OBS Chapter 111 Famous Town Linwu
Chapter 111 Famous Town Linwu
Chapter 110 Famous Town Linwu
The Autumn Grand Competition has arrived as scheduled.
The martial arts academy's training ground was filled with fluttering flags and bustling crowds.
Representatives from all the major families and forces within the city, large and small, came to witness the ceremony.
Unlike previous years, an extra seat has been set up next to the main seat on the high platform this year.
At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the bell tolls nine times.
Dean Bai Hong and several other scholars, including Lü Bingchen, took their seats on the stage.
Then, Wang Teng, whose face was somewhat pale, sat down with Yun Jinghong in the seats for true disciples, but Liang Cheng was nowhere to be seen.
The next moment, a figure stepped through the air from the direction of True Inheritance Peak, his figure like a dragon soaring through the sky, and in a few breaths he landed steadily on the high platform, standing beside Bai Hong.
He was dressed in black and wore a long sword at his waist.
His expression was calm.
It was Liang Cheng.
The entire hall fell silent.
A series of exclamations and murmurs immediately followed.
"Is that Liang Zhenchuan's legacy?"
"How did he get onto the main platform? And why is he standing next to Dean Bai?"
"I've heard that Liang Zhenchuan will be hosting the Martial Arts Academy's Autumn Grand Competition this year!"
"What?! A hosting competition?"
"Haven't these positions traditionally been filled by senior scholars or Head Master Yan?"
"It seems the Martial Academy is making it clear to everyone that Liang Cheng is now a true high-ranking member of the academy, with a status comparable to that of a master!"
Below the stage, the heads of various families exchanged glances, all of them deeply shocked.
What kind of signal does it send to have a true disciple who is only nineteen years old preside over the entire academy's grand competition?
This means that the Martial Academy has regarded Liang Cheng as the core pillar of the next generation, and may even be a candidate for the future dean!
This is to completely vindicate him and establish his unshakeable status as the first true disciple.
Lu Mingyuan, the head of the Lu family, sat in the front row, looking at the composed young man on the stage, and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Who could have imagined that the young genius whom Lu Qingzhou had backed with his bets would, in such a short time, reach a level that Lu Qingzhou could only look up to?
Yun Jinghong stood at the front of the line of true disciples, holding his sword. He looked up at Liang Cheng on the platform, his eyes filled with nothing but burning fighting spirit, devoid of any jealousy.
He will be able to reach that position someday!
but not now.
He knew that there was still a gap between himself and Liang Cheng that he needed to work hard to catch up with.
When he turned his head, he saw Wang Teng, whose eyes were exactly the same as his.
Wang Teng seemed to sense Yun Jinghong's gaze, paused for a moment, and then nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
From now on, he and Yun Jinghong will both be pursuers.
Liang Cheng paid no attention to the commotion below. He took a step forward, his gaze sweeping across the entire audience. Without any unnecessary words or lengthy introduction, he sent out his voice with his true energy, which clearly reached everyone's ears.
"The Autumn Grand Competition begins now."
"The rules remain the same: the order will be determined by drawing lots, and the winners will be decided on the stage."
"But one thing must be firmly remembered!"
He paused, and an invisible aura quietly spread with his words, quickly silencing the noisy place.
"Sparring should be limited to the point of being unsuccessful. Anyone who intentionally injures or harms fellow disciples or uses insidious methods will be severely punished."
These words are concise and to the point, leaving no room for doubt.
The competition then began.
Liang Cheng returned to his seat and watched the game in silence.
However, his very existence is an invisible deterrent and a benchmark.
The disciples competing on the stage, now just disciples of the Human Abode, were all unconsciously adjusting their state to the best and fighting with extra effort.
Who wouldn't want to leave a good impression on this top disciple?
Moreover, this person truly rose through the ranks from among the disciples of the Human Hall.
The next day passed, and the martial arts competition among the disciples of the Human Hall came to an end.
Representatives from various families left, but Liang Chengwu's reputation as the top disciple of the martial arts academy quickly spread throughout Linwu City.
Over the next two days, the Autumn Competition proceeded smoothly, and no one dared to falter.
In this competition, Zhao Yuan and Li Mu challenged the disciples of Tianshe. Although Zhao Yuan was injured before, his cultivation level did not fall too far behind thanks to Liang Cheng's resource supply.
