novel-bin Chapter 112 True Element Realm
Chapter 112 True Element Realm
Chapter 111 True Element Realm
March passed quietly in seclusion.
When Liang Cheng pushed open the door to walk out of the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak, it was already deep winter.
The wintersweet in the courtyard is just beginning to bloom, its delicate fragrance wafting through the air.
He took a deep breath of the cool air, his body's energy was harmonious and in harmony, and the true energy of the Broken Wave Technique flowed continuously in his meridians, appearing more refined and profound than it had been three months ago.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (14247/15000)]
[Mysterious Yin Sword Technique: Mastery (7011/12000)]
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Mastery (9352/12000)】
With the aid of the incomplete "True Meaning of Crossing the Sea," his efficiency in transforming qi and blood and refining medicinal power was greatly improved, allowing his cultivation speed to far exceed that of ordinary True Qi Realm martial artists.
If it weren't for the year-end approaching, Liang Cheng probably would have preferred to remain in seclusion.
Having been constantly fighting before, how could I not seize the time now that I can cultivate in peace?
"Brother Cheng!"
A surprised voice came from the courtyard gate.
Liang Cheng turned his head and saw Ya Ya and Li Tie Niu standing side by side at the door.
Ya Ya's belly was already slightly protruding, and her face was flushed with happiness. Li Tie Niu smiled憨厚ly, carrying large and small bags of local products in his hands.
Are you getting ready to go home for the Chinese New Year?
"Yes, everything is settled here."
Li Tieniu scratched his head, "Yaya's mother and my mother miss us. Since Yaya is pregnant, we're planning to go back early for the New Year."
Liang Cheng's gaze fell on his younger sister's slightly protruding belly, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. "Alright, I'll have the martial arts academy disciples escort you back. Your mother will be so happy to see you."
After Ya Ya and her husband left, Liang Cheng went to the backyard. Yang Wei was holding Yang An and laughing and teasing him. Little Yang An opened his big, dark eyes and looked around. When he saw Liang Cheng, he actually stretched out his little hand and made a babbling sound.
Ning San Niang couldn't stop smiling from the side.
This year, as the Lunar New Year approaches, my home has become lively again after a long absence.
The 24th day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year.
As the family sat around the table for their reunion dinner, Ning San Niang looked at Liang Cheng and suddenly said, "Cheng'er, you'll be twenty after the New Year. Now that you've established yourself in the city, shouldn't you start thinking about settling down?"
Liang Cheng paused, picking up food with his chopsticks.
"Mother, I am currently focused on martial arts and have no such plans for the time being."
"Martial arts can prevent you from starting a family."
Ning Sanniang pleaded earnestly, "I know you have ambitions beyond your hometown, but you still need someone to care for you. Look at Ya Ya and Tie Niu, aren't they good together?"
Just as Liang Cheng was about to make another excuse, Yang Wei, who had been silent all along, suddenly put down his wine glass and slowly said, "Your mother is right. A man can have both a family and a career. Martial arts cultivate the mind, and a peaceful family is also a form of cultivation."
He looked at Liang Cheng, his eyes filled with the wisdom of someone who had been through it all: "However, this matter ultimately depends on your own willingness. If the opportunity has not yet arrived, forcing it will be of no use."
Liang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and raised his glass to Yang Wei: "Master is right."
Seeing this, Ning San Niang knew she couldn't force the issue, so she could only sigh and say no more.
As the year draws to a close, the martial arts academy is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations.
This was Liang Cheng's first time spending the Spring Festival at the Martial Arts Academy.
On New Year's Eve, Liang Cheng accompanied his mother to pay respects to his father's memorial tablet, and then stayed up all night with his master, Yang Wei.
During the conversation, Yang Wei sighed, never expecting Liang Cheng to have come to this point.
Snowflakes fluttered outside the window, while the charcoal fire warmed the room, and Yang An slept soundly in his cradle.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Liang Cheng carried several snacks and braised dishes made by Ning San Niang herself to visit the headmaster of the martial arts academy, and finally arrived at the alchemy room in the back mountain.
Old Master Huang was frowning and deep in thought as he looked at a new batch of pills when he saw him come in, and his eyes lit up.
