At this moment, the wind howled through the mountains, stirring up clouds of dust, as if cheering on the rampant arrogance of the Vajra Stronghold. The swirling dust filled the air, as though a storm was about to break.

Meanwhile, the Qingfeng Pavilion, which had been secretly competing with the Divine Water Palace, learned that the Divine Water Palace had not gained any advantage and instead suffered losses. They began to plot in secret. The Pavilion Master of Qingfeng Pavilion, the "Jade-faced Fox" Su Yao, a cunning and shrewd woman, thought this was a perfect opportunity to suppress the Divine Water Palace. She secretly contacted various small factions that had grudges against the Divine Water Palace, intending to form an alliance to jointly oppose it.

She sat in the elegantly decorated pavilion of Qingfeng Pavilion, playing with a jade pendant in her hand. Her eyes glittered with scheming brilliance as she spoke to her subordinates, "The Divine Water Palace has suffered a severe blow this time, it is our chance to turn the tide. Go and contact those small factions, tell them that following us at Qingfeng Pavilion guarantees they can vent their grievances, and benefits certainly won't be lacking for them."

Outside the pavilion, a gentle breeze stirred the surface of the lake, creating ripples, seemingly also agitated by Qingfeng Pavilion's plot. The ripples spread out circle by circle, like the tentacles of a conspiracy extending outward.

The Mist Rain Manor, which had always remained neutral, also heard of this matter. The Manor Master of Mist Rain Manor, the "Carefree Sword" Zhao Yifeng, was a righteous and straightforward man. He feared that this Jianghu conflict would escalate, eventually implicating more innocent people.

Thus, he decided to step forward and mediate, hoping to quell the grudges of all parties.

At this time, Zhao Yifeng stood in the garden of Mist Rain Manor, clad in a white long robe, a long sword in hand, gazing into the distance. His eyes were full of worry as he said to the attendant next to him, "This chaos in the Jianghu, how many more people will it make suffer? As someone of the Jianghu, how can I ignore it? Even if there's only a sliver of hope, I must try to quell this conflict."

The flowers and plants in the garden swayed gently in the breeze, as if nodding in praise of Zhao Yifeng's chivalrous act.

After reading the letter, Shi Feiyang fell into brief contemplation, then gathered Wu Zhong, Liao Pei, Xiang Kun, and Gong Simeng to discuss countermeasures. Outside the tent, the wind blew gently, bringing a hint of chill, which added to the heaviness in everyone's hearts, as if a heavy stone was pressing on them.

Wu Zhong was the first to speak, his voice loud and full of fighting spirit: "Grand Squad Leader, the Vajra Stronghold dares to provoke us at this time, we absolutely can't show weakness. I'm willing to lead the brothers of the Vanguard Hall to show them a thing or two! Let them understand that the Heroic Sakura Association is not to be trifled with! My life, Wu Zhong's, is for the fighting and killing for the Heroic Sakura Association. This time, we must let that Fang Yi bastard know our power!"

As he spoke, he waved his fist forcefully, that fist full of strength and determination.

Liao Pei also nodded in agreement: "That's right, that Fang Yi has always been arrogant and conceited. This time is the perfect opportunity to teach him a good lesson, make him restrain himself! If he dares to step onto our territory, he shouldn't think of leaving alive! The prestige of our Heroic Sakura Association is not something to be trifled with!" His face was full of anger, his eyes blazing with fury, that flame seemed capable of burning the enemy to ashes.

The surrounding air was ignited by this anger, becoming scorching hot.

Xiang Kun, however, frowned with a worried expression and said, "But we just finished a major battle, and the brothers have yet to recover. Direct confrontation with the Vajra Stronghold could be disadvantageous to us. Moreover, the Qingfeng Pavilion's movements must be closely monitored. If they team up with the Divine Water Palace, we would be surrounded on all sides. We must think long term and can't act recklessly!"

As he spoke, he paced back and forth, his face full of worry, his pacing figure revealing his inner anxiety.

A crow cawed harshly as it flew by, the sound eerie and ominous, seemingly also worried about the future of the Heroic Sakura Association, adding another layer of gloom to the tense atmosphere.

Gong Simeng stood quietly listening to everyone's discussion. She remembered what Shi Feiyang had said earlier, a thought crossed her mind, and she mustered the courage to say, "Big brother, I think we should hunker down first and observe all parties' movements. The Vajra Stronghold wants to profit from the chaos, we can set a trap to make sure they don't return. As for Qingfeng Pavilion, we can send spies to probe their realities, to see if we can split their alliance with the Divine Water Palace. Our Heroic Sakura Association can't take risks in vain, we must win with wisdom."

As she spoke, her eyes were firm, her thoughts clear, showing a calmness unlike before.

Shi Feiyang listened to Gong Simeng's words, a glint of appreciation flashed in his eyes.

He nodded vigorously and said decisively, "Si Meng is absolutely right. We cannot act blindly, we must respond cautiously. Wu Zhong, lead the brothers from the Vanguard Hall to set an ambush around Changsheng Castle. When the people from the Vajra Stronghold arrive, give them a fatal blow, let them know the consequence of invading our Heroic Sakura Association! Remember, hold your nerves, wait until they enter the encirclement before striking, catch them off guard! Xiang Kun, reinforce your personnel, closely monitor every move from the Qingfeng Pavilion and the Divine Water Palace, and report any information to me immediately, no mistakes! This intelligence is our eyes, and there can be no errors at all! Elder Liao, you will be responsible for training the newly joined disciples, quickly improve their strength, to add new blood to our Heroic Sakura Association! Train them to look like real disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association!"

Sunlight streamed through the gaps, forming bright beams on the ground.

Everyone left to carry out their orders, Shi Feiyang wearing a smile, full of confidence, also hoped that this time, the Heroic Sakura Association could stand firm in this complex Jianghu situation, carving out a space of their own, letting the flag of the Heroic Sakura Association fly high in the Jianghu sky.

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