Xiao Lingling tightly gripped her dual blades, standing quietly aside as she witnessed Liu Guihua's affectionate gesture towards Shi Feiyang.
A surge of intense astonishment rose in her heart, and her whole being seemed to transform into a motionless statue.
She could hardly believe the passionate feelings Liu Guihua displayed towards Shi Feiyang. My goodness! They've only known each other a short time; why is Liu Guihua so deeply entrapped? Mother and Wu Zhong knew each other for at least three years before marrying!
Yet, Liu Guihua showed deep admiration for Shi Feiyang, and Shi Feiyang did not reciprocate her feelings equally. He didn't want to reject Liu Guihua's kindness in front of others, lest he hurt this young lady's self-esteem.
Of course, having just traveled to this ancient society, Shi Feiyang felt immensely warmed by a beautiful girl's affection.
At this moment, Master Yuan Chi and others arrived at Snow Eagle Castle.
Master Yuan Chi raised his finger, praising Shi Feiyang's remarkable performance, deeming him a worthy disciple.
However, Master Yuan Chi also urged everyone to leave the dangerous place quickly, fearing the evil-doers from Snow Eagle Castle might return.
Nevertheless, Shi Feiyang decided to stay alone at Snow Eagle Castle.
Everyone asked in surprise for his reason.
With a smile, Shi Feiyang explained that the return of the evil-doers would actually be a fortunate event for him.
His purpose in staying at Snow Eagle Castle was precisely to eradicate these villains and the Martial Arts masters they invited thoroughly.
He was determined to bring some change to this old society and ensure those who committed heinous acts received due punishment.
Liu Dayou could not help but question Shi Feiyang: "Brother Shi, your martial arts are indeed strong, but not invincible. Why risk a life-and-death battle with Snow Eagle Castle's scoundrels? What if misfortune befalls you; what then?"
Liu Dayou understood his sister Liu Guihua had fallen for Shi Feiyang, thus he didn't want Shi Feiyang to perish at Snow Eagle Castle, for that would leave his sister Liu Guihua heartbroken for a lifetime.
Wu Zhong, wearing a puzzled expression, posed a query to Shi Feiyang.
He asked in bewilderment: "Since we're determined to eliminate the vile thieves of Snow Eagle Castle, why not unite and hunt them down?" Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang smiled slightly and countered: "Brother Wu, look outside; it's an endless, boundless sea of snow. How could a few of us pursue so many bandits? Why not adopt a rest and wait strategy and let them come to us seeking revenge? This way, we'd be resting and waiting for toil, isn't that better?"
Just as Shi Feiyang finished his words, Liu Guihua hurriedly expressed her desire to stay, to accompany Young Hero Shi.
As she spoke, her face flushed, heart pounding, emotions deep; unexpectedly, she revealed her sentiments in public.
After finishing, she realized she had exposed her feelings, momentarily feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Everyone present was stunned, staring at Liu Guihua, as if under a spell, unable to move, simply gazing at her in astonishment.
At this moment, Shi Feiyang stepped forward to relieve Liu Guihua.
He humbly stated: "Though my martial arts are not invincible, since I've entered Jianghu, I must make a name for myself. As a disciple of Master Yuan Chi, I should set a good example for Martial Artists worldwide, to serve justice and eradicate injustices within society." After he spoke, he carefully retrieved the precious "Tianshan Snow Lotus Water" from his bosom, used it to cleanse Liu Guihua's wound, and gave her Shaolin Temple's treasure—Lesser Returning Pill.
Master Yuan Chi could no longer contain his curiosity and asked Shi Feiyang about the origins of those precious items.
Shi Feiyang smiled, requesting forgiveness, saying that these matters couldn't be revealed as they were secrets he must guard. Seeing this, Master Yuan Chi refrained from further questions and chose a quiet room, sitting cross-legged, hands together, commencing breathing exercises to restore stamina.
Liu Dayou voluntarily took up the task of handling the corpses, burning them, and cleaning the scene up meticulously, ensuring everything was restored as new. His meticulous work assured those around him.
Xiao Lingling expressed willingness to cook but found herself helpless in the face of the lack of ingredients.
Shi Feiyang suggested searching the snow for hibernating snakes to roast, solving the food shortage issue.
He produced several molds of silver, handing them to Wu Zhong, instructing him to procure grain from nearby mountain villages, supplementing their resources.
Snow Eagle Castle had many rooms; soon after, everyone found adjacent rooms to reside in.
Adhering to Shi Feiyang's rest and wait strategy, they awaited the challenge from the Snow Eagle Castle villains.
As the Ge Shang Escort Agency's Chief, Liu Dayou felt that to act justly in Jianghu, they must organize a guild.
Thus, he proposed founding a guild, asserting that many hands make light work, thereby accomplishing greater justice, and suggesting Shi Feiyang as the leader, seeing him as the most suitable choice, to which everyone agreed.
Shi Feiyang proposed naming their organization Ming Sect Jiangnan Sub-Branch, given that the Great Ming Court once relied on Ming Sect disciples to conquer the empire, and he, being from Jiangnan, felt it offered greater influence. Everyone present was overjoyed, swiftly lighting incense, pledging earnestly, declaring the formal establishment of Ming Sect Jiangnan Sub-Branch.
With everyone's endorsement, Shi Feiyang was unanimously elected as the Grand Squad Leader of the newly founded sub-branch.
At this moment, Shi Feiyang felt the weight of responsibility, yet brimming with confidence.
However, inwardly Shi Feiyang pondered, understanding that continuing to use the "Ming Sect" name could swiftly establish presence in Jianghu and attract numerous followers, but it would also catch the attention of the Imperial Court. Once the court was aware, they'd undoubtedly dispatch countless Jinyi Guard masters to ruthlessly destroy and suppress this emerging Ming Sect power.
Shi Feiyang recalled the historical lessons, knowing Zhu Yuanzhang relied heavily on Ming Sect to seize power and become Emperor. Yet, once secure, Zhu Yuanzhang pursued a frantic massacre of Ming Sect, mercilessly exterminating its disciples. Thus, after careful consideration, Shi Feiyang decided to propose a new suggestion.
He suggested renaming Ming Sect Jiangnan Sub-Branch to "Heroic Sakura Association" to lessen the court's excessive focus and assault.
This proposal received immediate enthusiastic support from the assembled heroes, agreeing Shi Feiyang's suggestion was sensible, maintaining Ming Sect's spirit and strength while avoiding certain extent of the court's persecution.
Everyone raised their thumbs to show approval and backing, and Heroic Sakura Association was birthed amid cheers.
They believed the new name could usher in a brighter future.