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

Chapter 149: Zhong Renwang's vicious plan, Shi Feiyang's wisdom and courage to fight against the evil forces
Shi Feiyang stood aside with his hands tightly clasped across his chest, observing everything around him with a cold and scrutinizing gaze.

His eyes were firm and deep, like a solid rock, revealing a wisdom and depth that saw through everything in the world.

He knew very well that Zhong Renwang was a cunning and scheming person, and these two people, who were his minions, possessed a lot of key information and secrets.

Only by adopting this calm and wait-and-see approach can we ensure that the most truthful and unvarnished confessions are obtained from them.

After Xie Zhichuan and Tang Zhihan finished writing their confessions, Shi Feiyang strode forward, picked up the two pieces of paper covered with handwriting, and examined them carefully word by word with his sharp eyes.

After a careful review, Shi Feiyang found that the contents of the two confessions were exactly the same. He nodded slightly, and a hint of imperceptible satisfaction and approval flashed in his eyes.

At this tense moment, Liao Pei, Lie Quan, Wu Zhong, Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi and others carefully supported Fan Chang and escorted Shan Bing, slowly walking towards this side.

Shan Bing was being escorted, feeling resentful and shocked.

He looked up and his eyes fell on Tang Zhihan's timid look. His heart was full of doubts and puzzlement. He never expected that this man who usually followed Zhong Renwang like a lapdog would be the first to betray and become the traitor of this conspiracy.

What made him even more unbelievable was that Xie Zhichuan, who had a deep hatred for Shi Feiyang, actually turned against him and joined the other side.

Shan Bing felt a wave of sadness in his heart, as if he had fallen into a cold ice cellar. He realized that Zhong Renwang's plan had been completely exposed and that he was in a desperate situation. His psychological defenses instantly collapsed, and his eyes were filled with despair and helplessness.

His heart was filled with struggle and pain, as if he was tightly bound by invisible shackles and unable to escape.

He felt like he was abandoned in endless darkness, unable to find a ray of light.

Shi Feiyang stood in front of everyone and said calmly, "Xie Zhichuan, Tang Zhihan, Shan Bing, you will sign and seal these confessions."

Faced with Shi Feiyang's order, the three men did not dare to disobey. They picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed their names on the confession. Every word seemed to weigh a thousand pounds.

Their hands and hearts trembled, as if every signature brought them one step closer to death. Their faces were filled with helplessness and fear, their eyes filled with uncertainty about the future and powerlessness towards fate.

After signing the relevant documents, Shi Feiyang suddenly issued an unexpected order: "Immediately release Xie Zhichuan, Tang Zhihan, and Shan Bing." This decision immediately caused an uproar among the crowd around him. They looked at each other, their faces revealing confusion and puzzlement, their hearts full of doubts, not understanding why Shi Feiyang made such a decision.

People began to whisper and talk, and some even wondered if they had heard Shi Feiyang wrongly.

Especially Fan Chang's son Fan Shi, as a boxer, his face was full of confusion and shock.

His eyes widened, glaring, and he excitedly questioned Shi Feiyang loudly, "Chief Shi, what on earth is going on? These three are the villains who participated in the murder of my father!"

His voice was loud and powerful, like thunder, shaking the air around him.

His anger erupted like a volcano, uncontrollable, and his heart was filled with deep longing for his father and intense hatred for the murderer.

Fan Shi's roar was deafening, frightening Shan Bing, Tang Zhihan, and Xie Zhichuan so much that their legs went weak and they fell to their knees with a thud.

Tang Zhihan was so scared that he was shaking all over, like a frightened mouse, not daring to raise his head.

His face was as pale as paper, and he was sweating profusely, as if he would faint at any second.

Although Shan Bing and Xie Zhichuan were not as out of control as he was, their faces were also filled with fear and despair. Their eyes were full of confusion about the future and helplessness about their fate, as if silently telling of their inner helplessness and struggle.

After Xie Zhichuan's numerous failed plots against Shi Feiyang, his defenses completely crumbled. With a mournful expression and a trembling voice, he spoke, "Master Shi, I beg for mercy! I truly surrender! My father's death has nothing to do with you, Master Shi. It's all due to his own evil deeds, his despicable behavior, and his arrogance."

