CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 37: RISING FAME

This large-scale excavation operation awakened Wu Wei. Upon waking, she witnessed the collapse of Snow Eagle Castle, filling her heart with endless sorrow.

She noticed that her subordinates seemed to have sworn allegiance to Shi Feiyang, which made her burn with anger. However, she dared not show it, fearing Shi Feiyang would be unfavorable to her, so she continued to pretend to be unconscious, resting on Xiao Lingling’s back.

Shi Feiyang embraced Liu Guihua and expressed his apology, explaining that his previous harsh shout was due to extreme anxiety, as he did not want to see his beloved wife in danger.

Liu Guihua was so emotional that she burst into tears and could not speak. She leaned against Shi Feiyang, and although she patted his shoulder with her hands, her heart was full of happiness.

Later, Shi Feiyang gently pushed Liu Guihua away and, holding the token, ordered his seventeen hundred subordinates to search for horses. He also requested support from the system, asking the two beautiful maids, Lark and Bi Yan’Er, from the Shenlong Pagoda to send out some money and food.

Then, Shi Feiyang led the heroes and a group of more than seventeen hundred people around the surrounding villages of Snow Eagle Castle, distributing money and food to the people, claiming it as a charitable act by the Heroic Sakura Association of Jiangnan. Shi Feiyang’s chivalrous act won unanimous praise from the populace.

Confronted with Shi Feiyang’s benevolence, Wu Wei, who deeply hated Shi Feiyang, was caught in contemplation and internal conflict. She was quite torn and uncertain whether to assassinate Shi Feiyang or to take him as a role model from now on, and reinvent herself.

Wu Wei looked at those people who showed joy because of the help from the Heroic Sakura Association and had mixed feelings inside.

On one hand, Wu Wei knew well that Shi Feiyang’s act was buying people’s hearts to expand the influence of the Heroic Sakura Association. On the other hand, she had to acknowledge that such benevolence was indeed what the common people longed for.

As her wounds gradually healed, Wu Wei often paced back and forth on the snow, with images of Shi Feiyang’s impassioned and civic-minded demeanor lingering in her mind. She began to reflect on whether her past behaviors were too extreme and whether she had overlooked the morality and responsibility that should exist in the Martial Arts world.

Whenever the night deepened, Wu Wei tossed and turned, unable to sleep for a long time. From then on, it was as if Wu Wei had become a different person, no longer obsessed with assassination and revenge, but starting to actively participate in the various charity acts of the Heroic Sakura Association.

The hatred remained, yet she no longer indulged in assassination and revenge.

After all, Shi Feiyang had killed Wu Wei’s father, Wu Hong, and had injured and killed nineteen eagles.

The chivalrous spirit of Shi Feiyang and the benevolent acts of the Heroic Sakura Association quickly became well-known among the people.

The residents of the Liaodong Region held deep respect and trust towards the Heroic Sakura Association. Many aspiring individuals came, wishing to become part of this righteous and passionate group. In just over a month, the membership of the Heroic Sakura Association exceeded ten thousand.

Shi Feiyang understood well that the growth of the association relied not only on the increase in membership numbers but also on the unity and trust among its members.

Therefore, he decided to temporarily slow down the pace of expansion, based on the changing circumstances, and personally planned and implemented a series of training and activities in the snow to enhance the cohesion and combat power of the Heroic Sakura Association, which led to its reputation in the Liaodong Region rising continuously.

At the same time, Shi Feiyang did not forget his original intention—fighting for the welfare of the people and for justice.

He led the members of the Heroic Sakura Association in continually combating forces that oppressed the people and committed numerous wrongs, greatly improving the social security situation in the Liaodong Region. The people within a three-hundred-mile radius of Snow Eagle Castle could thus live in peace and happiness, filled with gratitude and respect for the Heroic Sakura Association.

Neither Wu Zhong, Liu Dayou, Xiao Lingling, Liu Guihua, nor others foresaw that the Heroic Sakura Association’s first rise to fame would unexpectedly occur in Liaodong.

