King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 479: Chapter 172: Flying Tiger Pass on a Cold Night: Gong Simeng’s Glory and Qi Meizhen’s Loneliness

On this bone-chilling winter night, Flying Tiger Pass resembled a breathtaking masterpiece crafted by nature itself, with a majestic fortress standing silently amidst the vast expanse of the world.

All around, there was only pure white snow, covering the entire world with a garment of purity and sanctity.

The furious wind seemed like a devil driven to the extreme, carrying endless rage and madness, howling wildly as it swept past.

It ruthlessly lifted the piled snow high into the air, causing the snowflakes to dance wildly in the sky, weaving a heart-stirring snow dance.

Both heaven and earth were drawn into this frenzy of revelry.

The snowflakes spun and whirled in the air, as if engaged in a grand and exquisite party.

They chased and played with each other, decorating the entire world like a dreamy illusion.

On the towering walls of the fortress, flags fluttered valiantly in the piercing cold wind, making crisp ”pah pah” sounds.

These flags seemed to come alive, spreading their figures in the wind, as if cheering for the coming new year, exuding vibrant vitality and passionate enthusiasm, adding a touch of warmth to the cold snow night.

On the tower, the heroes and disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association gathered densely together.

Each of them craned their necks, gazing eagerly into the distance, with their eyes glimmering with infinite longing for the future.

Their light was like dazzling stars in the night sky, also brimming with uncontainable joy, their lips unconsciously curling into smiles. ”No need! We’ve arrived! Hahaha!” a loud and hearty laugh cut through the howling cold wind like a sharp long sword, shattering the silence of the night.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see the elders, ”Long Arm Fist” Liao Pei and ”Heaven and Earth Saber” Lie Quan, walking at the forefront with great majesty, followed by ”Mandarin Duck Saber” Xiao Lingling, ”Plump Barrel” Lu Dechu, and ”Bamboo Pole” Jiang Huotian, carefully escorting the Heroic Sakura Association’s Grand Squad Leader, the Martial Arts Hero Shi Feiyang’s wife, Gong Simeng, steadily approaching the gates of Flying Tiger Pass.

At this moment, the castle tower of Flying Tiger Pass was brightly illuminated by countless torches, shining as if it were daytime.

Despite the wind cutting flesh like knives, the passion in everyone’s hearts blazed like raging fire, undiminished.

Gong Simeng wore an incredibly luxurious embroidered robe of fine quality and exquisite craftsmanship, looking particularly radiant against the wintry setting, resembling a fairy descended to earth. She held the child tightly in her arms, her steps gentle and cautious, fearful of disturbing the baby peacefully asleep in the swaddle.

The child, nestled warm and soft within the swaddle, was sweetly asleep, with a pink face like a blooming peach blossom, oblivious to the surrounding revelry.

As Gong Simeng appeared, the heroes and disciples of the Heroic Sakura Association erupted with cheers, unable to contain their excitement.

”Iron Palm” Wu Zhong beamed with enthusiasm, swiftly stepping forward with broad strides, clasping his fists in a powerful gesture and loudly welcoming, ”Welcome, Madam! Your long journey has been truly arduous, and we deeply admire your tenacity and bravery!” Right behind was ”Iron Flute Scholar” Xiang Kun, poised and elegant, respectfully expressing his admiration.

He slightly bowed, gracefully bent over, and said with respect and courtesy, ”Madam, your visit brings us immense honor, bringing endless warmth and light to this cold winter night.”

”Mandarin Duck Saber” Xiao Lingling bounced over like a cheerful little elf to Gong Simeng’s side.

Her eyes opened wide, staring unblinkingly at the child, with an exaggerated expression, feigning jealousy while loudly praising, ”Madam, this child is so beautiful, just a smaller version of the Grand Squad Leader, surely to become a dragon among men!”

As she spoke, she secretly observed her husband Wu Zhong’s reaction, her playful demeanor causing a chuckle.

Upon hearing these praises, Gong Simeng’s lips curled into a gentle and charming smile, softly responding, ”Thank you all for the compliments. Thanks to everyone’s tireless care along the way, the child and I could arrive so smoothly.”

”Plump Barrel” Lu Dechu chuckled adorably, scratching his head with his large hand, speaking in his rough but kind voice, ”Madam, you’re too kind. Safeguarding you and the child’s safety is our duty; no hardship is too great.”

”Bamboo Pole” Jiang Huotian nodded vigorously beside him, his face filled with a simple and honest smile, saying nothing, but his eyes were full of sincerity and joy.

Amidst the crowd’s enthusiastic accompaniment, Gong Simeng steadily stepped up onto the tower.

Along the way, cheerful voices were incessant, floating in the cold wind, making the atmosphere increasingly joyous.

The tower had already been laid out with abundant food and wine, with delicacies filling the table. Everyone sat together, raising their cups in unison, drinking heartily to celebrate this special and momentous moment. The bonfire in the center burned vigorously, the leaping flames casting a rosy glow on everyone’s faces, cloaking them in golden brilliance.

They toasted each other, exchanging heartfelt New Year wishes that echoed in the air, filling the scene with a warm and harmonious atmosphere, so cozy and delightful. Qi Meizhen quietly stood nearby, dressed in a tight-fitting red outfit, the bright hue making her particularly striking in the snowy night, further highlighting her spirited demeanor.

Her gaze was fixed on Gong Simeng, and when she saw Gong Simeng confidently carrying the baby over, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. In that feeling, there was genuine blessing for Gong Simeng and her child, knowing well Gong Simeng’s importance in Shi Feiyang’s heart, and understanding that the child was the crystallization of their love, deserving of everyone’s affection; yet, inevitably intertwined with a hint of loneliness and desolation.

She sighed inwardly, knowing she was also Shi Feiyang’s companion but, in this setting, could only stand silently in the corner while Gong Simeng was surrounded with admiration.

Her heart longed to be like Gong Simeng, gaining attention, standing openly with Shi Feiyang, receiving everyone’s blessings.

However, she was all too aware of her status as Shi Feiyang’s other wife, inevitably ranking below Gong Simeng.

She was a wise and understanding girl, knowing that in such circumstances, she should remain low-key, avoiding letting personal feelings disrupt the precious harmony and joy.

So, she gently bit her lip, her eyes dimming slightly, turned quietly, and silently withdrew without making a sound, fearing to disturb the heartwarming scene.

After Qi Meizhen’s departure, she strolled slowly and leisurely alone in the corner of the tower.

She occasionally turned her head to glance at the bustling banquet scene, her heart like a bottled mix of flavors, filled with sourness, sweetness, bitterness, spiciness, and saltiness. She was genuinely happy for Gong Simeng and her baby, for their happiness and joy. Yet, simultaneously, the sense of loneliness and isolation in her heart grew more profound.

In the lively atmosphere of the tower, she felt like an outsider, only able to watch others’ happiness from a distance, unable to truly integrate into it. But even so, Qi Meizhen remained strong, keeping her back straight, understanding the responsibility and mission she held, silently safeguarding this joy that belonged to everyone. Her silhouette, under the cover of darkness, appeared both fragile and strong, like a solitary red plum blossoming in the cold wind.