As he spoke, he kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead hitting the ground with a thumping sound, as if expressing his regret and fear with his actions. Shi Feiyang looked at the crowd around him, a confident smile on his face.

That smile seemed to dispel all the haze in the world, appearing confident and calm.

He declared loudly, "With this evidence, what else do we have to fear? Do we, the Xiongying Society, even need to expend money and food to support these three bastards?" He then raised the confession aloft, the paper fluttering gently in the breeze, as if declaring the innocence of the crime and the dominance of justice. He then pointed at Xie Zhichuan, Tang Zhihan, and Shan Bing, who had collapsed to the ground in terror, their pants wet. His eyes were filled with disdain and contempt.

"Haha!" Everyone was stunned at first, then suddenly realized what was going on and burst into laughter. The laughter echoed in the empty mountains.

The laughter died down, and everyone quickly formed a team, went down the mountain and entered the city, heading straight for the government office, ready to capture Zhong Renwang and others and put a satisfactory end to this struggle. However, Zhong Renwang was more poisonous than a snake and more cunning than a fox.

Long after Tang Zhihan, Xie Zhichuan, Shan Bing and others went to assassinate the old boxer Fan Chang, he quietly left the government office like a wild beast that smelled danger, leaving only an empty residence, which only increased everyone's anger and helplessness.

His departure seemed as if he had sensed some ominous sign. His swift actions reminded people of a cunning fox escaping from a hunter, and his deep scheming reminded people of a poisonous snake lurking in the dark.

Shi Feiyang was not discouraged when he saw this.

He knew that facing such a cunning opponent required calmness and wisdom. He calmly put away the two indictments and solemnly instructed the heroes to vigorously develop their power in Jiangnan. Then, he and "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen prepared to head to Liaodong.

The two of them used the "Thousand Miles Without Staying" and "Flying Catkins and Light Smoke" skills, and their figures were as fast as lightning, disappearing from everyone's sight in an instant.

Their figures were like two wisps of smoke between heaven and earth, flashing by, leaving only a few afterimages, making people marvel at their superb lightness skills.

A few hours later, Shi Feiyang and Xie Wen arrived at the Liaodong Yingzui Rock branch.

It was mid-spring, and the sky in Liaodong was as blue as a jewel. Sunlight filtered through thin clouds, bringing a touch of warmth, yet still retaining the dryness and chill characteristic of northern China. The air was fresh, as if every breath could instill the purity and power of nature.

The Eagle Rock Branch is located on a steep mountain peak that resembles an eagle spreading its wings, ready to take flight. Eagle Rock, like an eagle's beak, juts up into the sky, appearing incredibly steep. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and jagged rocks, only a winding path leads to the summit.

The path is narrow and rugged, with a steep mountain wall on one side and a bottomless cliff on the other. It is daunting, as if every step is on the edge of life and death.

Lin Wanqing, the elder who passed on the skills of the Xiongying Society, the head of the Jishidi Hall, and the leader of the Liaodong Yingzui Rock branch, had already led the crowd down the mountain to welcome them.

She was only nineteen years old, wearing a light blue silk dress, the hem of which fluttered in the wind like a blooming green lotus.

She has a beautiful face, skin as white as snow, and eyes as bright as stars, revealing her agility and intelligence.

Her eyebrows are slightly raised, like willow leaves in spring, revealing a heroic spirit. Her cherry-like mouth is naturally red, and when she smiles, she reveals a row of white, neat teeth, which makes people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze, as if her smile contains the warmth and vitality of spring.

The moment she saw Shi Feiyang, a flash of surprise and excitement flashed across her eyes. Her cheeks flushed slightly, like the sunset glow on the horizon.

The originally lively eyes were now even more radiant, staring intently at Shi Feiyang, as if everything in the world had ceased to exist.

She was secretly delighted because Gong Simeng, Liu Tingting, Yi Li and the others were not around Shi Feiyang this time, which gave her hope of pursuing Shi Feiyang. She straightened her back, showing the grace and gentleness of a martial arts queen, and walked towards Shi Feiyang with light steps, each step filled with longing and expectation for the future.

