Previously, they had been tracking them all the way. Xie Wen had been observing the battle from above, witnessing firsthand the mystical blade techniques of Shi Feiyang, the enduring prowess of Iron Palm Wu Zhong, and seeing that although Xiao Lingling had become a mother, her beauty had not diminished, while Scholar Xiang Kun displayed extraordinary wisdom in the intense battle, and Gong Simeng was as beautiful as a celestial immortal.

At this moment, Xie Wen, Gongsun Ren, and Jin Liufu floated down and landed, cupping their fists and paying respects by kneeling before Shi Feiyang, and in unison said, "I, Xie Wen, I, Gongsun Ren, I, Jin Liufu, pledge ourselves under the command of Grand Squad Leader Shi and am willing to serve henceforth as foot soldiers."

Although Shi Feiyang was not old, he was quite composed and did not know who Xie Wen and the others were, so he remained silent, pondering.

Wu Zhong cupped his hands, bowed, and said, "Grand Squad Leader, Xie Wen, Gongsun Ren, Jin Liufu, these three young heroes grew up by the shores of Taihu Lake and have known me since childhood. Later, when I got married, the three of them even came to join the feast." Haha! Everyone burst into laughter.

Shi Feiyang immediately helped Xie Wen, Gongsun Ren, and Jin Liufu to their feet, stepped back two paces, and respectfully cupped his fists, solemnly saying, "I sincerely welcome you three heroes into our association. Brother Xie Wen can be Vice Hall Master of the Scout Hall, Brother Gongsun Ren can be Vice Hall Master of the Military Supplies Hall, and Brother Jin Liufu can be Vice Hall Master of the Vanguard Hall." After speaking, he introduced Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Gong Simeng, and Xiang Kun to Xie Wen, Gongsun Ren, and Jin Liufu, along with their positions and the martial arts sects they belonged to.

Heroes from all sides exchanged greetings with cupped fists, creating a cordial atmosphere, and everyone was very pleased.

Immediately after, Gong Simeng issued an order for the maids and samurai of Cyan Simurgh Palace to swiftly begin preparations for a grand and luxurious banquet. At this time, the sun was setting in the west, painting the sky a brilliant red, and the afterglow cast a golden veil over the architecture of Cyan Simurgh Palace. The gentle breeze carried a floral fragrance, adding joy and warmth to this gathering.

Xiao Lingling quietly approached Shi Feiyang and whispered, "Gong Simeng is much better at dealing with people than Liu Guihua."

Shi Feiyang smiled silently, and Xiao Lingling, fearing she might irritate Shi Feiyang, refrained from speaking further and went off to supervise the chefs of Cyan Simurgh Palace in preparing the dishes. Through this banquet, Gong Simeng warmly welcomed the new additions of "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen, "Little Centipede" Gongsun Ren, and "Water Dragon" Jin Liufu.

During the banquet, Gong Simeng, relying on her deep understanding and keen insight into the Divine Water Palace, meticulously analyzed the personality and methods of Divine Water Palace Master Liu Yanran, stating that Liu Yanran would never easily give up the important strategic stronghold of Cyan Simurgh Palace and would surely take action to reclaim the lost ground. Gong Simeng reminded everyone to remain vigilant at all times and to strengthen Cyan Simurgh Palace's defenses to ensure foolproof security.

Upon hearing Gong Simeng's words, Xie Wen suddenly stood up, cupped his fists, and said, "Thanks to the people of Jianghu bestowing the nickname 'Flying Eagle Detective' upon me, I shall now go and scout the movements of the Divine Water Palace."

Shi Feiyang gently nodded, approving of Xie Wen's actions. He knew well that Xie Wen's keen acumen and extraordinary skills would surely uncover critical intelligence from the Divine Water Palace, providing crucial grounds for subsequent strategies.

Receiving the order, Xie Wen's body moved like a swift wind, disappearing from everyone's sight in an instant, leaving only a fleeting shadow, as if he had never been there. His silhouette flashed under the moonlight, his movements light and swift, akin to a ghost in the night, silently rushing toward the Divine Water Palace.

Gong Simeng also stood up, her expression solemn, and methodically spoke to Gongsun Ren and Jin Liufu, "Brother Gongsun, Brother Jin, the situation is tense now. You two are responsible for strengthening the patrols at Cyan Simurgh Palace and ensuring its safety without fail. No slight anomaly should be overlooked; we must not give the enemy any chance to exploit. I and Brother Shi will station ourselves at central command, ready to respond to any sudden situations at any time."

