My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 134 Killing Enemies Beyond Their Rank

The following morning, Liang Cheng finished packing and went to the Chuan Gong Hall to bid farewell to his master.

"Master, your disciple will set off for home today."

Liang Cheng bowed respectfully.

"Um."

Chen Xuanfeng looked at him and nodded. "Be careful on the road."

"Your disciple will remember this."

Chen Xuanfeng paused, as if thinking of something, and softened his tone slightly: "When you return to Linwu City, please give my regards to an old friend."

Liang Cheng was slightly taken aback: "An old friend? I wonder what Master is referring to—"

"Huangfu Qi".

Chen Xuanfeng slowly uttered three words.

Liang Cheng quickly searched his memory, confirming that he had never heard of the name before, and asked in confusion, "Huangfu Qi? This disciple does not know this person. How should I find him?"

Chen Xuanfeng glanced at him and sighed softly: "It's Elder Huang from the alchemy room on the back mountain of the Martial Academy."

Huang Lao?!

Liang Cheng was startled.

It turns out that Master Huang is an old friend of my master?

No wonder Elder Huang recommended his master to me before. It turns out that the two had quite a history. But Elder Huang's real name is actually Huangfu Qi.

This name—

It sounds complicated.

"Master, Elder Huang—"

Liang Cheng couldn't help but want to ask more questions.

"You don't need to inquire about things from the past."

Chen Xuanfeng waved his hand, interrupting him, a complex look of reminiscence flashing across his face before he regained his composure.

"You just need to convey my greetings."

Suppressing his doubts, Liang Cheng nodded and replied, "Yes, disciple understands."

"Go."

Chen Xuanfeng turned away and said no more.

Liang Cheng left the training hall with new questions in his mind. He knew his master's temperament and knew that asking again would be futile.

Upon arriving at the main hospital's private dock, a passenger ship had already raised its sails and was ready to depart.

Ye Zhi Qiu came to see him off and stuffed a bulging bag into Liang Cheng's hand: "Junior brother, have a safe journey. There are some seafood and snacks from Bibo City in here. Take them back for your aunt to try. Please give my regards to your aunt."

"Thank you, senior brother."

When Liang Cheng took the luggage, the two exchanged glances, and Ye Zhi Qiu nodded slightly.

"See you after the New Year, senior brother."

Liang Cheng boarded the passenger ship and found his cabin to settle in.

With a slight jolt, the passenger ship slowly sailed away from the port. Liang Cheng stepped out of his cabin, stood on the deck, and looked back at the receding silhouette of Yunhai City. He took a deep breath.

I've been away from home for almost a year. I wonder how my mother is doing?

What about the martial arts masters?

Lost in thought, he didn't notice that in an inconspicuous corner of the dock, a seemingly ordinary porter quickly turned and left after he boarded the ship.

Yunhai City, top floor of Jubaoxuan.

Upon receiving the report, Qian Wanjin revealed a chilling smile.

"The ship has departed port, southeast route, target confirmed."

He repeated the message in a low voice, walked to the huge nautical chart on the wall, and picked up the communication jade slip in his hand.

"The target has set off and is lying in ambush in the designated sea area as planned."

Qian Wanjin picked up his teacup, which contained a blood-red liquid.

He gently swirled the glass, watching the liquid ripple in it.

"Liang Cheng, Liang Cheng, if you have to blame someone, blame your bad luck for coming home at this time."

"With strong winds and high waves at sea, it's perfectly normal for accidents to happen."

He downed the blood wine in one gulp, his eyes flashing with cold light.

Liang Cheng later discovered that Fu Qingyun was also on the ship, apparently also returning to Zhongyuan Island for the New Year.

However, the other party seemed to be afraid of him, and after boarding the ship, he stayed obediently in the cabin and did not go out except to eat.

The passenger ship sailed for three days, venturing deep into the vast sea far from the islands.

The sky was overcast, with leaden-gray clouds hanging low, and the sea breeze picked up, whipping up layers of white waves.

Liang Cheng spent most of his time in quiet contemplation in his cabin, occasionally venturing out onto the deck for some fresh air.

On the evening of the fourth day, we arrived at the area of ​​the underwater reefs, where a thick fog had risen on the sea surface.

The fog arrived suddenly and quickly, soon enveloping the passenger ship and reducing visibility to less than ten feet.