"Chief, how are you?" Lin Wanqing's voice was like an oriole singing out of a valley, clear and pleasant, as if echoing in the quiet valley, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Shi Feiyang smiled and responded in a gentle tone: "Elder Lin, long time no see. Elder Lin's style is becoming more and more charming. It is Feiyang's great honor to be able to fight side by side with Elder Lin in Liaodong." His words revealed his respect for Lin Wanqing and his cherishment of their shared combat experience.

Lin Wanqing walked lightly to Shi Feiyang and bowed slightly, politely and gracefully. She said, "Master, you're so polite. I've heard you bravely killed the Golden Spear Society and annihilated the Flying Eagle Gang, and I'm filled with admiration. By now, you've become famous throughout the world."

Her voice was full of appreciation and admiration for Shi Feiyang's heroic deeds.

Shi Feiyang smiled modestly and responded, "Elder Lin, you are too kind. I am simply doing my best to rid the martial arts world of this evil."

His words revealed an attitude of indifference to fame and fortune, as well as a persistent pursuit of peace in the martial arts world.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Wanqing accompanied Shi Feiyang up the mountain to the branch office for a chat. Along the way, Lin Wanqing was cheerful and cheerful, showing her gentleness and generosity. Her words and actions revealed a calm and unhurried demeanor that made people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze.

Shi Feiyang was also an eloquent speaker. The two of them had a great time talking to each other, and their communication was full of wisdom and humor, as if two clear streams were gurgling in the mountains and blending with each other.

As a time traveler, Shi Feiyang has a general understanding of the situation in Yizhou, and he has his own unique insights and understanding of the customs and people of this era.

However, the actual situation was different from some unofficial historical records, which aroused his strong interest in the truth of history and made him more cautious about what he saw and heard.

However, before Shi Feiyang arrived, Lin Wanqing had already sent people to investigate the situation in Yizhou in detail and had drawn a detailed map.

These maps not only record the topography of mountains and rivers, but also mark the distribution of various forces, providing Shi Feiyang with valuable reference materials.

During the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, Yizhou's location in the Liaodong region gave it a crucial role in military, economic, and transportation networks. Not only was Yizhou an important city on the northeastern border of the Ming Dynasty, but it also held special strategic significance within the historical context of the time.

First, Yizhou, located on the northeastern border of the Ming Dynasty, was a frontier for defense against invasions by northern nomadic peoples and the Jurchens. Its strategic location was crucial, and the surrounding terrain, with its complex mountains and steep rivers, formed a natural defensive barrier.

These natural conditions provided Yizhou with natural defensive advantages, making it an important military stronghold of the Ming Dynasty on the northeastern border.

The Ming Dynasty established a garrison there, stationed a large military garrison, and constructed a fortified wall and other defensive structures. This made Yizhou crucial for the security of Liaodong and the entire northern border. If Yizhou fell, enemy forces would easily be able to advance deeper, threatening the stability of the northeastern region and potentially even the Central Plains. Therefore, Yizhou's military value at the time was immeasurable.

Secondly, Yizhou was located at the intersection of several major transportation routes. To the east, it connected various regions of the Liaodong Peninsula, linking cities such as Jinzhou and Gaizhou, facilitating the exchange of goods between the coast and the inland. To the west, it led to the Mongolian steppes, becoming a necessary route for trade and cultural exchange between the Central Plains and the nomadic tribes of the north.

To the north, it connected to the settlements of the Jurchen tribes; to the south, it offered access to Shanhaiguan, and thus closely connected to the Central Plains. This extensive transportation network made Yizhou a key hub for the transportation of people and goods, and was of irreplaceable importance for the Ming Dynasty to strengthen its control over the northeast region and conduct foreign trade.

Third, thanks to its advantageous geographical location, Yizhou developed into the economic center of the Liaodong region. It served as a vital hub for agriculture, handicrafts, and commerce. Fertile soil and a well-developed irrigation system fostered a thriving agricultural sector, producing abundant crops such as grain and cotton. Yizhou's economic prosperity not only supported the livelihoods of its residents but also provided abundant supplies to the entire Liaodong region and beyond.

In terms of handicrafts, the textile, pottery, iron smelting and other industries are large in scale. The textiles, ceramic utensils, iron farm tools and weapons produced not only meet local demand, but are also exported to surrounding areas and even more distant countries.

