My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 135 The Next Generation

The passenger ship slowly sailed away from the area of ​​the reefs.

As the thick fog gradually dissipated, a faint ray of morning light appeared where the sea met the sky.

On the deck, Ye Zhi Qiu directed the surviving sailors and guards to clean up the battlefield, collect the corpses, and repair the damage.

Liang Cheng stood on the ship's railing, gazing calmly at the gradually brightening sea in the east.

"Junior brother."

Ye Zhi Qiu walked over to him and handed him a water pouch. "Have a drink of water."

Liang Cheng took it, tilted his head back and gulped down a few mouthfuls. The icy water slid down his throat, suppressing the murderous intent churning in his chest.

"My merchant ship will be here soon. I will tell my master about the journey in detail. It's a pity that these people have no markings on them, and their weapons are the common type available on the market. They seem to be experienced and very clean."

Liang Cheng's eyes turned cold.

"Qian Wanjin".

"Most likely."

Ye Zhi Qiu nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "However, without evidence, the main hospital can't directly take action against Ju Bao Xuan. I will inform my master when I get back and investigate this matter in secret. Since he has already done it once, there's no guarantee he won't do it again."

"I see."

Liang Cheng handed the water bag back, saying, "Thank you so much for your help along the way, senior brother."

"We're all fellow disciples, no need for formalities."

Ye Zhi Qiu waved his hand, then smiled, "After this experience, Junior Brother, you have surprised me even more. With your current strength, you are probably invincible below the True Qi Realm."

"You flatter me, senior brother."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Half a day later.

When the Ye family's merchant ship arrived, everything was transferred to the ship, and some passengers and sailors, after receiving generous rewards, followed Ye Zhi Qiu back to Canglan Island.

After all, we have both witnesses and physical evidence, and we can't leave any trouble behind.

After all, Fu Qingyun is dead. He was a disciple of the main academy. Although he deserved to die, no one should be able to find any fault with him.

"Junior brother, see you after the New Year. Please give my regards to your aunt."

"Take care, senior brother."

Two weeks later, the passenger ship arrived safely at the port on the east coast of Zhongyuan Island.

We've arrived at Linwu City.

Without alerting anyone, Liang Cheng, dressed in ordinary blue cloth clothes, wrapped the Zhengxian knife in cloth and carried it on his back, and walked out of the port with the flow of people.

Familiar scenes flashed by on both sides of the street; with the end of the year approaching, the city was more lively than usual, filled with shouts and children's laughter.

Incessantly.

The air was filled with the aroma of cured meat and pastries.

Liang Cheng quickened his pace unconsciously, passing through several long streets, and the Linwu City Martial Arts Academy came into view.

Compared to the grandeur of the main campus, the martial arts academy in front of me feels more familiar and welcoming.

The gate remains the same, and the shouts from the training ground can be faintly heard through the courtyard wall.

He had just reached the main gate of the martial arts academy when the two young disciples guarding the gate looked over. One of them rubbed his eyes and exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Brother Liang Cheng?!"

The other person suddenly realized what was happening, their face flushed with excitement: "It really is Senior Brother Liang! You're back from the main hospital!"

Their voices were loud enough to attract the attention of several martial arts academy disciples passing by.

"It's Senior Brother Liang Cheng!"

"Which Liang Cheng? Could it be that one?"

"Who else could it be! Our senior brother Liang Cheng, who went from the Martial Arts Academy to the main academy!"

Quiet exclamations and whispers quickly spread, and many disciples looked over with curiosity and awe, but dared not approach rashly to disturb them.

Liang Cheng nodded slightly to the gatekeeper: "I came back to take a look."

"Please come in! Please come in!"

The two quickly made way for Liang Cheng, their backs ramrod straight, and escorted him into the martial arts academy.

Inside the courtyard, the disciples also noticed him, their gazes varying. This young man, who had once graduated from the martial arts academy, was now someone they had to look up to.

Liang Cheng remained calm, nodding slightly to a few familiar gazes, and walked straight through the training ground in the front yard without stopping.

Zhenchuan Peak, Courtyard No. 3.

