Chapter 1165 - 307: Blood Shadows and Ringing Bells Bewitch the Ancient Road, Golden Rays Pierce the Mist to Reveal the Heroic Soul

The setting sun dyes the flying sand blood-red. Xie Wen, employing the "Feixu Qingyan Technique," arrives stepping upon clouds, his black uniform fluttering in the fierce wind.

He lightly taps the arrow tower where Shi Feiyang stands, lowers his voice, and says, "Grand Squad Leader, your divine skills are profound. Why not let that witch witness the might of the ’Hundred Victories Saber Technique’?" Saying this, his gaze turns to the poisonous miasma still boiling beyond the pass, his brows furrowing slightly.

Shi Feiyang stands, hands behind his back, the Bright Jade Technique pulsing beneath his black attire, emitting a faint golden glow in the twilight.

He gazes at the wounded heroes inside the pass, his lips curling into a meaningful smile: "Brother Xie, in the vast Jianghu, there are always stronger ones. Let the brothers first experience some trials to understand there are mountains beyond mountains, towers outside towers."

His voice is as steady as a bell, carrying the wisdom and weariness of countless battles, "Moreover, true masters would hardly be impatient." Before his words fall, Shi Feiyang taps his toe, descending into the pass like an eagle.

Each step he takes carries a unique rhythm, seeming gentle yet causing the ground to tremble slightly. The injured heroes within the pass, initially downcast, upon seeing his return, suddenly have their eyes light up with vigor.

Liao Pei of the "Long Arm Fist" struggles to stand, his arms wrapped in blood-soaked cloth, yet still insists on cupping his fists: "Grand Squad Leader! With you here, we feel assured!" His voice is hoarse but filled with trust and reliance.

Lie Quan of the "Heaven and Earth Saber" sheaths his chipped long saber and declares aloud: "Grand Squad Leader, that witch’s poison skills are strange, and the brothers have suffered indeed." His eyes show dissatisfaction, yet they are full of expectation for Shi Feiyang.

Wu Zhong of the "Iron Palm" wipes away the black blood from the corner of his mouth, speaking in a deep voice, "Had the Grand Squad Leader acted earlier, how could Yin Jiuniang have been so rampant!" His words are full of admiration for Shi Feiyang’s martial prowess.

Among the Wudang Seven, Master Yuxu adjusts his blood-stained robes, stepping forward, bowing: "With Hero Shi returning, this battle is sure to be victorious!" His voice carries the stability of the Taoist tradition, yet unable to conceal his excitement.

Leading the Shaolin Stick Monks, Master Tongzhen joins his hands, intoning a Buddhist chant: "Amitabha Buddha! Donor Shi has arrived at the perfect time, we were just hoping for your guidance." Various Incense Hall Masters, including Xiao Lingling of the "Mandarin Duck Saber," Divine Archer Miao Menlong, Shan Zhi of the "Plum Blossom Dart," and others, gather around, their eyes full of admiration and anticipation. Lu Wen Tripod of the "Celestial Sword" brings his junior sister Blood Rakshasa and disciple Ling Lanzhi, though injured, still vigorous, knowing Shi Feiyang’s arrival means a turning point. Among the crowd, Shi Ying stands quietly carrying her son Shi Nian.

Shi Nian gazes wide-eyed at his father, waving his little hands curiously.

Shi Ying watches Shi Feiyang’s figure surrounded by the crowd, her lips involuntarily lifting, eyes filled with pride and affection.

To her, her husband is like a towering mountain, always the stabilizing anchor for everyone, standing firm amidst any stormy waves.

The remnants of the sunset’s glow cast mottled shadows through the carved window grilles onto the blue stone tiles.

Shi Ying stands quietly at the edge of the crowd, carrying her young son Shi Nian, her gaze following Shi Feiyang’s figure. His black attire stained with the smoke of battle remains upright like a pine tree, every concerned word reigniting hope in the eyes of the wounded heroes.

As she watches her husband surrounded by everyone, her lips unconsciously curve into a crescent shape, her eyes gleaming with pride and undeniable love. Once Shi Feiyang has comforted Liao Pei, the Wudang Seven, and others one by one, and turns to her, Shi Ying’s heart skips a beat.

His approach through the crowd is reminiscent of their first meeting, stepping through a sea of moonlight, entering her heart.

"Tired?" Shi Feiyang’s deep voice carries a unique warmth, his arm encircles her waist, the other gently supporting Shi Nian’s chubby little bottom. The young one giggles, reaching for his father’s collar, drool wetting the dark fabric.

Shi Ying leans against Shi Feiyang’s embrace, feeling the familiar warmth, her fatigue instantly dissipating. "You looked so gallant just now, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest." She looks up at Shi Feiyang, her gaze full of admiration, "With you here, no problem is too big."

Shi Feiyang lowers his head, kissing her hair, smelling the faint mix of medicinal fragrance and feminine sweetness: "Silly words. You guarding the pass and caring for Nian’Er helps me hold the rear." He leads her towards the inner chamber, his steps steady and powerful.

Entering the room, Shi Feiyang gently places Shi Nian on a soft fur mat. The child immediately crawls around using both hands and feet, babbling "Papa" "Mama." Shi Ying squats down, unbuttons her son’s small clothes, revealing a rounded belly: "Look at this little tummy, surely he’s starving."

She lifts her gaze to Shi Feiyang, eyes trailing with a smile, "You’ve had a tiring day too, quickly rest, I’ll prepare something for you both to eat."

Shi Feiyang instead pulls her wrist, enveloping her in his arms: "Rest for a moment, with you here, I don’t think of anything else."

His chin rests atop her head, listening to her hurried heartbeat, "In these days away, my dreams were of you and Nian’Er."

Shi Ying’s cheeks blush, like a blooming peach blossom, her arms encircle his waist: "You always know how to make me happy." She pauses, her voice soft yet firm, "Yet I truly wish, you wouldn’t take risks anymore. If anything happened to you, Nian’Er and I..." saying this, her eyes begin to well with tears.

Shi Feiyang cups her face, gently wiping away the traces of tears with his thumb: "It won’t happen. I promised you, I’d watch Nian’Er grow up, accompany you to see all the sights of Jiangnan and the Northern Border." Lowering his head, he kisses the tears from her eyes, carrying tenderness and promises, "No matter the storms, I’ll guard you both completely."