movements, a battle horn that inspired the morale of every warrior.

On the night of the decisive battle, Huo Qingtong personally led her elite troops and silently infiltrated the enemy camp.

Her swordsmanship was as fast as lightning; wherever she went, enemy soldiers fell one after another, unable to withstand her sharp edge.

When she penetrated deep into the enemy camp and found the leader of the remnants of the Dzungar Khanate, he was plotting the next invasion plan with a Russian officer.

"It's time for your evil deeds to end. Hmph!" Huo Qingtong's voice was as cold as ice. She swung her longsword and unleashed the "Ten Thousand Plum Blossoms and Thousand Snows" technique of the Tianshan Swordplay! The sword light was like a cascading silver river, completely enveloping the two of them.

The enemy leader brandished his scimitar in an attempt to resist, but under Huo Qingtong's swordplay, he could only retreat step by step, unable to withstand her attacks.

Taking advantage of the chaos, a Russian officer attempted to launch a surprise attack on Huo Qingtong. However, Huo Qingtong reacted with astonishing speed. She swiftly turned and, with remarkable accuracy, swung her sword backhand, the tip piercing the enemy's throat precisely and preventing the ambush.

The enemy leader witnessed this and realized the situation was extremely unfavorable for him, so he decided to turn and flee, attempting to escape this dangerous battlefield. Seeing this, Huo Qingtong lightly touched the ground with her toes; her movements were light and swift, like a ghost relentlessly pursuing him.

She coldly questioned, "Trying to escape?" Her voice was filled with hatred for the enemy and sorrow for her compatriots. "Give me back the lives of my compatriots!" As she spoke, the Qingfeng sword drew a cold light in the air, pointing straight at the enemy leader's back.

A piercing scream shattered the silence of the battlefield, and the enemy leader finally collapsed, ending his life filled with sin.

Standing on the battlefield littered with corpses, Huo Qingtong looked at her compatriots who had sacrificed their lives for their country, her heart filled with mixed emotions, for this victory had been won with the lives and blood of countless compatriots.

As the first rays of dawn illuminated the eastern horizon, Huo Qingtong stood atop the mountain, gazing at the rising sun. Though her emerald-green robe was stained with blood, her heroic bearing remained undiminished. The snow lotus sachet at her waist swayed gently in the morning breeze, releasing a faint fragrance.

She gripped the Qingfeng sword tightly in her hand, silently vowing in her heart: as long as there is even one enemy in the world, she will not hesitate to continue to fight back and protect this land she loves so much.

However, the next day, the leader of the Hui cavalry noticed that Huo Qingtong had not gotten up to eat as usual, so he sent a maid into Huo Qingtong's tent to check on her. The maid found Huo Qingtong lying quietly in the brocade tent, with a smile on her face, but she never woke up again.

……

After hearing Chen Jialuo's story, Shi Feiyang could no longer contain his emotions. He burst into tears, his heart filled with endless grief.

No matter how vast the world may be, it cannot compare to the radiant woman who held him tightly in her arms on the summit of Mount Tai, sharing a quiet night with him. Her smile, like the warm spring sun, warmed his heart.

Her gentleness and love became an eternal concern in Shi Feiyang's heart.

He felt that the rest of his life had no other meaning, so he decided to transform this deep longing into a firm determination to protect this vast land, and also to commemorate the snow lotus that withered forever on the frontier, the woman who once gave him love and warmth.

　Dear friends: I will be going on a business trip for a month starting tomorrow. I will be busy with work and unable to update long chapters. Please forgive me. For now, I can only update short chapters (under 5000 words), and I will try to update daily. Thank you for your support, and I am grateful for this opportunity.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)