Chapter 207 - 118: The Mid-Month Competition
Inside the Quiet Chamber, time flowed like water.
Liang Cheng sorted the Elixirs he had obtained from Elder Huang by type, lining them up in a row before him.
True Essence Pills were for daily cultivation, Warm Sun Pills were for harmonizing his Meridians, and the Source Replenishing Pills were saved for breaking through to new realms or for life-saving emergencies when severely injured.
With ample resources, he began his secluded cultivation.
The first thing he studied was the Mountain-Breaking Saber.
Chen Xuanfeng’s execution of the Mountain-Breaking Saber had given Liang Cheng a completely different experience. Even with his Wind and Thunder Slash at the Perfection Realm, it still couldn’t compare to that single strike.
The feeling it evoked was something that could only be understood, not explained. Its conceptual depth was far beyond what any set of moves or routines could encompass.
Liang Cheng stood silently, saber in hand, repeatedly contemplating the Mountain-Breaking Saber in his mind. At first, he was completely clueless and couldn’t grasp its underlying concept at all.
When deep thought yielded no results, Liang Cheng simply began to swing his saber on instinct, starting with the most basic movements.
A saber is just a saber.
One strike after another.
Gradually, he entered a state where he forgot both himself and his surroundings, when suddenly, inspiration struck—
The Mountain-Breaking Saber!
It was about breaking hesitation, breaking cowardice, breaking distracting thoughts, and even breaking one’s own shackles. Only then could one press forward relentlessly, with no regrets once the saber was drawn.
"So that’s how it is!"
A sharp glint flashed in Liang Cheng’s eyes. The Zhenxian Saber was suddenly unsheathed. Following the epiphany in his heart, he executed a simple Horizontal Slash.
Where the blade passed, a faint white trace hung in the air, lingering for a long time.
The Saber Technique had reached the Beginner Level.
[Mountain-Breaking Saber: Beginner Level (1/5000)]
Under the influence of this new understanding, his Wind and Thunder Slash was unexpectedly complemented. The force of wind and thunder now faintly carried a decisive intent of utter severance.
However, as it was only at the Beginner Level, its power was far from matching his Wind and Thunder Slash, which was at the Perfection Realm.
Afterward, Liang Cheng spent his nights cultivating the Broken Wave Technique and the Mixed Element Gang Body. Boosted by a sufficient supply of Elixirs and the Fragment of the Crossing the Sea True Intent, he made steady progress.
[Third Layer of Broken Wave Technique: Beginner Level (2436/5000)]
[Mixed Element Gang Body: Beginner Level (2325/3000)]
During the day, he practiced his saber, alternating it with his cultivation of the Profound Yin Sword Technique.
Liang Cheng had already cultivated the Profound Yin Sword Technique to the Great Success Realm and was just a step away from Perfection. This time, during his secluded meditation, the flow of his energy finally allowed him to break through that last barrier.
Liang Cheng formed a sword with his fingers, and a wisp of Gray-Black Sword Qi emerged silently from their tips.
Unlike before, this strand of Sword Qi was condensed as if it were solid, yet as ethereal as mist.
Upon its appearance, it didn’t stir the slightest disturbance in the airflow, as if it were merely a shadow cast by the light between his fingers.
Liang Cheng could clearly feel that his control over the Sword Qi had reached an unprecedented level. It felt like an extension of his own limbs, every minute change reflected clearly in his mind.
[Profound Yin Sword Technique: Great Success (11992/12000)]
HUMMM—
The next moment, the Gray-Black Sword Qi at his fingertips trembled faintly, emitting a low hum that caused the temperature in the Quiet Chamber to drop suddenly.
[Profound Yin Sword Technique: Perfection]
From Great Success to Perfection might seem like a small step, but it was a world of difference.
As the Sword Qi flowed, there was no longer any obvious sound of it tearing through the air, nor any cold glint. Instead, it gave off a sense of melting into its surroundings, as if disappearing.
