Wuxia: Become the 100-Victory Sword King at the Beginning

Chapter 273. Clever schemes bring profits from salt; a benevolent heart spreads to benefit the people.

Shi Feiyang turned his head, looked at Guo Xiangyu, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes, and said softly, "Xiangyu, thank you for your concern. With you by my side, I feel much more at ease."

Upon hearing Shi Feiyang's words, Guo Xiangyu was overjoyed, and her smile grew even brighter, like a flower in full bloom.

She thought to herself, "Does Mr. Shi's statement mean he also has feelings for me?" Her heart was filled with anticipation, and she only hoped that time could stand still at this moment, so that she and Shi Feiyang could stay together forever, inseparable.

As Shi Feiyang was riding forward, an important matter suddenly flashed through his mind. He immediately lifted the reins slightly, and the horse seemed to understand its master's intention. It raised its front hooves slightly, let out a soft neigh, and came to a steady stop. Its posture was agile, like an unyielding statue, quietly waiting for Xie Wen and Shi Xiong to catch up.

Xie Wen, riding his horse, saw Shi Feiyang reining in his horse in the distance and immediately understood his intention. He gently spurred his horse, and his steed galloped forward like an arrow. In no time, he was riding alongside Shi Feiyang.

Xie Wen's expression was solemn. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, and said loudly, "Chief, this investigation has revealed that the Hak tribe is secretly colluding with the Western Regions Holy Sect. Their conspiracy is truly outrageous. They are attempting to seize all the salt fields in the Northwest. If they succeed, the situation in the Northwest martial arts world will be thrown into chaos, and the people's livelihoods will be plunged into dire straits. As far as I know, they have been preparing for this for a long time, their power is deeply entrenched, and their sect has many experts. They should not be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang frowned slightly, his gaze sharp as he stared into the distance. He said in a deep voice, "Hmph, these greedy scoundrels actually have such ambitions. The Northwest Saltworks are of great importance, concerning the lives and deaths of countless people. We must not let their conspiracy succeed."

His voice was deep yet firm, echoing across the vast wilderness.

After a moment's thought, Shi Feiyang continued, "We'll travel about ten miles forward, and there's a small mountain range. The terrain there is secluded; we should be able to find shelter from the wind. We'll find a suitable spot, pitch a few tents, and rest for a while. We need to carefully consider how to eradicate the Western Regions Holy Sect completely to prevent future troubles. Also, Xie Wen, tonight you'll infiltrate the Western Regions Holy Sect's stronghold alone and must thoroughly investigate the names and martial arts styles of the sect leader, protectors, and other masters within the sect. This matter is of utmost importance; we cannot afford to be negligent in the slightest."

Xie Wen clasped his hands in a fist salute again, his expression solemn, and replied loudly, "Rest assured, Master, I will do my utmost and fulfill my mission!"

The group continued to ride their horses, the sound of hooves echoing like rapid drumbeats striking the earth.

Before long, they arrived at the small hill.

At this moment, the sun was high in the sky, shining brightly on the earth.

The snow on the mountain reflected a dazzling light under the sun, like countless sparkling diamonds inlaid in the mountains.

Shi Feiyang dismounted with clean and swift movements, displaying the demeanor of a chivalrous hero.

He took out several tents from the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, handed them to Shi Xiong, and said, "Shi Xiong, please set up these tents."

Shi Xiong accepted the tent with both hands and nodded in response, "Yes, young master."

Shi Feiyang walked slowly through the mountains with his hands behind his back, his brows furrowed, lost in deep thought. He repeatedly considered how to eradicate the Western Regions Holy Sect. The sect had many experts and acted strangely; annihilating it in one fell swoop would be no easy task.

Seeing everyone busy setting up camp and planning their grand scheme, Guo Xiangyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart and refused to rest for even a moment. Her bright eyes quickly scanned her surroundings, her steps light and nimble, like a graceful deer darting through the forest. In no time, she had gathered a bundle of firewood. She crouched down, her movements gentle and practiced, carefully piling the firewood together. Then, she took out a tinderbox, gently blew on it, and the flickering flames instantly ignited the firewood. The flames roared and crackled, as if singing a joyful song, and a warm aura spread, gradually dispelling the biting chill of the mountains.

