King of Hundred Victories Saber-Chapter 458 - 168: Entering the Lion’s Den Alone: Shi Feiyang Faces the Perils of Shi Ying’s Hongmen Banquet
In the early winter season, the vast land of Bozhou seemed to be shrouded in a heavy haze, with a chilling aura pervading the air.
The piercing cold wind was like sharp blades, howling and sweeping across the rugged mountains, as if to choke all life in this frigid season.
The trees in the mountain forest trembled under the relentless assault of the gale. The dry branches rubbed against each other, producing creaking sounds, lamenting the desolation of this land.
The withered yellow leaves fluttered down like butterflies with broken wings, paving a mottled and desolate carpet on the ground, draping the land in a cloak of sorrow.
The sky was dark and low, leaden clouds dense, like an invisible giant mountain pressing heavily on people’s hearts, enveloping heaven and earth in a stifling and dead silent atmosphere. A suffocating chill lingered in the air, making even breathing difficult.
Guo Dunping, after this battle, was already scared out of his wits, his courage shattered.
He knew well that the peril of Flying Tiger Pass exceeded his capacity to endure, and he dared not garrison there any longer.
Thus, accompanied by the remaining three hundred soldiers, he slunk away, appearing extremely forlorn in the frigid wind, like a wild beast escaping in panic from this dangerous land.
On the other hand, Shi Feiyang, vibrant with energy, led the Heroic Sakura Association disciples to take over the task of garrisoning Flying Tiger Pass. Thereafter, his life gained a distinct flavor.
On odd days, he would walk hand in hand with Bai Zhi, wandering around every corner of the walled city. Sunlight bathed them, illuminating the smiles on their faces, as they shared bits and pieces of their life, exchanging emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
At night, inside the cozy tent, the two indulged in affectionate moments, savoring sweet times together.
In this cold season, they found warmth in each other, filling the land with vitality and hope.
On even days, Shi Feiyang would discuss martial arts with Qi Meizhen. Qi Meizhen was extraordinarily clever, with unique insights into martial arts. The two engaged in mutual exchanges, brainstorming strategies for the development of the Heroic Sakura Association in Bozhou.
As night fell, Shi Feiyang accompanied Qi Meizhen, and the two enjoyed intimate moments within the tent, their affection abundant and enduring.
Meanwhile, Shi Feiyang was filled with concern for the people, understanding well the immense suffering and hardships they endured during the tumult.
He decisively made an important decision to distribute money and grain, alleviating the people’s plight.
The people were moved to tears by Shi Feiyang’s benevolent act, sending their young men from home to join the Heroic Sakura Association, hoping they would find a better life under Shi Feiyang’s leadership.
As more people joined the Heroic Sakura Association, its scale quickly expanded. Within a few days, the number of disciples in Bozhou swelled rapidly, reaching seven thousand. This grand sight brought immense gratification to Shi Feiyang, while also making him deeply aware of the heavy responsibility.
Qi Meizhen, witnessing the increase in disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association, was filled with joy.
However, she also understood the weighty responsibility she carried, immersing herself daily in the study of the Miao Saber techniques, foregoing sleep and food.
She continually attempted and improved, and after countless efforts, she successfully revised the traditional "Miao Saber Techniques," establishing a new form known as the "Seventeen Armor-Piercing Styles."
Subsequently, Qi Meizhen tirelessly organized the seven thousand disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association for rigorous training.
Through the training of the "Seventeen Armor-Piercing Styles," she hoped to significantly enhance the combat capability of the entire Heroic Sakura Association, enabling them to better protect the people and uphold justice in future rebellions.
Seeing Qi Meizhen display such remarkable talent in martial arts and organizational affairs, Bai Zhi’s heart stirred with emotion.
Her feelings toward Qi Meizhen grew complex and profound, with both admiration and an indescribable blend of emotions.
Bai Zhi understood that Qi Meizhen’s talent and effort would bring an even more glorious future for the Heroic Sakura Association.
She silently contemplated in her heart, knowing she could not stand still, nor become a useless person.
After days of deep contemplation, she finally devised a bold plan—she intended to obtain the defense map of Hailong Duntun by deception.
She was acutely aware that she had been stationed at Flying Tiger Pass for a long time, and as the rebels at Flying Tiger Pass had been completely eradicated, no one in Yang Yinglong’s entire rebel force knew she had secretly defected to the Heroic Sakura Association.
With the plan decided, she came before her injured master, Master Hanlu, and softly conveyed her plan to him.
Then, under the cover of night, Bai Zhi silently slipped out of Flying Tiger Pass, speeding alone towards Hailong Duntun.
Bai Zhi’s sudden disappearance left "Erlang God" Shi Feiyang anxious and restless. His companions, "Iron Palm" Wu Zhong, "Divine Archer" Miao Menlong, "Plum Blossom Dart" Shan Zhi, "Iron Flute Scholar" Xiang Kun, and "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen were equally worried.
They hastily left Flying Tiger Pass, their figures darting through the desolate mountain forest, searching everywhere for Bai Zhi’s whereabouts.
However, shortly after entering the forest, they encountered a sudden ambush.
On this cold winter day, fine snowflakes began to fall from the sky, drifting silently.
Soon, the ground was covered with a blanket of pristine snow.
Shi Feiyang and his companions trudged through the snow with difficulty, vigilantly observing their surroundings, fearing they might miss any subtle disturbance.