"Perfect timing!"
Without a word, he handed over a jade bottle. "After the last trial, I improved the medicine over three months, removing three strong ingredients and adding five harmonizing ingredients. This time, the medicine is 30% milder, and the backlash is greatly reduced. It's perfect for you to try it out."
Looking at the jade-white pill in the bottle, Liang Cheng smiled helplessly: "Elder Huang, testing medicine on the first day of the Lunar New Year?"
"Why should martial arts training be limited by holidays?"
Old Huang glared at him, "Enough nonsense, eat it and let me see the results. What, you trying to renege on your promise?"
Liang Cheng tried to refuse again, but he couldn't break free from Huang Lao's hand at all. He could only sit down cross-legged with a bitter face and swallow the pill.
Then the medicinal effects dissipated, and it was indeed much milder than last time.
A warm current rose from my dantian, nourishing my limbs and bones like a spring.
The fragment of the True Meaning of Crossing the Sea operates on its own, and the Breaking Waves Technique, like the tide, guides the medicinal power to temper the true qi and nourish the meridians. In an instant, they blend together perfectly.
Although there was still some slight pain in his meridians, it was negligible given Liang Cheng's current physical condition.
However, as time went on, the medicine became more and more potent. It seems that Master Huang had learned from his previous mistakes and made the effects of the elixir more gradual.
The internal circulation within Liang Cheng's body is accelerating.
Two hours later.
Liang Cheng opened his eyes and felt refreshed. His internal energy had become even more refined, marking another step forward.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (14481/15000)]
Liang Cheng was greatly shocked that a single pill could have such an effect, but then a wave of hunger washed over him.
He didn't care that Old Huang was standing by, and went to the pot of warm blood soup with ease. He scooped out a big bowl, wolfed it down, and then let out a sigh of relief.
comfortable.
At this moment, Old Huang came over to take the pulse, examined it for a moment, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad, the medicinal effect is stable, without the drawbacks of being too strong or aggressive. This medicine is a success, but it's impossible to make it any gentler."
Old Huang sighed.
Liang Cheng understood the implication in his words.
This medicine is probably too much for ordinary people to take without a certain level of cultivation and physical strength.
Liang Cheng's eyes darted around, and he cupped his hands and said, "Elder Huang, could you sell me a few more of these pills? Perhaps when I get back, I'll have some new insights that you can use to further refine them."
"Don't give me that."
Old Huang waved his hand, then took out a small box from his pocket and tossed it over, "A New Year's gift. There are only three pills inside. Once they're used up, that's it. Get lost."
Liang Cheng accepted the gift, looked at Old Huang, and sincerely thanked him.
"Thank you, Elder Huang."
The night was deep, and the quiet room in Courtyard No. 3 of Zhenchuan Peak was quiet.
Liang Cheng sat cross-legged on a futon, with three jade bottles in front of him, which were the three improved versions of pills given to him by Elder Huang.
Beside it was a large bowl of warm blood soup, the aroma of herbs and meat mingling and filling the room.
He took a deep breath to calm himself.
These three pills, meticulously improved by Master Huang, combined with the transformative power of the incomplete "True Meaning of Crossing the Sea," were the "last step" that propelled him to break through to the True Essence Realm.
He first scooped up a large bowl of warm blood soup and drank it. His vigorous blood and qi immediately spread throughout his body, like a furnace burning, and his limbs and bones felt warm and cozy.
"The first one."
Liang Cheng took out a translucent white pill and swallowed it.
The medicinal effects dissipated gently as expected, a warm current permeated the meridians, and the true energy of the Broken Wave Technique circulated on its own, slowly absorbing and refining it.
Two hours later, the medicinal effects were fully absorbed, and the true energy became more and more solid. The nine true energy seeds in the dantian shone brightly, showing a faint tendency to converge.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (14631/15000)]
Liang Cheng drank another large bowl of warm blood soup and then took the second pill. After the second pill entered his stomach, its medicinal effect was noticeably stronger by three points.
The meridians began to feel a slight swelling and pain, but it was still within the range of tolerance. The incomplete True Meaning of Crossing the Sea operated on its own, continuously transforming the medicinal power and its own blood and qi into pure true qi, which was then injected into the nine seeds.
