touchnovel Chapter 97 The Great Perfection of Wind and Thunder Slash
Chapter 97 The Great Perfection of Wind and Thunder Slash
Chapter 96 The Great Perfection of Wind and Thunder Slash
Three days later, Qiao's mother was buried. Liang Cheng did not attend, but Zhao Yuan stayed by Yang Wei's side instead.
The funeral was simple. The Qiao family no longer had many relatives and friends. Most of those who came were neighbors who had received kindness from Mrs. Qiao in the past, and very few others came.
If Liang Cheng had come, the funeral probably wouldn't have been so quiet.
Yang Wei presided over the entire ceremony, his spine ramrod straight, and he performed each step of the ritual meticulously. Qiao Zhi, dressed in mourning, followed behind the coffin, and did not cry at all, but her face was frighteningly pale, and her hand was always gently protecting her lower abdomen.
Burial, mound of earth, erection of a monument.
Everything ended, and everyone dispersed.
Yang Wei stood in front of the new grave, silent for a long time, before turning to look at Qiao Zhi.
"Zhi'er, come back to Linhai Town with me. It's quiet there and suitable for your pregnancy. Linwu City is too big; you won't be able to handle it."
Qiao Zhi shook her head.
She looked at the tombstone, her voice soft but flat: "Mother is gone, and now I'm all that's left in the Qiao family. If I'm gone, the Qiao family will truly be gone."
"I can----"
"father."
The first time Qiao Zhi called him that, it shocked Yang Wei. "Now I understand. Some burdens don't need to be shouldered by force. I know my own limitations."
She turned her head and looked at Yang Wei, her eyes weary.
"I don't hate you, nor do I hate Senior Brother Liang Cheng. I chose this path myself, I married this person myself, and I should repay my own debts."
"I will give birth to the child and raise him well. The Qiao family's shop is still there, and I will learn to manage it. I don't seek to revive the family's glory, I only hope that my family can live a peaceful and stable life."
She paused, then said in an even softer voice, "Take care of yourself."
After saying this, she bowed to Yang Wei and, supported by the old servant, slowly walked down the cemetery.
Yang Wei stood there, watching his daughter's back, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.
He stood there for a long time, until the sun set, before slowly turning around. Accompanied by Zhao Yuan, he glanced at the newly built grave and strode away.
His back was still upright, yet it exuded a sense of desolation.
On the day Yang Wei left Linwu City, Liang Cheng and Zhao Yuan saw him off. Liang Cheng didn't say much, but stuffed a bottle of medicine to nourish his meridians into his hand.
"Master, take care."
Yang Wei patted him on the shoulder and got into the carriage.
"You're the same. Don't always shoulder things alone. You take things too seriously, but given the Martial Academy's current attitude, they are someone you can rely on."
After giving his instructions, the carriage gradually drove away and disappeared at the end of the official road.
Liang Cheng stood there for a while, then turned and went back to the city.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance of the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak, they saw a man standing with his sword in his arms. It was Wang Teng, the newly promoted true disciple of the martial arts academy.
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"Junior Brother Wang."
"Senior Brother Liang."
Wang Teng bowed respectfully, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "Last time you said your lung meridian was injured and it was inconvenient for you to fight. Now that you have suppressed Xu Tianxing, your injuries must have healed."
He got straight to the point, without any hesitation: "Now that my trip to Dongshan Mine is imminent, I ask my senior brother to fight me."
Liang Cheng looked at him.
After Wang Teng broke through to the True Qi Realm, the indomitable spirit in his eyes did not diminish at all, and his aura became more and more solid, indicating that he had made progress in recent days.
"it is good."
This time, Liang Cheng did not refuse.
The two fought in a secluded valley behind Zhenchuan Peak, without any spectators; it was purely a martial arts exchange.
Wang Teng's sword was swift, carrying a resolute intent to break through and rebuild, with faint explosions echoing amidst the crisscrossing sword energy.
The Lingyun Technique he cultivated was also a top-tier internal cultivation method, with pure and sharp true qi. Combined with the hundred-refined longsword in his hand, his attacks were like a tidal wave.
