novel-bin Chapter 81 Manifestation
Chapter 81 Manifestation
Chapter 81 Manifestation
That night, Liang Cheng sat cross-legged and cultivated, circulating his inner energy throughout his body. His true energy surged through his meridians like a river, flowing continuously.
[The Second Level of the Broken Wave Technique: Beginner (3/2000)]
Next, Liang Cheng practiced the Wind and Thunder Slash. As the wind and thunder roared, an unexpected surprise occurred: a few lines of small words deep within his consciousness suddenly changed.
The Gale Blade Technique, having reached its peak, was actually integrated with the Wind and Thunder Slash. The Gale Blade Technique disappeared, and the Wind and Thunder Slash skipped the beginner level, revealing a completely new progress.
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Minor Success (2800/5000)】
If Xu Zhang were to fight again now, he could be killed in less than ten rounds!
As dawn broke, Liang Cheng was extremely pleased. Just then, a servant disciple brought him a warm blood soup. He had eaten it once before at Elder Huang's place, and he would never forget the taste. It also contained rare delicacies such as silver-headed sharks.
Sure enough, after becoming a true disciple, the resources available for training were vastly different from before.
He drank the bowl dry, feeling a surge of heat rising within him, and then, without wasting any more time, headed straight for the alchemy room on the back mountain.
Old Huang was grinding herbs in the courtyard. When he saw Liang Cheng arrive, he didn't even look up. Liang Cheng walked over and placed the silver notes and the jade token of a true disciple on the table. "Old Huang, is there any news about the Xuanjin Powder and the Earth Vein Stone?"
Old Huang glanced at it, his small eyes lighting up, but his hands didn't stop moving: "You're quite eager, kid, but the martial academy doesn't have much of the Xuanjin powder and earth vein stone milk in stock, and you want a large quantity, so you'll have to pay extra."
Liang Cheng readily nodded: "Okay."
Old Huang then put down the pestle, his small eyes gleaming: "Actually, these things can be given away for free."
He drawled, "As long as you help me try out a new medicine, you'll only need to lie down for three days, and I won't charge you a single penny!"
Liang Cheng shook his head expressionlessly.
"Completely stubborn!"
Old Huang's expression changed instantly. He grabbed the silver notes and swept them into his sleeve, then wiped them on the jade tablet. "Three bottles of Qi-replenishing pills, ten catties of Xuanjin powder, five bottles of Earth Vein Stone Milk, and some auxiliary medicines—"
A total of 16,000 contribution points, plus 6,000 silver notes, just enough to pay the bill!
Liang Cheng's lips twitched slightly. This price was 20% higher than the market price, but he had been saved by Elder Huang before, and his subsequent information channels and alchemy skills were worth the premium. He nodded and agreed: "Deal."
"Get out, get out, I hate seeing you," Old Huang waved him away, then resumed grinding the medicine, muttering, "Martial arts should be about striving for excellence. How come these young people have no spirit of adventure at all?"
After leaving the alchemy room, Liang Cheng pondered that the 10,000 contribution points he earned each month were sufficient for the time being, and he was not short of resources. Next, he should go and pick up his mother.
Liang Cheng left the Martial Academy, but this time, the academy specially sent a disciple to accompany him, demonstrating the true authority of the lineage.
All four men possessed profound inner strength and sharp eyes, clearly indicating they were all highly skilled individuals at the peak of their internal energy transformation. The caravan left the city and headed straight for Linhai Town.
As the convoy entered the town, four riders led the way, their imposing presence causing the townspeople to give way, their whispers filled with awe.
The backyard of Zhao's Grain Shop.
Yang Wei, Zhou Hu, and Zhao Yuan sat around the table, while Ning San Niang sat to the side, doing needlework, but her expression was somewhat uneasy.
"Aunt Ning, don't worry. Junior Brother Liang is now a true disciple. He has already sent word that he will return to take his master's wife to the martial arts academy."
.
Zhou Hu smiled. For so many days, he had stayed close to Zhao Yuan, hiding in the backyard and not going out, just in case something unexpected happened.
