My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

"Haha, I just feel like I haven’t reached my limit. What’s all this about Perfect Foundation Establishment?"

Liang Cheng chuckled dismissively. Elder Huang nodded, then his eyes glinted with an idea.

"I’ve just refined a batch of elixirs, and they happen to be quite suitable for you."

Liang Cheng asked instinctively, "How much?"

Elder Huang grinned.

"Not expensive. Just give me the demon cores you have on you."

Liang Cheng hadn’t expected Elder Huang’s perception to be so sharp. He trusted the elder completely, so he took out all the remaining demon cores he had.

Three Tier Four, ten Tier Three.

Elder Huang wasted no time. He put down his cattail fan, stood up, walked over to a wooden shelf, took down a cyan jade bottle, and handed it to Liang Cheng.

"This is a Vessel Moisturizing Pill. It can warm and nourish the meridians and harmonize True Essence. This pill will help you strengthen your meridians and stabilize your realm."

Liang Cheng received it with both hands. "Thank you, Elder Huang, for this pill."

"Alright, I’m busy here. You can go now."

Liang Cheng was momentarily stunned. Elder Huang was as mercenary as ever; once he got what he wanted, he would turn his back on you.

But Liang Cheng just smiled, stood up, and took his leave.

After returning from the Alchemy Room to Courtyard Three of True Inheritance Peak, Liang Cheng sat cross-legged on the daybed and took out the Vessel Moisturizing Pill from Elder Huang.

The jade bottle was warm and smooth to the touch. He unplugged the stopper, and a clear, refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the air, invigorating his spirit just by its scent.

The pill was a faint cyan, its surface covered with fine, cloud-like patterns. It was clearly an Upper Grade Elixir.

Liang Cheng took the pill. It melted the moment it entered his mouth, transforming into a warm, clear stream that slid into his abdomen before spreading throughout his entire body.

He immediately circulated the Broken Wave Technique to guide the medicinal power.

Unlike the tyrannical, immense power of the Gang Condensing Pill, the medicinal power of the Vessel Moisturizing Pill was gentle and long-lasting. Like a spring rain nourishing the earth, it silently nurtured the inner walls of his meridians.

Under the infusion of that gentle medicinal power, the strength and resilience of his meridians slowly increased.

’What a fine elixir.’

Liang Cheng praised it inwardly.

’Elder Huang’s alchemy skills are truly extraordinary.’

’This pill solidifies one’s foundation and broadens their potential.’

After this round of nourishment, the capacity of his meridians had clearly reached a new level.

If he had demon cores on hand right now, he could definitely refine them for much longer than before, absorb more energy, and his cultivation efficiency would be greatly enhanced.

If only...

Liang Cheng thought about how Elder Huang had taken his last demon cores and couldn’t help but complain to himself.

’That old man... don’t tell me he knew I was out of demon cores and gave me this Vessel Moisturizing Pill on purpose?’

But considering Elder Huang’s insight, giving him the Vessel Moisturizing Pill to broaden his meridians’ potential while also happening to take his demon cores... it truly had the vibe of "the master opens the door, but the disciple must walk the path," mixed with a mischievous streak.

Liang Cheng shook his head with a wry smile, casting aside the stray thoughts.

Regardless, what Elder Huang had given him was truly a good thing. He would remember this favor.

As for demon cores, he would find a way to get more in the future.

The following days were peaceful and routine.

Liang Cheng spent every day with his mother, chatted with his master Yang Wei and senior brother Zhou Hu, and occasionally offered guidance on cultivation to Li Mu and Zhao Yuan, who had come seeking him out after hearing the news.

Although he didn’t spell things out, just a few words of his guidance would often lead to a breakthrough for the two, benefiting them immensely.

His return also caused quite a stir in Lin Wu City.

Liang Cheng’s name had already spread throughout the city back when he won the three-city tournament.

Now that he had returned from the Main Courtyard, the rumors about him had become even more legendary.

Things like "Top of the Main Courtyard’s Hero Ranking," "Slew a Tier Five Demon Beast in Bibo City," and "Suspected to have touched the threshold of the True Gang Realm"...

All sorts of news circulated among the major clans, the powerful, and the wealthy merchants, stirring up the city’s elite.

Thus, an endless stream of visitors began to appear outside Courtyard Three of True Inheritance Peak.

The patriarchs of the great families, the heads of the commerce associations, the chiefs of the escort agencies...

All of them came with lavish gifts and sincere words, begging for just a single meeting with Liang Cheng.

Liang Cheng found this incredibly annoying and had Zhou Hu turn them all away, stating that he only wanted to spend the end of the year with his family and teachers and had no interest in social engagements.

Aside from the City Lord’s Mansion and a few old acquaintances, he saw no one else.

On this day, Lu Qingzhou paid a visit. His demeanor was now much more steady and composed. The gift he brought wasn’t extravagant—just a jar of the Lu Family’s own aged fine wine and a box of the most authentic pastries from an old, established shop in Lin Wu City.

The two sat across from each other at the stone table in the courtyard, sharing a simple drink just like in the old days.

"Brother Liang, it’s been less than a year since we last parted, yet you’ve already reached such heights. The rest of us can only look up to you now."

Lu Qingzhou raised his cup, his smile sincere, but his eyes held a complex mix of emotions.

’After all, back then, Liang Cheng wasn’t even my equal.’

"Brother Lu, you praise me too much. The path of the Martial Dao is long, and both of us are still walking it."

Liang Cheng clinked cups with him. They talked about old times and their recent situations, and as they chatted and laughed, the two of them grew more and more relaxed.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lu Qingzhou finally took his leave.

Liang Cheng personally saw him to the gate.

Lu Qingzhou took a few steps, then looked back at Liang Cheng. The thought of catching up to him, which still lingered in his heart, finally dissolved into a sigh.

’The gap between us is, after all, only growing wider.’

But he quickly composed himself, cupped his fist to Liang Cheng with a smile, and turned to stride away. It was as if he had set down a burden, and his figure, seen from behind, was still tall and straight.

’I, Lu Qingzhou, might not be as good as Liang Cheng, but I have my own path to walk.’

’Who hasn’t been called a prodigy of the Martial Dao at some point?’

’So what if I’m a step behind?’

...

「Canglan Island, Yunhai City.」

「Main Courtyard, Instructor Hall.」

Ye Zhiqiu stood before Chen Xuanfeng, giving a complete and detailed report on the repeated ambushes they encountered while escorting Liang Cheng home.

"Those assassins were indeed veterans, but we can’t find a single clue about their origin. It’s extremely strange, as if they’ve never appeared in the Four Islands Alliance before."

"However, my junior brother suspected Qian Wanjing was behind it. But when this disciple tried to investigate further, I found that Qian Wanjing had already requested a transfer five days ago and left the Four Islands Alliance."

Ye Zhiqiu’s tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"That old fox is too sharp; he fled too quickly. The trail is cold now. Without concrete evidence, we can’t pursue the matter based on suspicion alone."

Chen Xuanfeng listened quietly to Ye Zhiqiu’s report, his fingers tapping lightly on the back of his chair. His expression was calm, betraying no hint of his feelings.

"Understood."

"We’ll table this for now. The monk can run, but the temple can’t. When your junior brother’s cultivation is accomplished, he will naturally take his own revenge."

"Your junior brother has never been one to swallow his anger. In a way, this could motivate him. It might not be a bad thing."

"Yes!"

Ye Zhiqiu accepted the order, then took his leave and departed.

He also had to return to Bibo City for the new year.