Their opponents were all veteran disciples of the Heavenly Abode, whose cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Transformation Realm and whose strength was formidable. Zhao Yuan and Li Mu emerged victorious without any major incident.
On the high platform, Lü Bingchen stroked his beard and smiled: "These two are of good character and have a solid foundation. Liang Cheng, I heard they're working for you now?"
"Yes."
Liang Cheng nodded, "Junior Brothers Li Mu and Zhao Yuan are reliable in their work and diligent in their cultivation."
"Hmm, she has potential."
Bai Hong also gave his evaluation.
After this battle, Li Mu and Zhao Yuan officially secured their positions as disciples of the Heavenly Abode. They couldn't help but look towards the high platform, and Liang Cheng nodded slightly to them.
Afterwards, some people challenged Lu Qingzhou, trying to take advantage of his vulnerability, but Lu Qingzhou had already recovered from his injuries and did not give them any chance at all.
As the competition drew to a close, the setting sun bathed the training ground in a golden glow.
Bai Hong stood up, about to announce the end of the competition and reward the winners.
Just then, the sound of orderly footsteps suddenly came from the entrance of the training ground.
The crowd parted, and a group of about fifty elite guards in black armor, surrounding one person, strode over.
The newcomer was dressed in a black brocade robe, with the city lord's seal hanging from his waist. His face was dignified; he was none other than the city lord, Shen Jun.
What kind of formation is this?
This is just the Martial Academy's Autumn Grand Competition, and the city lord usually doesn't come. Could it be that something big has happened again?
A sense of surprise and doubt filled the audience, and whispers began to rise among them.
Shen Jun walked straight down to the platform, bowed slightly to Bai Hong, and said with a smile, "Dean Bai, Master Lü, distinguished guests, I have come uninvited, please forgive me."
"The presence of City Lord Shen brings great honor to our Martial Academy."
Bai Hong clearly knew what was going on, but still asked with a smile, "May I ask what brings the City Lord here?"
Shen Jun smiled slightly, turned his gaze to Liang Cheng beside Bai Hong and the others, and spoke loudly, his voice echoing throughout the entire training ground.
"I have come here for two reasons: first, to attend the ceremony and congratulate the Martial Arts Academy on the emergence of outstanding talents; and second, to learn the true teachings of Liang Chengliang."
All eyes immediately turned to Liang Cheng.
Shen Jun took out an object from his bosom. It was a palm-sized token, neither gold nor jade, dark purple in color, with the emblem of Linwu City embossed on the front and the two powerful characters "Elder" on the back.
The token gleamed with a restrained luster in the setting sun.
"Liang Zhenchuan killed the Fire Worship Cult on Black Stone Island and made great contributions to clearing away evil troubles and stabilizing the rear in Linwu City."
According to the laws and regulations of the City Lord's Mansion, and as discussed by Mr. Shen and his colleagues.
He held up the token with both hands, his voice resounding throughout the hall: "Special appointment of Master Liang as a guest elder of the City Lord's Mansion of Linwu City!"
Guest Elder!
The audience erupted in uproar!
Although there is only a two-word difference between a guest elder and a guest elder, their paths are worlds apart!
Guest ministers were merely nominal, enjoying certain offerings and conveniences.
Guest Elders are the highest honorary titles outside the core decision-making circle of the City Lord's Mansion, holding a prestigious position and enjoying the highest level of offerings from the City Lord's Mansion.
Its token can even be used to directly mobilize part of the city lord's directly subordinate guards in emergencies!
This truly brought Liang Cheng into the highest power and defense system of Linwu City, and was the highest recognition given by Shen Jun on behalf of the government.
This honor has never been bestowed upon such a young martial artist in the nearly twenty-year history of Linwu City.
Shen Jun continued, "With this decree, Elder Liang can access the non-top-secret files of the City Lord's Mansion at any time, and will receive an annual stipend of five thousand taels of silver, with a ration of medicinal resources equivalent to that of the Deputy City Lord."
"In case of danger to the city or special circumstances, no more than three hundred Black Dragon Guards or corresponding city defense troops may be dispatched by order."
As he spoke, he personally handed the token to Liang Cheng.
In an instant, all eyes fell on Liang Cheng.
Liang Cheng remained calm, but he understood in his heart that this was a reward for merit, a way to win over others, and an alliance that recognized strength.
As the top disciple of the Martial Academy and a guest elder of the City Lord's Mansion, his position in Linwu City was completely secure and unshakeable.