The courtyard gate was open, and before we even got close, we could hear the innocent laughter of children inside, as well as two familiar voices talking and laughing.

Liang Cheng walked to the door and saw Yang Wei holding a chubby-faced boy by the stone table in the courtyard, teasing him with a wooden horse carving.

Zhou Hu sat to the side, smiling and saying something, while peeling peanuts in his hand.

"Master, Senior Brother Zhou."

Liang Cheng stood at the door and spoke softly.

The two people in the courtyard turned their heads at the same time.

Yang Wei was taken aback at first, then his eyes lit up with undisguised joy: "Liang Cheng? How come you—"

Zhou Hu stood up abruptly, strode forward, lightly punched Liang Cheng on the shoulder, and laughed loudly, "Good lad! You didn't even tell us you were coming back! We thought you wouldn't arrive until the end of the year! Sanya just returned to Linhai Town a couple of days ago and was saying how great it would be if you came back."

The child also opened his round eyes and looked at Liang Cheng curiously.

"The journey was smooth, so we arrived early."

Liang Cheng smiled and looked at the child in Yang Wei's arms. "Is this Yang An?"

"Exactly."

Yang Wei looked down at his grandson, his eyes softening. "Look, it's been almost a year since I last saw him. This kid can walk and run now, and he's always busy."

Liang Cheng's gaze lingered on the child's innocent face for a moment before he nodded gently.

Zhou Hu pulled him to sit down: "You're back just in time. Your mother has been talking about you these past few days. I'll go tell her right now."

"No need."

Liang Cheng pressed him down, stood up, and said, "I'll go myself."

He bowed slightly to Yang Wei: "Master, I will come to talk to you again later."

"Go."

Liang Cheng walked through the courtyard and headed towards the west wing.

The door was ajar, and it was quiet inside.

He raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.

A slight noise came from inside the room, followed by footsteps, and the door was opened.

Outside the door, Ning San Niang leaned against the door frame, looking at her son outside, her eyes instantly reddening.

"Cheng'er, is that really you?"

Liang Cheng stayed in the room talking with his mother for a long time. Ning San Niang pulled him aside and asked him all sorts of questions, from the food, clothing, and accommodation at the main hospital to whether cultivation was hard. She kept talking, but it was all full of concern.

Liang Cheng patiently answered each question, but omitted the dangers along the way.

Just then, hurried footsteps and a familiar voice came from outside the courtyard: "Senior Brother Liang!"

"Is Senior Brother Liang really back?"

There was a knock on the door, and Li Mu and Zhao Yuan burst in one after the other, both with excitement on their faces.

"Li Mu, Zhao Yuan."

Liang Cheng stood up, a smile on his face.

Li Mu strode forward and patted Liang Cheng's arm forcefully: "Senior brother, you're back!"

Zhao Yuan followed, his eyes filled with admiration: "Senior Brother Liang."

Zhao Yuan now exudes composure, clearly having made significant progress in the outer academy over the past year.

"Looks like you guys haven't been slacking off this year."

Liang Cheng sensed the auras of the two people. They had already reached the peak of the Transformation Realm, and the next step was to merge and break through to the True Qi Realm.

"It's all thanks to my senior brother."

Zhao Yuan said earnestly, "The Martial Academy now has many more resources than before, so we dare not slack off."

As the group was talking, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard again. A martial arts academy deacon appeared at the door and bowed to Liang Cheng, saying, "Master Liang, the dean invites you."

Liang Cheng nodded.

"I'll be right back."

Martial Arts Academy, Mingxin Pavilion.

Bai Hong and Lu Bingchen, the first-class teachers, were both present. Their gazes fell on Liang Cheng, their eyes filled with satisfaction.

-

"Okay, okay, okay."

Bai Hong said "good" three times, a smile spreading across his face. "It seems you didn't waste your year at the main hospital."

"Disciple Liang Cheng greets the Dean."

Liang Cheng bowed.

"No need for such formalities."

Bai Hong waved his hand repeatedly, looked Liang Cheng up and down, his eyes eager to try, "I have seen too many geniuses, but progress like yours is truly rare."

