Chapter 993 - 273: Feiyang’s Strategic Ingenuity Wins the Salt Profits, Benevolence Spreads to Aid the People (Part 3)

Until she was very tired and sleepy, she finally returned to her tent to rest.

At dawn, the morning light gently spread over the tranquil mountain camp like strands of silk.

Xie Wen employed the "Feixu Qingyan Technique," his figure resembling willow catkins in the wind and floating smoke, gracefully drifting back.

His footsteps touched down lightly and silently in front of Shi Feiyang. Although his face showed the fatigue of a night’s journey, his eyes revealed skill and focus. With a clear voice, he said, "Grand Squad Leader, fortunately, the mission was not disgraced. The situation of the Western Holy Sect has been fully investigated. The sect has many Martial Arts experts, each with extraordinary powers. The Sect Leader is named ’Blood Demon Luo Hou,’ known for his ruthless methods and mastery of a bizarre and unpredictable ’Blood Demon Method.’ It is said that once mastered, this technique can turn blood into blades, killing invisibly. The Defender of the Faith ’Black-winged Rakshasa’ Uma and ’Poison Heart Saint Hand’ Ancient Wood are top-notch experts, each holding deadly skills. Additionally, I have noted the names and Martial Arts techniques of all Incense Altar Masters."

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, with a look of approval in his eyes, and said gently, "Xie Wen, you have worked hard. You did not rest all night and are exhausted from the journey. Go and rest for a while. After lunch, head to the Northwest Salt Gang and see what they have to say. If we can persuade them to join this battle, our chances of victory will undoubtedly increase." Dressed in white, Shi Feiyang stood tall. As the morning light shone on his determined face, it highlighted his calm and grand demeanor, embodying the air of a leader.

Xie Wen clasped his fist again, replied "Yes," and turned to walk toward his tent.

His footsteps seemed heavy, clearly exhausted from the night’s journey.

Upon entering the tent, he lay down slowly, closed his eyes, and quickly fell into a deep sleep, desperately needing this short rest to recover his strength.

Raising his eyes, Shi Feiyang saw that the tents of Guo Xiangyu and Shi Xiong were still quiet, presumably with the two still fast asleep.

He smiled faintly, thinking that young people sleeping in was commonplace.

Then he turned back to his tent and lay down slowly, knowing that sleep was the best remedy for restoring energy. Maintaining full strength was crucial on the eve of the impending bloody battle.

Inside the tent, he calmed his mind and quickly fell into a slumber, his breathing steady and even.

By dusk, the afterglow of the sunset dyed the entire camp a shade of golden yellow.

Xie Wen hurried back, his steps brisk, and his expression carried a hint of seriousness.

He quickly approached Shi Feiyang, bowed, and said in a solemn voice, "Grand Squad Leader, the situation with the Northwest Salt Gang is not optimistic. Gang Leader Xue Hongshan has already contacted a large number of Martial Arts experts and associations, but they are unwilling to join forces with us. They decided to launch an attack on the Hake Tribe and the Western Holy Sect tonight." At this moment, anxiously Xie Wen leaned slightly forward, his eyes full of worry as he looked at Shi Feiyang.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang’s expression remained calm, he merely nodded slightly, his eyes deep as if he could see through everything, and said slowly, "As expected. The Northwest Salt Gang is simply wary of the too-strong power of our Heroic Sakura Association, fearing that if we win, we will take away their interests in the salt fields. Human nature is like this, not surprising. Let’s just wait and see how the situation develops."

He walked slowly around the camp with his hands behind his back, his steps steady and firm, reflecting his inner calm.

Shi Xiong, having followed Shi Feiyang since childhood, had already embraced the chivalrous spirit of love for the country and its people.

Upon hearing these words, he was greatly surprised, blurting out, "What should we do? If the Northwest Salt Gang is defeated, the common people will have nothing to season their food with!"

He was still young, with a bit of youthful innocence on his face, now flushed with concern, his eyes full of worry for the people.

Guo Xiangyu stood quietly to the side, like a finely crafted jade sculpture.

Her eyes as beautiful as stars, like two clear springs, rippling and shining as they moved.

At this moment, she stared intently at Shi Feiyang, her eyes like a bottle of mixed emotions, confused by the complex situation in front of her, and doubtful of Shi Feiyang’s decisions, like a calm lake stirred by a gentle breeze, causing ripples.

Her luscious lips slightly parted, seemingly ready to speak a thousand words, but the words were swallowed back before they could leave her mouth.

She could only stand silently, her deep gaze fixated on Shi Feiyang’s every move, as if the whole world had lost its color, with only him being the focal point of her eyes, hoping to find some answers from his next words.

Shi Feiyang, keenly aware of Guo Xiangyu’s gaze, turned his head slightly to meet her eyes. Instantly, a confident and charming smile appeared on his face, like the most brilliant sunlight of a spring day, able to dissipate all the world’s gloom.

His eyes sparkled with wisdom, like the brightest star in the night sky, seeing through everything.

He began speaking slowly, his voice steady and loud, each word like a heavy hammer, resounding with irresistible, undeniable majesty: "The Northwest Salt Gang’s rash attack is too reckless. They only see immediate benefits without weighing the pros and cons. If they truly are defeated, left with nowhere to go, they will surely seek our help. So be it, Xie Wen, you need to make another trip and immediately use your fastest body technique to send word to our Northwest Sub-Branch Leader to come here as quickly as possible. Additionally, send for Liao Pei, Lie Quan, and all our brothers to return swiftly. Once the dust settles, the Ningxia Salt Road and salt fields, at least half of the profits, must be given to our Ningxia Sub-Branch of the Heroic Sakura Association. However, our association has always kept the well-being of the common people in mind, and this half of the profits must never be embezzled; they must be fully and unreservedly distributed to the locals, ensuring they have assured access to salt and feel our sincerity and responsibility."