Chapter 996 - 274: Shi Lang’s Wisdom Secures Salt Benefits, Benevolence Brings Blessings to the People

The cold wind is fierce, like a roaring beast, rampaging through the icy and snowy mountains. The flying snow, falling like goose feathers, decorates the entire world in silver, yet adds a touch of murderous atmosphere to this realm.

Xue Tielong stands tall, like a pine steadfast amid the wind and snow.

His shining eyes are now fixed on Shi Feiyang, interwoven with urgency and reluctance.

As a member of the Xue family, the pride and stubbornness ingrained in his bones make him reluctant to show weakness even in adversity. Yet, facing Shi Feiyang, a renowned figure in Jianghu, he secretly worries that Shi Feiyang might refuse his father’s request.

His gaze, like two sharp knives, pierces through the swirling snow, directly confronting Shi Feiyang.

Xue Qiuchun, dressed in Qingyi, resembles a green lotus blooming proudly in the icy and snowy world, pure and otherworldly, so beautiful it defies description.

Her long hair cascades like a black waterfall, gently fluttering in the wind, with every strand carrying a dynamic rhythm, adding to her celestial beauty. Her slender waist, graceful to hold, with her elegant posture, moving lightly like a willow swaying in the wind, is poised and graceful.

That lotus-like delicate face becomes even more charming against the white snow, paired with eyebrows curved like willow branches, like a fairy from a painting descending to earth, captivating hearts. Though in the prime of youth, only eighteen years old, in this harsh situation, her eyes carry maturity and determination beyond her years.

At this moment, she stands side by side with her brother Xue Tielong, also intensely staring at Shi Feiyang, her eyes full of expectation and worry.

Her pink lips slightly pursed, resembling the budding stamens of spring flowers, seem to silently pray that Shi Feiyang will grant their request, a sight that evokes compassion.

Xue Hong Mountain, leader of the Northwest Salt Gang, with a face as heavy as the lead-colored sky, once again clasps his fists and says to Shi Feiyang, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, our Northwest Salt Gang is now in dire straits, last night’s battle was extremely fierce, we are greatly weakened, many brothers have shed blood on the field. Now, the Salt Road is occupied, Salt Fields are lost, brothers either dead or wounded, it’s utterly tragic. I ask Grand Squad Leader Shi, considering your years in Jianghu, to extend a helping hand and aid my Northwest Salt Gang in retaking the Salt Road and Salt Fields, so that we can give our brothers an explanation."

His voice is low and hoarse, carrying the wear and tear of the years and the exhaustion from last night’s fierce battle, echoing in the wind-ravaged mountains, with each word laden with countless sufferings and hopes.

Shi Feiyang’s expression is calm, like a deep, bottomless lake, undisturbed.

He slightly nods, his gaze profound like the furthest stars in the night sky, seemingly able to comprehend all mysteries of the world.

He slowly says, "Master Xue, this matter is of great importance, it’s not that I, Shi Feiyang, am unwilling to assist. It’s just that the conflicts in Jianghu have always been deeply rooted and complicated. If the Heroic Sakura Association were to act, many factors need to be considered. The Western Holy Sect and Hake Tribe have been colluding for a long time, their forces are massive, and their means are ruthless, not to be underestimated. If we act rashly, even slightly careless, we could fall into an irrecoverable situation." His voice steady and powerful, each word almost reverberating like a bell, clearly spreading through the icy and snowy terrain, carrying an authoritative reassurance.

Xue Tielong hearing this, can no longer suppress his impatience, steps forward, clasps fists, and says aloud, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, though our Northwest Salt Gang faces this calamity, our brothers are all iron-willed men, not without power to resist. We come sincerely today, with willingness to join forces with the Heroic Sakura Association, relying on the bravery of our brothers coupled with the strength of the Heroic Sakura Association, surely we’ll deal a heavy blow to the Western Holy Sect and Hake Tribe, reclaiming what’s ours! Let those villains know, our Northwest Salt Gang is not to be trifled with!"

His voice resonant, full of youthful ardor and passion, echoing in the cold air.

Xue Qiuchun also says softly, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, though a young woman, I understand that the Salt Road and Salt Fields concern countless people’s livelihoods. If fallen into villains’ hands, the people will suffer deeply, unable to fend for themselves, poorly clothed, living in unbearable hardship. I implore Grand Squad Leader Shi to kindly lend aid, saving those poor people."

Her voice gentle and melodious, like a golden oriole from a valley, crisp and pleasant, yet with a touch of indisputable firmness.

In this icy and snowy world, like a warm spring breeze, it gently brushes away the chill from everyone’s hearts.

From an early age, Xue Qiuchun heard of Shi Feiyang’s name, tales of Shi Feiyang standing for justice and punishing evil shone brightly like stars in her heart.

She has long admired this young hero, her admiration quietly marking her heart with "the Hero of the World, Shi Feiyang."

As she looks closely at Shi Feiyang now, his composed demeanor and deep gaze intensify her admiration, yet under the tense circumstances, she buries these feelings deep in her heart, her eyes more focused on the expectation of Shi Feiyang’s decision.

Shi Feiyang’s mouth gently lifts into a confident and composed smile, like the warmth of the spring sun dispelling the surrounding cold. His eyes bright and clear, he looks at Xue Tielong and Miss Xue, kindly saying, "Brother Xue Tielong, Miss Xue, I fully understand your intentions. However, the matter of profit allocation is extensive, requiring careful deliberation and thorough discussion. Our Heroic Sakura Association extends its righteous aid not for personal gain, but with hearts committed to the peace of Jianghu and the welfare of countless people."