Guo Xiangyu's eyes were full of tenderness and focus. She slowly walked to the bag, stretched out her slender fingers, gently opened it, and took out Shi Feiyang's clothes. She held the clothes in her hands as if they were the most precious treasure in the world, her eyes revealing endless affection and longing.

She carefully prepared everything for Shi Feiyang's bath and change of clothes, every movement filled with deep love. She gently smoothed out the wrinkles on his clothes and neatly arranged the towels, soap, and other items.

After finishing all that, she didn't slack off at all, and turned around to start a fire and cook.

She watched intently as the ingredients tumbled in the pot, her eyes shining, as if she were doing the most important and sacred thing in the world.

At this moment, she had only one thought in her mind: to prepare a delicious meal for Shi Feiyang so that he could feel the warmth of home after his tiring journey.

Seeing Guo Xiangyu's busy figure, Shi Xiong and Xie Wen were filled with admiration and hurriedly went to help. Shi Xiong quickly walked to Guo Xiangyu's side, picked up the pots and pans, and said with a pure smile on his face, "Sister Guo, let me help you."

Guo Xiangyu turned her head to look at Shi Xiong, a bright smile as radiant as spring flowers on her face, and said softly, "Okay, Shi Xiong, with your help, we'll definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort. I'm so happy that you're so sensible."

Xie Wenze helped gather firewood. As he bent down to pick up the dry firewood on the ground, he smiled at Guo Xiangyu and said, "Miss Guo, the Chief Master will surely remember your careful care for him. Everyone sees your kindness towards the Chief Master and is very envious."

Upon hearing this, Guo Xiangyu's cheeks flushed slightly, like the intoxicating sunset on the horizon.

She lowered her head and said softly, "I only did what I was supposed to do. Young Master Shi has been kind to me. From the first moment I saw him, my heart was captivated by him. I should do my best and only hope that he is well. No matter how much I have to give for him, I would be happy to do it. As long as he can look at me and smile at me, I feel that everything in the world has become more beautiful."

As she spoke, that infatuated look reappeared in her eyes.

Before long, the aroma of food wafted through the mountains, like a gentle hand lightly tantalizing everyone's sense of smell and dispelling the fatigue of their journey. The group sat together, the food steaming in front of them, but their minds were not on the delicious food; instead, they were enthusiastically discussing strategies to deal with the Western Regions Holy Sect.

Shi Feiyang's expression was solemn, his gaze sharp as if he could see through the layers of fog to reach the enemy's vitals. He frowned slightly and slowly spoke, "The Western Region Holy Sect is extremely ruthless, resorting to any means to achieve their goals. They have been lying in the shadows for a long time, and this time they are plotting to seize control of the Northwest Salt Fields, their ambitions are boundless. We must be careful and devise a comprehensive and detailed plan in order to strike decisively and completely shatter their conspiracy." His voice was deep and firm, echoing through the mountains like a resounding bell, carrying a reassuring power.

Xie Wen nodded hurriedly, his eyes full of agreement, and said respectfully, "What the Grand Master says is absolutely right. According to my in-depth investigation over this period of time, the leader of the Western Region Holy Sect is unfathomably skilled in martial arts, proficient in the unique skills of the Western Regions, and unpredictable and difficult to guard against. Moreover, this person is cunning, suspicious, and meticulous, like a shrewd old fox. The guardians are also all top-notch experts, each possessing unique skills, and are renowned throughout the martial arts world. If we want to eradicate this evil force, we must know ourselves and our enemy in order to win every battle."

Shi Xiong was also standing to the side, his eyes filled with determination and urgency. He said loudly, "Young master, although I am still young and my martial arts are not as good as yours, I am willing to do my part to eradicate the Western Region Holy Sect. I am not afraid of hardship or danger. As long as I can help you, I am willing to do anything."

