Chapter 974: Chapter 270: The Hypocritical Young Master Covets Jade Beauty, Chivalrous Maiden Entrapped by Perilous Love
Due to the long journey during the day, everyone felt exhausted and retired early.
At this time, in the midst of a howling wind and swirling snow, the brave heroes awoke from their dreams.
Xie Wen was dressed in tight-fitting black clothing, which seemed to absorb the endless night, blending perfectly with the surrounding darkness, making it indistinguishable. His stance was agile, like a leopard stealthily moving in the night, light and nimble, quietly approaching Shi Feiyang’s room.
He lightly raised his right hand, his fingers long and flexible, gently tapping on the door as if they were green onions.
The tapping sound was extremely faint amidst the howling wind, yet it carried an urgency, like the rapid beat of a drum, striking at one’s heart. Once Shi Feiyang opened the door, Xie Wen immediately bowed, his posture low like a resilient grass bent by the storm, humble yet determined. He whispered, "Grand Squad Leader, I have something to report. The Hake Tribe has set up numerous blockades on the Salt Road, wantonly collecting exorbitant salt taxes. Their actions are truly suspicious, and there might be hidden motives. I am willing to take Shi Xiong with me to investigate what conspiracy lies behind this. What does the Grand Squad Leader think of this?"
His voice was deep and steady, like distant thunder in the silent night, carrying an undeniable determination.
Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his gaze profound like a deep, bottomless pool, flashing with the brilliance of wisdom, akin to the brightest star in the night sky.
He spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, in a low tone, "This matter is of great importance. The Salt Road is essential for people’s livelihood, affecting the sustenance of countless commoners. If there indeed are hidden motives, it will inevitably have far-reaching impacts, a single move affecting the whole system. You two must proceed with utmost caution, making sure not to alert the enemy. The Hake Tribe acts strangely and must be wary. Oh, right, let Guo Xiangyu, Miss Guo, accompany you two. Miss Guo has a tragic past, has endured many hardships, and her desire for revenge is unwavering. She is intelligent, clever, attentive to the most minute details, gentle and considerate, yet values loyalty and righteousness. Her martial arts are formidable, honed over a long time in the Jianghu, brave and fearless. Her presence will add support and increase the chances of success. Report back immediately upon any discovery without error, remember this strictly." Saying that, he instructed Shi Xiong to quietly awaken Guo Xiangyu.
When Guo Xiangyu arrived at Shi Feiyang’s room, he looked at her, his gaze carrying expectations and concern, like the warm sun in spring, comforting yet with a hint of worry.
He softly said to her, "Xiangyu, you should also go with Xie Wen to gain some experience. The Jianghu is complicated and ever-changing, crisis-ridden, like a forest of thorns, where a slight misstep could lead to endless abyss. Be very careful on this trip, don’t act recklessly, prioritize safety above everything else. You are exceptionally smart and will surely gain much insight from this mission."
In Guo Xiangyu’s eyes, there flashed a hint of excitement and anticipation, like a meteor streaking across the night sky, bright and brilliant, briefly illuminating the dim room. She immediately responded, "Yes, Young Master, Xiangyu will not let you down. Xiangyu will be careful and cautious, and give her all to complete the mission. If there are any mishaps, Xiangyu is willing to accept punishment."
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a clear mountain spring flowing, filled with firm belief and determination.

Xie Wen, together with Shi Xiong and Guo Xiangyu, took advantage of the deep cover of night, their figures like three agile black shadows, silently flashing out of Mingjian Manor. They traversed through the darkness, their footsteps so light they were like phantoms of the night, merging completely with the blackness.
Along the way, the cold wind cut like a knife against their faces, the icy sensation seemingly tearing their skin; the snowflakes were wantonly pelting against them, yet like ants trying to shake a tree, doing nothing to hinder their resolute forward steps.
Xie Wen, Shi Xiong, and Guo Xiangyu moved through the howling wind of the deep night, resembling three leopards lurking in the depths of darkness, waiting for the moment to pounce, stealthily making their way towards the Hake Tribe’s camp.
They all wore masks, clad in entirely black night clothing as dark as ink, even replacing their usual weapons and hidden weapons, considering every detail meticulously to avoid revealing their identities.
The wind howled all around, like the cries of ghosts and wolves, the sound shrill and terrifying, blowing the snow on the ground into a swirling dance, the snow mist adding a layer of mystery and daunting obstacle to their mission.
Upon nearing the Hake Tribe’s camp, they saw the bonfire blazing fiercely within the camp, the flames soaring high, illuminating the entire camp as if it were daylight.
The tents stood densely packed, like a black forest swaying in the cold wind, exuding a strange aura.
Xie Wen frowned, his brows like two tightly locked mountain peaks, speaking in a low voice, "This camp is heavily guarded. It seems the Hake Tribe really has something to hide. We have to be extremely careful. A slight mistake could lead us to an endless abyss."
His voice was deep and calm, yet it carried a reassuring steadiness amidst the cold wind.
Shi Xiong clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, his eyes glowing with determination as solid as iron, speaking solemnly, "What is there to fear? Even if it’s a dragon’s pond or a tiger’s den, we shall venture in. We are not those who fear death!"
Perhaps due to following his master Shi Feiyang for a long time, despite his young age, his words were full of boldness and fearlessness.
Guo Xiangyu’s beautiful eyes glowed, her gaze like starlight in the night sky, speaking softly, "Hero Xie, Xiaoxiongzi, we must not act recklessly. Our main purpose here is to gather information, not to expose ourselves easily. Rash actions not only jeopardize the mission but also put our own lives at risk." Her voice was gentle yet filled with wisdom, like a breeze in the tense atmosphere, slightly calming the nerves.


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