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

“Indeed! This is a national treasure,” Master Wuran sighed, his white eyebrows furrowing slightly. After a moment’s thought, he added, “However, the new emperor is young and powerful ministers are in power. This imperial seal may bring a lot of trouble! A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. Master Shi, you must be careful!”

A cold glint flashed in Shi Feiyang's eyes as he gently stroked the patterns on the jade seal. He said firmly, "Master's words are profound. However, I possess this jade seal not for power or wealth, but so that in a critical moment, I can use the name of the emperor to command the loyal and righteous people of the world to eliminate treacherous officials and uphold the nation. If this can bring peace to the world, I will not hesitate to die for it."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhixin couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Master Shi is truly righteous! I admire him! With a hero like him around, how can the world not be at peace?"

The group chatted amiably along the way, expressing their concerns for the country and its people, discussing the chaos in the world, and agreeing that a strong crackdown was needed, with the martial arts world also playing a role. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the foot of the mountain. A few barks of dogs echoed in the distance, making the night seem even more tranquil.

Shi Feiyang stopped and said to the crowd, "Master, heroes, let's part ways here. Going our separate ways will keep us from being too conspicuous. I will send someone to contact you all soon so we can discuss our plans in Chang'an. The world is dangerous; take care!"

"Take care, Master Shi!" Everyone bowed and said goodbye, their voices filled with respect. Watching Master Wuran and the leaders and disciples of the various sects depart, Shi Feiyang took a deep breath; the air seemed to still carry the fragrance of pine needles.

Tieguai Li walked to his side and whispered, "Chief, where are we going now?"

Shi Feiyang looked towards the eastern horizon, where a bright moon was rising, its clear light bathing the earth. After a moment's thought, he said, "Let's return to the Beggars' Sect headquarters in Luoyang first, summon the branch leaders from various regions, and discuss specific plans for contacting righteous men across the land, stopping the rebellion of the regional military governors, and how to control the power of the regional military governors."

"Yes!" Tieguai Li replied in a loud voice, leading some of his disciples ahead of him so as not to disturb Shi Feiyang and Zhuang Menglian's romance any longer.

Shi Feiyang held Zhuang Menglian's hand and walked slowly. The moonlight shone on them, outlining a happy silhouette.

“Husband,” Zhuang Menglian suddenly turned and said, her voice exceptionally clear in the quiet night, then sighed, “You really are a madman!”

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang laughed heartily, his laughter echoing across the open field. He then asked, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

“You’re quick to cry and quick to laugh,” Zhuang Menglian said, counting on her fingers, her eyes sparkling with admiration. She continued, “When you saw Master Mingxia just now, you had tears in your eyes; when you heard the various sects respond, you laughed so happily. Moreover, you have the world in your heart and are chivalrous and righteous. Aren’t you just as arrogant as Mr. Li Bai?” Shi Feiyang stopped and looked at Zhuang Menglian intently. The moonlight shone on his glassy skin, making him appear even more handsome.

He said affectionately, "Menglian, do you know? The First Emperor is my idol. I grew up listening to his stories and always hoped to be like him and become a person who unifies the world."

Zhuang Menglian's eyes shone with admiration as she exclaimed, "My husband, you already are! In my heart, you are even more powerful than the legendary First Emperor. You were the most meritorious minister in suppressing the An Lushan Rebellion. Moreover, the Imperial Seal is now in your hands. You can do whatever you want with the Tang Dynasty! When you rule the world, you will grant me the title of Empress! Hehe!"

"Haha!" Shi Feiyang chuckled, looking up at the bright moon, but his tone carried a hint of melancholy as he sighed, "No, I'm still far from it. Right now, I haven't even dealt with the powerful ministers in the court, how easy is it? The regional military governors hold their own armies, and rebellions happen from time to time. The common people are still living in dire straits. Alas, it's difficult! Besides, I don't want to be emperor. I think it's so much better to be free and unrestrained in the martial world! It's just a pity that now I've reached the point where I'm caught up in the martial world and have no choice in what I do."

“Husband,” Zhuang Menglian gripped his hand tightly, saying firmly, “Take it slow, one step at a time. I will always be with you, and no matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together.” Shi Feiyang looked down at Zhuang Menglian’s resolute eyes, his heart filled with strength, and said resolutely, “Alright! With your words, I am not afraid of anything. Let’s work together to bring peace to this world!”