These handicrafts, with their exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs, garnered widespread acclaim and demand, becoming a key pillar of the social economy at the time. Commercial trade flourished, with merchants from the Central Plains, Mongolia, and the Jurchens gathering here to trade a wide variety of goods. The market boasted a dazzling array of goods, from silk and porcelain to tea and medicinal herbs.

The shops are arranged in an orderly manner, showing a prosperous business scene, which not only reflects the economic prosperity at that time, but also embodies the exchange and integration of cultures from different regions.

In Yizhou in mid-spring, the sky is as blue as a gem, with a few thin clouds floating leisurely, as if lazily bathed in the warm spring sun.

The sun poured down, covering the earth with a layer of golden glow. The breeze blew gently, bringing strands of warmth, making the whole city bathe in the warmth of spring.

The streets are bustling with traffic and the laughter of pedestrians intertwined, forming a vibrant spring picture.

Outside the city gate, caravans came in an endless stream, and horse-drawn carriages loaded with goods slowly drove out and radiated in all directions, spreading Yizhou's prosperity and vitality to farther places, making this city an important commercial center at the time.

Shi Feiyang, Lin Wanqing and Xie Wen carried heavy loads, dressed in coarse linen clothes, and dressed as simple porters. They blended steadily into the surging crowd, as if they were no different from the ordinary workers around them.

However, the three of them actually shouldered a special mission. Their steps seemed ordinary, and each step blended into the noisy footsteps around them, but the eyes of the three people contained mysteries.

Their eyes scanned the crowd quickly, searching for their target, while remaining highly alert for any possible danger.

Shi Feiyang narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly glancing around casually. But his gaze was like an eagle's in the night sky, keenly capturing every whim around him. His gaze pierced through the crowd, not even the slightest movement escaped his observation, as if he could see through everything.

Lin Wanqing raised her eyes slightly, looking around seemingly casually, but her eyes were full of shrewdness and agility; she could identify potential threats from the crowd, and at the same time, she could also discover possible opportunities.

Her gaze seemed to be able to penetrate the hustle and bustle of the crowd and find the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary.

Xie Wen looked composed, seemingly watching nonchalantly, yet in reality, he was paying close attention to every detail. He seemed to be able to hear everyone's conversation, and his intuition told him that any small detail could be the key to the success of their mission.

In Yizhou City, the crowds bustled with activity, the cries of hawkers, the sounds of laughter, and the clatter of footsteps intertwined in a cacophony of activity. Amidst this din, Shi Feiyang, Lin Wanqing, and Xie Wen, each in their own unique way, carried out their special mission. The bustling streets were dotted with shops of all kinds, the aroma of liquor wafting from the wine shops and the sight of steaming buns filling the air together created a scene of extraordinary bustle.

However, in this seemingly ordinary crowd, Shi Feiyang and his companions keenly sensed a hint of something unusual.

Among the crowd, some people dressed in nomadic clothing stood out. They were generally short in stature, and their steps were small and quick, as if they were walking on the wind, forming a sharp contrast with the bold and steady pace of the local nomads.

This difference in pace makes people doubt their true identities.

Although they wrapped themselves tightly in loose nomadic clothing to conceal their figures, their gestures and movements still revealed their Japanese characteristics. Their movements and demeanor were subtly different from those of real nomads, making them instantly recognizable.

One of them wore a dirty, coarse turban, a tattered, smelly sheepskin coat, and baggy trousers. His attire should have been no different from that of an ordinary herder, but his face was particularly striking.

His long, narrow face, high cheekbones, and small, narrow eyes, which flashed with cunning, made him stand out from the crowd. His eyes revealed a kind of alertness and cunning, which made it clear at a glance that he was no ordinary herdsman.

When passing by people, he habitually bent his body slightly, with his hands hanging unconsciously at his sides. His posture was not like that of an ordinary herdsman, but more like a wolf ready to pounce and bite at any time, exuding a dangerous aura.

Every movement he made revealed an unusual tension and alertness.

There was also a group of people gathered in twos and threes, talking in low voices with their heads touching.

Their voices were kept extremely low, as if they were afraid of being overheard. The few words that occasionally rang out, though deliberately imitating the local accent, carried a thick Japanese twang, the trailing syllables dragging out extremely long, sounding quite strange.

