Force of the Ring Finger

Hanxing called out to Xiaoye outside the door, "Quickly go and invite Sister here." It seemed the matter was too sudden and too important for the Long family; Hanxing wanted Long Hanchun to join in the discussion. Xiao Tianfeng briefly explained the origin of the knife to Miss Nine and Hanxing. Xiao Yun’er was aware of it, for he had been present at the time, and had witnessed Sister Lingzhi hand the knife over to Xiao Tianfeng’s subordinate, Xiao Zhiyong.

Soon, Sister Long Hanchun arrived. She examined the knife and said, "This woman’s finger strength is firm yet gentle, her internal force has reached unfathomable depths, and so her finger force carries not a hint of domineering energy."

Xiao Tianfeng nodded, "My father believes the same. Since this knife was forged from fine steel by the Xiao family, its material is exceptionally hard and unyielding. An ordinary martial artist could not possibly leave a fingerprint on this blade. Even among the rarest experts, leaving such a deep mark would be extremely difficult."

Miss Nine agreed, "Indeed, the knife is hard enough, but lacks sufficient flexibility, so most martial artists can only break it with internal force, but cannot imprint deep finger marks upon it."

Xiao Tianfeng said, "I have another knife of the same kind here. Would you like to try?"

Hanxing took the knife and squeezed it with all her strength. When she released it, there were only faint finger marks left. Hanxing sighed, "This woman’s internal force far surpasses mine."

Xiao Tianfeng smiled, "Miss Xing, you’re too modest. You didn’t use your full strength just now."

Hanxing sighed, "Even if I exert more force, I would likely only break the knife; no matter what, I couldn’t leave such deep finger marks."

Long Hanchun said, "If I am not mistaken, this must be the legendary Nameless Finger Force."

"Nameless Finger Force?" Hanxing and Miss Nine, though never having witnessed it, had heard many miraculous stories about this martial art.

Years ago, there was a young master in the martial world, famed for his chivalry and righteousness. Whenever he did good deeds, he never left his name. No one in the martial world knew his origins, so he was called the Nameless Hero. He possessed a formidable finger force; since his name was unknown, it became known as the Nameless Finger Force. For reasons unknown, the Nameless Hero mysteriously vanished from the martial world, and so later generations could not tell if the Nameless Hero from decades past truly existed.

Hanxing said, "Nameless Finger Force—is this legendary skill from years ago real?"

Long Hanchun replied, "I cannot say for certain. From what I know, apart from Nameless Finger Force, no other technique could leave such deep imprints on a blade."

Xiao Tianfeng said, "My father believes that as well, though he cannot be certain. That is why I brought this blade to seek your guidance. The Long family matriarch is a senior master, learned and wise; perhaps she might provide an answer?"

Long Hanchun nodded, and so they discussed as they left, evidently heading to the matriarch’s chamber. Xiao Yun’er wanted to follow, but feared being discovered; helpless, he slipped back under the covers.

Sleeping in such a marvelous bed, anyone would dream sweet dreams. Xiao Yun’er slept soundly and, in his dreams, held every beauty he longed for in his arms, enjoying boundless pleasure...

When he awoke, he saw Miss Nine sitting at the bedside, watching him with a half-smile.

Xiao Yun’er rubbed his eyes and laughed, "What time is it now?"

Miss Nine smiled, "Seeing your cheerful face upon waking, your headache must be gone!"

Xiao Yun’er sighed, "Of course. Sleeping in such a comfortable bed, my headache is sure to recover faster."

Miss Nine, still half-smiling, said, "Ah, the bed is wonderful, but you should get up now. You can’t stay in someone else’s bed forever." Seeing Miss Nine’s odd expression and Hanxing’s rosy cheeks and lowered head, Xiao Yun’er was somewhat puzzled.

He knew nothing of the discussion between Xiao Tianfeng and the matriarch, nor did he much care what the Long family planned. What lay closest to his heart was the fate of Bai Xuehua.

A few days later, Xiao Yun’er prepared to return to Xianyang with Miss Nine. Hanxing came over and said, "Sister Nine, the matriarch has officially tasked me with conquering the Wild Wolf Gang. I feel my strength is insufficient. On your way back to Xianyang, could you lend me your aid?"

Miss Nine smiled, "Knowing you’re going to subdue the Wild Wolf Gang, I’ve long been ready to help you. Even if you didn’t ask, I would go with you."

Hanxing laughed, "Thank you so much, Sister Nine. With you by my side, I have the confidence to succeed."

The Long family had not launched a major campaign in years. In the last great battle against the Bai family, although they defeated Bai’s clan and killed Bai Ying, their leader, the Long family suffered heavy losses, especially when their patriarch was wounded by Bai Xuehua and later died from his injuries.

After years of recuperation, the Long family’s strength had surged. This expedition to conquer the Wild Wolf Gang was meant as a first test of their renewed power, so they decided to send only a small but elite force.

Their numbers were few, but all were elite fighters, and with Miss Nine among them, their strength was formidable.

On this day, Long Hanxing brought Feiyu, Feihong, and Feifeng—the three most outstanding girls of the Long family’s third generation, who would be its future backbone. Bringing them on this mission was meant to temper them.

The women warriors of the Long family were its strongest core, always ready to sacrifice for their kin.

Miss Nine brought her maid Xiaojing, Hanxing brought Xiaoye, and the Long family dispatched thirty silver-clad guards. Though few in number, they represented the finest of the Long family’s power.

Feiyu, Feihong, and Feifeng, all exceptional in martial arts, had little battle experience—except for Feiyu, who had a bit. As they prepared to depart, their mothers were anxious.

Feiyu had much to say to her mother, Song. Feihong’s mother, Li, reminded her daughter to be careful and said to Miss Nine, "Sister Nine, this is Hong’s first journey—please look after her!"

Feifeng’s mother, Xu, likewise entrusted Hanxing to care for her daughter.

Finally, the matriarch addressed Hanxing and Leng Yue, "This campaign against the Wild Wolf Gang will be led by Hanxing, with Leng Yue assisting. The thirty silver-clad guards will be divided into three squads of ten. Feiyu, Feihong, and Feifeng will each lead a squad. The best outcome is for the Wild Wolf Gang to obey and become allies of the Long family. If they resist, wipe them out completely. In any case, do not let them escape and join another family. Do you understand?"

Leng Yue and Hanxing nodded. As the Long family’s elite core, their hands were stained with much blood from the years of struggle—where strength survives and weakness perishes.