They unknowingly walked to the "Twin Pavilion".

However, at this moment, someone had already set up an ambush in the pavilion.

The master of the "Wuxiang Mausoleum," the old nun Wuxiang, held a whisk; the master of the "Duzui Cliff," the Buddha of Sin, held a Zen staff; and the master of the "Dizang Palace," the King of Ksitigarbha, held a nine-ringed staff. The three masters joined forces and charged out with overwhelming force.

The old nun Wuxiang pointed at Shi Feiyang and angrily cursed, "Shi Feiyang, you have committed too many killings. Today, Heaven has sent us to guide you to your west!" She waved her whisk, and thousands of silver threads went straight for Shi Feiyang's face.

Shi Feiyang used his profound "Hidden Identity and Name" lightness skill to grab Zhuang Menglian and throw her onto Zhuque's back. He then roared to the sky, seemingly insane, "I have only killed wicked people. What crime have I committed? You old thief, you just want to seize my Imperial Seal. Why make up so many high-sounding excuses? Hmph! Today, I, Shi, will show you dogs what true chivalry is!"

While rebuking the group of wicked bandits, he unleashed the "Breaking Heaven and Earth" technique of the Hundred Victories Saber Style, his palm strikes as sharp as blades, slashing directly at the three master bandits. His "Tendon Changing Jade Heavenly Silkworm Skill" was running at high speed, his skin as transparent as glass, and a chilling aura instantly filled the entire world. The silver silkworm threads that he spat out from his palms danced like living creatures, binding the whisk of the old nun Wuxiang, the staff of the sinful Buddha, and the tin staff of Ksitigarbha.

"You scoundrel, prepare to die! Save me from your troubles!" Immediately afterward, Shi Feiyang roared, unleashing a "Demon-Slaying Cloud" strike. His palm wind transformed into a dark cloud, enveloping the three masters. Three screams rang out as the internal energy of these three top-tier bandits was severed by the Heavenly Silkworm Silk and forced back into their internal organs. Their hearts clenched in agony, their internal organs shattered, and they all coughed up blood, collapsing dead.

Zhuque carried Zhuang Menglian and flew diagonally down. Shi Feiyang jumped onto Zhuque's back and laughed loudly, "Let's go! Let's go back to the Luoyang headquarters and avoid getting entangled with these Jianghu bandits!"

Shi Feiyang, with Zhuang Menglian in his arms, crawled into the tent, rode the Vermilion Bird, and returned to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in Luoyang. As the two walked hand in hand into the third-floor pavilion, Tieguai Li hurriedly walked in and said solemnly, "Chief, something is wrong."

He lowered his voice and said, "News came from the Luoyang branch that someone is buying up the wolf head tokens of the Heavenly Wolf Guard at a high price on the black market. Moreover, the person who made the purchase has strange movements and seems to be from the Western Regions."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang paused slightly with the dog-beating stick in his hand, a faint layer of icy mist rising on his fair skin. He said in a deep voice, "As expected, the Heavenly Wolf Guard still has remnants active." After a moment of contemplation, he decisively ordered, "Pass down the order to all branches to strengthen their vigilance, closely monitor the black market, and report any suspicious individuals immediately." The next day, news indeed came from the Beggars' Sect's Luoyang branch that a mysterious person who was trading wolf head tokens had been captured and brought before Shi Feiyang.

The mysterious man was found lying in the branch's secret chamber, his pressure points sealed, dressed in black with his face covered by a black cloth, making his appearance unrecognizable.

Shi Feiyang stepped forward, reached out and lifted the black cloth, revealing a man with a hooked nose and deep-set eyes, characteristics typical of people from the Western Regions.

"Speak, who are you? Why are you acquiring the Wolf Head Token?" Shi Feiyang's voice was icy, carrying an invisible pressure.

The man chuckled, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and said disdainfully, "Shi Feiyang, do you think the Heavenly Wolf Guard can be wiped out so easily? Our influence is spread throughout the world, and we will make a comeback one day! Hmph, just wait to be torn to pieces!"

