His face was full of urgency, eyes glinting with a light of anticipation. Within that light was a vision of the future and loyalty to the Heroic Sakura Association. At this moment, the remnants of the ruins hinted at decision-making under the moonlight, as if waiting for Shi Feiyang’s decision, waiting for a new twist of fate.
Shi Feiyang pondered briefly, then decisively instructed, "Please have Brother Xiang Kun lead the brothers in the Scout Hall to thoroughly investigate the Jianghu news, and ensure that our disciples won’t encounter any ambushes on the way south. This concerns the life and death of our Heroic Sakura Association, so we must not take it lightly!" "As you command!" Xiang Kun respectfully accepted the order and quickly left.
Moonlight shone on Xiang Kun’s departing figure, cloaking him in a layer of silvery radiance.
The next morning, sunlight, like golden threads, pierced through the layers of leaves, casting a dappled array of light and shadow.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, weaving a natural yet marvelous melody. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and the subtle fragrance of flowers and grass, permeating into one’s senses, bringing joy and peace. The distant mountains, bathed in morning light, appeared dreamlike, akin to a slowly unfolding ink wash painting, stunningly beautiful.
Shi Feiyang and the heroes strode out of their tent boldly, heads held high, fully basking in the warmth and comfort of the morning light.
Then, Shi Feiyang went to visit Lin Wanqing.
Gong Simeng was still standing in front of Lin Wanqing’s tent, her heart in turmoil, filled with the fear of Shi Feiyang falling in love with Lin Wanqing. This fear, like a sharp knife, pierced her heart again and again.
A gentle breeze passed by, playfully rustling the tent’s drapery.
Shi Feiyang seemed to sense something, suddenly turning his head, his gaze like lightning, shooting toward where Gong Simeng was hiding.
Gong Simeng’s heart skipped a beat in shock, instinctively wanting to dodge, only to find, to her horror, that her legs were nailed in place, unable to move an inch. Her heart raced, as if trying to burst through her chest, her breathing became rapid and heavy, silently praying that Shi Feiyang wouldn’t notice her.
Shi Feiyang stood up and walked steadily and powerfully toward Gong Simeng’s direction, each step seeming to land on Gong Simeng’s heart, making her increasingly nervous. As Shi Feiyang approached, Gong Simeng’s anxiety grew, her palms sweaty, her back soaked with cold sweat, making her clothes stick to her skin.
When Shi Feiyang stood before her, their eyes met in mid-air, and all around them was so quiet you could hear each other’s heartbeat, a heartbeat rapid and flustered. Gong Simeng, flustered, lowered her head, not daring to look Shi Feiyang in the eyes, murmuring, "I... I was just passing by." Content originally comes from novelFirｅ.net
As she spoke, she unconsciously stepped back half a step, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her clothes, her fingers turning white from the pressure.
At this moment, the sunlight filtered through the leaves, forming spots of light on them, unable to dispel the awkwardness between the two.
Shi Feiyang slightly frowned, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, stepping forward again, closing the distance with Gong Simeng, whispering, "Si Meng, if something’s on your mind, you can speak openly. There’s no need to hide anything between us; we can solve any difficulties together."
His voice was gentle, with some concern, like a spring breeze trying to disperse the gloom in Gong Simeng’s heart. The surrounding flowers and grass swayed lightly in the breeze, as if cheering Gong Simeng on, encouraging her to muster the courage to speak her mind.
Gong Simeng bit her lip, wanting to speak, yet hesitated, her eyes flickering uncertainly, ultimately just shaking her head, softly saying, "It’s really nothing, perhaps just tired recently."
At this moment, the sunlight grew stronger, shining on Gong Simeng’s face, reflecting her inner struggle, filling her brows and eyes.
In the distance, Xiao Lingling urgently shouted, "Grand Squad Leader, there’s an emergency!"
Shi Feiyang gave Gong Simeng a deep look, then turned and swiftly stepped towards Xiao Lingling like a leopard.
Gong Simeng watched his tall back, her heart filled with mixed emotions—loss, worry, and a trace of anticipation. The surrounding trees rustled in the wind, as if feeling uneasy about this sudden emergency and issuing a rustling alert.
Xiao Lingling solemnly handed over a secret letter, and Shi Feiyang quickly opened it, his eyes scanning the contents, his expression instantly turning frosty as frost. It turned out that the letter came from spies in the Jianghu, stating that the news of the battle at Changsheng Castle had spread like wildfire across the Jianghu, provoking unrest among various forces.
The "Vajra Stronghold," always coveting the Liaodong Region, upon hearing of the severe damage to Changsheng Castle, immediately sensed an opportunity.
The Village Chief of Vajra Stronghold, "Demon Lord of Mayhem" Fang Yi, was inherently ruthless and ambitious. He immediately gathered all the elite of the stronghold, preparing to seize the land in one fell swoop while the people of Changsheng Castle were heavily weakened, expanding his own sphere of influence.
At this moment, he was riding a tall, robust black horse at the front of the parade, swaggering arrogantly, his face full of pride as if Changsheng Castle had already fallen into his hands. He shouted to his subordinates, "Brothers, we’ve hit the jackpot this time! Those people at Changsheng Castle are nothing but stray dogs now. We charge in, seize the territory, and we’ll have no worries about wine and food in the future!"
The subordinates responded with cheers, aggressive and menacing, their cheers filled with greed and arrogance.