Shi Feiyang looked at Shi Xiong with a gratified smile and said gently, "Shi Xiong, it's good that you have this intention. Although you are young, you have such courage and responsibility, which is truly rare. When the time is right, you will have a role to play, and I believe you will live up to expectations."

Guo Xiangyu sat quietly beside Shi Feiyang, like a delicate orchid blooming in the mountains, exuding a gentle and graceful aura.

She didn't participate in the discussion of this matter of life and death; instead, she would occasionally use her slender, delicate fingers to gently pick up food for Shi Feiyang. With each bite, her eyes would soften with tenderness; those simple actions contained all her love.

She would occasionally turn her head and gaze at Shi Feiyang with deep affection. Her eyes were like a deep lake, full of longing and infatuation, as if everything else in the world had ceased to exist, and only Shi Feiyang was her sole focus.

Her gaze followed Shi Feiyang's every move, every smile, as if she were afraid of missing a single moment.

After everyone finished their discussion, they returned to their tents to rest, while Xie Wen, shouldering an important task, continued to investigate the situation of the Western Regions Holy Sect under the cover of night.

Shi Feiyang lay in the tent, surrounded by silence, but his heart was like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace.

He gazed at the tent roof, lost in thought. He knew all too well that the impending battle would be a breathtaking and exceptionally brutal affair. The experts of the Western Regions Holy Sect were all ruthless and cruel, willing to do anything for their own gain.

Once war breaks out, it will surely be a bloody battle, plunging the martial world into darkness.

He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force, and vowed to eradicate the Western Regions Holy Sect, restore peace to the martial arts world of the Northwest, and bring tranquility to the people of the world.

Guo Xiangyu lay in her tent, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

Her heart was filled with concern and worry for Shi Feiyang, as if an invisible hand was tightly gripping her heart.

She rose quietly, her movements gentle, as if afraid to make the slightest sound. She came to Shi Feiyang's tent, the moonlight shining on her, outlining her graceful figure, like a fairy descending to earth.

She paced gently around Shi Feiyang's tent, her steps slow and rhythmic, as if she were guarding the most precious treasure in the world.

With each step she took, her heart became more at ease, as if by doing so she could sense Shi Feiyang's presence and know that he was doing well.

As she walked, she silently prayed in her heart: "Young Master Shi, may you sleep peacefully tonight, and may everything go smoothly for you tomorrow. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, I am willing to face them with you, even if it means being shattered to pieces."

Her eyes, filled with determination and deep affection, spoke of her boundless love for Shi Feiyang in the quiet mountains.

She didn't return to her tent to rest until she was very tired and sleepy.

As dawn broke, the morning light gently spilled over the tranquil mountain campsite.

Xie Wen used the "Flying Willow Catkins and Light Smoke Skill," his figure resembling willow catkins and wisps of smoke in the wind, drifting back leisurely.

He landed silently in front of Shi Feiyang with light footsteps, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and although his expression showed the fatigue of a night's journey, it could not hide the competence and focus in his eyes. He said in a loud voice, "Chief, I have not failed in my mission. The situation of the Western Region Holy Sect has been investigated. There are many martial arts masters in the sect, each with their own supernatural abilities. The sect leader is named 'Blood Demon Rahu'. He is ruthless and is skilled in a strange and unpredictable 'Blood Demon Great Art'. It is said that if this skill is mastered, it can turn blood into blades and kill people invisibly. The sect's protectors, 'Black Wing Rakshasa' Uma and 'Poison Heart Saint Hand' Gu Mu, are both first-class masters, each with deadly skills. In addition, I have also noted down the names and martial arts styles of the leaders of each incense altar."

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing approval, and said gently, "Xie Wen, you've worked hard. You haven't rested all night and are exhausted from your journey. You should go and rest for a while. After lunch, you can set off again to the Northwest Salt Gang to sound them out. If we can persuade them to participate in this battle, our chances of victory will undoubtedly increase significantly." He was dressed in white, his posture upright, and the morning light shone on his resolute face, further highlighting his calm and dignified demeanor, exuding a leader's aura.