Their eyes were alert, and they looked around from time to time like frightened rabbits.

Whenever soldiers passed by, he would immediately shut up and look away as if nothing had happened, but Shi Feiyang still keenly caught the flash of tension and uneasiness in his eyes.

Their every move seemed so unnatural that people couldn't help but doubt their true intentions.

Shi Feiyang frowned slightly, a few faint lines appearing on his forehead. He gently touched Lin Wanqing and exchanged a meaningful look with Xie Wen. The three of them understood each other tacitly, without needing to say anything.

The three of them knew in their hearts that these people disguised as herdsmen were the Japanese pirates they had been keeping a close eye on.

These warriors appear harmless on the surface, but they harbor murderous intent.

Their existence is like a time bomb buried under the land of Yizhou, which may explode at any time.

Now, many of these Japanese pirates have sneaked into Yizhou, and a storm seems to be brewing quietly in this seemingly peaceful land. They are like poisonous snakes lurking in the dark, waiting for the best opportunity to launch a fatal attack.

Lin Wanqing calmly pulled Shi Feiyang's sleeve and approached quietly. She exuded a faint floral fragrance and whispered, "Captain, you see, winter is not conducive to starting a war. Now the snow has not melted yet and the weather is still cold. These Japanese pirates must be waiting for an opportunity. The King of Korea fled here, and the court army focused on protecting the king, but inadvertently neglected the defense of the city gates and walls." Her voice was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze, but it revealed unquestionable shrewdness.

Shi Feiyang's eyes flashed with approval, and he whispered, "Wanqing, you're so thoughtful and perceptive, it's truly rare. Very good! In my estimation, the Japanese pirates will have only a few tactics to fight back. One is to feign an assassination attempt on the king to disrupt the deployment of the imperial army. Taking advantage of the chaos, some of the pirates will seize a corner of the city wall, open the gates, and then use the cover of darkness to allow the pirates lurking around the city to rush in. Right now, what we need to do is remain silent and quietly gather our disciples. Xie Wen, you will be responsible for scouting for the pirates hiding on Bald Peak outside the city. When they're assembled and ready to go, we'll capture them all in one fell swoop."

His voice was steady and powerful, his logic clear and insightful.

Lin Wanqing nodded, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a gentle smile, that smile was as beautiful and charming as a flower blooming in spring.

Her eyes were filled with infinite tenderness for Shi Feiyang, and she said softly, "Everything will be subject to the arrangements of the chief leader."

That look seemed to say that as long as Shi Feiyang made a decision, she would follow it unswervingly.

Afterward, the three men each took action. Lin Wanqing remained in Yizhou City, closely monitoring the movements of the Japanese pirates; Xie Wen left the city to monitor their activities in the area around Bald Peak. Shi Feiyang headed for reconnaissance in the neighboring Jinzhou and Gaizhou. Each of them shouldered a crucial mission, and their actions would directly impact the safety of Yizhou.

Within the city, Lin Wanqing, with her keen sense and wisdom, deployed a series of secret sentries, ensuring she was immediately aware of any movement by the Japanese pirates. Not only did she meticulously deploy her personnel, she also personally participated in patrols. With her exceptional insight, no subtle anomaly escaped her notice. Like a vigilant leopard, she constantly guarded this land.

Xie Wen, disguised as an ordinary woodcutter, traveled daily to and from Bald Peak, secretly observing the movements of the pirates. Using his familiarity with the terrain, he cleverly evaded the pirate patrols and recorded the intelligence he gathered, intending to bring it back to Shi Feiyang at the right time.

His actions were secretive and cautious, like a clever fox moving through the mountains and forests, always able to find a safe hiding place before danger came.

Shi Feiyang galloped back and forth between Jinzhou and Gaizhou. He knew that only by fully understanding the surrounding situation could he formulate a more effective response strategy.

Wherever he went, he would go deep into the people's lives, communicate with them, understand the local conditions, and at the same time, he would not forget to collect clues about the Japanese pirates. His figure was looming in the night, like a mysterious force, guarding this land.

His eyes were as sharp as torches, penetrating every detail, as if he could see through people's hearts and predict the future.

