touchnovel Chapter 77 Taking Action
Chapter 77 Taking Action
Chapter 77 Taking Action (Please Subscribe)
Yang Wei bid farewell to Liang Cheng at dusk. Liang Cheng didn't know how to comfort him and could only say four words.
"Take care, Master."
"Why are you still worried about me? It's nothing, just a momentary feeling. You're good. Don't repeat my mistake in the future. You have to fight your way into a high-class family with your own fists and kicks."
"Alright, your injuries haven't healed yet. Hurry up and go inside. Don't worry about your mother. Apart from me, Zhou Hu, and Zhao Yuan, no one knows where she is."
"Thank you for your trouble, Master."
Yang Wei waved his hand, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing and turned to leave.
Afterwards, Liang Cheng secluded himself in Tianshe for three days.
The martial arts academy was unusually quiet for the past three days.
The Xu family made no further moves, but the news of the marriage between Xu and Qiao did cause some discussion, which quickly subsided and no one paid any attention.
The Qiao family was nothing but a fallen household.
On the morning of the fourth day, Liang Cheng pushed open the door.
He had no weapon in his hand, and stood in the courtyard in just a single garment. He closed his eyes and concentrated, when suddenly he moved.
With a silent touch of the toes, the person had already slid three feet away. With a twist of the waist and hips, the figure moved like a fish wagging its tail, making nine turns in a small space.
【Dragon Step: Mastery (2976/3000)】
The tempering pool cleansed his marrow and refined his essence, while the Huang Lao elixir stimulated his potential. With the combination of these two factors, his cultivation speed has recently far exceeded that of before. His blood and qi circulate smoothly and without obstruction, and his control over his body is exquisite.
That day, he was completely immersed in the footwork and hammer technique.
In the courtyard, a gray figure could be seen appearing and disappearing intermittently, its movements becoming increasingly fluid and natural, as if instinctive. The power of its waist and legs was perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of its blood and qi, and every step it took was as precise as if measured with a ruler, yet it also revealed the casualness of flowing water.
Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, and a leaf swirled down from the branch. Liang Cheng didn't look up, but his body slid half a step to the left without warning, and the leaf just brushed against the corner of his clothes as it fell.
At the same time, he lightly touched the ground with the tip of his right foot, and he soared into the air like a dragon, turning in mid-air. When he landed back in his original spot, the fallen leaf had not yet touched the ground.
The entire process was smooth and seamless, without a trace of fuss.
【Dragon Steps: Perfection】
It became.
At that moment, Liang Cheng looked up and glanced to his left, then pretended not to know anything and returned to his room. For the past few days, he had been sensing that someone was secretly watching him.
Without any malicious intent, Liang Cheng could sense that the Martial Academy was secretly protecting him.
After all, how could we not take special care of a disciple who escaped from the True Qi Realm?
The Martial Academy has not produced a True Qi Realm disciple for three years.
Liang Cheng pretended not to know anything about this, which was fine. He could focus on his cultivation until he was strong enough, at which point he would settle accounts.
Xu Mansion.
"How are the wedding preparations going?" Xu Zhang put down his teacup and asked softly.
Xu Zhi stood to the side and said, "Father, rest assured, everything is ready."
"After the marriage, let's live at the Qiao family's house."
"What? Isn't this a disgrace to our reputation?"
Xu Zhi was taken aback, not expecting Xu Zhang to say that.
"Loving couple, live well. The sooner you find the item, the sooner you can leave Linwu City," Xu Zhang said, a cold glint in his eyes. "Remember, until the item is found, listen to Qiao Zhiyan and be a good husband."
Did you hear me clearly?
Xu Zhang's voice turned cold, and Xu Zhi's heart skipped a beat. He quickly lowered his head and replied, "Your son understands and will certainly not fail your father's trust."
"From now on, you don't need to do anything. Just get married peacefully, and don't agree to anything anyone asks you out, understand?"
"Yes."
Not long after Xu Zhi left, Xu Feng knocked on the door and entered.
"Second Uncle, the martial arts academy is heavily guarded; we can't find an opportunity to make a move."
"In that case, I have to go to the city lord's mansion. There are some things I can't just sit and watch forever, can I?" Xu Zhang sneered.
Xu Feng hesitated, "Wouldn't this be too much pressure, and detrimental to the Xu family?"
"Don't worry, Second Uncle knows what he's doing and won't implicate the Xu family. If anything happens to me, please take good care of Xu Zhi."
"Second Uncle————"
Xu Feng suddenly looked up, but was interrupted by Xu Zhang.
"Don't worry, your second uncle knows what he's doing."
That night, Xu Zhang went to the military equipment hall of the city lord's mansion and did not return until the middle of the night. No one knows what they talked about.