"Come, let this old man test your strength now."

Before he finished speaking, Bai Hong had already moved!

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and a condensed true essence finger wind pierced through the air, aiming straight for Liang Cheng's Jianjing acupoint. It was as fast as lightning and at a tricky angle, making it extremely difficult for ordinary True Essence Realm martial artists to avoid.

Liang Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly, but he neither dodged nor avoided. He merely slumped his shoulders slightly, and his dark golden Hunyuan Gang Body instantly circulated.

"laugh!"

The finger strikes Liang Cheng's body, producing a faint sound. Liang Cheng's body doesn't even sway; the ripples on his body dissipate the finger's force into nothingness.

Bai Hong's surprise deepened. He no longer held back, his figure dancing like a crane, his palms flying, his true essence transforming into countless palm shadows that enveloped Liang Cheng.

Each palm strike contained a powerful force of perfect true essence, the palm wind howled, and fallen leaves flew in the courtyard.

Liang Cheng finally made a move.

He didn't draw his sword, but instead met Bai Hong's palm with his own, his Broken Wave True Essence surging out like a tide, clashing head-on with Bai Hong's palm force.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The sounds of clashing energies were incessant.

After ten moves, Bai Hong suddenly changed his move, unleashing a Cloud Piercing Hand strike straight at Liang Cheng's center, his palm power concentrated in a single line, unstoppable.

Liang Cheng also changed his move, pointing his right hand together and sending out a condensed azure true essence, which accurately struck Bai Hong's Laogong acupoint in the palm.

They came from behind but surpassed others!

Bai Hong had no choice but to withdraw his palm and defend, but Liang Cheng had already taken the opportunity to retract his fingers, stepped back, and bowed, saying, "Dean, you are too kind."

Bai Hong stood there, looked at his palm, then looked up at Liang Cheng, his eyes filled with undisguised shock.

After a long while, he finally let out a long breath, shook his head and smiled bitterly: "I never thought that I wouldn't even be qualified to let you draw your sword today."

"Dean, you flatter me."

Liang Cheng quickly replied modestly, "This disciple only gained an advantage in defense because of the special nature of my technique."

"No need to be modest."

Bai Hong waved his hand, his expression turning to one of satisfaction, "Your achievements today are a blessing for the Martial Academy and even more so for Linwu City."

He gestured for Liang Cheng to sit down, personally poured him a cup of tea, and Lu Bingchen, who was next to him, recovered from his shock, and the atmosphere became lively with laughter.

"Since you won first place in the Three Cities Grand Competition, the resources that Linwu City can allocate to the Martial Academy have increased by 60% compared to previous years."

Bai Hong slowly said, "The cultivation speed of the elite disciples of the Martial Academy is now more than twice as fast as before. Those lads, Li Mu and Zhao Yuan, are also thanks to these resources."

"And who knows, it might not be long before you see some old friends from our martial arts academy at the main hospital."

Ok?

Before Liang Cheng could ask anything, Bai Hong said, "This matter is not yet settled. You will know when there is news."

Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng asked no further questions.

"However, this is all thanks to you."

Bai Hong looked at him and was quite moved. It was a great fortune for the Martial Academy to accept Liang as a disciple.

Then they inquired about the situation at Liangcheng General Hospital and were so surprised to hear that Liang Cheng had topped the list of heroes that they knocked over their teacups.

"Okay, okay!"

"Truly worthy of being the pride of Linwu City!"

After leaving Mingxin, Liang Cheng headed straight for the alchemy room on the back mountain, where the aroma of medicinal herbs wafted through the air.

Liang Cheng knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Liang Chengdong entered through the gate.

Old Master Huang sat in front of the alchemy furnace, the flames inside were pale blue.

He didn't look up, but simply said, "You're back, kid?"

"How could I forget you now that you're back, young man?"

After bowing, Liang Cheng sat down directly next to Elder Huang.

"Elder Huang, my master Chen Xuanfeng specifically asked me to convey his greetings to you."

Upon hearing the name Chen Xuanfeng, Old Huang paused slightly in his hand fanning the fire.

