Wuxia: Become the 100-Victory Sword King at the Beginning

Chapter 59: Love and Jealousy in the Martial Arts World

Although the martial artists had objections to Shi Feiyang's decision, no one dared to challenge Liu Yanran and her daughter.

Currently, no one other than Shi Feiyang could rival her. The poison of the Kunqian Holy Water of the Divine Water Palace was renowned, and no one dared to provoke Liu Yanran lightly. Confronting her head-on was unwise.

The atmosphere at the scene was heavy and oppressive. Everyone's eyes revealed reluctance and helplessness, yet they had to admit that Shi Feiyang's words were true. Seeing that no one objected, Shi Feiyang let Liao Pei go.

Liao Pei collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, each breath accompanied by a heavy tremor, and punctuated by violent coughing. His face was as pale as paper, and beads of sweat covered his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and dripping onto the dusty ground.

Facing the numerous questioning gazes, Shi Feiyang's expression was solemn, and his voice was steady and powerful as he announced: "My fellow heroes, I have arbitrarily decided to release the Liu family mother and daughter and their subordinates. This move may cause doubts in your hearts. Frankly speaking, I am also unable to resist the hidden weapons of Liu Yanran, the Palace Master of Shenshui Palace. If the war breaks out again, I am afraid that all the heroes present here will die outside Changsheng Fort tonight. Before this, there were more than 1,300 people in Changsheng Fort, but after this battle, only more than 100 people are left. Since Shi I believe I can't handle Liu Yanran's dripping hidden weapon, so how can you handle it? As the saying goes, a gentleman's revenge is never too late. Now that Changsheng Fort has been reduced to ashes, you heroes should find another place to settle down. Shi will also return to Jiangnan. In the future, if you find yourself in favor of Shi, you are welcome to visit Jiangnan. My residence is in Suzhou Prefecture. Now, heroes who are about to leave, please go to Xiao Lingling, the head of our military supply hall, to collect ten taels of silver for travel expenses. Please."

His words were so powerful that they echoed over the ruins and struck everyone's heart.

"Thank you, Chief Shi!"

"Thank you, Master Shi!"

"Thank you to the warriors of the Xiongying Society!"

Upon hearing this, the remaining hundred or so martial artists clasped their fists in greeting, bowed to Shi Feiyang, Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, and the others, and then collected their money and food before dispersing. Their figures weaved through the ruins and gradually disappeared into the distance.

Liao Pei and Xiang Kun turned back halfway, with a determined light in their eyes, and asked to join the Xiongying Society.

Shi Feiyang was filled with joy and his eyes sparkled. He immediately invited Liao Pei to be the law enforcement elder of the Xiongying Society, and promoted Wu Zhong to be the elder of the Xiongying Society and the head of the Vanguard Hall, appointed Xiang Kun as the head of the Spy Hall, and Gong Simeng as the head of the Xuanwu Hall, and instructed the disciples of the Xiongying Society to properly bury the deceased, cut down trees, assemble carriages, and place the injured in the carriages.

Everyone acted quickly. For a moment, the sounds of axes chopping trees and the busy footsteps of disciples intertwined together, playing a melody of rebirth on the ruins.

When Gong Simeng heard the decision announced by Shi Feiyang, she felt mixed emotions.

She looked at Shi Feiyang's firm and steady profile, and love surged in her heart like a tide. Every decision and every word of Shi Feiyang fascinated her deeply, and she felt that he was so wise and reliable.

But when Gong Simeng thought about Shi Feiyang letting Liu Tingting go again, her heart felt like it was being pricked by needles again.

The past stories between Liu Tingting and Shi Feiyang were like a thorn, piercing her soft heart and causing her dull pain.

At this moment, Gong Simeng slowly moved to Shi Feiyang's side, with a hint of temptation in her eyes, and whispered: "Brother, my spirit monkey is still with Liu Yanran." She wanted to test Shi Feiyang's thoughts through this small matter, and at the same time, she also hoped that Shi Feiyang would care more about her and fight Liu Yanran for her to take back the spirit monkey.

Shi Feiyang smiled and said calmly, "Don't worry, Liu Yanran will definitely return it."

Gong Simeng's face was filled with surprise, and her eyes were full of confusion. She asked, "What do you mean?"

Shi Feiyang explained, "Do you think Liu Yanran is pursuing me relentlessly just to defeat me? Not at all! Snow Eagle Fort's remaining forces, including Wu Chi, will undoubtedly flee to Shenshui Palace and falsely accuse me of stealing Snow Eagle Fort's treasures and martial arts manuals. They'll also claim to be Master Yuan Chi's prized student, coveting his three renowned martial arts skills—the Tathagata Palm, the Divine Dragon Claw, and the Yi Jin Internal Qi Manual. In short, Wu Chi will fabricate all sorts of lies to Liu Yanran, including claims that I possess the Tianji Diagram. Therefore, Liu Yanran will never let me go easily. Therefore, we have a chance to reclaim your adorable little monkey. Our return to Jiangnan isn't a true return, but rather a way to negotiate with Shenshui Palace. Since our Xiongying Society can annex Snow Eagle Fort, we can naturally annex Shenshui Palace as well."