On the eighth day of the third lunar month, Xu and Qiao were to be married.
The wedding was a lively affair. Xu Zhi, dressed in a wedding gown, welcomed his bride into the hall and moved into the Qiao family's old residence the next day.
The city of Linwu was abuzz with gossip: what kind of groom moves into his bride's family home after the wedding?
The Xu family publicly claimed that "the young couple is so loving that they don't care about such formalities," but anyone with eyes could see that the Xu family probably wanted to use the marriage to legitimately take over the last bit of the Qiao family's assets.
Upon hearing the news, Liang Cheng did not express any opinion and continued to practice his skills diligently.
[Severing Waves Technique, Level 1: Mastery (3220/6000)]
[Stone Armor Technique (Bronze Armor): Mastery (1100/5000)]
With ample resources, Liang Cheng's cultivation speed was nothing short of monstrous. Just as Liang Cheng was about to press on and continue cultivating, there was a knock on the door.
He got up and opened the door. A disciple from the Enforcement Hall stood outside, looking solemn: "Senior Brother Liang, Chief Yan requests your presence."
"What is it?"
"The Xu family has arrived and is currently in the Enforcement Hall."
The atmosphere inside the courtroom was somber.
Yan Song sat in the main seat with a cold expression. Below him sat a middle-aged man in a brocade robe with a smile on his face. He was Xu An, the head steward of the Xu family.
Xu An cupped his hands and spoke respectfully, "Chief Yan, my third master, Xu Cangming, went to visit a friend in Xishan a month ago and has not returned since. The last person to see him was near Qianzhang Valley in your esteemed academy's jurisdiction. The Xu family earnestly requests the Martial Academy's assistance in the search."
Yan Song said calmly, "The Thousand Miasma Valley is rife with poisonous miasma and teeming with demonic beasts. Elder Xu, would you really go to such a place to visit friends?"
"The Third Master is fond of mountains and rivers, especially adventuring in dangerous places. However, he has been away for a long time and his family is worried. Therefore, we have come to ask for your advice."
"The Martial Academy is aware of this matter. We will discuss the matter further and then inform the Xu family."
"Thank you, Chief Yan."
"By the way, it's rumored that Liang Cheng, a disciple of the Martial Academy, has been to Thousand Miasma Valley. May I inquire about it?"
"see a visitor out."
Yan Song directly served tea to see the guest out, and Xu An was not annoyed, turning around and leaving.
Not long after.
Liang Cheng walked into the hall, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Disciple Liang Cheng greets the Head Master."
Yan Song nodded: "The Xu family is looking for someone, saying you were seen in Thousand Miasma Valley. Is that true?"
Liang Cheng remained calm. "This disciple did indeed follow Elder Huang into the Thousand Miasma Valley to gather herbs and heal wounds a month ago, but I did not see Elder Xu."
.
Yan Song nodded. "Since it concerns Elder Huang, that's normal. Remember, no matter who asks, answer the same way. Don't leave the martial academy during this time; focus on your cultivation."
"Yes, thank you, Chief."
"By the way, if you don't have enough contribution points, you can go to the Foreign Affairs Hall to borrow some. I'll explain it to them. Go ahead."
"Thank you, Chief."
Liang Cheng was sincerely grateful. This was clearly an attempt to protect him and prevent him from going out into danger. He would remember this kindness.
After Liang Cheng left, Yan Song was somewhat puzzled.
Xu Cangming is at the True Qi Realm. If he were to encounter Liang Cheng, and Liang Cheng appeared in front of everyone while Xu Cangming disappeared, would Liang Cheng really have such strength?
No, we have to report this to the dean and the others. If it is true, the Martial Academy must protect Liangcheng no matter what.
Liang Cheng walked out of the law enforcement hall; it was nearly dusk.
He returned to Tianshe, but halfway there, a figure blocked his way.
Lu Qingzhou.
"Junior Brother Liang, I've heard some news. Xu Cangming, an elder of the Xu family, has gone missing. Have you heard anything about it, Junior Brother Liang?"
Liang Cheng stopped in his tracks: "Senior Brother Lu is well-informed, but I know nothing about it."
"That's right. Junior brother has been recuperating, how could he possibly know? In that case, I won't disturb your recovery. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Thank you, senior brother."
"It's nothing."
Lu Qingzhou patted Liang Cheng on the shoulder and turned to leave.
Liang Cheng stood there, watching Lu Qingzhou's disappearing figure.
-
Lu Qingzhou was actually reminding himself that it seemed the Xu family was indeed making a move.
On his way back to the hospital, Liang Cheng sensed the presence of guards in the shadows.
Now that the Xu family has publicly demanded the person, the conflict has moved from the shadows to the open, and the Martial Academy is expressing its stance in the most direct way.
