In the harsh winter, the narrow valley of Heng Mountain resembled a ghostly realm sealed by bitter cold. Like a mad giant beast, the howling wind rampaged through the valley, emitting a mournful roar as if it wanted to tear everything on earth into pieces.
Thick fog filled the valley, a fog that felt almost palpable, pressing heavily on everyone’s hearts, suffocating them. The surrounding mountains had long been covered in heavy snow, a silver coating revealing endless desolation beneath.
The rocks lay bare outside, eroded by the cold wind into a state of great disrepair, resembling faces battered and filled with pain.
Wu Zhong gritted his teeth against the intense pain, as though a thousand steel needles were cruelly piercing his body.
His brows furrowed tightly, as if they could crush a fly, his gaze full of anxiety as he looked at Shi Feiyang.
In his eyes, there was both worry about their current predicant and a deep-seated hope for Shi Feiyang. "Grand Squad Leader, given these circumstances, what should we do? Our brothers are so badly injured, the whole future depends on your decisions now."
As he spoke, he slightly moved his body, trying to ease the waves of pain radiating from his wound.
This slight movent seed to trigger the wound, causing him to gasp in pain. Large beads of sweat, like a broken string of pearls, rolled down his dust-covered cheeks, leaving clear traces on his grimy face.
Shi Feiyang’s expression was grave, his deep eyes resembling a bottomless cold pool, revealing determination and contemplation.
He gently swept his gaze around at the injured brothers, his heart aching. These brothers, who had been with him through life and death, were now all wounded, lying in the cold valley.
Shi Feiyang took a deep breath, with the cold wind seeping through his nose into his lungs, causing a sharp pain, but also making him more alert.
"Since everyone is so severely injured, long journeys are not conducive to healing, so let’s stay here temporarily and recuperate. Xie Wen, Miao nlong, Shan Zhi, you three take so disciples and imdiately return to Jiangnan. Over in Jiangnan, our foundation cannot be disturbed; soone needs to go back to take charge, manage all affairs properly, and be prepared for any unexpected situations." Speaking, Shi Feiyang’s eyes were firm and bright, his speech precise, every word carrying a reassuring power, like warm winter sunlight, bringing a ray of warmth to everyone.
Gong Sing, already anxious about the abduction of Vermilion Bird and White Tiger, erupted with dissatisfaction upon hearing Shi Feiyang’s arrangents. Her pretty face flushed bright red, like a ripe tomato, tears faintly glimring in her eyes, resembling a reservoir on the verge of overflowing.
Her tone carried a heavy sense of jealousy and questioning as she shouted at Shi Feiyang, "Humph, do you really think none of us can see it? In truth, you’re just reluctant to leave here, aren’t you? Are you still harboring feelings for Yili, the little nun? With so many crucial matters at hand, our brothers severely injured, Vermilion Bird and White Tiger captured, yet you..."
As Gong Sing spoke, she beca increasingly agitated, her voice unconsciously raised a few octaves, her chest heaving intensely, clearly infuriated.
On the surface, she spoke only of the safety of the Auspicious Beast and their brothers, but her trembling tone and the reproaching gaze towards Shi Feiyang revealed the jealousy she felt about his concern for Yili.
Hearing Gong Sing’s words laced with intense jealousy and accusation, Shi Feiyang’s original calm and firm deanor instantly froze, as if captured in a fra. His eyes slightly widened, a trace of surprise flashed in them, evidently unprepared for Gong Sing to so bluntly express her dissatisfaction at this ti.
In an instant, a blush quietly crept up Shi Feiyang’s ears, and even his neck showed a slight redness, a reflexive reaction to Gong Sing touching on a hidden emotional chord.
His lips instinctively parted slightly, as if wanting to refute imdiately. Yet, when the words reached his mouth, he forcibly swallowed them.
His gaze unconsciously drifted away, avoiding Gong Sing’s eyes full of questioning and anger, like a child caught doing sothing wrong.
His right hand subconsciously lifted, lightly scratching the back of his head—this small, rarely seen gesture now completely exposed his inner turmoil.
After a brief silence, Shi Feiyang took a deep breath, striving to calm himself down. He slowly turned his head, refocusing his gaze on Gong Sing’s face, his eyes now cleared of chaos, replaced by sincerity and determination.
He stared directly into Gong Sing’s eyes, speaking with a peaceful yet undeniable tone, "Si ng, I understand how you feel right now, everyone is impatient, and I am too. My concern for Yili is indeed there, but it doesn’t conflict with my responsibility towards the brothers and the Heroic Sakura Association. Keeping everyone here to recuperate is the most expedient solution for now, while sending Xie Wen and the others back to Jiangnan is part of our long-term plan. I am aware of the situation and will by no ans let personal feelings hinder major affairs."
Upon hearing Shi Feiyang’s explanation, Gong Sing’s anger hadn’t entirely dissipated; she bit her lower lip, causing its vibrant redness to lose color, her eyes turning red, stubbornly saying, "I understand all the reasoning, but with Vermilion Bird and White Tiger captured, I simply can’t rest easy. They are crucial mbers of our Heroic Sakura Association, and if Liu Tingting, that wicked woman, does them harm..."
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