My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

"So what if there are a lot of them? How many can actually fight?"

"I heard there’s a guy named Liang Cheng who got direct entry before the Immortal Ascension Conference. I wonder how strong he is."

"Rumor has it that this Liang Cheng single-handedly dominated everyone. They say he’s more than a prodigy—an absolute monster."

"Heh, a place like the Immortal Ascension Conference counts as ’everyone’? Any one of us from the Outer Sect could sweep them all effortlessly."

"Don’t be like that. They’re new Junior Brothers, after all. We just need to teach them the rules. No need to be too overbearing."

Their voices weren’t loud, but they carried clearly to everyone’s ears.

Ye Zhiqiu’s expression soured. He was about to speak, but Xiao Qingxue held him back.

Liu Jingtiao stood to the side without a word.

This was a long-standing tradition in the Penglai Sect.

When new Disciples arrived, the older ones would "welcome" them. It was called a reception, but it was really about establishing dominance.

It was to make them understand that once they entered the Penglai Sect, they had to follow the rules and know their place in the hierarchy.

Although Liu Jingtiao was responsible for receiving the new Disciples, he wouldn’t interfere in situations like this.

However, this year...

’These old Disciples are probably in for a rude awakening.’

At this thought, he couldn’t help but glance at Liang Cheng.

Liang Cheng’s expression remained placid; he didn’t even spare the Outer Sect Disciples a glance.

When Zhou Yuan saw that Liang Cheng was unmoved, his eyes flashed for a moment before returning to normal, his smile growing wider.

He took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Liang Cheng.

"Junior Brother Liang?"

"I entered the Sect a bit earlier than you, so I have some insights to share."

He paused, his tone still mild.

"The Penglai Sect isn’t like those little places on the outside. Now that you’ve joined the Sect, Junior Brother, you must abide by its rules."

"And the first rule is—"

"Respect your seniors."

He reached out and patted Liang Cheng’s shoulder.

"You’re new here, Junior Brother. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask us senior brothers for guidance at any time."

"Of course—"

He withdrew his hand then and smiled.

"Asking for guidance requires... a show of sincerity."

The Outer Sect Disciples behind him erupted in raucous laughter.

Someone called out, "Senior Brother Zhou, you’re being too polite! Why not just say ’pay tribute’?"

"Exactly! Which newcomer doesn’t have to hand over a ’welcoming gift’?"

"Don’t scare the poor guy. After all, he’s from some backwater place and hasn’t seen the world."

The Outer Sect Disciples’ laughter grew even more jarring.

Ye Zhiqiu and the others’ faces were dark with fury, their fists clenched so tightly their knuckles cracked.

Every one of them was a prodigy of the Martial Dao who had fought their way here. When had they ever been subjected to such humiliation?

Liang Cheng, however, remained calm. He looked at the Senior Brother Zhou Yuan before him, his gaze dispassionate.

"Are you done?"

Zhou Yuan froze.

Liang Cheng didn’t wait for a reply.

He simply took a step forward.

The moment he took that step—

BOOM!!!

An incomparably sharp Blade Intent, like a tidal wave from a furious ocean, exploded from his body!

It wasn’t the pressure of his Cultivation—it was pure Blade Intent!

The Blade Intent was so dense it was almost tangible, carrying with it an absolute will to sever all things as it swept across the entire area in an instant!

Before the smile could even fade from Zhou Yuan’s face, the force of the Blade Intent slammed into him, knocking him back three steps and nearly causing him to spit up a mouthful of blood!

His face turned deathly pale, his eyes filled with utter shock.

’What is this?!’

The Outer Sect Disciples behind him were even worse off, looking as if they’d been struck by lightning. Some fell flat on their backsides, while others subconsciously reached for their sabers, only to find they couldn’t even draw them from their sheaths!

Enveloped by the Blade Intent, they felt as if an invisible blade was hanging over their heads, ready to strike at any moment!

The sense of pressure was even more terrifying than facing a Core Formation Elder head-on!

Ren Jingyu, standing at the back of the crowd, looked equally grim.

He recognized Liang Cheng.

Back in the Secret Realm, he had personally witnessed the man’s step-by-step ascent.

Back then, Liang Cheng was merely in the True Essence Realm, a level Ren Jingyu could still look down upon.

But now...

That Blade Intent sent a chill down his spine.

Liang Cheng retracted his gaze.

Without sparing the Outer Sect Disciples another glance, he said coolly,

"Who else wants to teach me the rules?"

The plaza fell deathly silent.

The Outer Sect Disciples kept their heads down, not daring to meet his eyes.

Zhou Yuan opened his mouth, but found he couldn’t utter a single word.

’His Cultivation, his pride and joy, was like that of an ant before Liang Cheng.’

Liu Jingtiao, still standing to the side, said nothing.

’But this Blade Intent of Liang Cheng’s...’

’...it’s even stronger than I imagined.’

’He truly lives up to his reputation as someone who developed his own Saber Technique Combat Techniques.’

’To have such a presence just after forming his True Pill... given time, he’s certain to reach the Golden Core realm.’

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"Alright, that’s enough. All of you, disperse."

"Liang Cheng, you’re with me."

"The rest of you, follow the Steward to complete your registration and learn the Sect’s rules."

With that, he led Liang Cheng away, heading straight for the Central Peak.

...

News of what happened at the Sect gate spread quickly throughout the Sect.

The older Disciples who had been waiting to see the newcomers make a fool of themselves all fell silent.

Meanwhile, Liu Jingtiao had led Liang Cheng to the Central Peak Summit. They passed through layer after layer of Prohibitions, finally arriving before a majestic hall.

Above the doors of the hall hung two large, ancient words.

Penglai Hall.

Liu Jingtiao stopped outside the doors and bowed respectfully.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, I have brought Liang Cheng, the new Disciple from the Immortal Ascension Conference."

The doors to the hall swung open without a sound.

An ancient, majestic voice echoed from within.

"Come in."

Liu Jingtiao gestured for Liang Cheng to enter, while he himself remained outside the door, waiting respectfully with his hands by his side.

Liang Cheng took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The hall was vast and empty, save for three people.

Seated on a high chair in the center was an old man with white hair and a matching beard. His aura was as profound as the ocean—he was none other than the Sect Leader of the Penglai Sect, Yun Zhonghe.

To his left stood a gaunt, gray-robed elder with sharp eyes.

To his right stood a burly, middle-aged man with imposing, tiger-like eyes.

All three of their gazes fell upon Liang Cheng at once.

Yun Zhonghe gave a slight nod.

"Not bad."