Yang Wei nodded: "That's right, going to the martial arts academy is good. With him looking after us, we'll be safe."
Just then, a noise came from outside the door. Yang Wei's heart tightened. Although Liang Cheng was powerful and no one should be foolish enough to ignore him, it was always better to be cautious in everything.
Zhou Hu stood up alertly and walked to the door: "Who is it?"
"Senior brother, it's me."
Liang Cheng's calm voice came through.
The door opened, and Liang Cheng stepped into the courtyard. Seeing that Ning San Niang was safe and sound, he felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and solemnly clasped his hands in greeting to Yang Wei, Zhou Hu, and Zhao Yuan.
"Master, Eldest Brother, Senior Brother Zhao, thank you for protecting my mother these past few days."
Yang Wei waved his hand, carefully examined Liang Cheng, and, sensing the powerful aura emanating from him, was greatly pleased: "Excellent, excellent! True Qi Realm, a true disciple! My Yangwei Martial Arts School has produced a true dragon!"
Zhou Hu laughed and patted Liang Cheng's shoulder hard: "Junior brother, well done! That old bastard Xu Zhang deserved to die!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Liang Cheng explained his purpose: he wanted to take Ning San Niang to live at the True Inheritance Peak of the Martial Academy, and she could also bring others to stay at the True Inheritance Peak with her.
Yang Wei and Zhou Hu exchanged a glance, and Yang Wei laughed, "It's only right that your mother goes to enjoy her retirement. As for your senior brother and me, we won't go and cause you any trouble."
The martial arts school can't function without someone. Things are going well right now, and we've gotten used to this peaceful life. You can focus on your training at the martial arts academy; we'll take care of things at home."
Liang Cheng knew that his master had such aspirations, so he did not insist, but was grateful in his heart.
Zhao Yuan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Senior Brother Liang, I wish to go to the Martial Academy with you, even if I have to start as a menial disciple. Please grant my request!"
Zhao Yuan clenched his fist: "I just turned twenty this year and I have already entered the Transformation Realm. I am top in the martial arts school, but in the martial arts academy, Transformation Realm is just ordinary."
"I want to go to the Martial Academy. I want to see just how vast the world outside is, and whether I, Zhao Yuan, have a chance to reach the True Qi Realm!"
Looking at the burning desire for martial arts in his eyes, Liang Cheng seemed to see his former, indomitable self. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement.
"Alright, although the Martial Academy is highly competitive, its resources and opportunities are indeed incomparable to those outside. Now that you have reached the Transformation Realm, I can recommend you to join the Human Academy, but whether you can gain a foothold depends on yourself."
Zhao Yuan was overjoyed: "Thank you so much, Senior Brother Liang! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
There's no need for formalities between us.
With the matter settled, Liang Cheng entered the house and saw Ning San Niang. Ning San Niang put down her needlework, and when she stood up, her eyes were already slightly red. She carefully looked her son up and down, her lips moved, and in the end, she only murmured, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back—"
Afterwards, Liang Cheng took Ning San Niang back to his own residence.
However, the news of Liang Cheng's return to his hometown and his promotion to the Martial Academy's true disciple had already spread throughout the town. In no time, outside the Liang family's small courtyard, carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream, and crowds of people gathered.
The town's wealthy and influential families, as well as prominent figures from neighboring towns, flocked to Liang Zhenchuan with lavish gifts, eager to pay their respects.
"Liang Zhenchuan is a young man of great talent and a true pride of our Linhai Town!"
"This is just a small gift, nothing more, but I hope you will accept it with a smile!"
"I have a young daughter, sixteen years old, who admires your beauty and grace—"
Flattery and sycophancy were incessant.
Liang Cheng only allowed Zhao Yuan to speak, and refused all others: "Senior Brother Liang is tired from his journey and needs to accompany his parents. He cannot receive outside guests. Please return home."
""
Although everyone was disappointed, no one dared to complain. They could only leave their gifts and depart dejectedly.
