stjorthotic Chapter 82 Kraft Paper
Chapter 82 Kraft Paper
Chapter 82 Kraft Paper
The Qiao residence.
The once arrogant and domineering third young master of the Xu family is now taciturn. Every day, besides cultivating, he accompanies Qiao Zhi and handles some trivial matters of the remaining Qiao family businesses with a patient and gentle attitude.
Qiao Zhi was initially wary, but after observing Xu Zhi for several months, she realized that he seemed like a different person. He treated her with great care and was also dedicated to managing the Qiao family business.
All she wanted was for her family to be revived. Now, thanks to her marriage with the Xu family, the Qiao family had smooth business access, and with her husband's love, she was even more satisfied.
Only when the night is deep and quiet will the occasional deep, cold glint in Xu Zhi's eyes reveal a trace of his deeply hidden true feelings.
Madam Qiao observed the situation with a cold eye, and privately told her daughter, "It's a good thing that Xu Zhi has undergone great changes and his temperament has become more settled. He treats you well, so you need to reflect on yourself and never take his favor for granted."
The essence of a marriage lies in mutual understanding, harmony, and tolerance. Xu Zhi is currently weak within the Xu family; the best course of action is for the two of you to live a peaceful and stable life.
Qiao Zhi nodded in agreement, her heart filled with mixed feelings as she gazed at Xu Zhi's back as he practiced swordsmanship outside the window.
She would occasionally recall that radiant figure at the Martial Arts Academy's True Inheritance Ceremony, but who could have imagined that the other person was now like a person in the clouds, unattainable?
As for Xu Zhi, in a corner where no one could see him, as he wiped his sword, his eyes were as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well.
His father's last words echoed in his ears: "Find that thing and leave immediately. Come back when you are strong enough."
He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.
We need to speed things up, find that thing as soon as possible, and then fly away.
Martial Arts Academy.
The No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak is built against the mountain. It has a three-section layout, with green tiles and white walls, ancient pines and green bamboos. A living spring is drawn into the courtyard, and the spiritual energy is several times richer than that of the outside world.
Liang Cheng has been back for two days. Ning San Niang lives in the east wing. She can see a newly cultivated vegetable garden when she opens the window. This is what she insisted on, saying that she would feel uneasy if she was idle.
Sanya and Tieniu were placed in the west wing's side room, registered, and became miscellaneous disciples of the martial arts academy. Their daily tasks included cleaning and cooking for Ning Sanniang, which was easy and stable.
Zhao Yuan's entry into the hut was completed very quickly. The deacon of the martial arts academy greeted him with a smile throughout the process. Zhao Yuan understood that all of this was due to the weight of the title "True Disciple of Liang Cheng".
Back then, Liang Cheng had to go through the Spring Hunt Competition to enter the Martial Academy, but now it's just a matter of Liang Cheng saying a word to get me in.
Rules only ever constrain ordinary people.
Liang Cheng personally escorted him to the residence and handed him over to Li Mu. Before leaving, Liang Cheng gave him a bottle of Qi and Blood Pills and one hundred contribution points.
"The competition at the Martial Arts Academy is fierce, and you have to compete for resources yourself. This is enough for you to establish yourself in the early stages. What happens after that depends on yourself."
Zhao Yuan solemnly accepted the document, his eyes gleaming: "Senior Brother Liang, rest assured, I will never disgrace the name of Yangwei Martial Arts School, and I will strive for excellence."
.
After settling everything, Liang Cheng was finally able to focus on his cultivation.
He took out the Xuanjin powder and earth vein stone milk he had exchanged with Elder Huang in the quiet room. The light golden Xuanjin powder was as fine as dust, and the earth vein stone milk was milky white and thick, with a fragrant aroma.
He added the auxiliary ingredients, prepared the ointment, then took off his shirt and applied the ointment evenly all over his body. Even with his current level of cultivation, his skin still felt a slight stinging sensation, as if countless fine needles were pricking him.
At this moment, Liang Cheng stimulated his skin with subtle true qi, and the pale golden light under his skin flowed like water ripples. His skin texture was like a thousand layers of copper mesh interwoven, slowly absorbing and refining the medicinal power.
Now that his five senses are enhanced, he can feel more and more clearly that every inch of his skin and flesh is becoming tighter and tougher under the influence of the medicine.
[Stone Armor Technique (Golden Armor): Beginner (25/1000)]
An hour later, as the effects of the medicine wore off, Liang Cheng got up and stretched his limbs. Without using any internal energy or blood, he used only his physical strength to punch the specially made test stone in the quiet room.
"Thump!"
The dull thud was like striking a giant tree, leaving a shallow fist mark on the stone surface. He estimated that even a master of the Transformation Realm would find it difficult to withstand this punch alone.
