CHAPTER 322: CHAPTER 143: BATTLE OF WITS: THE UNDERLYING CURRENTS BETWEEN LV YUAN AND SHI FEIYANG

At this freezing moment, Suzhou Prefecture is shrouded in a layer of biting cold, yet it boasts a unique charm.

In the streets and alleys, the delicate and refreshing fragrance of the wintersweet gently spreads, like the warm sun of winter, bringing a hint of warmth to people in the cold.

Along the ancient moat, although the willows have shed their green attire, their slender branches gently sway in the breeze, whispering ancient stories steeped in time, attracting passersby to stop and listen.

Pedestrians hurriedly, each wrapped in heavy coats to fend off the biting cold wind, their steps hurried, yet the gazes of Shi Feiyang, Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi, and Xie Wen were deeply drawn to the ancient-style buildings by the street.

The carved beams, painted rafters, and the complex architecture all reveal the profound historical heritage of Suzhou Prefecture.

On the stone road, occasionally a couple of crisp horse hoof sounds echo, responding to the distant and indistinct tunes of Suzhou ballads, resembling a harmonious symphony, narrating the city’s history and culture, intoxicating those within.

In this cold wind, Suzhou Prefecture exudes not only the chill of winter but also a unique grace and elegance, its unique charm laid bare. Whether it is the ancient architecture or the delicate scent of wintersweet, both can let one feel a trace of warmth and tranquility in this cold winter day. In front of the majestic Shi Mansion gates, the elders of the Heroic Sakura Association, Liao Pei of the Long Arm Fist, Lie Quan of the Heaven and Earth Saber, and heroes like Jin Liufu the Water Dragon and Gongsun Ren the Centipede eagerly awaited.

In the cold wind, their figures stood firm and eager, eyes full of anticipation for the return of Shi Feiyang and the others. Liao Pei saw the figures of Shi Feiyang and the others, hurriedly went forward, his expression anxious, urgently asking, "Brother Shi, where is Wu Zhong? And Xiao Lingling?"

Shi Feiyang smiled slightly, unhurriedly replied, "Elder Liao, don’t worry, they have already gone to Taihu Lake. Everyone, hurry to gather at Taihu Lake, tonight we will drink large bowls of wine, eat hearty meat, and prepare well for the New Year!"

Upon hearing this, everyone cheered up immediately, with joy and excitement like a raging fire quickly spreading throughout the cold winter, seemingly ready to completely dispel the cold weather. They cheered, leaping towards Taihu Lake, and indeed, saw the heroic figures of Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Lu Dechu, Jiang Huotian, Xiang Kun, and over thirteen hundred disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association.

In an instant, the heroes gathered, and the scene was bustling. People’s emotions were high, warmly embracing one another, eyes glistening with tears of excitement.

As it turns out, just in the early hours of today, while Miao Menlong, Xie Wen, and the others were asleep, Shi Feiyang used the Supreme Lightness Technique of "Thousand Miles Without Pause", took Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, and others from the barely noticeable deerskin pouch at his waist, and placed them by Taihu Lake.

Shi Feiyang knew deeply that some secrets in life cannot be shared with anyone.

Heaven’s secrets cannot be leaked; he must guard the secrets between him and the Sunflower Saintess, as well as the secrets of the Divine Dragon Pagoda.

In the cold winter, Taihu Lake is like a dazzling pearl, embedded in the vast land. The lake surface, sparkling, under the winter sunshine, shines with captivating brilliance, like countless diamonds dancing, showcasing its beauty and mystery to people.

In the distance, the mountain ranges undulate, contrasting with the lake surface, sketching out a tranquil and profound scene, intoxicating with this lake and mountain scenery. The cold wind stirs the lake surface, creating ripples; though the chill is biting, it also offers a glimpse of nature’s purity and grandeur.

The waves on the lake surface, under the sunlight, glisten with enchanting rays, as if telling the ancient and moving legends of Taihu Lake.

On the shore, withered reeds sway gracefully in the cold wind, producing a rustling sound, softly narrating the Chapters of winter, making one feel the tranquility of time.

Occasionally, a few waterfowl glide lightly over the lake surface, leaving a string of long calls, adding a touch of vitality and life to this tranquil Taihu Lake. Their calls resonate over the lake, in dialogue with nature, praising the beauty and serenity of Taihu Lake.

In this cold winter day, Taihu Lake still retains its unique tranquility and beauty, like a solitary beauty of the world.

After Liao Pei, Lie Quan and the others left, Shi Feiyang returned to Shi Mansion.

He gently took Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Gong Simeng, and Little Yu Yan from the deerskin pouch at his waist.

In an instant, the family burst into cheerful laughter, overflowing with joy.

The maids and servants of Shi Mansion gathered around them, their eyes filled with joy.

Despite the vast grounds of the grand Shi Mansion, at this moment, Shi Feiyang, Gong Simeng, and Little Yu Yan stood together overflowing with a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. Gong Simeng stood in the courtyard of Shi Mansion, the warm sunshine falling on her, reflecting the increasingly radiant smile on her face.

Since Lin Wanqing, Yili, and Liu Tingting, the three peerless beauties, no longer intervened in their lives, her mood felt like a thawing spring lake, more at ease.

Now, looking at the warm scenes before her, Shi Feiyang was playing with Little Yu Yan in the courtyard, the maids bustling around, preparing New Year’s items, Gong Simeng felt only that time was at peace, and that being able to gather so calmly with family was the most beautiful thing in the world.

In Suzhou Prefecture, despite the severe winter, it is completely unable to overshadow the thick and spirited atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

The streets and alleys are filled with celebration, like a splendid folk painting slowly unfolding.