The gifts piled up like a mountain, but Liang Cheng didn't even look at them. He simply had Zhao Yuan deliver them to the martial arts school and let Yang Wei handle them.
After dismissing these people, Liang Cheng said to Ning San Niang, "Mother, let's go pay our respects to Father and visit San Ya, and then head to Linwu City."
Ning San Niang paused slightly, then nodded: "Yes, I'll go and make some preparations."
Liang Cheng accompanied his mother to his father's grave. A gentle sea breeze blew, and new green grass had sprouted on the grave. He stood quietly and silently said in his heart: Father, your son is now capable of protecting you. You can rest assured.
Ning San Niang wiped her eyes, arranged the offerings, and murmured softly.
After Liang Cheng accompanied his mother to pay respects to his father, they arrived at Sanya's house in the alley. It was still simple, but it was clean and tidy.
Sanya was washing clothes in the yard when she heard footsteps. She looked up, saw Liang Cheng, and froze. The wooden basin in her hand fell to the ground with a clatter.
"Brother Liang?"
Her voice trembled slightly. Sanya stared blankly at the young man in black robes and jade belt before her. The image of the silent and resilient fisherman in her memory suddenly blurred. An invisible sense of distance made her subconsciously take half a step back.
"Sanya, it's me."
Liang Cheng nodded, his tone gentle.
"I came back this time to take my mother to the Martial Academy. The True Inheritance Peak of the Martial Academy has quotas for miscellaneous disciples. The work is not heavy, and it is safer and quieter than here."
When Sanya's parents heard this, their eyes lit up. This was fantastic news! Following Liang Cheng, even as servants, was better than living in fear in this small place!
Sanya's eyes instantly reddened. She lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers. After a long while, she whispered, "Brother Liang, thank you for still remembering me, but I'm already engaged to Li Erlang, the blacksmith from West Street. He's a very honest man."
Liang Cheng was silent for a moment, then said, "It's fine if we're engaged. If he's willing, I can take him with me and find him a job at the Martial Academy."
Sanya suddenly looked up, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes. Sanya's parents, disregarding everything else, said, "I'll go find Tie Niu and tell him the good news."
Liang Cheng had already found out that Li Tieniu was indeed a hardworking and honest man with kind eyes. He was also respectful to Sanya's parents. Although the blacksmith shop business was slow, the family was harmonious.
When Tie Niu stood to the side with a simple smile, awkwardly bowing, Tie Niu's parents and San Ya's parents watched with satisfaction as their children left with Liang Cheng.
If my children are well, everything is well.
When Sanya's parents returned home, they found a cloth bag containing a hundred taels of silver notes left by Liang Cheng. They quickly put it away and hid it, not daring to make a sound.
The Liang family lad is kind-hearted.
When Liang Cheng arrived at the gate of the Chen Mansion in the west of the town, he saw that the vermilion gate was tightly closed, the door knockers were rusted, and the stone lions were covered in dust. The bustling scene of carriages and horses in the past was long gone.
The old gatekeeper peeked through the side window and saw the newcomer. He rubbed his dim old eyes, and when he recognized the figure in black, he trembled and shakily opened the door a crack: "Guest Master Liang?"
He immediately turned and staggered towards the inner courtyard, his hoarse voice echoing in the empty front yard: "Young Master! Guest Master Liang has arrived! Our Chen family is saved!"
After Chen Bainian's death, the Chen family mansion became much quieter. Although loyal servants tried their best to support it, the wolves and tigers outside the family who coveted the Chen family's business had long been eager to make their move.
If it weren't for the fact that Liang Cheng had deterred many people, the Chen family would probably have changed hands long ago. However, during the time Liang Cheng was missing, the Chen family lived in a state of constant agony.
Chen Bainian's only son, Chen Zi'an, a boy of seventeen or eighteen, rushed out to greet him upon hearing the news, his eyes red-rimmed, and was about to kneel down.
Liang Cheng quickly helped him up, saying, "Master Chen has been kind to me, and I will always remember it. There is no need for such a grand gesture, young master."
