Gong Simeng took a step forward, bowed her head slightly, and spoke with a gentle yet slightly uneasy voice, "Brother Shi, although the Young Palace Master of our Divine Water Palace has generously pardoned my mistake, the Palace Master has always been strict. I dare not return easily, fearing I might anger the Palace Master. I humbly implore Brother Shi to have mercy and allow me to find a temporary place of refuge by your side."

Gong Simeng's words were full of humility and plea, with a hint of fear in her eyes.

Shi Feiyang sighed secretly in his heart, but maintained a calm demeanor with his usual faint smile.

He nodded gently with helplessness and replied, "Since both ladies are in such a predicament, then join me in continuing our journey."

However, deep down, he grew increasingly vigilant: these two women each have their own agendas and must have their own schemes. In the days to come, I must always be cautious and never be deceived by their appearances and fall into their trap again.

The night fell, and the moonlight poured down like mercury, the silver-white moonlight illuminating the earth as if it were day.

Lie Quan, Jin Liufu, and Xie Wen had serious expressions and grave looks as they escorted Xiang Kun, quietly heading south to Suzhou Prefecture under the cover of darkness.

The sound of horse hooves was exceptionally loud in the silent night, the initial "da-da-da" sound was so clear, as if each beat struck the heart.

Gradually, the sound of horse hooves drifted farther and finally disappeared into the boundless night, leaving only silence behind.

Shi Feiyang, Gong Simeng, and Liu Tingting remained at the "Jinhui Inn."

The early autumn evening breeze brought a hint of coolness, like gentle hands softly caressing everyone's faces, making a "whoosh-whoosh" sound.

Outside the inn, the leaves began to turn yellow, the earth painted a layer of golden yellow by nature, and occasionally a few leaves swirled lightly in the wind like golden butterflies, dancing freely in the air with a "rustle-rustle" sound.

Liu Tingting, seeing that Shi Feiyang had agreed to travel with her and Gong Simeng, cupped her hands in farewell, gracefully and elegantly returning to their respective rooms to rest.

The next morning, the sky was gently covered by a thin layer of clouds, like a veil. The sunlight penetrated through the clouds, streaming down softly, adding a warm and luminous color to the early autumn scenery.

A gentle breeze caressed, the trees along the street swayed with the wind, their leaves rubbing against each other, making a rustling sound, as if whispering secrets from last night. In the distance, the mountain ranges gradually became clear under the morning light, with distinct layers, like a slowly unfolding elegant ink painting, serene and beautiful.

On the streets of Jinan Prefecture, early risers were already starting their day. Street vendors peddled along the street, their voices rising and falling, "Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheap sale!" The fresh produce in the baskets still had morning dewdrops sparkling under the sunlight.

Shop assistants were busy sweeping the entrance, the brooms rubbing against the ground, kicking up dust that danced in the sunlight, making a "brush-brush" sound.

Occasional laughter and lively conversations injected fresh vitality and energy into the tranquil morning.

Yet, beneath this seemingly peaceful facade, the Jianghu was in reality filled with undercurrents, danger lurking at every corner.

Shi Feiyang, Liu Tingting, and Gong Simeng disguised themselves as ordinary merchants and stepped into the inn's first-floor hall for a meal.

Shi Feiyang wore plain cloth robes, with a bamboo hat pressed low, concealing his distinctive features, his movements cautious and low-key. Liu Tingting and Gong Simeng were disguised as gentle merchant family members, their steps light and elegant, but their every move couldn't entirely mask the heroic air of Jianghu folk.

As soon as they sat down, they heard some Jianghu people nearby whispering in low voices.

"This time Shi Feiyang and the Heroic Sakura Association truly accomplished a great feat, rescuing the Sect Leaders of Shandong Martial Arts sects single-handedly. Such heroic spirit is truly admirable!" a sturdy fellow gave a thumbs up, his face full of admiration, his voice loud and hearty, with the boldness of Jianghu people. "Indeed, but the Black Wind Stronghold, though leaderless and chaotic, feels strange," another sharp voice chimed in, "I've heard odd sounds, like ghostly wails, send chills down people's spines. Some even saw shadows flash by, eerily unpredictable." These discussions echoed in the hall, attracting the curious glances of others around them.

Shi Feiyang, upon hearing this, froze momentarily from calmly picking up his food, his expression suddenly turning serious and stern, with his chopsticks paused mid-air. He slightly inclined his head, maintaining a calm exterior but listening intently, his whole being as if a poised leopard, keenly capturing every vital piece of information.

He heard someone continue in a low voice, "From what I see, there must be a connection with that long-lost manual behind this matter. They say the manual contains an evil cultivation technique capable of manipulating minds. If it falls into the wrong hands, the Martial Arts world will never find peace."

The voice was deep and carried a hint of mystery, piercing through the noisy background in the hall, yet clearly entering Shi Feiyang's ears.

Shi Feiyang's expression grew increasingly heavy, like the sky before a storm, filled with dark clouds.

He calculated secretly within his heart, his brows furrowed, thoughts tangled in his mind.

If this mysterious power and the manual issue are not resolved promptly, the Martial Arts world is bound to face a catastrophic disaster. The consequences will be devastating to countless lives, the collapse of Jianghu order. As the Grand Squad Leader of Heroic Sakura Association, he bears the responsibility of maintaining peace in Martial Arts and cannot stand by idly.

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