He looked at Bai Hong, who smiled and nodded.
Without further hesitation, Liang Cheng accepted the heavy, dark purple token with both hands, which was still warm to the touch.
"Liang Cheng, I accept the order. Thank you for your kindness, City Lord."
Shen Jun laughed heartily and patted Liang Cheng's shoulder forcefully: "Good, it's fortunate that Linwu City has Elder Liang!"
Zhou Hu stayed at Zhenchuan Peak for two more days before finally bidding farewell and leaving.
A martial arts school cannot remain unattended for long. The Yangwei Martial Arts School's reputation represents Yang Wei's life's work and is the foundation of his and his students' legacy.
"I'm leaving the martial arts school in your care."
Liang Cheng and Zhao Yuan escorted Zhou Hu to the mountain gate and handed him a heavy bundle containing some elixirs for strengthening the foundation of the martial arts academy.
Zhou Hu accepted the gift without hesitation and patted Liang Cheng's shoulder forcefully: "Don't worry, with your great reputation, there are probably even more people who want to learn martial arts now. I will take good care of the martial arts school. You and Junior Brother Zhao take good care of Master."
Liang Cheng and Zhao Yuan nodded together.
In fact, Yang Wei also wanted to go back together, but Liang Cheng persuaded him not to, because Yang An was still in swaddling clothes and needed more careful care.
Watching Ning San Niang skillfully hold Yang An and gently coax him, while Ya Ya teases him with a rattle drum, the baby giggles, Yang Wei's eyes soften, and he finally sighs and stays.
From then on, the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak was filled with the cries and laughter of babies. Ning Sanniang was busy but fulfilled, and Yang Wei's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
Liang Cheng stood in the corridor, watching his mother and Ya Ya busy around Yang An, while Yang Wei awkwardly tried to help. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
He turned and went back to his quiet room, preparing to begin a new round of seclusion.
Strength is always the foundation for protecting all of this.
His mayfly destiny allowed him to cultivate without any bottlenecks, but there are never shortcuts to hard work and accumulation.
However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind keeps on.
Two days after the seclusion, an unusual commotion arose at the foot of True Transmission Peak, accompanied by two powerful and unfamiliar auras that approached from afar and rushed straight towards the summit without any concealment.
Where is Liang Cheng?
"The top disciple of the Martial Academy? What an impressive title! We've been away from the academy for years; we'd like to see who dares to bear such praise!"
The loud voice, filled with undisguised hostility, instantly shattered the tranquility of True Inheritance Peak.
Inside the courtyard, Ning San Niang looked worriedly toward the Jing Shi room. Yang Wei frowned, handed Yang An over to Ya Ya, and looked somewhat uneasy.
On the mountain path of True Inheritance Peak, many martial arts academy disciples stopped to watch. When they recognized the two figures rushing up, their expressions all changed.
"It's Senior Brother Chen and Senior Brother Han!"
"Weren't they stationed in border towns? Why are they suddenly back?"
"It seems they're here for Senior Brother Liang. After all, how could they possibly accept the title of the First True Disciple?"
A quick-witted disciple saw this and immediately ran to the Hall of Enforcement.
Inside the Hall of Enforcement, Lü Bingchen was discussing matters with Yan Song when he heard his disciple's urgent report. Lü Bingchen simply smiled, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.
"Let them be."
Lu Bingchen said in a calm tone, "Chen Han and Han Li were sent to other posts for six years. Liang Cheng is a true successor. Naturally, they are not convinced. The title of the first true successor cannot be just something we say. Some people need to weigh it themselves before it can be considered valid."
Yan Song nodded in agreement: "That's good. Let those two kids who have become lax during their training outside know that there are always people more capable than you. Liang Cheng can give them a good talking-to."
Neither of them was worried. The battle on Blackstone Island had already brutally proven Liang Cheng's strength.
Although Chen Han and Han Li are veteran disciples, they have become somewhat lax in their training outside the region, and the gap between them and Liang Cheng, who was able to kill a Right Envoy of the True Yuan Realm, is self-evident.
Zhenchuan Peak, outside Courtyard No. 3.
The two figures landed almost simultaneously.
The man on the left was burly, carrying a broad, thick sword on his back, with a rugged face; it was Chen Han.
The man on the right was slightly thin, with two straight swords, one long and one short, hanging at his waist. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's; he was Han Li.
