Chapter 788: Chapter 237: Gugela’s Love for Shi Feiyang—A Life-and-Death Trial Amid the Masked Man’s Night Assault (Part 5)

Shi Feiyang’s gaze was gentle, like the warm sun of spring, as he watched Gugela and slowly spoke: "Miss Gugela, this dance is akin to the soul of the prairie, lively and unrestrained, with every step in tune with the rhythm of the heavens and earth, and every turn showcasing the power of nature. This dance is not just the movement of the body but also the love of the children of the prairie for life and their longing for freedom. Within this Jianghu, amidst many disturbances, such pure beauty is rare to find. Conveying emotions through dance, it is indeed a great fortune in life for I to have the privilege of witnessing it."

Shi Feiyang slightly bowed again, his expression solemn, and continued: "All things in the world have their unique beauty. This prairie dance reminds I of those unknown yet brilliant chivalrous deeds in the Jianghu. Though they may not be noticed by everyone, like this dance, they possess a soul-stirring power. Miss’s dance is like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating my heart’s longing for the beauty of the world."

As Gugela listened to Shi Feiyang’s words, her eyes glistened with tears, filled with emotion and joy. She had never expected Shi Feiyang to understand her dance and her feelings so deeply.

The night descended quietly and silently like a giant black silk drapery, gently enveloping the courtyard of the small Royal Palace.

Moonlight like water, clear and cool, filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting patches of dappled light and shadow, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility to the courtyard. Gugela, dressed in a simple long robe, appeared all the more graceful and enchanting under the reflection of the moonlight.

She had arranged to meet Shi Feiyang here. At this moment, she took a deep breath, as if carrying all her apprehension and anticipation, then mustered her courage, took graceful steps, and slowly walked towards Shi Feiyang.

Her gaze was firm and intense, like the brightest star in the night sky, fixed intently on Shi Feiyang. Her voice, slightly trembling yet full of deep affection, said: "Hero Shi, from the moment you stepped into my tribe, my heart was as if a tranquil lake were struck by a giant boulder, never to be peaceful again. Your bravery and fearlessness, your graceful manner in every gesture, all make me admire you deeply. On this vast prairie, through the years, never has a man so effortlessly stirred my heartstrings like you, leaving me utterly moved."

She bit her lip slightly, her rosy lips turning a faint white, her eyes glistening with tears, sparkling like a Gemstone under the moonlight.

She paused for a moment, then continued: "I know well that the path of Jianghu is fraught with danger, like a thicket full of thorns. You bear the weighty responsibility of the Heroic Sakura Association and have missions you must stay true to. But my mind is made up; I am willing to venture through Jianghu with you, no matter how filled with thorns and perils the road ahead may be, I will never retreat a step. I am willing to stand by your side, facing the storms together, sharing the bloody tempests of Jianghu."

After speaking, she nervously awaited Shi Feiyang’s response. Her hands tightly clutched the corners of her clothing, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force, her heart pounding like a little deer running wild inside, anxious and uneasy. The whole world seemed to stand still at this moment, waiting for Shi Feiyang to break this suffocating silence with one word. As he listened, Shi Feiyang’s expression softened instantly, yet it was faintly tinged with helplessness and bitterness.

He gently sighed, the sigh seemed wrapped in endless vicissitudes and emotions. His gaze sincere yet slightly apologetic, he looked towards Gugela and softly said: "Miss Gugela, your deep affection is like a spring breeze to I, and I feel greatly honored. However, I, as the Grand Squad Leader of the Heroic Sakura Association, am caught in the midst of Jianghu conflicts as unpredictable as the surging tides, never calming for even a moment. The road ahead is long, full of unknown dangers, where life and death often flicker in a moment, unforeseeable. How could I, because of personal feelings, draw you, this delicate flower of the prairie, into this cruel and heartless Jianghu maelstrom. You have a family that cherishes you here on the prairie, providing endless warmth and care. Here, you have everything familiar, a stable and serene life. You should blossom and find your own happiness on this vast prairie, rather than follow me, a wanderer of Jianghu, enduring countless hardships. I sincerely hope you can find someone who genuinely cares for you, who can accompany you through the days peacefully, sharing each year with you, in this prairie, enjoying the fires of the earthly world, safe and joyful."

As he spoke, he gently shook his head, his eyes filled with apology and reluctance, hands unconsciously clenching slightly, as if suppressing the turbulent waves flooding in his heart. This time, Gugela heard the decisiveness and helplessness in Shi Feiyang’s words, causing her heart to silently grieve.

Her gaze instantly dimmed, like stars losing their light, and her once bright face was tinged with a trace of loneliness.

At this moment, Dangxin’s son, Lirak, as agile as a galloping horse on the prairie, swiftly approached.

He bowed respectfully towards Shi Feiyang, his movements precise and respectful, and said in a clear voice: "Hero Shi, after your long journey, my father has arranged a guesthouse for you to rest."

Shi Feiyang nodded slightly and clasped his hands in a salute towards Gugela saying: "Miss Gugela, farewell, and take care." After saying this, he slowly left, following Lirak’s steps, leaving Gugela standing alone in the courtyard. In the moonlight, her figure appeared particularly solitary and desolate.

The night descended quietly and silently like a giant and heavy black silk drapery, enveloping the entire castle without anyone noticing.