King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 332 - 145: Shi Feiyang Champions the Resistance Against the Wokou, Passion Forging Bonds with the Land

Last autumn, following an order from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Kato Kiyomasa and Koxi Takafumi led an army of over one hundred thousand soldiers and hundreds of warships to brazenly invade Korea from Tsushima Island. The Korean troops were unable to withstand the sudden attack of the Japanese invaders and were routed, fleeing at the mere sight of their advancing forces. After landing, the invaders seemed to roam unchallenged, quickly pushing northward. Within just one month, they seized Hanseong, the Royal Capital of Korea, followed by the successive captures of Kaicheng and Pyongyang.

Out of the eight provinces of Korea, seven fell into enemy hands. King Li Shin of Korea fled all the way to Yizhou by the banks of the Yalu River. In desperation, he had to request urgent assistance from our suzerain state, the Great Ming Dynasty. The Imperial Court, perceiving the aggressive ambitions of the Japanese invaders, deeply understood the principle that ’when the lips perish, the teeth grow cold’. Saving Korea was tantamount to protecting our own lands, so they quickly agreed to dispatch troops to aid Korea.

Initially, the Ming Dynasty sent Zu Chengxun, a lieutenant general of Liaodong, with over two thousand Ming troops to cross the Yalu River and launch a long-distance assault on Pyongyang. However, due to an intelligence error, Zu Chengxun believed there were only a bit more than a thousand Japanese troops in Pyongyang City, not anticipating that the Japanese military strength far exceeded expectations. Coupled with a torrential downpour overnight that rendered the Ming army’s firearms ineffective, this hasty attack ended in failure, with Guerrilla Scholar dying in battle and Zu Chengxun narrowly escaping with his life. Though we are children of the Jianghu and dwell among the common people, we also hold the world in our hearts.

Previously, during the campaign to aid Ningxia, we united and contributed our strength to the nation. Now, facing the Korean campaign, we must stand up with the same enthusiasm and determination as in the Ningxia campaign and give it our all. Brothers and sisters, immediately prepare some carts to load stones. At dawn tomorrow, we will set out north to support the Imperial Court’s army in reclaiming Yizhou in Liaodong, guarding the peace of our country, and saving the people of the world!"

The words of Shi Feiyang echoed powerfully by the shores of Taihu Lake on this spring night, ringing out like a mighty bell, infusing the air with resonance.

"Yes!" The heroes shouted in unison, their voices echoing to the skies. They all cupped their fists and bowed in response, then swiftly took action, their eyes filled with determination and resolve, fully prepared to head to the battlefield.

Master Yuan Chi stood aside, quietly watching his beloved disciple Shi Feiyang. On his weathered face appeared a gratified smile, his eyes full of admiration and pride. He slowly spoke, his voice calm yet full of strength: "Feiyang, you have a strong sense of patriotism. Well done. Good, your master will roam the seas, but I hope for your victorious return."

With that, Master Yuan Chi’s figure flickered and, like a wisp of breeze, drifted away, quickly vanishing into the moonlit night.

Shi Feiyang gazed up at the night sky, where the stars seemed like countless eyes quietly witnessing the joys and sorrows of the human world.

After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, setting out alone. The road on the outskirts of the city was slightly muddy after the rain, but Shi Feiyang seemed oblivious, his steps firm.

As he reached the city outskirts, he leapt gracefully, instantly deploying the Supreme Lightness Technique, "Relentless Across a Thousand Miles," his whole form like a black streak of lightning, rushing towards the grand Shi Mansion within the city.

Meanwhile, within the Shi Mansion, Gong Simeng sat quietly in the courtyard, patiently waiting for Shi Feiyang’s return.

Thanks to Shi Feiyang’s meticulous care and tireless efforts, Gong Simeng’s belly had begun to gently swell, heralding the arrival of new life.

Gong Simeng’s status within the Shi Mansion had become increasingly stable, and she now always wore a smile, in high spirits.

Pregnancy had not made her appear worn or haggard. Instead, it enhanced her grace and beauty, suffusing her with a maternal glow, making her ever more enchanting.

Upon returning to the mansion, Shi Feiyang’s face softened into a gentle smile the moment he saw Gong Simeng.

He quickly approached Gong Simeng, gently holding her hand, his eyes filled with love and care.

On this tranquil spring night, the Shi Mansion was enveloped in peace and serenity, yet in Shi Feiyang’s heart, there remained a concern for the people of the world, contemplating the forthcoming campaign to aid Korea.

He softly asked, "Si Meng, how do you feel today? Any discomfort?" Gong Simeng gently shook her head, her eyes glinting with happiness, gently saying, "Feiyang, I am all well. There’s no need to worry too much."

Shi Feiyang felt a slight sense of relief at her words but couldn’t help a small sigh. He was fully aware that in the forthcoming campaign to aid Korea, he must head to the front lines, unable to accompany Gong Simeng at all times. This worry, he could only keep silently in his heart.

Gong Simeng seemed to discern Shi Feiyang’s thoughts. She softly held his hand, gently saying, "Feiyang, I know what you’re worried about. But as the mistress of the Shi Mansion, I will take good care of myself, and our child. You can go to the front without worry; the child and I will wait for your return."

Upon hearing this, warmth surged in Shi Feiyang’s heart. He firmly gripped Gong Simeng’s hand, stating resolutely, "Si Meng, I will surely return safely. For you and the child, and for the people of this land, I will do everything in my power to protect our homeland."

On this tranquil spring night, the Shi Mansion was filled with love and hope.

Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng leaned on each other, sharing their anticipation for a beautiful future.

The night sky was as dark as ink, pressing heavily upon the Divine Sword Manor on the outskirts of Kaifeng Prefecture. Zhong Renwang, having learned of Lv Yuan’s failed actions, paced back and forth in the manor’s council hall, his triangular eyes glinting with a sinister light as a new malevolent scheme was born in his heart.

"Ding Hong, immediately contact the leaders and sect leaders of the major factions and schools in the Central Plains. We must ambush Shi Feiyang during his transport of funds and grain to Liaodong, and ensure he is intercepted!" Zhong Renwang said viciously, his voice as if arising from the Nine Nether Hell.