Chapter 995 - 273: Feiyang’s Ingenuity Wins the Salt Trade, His Benevolence Saves the People (Part 5)

He said in a deep voice, "Shi Xiong, go start a fire and cook! Make sure everyone eats well and gathers their strength!"

Shi Xiong received the order with both hands as if holding a sacred object, his face full of reverence, and replied loudly, "Rest assured, young master! I, Shi Xiong, will do my utmost, making sure the food is perfect in color, aroma, and taste, so everyone can eat with great spirit, gathering energy for the impending battle!"

He then walked briskly towards the makeshift "tent kitchen," his steps light and powerful.

Arriving at the "kitchen," Shi Xiong carefully placed the combustible ice in place.

Afterward, he took out a fire stick and blew on it forcefully, sparking a flame that instantly ignited, like a ray of hopeful light suddenly shining in the darkness.

At the moment the spark touched the combustible ice, it suddenly caught fire, and roaring flames shot up instantly, spreading intense heat. This scene left Guo Xiangyu, who was standing nearby, dumbfounded. Her eyes, beautiful as stars, widened in amazement and shock as she witnessed a scene that was most incredible and beyond comprehension.

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but the sight before her left her speechless for a long time.

She stood there as if cast under a Body Stasis Spell, motionless.

Her gaze was fixed tightly on the burning combustible ice, filled with awe and reverence.

Seeing Guo Xiangyu in such a state, Shi Xiong couldn’t help but smile slightly.

While skillfully preparing the ingredients, he patiently explained, "Sister Guo, this is combustible ice, rare in the world, extremely precious, a treasure like no other. Only our young master possesses the power to have such a miraculous item. The young master always brings us unexpected surprises. Following him, my horizons are widening! Just this combustible ice indicates that the young master is no ordinary person, and following him henceforth will surely lead to earth-shattering achievements!"

When mentioning "our young master," his eyes showed immense reverence for Shi Feiyang, who was a deity in his heart—omniscient and omnipotent, capable of altering the heavens and the earth.

Guo Xiangyu snapped back to reality, her eyes full of curiosity and doubt, like clear lake water rippling with waves of inquiry.

She couldn’t help but ask softly, "Shi Xiong, could it be that our young master is an immortal descended to the mortal realm? How does he possess such a miraculous item and such extraordinary skills? Looking at the young master, I always feel he has an indescribable extraordinary aura, as if any difficulty is effortlessly resolved before him, as if born to save this world?"

Her voice was soft and melodious, like an oriole emerging from the valley.

Shi Xiong burst into hearty laughter, his face beaming with a proud smile, as brilliant and dazzling as blooming flowers in spring.

He said, "Sister Guo, though the young master is not a real immortal, he surpasses one. In my heart, the young master is capable of anything, with everything in the world under his control. His wisdom, martial arts, and magnanimity are all admirable. Following him is the greatest honor of my life as Shi Xiong. Just take this combustible ice—most have never even heard of it, yet the young master produces it effortlessly, showcasing his immense capability! In the days to come, following our young master, we are bound to create a great storm in the Jianghu, letting everyone know the young master’s renown!"

His laughter was resonant and loud, echoing in the vast camp.

Guo Xiangyu stepped out of the tent, gazing at Shi Feiyang with eyes full of intense affection, like a surging tide, powerful and deep.

She stood there quietly, her posture graceful, like a blooming flower, exuding captivating fragrance.

In her heart, she quietly prayed for Shi Feiyang’s lifelong safety, hoping to always be by his side, easing his worries, soothing his weariness from battles, and sharing every beautiful moment together.

In the camp, Guo Xiangyu and Shi Xiong were wholeheartedly providing the most meticulous and considerate service to Shi Feiyang. Guo Xiangyu gently moved her steps, holding a warm towel in her hand, her gaze focused and tender, carefully wiping Shi Feiyang’s face, her movements so gentle as if afraid to disturb him.

Shi Xiong stood by, ready to hand over toiletries at any time, his gaze towards Shi Feiyang full of reverence and loyalty, like a believer looking up to their deity. The time was serene and warm, their deep affection for Shi Feiyang in their hearts, like flowers blooming in spring, blossoming wantonly, and like a babbling stream, flowing endlessly.

The next morning, the world seemed to be overturned and reshaped by an invisible yet powerful magical hand.

A fierce wind roared like a monstrous beast from the ancient wild, sweeping in with overwhelming force.

The strong gusts shook the tents in the camp violently, making a "fluttering" sound.

Snowflakes, like light but slightly chilly goose feathers, fluttered down, dancing gracefully in the air like playful yet elegant elves.

In just a moment, the entire mountain was layered with this white snow, as if it wore a magnificent silver-white cloak, creating a crystalline and translucent spectacle. The distant scenery, under this all-encompassing snow, appeared vague and mysterious, adding to its enigmatic and ominous aura, like a beautifully dangerous painting.

In this harsh weather, the Northwest Salt Gang’s leader Xue Hong Mountain, along with his son Xue Tielong, daughter Xue Qiuchun, and various Incense Hall Masters under his command, trudged through the blizzard towards the small mountainous camp under the guidance of "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen.

Xue Hong Mountain’s tall and sturdy figure stood like a towering, unshakeable mountain, exuding an imposing and majestic presence. His face full of whiskers was like a dense black forest, adding rugged and valiant qualities.

However, at this moment, his eyes were laden with fatigue, deep like furrows etched in his gaze, an imprint of the trials faced over the previous night’s brutal battle, carrying fatigue and helplessness.

Throughout the night, he had endured countless hardships and torment.

The group finally entered the camp, and upon seeing it, Xue Hong Mountain hurried towards Shi Feiyang.

He clasped his hands firmly, bowing slightly, performing a standard martial arts greeting, his expression weighed down as if bearing the entire world, his voice low and hoarse, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, I come here today, truly at a loss, out of utmost helplessness! Last night’s battle left the Northwest Martial Arts deeply wounded, the devastation unbearable to witness, heartbreaking. Over fifty martial arts experts perished, and the casualties among major gang disciples exceeded six thousand. I, Xue Hong Mountain, regret it deeply, regretting until my guts turn green! If only we had heeded Hero Xie’s wise words then, joining hands with the Heroic Sakura Association and Grand Squad Leader Shi, how could we have ended up in such a miserable state! It’s only because the martial artists and bands involved in the battle were all scheming for themselves, rejecting Hero Xie’s proposal, which ultimately led to today’s disaster." His voice was filled with deep remorse and self-reproach, each word like a heavy hammer, striking everyone’s hearts hard.

In this icy and snowy camp, the wind continued to howl, unwillingly screaming as if to break this heavy atmosphere.

Sweeping snowflakes like goose feathers draped, adorning the whole world with silvery coats.

However, the beauty did nothing to alleviate the tense atmosphere at the moment.

Xue Hong Mountain and Shi Feiyang stood opposite each other, their entourage holding their breath, waiting silently.

Beside Xue Hong Mountain, his son Xue Tielong stood tall and mighty, like a towering iron tower, exuding an innate vigor. His handsome face was chiseled and distinct, youthful yet steady,