Chapter 1252: Blades and Swords Woven with Sweet Words, Chivalrous Hearts Entwined Around the Painted Pavilion (Part 4)

Tang Cross Saber of Beichen One-Slash Dojo was unexpectedly chipped by Ice Blade’s force. Enraged and shocked, he slashed seven times, the blade’s momentum surging like the Yangtze River.

Shi Feiyang responded calmly, each palm strike subtly changing with the nine moves and thirty-six styles.

Suddenly, he spotted a gap in his opponent’s moves and activated the swirling suction of the Bright Jade Technique, causing the Beichen One-Slash Dojo to fall uncontrollably forward.

Shi Feiyang’s palm grazed past his shoulder, a sharp palm wind cutting a deep wound visible to the bone, blood gushing out, staining the white Daoist robe.

“I concede.” Shi Feiyang retracted his palm and stood, his gaze sweeping across the audience. Prince Shangfeng of Ryukyu personally ascended the stage, holding the Jade-Embedded Martial Arts Order: “Hero Shi’s martial skills are unrivaled, deserving of the title ‘Ryukyu Martial Champion’!”

Thunderous applause erupted from the spectators, Ryukyu nobles rising to cast admiring glances at Shi Feiyang, with praise enduring. Yet, no one noticed Fuma Xiaoyezi’s figure flash away in the shadows, her gaze on Shi Feiyang gleaming with hate and intrigue.

Dusk cast a honey-colored hue over the Ryukyu Royal Palace, the bead-swallowing coiling dragon on the glazed tiles glinting in the sunset.

Prince Shangfeng specially held a celebratory banquet in the Coral Pavilion by the sea, thirty-six shark oil lamps illuminating the entire pavilion as bright as day, the opal-inlaid Persian carpet shimmering in hues as guests moved.

Shi Feiyang, dressed in a cloud brocade robe gifted by the Ryukyu royal family, sat at the main guest seat, yet could not conceal his inherent Jianghu hero aura.

“Hero Shi’s prowess today opened the eyes of everyone in Ryukyu!” Prince Shangfeng raised a luminous cup, the amber rice wine rippling in the cup, “I have ordered to prepare a residence on the bustling Vermilion Bird Avenue in Shuri Castle, hoping Hero Shi will stay a while longer.”

Before the words fell, the three princesses could no longer contain themselves. Eldest Princess Liu Yue, dressed in a peacock blue shark gauze skirt, the Nine Phoenix Pearl Hairpin between her hair quivering gently, her cheeks flushed, moved gracefully before Shi Feiyang: “I’ve heard that in the Central Plains, it is common to have three wives and four concubines. Would Young Master Shi be willing to include Ryukyu in the gentle homeland?”

Second Princess Liu Xing was bolder, directly removing the coral bracelet from her wrist and placing it in front of Shi Feiyang: “It was bestowed to me by my mother at my coming-of-age ceremony. If you do not mind, let it be a token of engagement.”

The youngest, Third Princess Liu Ying, tugged at Shi Feiyang’s sleeve, eyes wide with anticipation: “Young Master Shi, teach me the Bright Jade Technique. Teach me and I’ll become your bride!”

Amidst the banquet, laughter rang out, only Shi Feiyang’s face slightly embarrassed, instinctively glancing to Bai Zhi seated across.

The Miaojiang woman let go of her usual silver accessories today, a moon-white long dress complementing her snowy skin. She lowered her gaze, lightly sipping rice wine, fingers unconsciously stroking the cup’s rim, exuding more grace than usual.

“The three princesses have overpraised.” Shi Feiyang rose, cupping his fists, yet his gaze remained on Bai Zhi, “But I already have…”

“Why decline, husband?” Bai Zhi suddenly chuckled, putting down the wine cup and gracefully walking over.

As she moved, the silver bells in her hair made a soft sound, drawing stunned gazes as she took Shi Feiyang’s arm: “Ryukyu is a pearl of the sea, and the three princesses admire my husband so much. If a good match is made, wouldn’t it be a wonderful story?”

Shi Xiong’s hand trembled slightly holding the wine cup, Shan Zhi almost choked on tea. Prince Shangfeng’s eyes flashed with insight, clapping and laughing, “So Madam Shi is so open-minded! I will prepare the richest dowry for my three royal sisters!”

Once the crowd dispersed, Shi Feiyang followed Bai Zhi into the bamboo forest behind Coral Pavilion. The night wind blew, bamboo leaves rustling, distant tide sounds faintly heard. “Madam, what are you…” Shi Feiyang frowned wanting to speak but was silenced by Bai Zhi’s fingertips on his lips.

“Husband, do you know the strategic importance of Ryukyu?” Bai Zhi looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight, “Eastward connects Fusang, westward reaches the Central Plains, south leads to the South Seas countries. If the Heroic Sakura Association establishes a branch here, opens shops, martial arts schools, escort agencies, and expands iron smelting and mining routes…”

She smiled slyly, resting her cheek on Shi Feiyang’s chest, “The Jiangnan silk sent here might just be snatched frenetically?”

Shi Feiyang’s heart moved, circulating the Bright Jade Technique, gently embracing her: “You mean, using family ties to conduct trade?”

“Exactly.” Bai Zhi playfully toyed with his chest buttons, “If the Imperial Court joins forces with Nuerhachi against Naiman, we will have a retreat in Ryukyu; if nothing happens, merely the maritime trade can earn immense wealth.”

As she raised her head, a unique fierceness of Miaojiang women flashed in her eyes: “Moreover, with the esteemed status of the three princesses, having them as protectors will make those coveting the Heroic Sakura Association think twice.”

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and kissed her hair crown: “I’ll follow your plan. Tomorrow I’ll discuss establishing a branch with the prince.”

He paused, suddenly laughing: “Only pitiful Zhi’Er, having to share her husband with others.”

“Who said share with others?” Bai Zhi teasingly pinched his waist, her silver bell laughter startling the night birds in the bamboo forest, “The three princesses might willingly serve the Heroic Sakura Association.” The moonlight flowed like water, stretching their shadows among the bamboo. In the distant Coral Pavilion, the lights still shone, the melodious sound of Ryukyu qin reverberating.

Shi Feiyang held the beauty in his embrace, his mind settled.

This seemingly gentle Ryukyu might be the crucial step for the Heroic Sakura Association to dominate the overseas Jianghu.

The next morning, Shi Feiyang awoke and sent Shi Xiong to report to Shangfeng, willing to marry the three royal princesses. Wedding preparations to be arranged by the royal family, with the Heroic Sakura Association covering wedding expenses, additionally gifting the royal family one hundred thousand taels of silver.