"What else did that old bastard say?"

"He didn't say anything, just asked me to give you my regards."

Old Huang remained silent for a moment, then softly hummed in agreement, and said nothing more, continuing to fan the fire.

Liang Cheng waited quietly, suppressing his curiosity. His master didn't say anything, and it seemed that Elder Huang didn't want to talk about it either.

After a long silence, Old Huang spoke again: "How are you doing at the main hospital?"

2

"All is well, thank you for your concern, Elder Huang."

Old Huang turned his head, his gaze falling on Liang Cheng. He scrutinized him carefully, and upon looking at him, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"With True Essence Condensed into Darkness and the Primordial Chaos Body Formed, you can definitely break through to the True Chaos Realm with this accumulation. Do you still want to continue with Perfect Foundation Establishment?"

"Haha, kid, you just feel like you haven't reached your limit yet. What perfect foundation building?"

Liang Cheng chuckled, and Old Huang nodded, then his eyes darted around.

"I just finished refining a batch of pills here, and they're quite suitable for you."

Liang Cheng asked instinctively, "How much?"

Old Huang grinned.

"It's not expensive, just give me the demon cores on your body."

Liang Cheng was surprised by Huang Lao's keen senses. He trusted Huang Lao completely, so he took out all the remaining demon cores on his body.

Three fourth-order coins and ten third-order coins.

Without further ado, Old Huang put down his palm-leaf fan, got up, walked to the wooden shelf to the side, took down a blue jade bottle, and handed it to Liang Cheng.

"This is the Meridian Nourishing Pill, which can warm and nourish the meridians and harmonize the true essence. This pill can help you strengthen your meridians and stabilize your realm."

Liang Cheng accepted the pill with both hands: "Thank you, Elder Huang, for bestowing this elixir."

"Xinghai, I'm busy here, you can go to Hai."

Liang Cheng was taken aback. Huang Lao was still the same as before, and once he achieved his goal, he would turn his back on Minghai.

But Liang Cheng just smiled and got up to take his leave.

Returning from the alchemy room to Courtyard No. 3 of True Inheritance Peak, Liang Cheng sat cross-legged on the couch and took out the Nourishing Meridian Pill given to him by Elder Huang.

The jade bottle felt warm to the touch. When the stopper was pulled out, a clear and refreshing medicinal fragrance wafted out, instantly invigorating Ming.

The elixir was pale blue with fine cloud-like patterns on its surface, clearly indicating it was a high-grade elixir.

Liang Cheng swallowed the pill, which melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into a warm, clear stream that slid into his abdomen and then spread throughout his limbs and bones.

He immediately activated the "Broken Wave Technique" to guide the medicinal power.

Unlike the powerful and forceful palm strike of the Condensing Qi Pill, the Nourishing Meridian Pill has a gentle and lingering medicinal effect, like spring rain nourishing the inner walls of the meridians.

The strength and resilience of the body's meridians are gradually increasing under the warm and gentle medicinal power.

"A fine elixir."

Liang Cheng secretly praised him.

Huang Lao's alchemy skills were indeed extraordinary.

This solidifies the foundation of Wu and expands its potential.

After this period of gentle nourishment, the resilience of his meridians has clearly improved.

If I had a demon core in hand now, I would be able to refine it for much longer than before, absorb more energy, and greatly improve my cultivation efficiency.

Unfortunately—

Liang Cheng couldn't help but complain when he remembered that Huang Lao had taken away his last demon core.

"Could this old man have specifically given me the Meridian Nourishing Pill because he knew I didn't have a demon core?"

However, given Elder Huang's discerning eye, gifting him the Meridian Nourishing Pill to help him expand his meridian potential, while conveniently taking away the demon core, is indeed quite...

The saying goes, "The master leads you in, but the practice depends on your luck," and it also carries a touch of wicked humor.

Liang Cheng shook his head and chuckled, casting aside his distracting thoughts.

In any case, what Elder Huang gave him was indeed a good thing, and he remembered this sentiment.

As for the demon core, there will always be a way to obtain it in the future.

The days that followed were peaceful and routine.

