I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 169 Focused Fire
Night falls, Flying Tiger Gate, suburban manor.

The vermilion walls stand tall, with bronze animal head rings embedded in the vermilion gate, and stone lions on both sides raise their heads, looking fierce and menacing.

Outside the manor, lights stretched out, illuminating the night as if it were daytime. In the giant bronze lamps hanging from the eaves, demonic flames leaped, burning specially made animal oil that emitted a pungent, sweet-smelling odor.

From a distance, the buildings are layered and the courtyards are crisscrossed, resembling a small town.

At this moment, the grand banquet is in full swing.

Inside the main hall, lanterns hung high, and the carved beams and painted rafters shimmered with light.

The hall was spacious, with a dozen jade wine tables arranged in a row, where guests gathered and toasted each other.

Zhao Feihu of the Flying Tiger Clan, dressed in a black robe embroidered with tigers and with a long, red-sheathed sword hanging at his waist, sat in the main seat.

He was nearly fifty years old, with a broad face and a large mouth. Beneath his thick eyebrows were a pair of eagle eyes that were sharp and piercing, and his every move exuded a fierce aura.

With his cultivation at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, his aura caused the guests present to tremble slightly, yet they still put on smiles.

After a few rounds of drinks, someone put down his wine cup and said loudly, "Sect Leader Zhao, drinking isn't very interesting. I heard there's a good show tonight, where is it?"

Someone chuckled sinisterly, "I heard they've invited a stunningly beautiful enchantress? Oh well, we've seen plenty of beauties in our lives, could this just be another empty threat?"

"Where is the enchantress?"

A member of a collateral branch of a powerful family chimed in, a smug smile on his face, "It is said that he is Zhao Huanhuan, the sect leader of the Joyful Sect!"

I'd long heard of her renowned beauty, captivating countless admirers, yet none had ever truly won her heart. Tonight, Sect Leader Chen has emerged victorious; he's truly blessed with good fortune!

These words caused an uproar and bursts of laughter throughout the room.

Zhao Feihu laughed heartily, raised his cup, and looked around. "You're all joking! What kind of status does Sect Leader Zhao have? She has many godfathers. Who would dare to lay a finger on her normally?"
This time, however, she made a grave mistake by attempting to rescue Xue Zei's family, as none of her cronies dared to speak up for him.

Otherwise, you really wouldn't be able to win her over.

This is a famously pungent mutton dish. I, Zhao, may have the desire, but I lack the courage.

A distinguished person in the state has already made a reservation.

While this slut is still with me, everyone can just enjoy the smell.

Later, I'll have that bitch sing and dance a little to entertain everyone.

"To wear clothes or not? Dancing in clothes is so boring."

Someone shouted.

Everyone joined in the fun.

Zhao Feihu chuckled and said, "It depends on the situation and the atmosphere. If the atmosphere is right, it's not impossible for Sect Leader Zhao to dance and take off his clothes at the same time."

"I just don't understand. I've heard that Sect Leader Zhao has a temper. What kind of evil magic did you use to control her? If it was the Yin Soul Secret Technique, then it would lose its fun."

A young man in white robes spoke loudly.

Zhao Feihu waved his hand and said, "I am not so vulgar. Rest assured, everyone, I will make that slut dance willingly."

As you all may not know, this vile woman is completely infatuated with the man surnamed Xue.

The two appear to be enemies, but they are actually very close in private.

That vile woman even asked someone to rescue Xue's younger sister, who is now locked up in the training camp.

The boss there, Crazy Qu, is an old friend of mine.

If I just say a word, that kid surnamed Xue will suffer endlessly.

That bitch Zhao Huanhuan actually risked her life to protect that little baby. Heh heh, she'll do whatever I tell her to do.

"Don't just talk the talk, Sect Leader Zhao."

"Haha, I'm really not that person."

Zhao Feihu clapped his hands lightly.

In an instant, the drums thundered, causing the jade cups in the hall to tremble.

Laughter rose and fell, filling the room with noise.

A moment later, amidst the fragrance of sandalwood, a graceful figure slowly entered.

