parentshiftbook Chapter 104 Taking Action
Chapter 104 Taking Action
Chapter 103 Taking Action
Martial Arts Academy, True Transmission Peak, Courtyard No. 3.
Li Mu rushed over and reported in a low voice: "Senior brother, it's been confirmed. Uncle Wang does indeed have a nephew in his hometown who got married three days ago. All the neighbors can testify that during Uncle Wang's trip back home, apart from attending the wedding banquet, he was busy taking care of the ancestral home and did not have any unusual contact with anyone."
Liang Cheng stood in the courtyard, slowly ending his stance. The light blue true energy flowing around his body gradually calmed down. He nodded: "Understood. Once the person returns, continue to keep an eye on them and don't let your guard down."
"Yes."
Li Mu agreed, then added, "There's one more thing. Commander Yue Shan has woken up, and several teachers from the Martial Academy are preparing to visit him."
Liang Cheng's eyes narrowed: "Prepare the car, I'll go with you to visit."
The City Lord's Mansion, the inner courtyard, a quiet room.
Yue Shan lay on the soft couch, his face as white as paper and his lips chapped.
This once bold and forthright man, whose voice was as loud as a bell, was now weak and listless, his chest wrapped in thick bandages, faintly smelling of medicine, and exuding a chilling aura.
Lu Bingchen was already inside, with Liang Cheng following at the back. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yue Shan, who was on the couch, and said, "Commander Yue."
Yue Shan twitched the corner of his mouth, wanting to laugh, but it aggravated his injuries, causing him to cough a few times and cough up some dark-colored blood foam.
The bodyguard standing nearby quickly handed over a soft towel to wipe it off.
"Liang Zhenchuan has also arrived."
Yue Shan's voice was a little hoarse and weak, "I'm sorry you had to see this, haha."
Lu Bingchen said in a deep voice, "Commander Yue fought a bloody battle for the city, how can you be so laughable? How are your injuries now? What exactly happened at the border?"
Yue Shan closed his eyes, seemingly recalling something. When he opened them again, a trace of lingering fear remained in his eyes.
"The massacre of the three coastal towns was just a decoy. When we arrived, all that was left were ruins and a huge mound of skulls. The main force of the Zoroastrian sect had not retreated at all; they were just hiding on a few deserted islands in the near sea."
He took a few more breaths to calm himself down and continued, "Lord Shen and I split up to search. I led the Black Dragon Guards to the Ghost Fang Reef area, where we were ambushed by the Fire Worship Cult."
"They seemed to know our route and our defensive weaknesses, and a full five True Qi Realm cultivators surrounded me."
"If the city lord hadn't sensed something was wrong and led his main force to my aid in time, risking his life to rescue me, I would probably already be—"
Yue Shan shook his head and didn't say anything more, but the meaning was already clear.
The room was completely quiet.
Not only are Zoroastrians brutal, but they also have a thorough understanding of the defenses along the borders and coastlines.
"This is also due to Yue's incompetence, which has led to the current loss of troops and generals."
Yue Shan looked at Lü Bingchen with earnest eyes, "Master Lü, the situation on the border is critical. City Lord Shen is unable to hold the line alone. I humbly request that the Martial Academy send another capable person to provide support!"
Lu Bingchen's expression was solemn. He exchanged a glance with Yan Song: "Commander Yue, rest assured, this matter concerns the safety of Linwu City. The Martial Academy has an inescapable duty. We will go back and inform the Dean to discuss the selection of personnel."
Liang Cheng stood silently to the side, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room. He suddenly realized that he hadn't seen another person since entering the city.
"Lord Shen."
Liang Cheng looked at Shen Wenyuan beside him and asked, "Why haven't we seen Treasurer Wu Zhenshan for so long? Is he busy with official duties?"
Upon hearing this, a complex expression crossed Shen Wenyuan's face. He said in a low voice, "Treasurer Wu began his seclusion half a month ago to break through to the True Yuan Realm. He hasn't come out of seclusion yet, so he must have reached a critical juncture."
Breaking through to the True Essence Realm!?
Liang Cheng's heart skipped a beat.