Chen Zi'an was supported by Liang Cheng, but he still insisted on bowing deeply, his voice choked with emotion: "Guest Liang, my father said before he passed away that you are a man of your word and should be treated with the respect due to an elder."
Liang Cheng entered the hall to pay his respects to Chen Bainian, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He could say that Chen Bainian's death was due to his own involvement. Then Liang Cheng inquired about the Chen family's situation.
Chen Zi'an told the truth, looking haggard, "The Chen family is in dire straits right now. Three days ago, people from Tonghui Money Exchange came to our door demanding repayment, saying that my father had mortgaged 30% of the business's shares before his death, and if the principal and interest are not repaid within ten days, they will take away our ancestral home and dock warehouse!"
Liang Cheng frowned. Chen Bainian was a cautious man; why would he so easily pledge his shares?
Do you have any proof?
Chen Zi'an pulled out a yellowed contract from his pocket, his fingers trembling: "Yes, but I recognize my father's handwriting. This contract must be forged, but the people from the money exchange were fierce and menacing, and I was powerless to resist them—"
Liang Cheng took the deed and glanced at it, already having made his judgment. He looked up at Chen Zi'an and said, "I will handle this matter. Don't worry, outsiders can't take away the Chen family's property."
At this moment, he said to a disciple behind him, "Go to the town's guard post and invite Steward Liu over. Tell him that Liang Cheng invited him to be a witness."
He then said to another disciple, "Go and invite the manager of Huitong Money Shop over. Tell him that I, Liang Cheng, have invited you."
In less than the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, everyone had gathered in the front hall of the Chen family. The manager of the money exchange looked uneasy and felt uneasy.
Liang Cheng is no ordinary person. He is a true disciple of the Martial Academy, a special guest of the City Lord's Mansion, and a True Qi Realm expert. Who would dare to be negligent towards him?
Once everyone had arrived, Liang Cheng placed the forged contract alongside the account book. He lightly ran his fingertip along the edge of the contract, and a faint blue aura flashed past. The edge of the contract quietly separated, revealing a smooth, mirror-like surface.
Liang Cheng handed it to Liu Qi: "Master Liu has been dealing with commercial disputes for many years, so he must be very familiar with the seals and handwriting of various companies. Please take a look."
Liu Qi took it, examined it carefully, and said solemnly, "Liang Zhenchuan, you are wise. The ink used in this contract is not the pine soot blue specially made by the Chen family, and the color of the ink paste is also slightly different. Although the handwriting is similar in shape, the turns are weak. It is definitely a forgery."
The money shop manager turned pale and said urgently, "Master Liang, this is all a misunderstanding—"
"Misunderstand?"
Liang Cheng picked up the fake contract, channeled his true energy through his body, and with a soft "poof," the contract paper turned into fragments that fell like snowflakes, so fine that you could hear a pin drop in the hall.
The manager of the money exchange's pupils contracted, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.
Release your inner energy and control it with exquisite precision!
The hall was deathly silent.
Liang Cheng's gaze was like a knife. "I, Liang Cheng, will take over the Chen family's business. If you want money, bring me solid evidence. But if you want to seize the Chen family's assets, as long as I, Liang Cheng, am alive, I will be a guest of the Chen family. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on us can try."
The money shop manager didn't dare to speak, and immediately broke out in a cold sweat, apologized, and offered compensation. Chen Zi'an was a little stunned, watching the other party and his men scramble away.
Liang Cheng then cupped his hands to the crowd and said, "Young Master Chen is young, and I hope you will all help him in the future. I thank you in advance."
Everyone solemnly agreed, their attitude completely different from before.
After Liu Qi and the others left, Chen Zi'an was about to kneel down when Liang Cheng stopped him, saying, "Carry on your father's legacy well. You can come to me if you need anything."
Liang Cheng's voice then lowered, becoming extremely firm: "I will personally retrieve the head of the River-Turning Dragon and offer it as a sacrifice at your father's grave."