The ship had to slow down, and the guards on board increased their vigilance.

Liang Cheng was adjusting his breathing inside the cabin when suddenly a warning sign arose in his mind!

Almost simultaneously, the ship shuddered violently, accompanied by the loud crack of wood breaking and several short screams!

Enemy attack!

Liang Cheng opened his eyes instantly, the Strike Blade already in his hand, and moved like lightning, quickly opening the hatch and getting out.

The deck was in complete chaos.

Several dark figures leaped from the small boat in the thick fog onto the gunwale, killing anyone they saw with ruthless efficiency, clearly seasoned assassins.

Although the passenger ship's guards fought desperately, the difference in strength was obvious, and several of them fell in the blink of an eye.

There were seven attackers, all dressed in black water suits, masked, and exuding a chilling aura.

Six of them split up to suppress and eliminate the ship's guards and any scattered passengers who resisted.

The leader was of medium build and held a pair of black water-splitting daggers. His aura had clearly reached the True Qi Realm!

His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and he immediately locked onto Liang Cheng, who had just rushed out of the cabin!

"Target confirmed, kill!"

The leader's voice was hoarse. With a command, his figure transformed into a blurry black shadow and rushed straight at Liang Cheng!

The water-splitting dagger in his hand was silent yet carried a chilling aura capable of piercing through metal, aiming straight for Liang Cheng's throat and heart, so fast that only a blur remained.

Liang Cheng's eyes were icy cold; instead of retreating, he advanced!

A pale golden protective aura instantly activated, while the Blade of Desperation transformed into a bolt of cold lightning, precisely slashing at the trajectory of the opponent's thrust.

"Clang! Clang!"

Two sharp clangs of metal clashing!

The water-splitting dagger was deflected by the blade, but the chilling aura it contained, like a venomous snake, tried to penetrate Liang Cheng's protective aura.

However, the defense of a fully formed Hunyuan Gang Body is no ordinary matter.

The dark golden protective shield rippled slightly, instantly dissipating the invading energy!

"Um?"

A hint of surprise flashed in the True Qi Realm assassin's eyes.

His Water Splitting Strike would be difficult for even a True Qi Realm cultivator to handle, let alone a mere True Yuan Realm cultivator to withstand, yet the opponent was completely unharmed.

Ignoring the other party's reaction, Liang Cheng seized the opportunity to counterattack!

【Severing Mountain Blade - Cutting the Flow】

The blade flashed heavy and concentrated, carrying the resolute determination to cleave rivers, slashing horizontally across the waist!

The assassin retreated swiftly, parrying the attacks with his splitting blades.

"Clang!"

The force of the energy exploded, causing the assassin's arm to go slightly numb, and he was horrified.

This child's strength is so formidable?

Didn't they say that he failed to break through to the True Qi realm and must have suffered internal injuries?

Little did he know that Liang Cheng not only had no internal injuries, but also, with the help of rigorous training in the secret realm and the Condensing Qi Pill, his cultivation had advanced further, and his strength and defense far surpassed his peers!

Just as Liang Cheng was locked in fierce combat with the True Qi assassin, their blades flashing and their energy exploding, suddenly—

A sudden change has occurred!

A sinister and sharp sword light suddenly erupted from the crowd watching on the deck behind Liang Cheng!

This sword strike, long prepared, was cunning and vicious, aimed directly at the slight opening in Liang Cheng's body as he shifted position after exchanging blows with the True Gang assassin!

The timing was vicious and precise; it was clearly a premeditated sneak attack!

The one who drew the sword was none other than Fu Qingyun, who had been hiding among the crowd and observing coldly from the sidelines while also traveling on the same ship back home!

His face was now a mixture of the satisfaction of avenging a great enemy and the ferocity of a desperate gamble!

Liang Cheng deposed his cousin Fu Lingyun, and now Fu Chenzhou has disappeared, bringing great shame and disgrace to the Fu family.

If we don't act now, the Fu family will never have a chance to recover!

He naturally knew that he was no match for Liang Cheng in a direct confrontation, so with the support of someone in secret, he endured all the way until Liang Cheng was entangled by the True Gang assassins, and only then did he see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

"Liang Cheng! Die!"