Zhao Huanhuan, with her beauty as lovely as a peach blossom, had a sorrowful look in her eyes. Her light crimson dress accentuated her fair skin, and the cinched waist of her dress made her slender waist appear even longer. Her curves bulged outwards at her hips, and even as she walked slowly, she exuded a natural, alluring charm.

The lamplight flickered, and she seemed to have stepped out of a painting, so beautiful that it took your breath away.

Everyone held their breath, swallowing hard, their burning eyes filled with greed and blasphemy.

Zhao Feihu's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he wrung his hands anxiously. "Sect Leader Zhao, aren't you the most aloof one? Aren't you just relying on your godfather's wealth? Today, I'm going to make you obediently dance a song!"

If Zhao Huanhuan hadn't already been reserved by a big shot, Zhao Feihu would have pounced on her immediately.

This piece of mutton is so pungent, but you can't eat it; you can still look at it and play with it.

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and someone brought over iron chains.

The chains rattled, and the cold iron rings tightened around Zhao Huanhuan's fair neck. The echoing sound reverberated in the hall, making one's heart clench.

The guests were taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.

"Good! That's more like it!"

"The dignified Sect Master Zhao is nothing more than a chain slave who can twist!"

"Come on, give us a dance, show us what a spectacle is like!"

Someone slammed their fist on the table and shouted, "If she doesn't dance well, make her bark like a dog!"

This immediately drew a burst of laughter, with drinks spilling and laughter mixed with the stench of animal fat, creating a suffocatingly foul atmosphere.

Zhao Feihu sat in the main seat, his hawk-like eyes flashing, a sinister smile on his lips: "Sect Leader Zhao, how aloof you are usually? Tonight, I'll show you all that you'll have to behave yourself."

With a raised hand, the drumbeats quickened, as if demanding death.

Zhao Huanhuan trembled, her eyes filled with resentment and humiliation.

Her hands were forced up, swaying to the beat of the drums.

The crimson veil partially concealed her figure under the lamplight, making her appear even more alluring.

"well!"

"Let's go around again!"

The guests cheered and jeered, their eyes burning with greed and blasphemy.

Some people even reached out and pretended to grab her, as if they wanted to pull her off the stage.

The chain restrained her, forcing her to stumble.

In that instant, the tears in her eyes were blindingly bright in the lamplight, making her figure appear even more lonely and isolated.

boom!
The vermilion gate suddenly burst open with a thunderous roar.

The night wind, carrying a chill, rushed into the hall, causing the lamplight to flicker erratically, and the bronze lamps on the eaves to emit strange, mournful cries.

The guests were taken aback for a moment, then began to shout and cheer.

"who!"

"Who dares to ruin my Flying Tiger Gate's grand feast!"

"Bold maniac!"

"........."

Amidst the howling wind, a person in blue robes stepped into the hall.

Zhao Feihu's eagle eyes narrowed, and he suddenly stood up, shouting sharply, "You rat, quickly state your name!"

The man in blue robes fluttered in the wind, his expression was cold and stern, and his voice was so cold it seemed to come from the depths of the underworld: "Life-taking is unpredictable."

Instantly, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

"Absurd! How dare a mere individual come here!"

Zhao Feihu snapped out of his daze and slammed his hand on the table. "You're asking for it!"

Just then, a large number of Flying Tigers gang members rushed into the hall, blocking all escape routes.

The man in blue didn't even flinch, and walked forward with firm steps.

He exuded an imposing aura, his entire being radiating a chilling presence that sent shivers down one's spine.

Zhao Feihu couldn't help but take two steps back.

Zhao Huanhuan stared blankly at the newcomer, her eyes first filled with confusion, then her gaze met his.

In an instant, her body trembled violently, and tears welled up silently. Her alluring eyes were now filled with both surprise and sorrow.

The man in blue had already walked up to her. He gently raised his hand, and the iron chain snapped in his hand like rotten wood.

Everyone's expression changed drastically; with just this one move, he revealed extraordinary physical strength.

"Who...who are you?"