Both of them were covered in dust from their journey, but their auras were deep and their true energy was abundant. Clearly, their training outside had not neglected their cultivation, and they had already entered the mid-stage of the True Qi Realm.
"Junior Brother Liang Cheng, please show yourself!"
-
Chen Han's voice was booming as he swept his gaze across the courtyard, while Han Li stood with his arms crossed, his tone carrying a hint of sharpness.
"What, now that you've received the title of the first true disciple, you've shut yourself in and dare not see anyone?"
The stone door to the quiet room slowly opened.
Liang Cheng, dressed in black, walked out slowly.
His expression remained calm as he glanced at the two men outside the courtyard. He cupped his hands and said, "My two senior brothers have traveled a long way back to the academy. I am sorry for not greeting you properly. May I ask what business you have with Liang Cheng?"
Chen Han looked Liang Cheng up and down and found him to be unusually young and with a restrained aura. At first glance, he did not seem to have anything remarkable about him.
Chen Han grew increasingly dissatisfied and said in a deep voice, "We have been stationed in the border region for six years to guard this important town for the Martial Academy. We only recently heard that an extraordinary first disciple has emerged in the academy. We are curious and have come to ask for your guidance."
"good."
Han Li lightly brushed his fingertips across the hilt of the sword. "For true disciples, strength is paramount. The title of the number one true disciple cannot be earned by the praise of others alone. Junior Brother Liang, do you dare to spar with us and convince us to submit?"
The challenge in his words was no longer concealed.
Liang Cheng looked at Chen Han and Han Li and nodded: "Since you two senior brothers are willing to offer guidance, Liang Cheng will gladly oblige. May I ask how we can exchange skills?"
The title of First True Disciple is related to the allocation of resources to the Martial Academy. Even mayflies are vying for the top spot, so how can we back down?
Chen Han and Han Li exchanged a glance.
Han Li said, "It's simple. You can choose between me and Senior Brother Chen. It'll be one-on-one, and we'll see who comes out on top."
Although they were dissatisfied, they didn't intend to fight two against one and only make a fool of themselves.
Liang Cheng shook his head.
"There's no need for such trouble. Both of you senior brothers, come at me together. If Liang Cheng cannot convince you two, then the title of First True Disciple will be returned to the Martial Academy today."
Upon hearing this, Chen Han and Han Li were taken aback at first, and then anger rose on their faces.
"Arrogant!"
Chen Han gave a low shout, his broadsword already in his hand, "Junior Brother Liang, be careful you don't bite off more than you can chew!"
Han Li's eyes turned completely cold, and he drew his twin swords, their blades gleaming coldly: "Since that's how it is, then so be it!"
Before the words were even finished, the two of them acted simultaneously, displaying remarkable tacit understanding.
Chen Han swung his broadsword down with tremendous force, the wind howling around him, carrying the imposing weight of a mountain pressing down on him – this was the Zhenyue Sword Technique, which he had painstakingly practiced for many years.
Han Li moved like a ghost, flitting about the flanks. His twin blades transformed into two streaks of cold light, one aimed at Liang Cheng's ribs, the other at his knees, the angles were tricky and ruthless.
The two launched a frontal assault while simultaneously harassing from the flanks. Although their coordination wasn't flawless, it still demonstrated a high level of understanding, and their combined power was far more than just one plus one equals two.
An ordinary martial artist in the mid-stage of the True Qi Realm would probably be caught off guard and thrown into disarray by a single move.
Faced with the simultaneous attacks from above, below, left, and right, Liang Cheng stood still, without moving an inch.
Until the broadsword was at his head, its blade flashing against his body.
He held his left hand with fingers together like a sword, his fingertips releasing a slight amount of internal energy. He gently touched the tip of his finger upwards, and his fingertips made contact with the blade of the broadsword.
"clang--!"
With a clear, resonant sound like a bell, Chen Han felt an unimaginable force emanating from the sword. His entire arm instantly went numb, and the broadsword swung uncontrollably to the side, leaving him wide open!
At the same time, Liang Cheng rolled up his right sleeve, and his true energy surged out like a tide, precisely wrapping around the twin swords.
Han Li felt as if his sword was trapped in quagmire, and all subsequent changes were sealed off in an instant. There was also a strange rotating and pulling force coming from within. If he did not let go, the two swords would almost fly out of his hands!
In the blink of an eye, the two were at a disadvantage in the very first move.
