The Demonic Blade Appears, Iron Fist Technique's Talent

Liu Yuan shook his head at once upon hearing this. "Steward Huang's family definitely doesn't count. They've got maybe three to five Ranked Martial Artists at most."

"Just enough to keep the surrounding farmland in order."

"In those county towns, a family that can be called a clan has at least dozens of martial artists, with a Mid-grade Martial Artist holding things down."

"But I've heard there's a pretty strong force in the county called the Huang Family Manor. That's one of the more powerful family factions there. I wonder if Steward Huang has any connection to them."

"If he does, we'd better be careful."

Chen Feng nodded in understanding. "I see."

Three to five Ranked Martial Artists wasn't weak, but as for Mid-grade Martial Artists—those in the Middle Three Ranks—he still had no idea how strong they really were.

Liu Yuan continued, "By the way, Chen Feng, if you're heading into the mountains to hunt lately, you'd better be careful too."

"Something's been off lately. I don't know what's going on, but a lot of unfamiliar martial artists have been showing up in Black Stone City."

"They seem to be searching for something."

"Our blacksmith shop has taken a ton of weapon orders. I have to help my master, so I came back early."

"If you ever go to the county, you can find me at the Yang Family Blacksmith Shop. Since I won't be home, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on things here."

Chen Feng smiled. "Of course."

They talked a bit more, and Chen Feng picked up more information about Black Stone City.

After Liu Yuan went home, Chen Feng stood there, lost in thought.

He sighed inwardly. Gangs, families, officials, regional lords—this is the beginning of chaos.

The Great Gan Dynasty ruled the world, vast and boundless. It was divided into seventy-two prefectures, each with dozens of counties, and each county with dozens of towns and villages.

Black Mountain Village was just one small village among them.

He didn't know what was happening at the top, but at the bottom, it was all gang factions grinding against each other.

The blacksmith shop where Liu Yuan worked was just a minor force itself.

As for those people from the city searching for something in Black Mountain, he figured it had nothing to do with him. Besides, he didn't feel like going into Black Mountain anytime soon.

He'd just stay home and grind his proficiency.

After dinner that night, Chen Feng saw that his Iron Fist Technique proficiency had reached 91% toward mastery.

He didn't go to sleep right away. Instead, he kept practicing in the dark.

Whoosh!

His movements looked slow, but if anyone got close, they'd hear a whistling sound as he swung his arms.

A low, deep sound, like a tiger's roar!

Chen Feng felt a surge of anticipation. It looked like he'd push the Iron Fist Technique to a higher level tonight.

He wondered what kind of talent he'd awaken.

Over at the Liu household, Liu Yuan looked through the window and saw Chen Feng still practicing.

He sighed to himself. Looks like Brother Chen was really shaken by seeing that demon eat someone a few days ago.

Too bad. He missed the best age for martial arts, and he has no teacher. With just those farmhand moves, he won't get anywhere.

After watching for a while and seeing nothing special, Liu Yuan stopped paying attention.

He chatted more with Uncle Liu and Aunt Liu, hoping that once he made it in Black Stone City, he could bring his parents there too.

Meanwhile.

In the Huang Family Courtyard.

The atmosphere was suffocating.

Smash!

A sharp crack rang out.

A cup shattered into pieces.

Huang Haisheng sat in the main seat, his face dark as thunder. "You're saying the news has already leaked?"

Liu Hao stood below, worry in his eyes. "Yes, Master. According to our intel, rumors are already spreading in Black Stone City that the Demonic Blade Secret Realm is in Black Mountain."

"It's just hearsay for now, but it's already drawn a lot of attention."

"Just today, several groups have already entered Black Mountain."

Huang Haisheng's face shifted between gloom and rage. "Damn it. Our Huang family has been here for decades, and we only just got a lead. Now it's been leaked."

"Someone doesn't want me to claim this credit."

A cold smile curled on Huang Haisheng's face, a glint of frost flickering in his eyes.

In just a short time, he had already figured out exactly what was going on.

Then, his voice turned icy: "Liu Hao, send someone tonight to bring that Yin Shengzi back. We'll take the lead and leave first. Using that Yin Shengzi for the sacrifice will be our chance to rise overnight."

"Be careful. Try not to draw anyone else's attention."

Steward Liu Hao's eyes lit up with surprise. "Yes, Master."

There was excitement in his gaze.

They had long possessed the opportunity to ascend in one leap.

But without the right timing, they had hidden it for so long.

Now, was it finally beginning?

[Your Iron Fist Technique proficiency +1.]

[Your Iron Fist Technique has progressed to 1% mastery. You have awakened a new talent: Superhuman Arm Strength. Your Strength +2, Speed +1.]

In the night, Chen Feng stared at the new information refreshing on the panel.

A smile spread across his face. "Finally broke through."

Whoosh!

In that instant, he felt a surge of immense energy flood into his arms.

His arms rapidly transformed, flesh and blood becoming finer and denser.

[Name: Chen Feng]

[Cultivation: First-grade (Skin Refining Realm)]

[Skill: Iron Fist Technique (Mastery 1%)]

[Beginner Talent: Superhuman Arm Strength (Your arms can unleash twice your own strength.)]

As the information poured in, joy filled Chen Feng's eyes. Was this the kind of talent he had gained?

He tested the strength in his arms.

Just by clenching his fist slightly.

Crack!

He could hear the faint sound of air being compressed.

The power contained within had increased compared to before.

And this was without even activating his Superhuman Arm Strength talent.

What delighted him even more was that, although the breakthrough in Iron Fist Technique mainly enhanced his arms, it also subtly strengthened his entire body.

His legs had grown stronger too, which boosted his speed.

Additionally, his cultivation had finally broken through to the First-grade realm.

He touched his skin, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Now, his skin had become much tougher.

If he were to run into Wang Hu again, Chen Feng felt that he wouldn't need to flee at all. One punch would probably be enough to kill him.

Then, under Lin Xue's pained gaze, he extinguished the lamp and rested.

A pleasant night life.

But then, in the middle of the night.

Suddenly, Chen Feng's eyes snapped open.

He looked toward the door.

Outside, Liu Hao had arrived, accompanied by a First-grade Martial Artist.

They stood outside Chen Feng's house.

Gazing at the darkened building and listening to the two breathing sounds within, a cold glint flashed in Liu Hao's eyes. He said icily, "Strike."

"Yes."

Beside him, a man in black, his face covered by a mask, swiftly charged toward Chen Feng's house.

They had already devised a plan before coming.

A mere peasant.

Finish it quickly!