Chapter 304: The Return of Wei Zhuang
The miraculous effects of the Strange Beast rabbit meat caused quite a sensation within the Cheng Mansion.
In just two days, those concubines who were originally at the Strength Refining Initial Stage felt the surging of Blood Qi within their bodies, as if an invisible force was pushing them forward.
With unremitting effort and the aid of the Strange Beast meat, they all successfully broke through to the Mid Strength Refining Realm; this surprise and sense of achievement thrilled everyone.
Amidst this wave of breakthroughs, two women appeared particularly calm: Cai'er and Yu Niang.
Cai'er is at the Skin Refining Mid-Stage, and Yu Niang is at the Skin Refining Initial Stage; although both tasted the Strange Beast rabbit meat, they did not seem to feel the obvious signs of breakthrough like the others.
"Cai'er, Yu Niang, have you felt anything unusual in your bodies?" Cheng Feng asked with concern.
Cai'er shook her head slightly, her expression peaceful: "Reporting to my husband, I have not felt any obvious signs of breakthrough, but the Blood Qi in my body is indeed more vigorous than before, and my cultivation is smoother."
Yu Niang also whispered in agreement: "That's right, Husband. Although I haven't broken through yet, I feel that my cultivation speed has improved. Perhaps the time just hasn't come yet."
Hearing this, Cheng Feng nodded and pondered to himself. He encouraged them: "You don't need to be anxious. This may be because you are already in the Skin Refining Realm and haven't eaten enough Strange Beast meat. Don't worry, we still have three Strange Beasts; that should be enough."
"Cultivation must be done step by step. Although Strange Beast meat is good, it is ultimately just an external force. You only need to maintain a calm mind and continue to cultivate diligently; I believe the day of your breakthrough will surely come."
Cai'er and Yu Niang looked at Cheng Feng with gratitude, their hearts feeling incredibly warm. No matter how bumpy the road ahead might be, as long as Cheng Feng was by their side, they would have nothing to fear.
Thus, the two once again threw themselves into cultivation, moving toward higher realms with even firmer steps.
After waiting for three days, the Cheng Mansion finally welcomed the long-awaited figure—Wei Zhuang. He was travel-worn, but his eyes sparkled with the joy and determination of a successful breakthrough.
Looking at the familiar plaque of the Cheng Mansion, he thought to himself: "Finally reached Organ Refining, so the previous plan can begin."
Hearing the news, Cheng Feng immediately put down his work and personally went to greet him outside the mansion gate. When the two met, no words were needed; a hug was worth more than a thousand words. Cheng Feng patted Wei Zhuang on the back and laughed: "Well done, you're finally back! How was the harvest this time?"
Wei Zhuang smiled slightly, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes: "Everything went smoothly. Not only did I break through, but I also unexpectedly obtained some treasures that are of great benefit to cultivation. I'll organize them in a moment, and then we can talk in detail."
Cheng Feng nodded in agreement, feeling secretly happy in his heart. Wei Zhuang's return not only meant that the strength of the Hong Sect would be enhanced, but more importantly, the Hong Sect could finally officially step out of Qingxi County.
At dinnertime, Cheng Feng specially held a banquet to welcome Wei Zhuang. At the table, besides Cheng Feng and Wei Zhuang, there were three of Cheng Feng's concubines who were in the Bone Refining Realm. Everyone raised their glasses to drink, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.
Wei Zhuang sat at the table, looking around, his heart filled with emotion. He saw the harmony and happiness between Cheng Feng and his concubines, and he also felt the warmth and respect the entire Cheng Mansion had for him.
During the meal, Wei Zhuang also recounted his experiences and gains from this trip in detail, which everyone listened to with great interest. Especially when he mentioned those treasures beneficial to cultivation, it aroused everyone's intense interest.
Cheng Feng was even more curious: "Your standards are so high; what kind of treasure could catch your eye?"
Wei Zhuang was naturally prepared: "I had people move the items in; I'll have them brought in right now."
Immediately, Wei Zhuang called for people to carry in two chests.
The chests were opened; one of them was filled with blood-red fruits, about the size of an infant's fist.
Wei Zhuang pointed at these fruits and said calmly: "This was our unexpected harvest. At that time, we encountered a group of mountain bandits attempting to rob us, and it just so happened that I had just completed my breakthrough and wanted to practice my skills."
"So I easily dealt with that group of bandits. Two of the bandit leaders saw that the situation was bad, immediately surrendered, and offered the treasure, stating that in Hou Shan there was a group of monkeys guarding a strange tree. The fruits produced by the tree could help people quickly enter the Blood Refining Realm; they had obtained their current strength by stealing and eating these fruits."
"Hearing this, I naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity and immediately followed them to check it out. Unexpectedly, I really ran into two monkeys at the Bone Refining Late Stage."
"However, I didn't kill them, but successfully obtained those fruits. I have already arranged for my subordinates to test them, and it turns out that for martial artists from the Skin Refining Mid-Stage to the peak, these fruits are indeed very effective."
"Even martial artists at the Skin Refining Initial Stage can increase their potential and foundation after consuming them."
After hearing Wei Zhuang's words, Cheng Feng's eyes sparkled with excitement. He realized that this world was indeed far from as simple as it appeared on the surface.
The concubines beside Cheng Feng were also listening with great interest; this was a true fortuitous encounter!
They really hated that they hadn't encountered it themselves!!!!
The items in the other chest were Martial Dao resources that Wei Zhuang had purchased from Heimu Prefecture. These resources included materials needed for Skin Refining and Blood Refining, enough for twenty people to use.
Moreover, the silver that Cheng Feng had previously allocated to Wei Zhuang was also used to purchase these resources.
Wei Zhuang also said to Cheng Feng: "The level of martial artists in Heimu Prefecture is much higher than that in Lianshan Prefecture; Lianzhan Martial Artist are also considered the second tier there."
"The first tier is said to be martial artists of the True Qi Realm, but unfortunately, True Qi martial artists are like dragons that see their heads but not their tails."
"Rarely seen!"
The slightly regretful tone made Cheng Feng feel a bit of interest as well.
"Is Heimu Prefecture really that powerful??"
Wei Zhuang said: "That is natural. However, the government forces there are the strongest, and there are Prefecture Army troops stationed outside the city, which makes the martial artists in the city afraid to act rashly, and the order is stable."
"Furthermore, I also heard some bad news: the Great Zhou army raided the Red Lotus Sect rebels but found nothing; the Red Lotus Sect's target is pointing directly south."
Cheng Feng felt something was wrong upon hearing this. He had encountered many disaster victims and refugees over the past two years. If the Red Lotus Sect really attacked, he feared that a small county like Qingxi County would not be able to escape disaster!
Wei Zhuang could also see Cheng Feng's worry and added: "According to the Imperial Court, the Great Zhou army has already made arrangements along the Huangyun Dao and Wofeng Prefecture line. Lianshan Prefecture is located in the east of Wofeng Prefecture; if a battle occurs, it will likely suffer as well."
This also served as a reminder to Cheng Feng: while he now had money, food, and people, it was time to step out of Qingxi County and see the outside world!
End of Chapter
