Chapter 306: Linshi Gorge II

Linshi Gorge, located eighty kilometers southwest of the intersection between Liujiacun and Qingxi County, deters those around it with its precipitous terrain and unique geographical position.

On both sides of the gorge, cliffs as sharp as if carved by a blade rise straight into the clouds, as if they were a magnificent painting etched by the uncanny workmanship of nature. These cliffs not only display the grandeur and beauty of the natural world but also add a touch of mystery and unpredictability to the gorge.

Following the river that flows from east to west, Linshi Gorge winds forward like a giant dragon, eventually merging into the broader, more magnificent river to the south. The river surges incessantly through the gorge, at times as rapid as an arrow, at others as calm as a mirror, creating an interesting contrast with the cliffs on both banks.

Thinking back, two years ago, Cheng Feng had relied on the bead given by the great fish Autumn Water to enhance his water-treading Fishing Skill, which was the only reason he dared to go into the water to search for the silver among those remains; but who could have expected to encounter such a colossal black snake?

Cheng Feng could never understand why this black snake existed here, why it remained undiscovered, and why not even a whisper of news about it had leaked out.

He truly could not fathom it, so he recently sent people to specifically visit the surrounding villages, hoping to find some clues. After some effort, they finally learned from the local villagers:

It turned out that rumors of that black snake had existed for over a decade, but since people had not discovered any clues at the time, they had listed that gorge as a place that must not be entered.

On the loess mountain road, a large cloud of dust rose high with the sound of horse hooves.

A group of more than twenty people arrived on horseback at the village closest to the gorge, Stone Village.

Even the closest village, Stone Village, was twenty kilometers away from Linshi Gorge. Since the Hong Sect had disciples who originated from here, they were naturally put to full use by the Hong Sect to serve as guides.

Receiving Cheng Feng and his party was a man with an honest face and full of vigor named Shi Tao, a disciple of the Outer Sect Third Hall.

Hearing that a big shot like the Sect Master was coming to Stone Village to stay and handle matters, Shi Tao was the first to volunteer within the sect, his goal naturally being to earn some merit points for the Outer Sect. He was also among the advance team for the Hong Sect's development.

Taking the reins from the guiding disciple, the villagers behind Shi Tao also knew these were big shots from the county town; they poked their heads out one after another to peer at these tall, sturdy, and fierce-looking outsiders, with wariness written all over their faces.

Cheng Feng sent a disciple forward to soothe the somewhat frightened villagers, saying: "Everyone, there is no need to fear. We are here to stay for a while, and we will pay for our food and drink; we will not take anything for free, rest assured!!!"

Yet the sheltered villagers were still so intimidated by the imposing and grand manner of Cheng Feng's group that they dared not speak, though their expressions softened somewhat.

Cheng Feng could not be bothered to pay them any more mind and directly had Zhang Tao take everyone to the arranged place to rest.

Before long, thunder rumbled, and bean-sized raindrops began to fall.

Shi Tao grumbled: "The weather lately has been constantly thundering and raining; I don't know what the situation is."

Cheng Feng asked curiously: "The New Year has passed but spring hasn't arrived yet; did it always rain this much during this phase before??"

Upon hearing this, Shi Tao looked up at the gray, overcast sky; the rain seemed to be increasing in intensity.

He shook his head and replied: "In previous years at this time, although there was rain, such continuous thunder and rain were rare. The elders often say that when there are strange phenomena in the heavens, major events are bound to occur."

Decades ago, some even claimed to have seen a true dragon; whether it was true or false, no one would bother to verify it, just treating it as a bit of fun to listen to.

We farmers only care about burying our heads in our work; we can't manage much else."

After listening, Cheng Feng pondered to himself. In the ancient texts he had read, he had seen a passage: anomalies in the natural world are often associated with certain unknown forces or events.

This time, their arrival at Linshi Gorge to search for the Strange Beast black snake was already full of unknowns and variables. Now, coupled with this abnormal weather, it made him feel that this operation might be even more difficult than anticipated.

"Zhang Tao, take everyone to get settled first, and be sure to ensure everyone has food and drink," Cheng Feng instructed Zhang Tao beside him, while his gaze swept across the surroundings, familiarizing himself with the environment.

"Yes, Sect Master," Zhang Tao replied, then turned and led the group toward the depths of the village.

After everyone left, Cheng Feng stood alone in place, gazing toward the direction of Linshi Gorge in the distance. Thunder roared, and raindrops hit his face, bringing a hint of chill. He took a deep breath, feeling the dampness and unease permeating the air, and began to doubt whether coming on this trip was right or wrong.

"Since I'm already here, I have to go take a look. If I don't try, I'll feel unwilling. If I can't beat it, I'll naturally give up," Cheng Feng made up his mind, then took a step forward, following Zhang Tao and the others.

Although the villagers of Stone Village still felt wary and uneasy, seeing that Cheng Feng's group had no malicious intent and acted decisively and orderly, they gradually let go of their wariness.

They returned to their homes, closed their doors and windows tightly, and waited for this sudden rainstorm to pass. As for the true purpose and background of Cheng Feng and his group, it was not important to them.

On this stormy night, they only hoped to pass through safely.

The thunder at night grew louder and louder, as if right by his ears. The massive thunder left Cheng Feng with no heart to sleep, so he had to take his Sword out to clear his mind.

Beside him, Wei Zhuang sat holding his sword, regulating his breath; he glanced at Cheng Feng, then continued to try to connect and circulate his Visceral Blood Qi.

After Cheng Feng walked out of the room, he prepared to use the dampness of the rain to clear his head and began to seriously think about the next action plan. Just then, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, his gaze locked tightly onto the sky in the distance.

He saw that in the originally dark firmament, an unbelievable scene had appeared: countless bolts of lightning seemed to be drawn and gathered by some mysterious and powerful force, like patches of flickering light.

They shone with an eerie glow in the pitch-black night sky. These patches of light were dense and orderly, as if a well-trained army were lined up uniformly across the horizon, connecting into one piece.

Even more astonishing was that this area of thunder and lightning was pointing toward the direction of Linshi Gorge. Each bolt of lightning was like a loyal soldier, flashing continuously on the distant horizon according to a specific rhythm and sequence. This strange phenomenon left Cheng Feng feeling incredibly shocked, and a strong, bad premonition surged in his heart.

"Wei Zhuang, I have decided to head to Linshi Gorge tomorrow morning," Cheng Feng's voice was firm.

Wei Zhuang opened his eyes and looked at Cheng Feng, "With such heavy rain, it's too dangerous to go now."

"I know, but I have a bad premonition; the longer we drag this out, the greater the variables," Cheng Feng's expression was grave.

Wei Zhuang was silent for a moment, "Alright, I will go with you."

Cheng Feng nodded, "Thank you. But we must be careful; that black snake is likely not simple."

Wei Zhuang said: "Your safety is the most important thing; why don't you not go?"

Cheng Feng's Talent Stone could only absorb talent by killing a Strange Beast on the spot, but Cheng Feng was not at ease letting Wei Zhuang go alone.

He could only say: "We will observe from afar first; if it feels wrong, we will run."

The rain outside the window was still pouring down, and inside the house, Cheng Feng and Wei Zhuang had already made their preparations.