Xie Wen clasped his hands in a fist salute again, replied "Yes," and turned to walk towards his tent.

His steps were slightly heavy, clearly indicating that the night's journey had left him exhausted.

After entering the tent, he slowly lay down, closed his eyes, and quickly fell into a deep sleep, desperately needing this short rest to recover his energy.

Shi Feiyang looked up and saw that Guo Xiangyu and Shi Xiong's tent was still quiet, presumably the two were still fast asleep.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he thought to himself that it was common for young people to be sleepy.

So he turned and went back to his tent, slowly lying down. He knew that sleep was the best way to restore strength, and maintaining plenty of energy was crucial on the eve of the upcoming bloody battle.

Inside the tent, he calmed himself down and soon fell asleep, his breathing steady and even.

As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire campsite in a golden hue.

Xie Wen rushed back, his steps hurried, his expression somewhat solemn.

He strode up to Shi Feiyang, bowed respectfully, and said in a deep voice, "Chief, the situation with the Northwest Salt Gang is not optimistic. Chief Xue Hongshan has contacted a large number of martial arts masters and gangs, but they are unwilling to join forces with us. They have decided to launch an attack on the Hak tribe and the Western Region Holy Sect tonight." Xie Wen leaned forward slightly due to anxiety, looking at Shi Feiyang with worry in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang remained calm, merely nodding slightly. His gaze was profound, as if he could see through everything, and he slowly said, "As expected. The Northwest Salt Gang is simply wary of the overwhelming power of our Xiong Ying Society, fearing that if we win, they will take away their profits from the salt fields. Such is human nature, nothing surprising. Well then, let's wait and see how this situation develops."

With his hands behind his back, he paced slowly through the camp, his steps steady and powerful, each one firm and resolute, revealing his inner calm.

Shi Xiong followed Shi Feiyang from a young age, and through this exposure, he had long harbored a chivalrous spirit of protecting the country and loving the people.

Upon hearing this, he was greatly alarmed and blurted out, "What should we do? If the Northwest Salt Gang is defeated, the people will probably not even have salt to put in their food!"

He was still young, his face still showing some childishness, but at this moment his face was flushed with anxiety, and his eyes were full of worry for the people.

Guo Xiangyu stood quietly to the side, like a fine jade sculpture.

Her eyes, as beautiful as stars, were like two clear springs, shimmering with light as they flowed. At this moment, she stared blankly at Shi Feiyang, her eyes seemingly a mixture of emotions, a deep bewilderment at the complex situation before her, and a vague doubt about Shi Feiyang's decision, like a calm lake rippling in the breeze.

Her luscious lips parted slightly, as if she had a thousand words to say, but she swallowed them back down.

She could only stand there quietly, her gaze filled with deep affection, following Shi Feiyang's every move. It was as if everything else in the world had lost its color, and he was the only focus in her eyes. She hoped that she could find an answer from his next words.

Shi Feiyang keenly noticed Guo Xiangyu's gaze, turned his head slightly, and met her eyes. A confident and charming smile instantly appeared on his face, a smile as bright as the most brilliant sunshine in spring, capable of dispelling all the gloom in the world.

His eyes shone with wisdom, like the brightest star in the night sky, seeing through everything.

He spoke slowly, his voice steady and resonant, each word like a heavy hammer blow, resounding with an irresistible and undeniable aura: "The Northwest Salt Gang's rash attack this time was too reckless. They only saw the immediate benefits, without weighing the pros and cons. If they are truly defeated, they will be driven to desperation and will inevitably come to us for help. That's fine, Xie Wen, you will have to go through the trouble again. Immediately use your fastest movement technique to send a message to our Northwest Branch Leader, instructing him to come here as quickly as possible. Also, you should hasten the return of Liao Pei, Lie Quan, and the other brothers. Once this matter is settled, at least half of the profits from the Ningxia Salt Road and salt fields should be allocated to our Xiong Ying Society's Ningxia Branch. However, our Xiong Ying Society has always been concerned about the well-being of the people. This half of the profits must not be embezzled; it must be distributed equally to the local people without reservation, so that they can all eat safe salt and feel our sincerity and responsibility."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, but then their eyes shone with admiration and approval.

