Liao Pei sat shoulder to shoulder with Shi Feiyang, slightly leaning sideways, holding a bowl of steaming wine in his hands, leaned forward, and said with emotion, "Grand Squad Leader, our Heroic Sakura Association has come a long way, weathering countless storms, yet the brothers have never abandoned each other. Now gathered here, we are bound to carve out a place in Bozhou and return peace to the people."

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly, his gaze firm, and gently patted Liao Pei on the shoulder, responding, "What Elder Liao said is very true. The Jianghu path is fraught with perils, but we harbor chivalry in our hearts. For the sake of the people, even if it means risking life and limb, it's our duty. This is our responsibility as sons and daughters of the Jianghu, and the mission of the Heroic Sakura Association."

Lie Quan, who was listening on the side, sprang to his feet with a crisp and sharp movement, clasping his fists, standing straight, and spoke loudly, "Grand Squad Leader, Elder Liao, since the founding of our Heroic Sakura Association, we have acted chivalrously and fought against the oppression for the weak. Now Bozhou is in turmoil, and the people are caught in fire and water. It's time for us to showcase our skills. I am willing to lead the brothers to charge ahead, to fight in the counter-insurgency, to shed our blood and give our lives!"

Saying this, he waved his arm forcefully, with a steadfast and heroic gleam in his eyes.

Everyone echoed in agreement, with a thunderous shout, "Yes! For the people, for justice!"

They all stood up, some waving their fists, others clapping vigorously, the atmosphere electric.

Gong Simeng and Bai Zhi, these two graceful women, kept their eyes closely following Shi Feiyang.

Gong Simeng holding a wine cup, moved gracefully, stepped over to Shi Feiyang, bent slightly, leaned close to his ear, and softly said, "Husband, this journey to Bozhou, you must be careful in everything. Although I am just a woman, I wish to share your burdens. No matter when, I am always behind you, facing storms together."

Her eyes were filled with concern and affection, resembling a gentle lake that could drown Shi Feiyang deeply.

As she spoke, she gently tidied the hair at her ear, graceful and moving.

Bai Zhi also stepped forward, dressed in Miaojiang attire, appearing even more graceful and elegant.

She approached Shi Feiyang, bowed slightly, then looked up at him with a firm gaze, "Husband, though I am from Miaojiang, since joining the Heroic Sakura Association, I regard this as my home and you as my lifelong support. For this journey to Bozhou, I am willing to use Miaojiang's unique skills to assist you."

As she spoke, her hands unconsciously clenched, seemingly ready to rush to the battlefield for Shi Feiyang.

Shi Feiyang nodded, kissed Gong Simeng once, and gave Bai Zhi a peck.

At this time, the wine had been filled by the disciples one by one.

Everyone raised their cups.

Shi Feiyang stood up, first raising his cup high, sweeping his gaze across every hero present, and said loudly, "Brothers and sisters, today we are gathered here for a greater mission. For the justice of the Jianghu, for the peace of the people, let's down this cup!"

"Cheers!" everyone shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the sky, as if to break this pre-dawn darkness completely.

They tilted their heads back, draining their cups of wine, some wiping their mouths with their sleeves heartily, others smacking their lips, relishing, by the blazing bonfire, the heroes of the Heroic Sakura appeared extraordinarily tall and gallant in the firelight.

At this moment, Shi Xiong was busy, utilizing his cleverness and efficiency, had skillfully erected a spacious and sturdy tent for Shi Feiyang and his family. He quickly approached Shi Feiyang, showing respect with a slight bow, extending his right hand in a gesture of invitation, said, "Grand Squad Leader, ladies, the tent has been set up, please proceed to rest."

Shi Feiyang's face displayed a gentle smile, softly ruffling Shi Xiong's head, said, "Shi Xiong, you've worked hard." With that, he turned aside and, with Gong Simeng and Bai Zhi, steadily entered the tent.

Shi Feiyang from his mysterious deerskin pouch at the waist, gently took out a large bathtub, expertly poured in warm water, steam rose like an Immortal Realm. He invited the ladies with a smile to bathe and change clothes, to enjoy the pleasures of bathing together.

Afterwards, they all shared a pillow and slept together.

Shi Feiyang was filled with joy and comfort as a warm atmosphere filled the tent.

Outside the tent, the heroes of Heroic Sakura and the disciples indulged in drinking and revelry, the atmosphere becoming more and more lively in their intoxication.

Cups were raised and exchanged, mingled with laughter and chatter.

Someone loudly recited heroic verses, "Laugh not at lying drunk on the battlefield, how many have returned from battles throughout history. Today, with brothers drinking heartily, tomorrow, off to the battlefield, unafraid of life and death!"

Others patted their chests, loudly declaring, "Our Heroic Sakura Association has always been a gathering of good men, today's drink is to strengthen us for the journey ahead!"

As the drinking grew more exuberant, some soon staggered, too drunk to continue, crawling back to their tents to rest.

Shi Xiong and Xie Wen, knowing the gravity of their responsibilities, led a part of the disciples who hadn't touched a drop of drink, holding weapons, with focused expressions, began their patrol, carefully guarding the serenity of the camp.

By midday the next day, the scorching sunlight fell on the grassland.

Heroes and disciples slowly awoke, after lunch, mounted their horses, and set on their way.

The sound of hooves, raising dust along the path, the team proceeded in mighty formation.

However, as their team approached Xiao Pass, danger loomed quietly like a beast hidden in the shadows.