Is Wu Zhenshan's decision to go into seclusion at this critical juncture a coincidence, or was it a premeditated plan? If he successfully breaks through to the next level, the power structure of Linwu City will likely change once again.
Shen Wenyuan then took a step closer, lowering his voice so that only Liang Cheng and Lü Bingchen beside him could hear it.
"Liang Zhenchuan, Commander Yue is seriously injured, and I will be replacing him to support the border region. Now that Treasurer Wu is in seclusion, I will need to keep an eye on the City Lord's Mansion and visit it often."
Liang Cheng understood the deeper meaning in his words. Shen Wenyuan was not at ease with the forces left behind, especially Wu Zhenshan, who was in seclusion, and Situ Lang, the deputy city lord behind him.
"Treasurer Shen, you flatter me."
Liang Cheng nodded and said calmly, "Commander Yue was injured while fighting for the city, so I will naturally come to visit him often. If there is any need, I am sure the Martial Academy will not stand idly by."
Lu Bingchen did not refute, and Shen Wenyuan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and solemnly bowed, saying, "Thank you."
After leaving the city lord's mansion, on the carriage back to the martial arts academy, Lü Bingchen closed his eyes and pondered, while Liang Cheng remained silent, his mind churning with thoughts.
How exactly does Zoroastrianism know about border and coastal defenses? What secrets are hidden within it?
Three days later, the Martial Arts Academy's decision was finalized.
Led by two masters skilled in combined attacks and formation battles, twenty elite disciples were selected to head to the border sea immediately to reinforce Lord Shen Jun.
Shen Wenyuan will also accompany them, escorting a batch of urgent military supplies.
At the east gate of Linwu City, the farewell procession was solemn. Shen Wenyuan, dressed in light armor, bowed to Yue Shan, who was in a wheelchair, and the others to say goodbye.
Yue Shan's face was still pale, but his eyes were firm. He patted Shen Wenyuan's arm forcefully, speechless with determination.
It has sound.
Liang Cheng, along with Lü Bingchen, Yan Song, and others, stood in front of the martial arts academy's team.
His gaze swept over the crowds of various families seeing them off, and he saw the Lu family's group. Lu Mingyuan looked solemn. Lu Qingzhou was absent due to his injury, and standing to the side and behind Lu Mingyuan was the spirited Lu Qingfeng.
Seemingly sensing Liang Cheng's gaze, Lu Qingfeng looked up, met Liang Cheng's eyes, nodded slightly, and then looked away.
Just a moment ago, a thought suddenly flashed through Liang Cheng's mind: when he clashed palms with Lu Qingfeng at the Qilin Banquet, the extremely subtle chilling feeling in Lu Qingfeng's true energy seemed somewhat familiar.
At this moment, looking at the lingering, poisonous aura emanating from Yue Shan's body, two feelings collided in his mind.
Although their natures are not entirely the same—one is cold and yin, the other is poisonous and yin—one is strong and the other is weak, deep within their cores, they share a twisted feeling that originates from the same source!
Liang Cheng felt a chill in his heart, but showed no sign of it on his face.
Did Lu Qingfeng personally cultivate some kind of evil technique?
Or is the third branch of the Lu family involved with Zoroastrianism?
Or perhaps the Lu family, like the Xu family before them, was exploited by the Zoroastrianism?
He did not mention the discovery to anyone. Now that the enemy was in the dark while he was in the light, any rash action could alert them and cut off the clues.
At this moment, the convoy supporting the coastal area drove away, and the dust gradually dissipated.
Liang Cheng pushed Yue Shan's wheelchair slowly along the bluestone road back to the city.
Lu Bingchen said from the side, "Commander Yue, rest assured and recover from your injuries. There is a martial arts academy in the city, and many like-minded people. There will be no chaos."
Yue Shan nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly whispered to Liang Cheng, "Young Liang, I've heard that things haven't been peaceful around you lately. Be careful; Bian Hai's ambush that time was spot on. Our city might not be safe."
"Thank you for your concern, Commander Yue. I understand."
Liang Cheng responded, his voice steady.
Since seeing off Shen Wenyuan and the reinforcements from the Martial Academy, Linwu City seems to have returned to its former order.
