Chapter 1221 - 317: Winds Rise Before Piaomiao Peak, Schemes Emerge in Gusu City (Part 3)

"Barrel" Lu Dechu slapped the table, causing the wine bowls to clink chaotically: "I’ll hold the dock of Jiangnan Cao Bang; whoever wants to be an official, go ahead!" The slender "Pole" Jiang Huotian immediately clung to him, wrapping an arm around Lu Dechu’s thick waist: "Since I married Brother Lu, naturally wherever he goes, I go!" Hahaha! Amidst the uproarious laughter, the tense atmosphere eased slightly.

Shi Feiyang stood up, his clothes stirring up a chill in the air.

He took out twelve sheets of gold leaves from a deerskin pouch at his waist, each engraved with the sakura emblem of the Heroic Sakura Association: "Brother Wu, Sister-in-law, Brother Miao, Brother Shan, it’s a long road ahead, take these three gold leaves each as your travel expenses."

The gold leaves fell into their palms with a clear and melodious sound. Shi Feiyang said again: "If the officialdom doesn’t suit you, the doors of the Heroic Sakura Association will always be open. Oh, Shi Xiong, arrange a lunch banquet immediately, prepare more wine and food, let’s give a warm farewell to our brothers." As Shi Xiong left, he glimpsed half a Jade Pendant slipping from the Grand Squad Leader’s sleeve—the very thing Xue Qiuchun had kept as a token of their feelings.

Outside, the wind and snow intensified, but this choice between Jianghu and the court stirred a storm in everyone’s hearts, fiercer than the winter snow of Gusu.

Soon, the heroes entered the Shi Mansion’s assembly hall to take their seats, the atmosphere inside as heavy as lead.

Ling Lanzhi gently stroked the Soft Sword at her waist, her gaze cold as frost. After scanning the crowd, she spoke: "My entire Ling family, loyal and upright, perished at the hands of the court’s treachery. To kneel to the court now? Only if I, Ling Lanzhi, fall bloody on the spot!"

Before she finished speaking, Sword Qi was already flowing around her, causing sparks to fly from the brazier beside her.

"Centipede" Gongsun Ren sat curled in a corner, his fingers knotted like bamboo, nails painted with a dark red potion. He chuckled sinisterly: "What’s good about being an official? In Jianghu, we can kill whoever we want. Isn’t that more carefree? Those imperial officials, conniving all day, lose their heads if they’re not careful. I wouldn’t want that kind of life." As he spoke, several centipedes over a foot long slid from his sleeve, crawling across the floor with a rustling sound.

"Cyan-faced Beast" Yang Feng slapped the table fiercely, spilling the wine from the bowl. His face full of muscle trembled as he roared loudly: "I, Yang Feng, love this Jianghu freedom, drinking big bowls of wine, eating big chunks of meat! Be an official? I’d have to smooth down my rebellious bones! Not going! Not even if you kill me!" His shout resonated like a giant bell, causing dust to fall from the beams.

"Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen had been silent all along, yet he suddenly stood and unfolded the intelligence report in his hands, his gaze sharp as an eagle: "Grand Squad Leader, reliable sources indicate that the imperial offer of amnesty hides deadly intentions. They appear to offer titles and ranks, but actually plan to scatter us and defeat us one by one. I suggest not only rejecting the amnesty offer but also preparing for defense as soon as possible!" He handed the report to Shi Feiyang, his eyes full of worry and resolve.

Madam Shi, Shi Ying, gracefully moved to Shi Feiyang’s side, whispering softly: "Shi Lang, whatever decision you make, Ying’er will support you. But this Jianghu road is inherently perilous, and now the court is eyeing us like a tiger. Please, take extra care."

Her jade-like hand gently grasped Shi Feiyang’s, her eyes full of concern and love.

Xue Qiuchun, gently stroking her slightly rounded belly, said softly: "Husband, I only hope to stay safe with you. Whether in Jianghu or dealing with the court, as long as our family is together, that’s enough." Her voice was gentle, yet carried a firmness as if she was ready to face any storms with Shi Feiyang.

Qi Meizhen drew her Miao Saber, its cold light glistening. She said, full of heroic spirit: "If the court dares to invade, I, Qi Meizhen, will lead my sisters into battle, leaving them not a scrap! This amnesty offer is just the court’s deceit!"

Her Miao Saber drew arcs of cold brilliance in the candlelight, embodying the spirit of a woman unwilling to yield to men.

Lan Xiaodie toyed with a gilded bell, giggling: "The Five Poison Sect has never sided with the court, and this time is no different. If anyone threatens the Heroic Sakura Association, they must first see if my Lan Xiaodie’s venomous insects will allow it!"

As soon as she finished, the bell rang lightly, and a few colorful venomous insects flew out from her sleeve, spiraling in the air.

"Iron Flute Scholar" Xiang Kun sighed lightly, lifting his jade flute to play, the melody carrying a tinge of melancholy: "Jianghu grudges, court scheming, all turn to naught. But having joined the Heroic Sakura Association, I stand together with my brothers in life and death. The matter of amnesty, I, Xiang Kun, do not agree to it."

The flute sound echoed in the hall, stirring deep reflections in everyone’s hearts.

In the Shi Mansion’s assembly hall, the coal fire crackled, illuminating the faces of all with flickering light.

"Water Dragon" Jin Liufu swayed with a wine bottle, his steps unsteady, yet his eyes showed an unruly spirit. He took a large gulp of wine, letting it flow down his chin and soaking the front of his clothes, "Who cares about amnesty? As long as there’s wine to drink, it’s a good day! If the court wants to mess with us, they’d better get past me first!" Having said that, he slammed the wine bottle onto the ground with a loud crash, shattering it, the wine spreading like a river on the stone tiles, its fragrance wafting through the air.

Shi Feiyang gazed around at the heroes in the hall, his eyes sweeping over their resolute faces, filled with gratitude and emotion.

He slowly stood, his dark robe billowing behind him, and said solemnly: "Thank you, brothers, for your trust! Since the day the Heroic Sakura Association was founded, we have ventured through the stormy Jianghu, survived countless battles soaked in blood. The court’s little schemes can’t scare us! From today on, enhance vigilance, recruit talents extensively. I want to make sure the court knows that our Heroic Sakura Association is not a pushover!"