Liang Cheng pretended not to know anything, and the more he did so, the more he needed to calm down and cultivate.
Strength is the only way to break the deadlock.
three days later.
The main gate of the martial arts academy was wide open, and in the training ground, several instructors and deacons, including Lü Bingchen and Yan Song, stood solemnly.
Opposite them, a group of people walked slowly and deliberately up the steps.
Leading the group was Wu Zhenshan, the treasurer of the Military Equipment Hall.
He was dressed in a dark purple official robe, with a cold and hard face. He was accompanied by Xu An, the head steward of the Xu family, and behind him were eight elite guards from the Martial Arts Hall.
Lu Bingchen cupped his hands in greeting, his tone flat, "It is an honor to have Treasurer Wu grace us with his presence. I have failed to greet you properly."
-
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Wu Zhenshan stopped, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a gentle smile on his lips, and got straight to the point: "Master Lü, no need for formalities. I'm here on official business."
He paused briefly, his voice serious, "A month ago, Elder Xu Cangming, a special guest elder of the City Lord's Mansion, went missing in Thousand Miasma Valley, which is under the jurisdiction of the Martial Academy, and his fate is unknown."
There are clues indicating that your disciple Liang Cheng was also in the valley at the time and is a prime suspect. This official needs to take him away for questioning.
He took out a black iron token with the words "Special Guest Elder Xu" engraved on it, and the city lord's mansion's unique seal on the back.
"Xu Cangming is a special guest of the City Lord's Mansion. His disappearance is no longer an ordinary matter of the martial arts world. It is an internal matter of the City Lord's Mansion. This official is investigating in accordance with the law and has the right to summon the suspect for questioning."
Lu Bingchen's expression remained unchanged: "Liang Cheng is a disciple of the Heavenly Abode of my Martial Academy. How can you tarnish his pure reputation so easily?"
"If you want to question someone, go ahead, do it in my Martial Academy's Enforcement Hall. Want to take them away? You'll have to get over me, Lü Bingchen, first!"
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
The black-armored guards gripped their sword hilts, and the academy's deacons and disciples also began to exude auras.
Faced with Lü Bingchen's tough stance, Wu Zhenshan not only remained calm but also revealed a confident smile: "Master Lü's love for his disciple is understandable, but—"
Wu Zhenshan spoke slowly and leisurely, “Liang Cheng is also a first-class guest elder of my City Lord’s Mansion. Since he holds the status of a guest elder, this matter is an internal affair of my City Lord’s Mansion. Your Martial Academy is probably not allowed to interfere.”
Lu Bingchen and Yan Song's expressions changed.
Despite their meticulous planning, they never expected Wu Zhenshan to be waiting there, using Liang Cheng's status as a guest advisor as a pretext to turn the tables on them.
This is indeed stipulated by the laws of the City Lord's Mansion. If they forcibly obstruct it, it would be the Martial Academy openly defying the laws of the City Lord's Mansion, and the situation would escalate completely.
The scene was deathly silent.
Just then, a calm voice came from behind the crowd: "Liang Cheng's first-class guest minister order was issued by me, Shen Wenyuan. Even if an investigation is needed, it should be my responsibility. Wu Siku, you've overstepped your bounds."
As everyone looked over, they saw Shen Wenyuan walking slowly towards them. His usual gentle smile had completely disappeared, leaving only a cold and stern expression.
Wu Zhenshan's face darkened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and cupped his hands, saying, "Special Envoy Shen, you flatter me. How could I dare to overstep my authority? It was merely a routine inquiry to find out the truth."
Upon seeing this, Lü Bingchen immediately spoke up: "Since that's the case, if Treasurer Wu wants to ask questions, Liang Cheng can cooperate. However, Liang Cheng is, after all, a disciple of the Martial Academy. To save face for both sides, the questioning should be held in the Martial Academy's Enforcement Hall, with Special Envoy Shen also present to listen in, to ensure impartiality. What do you think?"
"The Martial Arts Academy's Enforcement Hall? That's probably against the rules."
Wu Zhenshan shook his head, refusing to back down. "This concerns the internal affairs of my city lord's mansion, and the news must not be leaked. Naturally, we should go back to the Military Equipment Hall for questioning, which is in accordance with procedure."
Besides, with Special Envoy Shen here, he can supervise the proceedings together. How could I possibly act recklessly?
He looked at Shen Wenyuan, his tone seemingly gentle but actually sharp: "Special Envoy Shen, what do you say? You wouldn't possibly obstruct even the most basic procedural fairness, would you?"
Shen Wenyuan and Wu Zhenshan stared at each other for a moment, their eyes devoid of any gentleness, filled only with icy hostility, showing no sign of restraint.