Fu Qingyun let out a sharp shout, his sword flashing fiercely, aiming straight for Liang Cheng's back!

This sudden turn of events caught even the True Qi Assassin off guard.

However, it seemed as if Liang Cheng had eyes in the back of his head!

Just before Fu Qingyun's sword tip touched his body, his sword strike, which was originally aimed at the True Gang Assassin, unexpectedly turned slightly midway. His body shifted half a foot to the side by a hair's breadth, and at the same time, he slapped his left palm backward, and a powerful surge of Broken Wave True Essence burst forth!

"Bang!"

Fu Qingyun's sword, which he was determined to strike, hit empty air. Instead, Liang Cheng's powerful palm strike sent the sword flying, leaving his defenses wide open!

Liang Cheng didn't even turn his head completely; he simply used the momentum of his sidestep to slash out with his sword!

【Severing Mountain Blade - Severing the Mountain】

This strike was so fast that it exceeded Fu Qingyun's reaction limit!

The blade flashed like a cold, inverted moon, carrying a resolute intent to sever all ties.

"Pfft—!"

Blood splattered!

Fu Qingyun's forward momentum came to an abrupt halt, and the ferocity on his face froze.

He lowered his head, staring in disbelief at the horrific knife wound running from his chest to his neck. He opened his mouth, but only a large amount of blood foam came out.

"You—how—"

The light in his eyes dimmed rapidly, and his body collapsed onto the deck with a thud.

Even in death, he did not understand why his meticulously planned deadly sneak attack was seen as child's play by his opponent, who casually killed him with a single slash.

Liang Cheng didn't even glance at Fu Qingyun's corpse, as if he had just casually swatted away an annoying fly.

His gaze remained coldly fixed on the True Qi Assassin in front of him, the Zhengxian Blade in his hand humming, his fighting spirit growing even stronger!

The True Qi Assassin's eye twitched, and the chill in his heart intensified.

This young man, facing such a formidable enemy, was still able to distract himself and instantly kill an attacker of the same level. Such strength is simply terrifying!

"waste!"

The assassin cursed under his breath, suppressing his fear, and pounced again, his attack becoming even more frenzied.

At this moment, Liang Cheng unleashed his full power, his killing intent palpable, his only target being the enemy before him, as he gripped his sword tightly.

"Come!"

Liang Cheng let out a low shout, and the deck beneath his feet exploded with a roar. Facing the assassin's attack, he did not retreat but advanced, deliberately crashing into the dark shadows of the enemy!

As he unleashed his dark golden Hunyuan Gang Body to its fullest extent, a rapidly flowing golden halo formed on his body surface with his ferocious charge.

"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The swift attacks and flashing blades clashed with a rapid-fire rhythm, the sounds of their collisions as dense as a storm!

The assassin grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed. Each time his Water-Splitting Dagger struck the opponent's protective shield, it felt as if it were piercing a deep-sea whirlpool, with most of its force being strangely dissipated.

The force of the opponent's dark longsword slashing down became heavier and more explosive with each strike!

The Wave-Breaking Technique, with its layers upon layers of waves, truly lives up to its name.

Liang Chengdao moved with his body, his mind and the blade in perfect harmony. Sometimes it was like a raging tide crashing against the shore, endless and continuous; sometimes it was like a precipitous peak rising abruptly, a single blade aimed straight at a vital point; and sometimes it was like wind and thunder, a raging storm.

In addition, the true essence of the third level of the Broken Wave Technique within his body surged wildly and endlessly. With each clash of swords, his true essence surged forth like waves.

The assassins were unable to break through Liang Cheng's defenses after a long battle, and were instead forced into a state of disarray by Liang Cheng's increasingly aggressive fighting style. Their hearts were filled with turmoil.

He clearly sensed that the opponent was at the True Essence Realm, and had not yet transformed into Qi. However, the opponent's True Essence was powerful and pure, his physical body was strong and defensive, and his swordsmanship was experienced and difficult to deal with. How could he be a young man who had just failed to break through to the True Qi Realm and should have suffered great damage to his vital energy?

It's like a ferocious beast disguised in human form, seemingly tireless!

"There's definitely something fishy about this kid!"

The assassin was extremely frustrated. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and he finally stopped holding back. He let out a low growl, and the cold, icy aura around his body suddenly contracted and then exploded!

