CHAPTER 321: CHAPTER 143: BATTLE OF WITS: THE UNDERLYING CURRENTS BETWEEN LV YUAN AND SHI FEIYANG

The cold wind, sharp as a knife, cuts mercilessly through Heng Mountain with its biting blade. The trees on the mountain have long shed their leaves, leaving only bare branches trembling in the wind, struggling bitterly to resist the bone-piercing chill.

Thick snow covers the ground, each step sinking up to the ankle, making every stride through the snow extraordinarily difficult.

From a distance, the occasional howl of wild beasts adds to the desolation and loneliness.

The howling echoes in the vast mountain valley, as if telling the tale of this land’s solitude and bleakness.

A few dark clouds drift by in the sky, blocking the already dim sunlight, making the peak of Heng Mountain even colder and more forbidding.

The sunlight is obstructed by the clouds, stripping away the last hint of warmth, leaving only endless cold and darkness.

In this world dominated by cold winds, everything falls into an endless silence and chill.

Master Wukong, dressed in a gray monk’s robe, stands in the icy world, the hem of his robe flapping fiercely in the cold wind.

He holds his hands in a prayer gesture and slowly walks up to Shi Feiyang, his face filled with sincere gratitude, and says, "Amitabha Buddha, Donor Shi, the heroic figures of the Heroic Sakura Association assisted the various sects of Heng Mountain this time. On behalf of all the monks of Heng Mountain, I thank you. Without your help, the sects of Heng Mountain would have faced great disaster."

His voice is particularly firm in the cold wind, expressing deep gratitude from the Hengshan Sect to Shi Feiyang.

Nun Chixia gracefully steps forward to Shi Feiyang, slightly bowing her hands respectfully, and says, "Young Master Shi, this old nun sincerely thanks you for repeatedly helping the Hengshan Sword Sect. Your great kindness and virtue will never be forgotten by the Hengshan Sword Sect."

Her voice is gentle and filled with gratitude, showing respect and thankfulness to Shi Feiyang on behalf of the Hengshan Sword Sect.

Yili follows behind Nun Chixia, walking step by step. At this moment, her cheeks are flushed red from the cold wind, adding a hint of shyness. She slowly walks up to Shi Feiyang, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Her voice, soft as the spring breeze, seems to carry a touch of warmth: "Young Master Shi, my hair has grown out a bit."

Her voice carries a hint of bashfulness, showing Shi Feiyang her change and growth.

Yili lowers her head slightly, revealing the newly-grown strands of hair on top, expressing her efforts and perseverance.

Her every movement, every look, is full of gratitude and respect for Shi Feiyang.

In this cold winter day, her smile is like a ray of sunshine, warming Shi Feiyang’s heart.

Shi Feiyang gazes at the top of Yili’s head, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and warmth surges in his heart as he softly says, "I’m waiting for you. It’s almost New Year, I truly wish to take you back to Jiangnan to celebrate together."

His voice is filled with anticipation and warmth, conveying his care and hope to Yili.

Upon hearing this, Yili’s face immediately breaks into a sweet and radiant smile, like a red plum blossom blooming in winter, dazzling and full of life. Her shy demeanor is like that of a naive young girl, lightly darting behind Nun Chixia, where she finds her safest, warmest harbor.

Her smile is like a thread of warm winter sunlight, not only warming the surrounding air but also bringing bright light, silently conveying her inner gratitude and endless joy to Shi Feiyang. At that moment, her smile seems to possess magic power, able to disperse all cold and gloom, infecting everyone with her happiness involuntarily.

Shi Feiyang looks at Yili’s sweet smile, a warm surge rising in his heart, inhaling a deep breath of the cold air, he clasps his fists and bows, solemnly saying to Nun Chixia, Master Wukong, and other sect leaders, abbots, and nunnery heads, "Ladies and gentlemen, I still have urgent matters to attend to, so I bid you farewell. If there is a need in the future, I shall definitely lend my humble support again." His voice is firm and strong, showing his steadfast determination and promise to everyone present.

With that, he turns and walks down the mountain with Miao Menlong and Shan Zhi.

Their figures fade into the distance in the snow, demonstrating their determination and resolve to everyone.

At this moment, Xie Wen, like a swift bird, soars down from the mountain, landing in front of Shi Feiyang with a look of panic, urgently reporting: "Grand Squad Leader, it’s bad! Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, and others have been abducted!"

Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, and others were startled upon hearing this, their faces full of worry. Yet, Shi Feiyang remains calm, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he says, "They haven’t been abducted; I’ve hidden them away. Let’s go, once we’re home, Brother Wu, Sister Xiao, and the rest will naturally be at home too."

Upon hearing this, everyone is momentarily stunned, and then the worry in their hearts gradually dissipates.

Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, Xie Wen, and the rest, like victorious warriors returning home, with eagerness and anticipation, quickly spring into action. They hurriedly find horses, carefully acquiring sturdy, long-distance vehicles, sparing no detail.

In the heart of winter, the cold wind howls like a blade, sweeping through everything.

In this frozen, snow-covered environment, they show no fear, leaping onto their horses, snapping the reins, as the steeds whinny and gallop away, heading straight for Jiangnan.

Along the way, snowflakes fall like goose feathers, like crystalline petals scattered from the sky, tender yet cold, landing on them, piercingly icy. However, this swirling snow doesn’t hinder their steps, but instead intensifies their urgent desire to return home, their gazes firm, aiming solely in the direction of their hometown. At last, they step into the territory of Suzhou Prefecture.