Chapter 227: Display

In the Hong Sect Martial Arts Arena, Wei Zhuang, dressed in black, and Sun Gui stood facing each other.

Cheng Feng covered his face and said, "Sun Gui, is it really necessary for you, a Skin Refining martial artist, to fight Wei Zhuang, who is at the peak of Bone Refining?"

In the center of the Hong Sect Martial Arts Arena, the atmosphere was so tense that one could almost hear heartbeats. Although Cheng Feng's words were soft, they landed on everyone's heart like heavy hammers.

Wang Hu widened his eyes in disbelief, confirming his judgment once again—yes, Sun Gui, the martial artist who should still be at the Skin Refining stage, was now standing in a standoff against Wei Zhuang, who was at the peak of Bone Refining.

Wei Zhuang's brows furrowed slightly, as if he had sensed Cheng Feng's skepticism, but he quickly returned to calm. His deep gaze pierced through Sun Gui's eyes, as if he could directly perceive his inner thoughts. It was a scrutiny that transcended the difference in cultivation realms, an acknowledgment of Sun Gui's courage and determination.

"Sect Master, while cultivation realm is important, it is not the only factor that determines victory or defeat," Wei Zhuang said in a low, magnetic voice. "That Hall Master Sun can challenge me at the Skin Refining realm is worthy of my serious consideration for his courage and confidence alone. Besides, the path of cultivation is inherently a process of constantly challenging oneself and crossing limits."

Upon hearing this, a flash of gratitude crossed Sun Gui's face. He knew well that his decision might seem reckless to outsiders, but Wei Zhuang's understanding and respect warmed him deeply. He straightened his back, his gaze becoming even more determined: "Brother Wei, I know my strength is still shallow, but I have reasons that compel me to fight. Please, Senior Brother, enlighten me!"

As Sun Gui's voice fell, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena grew tense once again. The disciples watching from the sidelines began to discuss; some cheered for Sun Gui's courage, while others worried if he was being too impulsive.

In Wei Zhuang's eyes, these things no longer mattered. He slowly raised his right hand, clenching his palm into a fist, and a faint ripple emanated from within his body—the unique symbol of power for a martial artist at the peak of Bone Refining.

"Good! Hall Master Sun, since your mind is made up, I shall accompany you on this journey," Wei Zhuang said in a deep voice, then his figure moved, sweeping toward Sun Gui like a ghost. His movements were both fast and precise, and every move and style contained profound Blood Qi and exquisite martial techniques; clearly, he had given Sun Gui sufficient respect and importance.

Seeing this, Sun Gui was not afraid in the slightest. He took a deep breath, his Qi and Blood surging within him, and a faint light flickered beneath his skin—this was the result of him operating the Collapse Mountain Fist to its full extent. He clenched his fists tightly and met Wei Zhuang's offensive.

The wind of his fists whistled and palm shadows flew; the figures of the two turned into afterimages in the eyes of the crowd, their speed so fast that it was dizzying.

With just one move, the two figures crossed paths. Sun Gui stood motionless, and Wei Zhuang turned around and said, "Hall Master Sun, many thanks."

Sun Gui looked at the palm strike on his chest; he was completely unharmed. Looking at Wei Zhuang's eyes, which seemed to see right through him, how could he not know that Wei Zhuang had already seen through his intention to act as a stepping stone?

He solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Not at all, not at all. Many thanks to Brother Wei for showing mercy. I, old Sun, am convinced."

Watching this sudden scene caused by Sun Gui, Cheng Feng also understood.

Sun Gui is indeed a veteran! He took the initiative to stand out and yield his reputation to Wei Zhuang so that the Hong Sect's affairs could be handled well!

How had Cheng Feng not noticed before that Sun Gui was such a shrewd person!

Cheng Feng had even been prepared to reason with him, and if that didn't work, to force the issue!

As it turned out, his subordinates were so transparent in their actions that Cheng Feng felt very comfortable.

Zhou Hai and Li Yang, knowing Wei Zhuang's strength, also wisely chose to remain silent.

Returning to the main hall, Cheng Feng explained the situation to Wu Feng before letting Wang Hu take over the conversation again.