The twin thorns shone brightly, transforming into two venomous dragons that would devour anyone they chose. The tips of the thorns were concentrated to their fullest extent, and they tore through the air, one on the left and one on the right, aiming straight for Liang Cheng's ribs!

Two dragons pierce the sea!

At this moment, I will concentrate all my inner energy and killing intent into one point!

Faced with this deadly attack that was several times more powerful, Liang Cheng's pupils shrank, and the dark golden aura around his body suddenly shone brightly. All 108 acupoints vibrated at the same time, pushing his defense to its limit!

At the same time, he gripped the knife with both hands, channeling all his true energy, along with the murderous intent surging within his chest, into a single vertical slash.

【Broken Mountain】

The intent of the sword soared to the heavens!

"boom--!!!!"

The sharp, eerie light of the blade clashed with the cold glint of the sword in the most direct way!

The violent energy exploded in a ring, and the assassin felt an irresistible force coming from the Splitting Water Thorn. His arms were in excruciating pain and felt like they were about to break. The condensed qi was actually forcibly shattered by the opponent's terrifyingly refined sword intent and power!

He groaned, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, and slid backward uncontrollably, his feet leaving two deep marks on the deck.

Liang Cheng was also sent flying backward, but after the dark gold protective shield fluctuated violently, it slowly calmed down. He stood with his knife in hand, his breathing slightly rapid, but his gaze became increasingly cold and sharp as he locked onto his defeated opponent.

The winner has been decided!

The assassin looked at Liang Cheng with fear in his heart. If this dragged on any longer, he would not only fail to complete the mission, but he might also perish here.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes. He suddenly took several steps back, took a deep breath, and let out a sharp whistle!

"There are accomplices!"

Liang Cheng felt a chill run down his spine.

Almost the instant the whistle sounded, a second powerful burst of true qi erupted without any concealment. A tall, thin black figure swept past the ship's side, touched the railing with his toes, and in a turn, was already in front of them.

The opponent held a long, narrow, dark green phosphorescent sword. The blade faintly glowed with phosphorescence, and a pungent, sweet-smelling odor permeated the air, clearly indicating that it was coated with a deadly poison.

Without uttering a word, his sword flashed like a venomous snake's tongue, carrying a chilling aura, and pierced straight for Liang Cheng's back, forming a pincer attack with the previous True Qi assassin!

The two True Qi Realm assassins joined forces, their Water-Splitting Assassins employing ruthless and cunning moves to block Liang Cheng's escape routes. Their Azure Phosphorus Sword was insidious and unpredictable, targeting vital points and making it impossible to defend against.

The pressure has increased dramatically!

Liang Cheng suddenly felt overwhelmed, but fortunately he had the Swimming Dragon Step and the Primordial True Qi, so he was temporarily unharmed.

However, the dark gold protective shield fluctuated violently under the relentless combined attack, with constant ripples, as if it might shatter at any moment.

Liang Cheng brandished his sword, desperately trying to defend himself, but he was still forced to retreat step by step, facing constant danger!

"Junior brother, leave the left side to me!"

Just as Liang Cheng was forced to the edge of the ship's railing, at the critical moment, a clear, loud laugh rang out, and an overwhelming, unstoppable azure sword aura, like a beam of light tearing through the dark clouds, burst forth from a shadow on the upper deck of the passenger ship.

Its momentum was magnificent, its speed was like lightning, and it slashed towards the assassin with the Azure Phosphorus Sword!

Before the sword energy even arrived, the sharp sword intent had already locked onto the target, making the tall, thin assassin's hair stand on end!

"clang--!"

The Azure Phosphorus Sword hurriedly returned to defend, colliding fiercely with the azure sword energy!

With a loud bang, the tall, thin assassin was jolted violently, let out a muffled groan, and staggered back several steps, the eerie green light on his Azure Phosphorus Sword dimming slightly.

Ye Zhi Qiu, dressed in a flowing blue robe and holding a long sword, gracefully descended from the shadow of the mast, his face bearing his usual carefree smile, but his eyes were firmly fixed on the tall, thin assassin.

"Senior Brother Ye!"

With the pressure reduced, Liang Cheng's spirits lifted considerably.

"Junior brother, it seems you guessed right. Someone is plotting something. It was worth hiding on the ship; it really came in handy."

