piratefiction Chapter 113 Wind and Thunder Slash, Perfect!
Chapter 113 Wind and Thunder Slash, Perfect!
Chapter 112 Wind and Thunder Slash, Perfect!
Penglai Sect.
He had seen this name before in the Hidden Martial Pavilion; one of the Three Sects and Six Schools, the true ruler of the seventy-two overseas islands.
A sacred place of martial arts, transcending worldly concerns.
A fervent light ignited in Shen Jun's eyes: "The Penglai Sect is a colossal entity that surpasses the Four Islands Alliance. Its headquarters are said to be located on a floating immortal island, and the lowest cultivation level among its disciples is the True Qi Realm. If one can enter its ranks, it will be a true leap over the dragon gate, embarking on a path to the heavens of martial arts!"
The room fell silent for a moment.
Liang Cheng could hear his own heart beating.
The Four Islands Alliance, the Martial Arts Academy, and the Penglai Sect —
He slowly raised his head and solemnly said, "Disciple understands."
Bai Hong and Shen Jun exchanged a glance, both seeing relief and reassurance in each other's eyes.
The paths they couldn't traverse and the dreams they couldn't realize back then, perhaps they can see hope in this young man.
"During this time, you can focus on preparing for the battle."
Bai Hong said in a deep voice, "The Martial Academy will provide all the resources for your cultivation. You don't need to have any doubts. Go for it."
"Yes, disciple will do his utmost."
The alchemy room behind Liangcheng Mountain.
Inside the alchemy room, Elder Huang was processing medicinal herbs without looking up. Liang Cheng, who had now advanced to the True Essence Realm, still couldn't see through Elder Huang's true nature.
He cut to the chase, asking, "Elder Huang, what kind of elixir is best to take after advancing to the True Essence Realm?"
Upon hearing this, Old Huang dodged and before Liang Cheng could react, his wrist was already gripped.
"Good lad, you've broken through to the True Essence Realm so quickly."
"A True Essence Realm cultivator at twenty years old, tsk tsk—"
Old Huang shook his head, then took out a cyan jade bottle from the wooden shelf: "True Essence Pill, the best auxiliary pill for True Essence Realm cultivation. Named after the realm, you can imagine how effective this pill is."
Liang Cheng's eyes lit up. "Old Huang, how many contribution points?"
Thirty thousand.
Old Huang grinned, "Don't complain about the price. Do you know how difficult it is to cultivate to the True Yuan Realm? That kid Bai Hong advanced to the True Yuan Realm so many times—"
Years have passed, and I still haven't even scratched the surface of true mastery.
After a moment's thought, Liang Cheng took out his identity jade token: "150,000 points, I'll take five bottles."
"Good lad!"
Old Huang deducted his contribution points, handed him five bottles of pills, and suddenly lowered his voice, saying, "Kid, Bai Hong and the others told you about the Three Cities Grand Competition, so you're in such a hurry that you didn't hesitate to spill the beans to me, right?"
Liang Cheng chuckled.
"You little rascal, did they tell you the rules of the competition?"
"They only mentioned that the match would be decided in the ring."
"The decisive battle?"
Old Huang scoffed, "The Three Cities Grand Competition is just the three cities vying for food. On the stage, as long as you don't admit defeat and don't leave the stage, whether you're killed or crippled, it's all up to fate."
"Rock City likes to break bones, while Azure Mist City targets vital points. Why? Because if they're afraid of you, others won't dare to steal from you!"
He stared at Liang Cheng, his eyes sharp: "Linwu City has been defeated for thirty years, and Bai Hong and Shen Jun have been holding back their anger for thirty years."
"They don't need a champion who is gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest; they want a killer who can strike fear into others' hearts. Once you're on stage, seize any opportunity to beat them to death. As long as you're in the right, they'll only cheer you on."
Liang Cheng remained silent for a moment, then his eyes calmed down: "Disciple, you know what to do."
"If you know, then get lost. Don't stand here and get in the way."
Old Huang waved his hand impatiently.
Liang Cheng bowed and turned to leave the alchemy room.
Upon returning to True Transmission Peak, Liang Cheng immediately went into seclusion.