After saying this, he suddenly bit open the poison sac in his mouth and died instantly.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang frowned. He carefully examined the man's body and found a tiny mark on the sole of his shoe—a soaring eagle, its talons clutching a spiked club.

"This is..." Shi Feiyang pondered, "Could it be a branch of the Heavenly Wolf Guard, or a new force intervening in the Central Plains martial arts world and the imperial court?"

He immediately summoned the eight elders to discuss countermeasures, saying, "Elders," then his expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "The remnants of the Heavenly Wolf Guard have appeared, and they are very likely connected with certain forces in the Western Regions. We must prepare for this in advance."

Tieguai Li asked, "Chief, what good plan do you have?"

Shi Feiyang stood up, walked to the map, pointed in the direction of the Western Regions, and said: "First, strengthen the connection with the major sects in the Western Regions and investigate whether any new forces are rising; second, send people to infiltrate the former strongholds of the Heavenly Wolf Guard to look for clues; third, reorganize the Beggar Clan, raise vigilance, and prevent traitors from infiltrating."

He paused, then continued, "Furthermore, the affairs of the Martial Alliance cannot be delayed; this is crucial for uniting the forces of the martial world. I plan to have Master Wuran, Zhu Zhixin (head of the Songshan Sword Sect), and Zhang Luo (head of the Taishan Sword Sect) jointly oversee the affairs of the Martial Alliance. I will return to Chang'an to ensure proper control of the court!"

After hearing this, everyone expressed their agreement.

After arranging the affairs of the Beggars' Sect, Shi Feiyang prepared to set off for Chang'an with Zhuang Menglian.

Before his departure, Master Wuran came to see him off and said with concern, "Amitabha, well said! Well said! Chief Shi's journey to Chang'an is long and arduous, and both the imperial court and the martial world are fraught with danger. I hope you will take good care of yourself."

Shi Feiyang smiled slightly and calmly said, "Master, rest assured, I know what I'm doing. The road of the martial world may be long, but as long as there are still injustices, my dog-beating stick will not stop." After saying that, he put his arm around Zhuang Menglian, leaped onto the Vermilion Bird, and flew towards Chang'an.

As the sun set, Shi Feiyang's glass-like figure gradually disappeared into the horizon. The remnants of the Heavenly Wolf Guard, like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, were ready to unleash a new wave of bloodshed upon the martial world that had just regained its peace.

The late autumn of Chang'an was shrouded in a desolate atmosphere.

Inside the Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace, the flickering candlelight casts distorted shadows on the dragon reliefs on the pillars, mirroring the twisted state of mind of the powerful minister Li Fuguo at this moment.

He stroked his goatee, a greedy glint in his triangular eyes. The vermilion characters on the secret report in his hand, "The Imperial Seal of the State has appeared in the Beggars' Sect," were particularly glaring in the candlelight. "A substitution," Li Fuguo cursed, throwing the report onto the rosewood table. His jade thumb ring thudded against the surface, his voice filled with undeniable ruthlessness. He roared, "Order Yu Chaoen, commander of the Shence Army, to lead the Xuanjia Guard and the remnants of the Tianlang Guard, to travel day and night, and to retrieve the Imperial Seal at all costs! If anything goes wrong, you will be beheaded!"

In the shadows below the steps, a man clad in gleaming armor knelt on one knee, a wolf's head tattoo peeking out from the gaps in his armor—this was the disguised Right Envoy of the Heavenly Wolf Guard. He gave a low reply, a sinister glint in his eyes, like a lurking venomous snake ready to strike at any moment. As dusk settled, on the shores of Mulian Lake south of Chang'an, the ordinary Shi residence welcomed Shi Feiyang and his wife, Zhuang Menglian.

After dinner, Shi Feiyang placed the Imperial Seal on the incense table, pondering how to attend court the next day, and how to persuade the current emperor, in his capacity as "Prince Li Xiao," to control the government and the regional military governors, and prevent the further deterioration of the separatist situation.

The jade seal was pure white, gleaming with a warm light under the hazy moonlight, and the inscription "By the mandate of Heaven, may your life be long and prosperous" was clearly visible.

Shi Feiyang's glass-like skin shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting the luster of the jade seal and highlighting his handsome appearance.

