Chapter 997 - 274: Shi Lang’s Wisdom Brings Greater Salt Benefits, Noble Deeds Aid the People

His words were steady and powerful, as if he injected a dose of calming medicine into everyone’s hearts, allowing Xue Tielong, Xue Qiuchun, and the others present to feel slightly relieved.

Seeing this, Xue Hong Mountain hurriedly clasped his hands and said, "Grand Squad Leader Shi is absolutely right; every word makes sense. Regarding the matter of profit distribution, our Northwest Salt Gang will certainly negotiate wholeheartedly with the Heroic Sakura Association, and will surely not disappoint Grand Squad Leader Shi." His eyes were full of anticipation, as if through the thick fog before him, he had already glimpsed the glorious scene of the Northwest Salt Gang reclaiming its former glory.

In this snowy mountain camp, the cold wind howled like the wailing of ghosts and wolves, causing everyone’s clothes to flutter noisily.

The tents shook violently in the fierce wind, making a "whoosh, whoosh" sound, seemingly ready to be uprooted by the piercing cold wind at any moment.

The crowd surrounded the matter of cooperation, each expressing their opinions, leading to a heated debate.

Meanwhile, Xue Tielong and Xue Qiuchun kept their eyes fixed on Shi Feiyang throughout.

Their gaze was filled with eager anticipation for Shi Feiyang’s decision, yet with deep concern for the uncertainty of the future situation, much like two stars stubbornly flickering in the night of fierce wind and heavy snow, emitting a unique brilliance.

What genuinely impressed the Incense Hall Masters of the Northwest Salt Gang was Shi Feiyang’s unwavering calm, unaffected by the intense debate around him, or the rise and fall of all things in the world, never stirring even the slightest ripple in his heart.

At this moment, the discussion was nearing its end. Shi Feiyang smiled gently, his smile as warm as the first ray of spring sunshine. He gazed intently at Xue Hong Mountain and slowly spoke, "Master Xue, the past is like water flowing to the east, impossible to change, and excessive self-blame is pointless. At this point, words are no longer beneficial. Since it is so, I, Shi Feiyang, will accept this matter and lend the Northwest Salt Gang a helping hand to reclaim control of the Salt Road and salt field mining rights. However, regarding profit sharing, I need to make things clear to Master Xue. The Heroic Sakura Association’s intervention this time is not to seek personal gain; any profits we obtain will be completely given to the local people, just to ensure they can get affordable salt and live stable lives."

Shi Feiyang’s voice was firm and powerful, every word like a thousand-pound hammer falling with resounding impact. That sound was like a great bell, lingering in the icy mountain, carrying an irresistible force that deeply shook each person present.

Upon hearing this, Xue Hong Mountain’s expression subtly changed, as if he had been struck by a sharp arrow, pain and reluctance intertwined on his face. His brows knitted tightly together like two mountains about to collide violently, silently thinking to himself: The salt field yields enormous profit, and the annual wealth produced is immeasurable, asking me to give up a part is like cutting off a piece of flesh from my body!

Xue Tielong and Xue Qiuchun’s expressions also changed abruptly, Xue Tielong’s hands unconsciously clenched into fists, knuckles turning white from exertion; Xue Qiuchun bit her lip instinctively, a trace of panic flashing in her eyes.

However, at this moment, they understood the need to rely on Shi Feiyang and the Heroic Sakura Association. Even though their hearts were filled with reluctance, the siblings could only endure it, not daring to utter another word.

Xue Hong Mountain hesitated for a long time, his gaze moving back and forth on Shi Feiyang, eyes examining an invaluable rare treasure, weighing a decision that could determine life and death.

Finally, he sighed deeply, that sigh filled with endless helplessness and compromise, and said with difficulty, "So be it, Grand Squad Leader Shi has such a broad mind, thinking of the people, I, Xue Hong Mountain, cannot appear petty. I will accept this."

That voice carried a slight tremble, as if he was using every bit of strength in his body.

At this time, Shi Xiong swiftly took out the writing tools, his movements clean and neat. He took out a prepared contract and handed it respectfully to Xue Hong Mountain, saying sternly, "Master Xue, spoken words hold no weight, my young master has signed and sealed, straightforward and open. Now, it’s up to you, Master Xue." His tone bore irrefutable determination, and his eyes gleamed with loyalty and courage, resembling a radiant torch in the dark night.

Guo Xiangyu was like a proud snow plum blossoming amidst the icy snow, graceful yet steadfast.

She quietly served everyone, her every move exuding gentle elegance.

Each time she poured tea for everyone, her movements were so gentle as if she was disturbing the world’s most precious treasure, like conducting a solemn, sacred ceremony that could not afford any mistake.

Her gaze was like the softest spring sunshine, always following Shi Feiyang, never leaving him for an instant.

Whenever Shi Feiyang spoke, she would involuntarily nod slightly, that gentle motion like a tender blossom gently swaying in the breeze, full of silent accord and admiration.

The admiration in her eyes was like a deep, distant lake, bottomless yet gently encompassing everything in the world. She occasionally cast a bright smile at Shi Feiyang, that smile like a fully blooming, unreserved spring flower, vibrant and captivating. Amidst this icy, bone-chilling atmosphere, her smile was like a warm breeze, gently sweeping through everyone’s hearts, bringing strands of warmth.