As Huang Lao had said, the True Essence Pill was not potent when it entered the stomach; rather, it was like a deep-sea undercurrent, profound and enduring.
Guided by the true essence, the medicinal power slowly spread, permeating every meridian and nourishing the nascent true essence light.
With each cycle of the body's energy, the true essence solidifies a little more, and its total amount subtly increases.
Nine clusters of true essence light shone brightly.
The next two months passed in the blink of an eye.
At the summit of True Transmission Peak, Liang Cheng stood with his fists clenched, the pale blue true essence surrounding his body slowly receding into his body, and the faint sound of tides in the air subsided.
He clenched his fist, feeling the nine clusters of true essence light, each the size of a pigeon egg and as refined as mercury, within his body, his power more abundant than ever before.
The physique of the Golden Armor Realm, perfected through years of nourishment from true essence, faintly radiates a warm, jade-like dark golden luster, making it indestructible.
[The Third Level of the Broken Wave Technique: Beginner (1147/5000)]
[Mysterious Yin Sword Technique: Mastery (9635/12000)]
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Mastery (11952/12000)】
During his two months of seclusion, he not only solidified his cultivation at the early stage of the True Essence Realm, but also made his True Essence in his dantian increasingly abundant and pure. However, the most crucial breakthrough was in his combat skill, Wind and Thunder Slash.
Liang Cheng's gaze fell on the sword at his waist.
As if sensing its master's intention, the Struggle Blade emitted a soft hum.
He moved.
Clang—!
The moment the blade was drawn, the airflow at the mountain peak suddenly became turbulent. No true energy was used; it was achieved solely through physical strength and the mastery of the swordsmanship.
Liang Cheng stood holding his knife, and with a flick of his wrist, the blade traced a mysterious arc.
At first, it was extremely slow. As the blade passed, the airflow seemed to be drawn by an invisible hand, and there was a faint whistling sound.
Then it got faster and faster, the blades flashing like a dense net, and the wind howling turned into a low whistling, like muffled thunder hidden in the clouds.
Suddenly, the sword's momentum changed drastically!
"Swift as the wind, fierce as the thunder!"
A sharp light flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes, and his true essence surged spontaneously within his body, flowing into the blade.
A pale blue luster flowed across the blade, and the sound of wind and thunder exploded!
Thunder is in the wind, and thunder is hidden in the wind!
The blade flashed, stirring up the airflow within a three-zhang radius, transforming into a visible pale blue vortex under the influence of true essence.
In the center of the cyclone, every slash of the blade brought with it a piercing explosion, the sound of thunder after the wind pressure reached its limit!
"cut!"
Liang Cheng let out a low shout, and his swordplay suddenly became unified.
A condensed, almost tangible, pale blue blade of energy shot out, piercing through the air for three zhang before striking a dark boulder atop the peak.
laugh--!
There was no earth-shattering roar, only a soft, tearing sound, but the boulder exhibited a strange vitrification, caused by the extreme heat erosion resulting from the instantaneous burst of wind pressure and lightning force.
Liang Cheng sheathed his sword and stood there, slightly out of breath, but his eyes revealed an undisguised joy.
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Perfect】
The Wind and Thunder Slash at the Perfect Realm is no longer bound by fixed moves.
The swiftness of the wind can transform into a dense net of blades to trap the enemy, while the ferocity of thunder can condense into a single line of blade energy to break through solid defenses. With the wind and thunder working together, the blade's momentum is as unpredictable as the changing celestial phenomena.
"With my current strength, if I were to encounter the Left Envoy of the Zoroastrian Church again—"
With a thought, Liang Cheng gently twitched his blade, and the lingering wind and thunder in the air condensed into three fine blade energies that swirled endlessly around his body for a long time before dissipating.
"He can be killed within ten breaths."
Two days later, the five people gathered again at Mingxin Pavilion.
Bai Hong and Shen Jun sat in the high places, their gazes sweeping over the five true disciples below, both showing satisfaction in their eyes.
Liang Cheng's aura was as deep and still as the ocean, concealed and unleashed; Yun Jinghong's sword intent contained sharpness, seemingly drawn only three inches from its sheath; Wang Teng's blood and qi were robust, with a solid foundation; Chen Han and Han Li's killing intent was restrained, displaying the bearing of battle veterans.