Zhuang Menglian brought in tea, fed Shi Feiyang a sip, and leaned against him. She reached out and gently stroked the surface of the jade seal. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she said softly, "Husband, the air around us is thick with killing intent. I'm afraid a powerful enemy is coming."

Before the words were finished, a loud "crack" was heard, the roof beam suddenly broke, and dozens of poisoned wolf-tooth darts pierced through the roof, shooting straight at the jade seal on the incense table like a rainstorm, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound that tore through the air.

Shi Feiyang shouted in a deep voice, "What kind of pig or dog dares to disturb my official duties?" Suddenly, he used the "Shifting Flowers and Replacing Jade" divine skill, and his palms flew, causing the three wolf-tooth darts that were shooting at him to suddenly deflect their direction.

"Ouch!" Three screams pierced the night sky as three Xuanjia Guards fell to the ground dead, their throats pierced by weapons they themselves had fired.

Zhuang Menglian drew the Pangu Sword, its tip trembling and dancing into a curtain of light as she unleashed the "Dream Butterfly Sword Technique." The sword flowers were ethereal and graceful, deflecting all the poison needles flying everywhere. However, when the sword tip touched a wolf-head dart, it emitted a piercing metallic clang, making her wrist go numb.

"The Heavenly Wolf Guards have finally arrived?" Shi Feiyang exclaimed in surprise, his pupils shrinking and a cold glint flashing in his eyes. He instantly judged the enemy's approach, roared, and unleashed the "Slaying the Mortal World" move from the Hundred Victories Blade Technique. His palm strike was like a blade, his energy surging and overwhelming, cleaving the leading Xuanjia Guard in two, blood splattering onto the blue bricks in front of the incense table.

In the midst of the fierce battle, Shi Feiyang caught a glimpse of the wolf head tattoo faintly visible on the leader's sleeve out of the corner of his eye. His heart trembled, and he said in a trembling voice, "Yu Chaoen! You actually colluded with the Heavenly Wolf Guard, aiding and abetting evil! Our Great Tang Dynasty has treated you well, why do you betray the court?"

The leader was none other than Yu Chaoen, the commander of the Shence Army. A ferocious smile played on his lips as he brandished his spiked club, creating gusts of evil wind. Just as a spiked club was about to strike Zhuang Menglian, Shi Feiyang tried to intervene, but it was too late.

With a soft "thud," the spiked dart embedded itself deeply into Zhuang Menglian's shoulder blade, and black blood gushed out instantly. Shi Feiyang's eyes widened in fury as he roared, "You dog, what grudge do you hold against me? Why do you want to kill my wife?" He instantly activated the Mingyu Skill to the "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison" level.

In an instant, his fair skin was covered with a layer of crystalline ice, and the air within three zhang around him seemed to freeze, radiating a bone-chilling cold. He quickly picked up Zhuang Menglian and retreated to the incense table. He instinctively activated his Heavenly Silkworm Skill, and silver threads in his palms formed a net, firmly protecting the Imperial Seal of the State to prevent the enemy from taking advantage of the situation.

"Take back the Imperial Seal!" Seeing Zhuang Menglian injured, Yu Chaoen thought he had an opportunity and roared as he hurled his spiked club. The club, imbued with the eerie black aura of the Heavenly Wolf Guard, whistled as it hurtled straight toward Shi Feiyang's face.

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly: "It is impolite not to reciprocate!" In an instant, his "Shocking Eye Calamity" divine skill was activated, and his icy gaze shot out like a sharp blade, instantly freezing the spiked club into an ice block.

Immediately afterwards, he struck out with a backhand palm strike, a "Dragon Tail Swing," the force of which struck Yu Chaoen squarely in the chest. Yu Chaoen coughed up black blood and flew backward, but before landing, he grinned and threw out a signal flare.

Green fireworks soared into the sky, piercing the night, clearly a call for reinforcements.

"Oh no, reinforcements have arrived!" At this moment, Tieguai Li rushed into the courtyard with his iron staff, cried out in alarm, and stood in front of Shi Feiyang. He then shouted, "Beggar Clan disciples, form the Dog-Beating Formation!" In an instant, dozens of Beggar Clan disciples, holding jujube wood sticks, formed a formation. The thick wooden sticks, as thick as bowls, were so powerful that they were impenetrable, protecting Shi Feiyang and Zhuang Menglian in the center.