But Liang Cheng simply stood there; he didn't even draw his sword.
Despite his perfected Golden Armor Realm physique, only faint white marks remained under Wang Teng's sword energy attack. His true energy, perfected by the Great Perfection of the Broken Wave Technique, was as vast as the sea, remaining unmoved no matter how the opponent's sword energy attacked him.
After thirty moves, Liang Cheng no longer held back and threw a punch.
The punch was like a raging tide, with layers upon layers of force, nine waves of energy converging into one, crashing into Wang Teng's horizontally blocking sword.
"clang--!"
The longsword trembled violently, and Wang Teng staggered back seven steps, his tiger's mouth splitting open and bleeding profusely.
He steadied himself, looked at the still-humming longsword in his hand, and then at Liang Cheng, his fighting spirit gradually turning into admiration.
"I lost."
He sheathed his sword, wiped the blood from his hands, and said calmly, "The gap is bigger than I thought. Your strength is far above mine."
Liang Cheng shook his head: "You've just entered the True Qi Realm, and you still have potential to be tapped. Once your realm is stable, you might not be inferior to me."
"A loss is a loss; there's no need for consolation."
Wang Teng laughed, "But this battle was worth it. At least it showed me the way to go. Next time we meet, my senior brother might not beat me so easily."
He paused, then suddenly said seriously, "Senior Brother Liang, besides sparring, I have another matter to discuss with you."
"explain."
"The Martial Academy has decided that I will take over the post of guarding Dongshan Mine."
Wang Teng looked at him and, seeing that Liang Cheng didn't react excessively, continued, "The Dean and Master Lü have discussed it and decided that it's not advisable for you to return to Dongshan Mine now. You should keep a low profile for a while."
But rest assured, you will receive your share of the annual profits in full. I will receive my own salary from the Martial Academy mission on this trip, and the profits from the Dongshan Mine will still belong to you.
Liang Cheng still didn't react much. Lu Bingchen had already mentioned this before, but he just didn't expect that the successor would be Wang Teng.
Wang Teng continued, "I know it's not easy for you and Zhao Yuan to run the Dongshan Mine. Don't worry, with me here, the Dongshan Mine won't fall into chaos. Since the Martial Academy sent me there, it's to completely stabilize the area. The Fire Worship Cult can't reach there again unless I'm dead."
Liang Cheng was taken aback by what he heard. He hadn't expected Wang Teng to say that. After a moment of silence, he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Junior Brother Wang."
"It's my duty."
Wang Teng returned the greeting, "In addition, Zhao Yuan and other former guards from Dongshan must return with me. This is an arrangement made by the Martial Academy, and it is also to ensure the stability of the mining area. I hope Senior Brother Liang understands."
"That's how it should be."
After exchanging a few more words, Wang Teng took his leave.
When Zhao Yuan heard the news, he was somewhat taken aback. That very night, he went to Liang Cheng and said, "Senior brother, I—"
Before he could finish speaking, Liang Cheng interrupted him, "Your treatment at the Dongshan Mine will remain the same. You can accumulate enough resources there over three years to break through to the True Qi Realm. This is your—"
Don't let a moment of impulsiveness ruin your future.
This message was also given to Li Mu: "Don't act rashly. If you trust Wang Teng, remind him to be careful of Zhou Jin at the appropriate time."
Zhao Yuan gritted his teeth and finally nodded emphatically: "I understand, senior brother."
Early the next morning, Zhao Yuan left Linwu City with Wang Teng and returned to Dongshan Mine. Liang Cheng watched the convoy drive away, feeling little emotion.
Life suddenly became quiet.
The Xu family's affairs gradually subsided; most of their assets were confiscated, and they kept a low profile, no longer behaving as they once were. The Qiao family remained at home in mourning, and there was no further activity.
Linwu City has returned to its former order, as if nothing had ever happened.
Every day, Liang Cheng would take Replenishing Pills, practice his sword and saber techniques, cultivate his inner energy, and strengthen himself in the No. 3 courtyard of True Transmission Peak.