His voice was deep and powerful, each word radiating confidence and strategy. Gong Simeng's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, but she ignored the potential risks, her only thought focused on retrieving the adorable little monkey. After a brief moment of joy and excitement, she immediately set about rescuing the injured.

She was still a little concerned about Shi Feiyang's repeated mentions of Liu Tingting's past, but she kept convincing herself that Shi Feiyang did all this for the overall situation, for the Xiongying Society, and for a stable life with her in the future.

Xiao Lingling listened quietly and deduced Shi Feiyang's intention, then directed some disciples to set up tents and set up camp.

Shi Feiyang then went into the first tent that was built to rest.

The next morning, the rising sun shone through the gaps in the forest, casting its golden light across every inch of the ruins of Changsheng Fort, bringing warmth and tranquility. The hustle and bustle of the previous night seemed to dissipate as the night faded, leaving only a blanket of fatigue and unfinished tasks.

Atop the ruins, disciples of the Yuzakura Society sat or lay, their faces showing traces of last night's tension and today's relief. They cuddled together, savoring this rare moment of tranquility. The sound of birdsong gradually rose in the distance, breathing life and energy into the ruins.

Shi Feiyang awoke from his sleep and ordered the others to retreat, while he continued his patrol alone through the vast ruins. His figure moved through the rubble, his steps firm and steady. He occasionally lifted the curtain of Lin Wanqing's tent to check on her injuries. Gong Simeng had also risen early and followed Shi Feiyang, following him and keeping a close eye on him.

Every time he lifted the curtain, Shi Feiyang's movements were gentle and cautious, his eyes full of concern.

Gong Simeng's heart sank as she watched this scene, as if gripped by an icy hand, and her breathing quickened. She had always firmly believed that Shi Feiyang had special feelings for her, and the hardships they had endured together were enough to make this relationship as solid as a rock. But at this moment, Shi Feiyang's meticulous care for Lin Wanqing was like a sharp dagger, piercing her heart and shattering her confidence and determination.

Gong Simeng's mind uncontrollably flashed with the image of Lin Wanqing's frail self, the image of her being cherished so much by Shi Feiyang, which made her jealous. She frantically questioned herself in her heart, what exactly was it that made her inferior to Lin Wanqing?
Why was Shi Feiyang's gaze always drawn to her? She wanted to rush forward, pull Shi Feiyang away, and question whether he had her in his heart, but her feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, unable to move an inch.

She was afraid. Afraid that if she acted impulsively, she would lose Shi Feiyang completely. Afraid that Shi Feiyang would dislike her and completely erase her from his world. Her hands clenched unconsciously, her nails digging deep into her palms. The sharp pain was far less than the pain she felt inside. Her eyes were fixed on Shi Feiyang and Lin Wanqing's tent, a mixture of jealousy, fear, and helplessness. Her lips trembled slightly, but no sound came out.

She kept comforting herself in her heart, saying that Shi Feiyang only cared about Lin Wanqing out of morality and kindness, and that there was no special relationship between them. But this self-consolation seemed so pale and powerless in the face of facts. She couldn't convince herself at all, and the feeling of worrying about gains and losses made her almost collapse.

At dusk, thousands of people woke up and began to light fires to cook dinner. The smoke from the cooking stoves rose up and filled the air above the ruins, adding a touch of human life to this desolate place.

After dinner, Shi Feiyang came to visit Lin Wanqing again. He moved gently, fearing to disturb her rest.

Gong Simeng finally couldn't contain her inner uneasiness anymore, so she cautiously followed behind, her footsteps as light as a whisper, afraid to make even the slightest sound. Shi Feiyang stood outside Lin Wanqing's tent. Through the slightly opened curtain, he saw Lin Wanqing reclining, holding a book in her hands, immersed in reading. The soft light reflected on her face, highlighting her gentle and graceful temperament.

Shi Feiyang asked in a low and concerned voice: "Wanqing, are you feeling better?"

Lin Wanqing raised her head, smiled slightly, and replied: "Fei Yang, you are here. I'm fine, thank you for your concern. The Qiankun Holy Water from the Shenshui Palace is really a panacea, and the effect is remarkable." Her smile was as bright as a spring flower, and her eyes were full of gratitude.

Gong Simeng hid outside the tent. Every word that came from inside was like a heavy hammer, hammering down on her heart. Her breathing became increasingly rapid, her chest heaving violently. She hugged herself tightly, as if this could ward off the cold and pain within her. Her eyes gradually became moist, and the love and jealousy in her heart collided violently, making her feel extremely tormented.

Gong Simeng thought over and over again in her heart, why Shi Feiyang could be so gentle and considerate to Lin Wanqing?
For Shi Feiyang, she betrayed Shenshui Palace and gave up everything, but he seemed unable to see her own efforts.

She longed for Shi Feiyang to care for her as much as he cared for Lin Wanqing, to cherish her dearly. Yet, she feared this longing would become an unrealistic wish, that Shi Feiyang would eventually leave her and throw himself into Lin Wanqing's arms. This conflicting feeling left her in agony, and she didn't know what to do. She could only silently endure everything in this endless pain and struggle.

(End of this chapter)