Long Feng merely held the Cold Spring Sword in his hand for a moment before returning it to Zhang Yang. He didn't dislike the sword; of the Ten Great Divine Weapons, few remained in the world today, so to claim he wasn't moved at all would be a lie.

However, Long Feng could control his emotions well, and this was Zhang Yang's possession—Zhang Yang was a rare friend he genuinely acknowledged. In his heart, there was only admiration and congratulations for Zhang Yang.

“I believe in you. You’ll definitely reach the Fourth Level of Inner Strength, and soon!” Returning the precious sword, Long Feng added with a smile, this time speaking with absolute sincerity.

Zhang Yang’s cultivation speed was the most monstrous he had ever witnessed; being at the mid-Third Level at only twenty years old was rare across all eras. Coupled with the abundance of medicinal elixirs and Saintess Pills Zhang Yang possessed, reaching the Fourth Level was merely a matter of time.

“I will work hard to reach the Fourth Level as soon as possible, but you must strive too. You’re already at the late-Second Level; I hope you can break through to the Third Level of Inner Strength before heading home at the year’s end.

Don't be stingy with your elixirs; if you need anything, just ask me!” Zhang Yang smiled back at Long Feng. Long Feng stared at him in astonishment, nodding unnaturally.

Zhang Yang actually knew he hadn't consumed the elixirs he left behind. He also understood Zhang Yang’s implication: he shouldn't hesitate to use those elixirs, but deploy them when necessary, prioritizing the enhancement of his own strength first.

As for the future, if there was still a need, Zhang Yang would certainly provide more. “Let’s go back,” Zhang Yang laughed again, starting the walk back with Long Feng.

Zhang Yang was indeed fully aware that Long Feng hadn't used up the elixirs he gifted. He didn't even need to investigate; Wu Ying’s sensitive nose could discern everything on him.

Such precious items as spirit elixirs were naturally carried on one's person. At first, Zhang Yang was slightly puzzled, but then he understood: Long Feng holding back these elixirs and cultivating through sheer grit must mean he had someone dear to him, for whom he was intentionally setting aside those remedies.

Zhang Yang’s guess proved correct; the elixirs Long Feng reserved were meant for others. One spirit elixir was for his younger brother.

His brother had average aptitude, was two years younger than Zhang Yang, and was only at the late-First Level when Long Feng left, having broken through just recently. He hoped the elixir brought back would help his brother ascend and advance, allowing him to quickly reach the Second Level of Inner Strength.

In the Long family’s inner sect, only those at the Second Level of Inner Strength were permitted to venture outside; otherwise, they were required to remain within the sect for cultivation. His brother had long yearned for the world beyond.

Of the two bottles of Spirit Ape Essence Blood Pills, he had only consumed one himself. He intended to save the other for his father, the Clan Patriarch.

Though his father was the Patriarch, he possessed only the cultivation of the Third Level of Inner Strength; the Fourth Level masters in the clan were all Elders. By setting aside this Essence Blood Pill, he hoped to spur his late-Third Level father toward a breakthrough.

He also had Saintess Pills on hand; if his father reached the critical point of breakthrough, he would hand the Saintess Pill over without hesitation. These were his original plans, but Zhang Yang’s words changed his mind.

Zhang Yang was right. If he could break through to the Third Level before returning home at year’s end, it would surely astonish his family.

This was his pride, and he believed his father would be extremely pleased and satisfied. As for his father’s situation, if there was a genuine need later, he would approach Zhang Yang.

Of course, he would not ask lightly or without reciprocation. If needed, regardless of the difficulty, even at the cost of his life, he would help Zhang Yang.

A friendship such as theirs had already been forged. When the two returned to the camp, Long Cheng and Qu Meilan were already preparing dinner.

Wu Zhiguo’s cooking was actually the best, but unfortunately, his health currently prevented him from being active; he could only rest in the tent, given the evening chill in the mountains at this time of year. It was fortunate that all of them possessed Inner Strength, allowing even Long Cheng and Qu Meilan to resist the cold.

After dinner, Long Feng immediately retired to his tent to cultivate. He lacked for nothing in terms of elixirs now; he had to cultivate diligently, striving to advance further before returning home by year’s end.

By advancing further, he would be the first among his generation of disciples to reach the Third Level of Inner Strength, startling the others in his clan and making his father proud of him. While Long Feng cultivated, Zhang Yang was not idle either.

He had already promised Long Feng he would accompany him home at the year’s end. The Long family, an ancient lineage spanning over two thousand years and consistently the foremost family in the nation, naturally placed considerable pressure on Zhang Yang.

He understood perfectly that in such an ancient clan, status was measured entirely by strength. Not to mention that due to the Zhang family incident in Huatuo Residence, he had created a lingering issue with a Fourth Level Elder of the Long family.

If his own strength wasn't sufficient, even if Long Feng could guarantee his safety, this trip would be nothing but self-humiliation. Strengthening himself was equally paramount among his current tasks.

Both men cultivated silently, continuing to assimilate the medicinal effects of the Essence Blood Pills they had consumed previously. Once the potency of these pills was fully absorbed, both would unhesitatingly consume the second dose.

