Gong Simeng felt a surge of warmth in her heart upon hearing Shi Feiyang's words.

She tightly embraced Shi Feiyang.

The heroes present were also moved by Shi Feiyang's words and expressed willingness to follow his guidance, working together for the future of the Heroic Sakura Association. Lin Wanqing also made it clear that she would stay at Eagle Beak Rock, assisting Liao Pei and Elder Liao in establishing a new Changsheng Castle, attracting more Martial Arts enthusiasts to join the Heroic Sakura Association.

Lin Wanqing witnessed Shi Feiyang's gentle attentiveness towards Gong Simeng, and at that moment, an indescribable sense of loss welled up in her heart. She realized that the feelings between Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng had surpassed ordinary friendship; they would accompany each other through life.

Lin Wanqing silently bore the loss of this emotion and decided to withdraw from this struggle for love.

As a mature-thinking woman, Lin Wanqing understood the importance of reason. She was unwilling to compete fiercely with Gong Simeng for love in the future, as it would only harm both parties. Besides, Gong Simeng, in pursuit of love, was willing to give up everything to join Shi Feiyang. In Gong Simeng's heart, love was supreme; how could Lin Wanqing have the heart to vie for Shi Feiyang's affection?

However, Lin Wanqing also knew clearly that she could not accept the situation of sharing a man with Gong Simeng. She had her own pride and dignity and refused to compromise in such a love triangle.

More importantly, Lin Wanqing harbored a long-hidden wish—to avenge her father. She hoped to continue practicing the Longevity Swordsmanship, constantly improving her martial arts, waiting for an opportune moment to seek revenge against the Divine Water Palace Master Liu Yanran.

Lin Wanqing understood that only through relentless effort and practice could she become stronger and go further on the path of vengeance. She did not want personal emotional entanglements to affect her grand plan for revenge and thus chose to quietly withdraw, leaving the affection between Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng to each other, while she fully devoted herself to mastering the Longevity Swordsmanship to fulfill her wish.

Shi Feiyang sensed Lin Wanqing's intentions, took out two large gold bricks from the deerskin pouch on his waist, and gave them to Liao Pei and Lin Wanqing as funds for building a branch of the Heroic Sakura Association at Eagle Beak Rock.

Shi Feiyang waved lightly to the people present, signaling them to follow his lead. Next, he would guide Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Xiang Kun, Gong Simeng, and other heroes, preparing to depart from Eagle Beak Rock and head to Cyan Simurgh Palace.

Lin Wanqing's eyes glistened with tears, feeling extreme reluctance over Shi Feiyang's departure.

She held Shi Feiyang's hand tightly, afraid that if she loosened her grip, he would disappear without a trace in the vast crowd.

Shi Feiyang, sensing her reluctance, gently patted her hand, comforting her with a gentle yet firm voice: "Wanqing, you don't have to be so sad. My departure this time is only temporary; once I deal with my affairs, I'll certainly come back for you. I hope you'll build a uniquely appealing Changsheng Castle at Eagle Beak Rock. Not only is this place picturesque and suitable for health preservation, but it's also an excellent spot for martial arts practice. This Changsheng Castle will become a warm home for the disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association and a safe harbor for the Martial Arts enthusiasts seeking your refuge." Seeing this, Gong Simeng felt a wave of reassurance.

She knew well the depth of Lin Wanqing's feelings for Shi Feiyang; this departure was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her.

However, for Gong Simeng, it meant the removal of a potential threat, leaving her in great spirits.

Thus, Gong Simeng comforted Lin Wanqing with soothing words: "Sister Lin, Brother Shi is a responsible hero, and his decision surely has profound reasoning. Although our hearts are filled with reluctance, we should also support him. Follow Brother Shi's words, build Changsheng Castle well here, and when Brother Shi returns and sees a transformed home, he'll surely be very pleased. Thank you, you've worked hard!"

When Lin Wanqing heard Shi Feiyang's firm and powerful words, her gaze involuntarily rested on the tightly intertwined figures of Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng. Suddenly, a sour and complex emotion surged like a tide, violently flooding her heart.

At this moment, the fierce wind howled on Eagle Beak Rock, rustling the surrounding wild grass, as if lamenting her internal pain.

Lin Wanqing's fingers subconsciously clenched the corner of her clothing, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force, as if this was the only way to somewhat alleviate the biting pain in her heart. Her mind involuntarily brought forth bits and pieces of her time with Shi Feiyang—those past laughter and joy, the heart palpitations when their eyes met—all now like sharp blades, stabbing fiercely into her heart.

In the distance, gloomy clouds slowly gathered, obscuring the sky completely, seemingly foretelling Lin Wanqing's hopeless feelings. How she wished she were the one gently cared for by Shi Feiyang, a partner able to walk through storms hand-in-hand with him.

However, reality was so cruel that she had no choice but to admit the strong and rock-solid affection between Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng, along with the fact that she seemed to have never truly entered Shi Feiyang's heart.

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