Organ Refinement marked the point where mortal body cultivation ceased to be a matter of brute reinforcement and became the tempering of life itself. If Bone Forging built the frame and taught it to bear overwhelming force, Organ Refinement transformed that frame into a living engine. At this realm, qi no longer merely passed through skin, muscle, and bone; it was anchored directly within the organs, refining the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys one by one. The heart learned to endure violent surges of blood without rupture, allowing power to be unleashed repeatedly. The lungs deepened, each breath fueling prolonged combat far beyond mortal limits. The liver and spleen burned away toxins, fatigue, and internal damage, while the kidneys stabilized vitality and marrow regeneration. As refinement deepened, these organs began to resonate, forming a closed internal circulation where blood, breath, marrow, and bone moved as a single system. Strength did not explode outward at once; instead, efficiency, endurance, and recovery rose to frightening levels. An Organ Refining expert could fight at peak output for hours where others collapsed in minutes, absorbing shock, resisting exhaustion, and healing as they battled. At its peak, Organ Refinement forged the organs into a unified internal furnace, allowing power to be sustained almost indefinitely without backlash. It granted no immortality, no external qi techniques, but it created something far more terrifying: a mortal body that simply refused to break.

  Organ Refinement was divided into three stages: Early, where the organs were tempered to endure direct qi immersion; Mid, where the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys began to resonate and function as a unified cycle; and Late, where the organs fused into a single internal furnace capable of sustaining peak power with almost no exhaustion or backlash. Ordinarily, each stage represented a vast gap in endurance and stability, but Chen Mo was an exception. Owing to the foundations laid by the Primordial Body Art, his organs were refined with unnatural efficiency, allowing him, upon entering early Organ Refinement, to rival ordinary cultivators at the peak of mid-stage, his body already circulating power with a cohesion others only achieved much later.

  Chen Mo stood up, feeling power surge through every vein and organ, smooth and obedient like a tide bound to his will. Strength no longer leaked or raged; it settled, coiled, patient. For a fleeting moment, an urge flared in his chest, sharp and violent. He could march straight to Commander Qi’s residence, tear the man out of his comfortable nest, and beat him into the ground until fear replaced arrogance.

  The thought was intoxicating.

  Then Chen Mo exhaled slowly. The impulse cooled, pressed down by reason. Power was best spent when it decided the outcome, not when it merely vented anger. There would be a time to collect debts, and when that time came, Commander Qi would not even understand how he lost.

  Chen Mo took a long, unhurried bath, soaking away the residue of pain and strain. It was a rest well earned, yet his resolve did not soften. He would not stop. Not yet. Only after stepping into the Innate Realm would he allow himself true confidence.

  The next day, when Sun Bo arrived, the courtyard felt unnervingly quiet. Chen Mo sat cross-legged beneath the shade, eyes closed, breath even, the air around him calm yet heavy. Sun Bo slowed his steps instinctively, then bowed deeply.

  “Master Chen.”

  Chen Mo opened his eyes and smiled faintly. “Master Sun, I was waiting for you. Take a seat.”

  Sun Bo sat, his posture respectful. “Are the resources sufficient, Master? Or should I arrange another order?”

  Chen Mo nodded. “We will need more. But this time, something different.”

  Sun Bo blinked. “Different? Were the previous medicines not to your satisfaction?”

  “On the contrary,” Chen Mo replied calmly. “They were excellent. But now I require resources for Organ Refinement training.”

  Silence fell.

  Sun Bo’s face stiffened, then drained of color. “Master Chen… you mean… you mean—”

  “Yes,” Chen Mo said lightly. “I was fortunate. I broke through last night. You should hurry.”

  For a heartbeat, Sun Bo stood frozen. Then disbelief gave way to awe. “Impossible… no, incredible…” He rose abruptly and bowed deeply once more. “Master Chen’s talent is beyond this humble one’s comprehension.”

  Chen Mo waved a hand. “Spare the formalities. Provide what I need, and I will deliver what I promised.”

  Sun Bo straightened, eyes burning with urgency. “Absolutely, my lord. I will handle it at once.” He turned to leave in haste.

  “Wait,” Chen Mo said.

  Sun Bo halted instantly. “Yes, my lord?”

  “You may call your two protectors back to the mansion.”

  Sun Bo’s expression eased, relief flashing across his face. “Yes, yes, my lord. Thank you.”

  Chen Mo relaxed in the quiet courtyard and summoned the panel, his gaze settling on the familiar column.

  Realm: Organ Refining (Initial) 1/1200

  A faint smile curved his lips. “Twelve hundred points to reach the Innate Realm,” he murmured. His eyes lifted toward the sky beyond the walls. “And fourteen months until the immortal recruitment.”

  The tension that had dogged him for so long loosened, just a little. Time was still tight, the path still brutal, but for the first time, the finish line no longer felt imaginary.

  “I can make it,” Chen Mo said softly, confidence settling into his bones like tempered steel.

  Not long after, Sun Bo returned, a stiff, awkward smile tugging at his face.

  Chen Mo opened his eyes. “What is it?”

  Sun Bo hesitated, then clasped his hands. “My lord… there is a small detail I neglected to mention earlier. I became too excited and spoke out of turn. Please forgive this humble one.”

  “Say what you need to say,” Chen Mo replied flatly.

  Sun Bo inhaled. “Organ Refinement resources are… extraordinarily expensive, and heavily restricted. I do have my own channels to obtain them, but at present, I am running low on liquid silver.”

  Chen Mo’s brow creased. “I thought the Sun family was among the wealthiest families in the empire.”