After a brief silence, a deafening chorus of cheers erupted.

All eyes turned to Shi Feiyang. He stood tall and straight as a pine tree, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, as if a god had descended. In their hearts, he had become their sole faith; as long as he was there, no difficulty was insurmountable, no enemy insurmountable.

Guo Xiangyu looked at Shi Feiyang, her beautiful eyes instantly sparkling with a brilliance that was even more dazzling than the brightest stars in the night sky.

Her eyes were full of admiration and tenderness, like a deep lake, unfathomable yet extremely gentle.

She bit her lower lip slightly, her cheeks flushed, like a peach blossom in full bloom in spring, beautiful and charming.

She said softly, "Young master, you truly have the world in your heart, are compassionate, and only care about the interests of the people. The world is vast, but nothing can compare to the breadth and vastness of your mind. It is a blessing that Xiangyu is fortunate enough to follow you and experience your elegance and chivalry."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, clear and pleasant to the ear, every note filled with her deep love and respect for Shi Feiyang.

Her heart was already in turmoil, and she really wanted to shout out loud: "Young Master Shi, from the moment I first met you, my heart was as if you had cast a magical spell on it and quietly stolen it away."

Since then, my world has been filled with nothing but your tall figure and handsome face.

I still remember that day when the sunlight shone down on you without reservation. You stood tall and straight, like an ancient pine tree, full of vigor and spirit. You were like a war god descending from the sky, bringing with you boundless brilliance. You forcefully entered my originally calm world, and from then on, my world was stirred up by ripples like a raging storm.

Since then, every time I fight alongside you, every time I hear your wise and passionate words, my heart sinks deeper and deeper into the tender and charming web of love you have woven for me, unable to extricate myself.

With a heart full of compassion and a spirit of chivalry, you risked your life time and again to confront ruthless and brutal enemies for the peace and tranquility of the martial world and the well-being of the people. Your heroic figure as you fought bravely against the enemy, and your resolute and unwavering gaze in the face of powerful foe, are like a branding iron, deeply imprinted in my heart, becoming an indelible memory for the rest of my life.

Whenever I see you, my heart is filled with endless warmth and strength. As long as you are by my side, there is no hardship or obstacle in this world that can stop us from moving forward.

Young Master Shi, do you know that in my heart you are the bright moon hanging high in the sky, shining brightly, cool and charming, illuminating every dark corner of my path forward; you are the towering mountain, steady and reliable, unwavering, giving me the most solid support, allowing me to feel at ease at any time.

I am willing to give my all to follow in your footsteps, to the ends of the earth, with unwavering devotion.

No matter how thorny or treacherous the road ahead, I will gladly endure it. Even if I have to suffer a thousand hardships and ten thousand torments for you, as long as I can see you safe, happy, and smiling, all my efforts will be worthwhile.

I would give you all my tenderness and love, like guarding the most precious treasure in the world, to stay by your side, gently soothing your weary body and soul when you return exhausted from battle; to protect your peace and tranquility when you face hardship and pressure. In this life, I only wish to be with you through life and death, never to be separated, never to abandon you.

However, she was still too shy to say those passionate words.

She could only stand there quietly, her eyes like a clear mirror, reflecting Shi Feiyang's majestic and towering figure, almost like a god, her gaze filled with infatuation and longing.

Xie Wen's expression was as if he were carrying a thousand-pound burden. His face was solemn and iron-like, his eyes were bright and piercing. He clasped his hands together, leaned forward like an ancient pine tree, and roared in a voice like a bell: "Chief! You can put your mind at ease! You gave me my life, and this time I will fight to the death, using every trick in the book. Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will never let you down and will certainly live up to your trust!"