Shen Jun got straight to the point, "We will set off for Huiwupo in three days."
Bai Hong continued, his tone solemn: "You all already know the rules of the competition, but I will emphasize one point again: this is the fate of Linwu City for the next ten years, so do not be careless."
The five men straightened up and clasped their hands in unison, saying, "Disciples understand!"
"Go back and prepare."
Shen Jun waved his hand, "Gather at the Martial Academy gate at Chenshi (7-9 AM) three days from now."
Zhenchuan Peak Courtyard No. 3.
Ning San Niang silently packed Liang Cheng's luggage, putting the washed clothes and prepared dry food into the package one by one.
Yang Wei stood to the side holding Yang An. The little guy seemed to sense something and reached out, babbling, to grab the corner of Liang Cheng's clothes.
-
Liang Cheng took the luggage, looked at his mother and master, and said gently, "Mother, Master, don't worry, we'll be back in a little over a month."
Ning San Niang's eyes were slightly red, but she forced a smile and said, "Mother knows that my son is a big shot now. Be careful on your journey. You don't need to worry about me while I'm at the Martial Academy."
Yang Wei patted Liang Cheng on the shoulder and said only four words: "Come back soon."
The side door opened, and Ya Ya and Tie Niu came out.
Ya Ya's belly was already noticeably protruding: "Brother Cheng, please take care."
Tie Niu nodded emphatically: "Brother Cheng, I'll be waiting for you to come back for a drink!"
Liang Cheng agreed to each of their requests, then glanced at everyone in the courtyard one last time before turning and striding away.
Martial Arts Academy Square.
"Without further ado," Shen Jun said, his gaze sweeping over the five men before finally settling on Liang Cheng. "This trip will demonstrate the might of Linwu City and reclaim the resources that belong to us!"
"Set off!"
The group left the Martial Academy, exited Linwu City, and sped towards Huiwu Slope, where the three northern cities meet.
A day later, they came to a dangerous pass called "Eagle's Beak Gorge". Below was a deep valley with rapids, and above was only enough space for two horses to ride side by side.
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from the opposite side.
A group of people in blue robes appeared quietly; it was Qinglan City.
Among them was a handsome young man in brocade robes. His gaze swept over the Linwu City team, lingering on Chen Han's face for a moment before a playful smile suddenly appeared on his lips.
"Who do you think it is? It's Chen Han, Brother Chen."
The young man in brocade robes spoke softly, yet his voice carried clearly throughout the pass: "Ten years have passed. How have you been? I still vividly remember how you defeated me by half a move during the martial arts academy exchange, and how you were so angry that you vomited blood for three days."
Chen Han's face instantly turned ashen, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.
Han Li glared angrily, his inner energy surging: "Liu Qingyun, you're courting death!"
Old grudges were instantly reignited, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Yun Jinghong frowned slightly, and Wang Teng took half a step forward.
Liang Cheng remained calm, his gaze falling indifferently on Liu Qingyun. She was at the peak of the True Qi Realm, her aura fluctuating, and her foundation seemed rather unstable.
"Ha, what a temper."
Liu Qingyun didn't care at all and was about to continue speaking when she was stopped by a wealthy middle-aged man who was leading the group.
It was none other than Fu Chenzhou, the city lord of Qinglan City.
Fu Chenzhou looked at Shen Jun and gave a slight bow. "City Lord Shen, it's also important to discipline your subordinates' tempers. Otherwise, they might get so angry on the stage that they vomit blood, which wouldn't look good."
A few low laughs came from the Qinglan City group, and several people exchanged mocking glances.
Shen Jun's face was ashen. Just as he was about to speak, heavy, thunderous hoofbeats came from the mountain road behind him, along with a booming, loud voice: "Hahaha! I can smell gunpowder from afar! City Lord Shen, it seems your leadership skills are about the same as your city governance skills!"
'
Another group of people appeared, all of them tall and strong, with bulging muscles and vigorous blood and energy like a furnace. It was the team from Rock City.
Leading the group was a bald, burly man, as tall as an iron tower. Riding on an exceptionally strong dragon-scale horse, he still appeared imposing. He was none other than Shi Meng, the lord of Pan Shi City.