The seeds of true energy began to tremble slightly, and the attraction between them grew stronger and stronger.
Two more hours passed, and the second medicinal power was fully refined.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (14881/15000)]
It's just one step away from perfection!
A sharp glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
"The third one, today alone, will break through to the next level!"
Without hesitation, he swallowed the last pill.
"boom--!"
The moment this pill entered my stomach, its medicinal power erupted like a volcano!
The residual medicinal power from the previous two pills had not yet completely subsided when the power of the third pill arrived, instantly breaking through the gentle appearance and turning into a raging torrent that rampaged through the meridians!
"Well----"
Liang Cheng groaned, his skin turning red and veins bulging.
The cumulative effect of the medicine leads to a qualitative change from a quantitative one!
He gritted his teeth and kept his mind focused, using all his strength to activate the incomplete chapter of the True Meaning of Crossing the Sea and the Technique of Breaking Waves.
The body, now at the peak of the Golden Armor Realm, displayed astonishing resilience, forcefully withstanding the impact of the violent medicinal power and forcibly bringing it back onto the path of cultivation.
Within the dantian, the nine true qi seeds spun wildly, their connections becoming increasingly close. The meridians felt as if they were being scorched by raging fire, or repeatedly pounded by an iron hammer!
But at this moment, Liang Cheng's mind was clear.
"Though the mayfly is small, its ambition soars to the heavens; the transformation of true energy into primordial essence begins today!"
He let out a low roar, focusing all his attention into his dantian, where the true qi within his meridians grew increasingly dense, and then nourished the nine true qi seeds.
The first seed of true qi undergoes a qualitative change through quantitative accumulation, transforming true qi into essence!
The second one —
The third one —
Each transformation of the True Qi Seed brings more intense pain and more surging power, but Liang Cheng's will is like a reef, unmoved by the waves.
Five, six, seven —
The nine true qi seeds have transformed into nine fist-sized pale blue vortexes of primordial energy, with a point of shimmering white light slowly condensing in the center of each vortex.
That is the core of true essence!
"Not enough, condense it!"
Liang Cheng forced all the remaining medicinal power and blood energy in his body into the vortex, pushed the incomplete chapter of the Crossing the Sea True Meaning to its limit, and circulated the Broken Wave Technique throughout his body like a surging tide.
"Buzz!"
The cyclone shuddered violently, and the central point of shimmering white light suddenly shone brightly, transforming into a drop of liquid true essence!
Immediately afterwards, the second drop, the third drop—a continuous stream of true energy was refined and transformed, flowing into that vortex of energy and condensing into true essence.
The pale blue cyclone gradually took on a shimmering white luster, its rotational speed began to slow down, and its shape became increasingly stable.
When the last wisp of true energy completed its transformation, nine orbs of light, each the size of a pigeon egg and tinged with pale blue, floated in Liang Cheng's dantian.
The ball of light slowly rotated, and with each rotation, it emitted a powerful force that was several times more concentrated and mercury-like than before!
Liang Chengfu's mind was at peace, and the third level of the "Broken Wave Technique" flowed naturally.
[The Third Level of the Broken Wave Technique: Beginner (1/5000)]
True Essence Realm, achieved!
Most importantly, lifespan increases again, reaching 150 years!
Then Liang Cheng suddenly opened his eyes, and two beams of light shot out more than a foot long as if they were real, before dissipating after a long time.
He slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, which lingered and left a faint white mark in the air before slowly dissipating after a long while.
At this moment, Liang Chengzhou's aura was restrained, yet he gave people a sense of unfathomable depth.
A faint golden luster flowed beneath his skin, and the Golden Armor Realm seemed to have undergone some kind of tempering during its breakthrough to the True Essence Realm, making it appear even more solid.
Feeling the immense power brought by the nine clusters of true essence within his body, Liang Cheng clenched his fist, and the air actually crackled slightly as he squeezed it.
"The True Essence Realm is indeed worlds apart from the True Qi Realm."
With a slight thought, a wisp of true essence emanated from his body, condensing into a pale blue water droplet at his fingertip. As it spun slightly, the sound of tides could be faintly heard.