Taking advantage of the moment, Shi Feiyang pressed the acupoints around Zhuang Menglian's wound to stop the black blood from spreading. Just then, he heard Yu Chaoen's hoarse cry before his death: "The Heavenly Wolf Guard Altar... Eye of the Abyss..." Shi Feiyang searched Yu Chaoen's body and found half a wolf-head jade pendant. He was surprised to find that the shape of the jade pendant perfectly matched the missing corner of the Imperial Seal of the State.

Despite the excruciating pain, Zhuang Menglian whispered, "My lord, I've read in the ancient texts of the Pangu Sword Sect that the Eye of the Abyss requires five sacred artifacts to unseal, and the Imperial Seal of the State is one of them. It seems the Heavenly Wolf Guard's conspiracy is inextricably linked to the Eye of the Abyss. We must find all five sacred artifacts, or the consequences will be unimaginable!" With that, she fainted.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang's expression turned solemn. Gazing at the Imperial Seal of the State in his hand, he felt the burden on his shoulders grow even heavier. Under a dark and windy night, by the Mulian Lake, Shi Feiyang, carrying the unconscious Zhuang Menglian, used his lightness skill to speed away.

He gazed at his wife's pale face in his arms, his glassy eyes filled with worry and anxiety. Suddenly, a huge wave surged on the calm lake surface, and dozens of assassins dressed in black rode the waves. The leader, wearing a bronze wolf head mask and holding a scepter, was none other than the High Priest of the Sky Wolf Guard.

The high priest threatened in a hoarse voice, "Shi Feiyang, hand over the jade seal and you will be spared death!" The wolf head at the top of the scepter in his hand was breathing out black gas, exuding a nauseating and sinister aura.

Shi Feiyang put the Imperial Seal of the State into the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist and said in a deep voice, "Elder Li, take the lady and go first. I will cover the rear!" After saying that, he moved swiftly, using the Hundred Victory Blade Technique and the Heavenly Silkworm Skill at the same time. His palm wind carried silver threads that wove a net that rushed straight at the assassins who were approaching.

As the palm struck, silkworm threads were implanted into several assassins, who screamed as they were torn into puffs of blood mist.

In the midst of the fierce battle, the High Priest suddenly removed his mask, revealing a face that bore a striking resemblance to Shi Feiyang. He grinned maliciously and said, "Nephew, we are of the same clan. Why should we risk our lives for this corrupt Tang Dynasty? Join the Heavenly Wolf Guard and help me overthrow the Tang Dynasty. Then we can share the world. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Shi Feiyang was struck as if by lightning, his movements momentarily halting. In that instant, the High Priest's scepter struck him in the chest. Shi Feiyang's Mingyu Gong protective ice armor shattered instantly, and his body flew backward, crashing into an ancient tree, shaking off countless branches and leaves.

"Who are you?" Shi Feiyang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and quickly circulated the Mingyu Gong to repair his damaged meridians.

He stared at the high priest, his eyes filled with shock and confusion.

The high priest laughed wildly, "I am your second uncle, Shi Jingtian. I was the one who was expelled from the Shi family back then! The Heavenly Wolf Guard promised me that as long as I use the Eye of the Abyss to overthrow the Tang Dynasty, I can return to the Shi family and even become the ruler of the world! If you submit, my uncle and I will join forces. What great things can we not accomplish?"

Zhuang Menglian had woken up at some point. Despite her injuries, she drew the Pangu Sword and pointed it directly at Shi Jingtian, shouting, "Wishful thinking! If the Eye of the Abyss opens, all living beings in the world will suffer. You are aiding and abetting evil, no different from a beast!"

A hint of surprise flashed in Shi Jingtian's eyes, then he sneered, "Little girl, you know quite a lot. However, today's matter is not up to you!" With that, he slammed his scepter to the ground, and with a loud "boom," countless white bones rose from the lake, forming the "Ten Thousand Bones Soul Devouring Array" of the Heavenly Wolf Guard.

The white bones were stark and the eerie aura instantly enveloped Shi Feiyang and his companions.