As soon as he arrived, his gaze fixed unceremoniously on Shen Jun's face, his voice echoing through the valley: "Brother Shen, I heard things weren't going well at home recently? The Zoroastrian Church almost wiped out your stronghold? Tsk tsk, even the deputy city lord sleeping next to you is their leader, what kind of city lord are you—"
"If word gets out, all three cities will lose face. What will the other islands think of Zhongyuan Island? Brothers, won't they?"
"No wonder you and Dean Bai Hong came together on this trip. Were you worried that something might happen and one of you wouldn't be able to handle it?"
"You're really living a life of luxury. Unlike me and Lord Fu of Qinglan City, who led the team alone. It's truly a case of one hand making the other's voice."
The people of Rock City burst into laughter, while those from Azure Mist City also wore mocking expressions.
In Linwu City, everyone's expression turned extremely grim.
Chen Han and Han Li trembled with anger, Yun Jinghong's eyes flashed with cold light, and Wang Teng also frowned.
Shen Jun's chest heaved, his eyes blazing with anger, yet he found it difficult to refute. The chaos caused by the Zoroastrianism was indeed the biggest blunder and disgrace for Linwu City in recent years.
Just as the laughter of Pan Shicheng was unrestrained and Qinglancheng was watching coldly, Liang Cheng suddenly spoke up, remembering what Elder Huang had told him earlier.
"Lord Shi is certainly well-informed."
"Situ Lang has been executed, the main force of the Zoroastrian Church was wiped out on Black Stone Island, and the remaining forces are being eliminated. Linwu City is now as safe as a mountain."
He paused, his tone still calm, "Whether the city lord has been discerning or not, the people of Linwu City will have their own judgment. There's no need for outsiders to concern themselves with it. But it is City Lord Shi—"
He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the burly martial artists behind Shi Meng before finally returning to Shi Meng's face.
"If you have the leisure to worry about your neighbors' affairs all day, you should remind your sons that in this competition, there are no limits to what can be done in the ring, so they must be careful not to fall too hard and get off the stage."
As soon as he finished speaking, the pass fell silent.
The commotion in Rock City came to an abrupt halt.
Among the Pan Shi City team, several disciples suddenly changed color, their blood surging, and their killing intent almost bursting out of their bodies.
Shi Yue took another half step forward, his eyes flashing with a fierce light as he pierced Liang Cheng.
Liang Cheng remained expressionless and calmly met his gaze.
Shi Meng's rough smile slowly faded, and his large, round eyes stared at Liang Cheng. Fu Chenzhou from Qinglan City also carefully examined Liang Cheng, his eyes now showing a hint of scrutiny.
Shen Jun took a deep breath and straightened his chest.
Bai Hong stood behind, nodding slightly.
Shi Meng suddenly laughed, but the mockery from before was gone: "Good! You've got guts! Kid, you're Liang Cheng, the top disciple of Linwu City Martial Academy? I'm looking forward to your performance on the stage! Let's go!"
He said no more. If it were Shen Jun, he could still refute him, but facing a junior, trying to win an argument would only make him lose face.
With a wave of his hand, he led the Rock City troops through the pass first, the thunderous sound of hooves echoing into the distance.
Qinglan City also gave Liang Cheng a deep look, sneered, and led his team away.
After this incident, the atmosphere among the Linwu City troops was heavy, but the previous stifling feeling was gone, replaced by a burning fighting spirit of shared hatred against the enemy.
Everyone understands that verbal sparring is meaningless; in the end, everything will be decided in the ring!
"Let's go too."
"drive!"
That night, Bai Hong and Shen Jun called Liang Cheng and the other four to their side and began to explain the information about the participating disciples from Panshi City and Qinglan City.
"We absolutely cannot back down from this competition."
Three days later, Huiwupo came into view in the distance.
This is a vast natural basin with an open terrain. In the center stands a magnificent arena, three zhang high, built of obsidian, which gleams with a cold, hard luster in the sunlight.
The basin was already surrounded by flags and bustling crowds.
How could the powerful clans of Zhongyuan Island possibly miss such a momentous event? After all, it concerns the resource allocation of Zhongyuan Island for the next ten years.
