King of Hundred Victories Saber-Chapter 637 - 208: Bloodhawk Soars, Venomous Silkworms Devour Hearts: The Shi Mansion’s Assassination Upheaval (Part 3)
Xie Wen walked towards another corpse, carefully observing the stature of the Japanese pirates.
These pirates generally had shorter, more compact builds, with solid muscles, obviously a result of long-term high-intensity activities like maritime plunder.
Their bodies seemed like sculptures carved out by time and the waves, full of strength and wildness.
Their limbs were robust and powerful, especially their arms, with bulging veins, as if containing endless power.
These arms waved weapons in the sea breeze like the claws of beasts, making people shiver.
Shan Zhi turned his attention to the pirates' clothing. They wore coarse hemp garments, patched with various sizes, in dull and dirty colors. These patches were like marks of their lives, witnessing their hard lives and indomitable spirit.
The style of the clothing was rather peculiar, with wide collars, tightly bound cuffs, and an old belt tied around the waist, from which hung various items like daggers and ropes, all tools they used during raids at sea.
These items were like necessities of their lives, closely connected to their existence.
The clothes also emitted a strong mixture of sea salt and sweat odors, nauseating to smell.
This smell was like a reflection of their lives, full of hardships and challenges.
After a careful examination, Shi Feiyang, Xie Wen, and Shan Zhi were surprised to discover that all these masked men were without exception Japanese pirates.
This discovery made their mood heavy, as they knew there might be a bigger conspiracy hidden behind this.
Shi Feiyang stared intently at the pirate corpses on the ground, his expression grave, and spoke first: "Everyone, these pirates and the previous incidents with Qi Meizhen, the Iron Casting Underground Palace, and Thousand Needle Rain Alley, deserve scrutiny for connections; they are far from coincidental." His voice was low and powerful, full of determination and courage.
"Plum Blossom Darts" Shan Zhi's eyes flashed as he immediately responded: "Grand Squad Leader, I reckon it's the pirates' mischief! The previous incidents were full of doubts, and their emergence now must be orchestrated by a hidden hand." His tone was firm, filled with the pursuit of truth and the determination for justice.
"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen crossed his arms, nodded, and said: "Brother Shan is absolutely right. The pirates have always been arrogant, and their appearance at the Shi Mansion, closely timed with recent events, surely has a link."
Yili was wiping the blood off her sword, her eyebrows slightly furrowed: "If it truly is their doing, what is their purpose? Is it aimed at our Heroic Sakura Association, or do they have other intentions?" Bai Zhi gently patted the child in her arms, calmly analyzing: "I suspect forces behind the scenes are manipulating the pirates, and the crises at Thousand Needle Rain Alley and the Underground Palace may be carefully orchestrated plans."
Gong Simeng hugged her children tightly, her expression severe: "No matter what their conspiracy is, daring to mess in the Shi Mansion, they will pay a painful price! How can our Heroic Sakura Association fear such small figures?"
Shi Feiyang's expression was firm as he said solemnly: "Indeed, the Heroic Sakura Association is not to be trifled with. No matter the truth, we must investigate thoroughly! If we retreat now, how will we stand on Jianghu in the future?"
Shan Zhi clenched his fist, loudly agreeing: "The Grand Squad Leader is entirely correct! Follow the leads of the pirates, find the mastermind, and let them witness our might!" Everyone's eyes were firm, nodding in agreement.
Shan Zhi stepped forward and, with cupped fists, spoke with concern to Shi Feiyang: "Grand Squad Leader, given the current situation, the Shi Mansion is no longer safe. We must consider the safety of the ladies. In my opinion, the ladies should be moved to the Secret Forest Headquarters at Piaomiao Peak, a naturally defended place, difficult for the enemy to find, ensuring their safety."
Shan Zhi's meticulous and careful consideration demonstrated his deep care for the safety of the Madams Shi.
Xie Wen also concurred immediately: "Brother Shan is absolutely right, Grand Squad Leader. The Secret Forest Headquarters at Piaomiao Peak is a hidden fortress in Jianghu, surrounded by mountains, with a rugged terrain. It's as hard to infiltrate as climbing to the sky. If the Madams were there, we could handle external affairs more confidently."
As the "Flying Eagle Detective," Xie Wen was well-versed in the geography and security conditions of various places, his words reflecting his professionalism and caution.
Shi Feiyang listened, nodding slightly, then turned to Yili, Bai Zhi, and Gong Simeng, his eyes full of gentleness and respect, softly asking: "My Madams, faced with the current situation, what are your thoughts? If moving to the Secret Forest Headquarters at Piaomiao Peak ensures safety, but you'll have to leave bustling Suzhou Prefecture, would you be willing? Can you adapt to life in the deep mountains and forests?"
Shi Feiyang cared deeply for the Madams, even when making decisions, he fully respected their wishes.
Yili, known for her wild and unrestrained nature, had toned down since becoming Madam Shi, but character is hard to change. She smiled, shaking her head, and said: "Husband, I understand your concern and appreciate Brother Shan's and Brother Xie's kindness. But as long as you're by my side, anywhere is home." Her implication was that she didn't want to leave bustling Suzhou Prefecture.
Bai Zhi gently caressed the child in her arms, her expression calm, and slowly said: "Husband, I come from Miaojiang and am used to wandering. Though the Shi Mansion is nice, in these chaotic times, safety is paramount. If we go to Piaomiao Peak, I can also peacefully take care of the child, guarding the rear for you." Her character was stable, considering the bigger picture, her words revealing firmness and resilience.
