Yili also wasn't idle. She took a deep breath and, with Shi Feiyang backing her, her arrogant nature reemerged. Her slender foot touched the ground lightly, her figure like a drifting cloud, swiftly charging towards Zhao Hu, raising fallen leaves in her wake, swirling through the air.

Her long sword traced a graceful arc in the air, carrying fierce sword qi as it stabbed towards Zhao Hu.

Zhao Hu stared wide-eyed in terror, wanting to dodge but hindered by his injuries. All they heard was a "puff," as the long sword pierced straight into Zhao Hu's chest. Zhao Hu let out another agonized scream before collapsing to the ground, his eyes rolling back, and he died a tragic death.

Yili sheathed her sword and gazed at Shi Feiyang, her heart filled with awe and admiration. She recalled causing trouble during Shi Feiyang's housewarming, yet Shi Feiyang not only didn't blame her but secretly protected her, this tolerance and kindness making her feel deeply remorseful.

At that moment, in her eyes, Shi Feiyang was not only unsurpassed in martial arts but also a magnanimous leader of a great association. He often helped those in distress, frequently rescuing people oppressed by evil forces, and held high prestige in Jianghu. He valued brotherhood and righteousness and showed no mercy towards enemies, yet he was compassionate, never killing the innocent, possessing an extraordinary demeanor, both respectable and admirable.

Shi Feiyang walked to Yili's side, and with concern, asked: "Are you alright?"

His eyes were filled with anxiety and concern, his voice gentle, making people feel his kindness from the heart.

Yili's eyes slightly reddened, her heart stirred with complex emotions, including gratitude, guilt, and a hint of an indescribable feeling. She clasped her fists and bowed to Shi Feiyang in thanks, her voice slightly choked with emotion: "Thank you, Hero Shi, for saving my life. I have no way to repay you."

Shi Feiyang smiled and waved his hand, saying: "No need for thanks, it's only right to draw a blade to aid when seeing injustice. Besides, in this Jianghu we should support each other."

His words were sincere and warm, showcasing his chivalrous spirit and sense of responsibility towards Jianghu.

Yili looked at Shi Feiyang, feeling a mix of emotions, never expecting to have such complex feelings towards anyone. She nodded slightly towards Shi Feiyang and turned to leave. Shi Feiyang watched Yili depart, his eyes filled with concern and reluctance, feeling that Yili was very much like the Sunflower Saintess, so beautiful!

He watched Yili's departing figure, a ripple stirring in his heart.

Yili rode along the edge of Taihu Lake, her thoughts drifting.

She recalled the thrilling moment just now, her heart still lingering with fear, but mostly she felt gratitude and admiration for Shi Feiyang.

She thought of Shi Feiyang's heroic figure in slaying bandits, that powerful presence and superb martial arts stirring her emotions.

At the Heroic Sakura Association's headquarter at Taihu Lake, ship after ship sped towards the shore like arrows flying from a bowstring, their hulls slicing through the lake, stirring up layers of snow-white waves. Jin Liufu was the first to leap off the boat, landing steadily on the shore, quickly running to Shi Feiyang, looking him up and down with a face full of worry and said: "Brother Shi, you are safe at last! Just heard about your great display of prowess at the housewarming banquet, you had us worried sick!" Xiang Kun followed closely, urgently asked: "Yes, Brother Shi, are you hurt?"

Shi Feiyang wore a gentle smile on his face, waving his hand.

Suddenly, a hint of concern flashed in Shi Feiyang's eyes, he slowly said: "Thank you, brothers, for your care. I'm alright. It's just, I recalled recently passing a village, after the warfare, the whole place was devastated, surrounded by cries of sorrow amid broken walls and remnants. The elders held their dead children weeping bitterly, the women resignedly kneeled praying to the burned houses. They should have been diligently working in the fields and enjoying family time under the eaves, but now their homes were destroyed, and they were displaced. Those scenes are etched like a brand on my heart, unable to fade."

He paused slightly, his gaze firmly fixed in the distance, continuing: "Currently, the Imperial Court is quelling the rebellion in Ningxia, the situation is tough, countless civilians are caught in warfare, struggling for food and clothes. Their cries seem to echo in my ears. Our Heroic Sakura Association is now formidable with a certain level of power, if we can help relieve the court's burden and ease the people's difficulties, it would be our supreme glory.

Even if the Imperial Jinyi Guard may sooner or later come to sieze us, we are without remorse. Let's build goodwill ahead, donating money and supplies to the officials suppressing the Ningxia rebellion, supporting the court's forces in suppressing the rebellion, this is not only for the court but for all the world's people. Although we are Jianghu ruffians, we share the same sky and earth, how can we just ignore people's suffering?"

Liao Pei stroked his beard and nodded approvingly: "Brother Shi's idea is farsighted! We who live in Jianghu, though dwell among grass and trees, should also keep the nation in mind." Everyone echoed in agreement with Shi Feiyang's proposal.

Shi Feiyang smiled humbly and then performed the "Flying Without Leaving a Trace" supreme lightness technique, his figure like a swan spreading its wings, rising into the air, his robes fluttering like a light and airy cloud, drifting back to the vast Shi Mansion in the city.

By then, it was late at night, the servants in the mansion were still busy, skillfully tidying up pots, bowls, pans, and ladles, carefully washing dishes and cutlery, earnestly cleaning.

Today, Shi Feiyang hosted a housewarming banquet with three hundred tables of guests, enough to tire these servants out. Their figures seemed especially busy yet orderly under the moonlight. After returning to the mansion, Shi Feiyang walked briskly through pavilions and towers, along a winding path leading to the main house, blending the gracefulness of Jiangnan Water Village with grandeur.

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