Liang Cheng spends his days with his mother, talks with his master Yang Wei and senior brother Zhou Hu, and occasionally gives guidance to Li Mu and Zhao Yuan who have rushed over upon hearing the news.

Although he didn't say it explicitly, his few words of guidance often enlightened Li Mu'er and benefited him greatly.

His return caused quite a stir in Linwu City.

Liang Cheng's name had already spread throughout the city when he won the championship in the Three Cities Tournament.

Now that he has returned from the main hospital, he is being talked about in an even more miraculous way.

What "Top of the General Hospital's Heroes List," "Slaying a Fifth-Order Demon Beast in Azure Wave City," "Suspected of Having Reached the Threshold of the True Qi Realm"—

..

Various rumors circulated among the powerful clans, nobles, and wealthy merchants, causing Mingxin to become restless.

As a result, visitors began to arrive in an endless stream outside the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak.

The heads of various families, the presidents of chambers of commerce, and the chief镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) of escort agencies —

They prepared generous gifts, but the nephew earnestly declined, only asking to see Liang Cheng once.

Liang Cheng was extremely annoyed by this and asked Zhou Hu to stop Hai from returning. His nephew only wanted to accompany his teacher Jiaming at the end of the year and had no interest in socializing.

Apart from the city lord's mansion and some other ancient cries, no other cries were seen.

On this day, Lu Qingzhou visited. He was now more composed and mature than ever. The gifts he brought were not expensive, but they were a jar of fine aged wine brewed by the Lu family and a box of the most authentic pastries from a time-honored brand in Linwu City.

Liang Ming sat facing each other at the stone table in the courtyard, just like in the old days, enjoying a simple drink.

"Brother Liang, it's been less than a year since we last met, and I never imagined you'd reach such heights, leaving us to only look up to you in awe."

Lu Qingzhou raised his glass, his smile sincere, but there was still some complexity in his eyes.

After all, back then, Liang Cheng was not as good as himself.

"Brother Lu, you flatter me. The path of martial arts is long, and we are both still on the journey."

Liang Cheng clinked glasses with him, and they chatted about the past and their current situations. Amidst laughter and conversation, the two men relaxed at the table.

After several rounds of drinks, Lu Qingzhou finally took his leave.

Liang Cheng personally escorted him to the door.

Lu Qingzhou took a few steps, then turned back to look at Liang Cheng. The thought of catching up in his heart finally turned into a sigh.

The gap between them will eventually widen further and further.

However, he quickly composed himself, cupped his hands in a smile to Liang Cheng, turned around and strode away, as if he had put down a burden, his back still upright.

Lu Qingzhou is not as good as Liang Cheng, but he also has his own path to follow.

Who hasn't been a martial arts genius?

What if we are a step behind?

Canglan Island, Cloud Sea City.

The main hospital, the Chuan Gong Hall.

Ye Zhi Qiu stood before Chen Xuan Feng and gave a complete and detailed report on the attacks they had encountered while escorting Liang Cheng back to his hometown.

"Those assassins were indeed veterans, but we couldn't find out their origins, which was extremely unusual. It was as if they had never appeared in the Four Islands Alliance."

"However, my junior brother suspected that it was Qian Pijin's doing, but when I wanted to investigate further, I found that Qian Pijin had already applied for a transfer and left the Hai Si Island Alliance five days ago."

Ye Zhi Qiu's tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"That old fox has an incredibly keen sense of smell and runs too fast. Now that the investigation has been interrupted and there is no conclusive evidence, we can't possibly pursue the other party's responsibility based solely on the winter test."

-

Chen Xuanfeng listened quietly to Ye Zhiqiu's report, his fingers tapping lightly on the back of his chair, his expression calm and revealing no emotion.

"I know the '亥' (hai)."

"Make a note of this matter. Anyway, the monk can run but the temple can't. Once your junior brother has completed his cultivation, he will naturally take revenge himself."

"Your junior brother has never been one to swallow his anger, so this might motivate him, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."

"yes!"

Ye Zhi Qiu accepted the order and then took his leave.

He also has to go back to Bibo City for the New Year.

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