The quality of this true essence is far more refined and condensed than the mixed true essence of Wu Zhenshan and the Zoroastrian envoys who broke through using evil methods.
"With my current strength, if I were to encounter the Right Envoy of the Zoroastrian Church again, I would surely be able to kill him within three moves."
A sharp glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
Moreover, given his current situation, he is likely to have broken through to the True Essence Realm with the perfect Dao Foundation that Elder Huang spoke of, just like how he was able to kill people like Tie Xiongshan and Xu Zhang when he was in the True Qi Realm. Ordinary True Essence Realm cultivators are far from being his match.
All of this is only the beginning of the True Essence Realm. Once the realm is stabilized and the True Essence continues to be refined and strengthened, the strength will experience a qualitative leap.
From outside the door came Ning San Niang's cautious inquiry: "Cheng'er, are you alright? There seemed to be some noise inside just now—"
Liang Cheng composed himself, pushed open the door to the quiet room, and smiled, "Mother, I'm fine."
When Yang Wei saw Liang Cheng, he seemed to sense that Liang Cheng was different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Just as he was about to ask, he heard Liang Cheng say, "Mother, I'm hungry."
Ning San Niang hurriedly went to the kitchen to prepare, bringing out snacks and food. Liang Cheng ate them heartily, and for a time, laughter and joy filled the air.
"You child, eat slowly."
After the Lantern Festival, Ya Ya and Li Tie Niu settled their family affairs and returned to the Martial Arts Academy.
Ya Ya's belly is getting more noticeable, and her face is radiant with the gentle glow of someone about to become a mother.
Ning San Niang held Ya Ya's hand and asked her all sorts of questions. She then brought Yang An to Ya Ya and teased her, saying, "Look, in a few months, you'll be a mother too."
97
The courtyard was filled with a warm atmosphere.
This tranquility was broken on the twentieth day of the first lunar month.
City Lord Shen Jun personally went to the Martial Academy and, together with Bai Hong, summoned all five true disciples to the Mingxin Pavilion.
Liang Cheng, Yun Jinghong, Wang Teng, Chen Han, Han Li.
The five people stood solemnly in front of the hall.
Shen Jun's gaze swept over the five people, lingering particularly on Liang Cheng. A hint of barely perceptible satisfaction flashed in his eyes before he said solemnly, "I have summoned you here today for a major event concerning the rise and fall of Linwu City over the next ten years."
Bai Hong took over the conversation, his voice deep and serious: "The grand competition among the three cities of Zhongyuan Island is scheduled for March. The five of you are the participants selected by my Linwu City."
A three-city showdown!
Liang Cheng's heart stirred.
Although I had heard about it before, I didn't know the specifics.
Shen Jun explained, "The Three Cities Grand Competition is a grand event that has been held for ten years between Linwu City, Panshi City to the north, and Qinglan City to the south."
"The three cities are all located on Zhongyuan Island, and their resources are intertwined. In order to reduce fighting and conflict, a ten-year grand competition was established, but only martial artists under the age of forty who have broken through the True Qi Realm can participate."
"And you are the hope of my Linwu City!"
At this moment, Wang Teng asked in a deep voice, "Dean, how strong were our opponents in previous years?"
"The strongest in previous years were mostly at the peak of the True Qi Realm, but occasionally a True Yuan Realm expert would appear."
"However, according to the reports from our scouts, both Rock City and Azure Mist City have produced martial arts prodigies, and they should not be underestimated. Rock City is known for its body-refining hard skills, while Azure Mist City focuses on movement techniques and swordsmanship. Neither should be underestimated."
Shen Jun slowly rose to his feet, his gaze sharp: "Do you know why the Martial Academy stands aloof from the world in Linwu City?"
"Because the Martial Academy shoulders the heavy responsibility of the once-every-ten-year Three-City Grand Competition, the rankings in the competition directly determine the ownership of the three spirit stone mines and two medicine valleys located at the intersection of the three cities for the next ten years!"
His voice suddenly rose in intensity: "Over the past thirty years, Linwu City has suffered three defeats, ranking last in market share and facing dwindling resources. This is one of the reasons why the Zoroastrian Church was able to take advantage of the situation and why the various families within the city are feeling uneasy!"