Liang Cheng lived secluded on Zhenchuan Peak, rarely leaving the courtyard except for the occasional visit to the City Lord's Mansion to see Yue Shan.
He diligently practiced every day, and the true energy of the second level of the Broken Wave Technique surged continuously in his meridians, becoming increasingly powerful.
He repeatedly pondered and practiced the chilling sword intent of the Profound Yin Sword Technique and the fierce blade momentum of the Wind and Thunder Slash, gaining a more refined and skillful understanding of them.
When he cultivates, he is single-minded. The bottleneck-free nature bestowed upon him by his mayfly destiny allows his true energy to circulate within his body, with each cycle being solid and smooth.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (3572/15000)]
[Mysterious Yin Sword Technique: Mastery (1104/12000)]
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Mastery (2961/12000)】
However, beneath the calm surface of Linwu City, undercurrents never cease to surge.
Li Mu brings the latest news every day.
After Wang Bo returned to the Qiao residence, everything was as usual. He served Qiao Zhi, managed the household affairs, and occasionally went out to shop. His route was fixed, and he was not seen contacting any suspicious people.
"Keep watching closely, don't let your guard down."
Liang Cheng could only give this instruction. The quieter Wang Bo was, the more he felt it was the calm before the storm. This line could remain still for the time being, but it had to be firmly anchored there.
As for the Lu family, Li Mu's response made Liang Cheng's eyes turn cold.
Since the Qilin Banquet, Lu Qingfeng has become even more prominent within the Lu family.
He cultivated with exceptional diligence and frequently requested resources from the family. The third branch of the Lu family provided him with strong support, which even drew criticism from the eldest branch and other branches, but these criticisms were overshadowed by Lu Qingfeng's outstanding talent and rapid progress.
"In his most recent attack, Lu Qingfeng remained undefeated against Lu Mingyuan for fifty moves. There are now rumors within the Lu family that he is the true prodigy of the next generation and is expected to reach the mid-stage of the True Qi Realm within a few years."
Several years?
Liang Cheng sneered inwardly. If Lu Qingfeng was truly involved in the evil practices of the Zoroastrianism, this speed was probably still too slow.
Li Mu also managed to collect a list of people Lu Qingfeng had recently been in contact with.
The list mainly consists of members of the Lu family or some young talents in the city, and there doesn't seem to be any problem with it.
However, Liang Cheng noticed that Lu Qingfeng had visited the Martial Arts Hall twice under the pretext of exchanging martial arts knowledge. Although Wu Zhenshan was still in seclusion, Liang Cheng secretly made a note of it.
Liang Cheng always planned carefully before acting. There were many suspicious points about the Dongshan Mine incident. He had a long-standing feud with Wu Zhenshan, and both of them were just enduring it.
If either side is confident of victory, they will not show any mercy, and both sides are well aware of this.
Wu Zhenshan is still in seclusion, striving to break through to the True Essence realm, while Situ Lang remains firmly in his position as Deputy City Lord, overseeing the overall situation. It seems that the other side is just waiting for an opportunity to reveal their true colors.
While it's good to increase one's strength, it's also good to find evidence. If there's no evidence, then one should let strength speak for itself.
That day, Liang Cheng went to the city lord's mansion to visit Yue Shan as usual.
Yue Shan's injuries have stabilized under careful treatment and are no longer deteriorating. However, the yin poison damage caused by the Blood Erosion Force has penetrated deep into his lungs and meridians, making recovery extremely slow. It will probably take years of gentle care to return him to his peak condition.
"Young Liang is here."
Yue Shan lay half-reclined on the soft couch, looking better than he had a few days ago. He dismissed his personal guards, leaving only him and Liang Cheng in the room.
"Commander Yue looks quite well today."
Liang Cheng sat down to the side.
"I won't die, I just won't." Yue Shan chuckled self-deprecatingly, then lowered his voice, "Have you noticed anything strange in the city lately?"
Liang Cheng's expression remained unchanged: "Who is Commander Yue?"
"I can't say for sure either."
Yue Shan frowned. "It just feels too quiet. Back then, the city lord and I thought we had suppressed the Zoroastrianism in one fell swoop, but there was still some unrest in the city."
