King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 963: Chapter 268: Salt Road’s Reeking Wind: Shadows of Heroes Against Mad Fiends, Strange Skills Break Cunning Blade (Part 2)

His hair was neat and tidy, gently waving in the wind, resembling an immortal, detached from worldly concerns, exuding elegance and composure in every gesture.

Guo Xiangyu grew increasingly curious and couldn’t help but ask, "Sir, this fierce wind cuts like a blade, we are blown about, struggling awkwardly, yet you sit steadily on your horse, unaffected, your hair untouched by the wind. Does this cold wind have no power over you? What’s the reason, I hope you can enlighten me." Her voice trembled slightly, mixing curiosity about Shi Feiyang with unease in this harsh environment.

Shi Feiyang’s lips curled slightly, revealing a faint smile, like a warm spring sun, instantly dispelling the chill in Guo Xiangyu’s heart, warming her inside.

He gazed into the distance, his eyes deep and penetrating as if they could slice through the howling wind and see far beyond.

He replied indirectly, speaking slowly, "Ahead lies Mingjian Manor. I imagine Dugu Yan has yet to return. We should disguise ourselves as ordinary travelers and head to Mingjian Manor to briefly escape this fierce wind. We can find some food and rest well. Wandering Jianghu is like rowing upstream; pauses are needed to gather strength for better progress. But this venture requires extreme caution. Though Mingjian Manor is not a pit of dragons and tigers, it hides mysteries, and should not be underestimated."

His voice was steady and powerful, filled with wisdom and composure, yet it subtly hinted at the caution needed for the impending situation.

Upon hearing this, Guo Xiangyu chuckled, her eyes glinting with cunning, like a nimble little fox.

She lightly opened her lips and said, "Sir, you killed Dugu Yan’s five sons and left him in a miserable state. Now you dare to go to Mingjian Manor? Aren’t you afraid Dugu Yan’s swordsmen and manor guards will recognize you? If your identity is discovered, they might tear you apart, smash you to pieces. This is no joke, sir you must think over carefully!"

As she spoke, she nervously gripped the reins, her knuckles turning white from force, her eyes full of deep concern for Shi Feiyang’s safety, as if her gaze could tightly protect him.

Shi Xiong, hearing this, quickly spurred his horse forward, his stance agile like a galloping steed, carrying an unstoppable momentum.

His expression was bold as he loudly responded for Shi Feiyang, "Even if we fail in our disguise and they recognize us, so what? In this vast Jianghu, who can rival my young master? My young master’s divine skill is unparalleled, shaking the Martial Arts world, his every move can change the weather. Why fear these nobodies! In front of my young master, they are nothing but clay chickens and dogs, easily defeated! Since my young master has decided, he surely has a perfect plan. We only need to follow him unwaveringly, what fear is there!"

Having said that, he suddenly drew out the White Rainbow Treasure Sword from his waist, the blade flashing coldly in the fierce wind.

He swung it twice, the sword wind howling, splitting the piercing gale apart, showcasing his boldness and fearlessness, yet also carrying a sense of resolute determination, as if declaring to the world they absolutely do not fear any challenge.

Everyone burst into hearty laughter, the sound loud and bold, echoing in the fierce wind, seemingly to disperse the chilling breeze.

Then, they swung their whips, the whips carving graceful arcs in the air before landing heavily, spurring the horses down the diverging path towards Mingjian Manor. However, unbeknownst to them, they had unwittingly entered the Salt Road.

This Salt Road is an important passage for Ningxia’s tribes to acquire salt, bustling with traders passing frequently.

On the wide road, hoofbeats, wheel sounds, and traders’ calls intertwined, forming a bustling market scene. The calls are like a vibrant melody, playing upon this Salt Road.

But now, as Shi Feiyang and the others reached the middle of the Salt Road, they encountered the blockade of Hake Tribe mighty warriors: Li Yuanbo, Li Yebu, Li Shenbo, Li Zhibo, and a group of soldiers fierce like wolves and tigers.

Hake Tribe soldiers set up multiple barriers on the Salt Road, banners fluttering, the flags snapping in the fierce wind like sinister ghost faces, exuding an endless sense of gloom and horror.

Soldiers holding weapons, their eyes gleaming coldly, stared menacingly at passing travelers and caravans, their gaze filled with greed and viciousness, like hungry wolves ready to pounce on prey and tear it apart.

They imposed exorbitant taxes on passing caravans, and if refused, they resorted to violence, often robbing goods, their conduct extremely vile.

The people of the caravans, though angry, dared not speak out, silently enduring, causing the once bustling Salt Road to be shrouded in a terrifying shadow, its former lively and vibrant atmosphere gone, replaced by oppression and fear.

At this moment, an escort vehicle was steadily stopping at a barrier, the big flag atop the vehicle flapped violently in the wind, embroidered with the conspicuous characters "Changwei", hailing from the distant Central Plains’ Changwei Escort Agency.

Chief of the Escort Changwei, though over fifty years old, remained vigorous and spirited, standing tall like a weathered pine tree, unyielding against the storm.

He donned a gray outfit, its creases crisscrossing like a blank history book, silently recounting his legendary tales of wandering Jianghu, braving countless hardships over the years.