Upon seeing this, Shi Feiyang laughed loudly, then said with grief and indignation, "Shi Jingtian! You have aided and abetted evil, do you still remember the Shi family's ancestral teachings? 'The greatest heroes are those who serve their country and its people.' Yet now you are allied with the Wolf Guard, harming the common people. How can you face your ancestors?"

He was a time traveler, so naturally he had no blood relation to Shi Jingtian in front of him. However, if he could persuade and subdue a top martial arts master, that would certainly be a good thing.

In an instant, he shielded Zhuang Menglian behind him, suddenly activated the Mingyu Gong and the Tiancan Gong.

As the two internal forces merged within his body, he raised his palm, and wherever the palm wind passed, bones shattered and the yin energy dissipated.

Shi Jingtian was forced to retreat repeatedly, his face showing disbelief. He said in fear, "You brat, what kind of martial arts do you practice? How can it be so evil?" He brandished his scepter and attacked Shi Feiyang like a storm, trying to turn the tide of the battle.

The icy patterns on Shi Feiyang's glassy skin moved like living things, each strike carrying the power to burn away evil. Zhuang Menglian seized the opportunity, enduring excruciating pain, and the Pangu Sword transformed into a streak of light, precisely piercing Shi Jingtian's arm holding the staff.

The wolf-headed scepter fell into the lake with a clang, splashing water everywhere.

Just then, Shi Feiyang suddenly grabbed Tieguai Li and Zhuang Menglian, tossing them onto the back of the Vermilion Bird. He swiftly activated the Mingyu Gong to the "Limitless Asura's Human Purgatory" level. In an instant, a jade basin resembling a bright moon floated above Shi Feiyang's head, radiating boundless light. That light was pure and powerful; wherever it passed, the "Ten Thousand Bones Soul Devouring Array" instantly crumbled, turning into dust.

Illuminated by the light, Shi Jingtian let out a shrill scream. His body gradually became transparent, then froze over, shattering into countless ice shards. Mulian Lake returned to its calm state, with only a gentle breeze rippling across its surface.

Shi Feiyang took out the Imperial Seal from the mysterious deerskin pouch at his waist, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Zhuang Menglian jumped down from the back of the Vermilion Bird, walked to his side, and whispered, "Husband, it seems that the secret of the Eye of the Abyss is indeed hidden in the Imperial Seal."

Tieguai Li picked up the fragments of the scepter left behind by Shi Jingtian, which were engraved with blurry Western Region script. He carefully examined them and slowly said, "The altar is in Kunlun Ruins, and it needs the five sacred objects to unseal it..." Shi Feiyang held Zhuang Menglian tightly in his arms, his glassy eyes gazing towards the distant Kunlun Mountains, and said firmly, "No matter how many dangers lie ahead, I will definitely stop the Tianlang Guard from overthrowing the Tang Dynasty and protect all living beings under heaven."

He suddenly remembered what his "second uncle" Shi Jingtian had said, and murmured, "The Shi family... that Shi family... just how many secrets do they still hold?"

Before long, at Tieguai Li's summons, the Beggars' Sect disciples hastily assembled. Under the moonlight, the Beggars' Sect disciples stood ready, their expressions solemn. Shi Feiyang held the Imperial Seal of the State, his smooth skin gleaming with unwavering determination in the moonlight.

The following day, the setting sun, like blood, shone on the dilapidated Zhuque Street in Chang'an, making the broken walls and ruins look like a living hell.

Shi Feiyang transformed into the current "Li Xiao, the Carefree Prince of the Tang Dynasty," dressed in a prince's python robe. His fair skin shimmered with a warm glow in the twilight, reflecting the golden dragon patterns on his body. He stood with his hands behind his back atop Xuanwu Gate, gazing at the ant-like swarm of tents of the allied vassal states outside the city, his brow furrowed.

"Your Highness, Tian Lingzi, the Left Lieutenant of the Shence Army, requests an audience." At this moment, the personal guard reported in a low voice, his tone trembling slightly.

Shi Feiyang turned around, a cold glint flashing in his glassy eyes, and said coldly, "Let him in."

