Chapter 1034 - 281: Cold Blade Shines on the Perilous Valley, Xiang String Carries Deep Affection (Part 4)

The disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association in the world of Great Ming have already surpassed five hundred thousand in total.

To accommodate the injured Liao Pei and Lie Quan, Shi Feiyang decided to establish a branch stronghold in the Helan Mountain Range.

The fierce wind roared, carrying the blizzard like ten thousand arrows, tearing the boundary between the desert and the grassland into chaos. Yellow sand mixed with snow grains danced wildly in the sky, and the world was a mixture of chaotic yellow. Amidst the howling wind, it seemed as if countless fierce ghosts were wailing, attempting to forcibly tear out the souls of travelers.

Guo Xiangyu’s frail figure swayed in the gale, her dress fluttering wildly as the silver ornaments in her hair jingled, with disheveled black strands sticking to her pale face like cobwebs. She gritted her teeth, barely standing firm but still staggering as if she were a delicate willow swaying precariously in a strong wind. Young Shi Xiong, though stubbornly holding his ground, could barely keep his eyes open, the wind and sand obscuring his vision, and his small body seemed about to be swept away.

Shi Feiyang stood amidst the sandstorm, his black cloak flapping fiercely, resembling a towering unmovable mountain.

With furrowed brows and cold eyes, he surveyed the perilous landscape around him, already having a plan in mind.

Seeing the two in danger, he no longer hesitated. Stretching out his right arm, he securely placed Shi Xiong on his back, who instinctively clasped his arms tightly around his neck. With a gentle motion of his left hand, Guo Xiangyu fell into his embrace like a fledgling returning to the nest.

In an instant, the Bright Jade Technique circulated to the "Eighth Realm" — "Free from Sentiments," white mist surged around him, like a dragon emerging from the sea soaring straight to the heavens.

Shi Feiyang, employing the Supreme Lightness Technique "Untraceable Across a Thousand Miles," transformed into a white rainbow, threading through the wind and snow.

Each step seemed to shatter the void, snowflakes splashing without leaving a trace.

Upon seeing Shi Feiyang move, Xie Wen immediately executed the "Feixu Qingyan Technique," his form like willow catkins drifting with the wind, ethereal as light smoke, closely following behind. At times he disappeared into the wind and snow, at others he appeared amidst the flying sand, his fluttering clothes showcasing the profound essence of the technique.

The four of them raced through the raging snowstorm like four unrestrained phantoms, or four banished immortals treading upon the snow.

In Shi Feiyang’s embrace, Guo Xiangyu felt the warmth emanating from his body, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, and her anxious heart gradually steadied. Shi Feiyang’s determined gaze pierced through the mist, focusing on the direction of the Helan Mountain Range, where he envisioned the hidden location of the branch stronghold — the unshakable foundation of the Heroic Sakura Association in the Northwest.

Shi Feiyang’s black cloak enveloped Guo Xiangyu completely, imbuing her with a familiar cold yet mildly bloody scent that inexplicably comforted her. Reflexively holding onto his lean waist, the warmth from his body seeped through the thin fabric, igniting her heart like a pounding drum, and her cheeks flushed with red.

Shi Xiong clung obediently to Shi Feiyang’s back, his small hands tightly gripping his collar. Xie Wen, employing the "Feixu Qingyan Technique," followed closely behind, the four morphing into phantom images traversing the vast yellow haze.

Shi Feiyang, advancing with "Untraceable Across a Thousand Miles," seemed to tread upon the backbone of the wind with each step, and the white snow of the Helan Mountain Range quickly magnified before his eyes.

Guo Xiangyu slightly tilted her head back, glimpsing the taut lines of Shi Feiyang’s jaw and the tiny ice beads frozen on his eyelashes, reflecting a dazzling brilliance under the moonlight. His focused profile, amid the wind and snow, appeared like an eternal statue, rendering her enthralled.

As the snow-covered peaks came within reach, a gentle white mist emerged around Shi Feiyang.

This was the Protective True Qi released by the Bright Jade Technique, enveloping them in a veil of white mist, instantly dispelling the cold and replacing it with spring-like warmth. Guo Xiangyu’s cheeks burned as she felt the vibrations from his chest and heard him softly say, "Don’t worry, I’m here."

Those simple words sounded like the sweetest love talk, melting Guo Xiangyu’s heart in that warmth.

As they landed, Shi Feiyang firmly supported her waist, his fingertips inadvertently grazing her skin, sending a shiver through her.

Guo Xiangyu looked up with her large, watery eyes, the snowflakes on her long eyelashes melting into glistening beads. She suddenly grasped Shi Feiyang’s right hand, her voice filled with concern: "Young Master... your hand is injured." Her fingertips gently caressed the "wound" on the back of his hand.

Shi Feiyang gazed at Guo Xiangyu’s earnest expression, feeling a tender spot within his heart softly touched.

He reversed his hand to hold hers, warmth spreading from their touching palms: "Silly girl, I’m fine. This isn’t a wound; it’s the blood clotted from the severed fingers of enemies during my battles."

His thumb gently rubbed her cold hand back, "But you’re the one who’s cold, aren’t you?" He said as he slipped her hand into his chest, warming it with his own body heat.

Guo Xiangyu leaned against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat, and whispered softly: "As long as I’m by your side, Xiangyu feels warmer than with any fire in this world..."

Her face flushed red, like peach blossoms soaked in honey. She rested against Shi Feiyang’s shoulder, listening to his strong heartbeat, murmuring again: "As long as I can accompany you, even the coldest wind and snow turn sweet..."

Before she could finish, Shi Xiong suddenly stuck his head out from behind, making faces: "Sister Guo is saying mushy things again!"

Xie Wen suppressed his laughter, but Shi Feiyang held the person in his arms even tighter, a gentle smile unknowingly appearing on his lips: "Once we find the stronghold, I’ll make you the hottest ginger tea."

His gaze swept across the snowy mountains in the distance as he already had a plan in mind. Meanwhile, in his arms, Guo Xiangyu was already lost in this sudden tenderness, her entire being absorbed by the figure standing tall and resolute before her.