They were also greatly impressed by Shi Feiyang. This young leader, with his wisdom and courage, not only led the Heroic Sakura Association to new heights but also allowed these followers to see unprecedented hope and possibilities.

They began to believe that following Shi Feiyang might indeed allow them to forge a new path and realize their ambitions and dreams.

Months silently flew by. Consequently, Shi Feiyang led over ten thousand subordinates on the journey home, returning to Jiangnan.

In the modern world, Shi Feiyang was from Shanghai. However, at this time, Shanghai was called the Huating Sea, belonging to Jinshan Guard, a barren little town, yet an important strategic point controlling the river and guarding the sea.

Thus, Shi Feiyang was filled with curiosity about the current situation of the Huating Sea.

Nevertheless, Shi Feiyang chose Suzhou Prefecture as his place of residence.

As a time traveler, Shi Feiyang knew that at this time, Suzhou was the most prosperous city besides the capital.

People strive to ascend to higher places, just as water flows downwards. People always pursue a higher quality of life.

Shi Feiyang was no exception, longing to live in the earthly paradise of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Additionally, Suzhou has Taihu Lake, and in Taihu Lake resides Piaomiao Peak, suitable for the Heroic Sakura Association to establish a secluded headquarter there.

After a long fifteen-day trek, they finally traversed the vast and boundless snowfield.

However, as they embarked on their return journey to the south, a beautiful young girl in a green dress appeared suddenly, obstructing Shi Feiyang and his companions, and invited Shi Feiyang to meet her master at the Mangshan Bamboo Sea.

As for the identity of her master, the beautiful girl in the green dress did not explicitly reveal it.

But judging from the current situation, Shi Feiyang seemed to find it difficult to refuse.

Therefore, Shi Feiyang respectfully cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and praised, "The disciple of the senior is indeed extraordinary."

He admired the young girl’s appearance and demeanor and became keenly interested in her master.

Liu Dayou, Wu Zhong, Liu Guihua, and Xiao Lingling felt a wave of nervousness.

Especially Liu Guihua, who found it ominous that someone suddenly descended from the sky to block their path. She wanted to step forward to advise Shi Feiyang but feared being reprimanded by him. Previously, she had been sternly scolded by Shi Feiyang for trying to stay with him during the battle before the destruction of Snow Eagle Castle. At this moment, she understood that her martial arts were inadequate and dared not make any requests of Shi Feiyang.

Even Wu Wei knew at this moment that Shi Feiyang’s journey would certainly be dangerous, but she was also reluctant to step forward to stop him.

The beautiful girl in a green dress gave a light laugh and replied, "Grand Squad Leader Shi is too kind. My name is Qingyi, and my master did instruct that if I encounter Grand Squad Leader Shi, I must invite him to our humble dwelling for a discussion." Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang’s heart stirred slightly, and he asked, "Ah, it’s Miss Qingyi. May I ask how your master is? What urgent matter does he have to see me?"

Miss Qingyi nodded slightly and replied, "My master is all well. As for what important matter he seeks from the Grand Squad Leader, even Qingyi does not know. But since my master has given instructions, it must be something important to discuss. I urge the Grand Squad Leader to kindly make the move."

At this time, Shi Feiyang was renowned in the Liaodong Martial Arts world and held undisputed supreme authority within the Heroic Sakura Association.

Thus, those standing on the sidelines, including Liu Dayou, Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, and Liu Guihua, did not dare to voice any disapproval or discourage Shi Feiyang in front of the young girl in the green dress. However, Shi Feiyang, though aware of the potential danger ahead, chose to proceed, confident in his extraordinary martial prowess, unafraid of minor adversities in the Jianghu. After a short reflection, Shi Feiyang nodded and agreed, well aware that the master behind Miss Qingyi was certainly not an ordinary person.

If he did not accept the invitation, his over ten thousand troops might encounter numerous dangers on the march, leading to severe losses.