Many people also came from Linwu City, and Lu Mingyuan was sitting among them.
In the east, beneath the banner of Rock City, warriors stood like iron towers, their blood surging, faintly forming a scorching, masculine aura. Leading them was Shi Meng.
Behind him stood a young man a head taller than the others, silent as a mountain; he was Shi Yue, a prodigy disciple of Rock City.
Shi Yue's gaze fell upon Liang Cheng almost the instant he appeared, his scrutiny undisguised.
In the west, the banners of Qinglan City fluttered gracefully, and the crowd, dressed in green robes and carrying swords, nodded. Liu Qingyun wore a hint of sarcasm on her lips.
As the Linwu City delegation entered, the gazes of all the major families in the basin converged on them, many with scrutiny and even disdain.
After all, it has been at the bottom for thirty years, so what can be done?
Liang Cheng reined in his horse, facing the gazes from all directions, his face expressionless.
Behind him, Yun Jinghong's hand holding the sword was as steady as a rock, Wang Teng's gaze was deep and focused, and Chen Han and Han Li's chests heaved with fighting spirit.
Shen Jun and Bai Hong exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.
On the central high platform of Huiwupo, an old man dressed in the attire of a deacon of the Four Islands Alliance slowly stood up, his voice booming like a bell, echoing in all directions.
"Now that everyone from the three cities has arrived, I hereby declare that the once-in-a-decade Grand Competition of the Three Cities shall begin immediately!"
Liang Cheng reined in his horse, gazing at the familiar scene before him, his heart filled with peace.
Martial Arts Tournament, Spring Hunt, Autumn Tournament — every step is a fighting arena, every step is a contest.
Liang Cheng felt a sense of familiarity at this moment.
It turns out that Zhongyuan Island was simply following the example set by its superiors and adopting the same rules.
After the elder steward and the three city lords took their seats on the stage, they surveyed the entire audience, their voices booming like bells.
"The Three Cities Grand Tournament will be decided in the arena, with the rules remaining the same: three sides will take turns fighting!"
"Each city shall send five disciples, all under the age of forty. On the arena, they may challenge any opponent, defend their position in consecutive battles, or engage in large-scale melees!"
"There is only one rule: those who admit defeat, step down, or lose their fighting ability are defeated, and their fate is left to destiny."
As the last four words fell, a murderous aura suddenly rose within the basin.
"Now," the old man's gaze swept over the three city teams, "who will go on stage first?"
Before the words had even finished—
"I, Qinglan City, will go first!"
A figure in cyan lightly leaped onto the number one arena; it was none other than Liu Qingyun.
He wore a blue robe and carried a sword, his gaze sweeping towards Linwu City. A sneer curled at the corner of his mouth: "I have long admired Senior Brother Chen Han of Linwu City's Zhenyue Sword Technique. Seven years ago, during a martial arts academy exchange, he gave me three pointers. Today, I, Liu, have come to ask for your guidance. Senior Brother Chen, would you dare to step onto the stage?"
Challenge by name!
And it's settling old scores!
All eyes immediately turned to Chen Han.
Chen Han's face was ashen. Seven years ago, during an exchange between martial arts academies, he did defeat Liu Qingyun by half a move, but he was also injured by the opponent's insidious swordsmanship and had to recuperate for a full three months.
This matter has always been a thorn in his side.
"Senior Brother Chen, be careful."
Han Li said in a low voice, his eyes full of worry.
The swordsmanship of Qinglan City is known for its unpredictable and ruthless nature, and Liu Qingyun is one of the best among them.
Chen Han took a deep breath, and the elderly steward spoke at the opportune moment: "Liu Qingyun of Qinglan City challenges Chen Han of Linwu City. Chen Han, will you accept the challenge?"
Chen Han immediately nodded, leaped onto the arena, and was filled with fighting spirit.
"Senior Brother Chen, please."
On the arena, Liu Qingyun bowed with his sword in hand, his eyes flashing with cold light.
Chen Han took a deep breath, suppressed all his emotions, and drew the broadsword from his back: "Please."
The shadow of that battle seven years ago still lingers, but he is now at the mid-stage of the True Qi Realm, and today is the day he can avenge himself.
"war!"