The two moved with one leading and the other following, slowly progressing along the dimly lit path of the night. The night breeze gently brushed by, bringing a chill that quietly dispersed some of their weariness. The moonlight fell softly upon them, as if casting a dreamlike glow upon this wondrous encounter.

Along the way, Yang Xue'Er occasionally sneaked glances at Shi Feiyang, wanting to speak but hesitating, with a hint of bashfulness appearing on her face.

Shi Feiyang noticed her gaze and would occasionally turn to meet her eyes.

Every time their eyes met, Yang Xue'Er would nervously lower her head, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush.

As they walked, Yang Xue'Er finally summoned the courage to softly ask, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, the martial arts techniques you demonstrated just now were truly exquisite. How did you master them?" Shi Feiyang's lips curved up slightly with pride as he replied, "This Divine Dragon Claw Divine Technique was created and personally taught to me by my master, Master Yuan Chi. Each move and stance embodies the years of dedication and wisdom of my master."

Yang Xue'Er's eyes shone with admiration, and she curiously inquired about various anecdotes and oddities in Jianghu, to which Shi Feiyang patiently responded one by one. Through these exchanges, the distance between the two quietly closed, and their sense of understanding and closeness gradually warmed.

Yang Xue'Er followed closely behind Shi Feiyang, secretly feeling grateful for meeting him today. She knew well that if not for Shi Feiyang's timely appearance, she would have likely fallen into the hands of those Altar Masters from the Vajra Stronghold, and the consequences would have been dire.

After a certain distance, Yang Xue'Er suddenly stopped, turned to look at Shi Feiyang, eyes full of gratitude, and said, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, thank you so much for today. If it weren't for your rescue, I..."

Shi Feiyang gently smiled, interrupting her words with a warm voice, "Miss, there's no need for thanks. It is my duty to draw the sword to help when one sees injustice on the road." Yang Xue'Er was even more moved upon hearing this.

She gazed at Shi Feiyang, her eyes flickering with a complex light, as if there were a thousand words yet she did not know how to begin.

Shi Feiyang lightly chuckled, "Miss, Qingfeng Pavilion is here, please return home. If fate permits, we shall meet again."

Yang Xue'Er stood in front of Qingfeng Pavilion, watching Shi Feiyang's receding figure, her heart filled with reluctance.

She slowly raised her hand, lightly waved it, and softly murmured, "Grand Squad Leader Shi, please take care..."

The voice was gentle, as if it might be blown away by the night wind at any moment. Sensing something, Shi Feiyang looked back, nodded at her, then turned and used the "Thousand Miles Without a Trace" Supreme Lightness Technique. With a few swift leaps, he vanished into the night.

At this moment, Su Yao stepped out of Qingfeng Pavilion, just in time to see the drifting figure of Shi Feiyang leaving, and was quite shocked.

She stared in the direction of Shi Feiyang's disappearance, secretly pondering: Shi Feiyang's lightness skill is so advanced, which sect did he learn from?

Recalling the Bright Jade Technique that Shi Feiyang used during the duel with the seven Altar Masters of Qingfeng Pavilion, Su Yao furrowed her brows.

The Bright Jade Technique is a renowned skill of Yihua Palace. Could Shi Feiyang really be a member of Yihua Palace?

Otherwise, why would he be so composed when facing figures from all factions in the martial arts world? What mystery lies within this?

Once Yang Xue'Er entered Qingfeng Pavilion, Su Yao immediately pulled her aside, asking solemnly, "Xue'Er, what's going on between you and Shi Feiyang? Why were you together so late at night?"

Yang Xue'Er blushed, looked down, and detailed the night's encounter behind the mountain to her mother, revealing her admiration and fondness for Shi Feiyang in her words. After listening, Su Yao grew more grave, knowing well that Shi Feiyang's identity was mysterious, and the marriage would potentially be more complicated than imagined.

Elsewhere, the injured Altar Masters of Vajra Stronghold returned to the village in a sorry state.

Upon learning of this, Vice Village Chief Ma Song was furious, vowing to avenge these Altar Masters while deeply recognizing the significant threat Shi Feiyang posed to them. Thus, he both sent people out to seek skilled doctors to treat the wounded Altar Masters and gathered the think tank within the village to strategize on how to deal with Shi Feiyang and the Heroic Sakura Association.

Some proposed allying with other factions who had grudges against the Heroic Sakura Association to jointly fight against Shi Feiyang; others suggested secretly setting traps to lure Shi Feiyang in and capture him in one fell swoop. After weighing the pros and cons, Ma Song decided to adopt a dual approach: dispatching emissaries to various factions to discuss potential cooperation, and simultaneously setting up mechanisms and traps in the strategic areas around Vajra Stronghold, lying in wait for Shi Feiyang to walk into the trap.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yifeng from Mist Rain Manor had embarked on a journey of mediation.

His first stop was Qingfeng Pavilion, hoping to persuade Su Yao to let go of the past grievances and turn hostility into friendship with Divine Water Palace.

Upon meeting Su Yao, Zhao Yifeng earnestly stated, "Master Su, the martial arts world is in chaos now, with conflicts constantly arising between various factions. If we allow the situation to worsen, the innocent will ultimately suffer. Although there are grudges between Divine Water Palace and Qingfeng Pavilion, they aren't unresolvable. Why not take this chance to sit down for a frank discussion and collectively maintain peace in the martial arts world?"

Su Yao sneered, "Master Zhao, I appreciate your goodwill. But the Divine Water Palace has been ruthless, attacking Qingfeng Pavilion repeatedly. I will not easily forget this." Zhao Yifeng patiently advised, "Master Su, endless vengeance will never bring peace. If we cannot unite, being defeated one by one by Divine Water Palace, the martial arts world will never see peace."

Su Yao pondered over Zhao Yifeng's words, realizing there was truth in them, yet found it hard to let go of her hatred towards Divine Water Palace. Just then, a disciple of Qingfeng Pavilion hurriedly entered and whispered a few words to Su Yao.

Su Yao's expression changed dramatically as she looked at Zhao Yifeng, "Master Zhao, news has come that Divine Water Palace has allied with Vajra Stronghold. It seems they are determined to be our enemies."

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