Chapter 1268: Slaying Pirates Amidst the Gossiping Mist, Protecting Rivers and Mountains with Mighty Palms (Part 3)

Seeing Bai Zhi in danger, Shi Feiyang swiftly struck with both palms, transforming the Hundred Victories Saber Technique into a golden saber net.

Amidst the crisscrossing Sword Qi, he noticed the leader at the array’s core forming seals to perform a Secret Technique, with a black vortex forming above his head.

“Not good! It’s Ninjutsu: Falling Blossom!” he shouted, fully activating the Bright Jade Technique, and the cold air around him transformed into an ice dragon soaring into the sky.

At the instant the ice dragon collided with the black vortex, the entire island trembled. The ninja leader spat black blood from the corner of his mouth, but smiled maniacally: “Die!” Suddenly, the ninjas behind him collectively self-destructed, the intense shockwave lifting the sea water several zhang high.

Shi Feiyang quickly expanded the vortex’s suction, redirecting the explosion’s shockwave towards the sea, while releasing an Ice Soul Palm to freeze the escaping ninja leader into an ice sculpture. As the last ninja fell, Shi Feiyang gazed at the scattered remains with an intense sense of foreboding—these ninjas were unafraid of death, their eyes filled with a liberating fervor before self-destructing.

Even the Japanese bandits have a terrifying side.

At this time, Shan Zhi, with his clothes stained with blood, walked up to Shi Feiyang and said, “Grand Squad Leader, we’ve won a great victory. Look, we’re almost home.”

Shi Feiyang smiled and said, “Give the order, turn the merchant ships around, return to Ryukyu Island!”

Shan Zhi asked in astonishment, “What? What?”

Shi Feiyang said with a smile, “I intentionally let the Japanese bandits see my return to the motherland. But, if we suddenly strike back, what will happen to those Japanese bandits and their lackeys who bullied our Heroic Sakura Association Ryukyu Sub-Branch?”

Shan Zhi laughed heartily, intuitively understanding, and went off to relay the order.

In late spring Ryukyu, the sea breeze, salty and damp, whipped against the vermilion walls of the Ryukyu Sub-Branch.

Lu Chengfeng gripped the Azure Dragon Saber, its blade reflecting his tightly furrowed brows, and looked at the warehouse stockpiled with supplies, his heart full of worry.

Li Ji leaned against the doorframe, the Wind Thunder Sword slung across his waist, fingers tapping the hilt, making a soft “da da” sound.

“A few days ago, we just replenished the sulfur, and the Japanese bandits snatched away thirty percent again.” Lu Chengfeng’s voice simmered with restrained anger, as the scabbard slammed heavily against the wooden post, startling a few sparrows under the eaves, “These thieves only target the merchant ships heading to the Central Plains!”

Li Ji’s gaze sharpened, his swordlike brows arched: “Brother Lu, why don’t we take the initiative and launch a night raid on the Japanese base! Always being on the defensive like this isn’t a solution!” While the two were discussing, a Ryukyu Sub-Branch disciple rushed in, panting: “Squad Leaders! The Fusang rangers have allied with local pirates and assembled over a hundred warships, patrolling the sea thirty miles away!”

Lu Chengfeng’s pupils contracted sharply, the Azure Dragon Saber unsheathed with a “clang”, the blade’s light casting his face in a cold sternness: “Perfect timing! Give the order, all disciples form up and prepare for battle!” A fierce smile curled on Li Ji’s lips, the Wind Thunder Sword humming out of its sheath, sparks of electricity crackling along the blade: “Let them see that the swords of Heroic Sakura Association aren’t to be trifled with!”

At the sub-branch port, warships were neatly arrayed, Lu Chengfeng stood at the prow, behind him disciples holding shields, like a forest of swords and spears.

He gazed at the distant mass of enemy ships, took a deep breath, summoned his Inner Strength, and shouted, “Heroic Sakura Association disciples, hear my command! Today, with me, there are no enemies, and with enemies, there is no me!” His voice resounded like a great bell, causing ripples to spread across the sea.

Li Ji led another elite team, ambushing behind rocks on either side of the port, the Wind Thunder Sword summoning heavenly thunder, a rumble echoing from the clouds.

The enemy ships closed in, led by a Fusang ranger brandishing a Long Sword, their shouts carried by the wind: “Central Plains pigs, hand over the treasure quickly!”

Lu Chengfeng scoffed, gripping the Azure Dragon Saber with both hands, unleashing the “Dragon Roars Across the Eight Wastes”.

Eight strands of Sword Qi like sea dragons surged towards the forefront enemy ship. Where the Sword Qi passed, sails shredded, sea waves surged high.

Seeing this, Li Ji swung his Long Sword, the “Thunder Clashes Nine Heavens” sword move descended, streaks of heavenly thunder struck down on enemy decks, igniting a raging inferno, screams echoing incessantly.

However, the enemy’s numbers were vast, and they quickly organized a counterattack. Countless fire arrows shot forth, Lu Chengfeng commanded the disciples to use shields in defense, while ordering archers to return fire. For a moment, arrows rained down, and the sea was thick with the smoke of battle.

A ranger took advantage of the chaos, piloting a speedboat, charging the warship where Lu Chengfeng stood.

He wielded a Japanese Saber, directly targeting Lu Chengfeng’s throat. Lu Chengfeng sidestepped, countering with a slash, “The Dragon Leaps into the Abyss”, the blade’s light flashing, the ranger screamed, falling into the sea, staining the water red.

Li Ji was also embroiled in fierce combat, dozens of pirates leaping onto the rocks, surrounding his team.

Li Ji’s Long Sword thrust relentlessly, the sword’s afterimages like lightning, executing the “Wind Thunder Seven Styles”, Sword Qi slicing through, pirates fell to the ground one after another.

Yet the enemy surged continuously; his body gradually sustained multiple wounds, his clothes soaked in blood.

At the critical moment, Lu Chengfeng arrived with reinforcements, the Azure Dragon Saber cleaving a bloody path, reuniting with Li Ji.

Their gazes met with smiles, eyes filled with determination. Lu Chengfeng shouted, “Brother Li, today we shall leave no return for these thieves!”

Li Ji nodded, their saber and sword combined, unleashing their self-created “Dragon Thunder Breaks Through Clouds”.

A massive golden saber shadow intertwined with a silver sword shadow, with world-ending momentum, charging the enemy formation. Wherever it passed, enemy ships shattered, Fusang rangers and pirates either blown away by shockwaves or consigned to the sea depths.

The battle raged from noon till dusk, the sea littered with remnants of enemy ships and bodies, blood darkening the water.

Lu Chengfeng and Li Ji stood atop the sub-branch heights, watching the sunset-drenched sea, weary yet proud.

“At last, we’ve held our ground.” Lu Chengfeng wiped the blood off the Azure Dragon Saber’s blade, his voice carrying relief.