Zhao Feihu's voice trembled, "Is there some misunderstanding?"

The man in blue did not answer. Instead, a loud tremor shook the void, and literary energy surged forth, solidifying into a tangible form.

A gigantic divine weapon, its entire body a golden-iron color and of a strange shape, suddenly appeared.

The six tubes rotated, their spiritual patterns shimmering, resembling the roaring heads of beasts, brimming with a murderous aura.

The Gatling gun, a weapon of literary prowess.

After the Wenqi Treasure Tree was formed, this divine weapon became almost completely solidified, resembling a body of steel.

A roar suddenly erupted, and the six tubes spun wildly.

No one had ever seen such a strange weapon, but the chilling and terrifying aura it exuded could be felt even with one's toes.

Just as everyone was about to make a move, countless golden bullets shot out like a storm.

"Da da da da..."

The bullets whistled as they tore through the sky, causing the air to churn.

The protective aura he hastily gathered was instantly shattered under the firepower, and his flesh was pierced through like paper.

There were no screams, no shouts, only the whistling of bullets.
Someone's chest exploded, and he flew backward, smashing the jade table.
Someone's arm was instantly smashed apart, turning into a bloody mist;
Some people had their heads smashed to pieces, with brains and blood splattered all over the walls of the hall.

Wherever the golden light swept across, nothing could withstand it.

Flying Tiger Sect disciples and guests fell in droves on the front lines, their blood flowing like streams on the ground.

They tried to activate their protective magical artifacts, but the spirit shields, armor, and talismans crumbled one after another in the raging rain of bullets, as fragile as paper.

The hall, which was originally a place for singing and dancing, has now become a hellish inferno.

The deafening roar was deafening, shaking everyone to the point of madness. The stench of blood and gunpowder mixed together, making it hard to breathe.

Finally, only three people remained standing in the arena.

Zhao Huanhuan closed her eyes in fright. Although she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator and the head of a sect, her job was to cultivate relationships. She had never seen such a horrific massacre.

Zhao Feihu's pupils contracted sharply, his legs trembled, and his eyes were filled with unbelievable fear.

"Let me introduce myself, my name is Xue Xiang."

Xue Xiang reached out his hand, and Zhao Feihu instinctively reached out to take it. The sword spirit in Xue Xiang's palm manifested into a sharp sword, which easily pierced through Zhao Feihu's head.

Xue Xiang quickly gathered the storage treasures in the room.

He took out the corpse-dissolving powder, waved it in the air, and in an instant, the bloody smell on the ground turned into brown water.

"They didn't know how to hide."

Xue Xiang picked up Zhao Huanhuan to prevent him from getting the corpse fluid on him.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Huanhuan took the opportunity to hook her arm around his neck and said softly, "My legs are weak and I can't stand up."

Whether she was being cute or genuinely unable to stand, Xue Xiang always appreciated her kindness and carried her on his back.

Then, it took off into the air.

"Where is the training workshop?"

"there."

"Just use your fingers, why are you twisting them?"

"If someone is itchy, they can't even twist their body."

Zhao Huanhuan's breath was as fragrant as orchids; the joy in her heart was beyond words.

When news of Xue Xiang's death arrived, she herself didn't know why she was so sad, nor did she know why she had risked everything to save his younger sister.

Even when she was imprisoned, she never had the slightest regret.

At this moment, Xue Xiang has come back from the dead. Her current feeling is like having bet all her savings on a winning combination at the gambling table.

She clung tightly to his neck, her voluptuous body shifting against his back, occasionally blowing a breath into his ear.

She felt that everything she had now was what she deserved.

"What kind of trouble are you causing?"

Xue Xiang's neck was tickled so badly by her teasing that he was preoccupied with the little one and had no interest in dealing with her.

Violent law enforcement, a sharp slap, sending flesh ripples everywhere.

Zhao Huanhuan made a sound like a cat, then suddenly fell silent.

Xue Xiang focused on controlling the magic carpet and flew straight to the training workshop.

As he flew, his palms suddenly felt a warm current, and when he rubbed his fingers together, they felt sticky.