Zhang Yang now held over thirty Essence Blood Pills, more than enough to sustain their cultivation efforts. The next morning, Zhang Yang and Long Feng woke up early and headed out to the surrounding mountains to train.

The air quality in the mountains here was excellent, allowing for much faster progress in cultivation. Today, Zhang Yang also practiced his swordsmanship for a while.

The ancestral swordsmanship of the Zhang family was considered advanced material; past ancestors who practiced the sword were all renowned masters. The Cold Spring Sword, paired with top-tier sword techniques, meant another significant boost to Zhang Yang’s overall strength.

After practicing for a while, the two returned together, only to find surprisingly that Wu Zhiguo was already awake and preparing breakfast outside. Wu Zhiguo’s body was still somewhat weak, but he was mobile enough.

He refused to simply wait around to be served, taking the initiative to make breakfast. On previous outings, the task of cooking had almost always fallen to him; the laziness typical of rich young masters was rarely found in him.

Breakfast tasted excellent, far better than what Long Cheng and Qu Meilan prepared. Even Qu Meilan looked surprised, never expecting Wu Zhiguo possessed such culinary skill.

Once everything was packed, the group got into their vehicles and began the return journey. They reached Changjing just after seven in the evening.

A full day of racing had left even Long Cheng somewhat weary, but their spirits were high. This trip had certainly not been in vain; they had not disappointed their other brothers, successfully bringing Wu Zhiguo’s life back from the brink.

“Zhiguo, congratulations on your recovery!” Just as they exited the expressway, several cars converged on them. Chang Feng stepped out of his vehicle and walked over to embrace Wu Zhiguo, who was the first to disembark.

It wasn’t just Chang Feng who was there; Su Zhantao, Yang Ling, Li Ya, Huang Hai, and Wang Chen had all arrived, along with one person Zhang Yang hadn't expected. Mi Xue had also come with them.

“Zhang Yang!” Seeing Zhang Yang step out of the car, Mi Xue hurried over, threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him tightly. Zhang Yang had actually called her during the day to let her know they would be home that evening, but she was too eager and went directly to Yang Ling.

The two decided together to meet them at the interchange: partly to celebrate Wu Zhiguo’s recovery, and partly to allow Mi Xue and Zhang Yang a swift reunion. Yang Ling’s idea was quickly approved by everyone; all were willing to meet them at the road’s edge, which is why they were all gathered there.

“It’s okay. I’m back,” Zhang Yang patted Mi Xue gently.

She bashfully buried her head in his embrace. Seeing Zhang Yang, she had become momentarily overwhelmed and forgotten the number of people present, running over impulsively.

Now realizing her surroundings, she naturally felt a touch of shyness. After whispering a few words to Mi Xue, they parted, walking toward the others.

Li Ya, Huang Hai, and the others took turns hugging Wu Zhiguo, celebrating his recovery. Only Qu Meilan remained in the car, hesitating to get out, unsure how she should face these people once she did.

After a period of greetings, everyone quickly got back into their cars and headed to a restaurant. This time, they skipped Mi Xue’s establishment, as it was too far.

They found a lavish grand restaurant closer by. This served as both a welcome home celebration and a congratulatory banquet.

As soon as they were seated, the others began pestering them with questions about the trip to the Southern Border. Long Cheng slowly recounted the tale.

He had merely accompanied the journey rather than participated in the fighting, but his narration was excellent. Only then did the others learn about the group of expert masters in the Southern Border, and that their expedition had not been smooth—it was, in fact, a near-death experience.

Wu Zhiguo’s poison acting up early, and the hostility shown by the mountain dwellers toward Zhang Yang and the others—though Wu Zhiguo was safe before them now, and they all knew the difficulties must have been overcome—still sent shivers down their spines as they listened. “Zhiguo, this is essentially a rebirth for you!” After hearing the story, Li Ya immediately said to Wu Zhiguo, who widened his eyes and nodded in immediate agreement.

This ordeal had indeed been perilous, and he only now understood the full extent of the danger. Wu Zhiguo knew that without Zhang Yang and the others, he would certainly have died.

Li Ya calling it a rebirth was quite fitting. “Not just a rebirth; Zhiguo has turned a disaster into a blessing.

The weight issue that constantly plagued him is completely solved. Now I’m the fattest one in the group!” Huang Hai added with a laugh.

The others paused for a moment before erupting into hearty laughter. Wu Zhiguo was also smiling.

During the ordeal with the poison, his weight had dropped rapidly, and although it had been controlled later, the weight remained lower. After the poison flared up again, his weight dropped further.

Now, he was nearly at a standard physique. Were it not for the lingering issue of loose skin from the rapid weight loss, he would definitely be a handsome young man.

As for these after-effects, he had already consulted Zhang Yang, who had ways to help him resolve them, though it would require time and gradual conditioning. The food arrived quickly, along with several bottles of wine.

Except for Wu Zhiguo, whose health was fragile and limited his drinking, the others drank heartily, all appearing very happy. Long Feng was also present at the table this time.

He remained silent but constantly observed the group. Watching Zhang Yang interact so harmoniously with them, Long Feng felt a touch of envy, mixed with contemplation.

Perhaps his own mindset needed to shift slightly. ………… Third update, Chapter Forty-One of the Hundred-Chapter Bonus Release.