Upon hearing, everyone nodded, expressing understanding and blessings, their words filled with concern. Zhao Qingfeng felt grateful, recalling Shi Feiyang's numerous contributions to the Shandong Martial Arts, those righteous acts becoming legendary stories in the Jianghu.

He was moved and stepped forward to say, "Hero Shi, on this journey with your wife back to your hometown, the road is long. I have an idea; the Central Plains Cao Bang's boats travel to various places rather conveniently. I have some acquaintances with Cao Bang's Gang Leader Peng Sil, and can introduce Hero Shi, Miss Yang, Brother Xie, and others to board their boats, taking the water route to Liaodong Bay. This way, you can avoid the strain of travel, and it's relatively safe. What does Hero Shi think of this?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Sect Leader Zhao is considerate; this is very good. Thank you for your arrangement." After a few more reminders from everyone, they dispersed, preparing to assist Shi Feiyang and the others with their journey.

However, everyone was kept in the dark, danger lurking silently like a venomous snake hidden in shadow.

The seemingly ordinary Central Plains Cao Bang grain boat traveling on the river actually harbored earth-shattering secrets.

The bottom of the boat had been secretly filled with Western Fire Dragon Oil, a mystical substance from the Western Regions with terrifying power. Once ignited, it could instantly turn the entire boat into ashes, obliterated in smoke.

Cao Bang's Gang Leader Peng Sil, under the bizarre and unpredictable "Soul Capturing Technique" of the Eastern Depot, became a puppet of the Jinyi Guard, his soul akin to being extracted. At this moment, his eyes were hollow like a ghost, a strange aura emanating from his every move.

From his sleeve, he quietly released Miaojiang's Corpse Gu, an evil toxin from Miaojiang, fearsome in its potency, taking life instantly upon release, the scene bloody and terrifying.

Aspirants boarded the boat filled with hope, standing at the bow, facing the gentle breeze, looking forward, filled with dreams of Liaodong Bay, wholly unaware the danger was as close as their shadow.

In the late spring, the wide river surface resembled a green ribbon winding upon the land.

The water flowed rapidly, splashing waves crashing into each other, producing a "splashing" sound like playing a majestic symphony.

The scenery on both banks was picturesque, covered in blooming flowers of red, pink, and white, competing in their splendor. The fragrant blossoms wafted to the boat with the breeze, refreshing the mind. The green willows drooped by the river, slender branches swaying in the wind like nature's dancing hair. Distant mountains stretch in undulating curves, enveloped in clouds and mist, like a dream, displaying a breathtaking landscape painting.

The boat moved onto an extremely wide river surface, proceeding smoothly.

Suddenly, without warning, the boat shook violently, as if a giant invisible hand was shaking it fiercely.

The people couldn't maintain their balance, falling to the ground, shouting in surprise.

Shi Feiyang's heart skipped a beat, his face turning grave instantly. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

He quickly grabbed Yang Xue'Er, pulling her into his arms, extending his left palm, using the Bright Jade Technique. True Qi surged like a rushing river in his meridians, roaring with a deep rumble. In an instant, a faint aura surrounded Shi Feiyang and Yang Xue'Er, like a tangible shield emitting soft yet strong radiance.

The aura rose and fell rhythmically with Shi Feiyang's breathing, faint runes flickering within, ancient and mysterious, outward manifestations of the Bright Jade Technique's powerful force.

His keen perception, like probing tentacles, instantly detected anomalies at the boat's bottom.

Shi Feiyang's gaze was sharp as lightning, promptly drawing the Celestial Frost Blade. The blade flashed with a cold gleam, akin to icy moonlight, instantly slicing through the atmosphere of sudden crisis, seemingly able to cut through the void.

The situation suddenly worsened, alarms sounding in Shi Feiyang's heart as he realized danger had engulfed everyone like surging tidewater.

With no time to think, he gritted his teeth, forcefully pushing Yang Xue'Er away. Holding her arm firmly, he tossed Yang Xue'Er into the air, shouting loudly, "Xue'Er, use Lightweight Technique, fly through the air, and once I've driven off the enemy, return to the boat! Be very careful!" A flash of surprise crossed Yang Xue'Er's eyes, but she trusted Shi Feiyang deeply, immediately using the sophisticated Lightweight Technique from Qingfeng Pavilion. With a graceful posture, she danced in the air like a nimble butterfly, skillfully evading the chaos below.

At that critical moment, the puppetized Cao Bang's Gang Leader Peng Sil revealed a strange smile at the corner of his mouth, like it came from Nine Nether Hell, eerie and chilling.

He flicked his sleeve abruptly, releasing the Miaojiang Corpse Gu in one go.

The Corpse Gu, resembling black lightning, shot towards the people at high speed. Wherever it went, the air was corroded silently, making a "sizzling" sound, even the atmosphere groaning in suffering under the power of this evil toxin.

Seeing this, Shi Feiyang's eyes widened, fury igniting, shouting powerfully like a large bell, standing prominently in the chaotic scene.

He gripped the Celestial Frost Blade tightly, the blade flashing coldly like a sharp bolt in the dark night. He used the extremely fierce Hundred Victories Saber Technique, his figure spinning quickly like a black whirlwind, saber light shimmering, appearing like a blinding silver curtain, slashing down the darting Corpse Gu.