Although Xue Xiang knew what it was, at this moment, his killing intent soared to the sky, and he truly had no desire for tenderness.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang arrived at the training workshop, where flames were raging.

From a distance, he could see chaos and commotion, with people shouting loudly about capturing wanted criminals.

Upon closer listening, the voice sounded very familiar.

Xue Xiangze landed in a quiet alley. Zhao Huanhuan knew her place and, though extremely unwilling, obediently got off his back.

Xue Xiang instructed, "Don't show your face for the next day or two. I'll come find you once things have calmed down."

"What would you say if you didn't come?"

Zhao Huanhuan raised her pretty face.

"How do you say what?"

Xue Xiang was completely baffled.

Zhao Huanhuan suddenly hugged him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "If you don't come, I'll just wait patiently."

Before Xue Xiang could react, she swayed her sexy waist and disappeared into the vast night. Xue Xiang then hurried towards the training workshop.

As soon as he appeared, he was spotted by a team of police officers.

"who!"

In the flickering firelight, a long halberd stood blocking the way, its chilling presence palpable.

Xue Xiang remained expressionless, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Thank you for the steward of Lord Xie's residence."

The guards exchanged glances, but before they could ask anything, they suddenly heard someone shout from behind, "Get out of the way!"

A middle-aged official in a white robe turned around and looked back.

Under the lamplight, his handsome features remained unchanged. "It's...you..."

The middle-aged official hurried towards Xue Xiang, and as he got closer, he kicked him in the backside. "Be careful... what happened now?"

Having said that, he grabbed Xue Xiang and left.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. I... I..."

Dong Hao, the head of the training workshop, was going crazy with worry.

Originally, Xie Haiya, a high-ranking official from the prefecture, came to inspect the area today. He had prepared a proper reception and hoped to gain a favor from Xie.

Unexpectedly, chaos erupted, and a minor suspect was arrested.

If it were any other suspect, it would be fine, but it happens to be the younger sister of Xue Xiang, the corrupt official who has been causing a huge uproar recently, which is driving Dong Hao crazy.

Dong Hao wasn't unaware that Xie Haiya had problems; he couldn't very well have a prisoner kidnapping incident happen the moment Xie Haiya arrived.

Unfortunately, Xie Haiya was a high-ranking official, and he couldn't obtain any evidence, so he could only swallow his anger.

"I believe you, Lao Dong, go and arrest them."

Xie Haiya grabbed Xue Xiang and left.

Before long, the two arrived at a lakeside. Xie Haiya immediately confronted them, saying, "What's wrong with you? I was totally convinced."

Xue Xiang said, "I've encountered a problem with my literary cultivation, which has troubled you, Senior Brother."

"shit."

Xie Haiya said sternly, "You're insulting me, insulting me for not taking good care of your family."

I really should curse them; they're dogs. I never imagined they could be so heartless and insane.

I just received the news; I was caught off guard.

By the time I wanted to do something, everything was already taken care of.

I spoke with the sect, but it didn't work.

Xie Haiya didn't explain it clearly, but Xue Xiang misunderstood it.

Within the entire Tongjiang School, he was only close to Xie Haiya and had a friendship with Song Tingfang.

He personally had little gratitude towards anyone, nor towards the Tongjiang School as a whole.

Even more so, it was only the Tongjiang School that had been kind to him unilaterally.

Of course, the Tongjiang School was not a charitable organization; their frequent favors to him were simply because they were optimistic about his future.

Now, news has spread that he has passed away.

For the Tongjiang School, it was like making a losing deal, so it's understandable that they were unwilling to continue investing.

Xue Xiang did not hold a grudge.

Xie Haiya knew that Xue Xiang was a smart man and wouldn't have difficulty processing this information. He patted Xue Xiang on the shoulder and said, "The little guy is fine. He still thinks it's a game."
Madam Wei had already made arrangements for her to stay in a private room, with her food and lodging taken care of by a dedicated person.

Miss Liu, on the other hand, was in a very bad state, almost delirious.

If it weren't for Senior Uncle Song stopping her, she probably would have stormed into the Ning family.