The hall was completely silent.
Chen Han and Han Li exchanged a glance, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit. Having guarded the area for many years, they knew all too well the pain of resource scarcity.
Yun Jinghong tightened her grip on her sword slightly.
Wang Teng took a deep breath.
Liang Cheng stood calmly, but finally understood why the rules of the Martial Academy were so cruel.
Throughout Liang Cheng's journey, before reaching the True Qi Realm, he was subjected to the Martial Academy's practice of nurturing Gu (a type of poisonous insect), and those geniuses who died were no longer geniuses.
After advancing to the True Qi Realm, the Martial Academy became extremely protective of its own.
Now we know the reason: the Martial Academy bears the heavy responsibility of the rise of Linwu City, which is why the competition is so fierce.
Bai Hong looked at Liang Cheng and the other four, his eyes filled with hope, "This time, I hope you will cooperate sincerely and wipe away the shame of Linwu City!"
"We will do our utmost!"
The five men responded in unison.
Shen Jun nodded: "Alright! The Three Cities Grand Competition will be held at the end of February at Huiwu Slope, where the three cities meet. During this time, the Martial Academy and the City Lord's Mansion will devote all their resources to helping you cultivate and prepare for the competition."
"Medicines, cultivation techniques, sparring partners—everything is provided. You only need to do one thing: cultivate diligently and become stronger!"
"Here you go!"
After giving their instructions, the five men took their leave, but Liang Cheng was left behind alone.
Only Bai Hong, Shen Jun, and Liang Cheng remained in the pavilion.
Shen Jun personally poured Liang Cheng a cup of tea, and said solemnly, "Liang Cheng, there are some things I couldn't say in public just now."
Bai Hong took over the conversation, his gaze profound.
"In the Three Cities Grand Competition, you need not hold back. You must do your best to win first place, because the winner of the competition will receive special preferential treatment in terms of resources from Zhongyuan Island. In the next ten years, Linwu City will receive an additional 10% of the total resource quota."
One-tenth!
It may not sound like much, but if Linwu City gains another city, over ten years, it will bring immense wealth.
Liang Cheng nodded: "This disciple understands."
But that's not the most important thing.
Shen Jun lowered his voice, "Did you know that Zhongyuan Island is just one of the four islands in the Four Islands Alliance?"
Liang Cheng was startled.
Four-Island Alliance!
"The Four Islands Alliance consists of four large islands: Canglan, Chixiao, Xuanming, and Zhongyuan, along with fifteen affiliated cities. My Linwu City's strength is only in the middle to lower range, or even at the bottom."
At this moment, a look of longing appeared in Bai Hong's eyes. "Moreover, the alliance has a martial arts academy, which selects the most outstanding talents from the fifteen cities every ten years to enter the academy for cultivation. That is the real holy land of martial arts."
He paused, then said slowly and deliberately, "The winner of the Three Cities Grand Competition will directly obtain the qualification to be a disciple of the Martial Arts Academy. That is where the true martial arts prodigies reside, with better resources and stronger techniques and combat skills."
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng's breathing quickened slightly.
Shen Jun looked at him, then suddenly sighed, his tone complex: "Liang Cheng, do you know that you and Dean Bai were once full of vigor and participated in the grand competition?"
Liang Cheng was taken aback.
Bai Hong smiled bitterly: "We failed. We were eliminated in the second round and didn't even qualify for the final round. In the end, we can only return to Linwu City and guard this small piece of land."
He looked at Liang Cheng, his eyes filled with resentment and anticipation: "We may seem to be at the top of Linwu City, but in reality we are nothing more than the losers of that year, prisoners trapped here."
"But you are different."
Shen Jun patted Liang Cheng heavily on the shoulder, "You have talent, you have character, and you have the opportunities and courage that we didn't have back then. Liang Cheng, your path should not stop at Linwu City, or even at Zhongyuan Island."
"Go to the Martial Arts Academy, witness the true geniuses, and vie for that path to heaven!"
Bai Hong took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly: "Because after entering the main academy, there will be an opportunity to participate in the Ascension Conference and join the Penglai Sect, one of the Three Sects and Six Schools."
Penglai Sect!
Liang Cheng's pupils contracted!