Chapter 991 - 273: Feiyang’s Cunning Secures the Salt Monopoly, Compassion Spreads to Aid the People

Shi Feiyang turned his head to look at Guo Xiangyu, a trace of gentleness flashing through his eyes as he said softly, "Xiangyu, thank you for your concern. With you by my side, I too feel much more at ease."

Hearing Shi Feiyang’s words, Guo Xiangyu’s heart surged with wild joy, and the smile on her face grew even more brilliant, like a blossom in its fullest, most resplendent bloom.

She thought to herself, "For Young Master Shi to speak thus... could it be that he, too, has grown some different feeling for me?" Her heart was filled with anticipation, wishing time could forever halt at this very moment, so that she and Shi Feiyang might always journey side by side like this, never abandoning one another.

As Shi Feiyang was riding forward, a matter of great importance suddenly flashed through his mind. He at once lightly tightened the reins; the steed beneath him seemed to understand its master’s intent, its forehooves slightly rising as it let out a soft neigh and came to a steady halt, its posture vigorous and lithe, like an unshakable statue standing tall, quietly waiting for Xie Wen and Shi Xiong to catch up.

Xie Wen, mounted on horseback, saw from afar that Shi Feiyang had reined in his horse and immediately understood his intention. He lightly gripped the horse’s flanks; the steed beneath him shot forward like an arrow loosed from the string, and in no time at all, he was riding abreast with Shi Feiyang.

Xie Wen’s expression was grave. He clasped his fists and said in a clear voice, "Grand Squad Leader, this investigation has already revealed that the Hake Tribe is secretly colluding with the Western Holy Sect; their conspiracy is truly outrageous. They intend to seize control of all the Salt Fields in the Northwest. Once they succeed, the situation of the Northwest Martial Arts will inevitably fall into chaos, and the common people’s livelihood will be plunged into an abyss of misery. From what I know, they have been preparing for a long time; their forces are deeply entrenched, and the Sect is filled with experts like clouds. They must not be underestimated."

When Shi Feiyang heard this, his sword-like brows knit slightly. His gaze, sharp as a torch, fixed on the distance as he said in a deep voice, "Hmph, this band of greedy curs actually harbors such ambition. The Northwest Salt Fields are of paramount importance, tied to the life and death of countless people. We absolutely cannot allow their plot to succeed."

His voice was low yet resolute, echoing across the open plain.

Shi Feiyang pondered briefly, then said, "If we ride another ten li or so, there is a small mountain ridge ahead. The terrain there is well concealed; we will surely find a place sheltered from the wind. When the time comes, we’ll pick a suitable spot, pitch a few tents, and rest for a while. We must carefully discuss how to uproot that Western Holy Sect, so as to eliminate future troubles. In addition, Xie Wen, tonight you are to go alone and infiltrate the Western Holy Sect stronghold. You must thoroughly investigate the names and Martial Arts paths of their Sect Leader, the Protectors, and the experts in the Sect. This matter is of great importance; you must not allow the slightest negligence."

Xie Wen once again clasped his fists, his expression solemn, and replied loudly, "Grand Squad Leader, rest assured. Your subordinate will exert himself to the utmost and will not disgrace the mission!"

The group continued to gallop forward, the pounding of hooves like urgent drumbeats beating upon the earth.

Before long, they arrived at that small mountain ridge.

By this time, the sun had just risen high, flooding the land with light, its radiance boundless.

The snow upon the mountain, under the sunlight, reflected a dazzling brilliance, like countless resplendent diamonds inlaid among the slopes.

Shi Feiyang swung down from his horse, his movements clean and crisp, fully displaying the bearing of a great hero.

He took several tents from the mysterious deerskin pouch at his waist and handed them to Shi Xiong, saying, "Shi Xiong, set up these tents."

Shi Xiong took the tents with both hands and nodded in reply, "Yes, Young Master."

Shi Feiyang walked with his hands behind his back, slowly pacing along the mountainside, his brows tightly furrowed as he sank into deep thought. In his heart he was repeatedly weighing how to eradicate the Western Holy Sect. That Sect had many experts and acted in uncanny ways; to annihilate them in one stroke was no easy task.

Seeing that everyone was busy setting up camp and plotting important matters, Guo Xiangyu felt a warm current surge in her heart and was unwilling to remain idle even for a moment. Her lively eyes swept quickly around, and her steps were light as a swallow, like a nimble little deer darting through the mountains and forests. Before long, she had gathered an armful of dry firewood. She crouched down, her movements gentle yet practiced, carefully stacking the firewood, then took out a Fire Stick and gave it a light puff; the flickering flame leapt up at once, igniting the dry wood. The fire burned fiercely, crackling and popping as if singing in delight, its warm breath spreading outward, gradually dispelling the biting chill of the mountains.

Guo Xiangyu’s eyes were filled with tenderness and focus. She slowly walked over to the luggage, extending her slender, scallion-like fingers to gently open the bundle, from which she took out Shi Feiyang’s clothing. She held the garments in her hands as though cradling the most precious treasure in the world, her gaze brimming with endless deep affection and longing.

She carefully prepared everything for Shi Feiyang to bathe and change, every movement imbued with浓浓的 love. She gently smoothed the creases in his clothes, then laid out the towel, soap pods, and other items one by one in perfect order.

When she finished all this, she did not slacken in the slightest, but turned and began to tend the fire, cooking rice and preparing dishes.

She watched intently as the ingredients rolled and tumbled in the pot, a light gleaming in her eyes, as though she were engaged in the most important, most sacred task under heaven.

At this moment, she had only one thought in her heart: to prepare a delicious meal for Shi Feiyang, so that after all his wearying toil, he might feel a warmth akin to home.

Shi Xiong and Xie Wen, seeing Guo Xiangyu’s busy figure, were filled with respect and hurried forward to help. Shi Xiong strode quickly to her side, reaching out to pick up the pots and bowls, his face alight with a simple, sincere smile as he said, "Sister Guo, let me help you."

Guo Xiangyu turned her head to look at Shi Xiong, a smile as bright as spring blossoms blooming upon her face as she said softly, "All right, Shi Xiong. With your help, we’re sure to get twice the result with half the effort. You being so sensible gladdens your elder sister’s heart."