Shen Wenyuan was silent for a moment, then turned to Lü Bingchen and slowly nodded: "Master Lü, as Treasurer Wu said, I will personally accompany you. I want to see how you will ask these questions."
His words were both a promise to the Martial Arts Academy and a warning to Wu Zhenshan.
Lu Bingchen took a deep breath, knowing that things had come to this point and there was no room for maneuver.
He gave Shen Wenyuan a deep look, then said in a deep voice to the steward behind him, "Go to Tianshe and invite Liang Cheng over."
Tianshe, a private courtyard.
Liang Cheng was meditating in the quiet room, his blood and energy surging throughout his body.
Suddenly, there was a rapid knocking on the courtyard gate.
He finished his practice and opened the door, only to see Lu Qingzhou standing outside. His usual warm smile had vanished, replaced by a solemn expression.
Lu Qingzhou flashed in and spoke very quickly, "Junior Brother Liang, let's get to the point. Wu Zhenshan brought his confidants to the Martial Academy and, on the grounds that you are a guest of the City Lord's Mansion and are involved in the Xu Cangming disappearance case, he wants to forcibly take you back to the Martial Arts Hall for questioning!"
Although Special Envoy Shen has also arrived, Wu Zhenshan holds onto procedural loopholes and maintains a firm stance; it seems Master Lü and his group won't be able to stop him for long.
Liang Cheng's pupils contracted; he hadn't expected Wu Zhenshan to personally intervene.
"They are still facing off in the training ground." Lu Qingzhou said, taking out a cold iron token from his pocket and putting it into Liang Cheng's hand.
"This is a Class A mission order for suppressing bandits in Xishan. I originally accepted it. Now you must immediately head from the back of the mountain to Black Wind Ridge in Xishan. This is the only delaying tactic for now."
He stared into Liang Cheng's eyes: "You don't need to worry about being exposed. Master Lü will definitely understand what I mean and won't reveal it."
Only in this way can we buy you time to negotiate. That's all I have to say, you should leave now!
Liang Cheng gripped the token in his hand and tucked it into his sleeve. He clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Senior Brother Lu, I, Liang, will remember this favor."
After saying that, he turned around and darted out of the window. His figure was like a swimming dragon, and he disappeared from Lu Qingzhou's sight in a few leaps.
Seeing Liang Cheng leave, Lu Qingzhou took a deep breath and headed towards the martial arts arena.
Liang Cheng was able to survive the attack of Fan Jiangjiao, and even Xu Cangming was suspected of dying at his hands, so it was worth the risky investment.
After leaving Tianshe, Liang Cheng did not go directly to Xishan, but instead went to Huang Lao's alchemy room on the back mountain.
This time, he will definitely be away for a long time, and he will never show himself unless he advances to the True Qi Realm.
Since that's the case, he needed to bring enough medicinal resources, and the first person he thought of was Elder Huang.
"Elder Huang, I need to go away for a few months to avoid trouble. Could I possibly borrow some medicinal pills on credit?"
Upon hearing this, Old Huang instantly understood Liang Cheng's predicament, and his small eyes darted around.
"Okay, same old rule, nine outs and thirteen backs, no objections?"
"it is good."
Liang Cheng did not haggle.
-
Without any hesitation, Elder Huang quickly prepared Qi and Blood Pills and other medicines for him, and even prepared body-refining materials such as copper-melting liquid and fire-patterned steel.
"You're lucky, kid. Remember to come back and pay your debt soon, or the interest will go up."
"Thank you, Mr. Huang. I will be back as soon as possible."
Liang Cheng shouldered his bag and disappeared around the corner in the blink of an eye without the slightest hesitation.
I am temporarily avoiding this place not out of fear, but because when I return, I will use my true energy to crush all evil spirits!
On the training ground.
The steward led Lu Qingzhou back.
Wu Zhenshan's expression changed, and Lü Bingchen, seemingly lost in thought, took the initiative to ask, "Where is he?"
The steward bowed and reported, "Master, Lu Qingzhou said that Liang Cheng has already accepted the mission to suppress bandits in Xishan and has already set off. He is not in the courtyard."
Upon hearing this, Lü Bingchen frowned at first, then relaxed, giving Lu Qingzhou a deep look before asking in a low voice, "A-level mission? When did you accept it? Where are the official documents?"
Lu Qingzhou answered fluently.
Lu Bingchen then turned to Wu Zhenshan, his face showing helplessness: "Treasurer Wu, according to the rules of the Martial Academy, disciples who carry out Class A missions have no fixed return date. But rest assured, the academy guarantees with its reputation that it will notify your residence as soon as Liang Cheng returns."
Wu Zhenshan snorted coldly, said nothing, and turned to leave.
However, they made a fatal mistake, and Liang Cheng escaped first.
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