Under the meticulous command of Lin Wanqing, the disciples of the Xiongying Society's Liaodong Yingzuiyan branch braved the hardships, shuttling between Yizhou, Jinzhou, and Gaizhou like nimble birds. Some disguised themselves as ordinary vendors, carrying loads on their shoulders, weaving through the bustling marketplace, seemingly hawking their wares while carefully observing the passersby for any suspicious signs. Others disguised themselves as porters, observing the army's movements and the surrounding environment along key thoroughfares.

They worked closely with Lin Wanqing, Shi Feiyang, and Xie Wen to investigate the situation of the Japanese pirates and contributed their own strength. Their actions were like an invisible net, firmly capturing every move of the Japanese pirates.

After two weeks of arduous investigation, Shi Feiyang, with his keen insight and excellent judgment, sorted out the possible movements of the Japanese pirates. Like a wise man, he unraveled the complex clues and found the thread of truth.

He concluded that if the Japanese pirates wanted to capture Yizhou, they would first create chaos in Jinzhou and Gaizhou to distract the Ming army.

His judgment was like a prophecy, accurately revealing the enemy's conspiracy.

Afterwards, they would pretend to assassinate the King of Joseon in Yizhou, and take advantage of the opportunity when the Ming army was busy protecting the king and preparing for chaos, to gather troops and make every effort to capture Yizhou.

The cleverness of this plan lies in that it not only disperses the Ming army's strength, but also puts tremendous psychological pressure on the Ming army.

Shi Feiyang knew the weight of this matter, bearing on the safety of the Ming court and the fate of the people. His eyes revealed a resolute determination, single-minded in his single-mindedness to protect this land. His heart was filled with a sense of responsibility, as if the safety of the entire country rested on his shoulders.

So, Shi Feiyang summarized the detailed investigation results and handed them over to Lin Wanqing.

His copywriting is detailed and accurate, and every detail has been repeatedly verified to ensure accuracy.

Lin Wanqing sat at the table, carefully organizing this information into copy. Her strokes were delicate and focused, and every word was full of importance attached to the task, ensuring that every copy could accurately convey Shi Feiyang's intentions.

After completing the task, they used the secret channels established by the Xiongying Society disciples to submit this document, which embodied everyone's hard work, to Li Song, the general of the Ming army in Yizhou. This document was like a key that could open the door to victory.

Li Song sat in the spacious tent with the document placed on the table in front of him.

He picked up the document and glanced at it casually. A hint of disdain flashed across his face, then a frown formed, as if he had just seen something utterly absurd. His expression shifted like a barometer, foreshadowing the approaching storm.

Suddenly, his emotions lost control. He angrily threw the document in his hand to the ground and stomped on it twice. The fat on his face trembled violently with anger. He cursed, "Humph! These so-called gangsters actually dare to talk about military strategy in front of me. They are so ignorant! Pah!"

His voice echoed in the tent, full of arrogance and contempt, as if the whole world was in his disdain.

Lü Yuan, the deputy commander of the Jinyiwei who had come to supervise the battle, stood by and witnessed all this. He also let out a spitting sound, his face full of disgust. He cursed indignantly, "If it weren't for Shi Feiyang's meritorious service in the Ningxia campaign, I would have killed him with a single blow just for bringing him this worthless thing, to save him from embarrassing himself here!"

As he spoke, he waved the whip in his hand with exaggerated movements, as if he was really going to attack Shi Feiyang, in order to vent his dissatisfaction and anger.

Cai Kun, a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and Xiang Laixiang stood aside. They looked at each other, and there was jealousy in their eyes.

Cai Kun gritted his teeth and said, "This Shi Feiyang always loves to show off, as if he's afraid others won't know about his existence. Humph, don't try to steal our credit this time!"

Xiang Laixiang also echoed: "Indeed, as a man of the martial arts world, it is inappropriate and even a bit excessive for him to get involved in the military affairs of the court." Their hostility towards Shi Feiyang was obvious. They did not consider at all that Shi Feiyang's action was out of his deep love for the country and the nation, as well as his sincere heart.

