Chapter 305: Linshi Gorge

After the evening banquet, the moonlight was like water, spilling over the Rear Courtyard of the Cheng Mansion.

Cheng Feng, having enjoyed their conversation, wanted to spar briefly with Wei Zhuang to experience the power of the Organ Refining Realm for himself.

Such an opportunity was rare; it would allow them to test each other's cultivation and confirm where their own strength stood.

"Wei Zhuang, now that you have successfully broken through, the Hong Sect finally has its own high-end martial power. Today, let me see just how powerful your Organ Refining Realm truly is," Cheng Feng said with a smile, his eyes flashing with anticipation and a fighting spirit.

Wei Zhuang did not hesitate; he knew well that Cheng Feng's strength was not to be underestimated, so he appeared exceptionally serious. "Brother Cheng, please enlighten me." With that, his figure moved, and he struck toward Cheng Feng like a ghost.

As the two exchanged blows, the speed and power were so great that the onlookers were left in awe. Cheng Feng's fist wind whistled, each strike containing thick Blood Qi, while Wei Zhuang excelled in movement techniques, his figure agile and unpredictable.

As the battle deepened, Wei Zhuang's Organ Refining Realm was gradually revealed in full. The organs within his body seemed to be strengthened by a mysterious power; every breath and every heartbeat was filled with strength and rhythm.

In this state, both Wei Zhuang's strength and speed far exceeded those of an Ordinary Bone Refining Martial Artist. His attacks were as dense as a rainstorm, giving Cheng Feng not a moment to catch his breath.

Facing such a fierce offensive from Wei Zhuang, Cheng Feng was not afraid in the slightest. He pushed his own Qi and Blood to the limit, confronting Wei Zhuang in an incomparably domineering manner.

His fists were as hard as steel, each punch carrying immense impact, colliding with Wei Zhuang's Blood Qi and emitting a series of booming sounds.

The battle between the two grew increasingly intense, and the surrounding air seemed to be stirred by their auras.

"What a Organ Refining Realm!" Cheng Feng exclaimed inwardly. He could feel the powerful vitality and recovery ability within Wei Zhuang's body; this was the very essence of the Organ Refining Realm. He knew that if they continued to fight like this, he would likely not be able to last.

Thus, Cheng Feng suddenly withdrew his fists and retreated rapidly, putting distance between himself and Wei Zhuang. "Haha, Wei Zhuang, you have indeed progressed rapidly! My Bone Refining Realm is already left in the dust," he said with a laugh, his eyes filled with sincerity and admiration.

Wei Zhuang also ceased his offensive, knowing full well that Cheng Feng still had many techniques he had not used. He stepped forward and patted Cheng Feng on the shoulder. "Brother Cheng, you are too kind. We each have our own strengths; learning from one another is the Righteous Path."

Neither of them had used their true strength; they had merely exchanged blows at a shallow, introductory level.

The night breeze grew cooler, and stars dotted the deep firmament. The Rear Courtyard of the Cheng Mansion returned to its former tranquility, with only the occasional insect chirping in the distance interweaving with the two men's light breathing.

Cheng Feng and Wei Zhuang stood side by side under the moonlight, their eyes holding both the lingering warmth of the battle and a newfound longing for a deeper understanding of the Martial Dao.

"Wei Zhuang, today's battle has given me a deeper understanding of the Organ Refining Realm. It seems I must also quicken my pace." Cheng Feng's tone carried a hint of determination as he looked into the distance, as if he could already see the scene of his own cultivation advancing.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhuang nodded, a flash of approval in his eyes: "For Brother Cheng to have such resolve is truly the fortune of the Hong Sect. Although I have gained some insights into the Organ Refining Realm, I consider myself only just starting on the path of martial arts; I, too, need to work hard."

The two looked at each other and smiled; that tacit understanding and friendship seemed especially precious in the night.

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered, warm and bright. Cheng Feng and Wei Zhuang sat around the desk.

"Wei Zhuang, I feel that besides improving our martial power, our Hong Sect also needs to focus on strategy and planning. In this coming chaotic world, relying solely on hot-bloodedness and brute strength will not allow us to stand for long; we need a certain scale of think-tank to assist us in our affairs."

Wei Zhuang nodded in agreement: "Brother Cheng's words are very true. We can consider cultivating a group of literate disciples who understand strategy, letting them become the Hong Sect's think-tank to provide precise decision-making support for every step of our external affairs."

This was also Cheng Feng drawing from the administrative personnel of his past life's military; having his disciples fight and kill was no problem, but when it came to managing account books, recording supplies, and assessing needs,

The Hong Sect's current manpower was sufficient, but that might not be the case in the future; it was better to plan ahead and settle these matters now.

There was also the need to borrow the educational and political commissar roles from the military of his past life to correct the bad habits of the disciples under his command.

How could it work if they were driven only by their own desires? He needed to set new goals and new concepts for his disciples.

Only in this way could the probability of betrayal among the disciples be reduced.

In a chaotic world, Cheng Feng did not want to gamble with human nature, nor did he dare to.

Cheng Feng was not a hero, but he liked to be friends with heroes.

After this small interlude passed, Cheng Feng stopped delaying and went straight to the point: "I brought you here because I want you to accompany me to a place where there is something I need."

Seeing him so serious, Wei Zhuang naturally dared not be careless and hurriedly asked: "What place?"

Cheng Feng took a deep breath and said slowly: "Linshi Gorge. I want to go there to find a Strange Beast—a black snake. This black snake once brought me a huge crisis, but now it may also become my treasure. I just don't know how strong that black snake is, so I have been waiting for you to come."

After hearing Cheng Feng's words, Wei Zhuang's expression became grave.

"Brother Cheng, I know Linshi Gorge; the terrain is treacherous. Are you sure there is a Strange Beast there?

If there really is one, this trip will be exceptionally dangerous. Are you sure you want to go yourself?" A hint of worry permeated Wei Zhuang's voice.

Cheng Feng nodded lightly, his gaze firm: "My mind is made up. That black snake was a nightmare of mine, but I truly need it now to help me advance further."

Seeing Cheng Feng so determined, Wei Zhuang no longer tried to dissuade him, but instead turned to thinking about how to ensure the safety of the trip. After pondering for a moment, he said: "Since that is the case, I will accompany you. But we must agree first: if the situation becomes impossible, we leave immediately. Above all, your safety is the top priority."

Upon hearing this, a warm current surged in Cheng Feng's heart. He knew well that Wei Zhuang's actions were born of deep friendship and trust. He gratefully patted Wei Zhuang's shoulder: "Rest assured, I am at least a Bone Refining Late Stage Martial Artist, and with you accompanying me this time, my confidence has doubled. However, this trip requires thorough preparation; we must plan it well."

Thus, the two began to discuss in detail the route to Linshi Gorge, the potential difficulties, and the countermeasures.

Cheng Feng possessed a Space Ring, which Wei Zhuang knew about; naturally, they would pack as much as they could—better to have too much than too little.

Finally, everything was ready.

On a clear morning, Cheng Feng, Wei Zhuang, and Su Qiang, three Bone Refining Martial Artists,

followed by twenty experts from the Sword Hall, embarked on the journey to Linshi Gorge.

At this time, there were still two months left until the time limit for using the Talent Stone.