Tian Lingzi, dressed in a purple robe and waving a gilded folding fan, entered with a fawning smile on his face. He respectfully said, "Your Highness, may you be well. Li Keyong, the commander of the Shatuo army outside the city, has sent a messenger to report that he is willing to provide 50,000 cavalry to assist the court in suppressing the rebellion, only requesting..."

"You only want the position of Jiedushi of Hezhong, plus control of the salt lake in Jie County, is that all?" Shi Feiyang interrupted him angrily, his voice as cold as frost, "Tian Lingzi, do you think I don't know about your dealings with Li Keyong?"

Tian Lingzi's expression changed drastically, and he snapped his folding fan shut. Still feigning loyalty, he said, "Your Highness, please understand, this old servant is devoted to the court..."

"Shut up!" Shi Feiyang roared, activating his Mingyu Gong. His glassy skin instantly became transparent like ice, and an invisible force emanated from his palm. Tian Lingzi felt her body drifting forward uncontrollably.

Shi Feiyang angrily retorted, "You collude with the regional military governors and line your own pockets, do you think I don't know?" Tian Lingzi was terrified and threw three poisoned needles from his sleeve, aiming straight for Shi Feiyang's face, and frantically said, "Your Highness, please don't force me to kill you!"

Shi Feiyang snorted coldly and used his "Shifting Flowers and Jade" divine skill. With a flick of his palms, the poisoned needles instantly changed direction and shot back towards Tian Lingzi himself. Tian Lingzi screamed and fell to the ground, clutching his face. The poisoned needles had pierced his left eye.

"Drag him away," Shi Feiyang said calmly. "I want to interrogate him about his secret correspondence with the various regional military governors." Just then, a guard rushed in and reported in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, Li Changfu, the military governor of Fengxiang, has led an army of 50,000 to attack Chang'an and has already reached Tonghua Gate!"

Shi Feiyang's eyes sharpened, and he roared, "Well done! This saves me the trouble of a long journey to capture this traitor!" He turned to Zhuang Menglian and said, "Madam, the safety of Chang'an depends on this battle. Are you ready?"

Dressed in a white outfit and holding the Pangu Sword, Zhuang Menglian's beautiful face was resolute as she said firmly, "Husband, rest assured, Menglian will go with you." Shi Feiyang nodded, and the couple, leading their guards, leaped onto their horses and galloped to Tonghua Gate.

Dust billowed outside the city. Li Changfu, riding a tall horse and holding a long spear, laughed wildly, "Li Xiao, you brat, hand over the Imperial Seal, and the people of Chang'an will be spared!"

Shi Feiyang spurred his horse forward, his fair skin shimmering in the sunlight, and said sternly, "Li Changfu, you have amassed an army and established your own independent regime. Do you know your crime?"

"Crime?" Li Changfu laughed wildly, "In this world, the capable rule! Today, I will take your dog's head!" With that, the spear shot out like a serpent from its hole, aiming straight for Shi Feiyang's throat. Shi Feiyang neither dodged nor evaded, activating his Heavenly Silkworm Technique. A crystalline light flowed from his palm, and silver threads shot out, coiling around the spear like serpents. Li Changfu felt a powerful force, and the spear was forcibly snatched away, falling to the ground.

Li Changfu asked in astonishment, "What kind of kung fu?"

Shi Feiyang sneered, "Why don't you try my 'Emperor's Thunderous Fury'!" He formed a hand seal, and lightning crackled on his glassy skin. The ice in his palms instantly transformed into violent lightning, striking Li Changfu directly.

"Ah!" Li Changfu screamed as he was struck by lightning, his body charred black, and he fell from his horse and died.

The allied forces of the regional military governors were thrown into chaos upon seeing this. Shi Feiyang seized the opportunity to pursue them, and his "Shocking Calamity" icy gaze swept across the front-line soldiers, instantly turning them into ice shards.

Zhuang Menglian's "Dream Butterfly Sword Technique" was like a shadow, and wherever the sword light passed, enemy soldiers fell to the ground.

"Husband, be careful!" Zhuang Menglian suddenly exclaimed in the midst of the fierce battle.

Shi Feiyang turned around and saw a black-clad assassin attacking from the shadows, his dagger gleaming with blue light. Without thinking, he unleashed the "Evil Blood Calamity" divine skill, using blood to draw blood, and the assassin immediately began bleeding profusely from all seven orifices. In no time, his corpse withered like a monkey.