Her voice was crisp and firm, exuding an undeniable authority.

Gongsun Ren and Jin Liufu responded in unison, their voices loud and strong, each taking their order. Their figures quickly blended into the night, their steps steady and determined, bearing the responsibility and mission of their tasks as they began intense patrols and vigilance.

Shi Feiyang gazed at Gong Simeng, a hint of admiration in his eyes, and sincerely said, "Sister, not only are you meticulous, but also decisive in action. Every decision of yours hits the mark perfectly. You truly are a woman who does not yield to men. Having your support is indeed the good fortune of Heroic Sakura Association."

Gong Simeng smiled slightly, her smile full of humility and gentleness, and replied, "You overpraise me, big brother. I am just doing my best to contribute a small part to Cyan Simurgh Palace and Heroic Sakura Association. Given the current severe situation, we can only overcome challenges through united efforts."

By now, it was late at night, and silence enveloped Cyan Simurgh Palace. The misty moonlight blanketed the earth like a light veil, wrapping the entire palace in a silvery glow. A gentle breeze rustled the trees on Cyan Simurgh Peak, their shadows swaying. Only the patrolling disciples walked back and forth, their footsteps distinctly audible in the quiet night, guarding this tranquil land and protecting the peace of Cyan Simurgh Palace.

The stars dotted the sky, as if the world was cloaked in a veil of mystery. On Cyan Simurgh Peak, the breeze brought wisps of coolness, gently caressing every leaf, each whispering softly, recounting the extraordinary nature of this night.

Amidst this seemingly peaceful night, an unknown undercurrent was quietly surging, with lurking dangers.

At this moment, Shi Feiyang stood at a high point in Cyan Simurgh Palace, moonlight bathing his resolute face, outlining his profound features.

His gaze was like a torch, staring into the distance, seemingly penetrating the darkness to observe every move of the enemy.

His eyes revealed contemplation and determination, as if deeply pondering an important decision, thinking about how to lead everyone through this crisis, and how to secure a broader development space for the Heroic Sakura Association.

Gong Simeng moved between various posts, her figure appearing particularly lively under the moonlight. She meticulously inspected the defense layout, missing no detail, ensuring every spot was tightly secured with no gaps. She occasionally stopped to observe or engaged in low discussions with patrolling disciples, her eyes exuding focus and rigor, overlooking no potential hazard.

Meanwhile, Xie Wen had quietly infiltrated the territory of Divine Water Palace. Relying on his sharp instinct and remarkable skills, he maneuvered freely in the night. His figure was as light as a ghost, skillfully avoiding the patrols of the Divine Water Palace, advancing toward its core. Every step cautious yet confident, as if the darkness were his closest ally providing the best cover.

Wu Zhong and Xiao Lingling led a team of samurai, patrolling the periphery of Cyan Simurgh Palace. Their appearances in the night were fleeting, their steps steady and vigilant. Wu Zhong's eyes were like a hawk, always attentive to the surroundings, while Xiao Lingling wielded dual blades, ready to handle any sudden situation at any time.

The samurai under their lead cooperated closely, forming a solid line of defense, safeguarding the safety of the periphery of Cyan Simurgh Palace.

Gongsun Ren and Jin Liufu also led their respective teams of samurai, ensuring the internal security of Cyan Simurgh Palace. They shuttled through every corner of the palace, carefully checking each room and passageway, leaving no corner unchecked.

Their eyes were firm, filled with a sense of responsibility, vowing to protect every inch of Cyan Simurgh Palace.

Shi Feiyang, Gong Simeng, and Xiang Kun then went to rest, planning to later rotate in leading their men to patrol the defense system of Cyan Simurgh Palace.

Returning to his room, Shi Feiyang lay flat on his bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in deep thought. He was pondering how to deal with Liu Yanran and how to rescue Wu Wei.

If he gave up on Wu Wei, Shi Feiyang would lose nothing, but if he successfully rescued Wu Wei, he would gain high praise in the Liaodong Martial Arts, hailed as a person of loyalty and righteousness, which would aid in the growth and expansion of the Heroic Sakura Association by attracting more righteous martial artists.

However, rescuing Wu Wei was no easy task. Liu Yanran was highly skilled, deeply strategic, and her subordinates were also filled with masters.

Shi Feiyang knew well that any misstep in action could result not only in failing to rescue Wu Wei but might also put himself in danger. His brows furrowed as his mind weighed the pros and cons, contemplating every possible scenario and response strategy.

No matter how difficult, he had to find a way to rescue Wu Wei and win reputation for the Heroic Sakura Association.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.