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  “It is,” Sun Bo answered quickly. “But the problem lies with me. Recent expenditures have been… heavy, and the business here in Jian City consumes no small amount either. I am only a representative of the family branch stationed here. I do not have the authority to freely draw funds from other factions or vaults.”

  He paused, choosing his words carefully. “To secure large quantities of Organ Refinement resources, I must request support from the main family. And for that… I need a convincing reason. One that justifies such an investment.”

  Chen Mo’s gaze lifted, calm yet pressing. “And that takes time?”

  Sun Bo nodded with a bitter smile. “Indeed, my lord. Even at the fastest… two months at least.”

  Chen Mo fell silent, thoughts turning like grinding stones. Too long. Far too long. Two months was an eternity with the immortal recruitment looming. Worse, if Sun Bo stirred the main family and attracted inquisitive eyes, the quiet balance they had built would shatter. Complications piled upon complications. Did he really need another sponsor?

  Then a thought surfaced, sharp and clean.

  He looked back at Sun Bo. “Can you access information about large caravans?”

  Sun Bo froze, confusion flashing across his face before realization struck. His complexion shifted. “Master… you mean—”

  “What?” Chen Mo asked coolly. “You’re unwilling?”

  “No, no!” Sun Bo hurried to reply, cold sweat forming on his back. “It’s just that such a move is extremely risky. It could draw many unwanted eyes to you, my lord. The Imperial Trade Hall in Jian City alone has two Organ Refinement elders, both at the middle stage, and ten Bone Forging experts guarding their interests.”

  Chen Mo waved a hand dismissively. “You worry too much. I only need information. One large caravan, its route, its timing, and its security details. If it’s guarded only by Bone Forging cultivators, it will be simple.”

  He paused, then added evenly, “I will also need your two protectors to act with me. That way, it appears to be the work of a small group of experts. They can also help transport the resources afterward.”

  Sun Bo’s body trembled. His merchant instincts screamed danger, while his survival instincts screamed submission. He stared at Chen Mo, disbelief mixing with dread.

  He had never imagined that this young man, whom he sought to bind with silver and favors, would calmly drag him to the edge of banditry and ask him to look down.

  Sun Bo opened his mouth, hesitation spilling into his voice. “But, Master—”

  “Enough.” Chen Mo’s tone was flat, leaving no room for debate. “Get to work. If you want that promise fulfilled, you must be willing to take risks. Opportunities are found within danger. Go.”

  The words fell like a sealed decree.

  Sun Bo stiffened, then bowed deeply. “Yes, my lord.”

  He turned and left the courtyard, his steps measured but his mind in turmoil. He had already boarded the ship. There was no turning back now, even if regret gnawed at him. Half measures would only invite disaster. If he was to gamble, he would gamble carefully, with every detail weighed and every move calculated.

  As he walked away, his thoughts steadied.

  This lord before him possessed monstrous talent. If Chen Mo truly reached the Innate Realm, then this investment—dangerous, reckless, terrifying as it was—would be repaid many times over.

  Two days later, Sun Bo stood at the head of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. Opposite him were Mo Yan and He Zuo, both alert, both wary.

  “I’ve received an urgent letter from the family,” Sun Bo said solemnly. “One of our enemies is transporting goods toward the capital tomorrow. The order is clear. Intercept the caravan and seize its valuables.”

  The two Bone Forging experts exchanged a glance, suspicion flashing in their eyes.

  Mo Yan frowned. “Master Sun, may we see this urgent letter?”

  He Zuo nodded, his voice cautious. “It’s not that we doubt you, but those caravans are rarely lightly guarded. There could be three or more Bone Forging experts escorting it. With just the two of us, this is far too dangerous.”

  Sun Bo’s expression did not change. “Rest assured. You will not be acting alone. The family has already dispatched reinforcements.”

  Mo Yan was about to press further when his words caught in his throat.

  A crushing pressure descended without warning.

  The air thickened. Their breathing grew heavy. Their bones seemed to creak under an invisible weight.

  An Organ Refinement expert—at least middle stage.

  Before either of them could react, a figure emerged from the shadows.

  Chen Mo stepped into the room clad in a black robe, his face concealed behind a mask. His presence alone bent the atmosphere, cold and absolute.

  “You will follow this master’s orders,” he said calmly. “Your negligence in the previous incident will be forgiven. Understood?”

  Mo Yan and He Zuo felt their scalps go numb. Without hesitation, they clasped their fists and answered in unison, voices tight with respect.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  The pressure vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. Chen Mo restrained his aura and turned toward Sun Bo.

  “Explain the details to them,” he said indifferently.

  Sun Bo exhaled softly, then nodded. “Yes, my lord.”

  Sun Bo straightened, his tone turning crisp and businesslike.

  “Tomorrow, a caravan under the protection of the Imperial Trade Hall will depart from Jian City. Among its cargo are two carriages filled with high-grade medicinal herbs specifically meant for Organ Refinement.” His eyes flicked briefly to Chen Mo before continuing. “In addition, the caravan will be carrying a considerable amount of silver and gold.”

  He paused, letting the weight of the words settle.

  “The escort consists of four Bone Forging experts. Your mission is simple. Seize the medicinal materials. Any silver or gold found along the way is to be taken as well.”

  Mo Yan and He Zuo stiffened inwardly. The herbs made sense. The money… less so. But neither of them dared voice their doubts. With an Organ Refinement expert standing before them, obedience was not a choice but instinct. Both nodded silently.

  Sun Bo stepped closer to the table and unfurled the map spread across it. His finger tapped a narrow, winding mark.

  “In two days, the caravan will pass through this small valley.” He looked up, his gaze steady. “That is where you will act. You will follow Master’s command in everything. There will be no mistakes.”

  The room fell silent, heavy with inevitability.