Ning San Niang sat in the courtyard doing needlework, with San Ya accompanying her. She watched her son sweating profusely in the morning and evening light, a calm smile on her face.
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Occasionally, Lu Qingzhou and Qin Hongyu would visit. Yun Jinghong also came once, still not saying much. They even had a sparring match, and Yun Jinghong was defeated in one move before turning around and leaving.
Liang Cheng went to Elder Huang's place again, exchanging his contribution points for some pills. He was still scolded by the old man who tried to sell him the pills, and he still politely declined.
three days later.
Li Mu stood smiling at the entrance of the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak. Liang Cheng was somewhat taken aback. After entering, Li Mu said with a smile, "Senior brother, I have resigned from my position at Dongshan Mine."
3
"Did Wang Teng make things difficult for you?"
"no."
"Foolish! How can your treatment at the Martial Academy compare to that at Dongshan Mine? I told you before, everything depends on your own strength."
How can one progress in cultivating wealth, companionship, and spiritual ground without resources? If you prioritize so-called loyalty but lack a realistic perspective and act impulsively, I will not appreciate it.
Li Mu didn't take it to heart. "Senior brother, I know I have only average talent and no lofty ambitions. Now I can provide for my parents in a peaceful and prosperous life."
Previously, I did this to repay my senior brother, and also because I knew that following you, you would never treat me unfairly. Now that you are in Linwu City, you probably need capable people, and I think I am quite useful.
Furthermore, as the saying goes, wealth, companions, methods, and land, my senior brother is a benefactor on my path of martial arts cultivation. How could you possibly mistreat me?
Besides, it's too late to say anything now. I've already returned to the martial arts academy. Senior brother, if you still care about our past relationship, please take me with you."
Liang Cheng had no choice but to agree, and he really needed reliable people to help him with some things. Then he whispered a few words to Li Mu, who nodded and turned to leave.
Ten days later, at Courtyard No. 3 of Zhenchuan Peak.
Liang Cheng stood quietly, the Zhengxian sword in his hand gleaming with a dark, cold light in the morning sun. For the past half month, he had hardly left his house, honing his swordsmanship day and night.
He had already mastered every move of the Wind and Thunder Slash. His blade moved like the wind and fell like thunder. When the wind and thunder met, he suddenly opened his eyes, and a sharp light flashed in them.
The knife moves with the body!
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A single slash!
"laugh--!"
The blade whistled through the air, like a whirlwind carrying muffled thunder rolling through the clouds. The speed of the blade was so fast that it left afterimages, yet its momentum was as heavy as a mountain.
Where the blade flashed, the air seemed to be torn and compressed, making a cracking sound. The thick blue granite used to test the skill three zhang away suddenly exploded with countless spiderweb-like fine cracks on its surface.
"boom!"
The rock is split in the middle, and the break is as smooth as a mirror, but the inside of the split rock is already full of cracks!
Wind blades cut through, lightning force pierces through the body!
Liang Cheng sheathed his sword and stood there, slowly exhaling a breath of turbid air, the breath long and deep, faintly carrying the lingering resonance of wind and thunder.
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Mastery (1/12000)】
Time passed as Liang Cheng prepared to continue his reclusive life and diligent cultivation, and the previous turmoil was gradually forgotten.
Those who had secretly investigated Liang Cheng's spies breathed a sigh of relief; Liang Cheng seemed to have no intention of pursuing the matter, and Linwu City was at peace.
However, on this day, a disciple from the outer courtyard reported that Uncle Wang, the old steward of the Qiao family, had come to visit and was waiting outside the martial arts academy.
Liang Cheng was somewhat surprised, but when he opened the visiting card handed to him by the disciple, his gaze sharpened.
Xu Zhi has appeared!
Liang Cheng carefully put away the visiting card and asked the disciple in charge outside the door, "Where is he?"
"Wait outside the Martial Arts Academy."
Liang Cheng told Ning San Niang, "I'm going out for a bit," and headed towards the entrance of the martial arts academy.
Outside the gate of the Martial Arts Academy.
Uncle Wang, hunched over, huddled in the shadows of the corner, clutching a bundle of oilcloth tightly in his arms. Hearing footsteps, he suddenly looked up, his cloudy old eyes bloodshot.
