Chapter 1230 - 318: Snow Locks Suzhou, Schemes Shake the Jianghu (Part 6)

He took a sip, the rich aroma of milk mixed with the fresh scent of herbs spread in his mouth, and he looked up at Qi Meizhen: "Thank you, Meizhen, with your care, it’s worth the exhaustion."

These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, bringing tears of joy to Qi Meizhen’s eyes, but her smile bloomed even brighter than the Gesang flowers of the prairie. Outside the window, the wind seemed especially gentle, softly sweeping through everyone’s hearts.

The summer night on the prairie was adorned with countless stars, and the candle flames flickered inside the Wulang City Royal Palace.

Shi Feiyang gently stroked the mysterious deerskin bag at his waist, the faint glow inside reflecting on his furrowed brow.

The safety of hundreds of thousands of Heroic Sakura Association disciples rested solely on his shoulders, allowing no room for negligence.

Amid the warmth with the ladies, Shi Feiyang continuously pondered on the development plans for the Naiman Tribe.

On this day, Shi Feiyang summoned Elders Liao Pei and Lie Quan to discuss in front of a long table covered with a map of the prairie.

"The prairie is flat and open, favorable for cavalry raids, so we must establish a solid defense line." Shi Feiyang’s fingers traced over the strategic points on the map, "Around Wulang City, set up a three-tiered watch post along the mountains and rivers. The first tier will be composed of disciples skilled in Lightweight Technique, with a watchtower every ten miles. As soon as suspicious traces are found, light the wolf smoke immediately; the second tier will deploy disciples proficient in Hidden Weapons, laying ’Plum Blossom Nails’ and ’Bone-Piercing Awl’ at strategic paths, and set up trip ropes for horses; the third tier will be guarded by strong disciples, equipped with powerful crossbows to cover an area of a hundred zhang."

Liao Pei nodded and said: "Grand Squad Leader, your insight is commendable, but the vastness of the prairie means the posts will require significant manpower, and need to be complemented by cavalry patrols."

Shi Feiyang’s mouth curved into a confident smile: "Indeed. I have already ordered Shi Xiong to select three thousand elite troops to form the ’Flying Eagle Cavalry’. They will ride fast prairie horses, armed with fine steel spears, patrolling the outskirts of the defense line every six hours. When the enemy appears, the Flying Eagle Cavalry can swiftly provide support and release carrier pigeons to send messages." Liao Pei and Lie Quan understood the plan and went off to carry out their duties.

Shi Feiyang knew well that strong martial power was the foundation of survival.

He opened a Martial Arts Arena on the west side of Wulang City, where each morning echoed with the shouts of combat training.

"Xiang Kun and Lu Wen Tripod, you two will teach the disciples the Flute Sound Defense Technique and Celestial Swordsmanship respectively." Shi Feiyang instructed the two, "Blood Rakshasa, you are in charge of training the disciples in the use of poison to achieve surprising victories on the battlefield."

To enhance the disciples’ strength, Shi Feiyang also brought out the precious medicinal materials from the deerskin bag, having Bai Zhi refine the "Bone Strengthening Pill" and the "Qi Replenishing Pill".

"This pill can increase inner strength by 30% within three months, but it requires cultivation technique practice to complement it." Bai Zhi reminded the leaders of each camp as she distributed the pills. Shi Feiyang personally took to the field to demonstrate the intricacies of the Bright Jade Technique and Hundred Victories Saber Technique, drawing gasps of amazement from the disciples.

Shi Feiyang understood that lone battles could not last long on the prairie; establishing close relations with surrounding tribes was essential.

He sent Xiang Kun and Jiang Huotian, who were eloquent and persuasive, as envoys, bringing gifts of gold, silk, and porcelain to visit various tribes.

Regarding marriage alliances, Shi Feiyang not only selected suitable spouses for his disciples but also led by example, growing ever closer with Yili, the Queen of the Naiman Tribe. He often discussed the situation on the prairie with Yili, proposing a strategy of "joint grazing and mutual defense against natural disasters," which received her strong support.

"With you around, Shi Lang, the Naiman Tribe and Heroic Sakura Association will surely flourish." Yili rested in Shi Feiyang’s embrace, her eyes full of love and trust.

Shi Feiyang knew the importance of intelligence, so he had the "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen establish an intelligence network, called the "Eye of the Prairie".

Xie Wen selected clever and sharp disciples, dispersing them across the prairie, disguised as herders and merchants, to collect information from all sides.

"Remember, focus not only on the movements of other tribes but also on any imperial court personnel sent to investigate." Xie Wen instructed the intelligence personnel, "Once valuable intelligence is acquired, transmit it back immediately using encrypted carrier pigeons."

Through the "Eye of the Prairie," the Heroic Sakura Association timely learned about the conflicts and needs of surrounding tribes and also received advance news of the Imperial Court’s secret investigations. Shi Feiyang, following the intelligence, adjusted the deployment in advance, leaving the imperial spies with nothing to gain.

After months of efforts, the position of the Heroic Sakura Association on the prairie became increasingly secure.

Wulang City stood solid as a rock, the elite disciples showed formidable combat power, relations with the surrounding tribes were close and harmonious, and the intelligence network enabled Shi Feiyang to have a comprehensive understanding of the prairie situation.