Chapter 1249: Blades and Shadows Blended with Sweet Words, Chivalrous Hearts Entwined Around the Painted Pavilion

“Grand Squad Leader, Prince Shangfeng of Ryukyu has sent a secret letter, inviting our Heroic Sakura Association to discuss plans to resist the Wokou.” Xie Wen knelt on one knee, presenting a letter embroidered with the royal totem of Ryukyu in both hands.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang’s expression became solemn as he carefully read the letter.

At the same time, hurried footsteps echoed in the courtyard. “Seven Cultivation Sword” Kong Triangle, “Xingyi Fist” Fan Shi, “Hundred Leaves Saber” Liu Yehua, “Tai Chi Saber” Southwest Wind, and other Elders of the Heroic Sakura Association, as well as experts like “Long Arm Fist” Liao Pei, “Heaven and Earth Saber” Lie Quan, “Iron Palm” Wu Zhong, and each Incense Hall Master, “Mandarin Duck Saber” Xiao Lingling, “Divine Archer” Miao Menlong, “Plum Blossom Darts” Shan Zhi all arrived in succession.

Scholar’s Attendant Shi Xiong held a long sword, closely following behind the others.

“Grand Squad Leader, there must be something suspicious about this!” Liao Pei, who was naturally forthright, spoke first, his thick eyebrows furrowed, face full of concern, “Ryukyu is far overseas, and Wokou are rampant, the journey is perilous, if something goes wrong…” Lie Quan stroked his beard, saying in a deep voice, “Brother Liao’s words are true. Furthermore, the sudden invitation from the Prince of Ryukyu, we do not know his intentions, we cannot be unprepared.”

“That’s right!” “Iron Palm” Wu Zhong clenched his fists, the veins on his arms bulging, “Grand Squad Leader, our Heroic Sakura Association has deep roots in the Central Plains, venturing overseas, unfamiliar with the place and people, we might fall into someone else’s trap!”

“Mandarin Duck Saber” Xiao Lingling blinked her lively large eyes and softly said, “Grand Squad Leader, Yu Yan is still young and needs your company. Once you leave, who knows when you’ll return…”

Shi Feiyang listened quietly to everyone’s advice, his gaze as firm as a rock.

After they finished speaking, he slowly stood up, walked to the lakeside, and stared at the withered lotus swaying in the wind on the lake’s surface, saying in a low voice, “I understand the sentiments of my brothers and sisters. But the Wokou are rampant, not only disturbing our Central Plains’ coast but also extending their evil hands to overseas nations. The people of Ryukyu suffer greatly, the Prince has invited us, if I don’t go, wouldn’t it chill the hearts of people worldwide?”

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone, continuing, “I, Shi Feiyang, have roamed the Jianghu for many years, relying on a heart of chivalry. Now with the Wokou causing trouble, it is time for us to stand up! Even if the path ahead is like a mountain of blades and a sea of flames, I must meet those Wokou!”

His voice was sonorous and powerful, reverberating in the courtyard, full of stirring heroism. “But Grand Squad Leader…” Xie Wen wanted to speak again, but Shi Feiyang raised a hand to interrupt him. “Brother Xie, my mind is made up! I will be cautious on this journey to Ryukyu. The Heroic Sakura Association is left to all of you; you must protect our foundation and care for Yu Yan.”

As Shi Feiyang spoke, he walked to Shi Yuyan, crouched down, and gently patted her little head, “Yu Yan, big brother has to go on a long trip, you must obediently listen to your teacher and study well. When big brother returns, I’ll bring you the most beautiful Ryukyu bead flower.”

Little Yu Yan’s eyes welled up with tears as she tightly hugged Shi Feiyang’s neck, “Big brother, you must come back safely! Yu Yan will obediently wait for you!”

Shi Feiyang felt warmth in his heart, tightly holding her in his arms, “Rest assured, big brother will definitely return safely!”

The autumn breeze rustled, making a rustling sound against the nanmu trees by the lake.

Shi Feiyang gazed into the distance, his eyes filled with resolve and determination.

He knew that this journey to Ryukyu would be full of threats, but as the Grand Squad Leader of the Heroic Sakura Association, as a Jianghu hero, he had no choice but to face the difficulties head-on, using the Hundred Victories Saber in his hand to eliminate the Wokou scourge for the people of the world!

The glazed tiles of the Ryukyu Royal Palace shimmered with a blood-red hue in the twilight, the coral lamps at the banquet distorting the shadows of Shi Feiyang and the others.

The vermilion palace walls of the Ryukyu Royal Palace glowed faintly under the scorching sun as the cicadas’ cries tore at the summer heat.

Upon hearing that Shi Feiyang, the Grand Squad Leader of the Heroic Sakura Association who shook the Central Earth Martial Arts, had visited Ryukyu, the martial artists of Ryukyu eagerly petitioned the royal family, wanting to challenge Shi Feiyang and see if he was truly that extraordinary.

In the Martial Arts Arena of Shuri Castle in Ryukyu, thirty-six sun and moon flags flapped in the wind, while the tung oil torches on the sandalwood stage lit the night sky as bright as day.

As Shi Feiyang stepped into the arena, thousands of eyes instantly turned to him, some curious, some skeptical, some secretly sharp. The twelve Ryukyu war drums at the edge of the arena had yet to sound, but the air was already filled with a tense atmosphere.

Shi Feiyang, clad in black attire, stood in the center of the stage, his Bright Jade Technique circulating, causing his skin to emit a gentle jade-like luster. His palms, like the Hundred Victories Saber, faintly exuded a fierce sharpness. The crowd below included not only Ryukyu royalty but also martial artists from Fusang and Glazed Island, all eyes fixed on witnessing the prowess of this Central Plains hero.

The royal grandstand of the Ryukyu Royal Family was covered with luxurious brocade cushions.

Prince Shangfeng of Ryukyu, dressed in a royal robe embroidered with golden dragons, was seated on a pearl-inlaid carved chair, a white jade wine cup in hand, his gaze full of anticipation and curiosity.

Beside him, the princess, clad in colorful Ryukyu attire and adorned with a coral bead hairpin, nervously clutched her skirt, occasionally glancing at the old State Preceptor beside her, softly asking, “State Preceptor, can this Central Plains Hero Shi truly surpass the experts of Glazed Island and Fusang?”

The venerable old State Preceptor, dressed in a voluminous robe, gently shook the turtle shell divination disc in his hand, a twinkle of wisdom flashing in his murky eyes, “Your Highness, this young man carries an imposing air, his inner strength circulating seamlessly, perhaps a martial arts prodigy Ryukyu has not seen for years, the outcome is uncertain.”

“What a handsome young man!” An exclamation from an unknown lady prompted soft laughter among the crowd, as under the sunlight, Shi Feiyang’s black attire fluttered in the wind, the Hundred Victories Saber at his waist yet to be drawn, yet faintly exuding an edge, his starry eyebrows and eyes flowing with an awe-inspiring charm, like a Banished Immortal descending to the mortal realm.