"The Ning family?"

Xue Xiang frowned.

Xie Haiya said, "The news of your fall has shocked everyone."

Strangely, while other major families in Canaan County remained relatively inactive, the Ning family was making a lot of noise.

It can be said that the entire so-called Xue Xiang embezzlement case was orchestrated by the Ning family.

In addition, no one would bet on the dead, and with the major families tacitly approving, the Ning family easily accomplished these things.

Hey, what's done is done.

I have reviewed it. The Third Division's case file is very detailed and the evidence is conclusive. They forged your handwriting, and it is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Even if you try to explain yourself, it will take three to five years to get any results.

In this way, scientific research and promotion will all be delayed.

How about this, you come back to the sect with me, and I'll find Senior Uncle Kan to discuss this further.

In short, you need to understand that a sect is a top-level organization, and there is no personal bond between you and me.

But we have always been willing to give our utmost help to promising young talents who have the potential to bring honor to our family.

Xue Xiang said, "Senior brother's advice is right. I don't blame the sect. If I were the sect leader, I would probably handle this situation in the same way."

I have already planned this matter and entrusted it to Han Feng, the son of Han Hanlin.

We formed a bond during the trials.

"Han Feng?"

Xie Haiya's eyes lit up. "Could it be that Eight-Armed Heavenly King, Han Feng?"

"The Eight-Armed Heavenly King?"

Xue Xiang frowned. "He has such a nickname? Are we talking about the same person?"

He simply couldn't connect Han Feng with the Eight-Armed Heavenly King.

Xie Haiya said, "His father is a scholar of the Dragon Pavilion, that should be good, right?"

Xue Xiang nodded. "It's him."

Xie Haiya clapped his hands and said, "Then it can't be wrong."

That's great. Han Feng is more than just Han Hanlin's son.

This person possesses the demeanor of a renowned scholar of ancient times, has a wide circle of friends, and is well-known throughout the world.

Ordinary people simply cannot meet his standards.

Conversely, if someone catches his eye, he will wholeheartedly befriend them.

Therefore, this person has a great reputation and immense power.

If he's willing to lend a hand, the situation could take a dramatic turn for the better.

Xie Haiya was incredibly excited and started spinning around in place. Suddenly, he stopped and looked up at Xue Xiang, "If the case is overturned, what will you do?"

Xue Xiang said, "Of course, we should repay grievances and avenge wrongs."

Xie Haiya frowned slightly and patted Xue Xiang on the shoulder, "I won't advise you, you just need to figure out the right measure yourself."

He was a smart man, and he knew that Xue Xiang was a smart man too.

He originally intended to advise Xue Xiang to be more patient and restrained from now on.

But on second thought, if we really stick to the rules in everything, how can we expect people from humble backgrounds to rise up?

So he simply stopped trying to persuade him.

After chatting for a while, Xie Haiya led Xue Xiang and his party to a house in the east of the city.

…………

The wind blew the lamplight, and the corridor was unusually cold.

Liu Zhiwei leaned against the pillar, her fingertips repeatedly stroking her cuffs, her mind a complete blank.

These past few days, I've been busy rescuing Xue's mother and the little one. With things keeping me occupied, the tide of longing hasn't yet become overwhelming.

At this moment, after putting the little one to sleep, the sadness in her heart gathered into a torrent.

What's even more terrifying is that she wanted to cry, but she couldn't.

"Hey."

She raised her head subconsciously.

Under the cool breeze and the cold moon, a familiar figure slowly walked towards them.

Dressed in blue, she walked with steady steps.

Liu Zhiwei's breath hitched, and her eyes widened suddenly.

No, not possible.

Hallucination... just a hallucination.

It's just an illusion... that's fine too.

She stood up and lunged at him.

I was mentally prepared to come up empty-handed.

Unexpectedly, this lunge resulted in a full embrace.

The familiar body temperature and breath felt like a sharp blade cleaving through the deepest ice in her heart.

"Sister Mei, I'm back."

Xue Xiang had regained his true appearance, looking at her with a smile and gently stroking her thin face.