Chen Han staggered back a step, and Han Li grunted, forcibly steadied himself, drew his sword and retreated quickly, his expression drastically changed.
Before they could regroup, Liang Cheng took the initiative to strike.
He took a step forward and instantly inserted himself between the two. He didn't use the Blade of the First Strike; he simply punched Chen Han in the chest and struck Han Li in the shoulder with another punch.
The power of a wild bull!
The punch seemed ordinary, but it was extremely fast and carried a sense of oppression, as if the surrounding air was being compressed.
Chen Han roared and channeled his true energy to the fullest, parrying with his broadsword, while Han Li crossed his twin blades to block in front of him.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Two muffled thuds, almost simultaneous, sent Chen Han sliding backward more than ten feet, sword and all. Two shallow grooves were carved into the bluestone ground beneath his feet. His chest heaved with blood and qi, and his broadsword vibrated incessantly.
Han Li felt as if he had been struck by a giant hammer. His twin swords trembled violently, his tiger's mouth split open, and he was thrown uncontrollably backward, staggering several steps back after landing. He barely managed to regain his footing, his hands holding the swords trembling slightly, feeling numb and weak.
The second move has already determined who is superior.
Liang Cheng did not pursue them. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the two men whose faces were filled with shock and whose breathing was somewhat disordered, and calmly asked, "Senior brothers, shall we continue?"
Chen Han and Han Li stood frozen in place, their faces flushed and pale. Their previous anger and doubt had long been replaced by unbelievable shock.
After six years of training abroad, they were defeated so decisively that they couldn't even force their opponents to retreat even half a step.
It turns out that the so-called first true master's teachings were indeed well-deserved.
The younger generation has truly pushed the older generation far onto the beach.
After a long silence, Chen Han was the first to sheathe his broadsword, take a deep breath, clasp his hands in a fist and bow to Liang Cheng, his voice sincere: "Junior Brother Liang, your strength is profound. I lost this time and was offended just now. Please forgive me."
Han Li silently sheathed his sword and bowed as well: "I, Han, have also lost."
Liang Cheng stepped forward and helped the two up: "Senior brothers, there's no need for that. You have been stationed away from home for many years, working hard to defend the border for the Martial Academy. I have the utmost respect for you. I was a little too rough just now, please forgive me."
Chen Han straightened up and said with a wry smile, "What hardship of guarding the border? Now it seems that it was nothing more than sitting in a well and looking at the sky, wasting time."
A hint of regret flashed in his eyes, followed by determination.
"After six years of being sent away from home, I was entangled in trivial matters. My cultivation seemed to have improved, but in reality, my foundation was weak and my future was uncertain. Today, after meeting Junior Brother Liang, I finally understand what true steadfastness of the Dao is and what the preciousness of dedicated cultivation within the academy is."
Han Li also sighed, "Yes, when we left the academy, we were full of vigor and thought the world was vast. Now that we have returned, we realize that we have become frogs in a well. Junior Brother Liang, thank you for waking us up today."
The two looked at each other, as if they had made up their minds.
The two bid farewell and left, arriving at Mingxin Pavilion.
Upon seeing Lü Bingchen and Yan Song, the two immediately knelt on one knee, clasped their hands, and said loudly, "Master, Head Master, your disciple Chen Han (Han Li) has been away on assignment for over six years, far exceeding the three-year period. I humbly request permission to return to the Martial Academy, return the assignment order, and remain within the academy to cultivate diligently, solidify my foundation, and pursue the path of martial arts!"
Lu Bingchen and Yan Song looked at the two kneeling on the ground, a hint of relief flashing in their eyes.
Lu Bingchen raised his hand to help them up: "Get up. It is a great virtue to know shame and then be brave. You have come to understand this point, and your time spent outside for training has not been in vain. Your return to the Martial Academy is approved."
"Thank you, Master!"
Chen Han and Han Li kowtowed deeply before rising.
In the path of martial arts, one either progresses or regresses; one must strive to be the best!
They are now lagging behind others, but they are all martial arts prodigies. Who would willingly fall behind?
Keep practicing and fight again. The road ahead is long. Only those who laugh last will be heroes!
After this battle, no one dared to question Liang Cheng's reputation as the number one true disciple.
Countless people in Linwu City wished to visit Liang Cheng.
However, no matter how many people wanted to visit, they were all turned away by the disciples for the same reason.
"Brother Liang has made some progress and is currently in seclusion. Please come again next time."