Wang Hu stated bluntly: "The current development situation of the Hong Sect is that it has infinite potential but countless constraints."

"You might not have noticed, but previously there was constant friction between the Hong Sect's territory and the two surrounding gangs; it was all small-scale bickering that couldn't be brought to the table."

"It was only after the Sect Master went to the Black Wind Stronghold that those invisible probes disappeared."

"But having no problems is the biggest problem; dogs that bite don't bark."

"We have to be on guard; if the other three families unite, we will definitely suffer, that is beyond doubt."

"The Sect Master also considered the relationship and face of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall."

"Recently, there have also been probing actions regarding the private salt trade."

"Temporarily yielding the position of Sect Master to let the powerful Brother Wei Zhuang take the stage,"

"And incidentally packaging himself, so that the Hong Sect truly has someone behind it."

"The Sect Master wants to take hold of all of this at once."

"And all of this requires an executor who is powerful and a fresh face."

"Is it you, Sun Gui, or can he, Zhou Hai, do it?"

"Offering Wu Feng could do it, but his face is too familiar, so that won't work either."

"Only Brother Wei Zhuang present can do it; this is also the reason why the Sect Master invited Brother Wei Zhuang to be the Sect Master."

Zhou Hai grumbled: "Why didn't you say so earlier? You even caused Sun Gui to take a beating."

Sun Gui jumped out anxiously: "I was cooperating with the Sect Master's plan, what the hell do you know?"

Li Yang was bewildered: "So I'm just too naive???"

Seeing that the three Hall Masters had no more issues, Cheng Feng revealed a part of his plan.

Cheng Feng waved his hand and said: "Alright, all this noise, what kind of decorum is this? Now that we know where the Hong Sect's crisis lies, we should prepare the corresponding countermeasures."

"For the next period of time, let the brothers practice well; it will start very soon."

"A small goal for the Hong Sect: let's turn Qingxi County into our territory first."

With Wei Zhuang, who had reached Bone Refining Perfection and could even contend with a Organ Refining Initial Stage martial artist,

the Hong Sect no longer needed to hide or cover things up.

If one were to say the Green Bamboo Gang was taken down entirely by external objects like the Mechanical Dog,

then this time, it would be taken down by Wei Zhuang's strength.

The only change in the middle was that the Hong Sect had become much stronger; Wang Hu, under the support of the Hong Sect, had already become a Skin Refining Late Stage martial artist.

Sun Gui, Zhou Hai, and Li Yang were all Skin Refining Initial Stage martial artists.

Li Yang had good aptitude and practiced diligently; there was even a feeling that he might surpass the other two in strength.

Not to mention that the remaining hundred disciples of the Black Wind Stronghold had all been incorporated into the Hong Sect.

Now the number of Hong Sect disciples had officially exceeded six hundred, with over two thousand Outer Hall Disciples,

plus the thirty-five people of the Henglian Hall,

the increase in strength was not insignificant.

But it was precisely this great increase that made the other three gangs wary, even preparing to join forces to take down the Hong Sect.

Black Ear received news that a few days ago, the leaders of the three gangs met at the Li Family's Hongyun Restaurant.

What can the heads of three gangs do when they gather in one hall?

Do you really think they were just drinking, chatting, and taking a break from their busy schedules?

The big bosses are all busy making money! How could they be that idle?

Black Ear bribed the waiter serving the food, and the main high-frequency term he heard was "Hong Sect."

If he could say anything good about the Hong Sect, Cheng Feng would twist his own head off himself!

This month, there was also a slight problem with the private salt on Sui Ran's side, but fortunately, the Hong Sect has a large family and a big business, and it is no longer just a one-legged path like before.

Whether there is silver from private salt or not does not matter anymore.

The current Hong Sect is like a carriage that has finished starting up; if it wants to stop, someone must pull the reins hard.

Cheng Feng could pull them, but what reason would he use?

With the appearance of Wei Zhuang, Cheng Feng directly cracked the whip and moved forward.

If one has this kind of strength and still keeps a low profile, wouldn't that make one a coward?