Chapter 353: The Situation

The next morning, Su Qing felt something poking her, and as she groggily opened her eyes, she felt a thick, masculine scent surrounding her face.

Remembering what happened yesterday, her face still carried a blush.

"Master, this is... too reckless."

Just as she prepared to shift away, she bumped into Cheng Feng's firm muscles and couldn't help but curiously reach out to touch them.

Suddenly, a large hand grabbed that mischievous little hand.

Su Qing quickly met Cheng Feng's lazy gaze.

The corners of Cheng Feng's mouth curled up: "Little lady, what is it that you want to do?"

Looking at that cynical yet somewhat gentle smile of Cheng Feng's,

Su Qing's cheeks turned even redder; she hurriedly pulled back her hand and chided, "N-nothing, it's just... I was just sleepy and confused."

Cheng Feng smiled lightly and sat up; the morning light filtered through the window lattice, spilling onto his sharp-featured face, adding a touch of softness and warmth to him.

Cheng Feng reached out to flick the tip of Su Qing's nose and said dotingly, "You confused little thing, you were so proactive last night, yet you're shy this morning."

Hearing this, Su Qing was so embarrassed she almost wanted to shrink into the bedding; the madness and indulgence of last night still made her heart race when she thought of it now.

She whispered in defense, "Master, I... I was just..." Before she could finish, Cheng Feng sealed her lips with his finger.

"Alright, no need to say more. I have important matters to handle today; you should rest well in the manor, and when I return, I will speak with you in detail." Cheng Feng said as he tidied his clothes, looking as if he were about to head out.

Su Qing looked at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions; she felt both reluctance to part and confusion about the future.

She asked softly, "Master, where are you going today? When will you return?"

Cheng Feng turned around, looking at her with deep eyes, and only after a long while did he speak slowly: "I am going to handle some small matters regarding the future of our Cheng family."

"As for when I will return, perhaps by evening, perhaps later, but rest assured, I will definitely return."

Su Qing nodded; though she was worried, she could not bear to ask more.

She knew that as the head of the household, Cheng Feng carried a heavy burden, and all she could do was wait obediently and support him silently.

After Cheng Feng left, Su Qing sat alone by the window, looking at the cold, quiet courtyard, her mind filled with a thousand thoughts.

She recalled every bit of her acquaintance with Cheng Feng, from the initial strangeness to the current intimacy, and could only sigh at the impermanence of the world.

After Cheng Feng arrived at the meeting place for the Hong Sect disciples, he began to discuss important matters with the Black Ear Disciples there.

The most important priority was, of course, the development of the Hong Sect here.

Buying servants and concubines was just a personal matter, but the development of disciples and followers went far beyond that.

Cheng Feng needed to find a way to make a living that could support the relocation of the Hong Sect disciples. This might involve robbery, negotiation, or cooperation, and all of this required sufficient intelligence support.

The Black Ear Disciples were the ones responsible for collecting and delivering information.

After all, they couldn't go to the Golden Breath Pavilion every time they encountered a problem, silver didn't just appear out of thin air, and the disciples under his command still needed to make a living.

Therefore, this meeting was crucial for the future development of the Hong Sect.

Cheng Feng stepped into the secret room at the meeting place; the candlelight in the room flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of several Black Ear Disciples.

They were dressed in dark, tight-fitting clothes, and a kind of indescribable steadiness and alertness radiated from them.

Cheng Feng went straight to the point: "How did the investigation into the water transport business I asked you to look into go?"

Seeing Cheng Feng arrive, the lead Black Ear Disciple hurriedly stood up to salute, his voice low and powerful: "Reporting to the Sect Master, there are preliminary results regarding the investigation into the water transport business."

"The water transport here is divided among several forces, the most powerful of which are the Jiangshui Gang and the Iron Boat Gang from the north."

"They not only control the main shipping lanes but are also involved in the trade of goods along the route; their influence is deeply intertwined."

Cheng Feng nodded slightly, a flash of sharpness in his eyes: "Continue."

"Yes," the Black Ear Disciple continued, "The Jiangshui Gang has a long history and deep foundations, and their ties with the local government are deeply intertwined, making them difficult to shake."

"The Iron Boat Gang, on the other hand, is a new force that has risen in recent years; their methods are more ruthless, but compared to the Jiangshui Gang, their foundation in official circles is slightly weaker."

"In addition, there are some small-scale water transport teams; they either attach themselves to large gangs or operate alone, and their living space is increasingly being compressed."

Cheng Feng pondered for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the table: "What we need is a business that can stably support the relocation of the Hong Sect disciples, not to go and seize those already established spheres of influence. In your opinion, where should we start?"

The Black Ear Disciple thought for a moment and replied: "Perhaps we can start with those small-scale water transport teams; although they are weak, they have the advantage of being flexible."

"We can first establish contact with them to understand the various aspects of water transport, and then gradually look for a breakthrough."

"At the same time, we can also try to establish good relations with some local officials to gain their support. After all, water transport cannot be separated from the tacit approval and protection of the government."

Cheng Feng nodded with satisfaction: "Your idea is good. Remember, the Hong Sect wants long-term development, not senseless fighting. Only by being kind to others can we last long."

Having said this, he changed the subject: "However, for those forces that hinder our development, we must never be soft-hearted. Rob when we should rob, negotiate when we should negotiate, and cooperate when we should cooperate. Everything must prioritize the interests of the Hong Sect."

Hearing this, a flash of determination and excitement appeared in the eyes of the Black Ear Disciples.

The leader, Leng Feng, was even more high-spirited.

Cheng Feng's words were not only instructions to them but also an affirmation of and expectation for their abilities.

"Yes, Sect Master. We will certainly not fail your expectations and will do our utmost for the development of the Hong Sect."

As the Black Ear Disciples responded in unison, the candlelight in the room seemed to brighten a little more.

"The second matter, how is the news about the Silver Body Technique?"

Cheng Feng's gaze swept over the Black Ear Disciples, his tone carrying an unquestionable majesty: "The Silver Body Technique, if it can be recovered, will surely greatly enhance the strength of our Hong Sect."

The Silver Body Technique was an advanced technique of the Bronze Statue Technique; Cheng Feng himself could practice it as long as he had the Panmian.

But the disciples of the Henglian Hall did not have a Panmian and could only take it one step at a time.

Ever since Wei Zhuang brought back news of the Silver Body Technique, the advanced version of the Bronze Statue Technique,

Cheng Feng had been very concerned about it.

Among the Black Ear Disciples, one stepped forward and bowed to answer: "Reporting to the Sect Master, regarding the news of the Silver Body Technique, we have inquired in many ways, but we have yet to obtain any definite clues."

"However, we recently received word that among those independent water transport teams, it seems someone has practiced a similar technique."

Cheng Feng frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Although this clue is vague, we cannot let it go. You immediately arrange for manpower, and remember, you must act carefully and not alert the enemy."

"Yes, Sect Master." That Black Ear Disciple took the order and left.