Chapter 1202 - 314: Jianghu Turmoil and Rebel Suppression—Wit Against Treachery to Uphold Chivalry

Early autumn in Bozhou, the sky is high and the clouds are thin, with a faint freshness and coolness in the air.

Sunlight filters through sparse clouds, mottling the fields, with golden rice stalks gently swaying in the breeze, whispering the joy of harvest.

In the distance, the mountains rise and fall, dyed in the colors of early autumn, deep green mixed with pale yellow and orange-red, like a fine oil painting.

On the country roadsides, wildflowers are still blooming, not as lush as they were in midsummer, yet possessing a unique charm.

Occasionally, a few butterflies dance among the flowers, bees busily gather nectar, adding a touch of vitality and vigor to the serene pastoral scene. The stream flows gently, clear to the bottom, with pebbles on the riverbed glinting in the sunlight.

By the stream, several willow trees hang their branches low, lightly brushing the water’s surface. The entirety of Bozhou, dressed in early autumn attire, appears both tranquil and peaceful, full of poetry and imagery, irresistibly captivating.

Lan Xiaodie actively established connections with other sects in Jianghu.

She chose a group of disciples of good conduct and exquisite medical skills, carrying precious antidotes and sincerity, to visit the major sects.

In her interaction with the Wudang Sect, Lan Xiaodie sincerely said: "Wudang Heroes have always been renowned for their chivalry. My Five Poison Sect has committed many wrongs in the past. Now, we are willing to reform and work with your sect to maintain peace in Jianghu."

The Wudang Sect Leader stroked his long beard and nodded slightly: "Since Master Lan has such determination, my Wudang Sect will naturally support it."

During her visit to the Shaolin Sect, Lan Xiaodie sought advice from the Shaolin Monk on Buddhism and medicine, hoping to glean wisdom from them and better guide the Five Poison Sect’s followers.

The Shaolin Monk kindly said: "Good and evil are only a thought apart. Master Lan’s ability to lead the sect towards kindness is indeed a great act of benevolence."

Lan Xiaodie humbly accepted the teaching and listened attentively to the monk’s guidance.

However, the Five Poison Sect’s reform actions stirred discontent among some with ulterior motives. During Mid-Autumn, the dusk in Miaojiang seemed to be dyed with the passionate blood of sunset, blooms of dazzling orange-red gradually diffusing into a gentle purple.

In the embrace of the mountains, gauzy mist slowly rises, weaving with the afterglow of the setting sun into a dreamlike imagery.

On the forest trails, fallen leaves cover the golden carpet, every step eliciting a rustling sound.

In the distant Miao Village, wisps of smoke ascend, lingering with the evening glow, sketching out peaceful and harmonious scenes.

A gentle breeze passes, bringing the aroma of rice and the earthy scent, refreshing the mind.

The copper bells at the Five Poison Sect Headquarters clamor in the rank wind. Lan Xiaodie, clad in white garments snowy as frost, stands with the Wangu jar emitting a greenish glow on the stone steps, while a hundred sect members behind her wear outfits embroidered with Five Poison Totems, antidote gourds and poison pouches at their waists rattling softly.

In the distance, dust billows, Li Xishi, the Village Chief of Gu Feng Stronghold, rides a black mane horse, his Nine-Ring Saber casting a cold arc in the sunset, behind him a rabble brandishing rusty weapons, their shouts startling the birds in the mountains.

"Lan Xiaodie! You cut off my sources of wealth, today I will leave no one alive in your Five Poison Sect!" Li Xishi reins in his horse, the clanging of the saber rings like a death knell.

From behind him emerged two figures: Vice Village Chief "Vajra Iron Arm" Tu Bao, arms wrapped in iron chains as thick as bowls, the chain head studded with spikes; Elder "Shadow Wind Poison Granny" Wan Sanniang, wielding a Bone Fan, from the seams of the fan bones oozes dark green poison.

Lan Xiaodie lightly raises her jade hand, and the Wangu jar emits a clear sound. Instantly, the Golden Silkworm Gu King spouts Golden Silk weaving a web of heaven and earth, the Blood Spider Gu sprays purple mist forming a barrier in the air, the Soul-devouring Centipedes surge along the ground. As soon as Gu Feng’s force’s weapons touched the Golden Silk, they were tightly bound, wherever the Blood Spider mist reached, the soldiers’ eyes turned crimson, clawing at their throats in pain.

"Petty tricks!" Tu Bao roared, employing Vajra Iron Arm Technique, the iron chains twisted the Golden Silk like a black dragon emerging from a cave.

Every step he took left a deep imprint on the ground, his skin glowing with a bronze luster, having mastered external techniques to the peak.

Lan Xiaodie’s eyes slightly focused, the Green Phosphorus Sword wove nine flowers, deploying the Five Poison Sect’s "Spiritual Snake Swordsmanship," the tip aimed at the opponent’s throat.

Tu Bao sneered, sweeping the iron chains, the force-created wind dispersed the sword flowers. "Little girl, with such skills, you wish to harm me?" He rotated his wrist, the chain transforming into a steel whip to strike Lan Xiaodie’s face.

At the last moment, Lan Xiaodie executed "Butterfly Shadow Step," her figure ghost-like, fluttering to the side, thrusting the Green Phosphorus Sword towards the opponent’s side open space. Tu Bao reacted swiftly, turning to endure a sword, yet the blade only left a white scratch on his skin.

At this moment, soothing flute sound resounded from the sky.

Shi Ying, carrying her young son Shi Nian, led the Celestial Star Sect experts to approach through the moonlight.

She is clad in moon-white soft armor, her waist star-patterned jade pendant slightly swaying with her movements, the Silver Moon Hooks in her hands exuding a cold light. "Little Sister Lan, don’t worry, big sister is here to help you!" The flute sound suddenly accelerated, and the Celestial Star Sect formed a Celestial Star Formation, surrounding and dividing Gu Feng’s force.

Seeing this, Wan Sanniang shook the Bone Fan thrice, immediately shadow wind roared, numerous poison needles mixed with decaying leaves shot towards Shi Ying.

Shi Ying sneered, her double hooks drawing a mysterious arc, from the tip of hooks flying silver threads, weaving into a silver net in the air. The poison needles hitting the silver net issued a "ding ding" crisp sound and all fell. "Is this all you’ve got?" Shi Ying tip-toed on the ground, hooks transforming into a stream of light to stab at Wan Sanniang’s throat.

Wan Sanniang wielded the Bone Fan, the fan surface unfolded revealing five skulls, spewing poison smoke. Shi Ying operated the Celestial Star Heart Method, her body emanating a faint star glow, the poison smoke touching the star glow and instantly dissipated.