At this moment, the confrontation between both sides suddenly ceased.
Suddenly, a light breeze swept over, and the leaves whispered softly, as if suggesting that an unusual event was about to occur.
Wu Chi, Bazaar Platform, Shi Feiyang, and Liu Guihua instantly became extremely vigilant.
They slowly turned around, their eyes as sharp as lightning, meticulously observing every corner and every subtle movement around them.
In this tense atmosphere, an elder in a blue robe slowly stepped out from the depths of the woods.
Although his steps seemed somewhat unsteady, his gaze was exceptionally sharp.
The elder walked to the tree, gently patted the monkey's head, and the monkey obediently handed him the jade ring.
The elder took the jade ring, examined it carefully, then looked up at Bazaar Platform and the others, smiling slightly, and said in a calm tone, "Ladies and gentlemen, this jade ring is my monkey's toy, accidentally lost. Thank you for helping retrieve it."
Upon hearing this, Bazaar Platform was immediately filled with anger.
That jade ring clearly belonged to the samurai under his command, and now it had become a toy for this elder's monkey.
Was this not a veiled insult, suggesting that Bazaar Platform and his group were like monkeys?
Thus, in anger, Bazaar Platform swung his saber at the elder.
The elder gracefully sidestepped, easily dodging Bazaar Platform's attack, a sly smile playing on his lips as he said, "Young man, do not act rashly, or you will suffer great losses."
Although his voice was gentle, it carried a strong tone of warning.
Bazaar Platform's eyes widened with rage, flames of anger flickering within them as he defiantly retorted, "You old codger, stop the charade here! Hmph! I will surely take back that jade ring!"
As he finished speaking, Bazaar Platform wielded his sharp blade, the gleam like lightning aiming straight for the elder's vital points.
The elder was nimble, dodging left and right, his movements exceedingly swift.
Bazaar Platform's attacks repeatedly missed, and after several exchanges, not even the hem of the elder's robe had been touched.
Bazaar Platform's anger reached its peak, his expression growing somber, never before had he encountered such a cunning opponent.
Yet, each of his attacks was easily deflected by the opponent, as if his saber technique appeared childish and laughable in front of the elder.
He roared in fury, launching another forceful attack on the elder.
However, this time, Bazaar Platform ceased his blind attacks and began to carefully observe the elder's movements, attempting to discover the opponent's weaknesses.
Nevertheless, the elder seemed to see through his intentions, moving each time with just the right finesse, avoiding Bazaar Platform's attacks while continuously wearing out his stamina.
After over thirty moves, Bazaar Platform gradually felt overwhelmed, his breathing becoming labored.
Every attack felt like battling the air, while the elder seemed to mock him by effortlessly dodging his blade.
The inner fire of anger in Bazaar Platform burned more fiercely, but he had to admit that the elder's strength far surpassed his own.
At this moment, the elder suddenly paused, as if losing his agility.
Seeing this, Bazaar Platform rejoiced inwardly, believing he had found an opportunity. He immediately swung his saber fiercely, unstoppable in his onslaught.
However, just as the blade was about to touch the elder's body, the elder's form flickered once again, deftly avoiding the strike, and swiftly countered with a palm strike to Bazaar Platform's face.
Smack! Ouch! Bazaar Platform let out a miserable cry, his body spinning around, his left cheek swelling and tears brimming, standing dumbfounded on the side.
The elder turned and said to the monkey, "Little Monkey, let's go."
Upon hearing this, the monkey excitedly started leaping, tugging at the elder's robe, hopping forward.
Shi Feiyang, with wit, expressed his gratitude to the elder, saying, "Senior, your assistance fills this junior with immense gratitude. I hope you will continue to impart your guidance in the future." His words conveyed deep thanks, and his gaze showed respect for the elder.
Hearing this, the elder gave Shi Feiyang a gentle smile, a smile filled with affection and tolerance.
Subsequently, he led the monkey away slowly, his figure gradually disappearing into the dense forest, as if blending into nature.
Wu Chi witnessed this scene and immediately took action, quickly grabbing Bazaar Platform, leading the remaining vile bandits to hurriedly flee the scene.
They walked briskly, seemingly with a fierce beast chasing them, not daring to pause for even a moment.
Liu Guihua pondered for a while and then slowly said to Shi Feiyang, "That elder, though appearing ordinary, exudes an extraordinary presence in his demeanor. Especially his gaze, which seemed to see into one's heart, inspiring involuntary awe."
Her tone carried respect, as if narrating a mysterious legend.
Shi Feiyang nodded in agreement and said, "Indeed, I felt the same way. That elder appeared unassuming, yet faintly emitted a subtle spiritual power, evidently not an ordinary person."
The depth of the woods remained as serene as before, as if the earlier episode had been but an illusion.
Yet, they all knew in their hearts, this encounter was no coincidence.
The appearance of the mysterious elder foreshadowed an unprecedented storm about to befall this snowy land.
Once more, Liu Guihua softly said to Shi Feiyang, "Brother Feiyang, let's go home!"
She gently took Shi Feiyang's hand, moving together toward Snow Eagle Castle.
Her voice was filled with tenderness and determination, no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, she would steadfastly stand by his side, facing it together.
When they reached the gates of Snow Eagle Castle, Iron Palm Wu Zhong and Mandarin Duck Saber Xiao Lingling were already sweating profusely, filled with tension.
Upon seeing Shi Feiyang and Liu Guihua return hand in hand, they hurriedly shut the heavy iron gates tightly.
Liu Dayou brought a bowl of hot tea, handing it to Shi Feiyang, anxiously inquiring, "Dear brother, it seems that Snow Eagle Castle invited many high martial experts to besiege us this time. Should we immediately retreat from here?"
Shi Feiyang took a sip of tea and resolutely shook his head, saying, "No retreat! I, for one, am determined to fight against the evil forces of Snow Eagle Castle to the end. Everyone, take turns on guard, I'm going to bathe and change clothes."
His voice was firm and powerful, showing everyone his determination, indicating he wouldn't easily give up.
However, Master Yuan Chi said to Shi Feiyang, "My dear apprentice, I have imparted to you the heart methods and formulas of all divine skills. I have no regrets. However, I am by nature lazy, and living an unfettered life traveling the world is my greatest joy. Farewell then."
Having said this, he lightly tapped his toes, drifting away, out the window. His figure vanished like smoke into the swirling snowflakes.
Everyone rushed to the window, but the figure of Master Yuan Chi was already gone.
They looked at each other, filled with reluctance and loss.
The departure of their mentor left Shi Feiyang feeling a sense of loss, and he turned to the kitchen to prepare water for bathing.
Seeing this, Liu Guihua quickly ran to the kitchen and said to Shi Feiyang, "Brother Feiyang, it seems you don't have a change of clothes, would you like to wear those black clothes from the bandits instead?"
Shi Feiyang nodded with a smile, a hint of helplessness in his expression. Liu Guihua then went to find clothes for Shi Feiyang.