She could no longer control herself, clutching his clothes tightly with both hands, burying her face in his chest, tears streaming down her face, her shoulders trembling violently.

Gradually, she couldn't stop crying, her tears falling onto his chest, quickly soaking his clothes.

Xue Xiang simply held her, gently patting her back with his hand.

The night breeze rustled through the treetops, and the lights flickered on and off.

The world's clamor faded away, leaving only her trembling breath and the steady beating of his heart.

Time passed slowly, and she carried him from dusk till dawn.

Her emotions had already calmed down, but she still refused to let go.

With a creak, the door to the left wing room opened, and Song Tingfang came out.

Liu Zhiwei was startled and then let go.

"Hold me, hold me, I can't see anyway."

Song Tingfang stretched.

She knew as soon as Xue Xianggang showed up last night.

"Sister Song."

Liu Zhiwei blushed and quickly let go of Xue Xiang, but Xue Xiang held her tightly. "I'm so sorry to have troubled you these past few days, Uncle-Master."

Song Tingfang gave a soft "hmm" and sauntered out the door.

"Brother."

Suddenly, the little guy stood at the door, rubbing his eyes. "Huh? Didn't Sister Zhiwei say you wouldn't be back for a very long time?"
"You made me cry secretly under the covers so many times, why did you come back so soon?"

Xue Xiang then released Liu Mei, picked up the little one, and gave her a light kiss on her apple-red cheek.

"Oh, they've all grown up, how embarrassing."

The little one wiped the drool off his face in dissatisfaction, wrapped his arms around Xue Xiang's neck, swayed left and right, and whispered mysteriously in Xue Xiang's ear, "She has a really fun game that only the brave dare to play."

Xue Xiang felt a pang of sadness.

Just then, Song Tingfang walked in carrying two large brown paper bags, which were steaming hot.

"It's a steamed bun, a beef-filled steamed bun. Long live Sister Song!"

The little guy abandoned Xue Xiang and went straight for Baozi.

After breakfast, the little guy was sent off to do his homework, giving the three of them a chance to talk about serious matters.

Xue Xiang did not explain in detail, only saying that he had already asked a noble person in the capital to handle it, and that there would be a result in the next day or two, so they should not worry.

That evening, Song Tingfang and Liu Mei brought Xue's mother over.

When mother and son met, tears streamed down their faces once more.

It is worth mentioning that Xue Wan was not implicated. She was a married woman and considered a member of the Fan family, so she was not among those arrested.

But at this juncture, it would be inappropriate to call Xue Wan over.

Taking advantage of his rare free time, Xue Xiang devoted himself to spending time with his mother and the little one, never leaving their side.

It wasn't until evening, while Liu Zhiwei was washing Xue's mother's hair, that he had a chance to sneak out of the house.

He had barely stepped outside the courtyard when two figures landed – Wen Shan and Cheng Bei.

The newspaper summoning the two men was sent out early this morning.

Although he was convicted of corruption, the immense influence of "Cloud News" was beyond the reach of any single local authority.

Zhou Mengyu naturally carried out his instructions without question.

"We've heard about what happened to you, young master. It's utterly outrageous! If you give the order, we'll immediately break down your door."

"That's exactly right. These frogs in a well have never even dreamed of seeing the young master's power in the Demon Realm. Daring to cause trouble for the young master is simply courting death."

Both were filled with righteous indignation. Whether it was a genuine expression of emotion or an act, having the right attitude was enough.

"Please help me deliver a message."

Xue handed over two envelopes and gave one to each of them.

The two agreed and immediately left.

Nothing happened that night. The following night, Xue Xiang rushed to Chunhu.

Han Feng had already prepared a banquet at Bichen Residence, and Xiao Fangfang had also changed into her palace attire. Upon seeing Xue Xiang, she performed the proper courtesies.

Before Xue Xiang could ask any questions, Han Feng made a gesture, "The central government's official document will arrive in Canaan County by noon tomorrow at the latest."

Xue Xiang was overjoyed and returned home that night after his revelry had ended.

(End of this chapter)