After saying this, he suddenly pushed off with his feet, using the "Flying Willow and Light Smoke Technique," and instantly transformed into a wisp of green smoke, drifting away as lightly as a shooting star. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from everyone's sight.

Shi Feiyang's gaze followed Xie Wen's departing direction intently. He nodded slightly, a satisfied expression on his face, as if he were examining his most prized masterpiece. Then, he slowly reached into the mysterious deerskin pouch at his waist.

This deerskin bag may seem ordinary, but it is actually a mysterious treasure trove containing endless riches.

Shi Feiyang took out combustible ice, salt, oil, soy sauce, vinegar, rice, ginger, scallions, chicken, duck, fish, shrimp and other items from it.

He handed these items to Shi Xiong with a calm yet innate and awe-inspiring majesty, like the towering Mount Tai that overlooks all living beings, steady and unshakable.

He said in a deep voice, "Shi Xiong, go and start a fire and cook! Make sure everyone has a good meal so they can have enough strength!"

Shi Xiong accepted the food with both hands as if it were a sacred object, his face full of reverence. He replied in a loud voice, "Young master, rest assured! I, Shi Xiong, will do my utmost to make the food delicious and visually appealing, so that everyone will be in high spirits and ready for the upcoming bloody battle!"

He then strode quickly toward the makeshift "tent kitchen," his steps light and energetic.

Shi Xiong went to the "kitchen" and carefully placed the combustible ice in place.

Then, he took out a tinderbox, blew on it sharply, and sparks ignited instantly, like a ray of hope suddenly appearing in the darkness.

The moment the spark touched the combustible ice, it ignited instantly, flames leaping up and intense heat spreading throughout the air. This sight left Guo Xiangyu, standing nearby, utterly dumbfounded. Her beautiful, star-like eyes widened in astonishment and shock as she witnessed the most incredible and mind-blowing spectacle imaginable.

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she was so stunned by the scene before her that she couldn't speak for a long time.

He stood frozen in place, as if under a spell.

Her gaze was fixed on the burning methane hydrate, her eyes filled with amazement and awe.

Seeing Guo Xiangyu's appearance, Shi Xiong couldn't help but smile slightly.

While he deftly prepared the ingredients, he patiently explained, "Sister Guo, this is combustible ice, extremely rare and precious, a true treasure. Only our young master possesses such extraordinary abilities to own such a magical substance. He always brings us unexpected surprises. Following him, my horizons are broadening! Just from this combustible ice, I know that you are no ordinary person. Following you, I'm sure we can achieve something truly remarkable!"

When he mentioned "our young master," his eyes revealed boundless reverence for Shi Feiyang. Shi Feiyang was a god in his heart, omnipotent and omniscient, capable of changing the world.

Guo Xiangyu came to her senses, her eyes filled with curiosity and doubt, her gaze like clear lake water rippling with a thirst for knowledge.

She couldn't help but ask softly, "Shi Xiong, do you think our young master is some kind of deity descended to earth? How could he possess such wondrous things and such extraordinary abilities? When I look at him, I always feel that he has an indescribable extraordinary aura about him, as if any problem can be easily solved in front of him. Is he born to save this world?"

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.

Shi Xiong burst into laughter, his face beaming with pride, a smile as radiant and dazzling as a flower blooming in spring.

He said, “Sister Guo, although Young Master is not a true immortal, he is more than one. In my heart, Young Master is omnipotent, and all things in the world are under his control. His wisdom, his martial arts, and his magnanimity are all admirable. It is the greatest honor of my life, Shi Xiong, to follow Young Master. Take this combustible ice, for example. Others have never even heard of it, yet Young Master can produce it with ease, which shows how capable he is! In the future, if we follow Young Master, we will surely stir up a storm in the martial world and let everyone know Young Master’s fame!”

His laughter was hearty and loud, echoing through the empty camp.

Guo Xiangyu stepped out of the tent, her eyes filled with deep love as she looked at Shi Feiyang. That love was like a surging tide, both powerful and profound.

