King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 213 - 123: Feiyang’s Heroic Spirit for Homeland, Si Meng’s Devoted Love

"Yes, Miss Lin had genuine feelings for Brother Shi, but unexpectedly, Miss Gong stole the march on her." Another disciple chimed in, a hint of regret in his voice.

"Hmph, a woman from a humble background daring to dream of becoming a phoenix perched high up," a disciple from a prestigious family said disdainfully, his tone full of scorn. Although these discussions were not loud, they still reached Lin Wanqing’s ears.

Her body trembled slightly, and tears welled up in her eyes once again. She struggled to suppress the sadness in her heart, turned around, and silently left the crowd, walking alone to the edge of the small lake in the courtyard. Gazing at the shimmering surface of the lake, her heart was filled with bitterness.

Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng also noticed the reactions of the heroes, but they didn’t pay much attention. They knew that emotions were a matter between two people and needed no explanations to others. Holding hands, they walked to the front of the heroes to announce their marriage.

Although some people showed expressions of discontent, most stepped forward to congratulate them, wishing them happiness and harmony.

Lin Wanqing stood by the lakeside, listening to the congratulatory voices behind her, a sharp pain stinging her heart.

She recalled the bits and pieces of her time with Shi Feiyang, remembered her deep affection for him, and now could only watch helplessly as he paired up with someone else. Her heart was full of unwillingness, yet she was helpless.

She knew that there was no longer any possibility between her and Shi Feiyang, and she could only bury these feelings deep within her heart.

The sun gradually rose higher, and the mist on the lake began to dissipate.

The disciples of Heroic Sakura Association started preparing for departure, escorting the hundred carriages on a new journey.

Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng stood at the very front of the procession, hand in hand, eyes resolutely looking ahead. Lin Wanqing silently followed at the back of the team, understanding that although her heart was in pain, life must continue.

She wiped away her tears, forced herself to gather her spirits, and decided to let go of the past and start anew.

On this sunny morning, the mighty Heroic Sakura Association set off.

Shi Feiyang led Iron Palm Wu Zhong, Mandarin Duck Saber Xiao Lingling, Iron Flute Scholar Xiang Kun, Flying Eagle Detective Xie Wen, Dharma Transmission Elder Lin Wanqing, who was also the Jishi Hall Master, along with Gong Simeng holding Little Yu Yan, and fifteen hundred robust disciples carrying fake money and provisions, setting off grandly towards Ningxia.

After more than ten days of long travel, they finally arrived at the foot of Helong Mountain in the northwest direction.

This place was surrounded by verdant green mountains, shaded with lush trees, as if immersed in a natural oxygen bar.

Mist lingered in the mountains, like ethereal veils, adding a mysterious and dreamy color to the landscape, resembling an Immortal Realm.

The crisp and pleasant sound of birdsong echoed in the valley, melodious and delightful.

A clear, bottom-seen creek flowed windingly, the water shimmering with silvery light under the sunshine. Fish swam freely at the bottom, darting among water plants, sometimes leaping out of the water, creating ripples that composed a lively and vivid natural painting.

Gazing at the scene, Shi Feiyang couldn’t help but sigh, "Everyone, look at this beautiful scenery before us, tranquil and harmonious, like a paradise. Yet, not far away, the people struggle to survive amidst the flames of war. The world should be as beautiful everywhere, with people peacefully farming and living on this land, children growing up laughing by their parent’s side. But now, Jianghu is filled with incessant strife, with various factions disregarding people’s lives for their own interests, making it hard for the people to live. We must assist the Imperial Court in pacifying the rebellion in Ningxia, restore peace to the land, and let every corner of it return to tranquility so that the people can once again embrace such a life."

Just then, a group of people came quickly from afar.

Leading them was Sect Leader Zhao Qingfeng of the Qingfeng Sword Sect, who shouted loudly from a distance, "Hero Shi, we’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"

Shi Feiyang quickly stepped forward, tightly grasping Zhao Qingfeng’s hand, and said excitedly, "Sect Leader Zhao, it’s been a long time! Since we parted, I’ve often thought of you. I never expected we could reunite here today, it’s truly a blessing!"

Sun Tiezhang of the Iron Palm Gang, Qian Wanying of the Flying Eagle Sect, Zhou Cangyue of the Diancang Sword Sect, and Lin Yufeng, leader of the Eight Trigrams Qimen Array, also gathered around. Everyone embraced each other, with joyous laughter echoing in the valley, startling the birds perching on the branches.

In the valley, sunlight trickled through the dense foliage, casting dappled light and shadow, while a gentle breeze wafted, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers and grass.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Shi Feiyang caught sight of a familiar figure among Qian Wanying’s disciples.

He was slightly startled, then his eyes widened in surprise as a joyful smile instantly blossomed on his face, a smile like flourishing spring flowers, full of uncontrollable happiness. His feet unconsciously moved forward, and he called out in surprise, "Yili? Heroine Yi? How have you come here too?" His voice carried a hint of urgency, filled with immense joy, echoing in the valley.

Yili’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing the familiar voice, as if a fawn was wildly racing within her chest.

At that moment, the air seemed to freeze, and the surrounding laughter, bird songs, and wind sounds gradually faded away, leaving only that voice she missed day and night. In her mind, the scene of that thrilling night by Taihu Lake flashed by, where Shi Feiyang descended like a divine soldier, driving away the villains with unparalleled martial arts, and saving her. His heroic stance and determined gaze were engraved in her heart like a seal.