Ye Zhi Qiu winked at Liang Cheng, his long sword trembling slightly, emitting a clear and melodious dragon's roar, its azure true energy fluctuating.

It turns out that Liang Cheng had sensed something was wrong beforehand, and Ye Zhi Qiu, just in case, pulled off a clever escape.

"Junior brother, leave this poison-wielding bastard to me. You focus on taking care of the other one. Let's finish this quickly!"

"good!"

With no more worries, Liang Cheng's killing intent was as cold as ice, and he locked his gaze on the assassin Dividing Water.

"Now, it's time to end this."

Liang Cheng held nothing back; his true essence surged like the ocean tide, and his protective energy solidified like a mountain, the two blending perfectly together!

The Blade of Struggle emitted a buzzing sound, and azure true essence intertwined and swirled on its blade, radiating a heart-palpitating aura.

With a single slash, layers of surging sword energy surged forth, one wave subsiding before another rose, the power of which surged wildly as it accumulated!

Where the blade flashed, the air groaned under its own weight, the thick fog was completely pushed aside, and the blade swept directly towards the assassin.

The assassin's pupils constricted sharply as he sensed a deadly threat!

He roared and poured all his life's cultivation into his twin daggers. The dark daggers shone brightly and crossed in front of him, transforming into a shield of qi, attempting to withstand the terrifying wave of blades!

"Boom! Boom boom boom—!"

The waves of blades crashed relentlessly against the protective energy shield!

The first layer: the shield shakes violently.

The second layer shows the appearance of cracks.

The third level —

The fourth level —

"Snap!"

A crisp cracking sound rang out, and the dark energy shield shattered with a deafening roar!

The assassin's water-splitting dagger could not withstand the continuous and enormous force and broke in two!

He felt as if he had been struck in the chest with a heavy hammer, spitting out a mouthful of blood mixed with fragments of internal organs. His body flew backward like a rag doll, crashing heavily into the cabin wall.

When he slid to the ground, his breath instantly became extremely weak.

Liang Cheng's eyes were icy cold. Without the slightest hesitation, he activated the Dragon Step, his figure following closely like a ghost. He raised the Leading Blade high, its blade radiating a resolute killing intent.

[Severing Peak Blade]!

The blade flashed like a lone peak falling silently!

The assassin's eyes were filled with despair and horror. He raised the broken dagger, but it was in vain.

"Pfft—!"

The blade swept across the neck without any resistance, and a head flew into the air, blood splattering several feet!

The headless corpse twitched twice and then remained still.

True essence severs true energy, killing enemies beyond one's level!

Meanwhile, Ye Zhi Qiu's battle with the tall, thin assassin was also coming to an end.

Ye Zhi Qiu's swordsmanship was superb, and his internal energy was profound, allowing him to steadily suppress his opponent.

Although the assassin's poisoned sword was powerful, it was unable to break through Ye Zhi Qiu's dense and sharp sword net. Instead, it was forced into a dangerous situation by the streaks of blue sword energy.

Upon seeing his companion die, he was thrown into disarray, and his moves became fatally flawed.

"die!"

A cold glint flashed in Ye Zhi Qiu's eyes. Seizing the opportunity, his longsword pierced through the opponent's sword stance like a blue rainbow, piercing through his protective qi with unparalleled precision and penetrating his heart!

The tall, thin assassin froze, looked down at the sword tip protruding from his chest, his eyes dimmed rapidly, and the Azure Phosphorus Sword fell to the ground.

He died instantly!

With their leader killed, the remaining six assassins in black collapsed in morale and scattered, attempting to escape by jumping into the sea.

How could Liang Cheng and Ye Zhi Qiu let them go?

The swords flashed and clashed, cutting through everything like vegetables, and in an instant, all six men were killed on the deck, with no one escaping.

The thick fog still hung in the air, the sounds of fighting had ceased, and corpses lay strewn across the deck. Liang Cheng squatted down beside the assassin's body, searching carefully, but found nothing.

"To dare to attack the true disciples of the main academy, and to resort to such a despicable method of assassination, is indeed cautious, leaving no clues—good, very good."

Ye Zhi Qiu's voice was cold, but Liang Cheng wasn't too disappointed.

"It doesn't matter. We'll settle the accounts one by one, and there will be opportunities eventually."

.