It could strike suddenly like a viper, or silently corrode like maggots on bone. Its trajectory was cunning and unpredictable, its Power insidious, supple, and capable of Bone Penetration.
Before, Liang Cheng had felt constrained by set moves, but after reaching Perfection, he could push its speed to the absolute limit.
The Gray-Black Sword Qi from his fingers moved so fast that it left only afterimages. An ordinary Martial Artist of the same realm would likely be unable to even track its path.
If Liang Cheng intentionally concealed it, an opponent would find it extremely difficult to sense the danger from his energy signature, even at close range. He had truly achieved a state where "the sword strikes without form, its killing intent concealed."
Liang Cheng slowly exhaled, dissipating the Sword Qi at his fingertips.
If Chen Xuanfeng knew that Liang Cheng had mastered yet another Combat Technique to the Perfection Realm, he would likely be overjoyed.
Afterward, Liang Cheng calmed himself and continued his cultivation.
On the last day of the month, Liang Cheng finally emerged from his seclusion. The next day was when Chen Xuanfeng would test him.
His aura was even more restrained than before. A brilliant light flashed in his eyes as he blinked, and a faint golden radiance flowed ceaselessly beneath his skin, indicating his Mixed Element Gang Body’s defense was even more stable.
[Third Layer of Broken Wave Technique: Beginner Level (3236/5000)]
[Mixed Element Gang Body: Beginner Level (2618/3000)]
[Mountain-Breaking Saber: Beginner Level (864/5000)]
Not long after he emerged, a stream of visitors began presenting calling cards outside his courtyard.
They were all from well-known families in Yunhai City. Their words were polite, and they had prepared generous gifts, stating they were congratulating Liang Cheng on becoming Elder Chen’s disciple and just wanted to express their goodwill.
Liang Cheng politely refused them all, returning the gifts untouched.
"As I have just entered the Main Courtyard, I must prioritize my cultivation. I appreciate everyone’s kind intentions, but please take back your gifts."
Although Liang Cheng’s attitude was polite, he directly refused all the gifts.
He knew these families were making an investment, placing their bets on him. If he accepted their gifts today, he would inevitably have to repay the favors later. It was better to draw a clear line from the very beginning.
...
「Early the next morning, at the Instructor Hall.」
Liang Cheng arrived at Chen Xuanfeng’s Quiet Chamber on time.
Pushing the door open, he saw three other people inside besides his Master.
The man in the lead was in his thirties, with a square-jawed face and a steady temperament. He wore dark blue martial attire and was none other than his First Senior Brother, Lu Zheng.
Beside him stood a stern-faced young man in black. This was his Second Senior Brother, Leng Feng.
By the window was a man in a green robe with a warm and gentle smile—his Third Senior Brother, Ye Zhiqiu.
"Ah, Junior Brother, you’re here," Ye Zhiqiu said with a laugh, his tone warm and welcoming.
Lu Zheng and Leng Feng also looked at Liang Cheng, nodding slightly. Their gazes were scrutinizing, but held no malice.
Chen Xuanfeng smiled and began the introductions, and Liang Cheng quickly clasped his hands in a respectful salute.
"I am Liang Cheng. Greetings, First Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, and Third Senior Brother."
"No need for such formalities."
Lu Zheng’s voice was deep and resonant. He took a Jade Box from his robes and offered it. "A small token for our first meeting. This is a Sea Heart Jade. Wearing it helps to calm the mind and spirit, which is of some benefit to your cultivation."
The taciturn Leng Feng simply handed over five Jade Bottles. "True Essence Pills. Five bottles."
Ye Zhiqiu then chuckled. "I’ve had a lot of expenses recently, so I can’t be as generous as our other two senior brothers. I’ll give you this detailed map of Yunhai City. I’ve marked the locations of various shops, the distribution of influential powers, and even some secret and interesting places I know of. It should keep you from fumbling around in the dark."