"The fighting on the border is raging, but there's no ripple in the city. I feel like something's not right."
Liang Cheng was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "You're overthinking it. With the Martial Academy here, and with you and City Lord Shen here, Linwu City won't be in chaos."
Yue Shan stared at him for a moment, then suddenly said, "Young Liang, I know you know what you're doing. I was given a second chance at life, and some things I won't admit once I leave this house."
"Be careful of Situ Lang. No one has ever doubted that they are after the city lord's position. The situation is complicated now, so be extra careful."
Liang Cheng nodded emphatically: "I understand, Commander Yue is very thoughtful."
When we left the city lord's mansion, the sun was already setting.
Liang Cheng was somewhat surprised to see Zhao Yuan when he returned to the True Transmission Peak. After all, Zhao Yuan should have been resting and recuperating during this time, so Liang Cheng did not arrange for him to do anything.
"Junior Brother Zhao, what brings you here?"
"Senior brother, Master is here."
"Um?"
Liang Cheng was somewhat surprised. "Master has arrived? Then I'll go see him."
Zhao Yuan quickly stopped him, "Master didn't come to the martial arts academy. He went to the Qiao residence. Qiao Zhi is about to give birth, and Master is worried about her. Senior Brother Zhou Hu also came along."
"Master didn't want to bother you. He knows there's a lot going on in Linwu City right now. I know your character, so I came to tell you."
Liang Cheng stopped in his tracks. "Yes, I understand. Knowing Master's personality, he will indeed be worried about Qiao Zhi during childbirth."
"I'll have someone select some tonics later, and you can send them over. My master is worried about my old grudges with the Qiao family, so I'll pretend I don't know anything about it."
Zhao Yuan also breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for your understanding, senior brother."
Jubaoxuan.
Qian Wanjin stood respectfully to the side as the mysterious man from before reappeared.
"Prepare to evacuate Linwu City. Everything must be done quickly."
"what?"
Qian Wanjin was momentarily stunned, not understanding what had happened.
"Sir, why are you in such a hurry?"
"We only just learned that Bian Hai Shen Jun was besieged by the Zoroastrian Church. Linwu City is likely in grave danger this time. No one expected that the Zoroastrian Church had been so patient and had such a grand scheme."
"You must immediately clear out all the inventory in Linwu City and then evacuate. I will wait for you for three days. After three days, no matter what, we must leave."
Upon hearing this, Qian Wanjin realized the seriousness of the matter and immediately obeyed, "Understood, but—"
"But what?"
"The Qiao family?"
Upon hearing this, the mysterious man immediately understood.
"Since we're going to evacuate Linwu City, we don't need to think too much. Let's just take action. Besides, the Martial Academy City Lord's Mansion will receive the news tomorrow, and I'm afraid even Bai Hong and Situ Lang will have to rush to the border."
"In that case, it would be best if we could get the item, but if we can't—we should make sure no one else can get it either."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Qian Wanjin's eyes.
"Understood, I will handle the aftermath as soon as possible."
The mysterious man said no more and disappeared from the room in the blink of an eye.
Qian Wanjin thought for a moment and made up his mind.
The valuable transactions and auctions have already been completed; the rest are just peripheral items that can be resold at low prices. The important thing is still the Qiao family.
Previously, everything was suspended because of Liang Cheng, but now there is no need to worry too much. After the Dean of the Martial Academy leaves, only Liang Cheng will remain, so there is no need to be too concerned.
They endured before, but will repay them tenfold.
Bian Hai's battle report was urgently delivered to Linwu City in the middle of the night. A fast horse carrying a man who looked like a blood gourd rushed to the gate of the city lord's mansion.
The man was tightly clutching a broken flagpole in his arms, at the top of which a blood-stained black dragon flag drooped.
-
As he tumbled off his horse, a hoarse sound came from his throat, and he managed to utter only two words: "Black Stone Island is surrounded—"
He fainted before he could finish speaking.
When Yue Shan was carried from his sickbed to the front hall, the broken flagpole was placed in front of him.
The banner of the Black Armor Guards' commander.