She stood there quietly, her figure graceful, like a blooming flower, exuding a captivating fragrance.

She prayed silently in her heart, hoping that Shi Feiyang would live a peaceful life, and that she could always stay by his side, help him solve his problems, soothe his fatigue from battle, and spend every beautiful moment with him.

Inside the tent, Guo Xiangyu and Shi Xiong were dedicated to providing Shi Feiyang with the most meticulous and considerate service. Guo Xiangyu moved gracefully, holding a warm towel in her hands, her eyes focused and gentle, carefully wiping Shi Feiyang's face, her movements so gentle that she was afraid of disturbing him.

Shi Xiong stood by, ready to hand over the toiletries. His gaze towards Shi Feiyang was filled with reverence and loyalty, like a believer looking up at their god. The time was quiet and warm. The deep affection they felt for Shi Feiyang blossomed like spring flowers and flowed endlessly like a babbling brook.

The next morning, the world seemed to be suddenly turned upside down and reshaped by a pair of invisible yet magical hands.

The gale was like a ferocious beast from the ancient wilderness, howling and sweeping in with overwhelming force.

The wind was so strong that it made the tents in the camp shake violently and make a "whooshing" sound.

The snowflakes, like light yet slightly chilly goose feathers, fluttered down from the sky, resembling a group of playful yet elegant sprites dancing freely in the air.

In the blink of an eye, the entire mountain range was covered by layers of pure white snowflakes, as if draped in a magnificent silver cloak, a crystal-clear expanse as far as the eye could see. Distant scenery, shrouded in the swirling snow, appeared and disappeared, its hazy outlines adding to its mysterious and eerie atmosphere, resembling a breathtakingly beautiful painting concealing hidden dangers.

In such harsh weather, Xue Hongshan, the leader of the Northwest Salt Gang, along with his son Xue Tielong, daughter Xue Qiuchun, and a group of leaders from various incense halls, trudged through the wind and snow toward their camp on the small hill, led by "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen.

Xue Hongshan was tall and imposing, like a towering, unshakeable mountain, exuding a majestic and heroic aura. His full beard resembled a dense black jungle, further enhancing his rugged and bold appearance.

However, at this moment, his eyes were filled with exhaustion, a weariness like deep ravines etched into the depths of his eyes, a weariness and helplessness after last night's fierce battle.

In the last night alone, he had already experienced countless hardships and torments in the world.

The group finally entered the camp. Upon seeing this, Xue Hongshan quickly walked towards Shi Feiyang.

He clasped his hands in a fist salute, leaned slightly forward, and performed a standard martial arts greeting. His expression was so solemn, as if he were carrying the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. His voice was low and hoarse as he said, "Chief Shi, I have come here because I have no other choice but to do so! Last night's battle dealt a heavy blow to the martial arts world of the Northwest. The scene was too horrific to bear, and it was heartbreaking. More than fifty martial arts masters died, and the casualties among the various gangs reached more than six thousand. I, Xue Hongshan, regret it so much..." "I'm so angry! If only I had listened to Master Xie's wise advice and joined forces with the Xiong Ying Society and Chief Shi, I wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable state! It's all because the martial arts figures and gangs who participated in this battle were all harboring their own ulterior motives and pursuing their own selfish interests, which is why they rejected Master Xie's proposal and ultimately caused this disaster." His voice was filled with deep regret and self-reproach, each word like a heavy hammer, striking everyone's hearts.

In this snow-covered camp, the wind still howled, as if it were roaring in defiance of silence, trying to break the heavy atmosphere.

Snowflakes fell like goose feathers, covering the world in a silvery white blanket.

However, the beautiful scenery did nothing to ease the tense atmosphere at the moment.

Xue Hongshan and Shi Feiyang stood facing each other, while their subordinates held their breath and waited quietly.

Beside Xue Hongshan stood his son, Xue Tielong, a tall and imposing figure, like a towering iron tower, exuding an innate air of grandeur. He was handsome, with well-defined features, and though young, he possessed a remarkable composure.
(End of this chapter)