After suppressing the rebellion of Li Changfu, Shi Feiyang overruled objections and petitioned Emperor Xizong of Tang to establish the "Jinyiwei" (Imperial Bodyguard), which he would personally command, responsible for monitoring officials and apprehending evil martial arts factions. "Your Highness," said Prime Minister Zheng Tian with concern, "as you have said, the Jinyiwei has too much power, which may lead to problems."

Shi Feiyang insisted, "Now that the regional warlords are in power and the eunuchs are in control, if power is not centralized at the top, the Tang Dynasty will be in danger! Prime Minister Zheng, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

After the establishment of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Shi Feiyang swiftly purged the eunuch faction within the Shence Army. He then dispatched Zhuang Menglian to Jiangnan to investigate the collusion between regional military governors and martial arts sects. Zhuang Menglian fulfilled her mission, uncovering evidence in Yangzhou of collusion between Wu Yuanji, the military governor of Huaixi, and the Heavenly Wolf Guard. Several secret letters were also discovered, some mentioning the secret of the "Eye of the Abyss." Upon returning to Chang'an, Zhuang Menglian handed the letters to Shi Feiyang, analyzing, "The Heavenly Wolf Guard seems to intend to use Wu Yuanji to steal the Imperial Seal and unlock the Eye of the Abyss."

Shi Feiyang looked at the secret letter, a glint of light flashing in his glassy eyes. He said solemnly, "The Eye of the Abyss?... It seems that the suppression of the An Lushan Rebellion was only the beginning." Just then, Luo Hu, the High Priest of the Heavenly Wolf Guard, led assassins in a night raid on the royal palace, attempting to seize the Imperial Seal of the State.

"Li Xiao, hand over the Imperial Seal!" Luo Hu, holding a wolf-headed scepter, flew down and shouted, surrounded by twelve black-clad assassins.

Shi Feiyang protected Zhuang Menglian, his Mingyu Gong circulating rapidly. He said coldly, "Luo Hu, as a person from the Central Plains, why do you aid and abet evil?" "A person from the Central Plains?" Luo Hu laughed wildly, "Back then, when the court expelled me, did they ever remember that I was from the Central Plains? Li Xiao, hand over the Imperial Seal, and I might spare your life!"

"Wishful thinking!" Shi Feiyang roared, instantly unleashing the "Transferring Flowers and Jade" divine skill! With a flick of his palms, he deflected the assassins' attacks one by one. Zhuang Menglian seized the opportunity, using the Pangu Sword Technique to cut down the flustered assassins one by one. Immediately afterward, Shi Feiyang unleashed "Emperor's Heavenly Thunder," using the ice crystals formed by the Bright Jade Skill to transform ice into lightning, which exploded like thunder upon striking the enemy.

Luo Hu and his gang of assassins were instantly wiped out.

Shi Feiyang looked at the Imperial Seal of the State in his hand, then at the devastated Chang'an, and suddenly roared to the sky, his laughter filled with endless grief and indignation.

"Husband..." Zhuang Menglian exclaimed, looking at him with worry.

Shi Feiyang wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, his fighting spirit rekindled in his glassy eyes, and asked in return, "Menglian, tell me, why should I, a leader of the Beggars' Sect and a person of the martial arts world, risk my life for this dilapidated Tang Dynasty?" Zhuang Menglian grasped his hand and said admiringly, "Because you are a great hero, for the country and the people."

Shi Feiyang nodded, then turned to the newly appointed commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and elder of the Beggars' Sect, Tieguai Li, and said, "From this day forward, protect the lady well and obey her orders in everything. Now, I am going to Kunlun Ruins."

He mounted his black horse and disappeared into the night of Chang'an.

Behind them lay the crumbling Tang Dynasty, and ahead lay the unknown dangers of Kunlun Ruins.

"Having accomplished my task, I'll leave without a trace, concealing my identity and name," Shi Feiyang murmured, spurring his horse forward. His fair skin gleamed with unwavering resolve in the moonlight. As long as he had a breath left, he would fight to the very last moment for the sake of all living beings. (End of Chapter)