Chapter 1222 - 317: Storms Gather Before Piaomiao Peak, Schemes Arise in Gusu City

His voice rang through the hall like a great bell, every word resounding powerfully, stirring a bold spirit within everyone present, arousing bursts of heroism.

Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Miao Menlong, and Shan Zhi listened to these words, their hearts filled with complex feelings, their faces alternating between red and pale. Wu Zhong opened his mouth as if to say something, but swallowed it back. Miao Menlong looked down at the gold leaf in his hand, his expression complicated.

Xiao Lingling gently tugged at Wu Zhong’s sleeve and whispered, "Husband, we..." Wu Zhong sighed, clasped his fists, and forced a smile towards Shi Feiyang, "Grand Squad Leader, something urgent has come up at home, so we must leave first. Let us reschedule this farewell banquet for another day."

The other three also clasped their fists and made excuses, leaving hastily, their steps flustered, as if trying to escape the oppressive atmosphere.

After the four left, Shi Feiyang’s expression grew serious, and he gestured for Liao Pei and Lie Quan to come closer.

He lowered his voice, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s: "Elder Liao, Elder Lie, those four have defected to the Imperial Court. There will definitely be Jinyi Guard and Government Office people to support them. You must immediately go to the vicinity of the Government Office to monitor them. Remember, make sure they see your presence, to remind those Imperial Court people not to think that our Heroic Sakura Association is easy to bully!"

Liao Pei leaned on his iron crutch, the force of the "Long Arm Fist" slightly vibrating on it, and said solemnly: "Grand Squad Leader, rest assured, though these old bones aren’t nimble, it’s no trouble to keep an eye on a few people."

At Lie Quan’s waist, the "Heaven and Earth Saber" hummed, and he grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "If they dare try any tricks, my saber won’t agree!" The two clasped their fists and left, their figures quickly disappearing into the night.

Shi Feiyang then called Qi Meizhen, Shi Ying, and Shi Xiong to him, his gaze soft yet resolute: "Meizhen, Shi Ying, you must immediately take Shi Xiong by boat to Taihu Piaomiao Peak, gather the disciples from the headquarter, and head north overnight to the Naiman Tribe on the great grasslands. The terrain there is vast and suitable for hiding. The Imperial Court won’t easily find it. Be very careful on the way, do not expose your whereabouts."

Qi Meizhen drew out the Miao Saber, its cold light flashing, and said loudly: "Husband, don’t worry, with me here, I will surely keep everyone safe!" Shi Ying nodded gently, her beautiful eyes full of emotion: "Shi Lang, you also must be extra careful."

Shi Xiong gripped the short knife at his waist, his youthful face full of determination: "Young master, I will certainly protect the two ladies!" The three received their orders and left in a hurry, their steps urgent yet steady.

Immediately after, Shi Feiyang summoned Gongsun Ren and Yang Feng, his gaze like a torch: "Brother Gongsun, Brother Yang, gather the disciples in Gusu City immediately. Close all our shops, inns, and pharmacies, have everyone pack up, with their families, go north to meet with the disciples at Piaomiao Peak. Remember, act secretly, do not alert the Imperial Court’s spies."

Gongsun Ren’s fingers twisted like centipedes, and he smirked sinisterly: "Grand Squad Leader, rest assured, I have my ways to ensure those who try to spy never return." Yang Feng’s fleshy face twitched, and he shouted gruffly: "I’d like to see who has the guts to interfere!" The two received their orders and left, their figures soon merging into the night.

Shi Feiyang pondered for a moment, then called Jin Liufu, Lu Dechu, and Jiang Huotian over: "Brother Jin, Brother Lu, Brother Jiang, the Jiangnan Cao Bang has drawn a lot of attention over the years, and the Imperial Court will make a move sooner or later. You must negotiate with the Jiangnan Sea Sand Gang and sell the Cao Bang to them for ten million taels of silver. If they make it difficult, tell them I, Shi Feiyang, owe them a favor. It’s not that we’re afraid, but over the years, I’ve always kept our brothers from suffering losses. It’s because of this that our brothers stay with us steadfastly, risking their lives. A gang of over 500,000 people, a few can’t resist temptation and defect to the Imperial Court, that’s normal. Think about these years, how many officials have been bought off by rebels, by enemy forces? In this world, it’s impossible for everyone to be of one mind. Frankly, everyone is just trying to make a living, striving for a better life."

Jin Liufu swirled his newly replaced wine jug, the alcohol making him drowsy yet his tone was firm: "Grand Squad Leader, rest assured, with wine and silver, there’s nothing we can’t negotiate!"

Lu Dechu patted his round belly, grumbling: "If anyone dares disrespect us, I’ll crush them by sitting on them!"

Jiang Huotian swayed his lanky body and laughed: "Wherever Brother Lu goes, I follow, let’s see who dares to be impudent!" After speaking, the three left in large strides. Lastly, Shi Feiyang went to Lan Xiaodie and Xue Qiuchun, holding Qiuchun’s hand and speaking softly: "Qiuchun, you’re pregnant and not suited for travel, but Gusu City is no longer safe. Xiaodie, please take Qiuchun, disguise her, and secretly escort her by carriage to Ningxia Salt Field to hide for a while. It’s a mixed place suitable for hiding. When things settle, I’ll come for you both."

Lan Xiaodie played with a golden bell, chuckling: "Rest assured, with the Five Poison Sect’s insects protecting, not even officials with three heads and six arms can harm Qiuchun one bit!" Xue Qiuchun nodded softly, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Feiyang, you must be careful."

Shi Feiyang nodded, watching them leave, silently praying for their safe journey.

As the night deepened, everyone in the Shi Mansion remained busy, a relocation plan vital to the survival of the Heroic Sakura Association was quietly unfolding in the night, and a greater storm seemed to be sweeping towards them.

Shi Feiyang stood atop the high walls of the Shi Mansion, gazing at the flickering lights in the distance, calculating the next step in his plan.