Chapter 992 - 273: Feiyang’s Wits Win the Salt Trade, Benevolence Saves the People (Part 2)

Xie Wen was helping with gathering firewood nearby, bending down to pick up dry twigs from the ground. He smiled at Guo Xiangyu and said, "Miss Guo, you are so attentive in caring for the Grand Squad Leader. The Squad Leader will surely keep it in mind. Your devotion to the Squad Leader is evident to all, and envied by many."

Upon hearing this, Guo Xiangyu’s cheeks instantly flushed, resembling the intoxicating hues of the sunset.

She lowered her head and whispered, "I am merely doing what I should. Young Master Shi has been kind to me. From the very first moment I saw him, it felt as though my heart was bound to him. I will spare no effort, hoping only for his well-being. No matter how much I give, I find it utterly sweet, as long as he glances at me or smiles—then everything in the world becomes exceptionally beautiful to me."

As she spoke, that infatuated expression surfaced in her eyes once more.

Soon, the fragrance of food wafted gently through the mountain air, like a pair of gentle hands softly teasing everyone’s senses, dispelling the weariness of their journey. They gathered around, with steaming dishes before them, yet their minds were completely absorbed in fervently strategizing against the Western Holy Sect.

Shi Feiyang’s expression was grave, his eyes piercing like he could see through the dense fog directly to the heart of the enemy. With a slight frown, he began speaking slowly, "The Western Holy Sect acts with extreme ruthlessness, utilizing any means to achieve their goals. They’ve been lurking in the shadows for some time, now aiming ambitiously at the Northwest Salt Field. We must proceed with caution and create a thorough, comprehensive plan to strike effectively and totally destroy their conspiracy." His voice was deep and steadfast, echoing like a resounding bell through the mountains, carrying an assuring power.

Xie Wen nodded quickly, with eyes full of agreement, respectfully saying, "The Grand Squad Leader speaks most accurately. According to my investigation during this period, the Sect Leader of the Western Holy Sect possesses unfathomable martial arts skills, mastering exotic techniques from the Western Regions, making them unpredictably difficult to counter. Plus, this person is cunning, suspicious, shrewd like a fox with countless schemes. The Defender of the Faith are exceptional experts, each holding remarkable skills, and their names are well-known throughout Jianghu. To eradicate their evil forces, we must understand both ourselves and the enemy, guaranteeing success in every battle."

Shi Xiong, also nearby, showed determination and urgency in his eyes, loudly declared, "Young Master, though I am still young and my martial arts are not as advanced as yours, I am willing to contribute to the eradication of the Western Holy Sect. I don’t fear hardship, nor danger—just to assist you, I am willing to do anything."

Shi Feiyang glanced at Shi Xiong, his face breaking into a gratified smile, speaking warmly, "Shi Xiong, having this mindset is good. Despite your youth, your courage and sense of duty are commendable. When the time is right, you will have your opportunity to contribute. I believe you will not disappoint."

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

She didn’t participate in the deliberations over the life-and-death matter, but occasionally used her slender fingers to gently serve Shi Feiyang some food. Each time she picked up her chopsticks, there was extra tenderness in her eyes; the simple act holding all of her love.

She frequently turned her head, gazing at Shi Feiyang with affection, her stare akin to a deep lake, full of longing and obsession, as if nothing else existed in the world except Shi Feiyang, who was her focal point.

Her eyes followed Shi Feiyang’s every move, his every smile, fearing she might miss a single moment.

After the deliberation concluded, everyone returned to their tents to rest, while Xie Wen took on the responsibility of continuing to investigate the Western Holy Sect under the cover of night.

Shi Feiyang lay in his tent as silence enveloped him, yet his mind roiled like turbulent waves, restless.

Staring at the tent’s top, his thoughts wandered. He knew well that the impending battle would be a breathtaking, extraordinarily fierce war. The Western Holy Sect’s experts were ruthless, unscrupulous for profits.

Once warfare breaks out, it’ll certainly be a bloody storm, plunging Jianghu into darkness.

He secretly clenched his fist, joints whitening with strength, vowing to eradicate the Western Holy Sect thoroughly, restoring peace to the Northwest Martial Arts, granting the people tranquility.

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

Her heart was filled with concern and worry for Shi Feiyang, as though an invisible hand grasped it tightly.

She rose quietly, her movements gentle, afraid of making the slightest sound. She approached Shi Feiyang’s tent, the moonlight outlining her graceful figure as if she were a fairy descending to earth.

She slowly paced around Shi Feiyang’s tent, her steps light and rhythmic, as if guarding the most precious treasure on earth.

With each step, a sense of peace washed over her, as if by doing so, she could feel Shi Feiyang’s presence, know he was all right.

As she moved, she silently prayed, "Young Master Shi, may you sleep peacefully tonight, may everything go smoothly tomorrow. No matter how many hardships lie ahead, I’m willing to face them with you, even if it means being shattered to pieces, I will not regret it."

Her gaze was determined and full of emotion, in this tranquil mountain, expressing her endless love for Shi Feiyang.