City Lord Shen Jun personally took charge.
Yue Shan gripped the armrest of his chair tightly, his knuckles turning white. After reading the message that the messenger had risked his life to deliver, he immediately notified Situ Lang and the higher-ups of the Martial Academy.
The city lord's mansion was lit up all night.
The darkest hour before dawn, the final decision is made.
Deputy City Lord Situ Lang and Martial Academy Dean Bai Hong personally led elite troops to reinforce Blackstone Island.
As for Linwu City, the entire city is on high alert. People are allowed to leave but not enter. A complete curfew is imposed. Anyone who dares to disobey will be killed without exception!
At the entrance to the Martial Academy, Bai Hong, dressed in a simple white robe with loose sash, stood in the morning breeze. This usually reclusive dean exuded a calm and composed aura.
He looked at Lü Bingchen and instructed him, "Shen Jun won't last much longer; I need to get there as soon as possible."
Lu Bingchen said anxiously, "Dean, if you leave, what if the Fire Worship Cult comes? The Martial Academy—"
"The Martial Arts Academy owes its success to you all."
Bai Hong interrupted him directly, "Even Situ Lang, who has always been at odds with the city lord, is going. If Black Stone Island is defeated, Linwu City will only face destruction. I'm entrusting the city to you."
"Don't worry, this time the Martial Academy only needs me. No disciples or stewards are needed. You guard the Martial Academy and wait for my triumphant return."
At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the east gate was opened wide.
Bai Hong and Situ Lang reunited, followed by more than two hundred elite warriors selected from the Martial Arts Hall, each exuding a powerful aura.
Liang Cheng was also in the farewell party. He didn't say much goodbye. Bai Hong, Situ Lang, and everyone else just nodded slightly in greeting before riding out of the city and quickly disappearing at the end of the official road.
Yue Shan, sitting in his wheelchair, watched them leave until the dust settled.
He coughed a few times and said to the guards beside him, "Return to the manor and issue the order to strengthen the defenses at the four gates. No one is allowed to leave but not enter. A curfew is imposed throughout the city. Anyone who dares to disobey will be killed without exception."
Liang Cheng instructed Ning San Niang and San Ya to stay at Zhen Chuan Peak during this period and not to leave the martial arts academy. For a time, people in Linwu City were filled with anxiety.
Two days later, Li Mu arrived in a hurry.
"Senior brother, something's wrong with Uncle Wang."
"What's going on?"
Li Mu recounted the details, and a glint of light flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
"Jubao Pavilion is having a clearance sale, preparing to leave Linwu City, and Uncle Wang actually went to Jubao Pavilion in person at this time?"
"It seems they want to make their move before they leave, which is why they're being so blatant."
3
"Senior brother, what should we do?"
Just then, Zhao Yuan walked in, his face pale.
"Senior brother, something terrible has happened! A letter has arrived from the Qiao family. Master and Senior Brother Zhou have been kidnapped."
"Oh?"
Liang Cheng's face darkened. Qian Wanjin had calculated that he would have no choice but to go. It seemed that he was preparing to burn his bridges and leave no loose ends before leaving.
Li Mu's expression changed. "Senior brother, we can't go. There might be a trap."
Liang Cheng patted Li Mu on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine as long as I don't leave the True Essence Realm. Besides, I still have a trump card."
The trump card?
Li Mu was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Then I'll accompany you, Senior Brother."
"No need, you stay here and take good care of my mother."
After saying that, Liang Cheng strode away, but instead of going directly to the Qiao residence, he went to the back mountain and found Elder Huang.
"Old Huang, I've been tricked tonight. If I'm in danger and can't fight back, I'll fire a signal flare. Please, Old Huang, save me this once."
Old Huang didn't even lift his head.
Why did I save you?
"How about trying the drug once?"
"not enough."
"Add another 20,000 contribution points."
"Okay, transfer it to me now."
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng's lips twitched, but he still took out his identity jade token and transferred 20,000 points.
Old Huang smiled and said, "Alright, you go ahead. I'll head over as soon as the signal flare goes off."
"Thank you, Elder Huang."
Liang Cheng then strode away, heading straight for the Qiao residence.
>