Liang Cheng then instructed Chen Zi'an to send some silver to the parents of Da Tou Er Gou in the fishing village every six months, saying that it was sent by them.
As for what Da Tou Er Gou's parents are speculating about, as long as there is no factual basis, they still have a glimmer of hope and can live on.
After Liang Cheng left, Chen Zi'an looked up at the sky.
Father, you are right. Liang Keqing is loyal and righteous, and worthy of trust. With Liang Cheng's statement, at least on the surface, no one will dare to easily touch the Chen family.
As long as Liang Cheng remains a powerful figure, the Chen family can continue to maintain its position as a top-tier merchant in Linwu City.
After dealing with the Chen family's affairs, Liang Cheng, along with Ning San Niang, Zhao Yuan, and San Ya, left Linhai Town quietly without disturbing anyone.
Just a few days after Liang Cheng returned home, Situ Lang, the deputy city lord who had been on campaigns for the past two years, finally returned to the city.
Armory Hall, secret room.
Wu Zhenshan stood below, bowing, and gave a detailed report on everything that had happened recently, especially Liang Cheng's situation.
"Shen Wenyuan has been kind to him and they are very close. I fear that in the future, he will become a tool for the city lord's faction to control us."
-
Situ Lang sat upright in the main seat, listening quietly to Wu Zhenshan's report. His fingers tapped the armrest, his gaze cold. "Zhenshan, you're confused."
"The death of a few low-level staff members in the Armory is no big deal, why are you so hung up on it?"
Situ Lang's tone turned cold. "This boy comes from a fishing family, with no connections or background. He's exactly the kind of person we should be trying our best to win over. Instead of trying to win him over, you've made things difficult for him. Is this all the kind of person you are?"
Beads of sweat appeared on Wu Zhenshan's forehead: "My lord, I'm worried that he might hold a grudge from before—"
Situ Lang interrupted him directly, "Holding a grudge? If you had abandoned your personal grudges earlier and used them to make friends for mutual benefit, you wouldn't be in this predicament today."
He stood up, walked to the window, and sighed, "The city lord is about to return to the city, and he needs men at that time. Liang Cheng is like a newborn tiger. Even if he cannot be used by me, I cannot let him become someone else's henchman. What you are doing now is not making enemies, but sending a knife to the enemy."
Wu Zhenshan turned pale and bowed, pleading guilty: "It was my fault for misjudging people and for handling the situation improperly."
Situ Lang turned his back to him, remained silent for a moment, and said, "That's enough. Things have come to this. The Martial Academy is now focusing all its efforts on cultivating him, so we cannot touch him again in the short term."
Not only should we not touch him, but we should also maintain a facade of harmony, at least to prevent him from completely siding with us and becoming a dagger in our hands.
"Yes, I understand."
Wu Zhenshan breathed a sigh of relief, but his fear of Liang Cheng deepened. Although the deputy city lord wanted to ease tensions, if there was a chance to deliver a fatal blow, he should act decisively.
"By the way, has the Xu family complained?" Situ Lang suddenly asked.
Wu Zhenshan hurriedly said, "After Xu Zhang died, his son Xu Zhi seemed to have become a different person, much more composed and low-key, and the Xu family had no complaints."
"You should try to appease them more. After the city lord returns, the Fire Worship Cult will only have remnants left. Not only in Linwu City, but the entire Zhongyuan Island will likely see a change in the situation. It's not advisable to create any more complications."
"Yes, sir."
After Wu Zhenshan left, a man in black appeared and handed him a piece of intelligence.
Xu Zhi has been doting on Qiao Zhi, the daughter of the Qiao family, during this period, and almost always listens to her every word. Madam Qiao is quite pleased with this, but she often warns her daughter not to take advantage of her daughter's favor.
"Affection? Obedience?"
Situ Lang's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "That thing from the Qiao family is probably going to fall into his son's hands now. Tell our people in the Qiao family to keep a close eye on it. If that thing appears in the world, we should get it at all costs."
"yes!"