My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

Liang Cheng stood in place, watching him disappear.

’This Gu Changge is rather interesting.’

After finishing the Island Atlas, Liang Cheng browsed the other Cultivation Techniques. He found nothing special among them; they were far inferior to the one Lie Mountain had passed on to him.

’It seems Master truly holds me in high regard.’

Just then, he looked up toward the Fourth Layer.

He started to walk up but was stopped by a barrier of light.

A stream of information then entered his mind.

The Cultivation Techniques on the Fourth Layer and above in the Penglai Sect required points provided by an Inner Sect Disciple.

He currently had none. To earn points, he needed to complete Sect missions, hand in Treasures of Heaven and Earth, or submit Demon Cores from Tier Six Fierce Beasts or higher.

’Looks like I’ll have to come back next time.’

...

Liang Cheng returned to First Peak and headed straight for the main hall.

Lie Mountain was drinking tea in the hall. When he saw Liang Cheng enter, he smiled and asked, "Is everything settled?"

Liang Cheng bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your concern, Master. My minor affairs are all settled. I apologize for troubling you."

Seeing Liang Cheng hesitating to speak, Lie Mountain asked, "Is there something else?"

"I wish to go to Dragon Burial Island. I humbly request that you grant me a Dragon Burial Order, Master."

Lie Mountain paused, the teacup in his hand hovering in mid-air.

"Dragon Burial Island?"

"That place is no simple matter."

Liang Cheng nodded, showing that he understood.

"I know."

"I recently acquired a map from Huang Tiancheng. It points to some ruins on the island where there might be a fortuitous opportunity."

Lie Mountain fell silent for a moment upon hearing this.

"Can you tell me what kind of ruins they are?"

Liang Cheng didn’t hide anything. He took out the Beast Hide Map and handed it to Lie Mountain.

"Cross-Sea Cliff."

Lie Mountain took the map and examined it for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly.

"I’ve heard of this place. There’s an Enlightenment Stele there, and people have indeed found opportunities, but it’s not of much use to those at the Core Formation realm."

He put down the map and looked at Liang Cheng.

"Three hundred years ago, a Loose Cultivator named Crossing Sea Master perished on Dragon Burial Island. Given your aptitude for Enlightenment, that Enlightenment Stele might truly hold some special opportunity for you."

Liang Cheng’s heart stirred at these words, but he kept his expression neutral and simply nodded.

"That’s what I was thinking. Since I have some free time and the three-year Scattering Mist Stage is upon us, I thought I might as well go and try my luck."

Lie Mountain pondered for a moment.

"Alright. Since you have the map, there’s no harm in you making a trip."

He waved his hand, and a palm-sized Golden Token flew toward Liang Cheng. The front of the token was engraved with the word "Burial," and the back bore the symbol of the Penglai Sect.

"This is a Golden Order. It will grant you access to the core area."

"The mist will dissipate in three days. You may go then with this order. But remember, the island is treacherous. Even though you are a True Pill cultivator, you have not been one for long. Do not get greedy or overreach."

Liang Cheng accepted the Token and bowed solemnly.

"Thank you, Master. Rest assured, I will prioritize my safety above all else."

Lie Mountain waved his hand dismissively.

"Go on."

Liang Cheng bowed, turned to leave, but was stopped by Lie Mountain.

"Wait."

Lie Mountain looked at him.

"Your Follower, the Disciple Yun Jinghong, has been performing well in the Outer Sect. You should take him with you. It would be a good chance for him to gain some experience."

Liang Cheng nodded in agreement.

"Alright. In that case, can I bring a few more people?"

"Aside from your former senior brothers from the Four Islands Alliance Headquarters, Ye Zhiqiu and Leng Feng, you can let them try their luck in the outer area. It’s not suitable for anyone else to go. It’s better they remain in the Sect and focus on their Cultivation."

"Yes, Master."

"Remember, once you’re on the island, everyone is responsible for their own life and death. If you cannot protect them, do not force yourself to. You need to make this clear to them."

Liang Cheng cupped his fist in a solemn bow.

"I understand."

"Go on."

...

「Nightfall. C Zone, Outer Sect.」

Ye Zhiqiu, Yun Jinghong, and Leng Feng were gathered in a Quiet Chamber.

Liang Cheng pushed the door open and entered.

The three of them scrambled to their feet.

Liang Cheng wasted no time on pleasantries. He took out three Silver Tokens and placed them on the table.

"Dragon Burial Orders. Silver Orders. They’ll grant you access to the Central Area. The opportunities there are significant, but it comes with a certain degree of danger."

"We leave in three days. You can prepare, but for your own safety, you can also choose not to go."

Leng Feng took a Token and nodded silently.

Yun Jinghong gripped his Token, a shimmer in his eyes.

Ye Zhiqiu grinned.

"Junior Brother, I’m putting my life in your hands."

Liang Cheng looked at him.

"Once we’re on the island, you follow my orders. No wandering off."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded quickly.

"Don’t worry, I’m very fond of living."

Liang Cheng then looked at Yun Jinghong and was inwardly surprised. Yun Jinghong’s Cultivation speed was nearly on par with his own previous rate of progress.

"You’ve reached the True Gang Realm?"

Yun Jinghong nodded silently.

"It was a lucky breakthrough. I’m at the True Gang Early Stage."

Liang Cheng nodded.

’No wonder Lie Mountain said he was performing well. So this is why.’

"That’s enough."

He paused.

"Once we’re on the island, stick close to me at first."

Yun Jinghong looked at him and suddenly spoke.

"Liang Cheng, I won’t hold you back."

Liang Cheng smiled at that. He gave them a few more instructions before turning to leave.

Behind him, Yun Jinghong gripped the Token tightly, fighting spirit flaring in his eyes.

Ye Zhiqiu still looked as carefree as ever, but he too clenched his Token, as did Leng Feng, even more tightly.

’On this trip, we absolutely cannot bring shame to our Junior Brother.’

...

「Three days later. At the crack of dawn.」

The Cloud-Piercing Shuttle hovered outside First Peak.

Liang Cheng, Leng Feng, Yun Jinghong, and Ye Zhiqiu boarded the Cloud-Piercing Shuttle one by one.

Once the hatch closed, the Cloud-Piercing Shuttle shuddered lightly and shot into the sky.

Destination:

Dragon Burial Island.

The Cloud-Piercing Shuttle broke through the sea of clouds, hurtling northeast.

Inside the cabin, Ye Zhiqiu was pressed against a porthole, watching the sea flash by below. Even though he had seen it before, he still clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Junior Brother, this Cloud-Piercing Shuttle of yours is seriously fast! Much better than that old tub we have at the Headquarters."

Liang Cheng ignored him, closing his eyes to meditate and regulate his breathing.

Yun Jinghong sat cross-legged in a corner, also focused on his Cultivation.