"The True Story of Liang Zhen —"
Uncle Wang stood up shakily, his knees buckling and he almost fell.
Liang Cheng quickly helped him up: "What happened? Where's Xu Zhi?"
"He's dead."
Liang Cheng's expression changed; he hadn't expected this outcome.
Uncle Wang's voice was hoarse, and tears streamed down his wrinkles. "Last night, around midnight, he secretly climbed over the wall back to his house. He was covered in blood, and there was a bloody hole in his left chest—"
The old man took out an oilcloth bag from his pocket and handed it over with trembling hands.
"He said he was entrusting this to Liang Zhenchuan, saying that only you could avenge him. After saying that, he breathed his last. I didn't dare let Miss know, so I went out early this morning to find you, Liang Zhenchuan."
Liang Cheng took the package; it felt heavy in his hand. He opened it and found three items inside:
An account book.
A small, black iron plate.
There was also a note that was mostly soaked in blood.
The handwriting on the note was crooked, clearly written with the last of their strength: "Warehouse No. 3, West Street, the hem of the garment in Mother's hand is fake, Zhi'er, isn't that right—"
It's obvious that there wasn't enough time to write the last few words.
The token was dark in color, with twisted flame patterns engraved on the front and a line of small characters on the back: Jiaxu Nine. It was made of the same material as the token obtained from Dongshan Mine.
Zoroastrianism!
Liang Cheng then glanced through the ledgers, the transaction lists from the past year or two at Warehouse No. 3 on West Street. He closed the ledgers and asked, "What else did he say?"
Uncle Wang wiped away his tears: "He said that Madam did not commit suicide. The piece of clothing she was clutching in her hand was deliberately stuffed there. At the time, he was just begging Madam to save Miss. He said he was sorry to Miss and sorry to the Qiao family—"
The old man suddenly grabbed Liang Cheng's arm with astonishing strength.
"Liang Zhenchuan, this old servant has served the Qiao family for forty years. Madam's kindness to me is immeasurable. I beg you to investigate this thoroughly! Madam cannot have died in vain. Young Master Xu Zhi certainly wouldn't have lied before his death, so he cannot have died in vain either. I beg you to give Madam justice!"
Liang Cheng paused for a moment, then nodded emphatically.
Where is Xu Zhi's body?
"This old servant dared not make a sound. Last night, while the goods were being transported, I temporarily hid him in the cellar of the Qiao Family Wharf warehouse and kept his body chilled with ice, otherwise I was afraid it would interfere with your investigation."
Uncle Wang lowered his voice and said, "But I'm afraid it won't be able to hide for long. Early this morning, there were suddenly a lot of people outside the mansion. I'm afraid they are spies of someone with ulterior motives."
"Give me the warehouse address and key. Go home and pretend you know nothing. Remember, your young lady will only be safe if you know nothing."
"Remember, everything is as usual."
Uncle Wang nodded. "Yes, Master Liang, I understand. Don't worry."
Liang Cheng didn't rush to the Qiao Family Wharf warehouse to properly put away the account books, tokens, and blood letter. Instead, he called Li Mu over.
"Li Mu, have you made any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate?"
Li Mu nodded.
"Senior brother, there has been some progress on the matter you asked me to investigate."
After Li Mu recounted what he had found in detail, a glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes. He hadn't expected to gain anything else; how interesting.
"Very well, now come with me outside for a bit."
"Yes."
Qiao Mansion Wharf Warehouse.
After moving the piled-up goods, Xu Zhi lay down on the makeshift wooden bed, covered with a white cloth and kept warm with ice.
Lifting the cloth, Liang Cheng saw the wound on his chest, which had pierced through his left ribcage and lung lobe with a swift and ruthless technique.
He died with a single sword strike.
"A master of the True Qi Realm."
Liang Cheng crouched down to examine it closely. "The sword energy is sharp; this is no ordinary expert."
Liang Cheng stood there, looking at Xu Zhi's pale face.