At this time, upon learning of the attitude of the imperial officers and soldiers, Shi Feiyang, though somewhat disheartened, remained resolute, unwavering. He knew that everything he did was not for personal gain, but for the imperial court and the people. Even if he was not understood, he would not give up, silently clinging to his beliefs and continuing his efforts to resist the Japanese pirates, even though the road ahead was fraught with obstacles.

In early summer, Yizhou's natural scenery unfolds slowly before people's eyes like a carefully painted scroll, intoxicating people with its unique charm and flavor.

The breeze blows gently, and the branches of the willow trees dance in the wind, as if they are the softest brush in nature, sketching out vivid pictures in this quiet little town.

Peach blossoms and apricot blossoms bloom in this season. The pink and white flowers are intertwined, emitting bursts of charming fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies to fly busily among the flowers. Their activities inject infinite vitality into this natural picture.

In the distant fields, patches of green crops sway gently in the wind, heralding the coming harvest season.

The farmers were either bending over to work or driving oxen to plow the fields, their faces filled with smiles of diligence and satisfaction.

The occasional sounds of cows and people talking add a touch of poetry to the pastoral scenery, as if telling the richness of the land and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

In this picturesque scenery, Yizhou City also appears to be extremely prosperous. The market is crowded with people, and the shouts of vendors and the conversations of pedestrians come one after another, weaving together a vibrant picture of city life.

On the busy streets, there is an endless stream of pedestrians and vehicles, and the sounds of hawking and laughter are intertwined, forming a vibrant urban symphony.

People are busy in the sunshine, everyone has his or her own story, and every corner is full of the breath of life.

It was in Yizhou, where prosperity and tranquility intertwined, that Shi Feiyang continued his journey of exploration, not for fame or fortune, but for his country.

He shuttled through the ancient streets with a firm gaze and steady steps, as if every step was based on the veins of history and he was shouldering some unspeakable mission.

As Shi Feiyang had expected, in order to divert the attention of the Ming army and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Japanese pirates took advantage of the darkness of the summer night, loaded 30,000 Japanese soldiers on ships, and attacked Gaizhou under the cover of darkness.

With the collusion between the Japanese pirates both inside and outside the country, Gaizhou was captured in just three hours.

Taro Itai led tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers and quietly left Gaizhou and headed straight for Jinzhou.

Their target was Yizhou, intending to kidnap the Joseon king who had fled there.

However, Yizhou was guarded by a large number of Ming Dynasty troops and Jinyiwei masters. Therefore, they created chaos in Gaizhou and Jinzhou in order to mobilize the Ming Dynasty troops and Jinyiwei to go to the two places to quell the situation.

Shi Feiyang knew full well that Yizhou held a pivotal position in the entire war effort. Not only was it the confluence of numerous major transportation routes, a transit point for caravans and travelers traveling north and south, its bustling bustle concealing the thriving power dynamics of various factions. It was also a fortress defending against the invasion of Japanese pirates. If Yizhou were lost, the Japanese would be able to advance unimpeded, bringing devastation to the entire Central Plains.

Facing the cunning and cruelty of the Japanese pirates, Shi Feiyang's eyes revealed firmness and determination. He understood that he was shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting this land and its people, and he had to be cautious in every step and could not be lax or careless in the slightest.

His heart was filled with a desire for peace, hatred for the enemy, and a firm belief in the future.

He was like an agile cheetah, moving through the streets and alleys of Yizhou.

Sometimes he disguised himself as a street vendor and chatted with passers-by, seemingly chatting about family matters, but in fact he was cleverly trying to get clues about the Japanese pirates; sometimes he sneaked into taverns and teahouses, and amid the noisy voices, he keenly captured those words about the Japanese pirates.

With his extraordinary wisdom and fearless courage, he collected all the information about the Japanese pirates like a sponge absorbs water.

Every move he makes is full of purpose, and every look in his eyes reveals his desire for the truth. In this war without the smoke of gunpowder, he has become a guardian and explorer.

At the same time, Shi Feiyang was also closely following the developments of the court.

He knew very well that although his strength and that of the Xiongying Society could resist the Japanese pirates to a certain extent, in order to completely repel them, he had to rely on the close cooperation between the imperial army and the Jinyiwei masters.

Therefore, he continued to pass on the intelligence he had carefully collected and organized to the court through the secret channels constructed by the Xiongying Society.

(End of this chapter)