The once arrogant and domineering third young master of the Xu family is now a cold corpse. He once coveted Qiao Zhi, which led to a conflict with himself.
Li Mu was puzzled at this point. "Senior brother, since it was a True Qi Realm expert who made the move, how could he possibly return to the Qiao residence?"
Liang Cheng nodded.
He had the same doubts in his mind. He felt that this matter was not simple. He covered it with the white cloth again, turned around and left the cellar.
"Li Mu, go and find out which family owns Warehouse No. 3 on West Street."
"Yes."
Not long after Liang Cheng returned to the Martial Academy, Li Mu found out the results. Liang Cheng then told Li Mu not to make a fuss and to continue the investigation.
That night, Liang Cheng went to Jubaoxuan.
Qian Wanjin was checking accounts in a private room on the second floor when he saw Liang Cheng arrive, and a look of surprise flashed across his face.
"Liang Zhenchuan, this is—"
"Manager Qian."
Liang Cheng interrupted directly, "Warehouse No. 3 on West Street, is it a property of Jubao Xuan?"
Qian Wanjin's smile froze. He put down the ledger and slowly wiped his hands. "Why is Liang Zhenchuan asking this?"
"Personal grudges."
This answer surprised Qian Wanjin.
He remained silent for a few moments before slowly speaking: "Liang Zhenchuan still doesn't want to let the Xu family go? Otherwise, the Xu family's secret rental of my Jubaoxuan warehouse wouldn't be discovered by ordinary people."
Qian Wanjin stood up, walked to the window, glanced outside, and then closed the window tightly.
"Now, the warehouse at No. 3 West Street is ostensibly the warehouse of Yongchang Goods Store, owned by the Chen family, but in reality it is the Xu family's private warehouse."
"Does Jubaoxuan not know what's stored in its warehouse?"
"I don't know."
Qian Wanjin shook his head. "This warehouse is rented by the Xu family. Jubaoxuan has always been committed to integrity, so naturally we will not interfere too much."
Qian Wanjin sat back in his chair, his expression complicated: "However, Liang Zhenchuan, listen to my advice. Warehouse No. 3 on West Street is a hornet's nest. If you stir it up, a bunch of people will jump out and bite you."
Liang Cheng calmly replied, "Isn't it just the Xu family?"
Qian Wanjin shook his head without saying anything, but dipped his finger in the tea and wrote the character "two" before speaking.
"What if the Xu family is just a front man? Liang Zhenchuan, now that the case has been settled with Xu Tianxing's death, why should we keep harping on it?"
"I know Liang Zhenchuan is an upright person, but the martial arts world isn't all about fighting and killing. Wouldn't it be better if everyone worked together peacefully to make money?"
Liang Cheng remained silent. Qian Wanjin stared at Liang Cheng for a long time before finally sighing.
"Fine, since you're determined to investigate, I'll say one more thing."
He leaned forward, his voice extremely low, "A thousand days ago, the accountant of Yongchang Warehouse suddenly died, supposedly from an accidental fall into the water."
"What's the accountant's name?"
"His surname is Sun, and his name is Sun Youfu. He lives in Guihua Lane in the east of the city and has a paralyzed old mother."
Qian Wanjin paused for a moment, then continued, "On the third day after his death, his mother also disappeared. The neighbors said that she was taken away by a distant relative."
"Manager Qian knows a lot, doesn't he?"
Qian Wanjin's expression changed, and he awkwardly laughed, "I happen to know some things. After all, my Jubaoxuan business is all over the city, so I naturally know more."
Liang Cheng didn't press the matter further, stood up, clasped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you."
Qian Wanjin got up to see Liang Cheng off, and after Liang Cheng left, his face darkened.
This kid is really hard to deal with; I almost managed to get him to tell me everything.
"How's it going? Has the news gotten out yet?"
A figure appeared in the shadows.
"Don't worry, everything is ready, and everyone who needs to know already knows."
"Alright, since it concerns that item, we must not make any mistakes."
"Yes."
After leaving Jubaoxuan, on his way back to the Martial Academy, Liang Cheng suddenly felt a chill and vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
Hold the knife handle.
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
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