Not to mention the defensive power of the Golden Armor Realm, it would be difficult for ordinary early-stage True Qi Realm attacks to break through his Golden Armor defense.
Liang Cheng was very satisfied and then continued his cultivation.
The path of martial arts requires constant diligence and perseverance.
Three days later, Liang Cheng finally finished his cultivation, not because he felt tired, but because Lu Qingzhou suddenly came to visit.
However, his strength had already advanced further, and the nine true qi seeds in his dantian had also grown slightly larger.
[The Second Level of the Broken Wave Technique: Beginner (103/2000)]
[Mysterious Yin Sword Technique: Beginner (160/1500)]
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Minor Success (2843/5000)】
[Stone Armor Technique (Golden Armor): Beginner (81/1000)]
Lu Qingzhou brought a sandalwood box. When opened, a chill emanated from it, and it was filled with dark blue, gravelly-like North Sea iron sand.
"My father once obtained a pound of this substance by chance. It is extremely cold in nature. When added to a medicinal bath, it is very beneficial for tempering muscles and bones and consolidating the foundation. It is especially suitable for martial artists who practice hard skills."
Before Liang Cheng could refuse, Lu Qingzhou smiled and said, "This can be considered my father's congratulations to Junior Brother Liang on his advancement to a true disciple. There's no need for formalities between us."
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the wooden box: "Thank you for your generous gift, Uncle Lu. I will remember it and express my gratitude in person when I have the chance."
Seeing that Liang Cheng accepted the gift, his smile grew even wider. The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, and Sanya served tea before quietly leaving.
Lu Qingzhou took a sip of tea, then his smile faded, and he said in a low voice, "The matter that my junior brother asked me to investigate has yielded some results."
Liang Cheng's expression turned serious: "The River-Turning Dragon?"
Lu Qingzhou nodded. "Yes, the Lu family's merchant ships along the coast have recently reported that after attacking you, the Black Tide has shrunk its power and abandoned seven outlying islands, leaving no trace."
However, some fishing boats have spotted unusual vessels near the Misty Reef, similar to those of the Kuroshio Current. However, the Misty Reef is shrouded in dense fog year-round, riddled with hidden reefs, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It has always been a favorite hiding place for pirates, and perhaps the Kuroshio Current is hiding there.
Liang Cheng tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Lu Qingzhou advised, "The intelligence is still unclear. Junior Brother, why don't you wait a while longer?"
Liang Cheng nodded, clasped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother. This information is very important to me. I will consider it carefully before making a decision."
.
Lu Qingzhou waved his hand: "We're brothers, no need to be so polite."
After seeing Lu Qingzhou off, Liang Cheng was about to return to his meditation room to continue his cultivation when Tie Niu came over with a visiting card, indicating that someone else had come to visit from outside the courtyard.
Upon seeing this, Liang Cheng instructed Tie Niu to invite the man over.
The person who entered was a steward from Jubaoxuan, dressed in a brocade robe, whose attitude was so respectful as to be almost humble.
He presented a gold-plated invitation with both hands. The three characters "Jubaoxuan" on the cover were written in spiritual ink, with a faint shimmering light.
"In three days, our humble abode will be holding its end-of-season auction, featuring several rare items. Manager Qian has sent me to respectfully invite Liang Zhenchuan to attend. Private room number three on the third floor has been prepared for you."
Liang Cheng accepted the invitation.
Last time he went to Jubaoxuan, he could only sit in the second-floor private room, but now he is in the third-floor Class A private room, a place where only the leaders of various forces or top figures in the True Qi Realm are qualified to sit.
As expected, different statuses lead to vastly different treatment.
"Please thank Manager Qian for me; I, Liang, will certainly be there."
Three days later, in private room number 3, third floor of Jubao Xuan.
The private room was spacious, with a window overlooking the entire auction hall. Spiritual fruits and fragrant tea were laid out on the table, and two pretty maids stood quietly with their hands at their sides, as if they were mere decorations.
Liang Cheng and Lu Qingzhou came over together. Lu Qingzhou clicked his tongue in admiration a few times, "I came to the private room of Class A with my father before, but today it's all thanks to my junior brother."
Liang Cheng said it was a trivial matter. He leaned against the window and glanced down at the hall below, where he saw many familiar faces.
Wang Qinian, Qin Huaiyu, and other acquaintances —
Xu Feng also arrived, sitting in a front seat on the second floor, talking quietly with the person next to him. He looked calm, and Xu Zhang's death did not seem to have a big impact on him.
However, Xu Feng seemed to sense that someone was watching him. He looked up and their eyes met briefly in the air. Xu Feng quickly smiled and gestured, and Liang Cheng nodded slightly and looked away.
Xu Feng is a man who can keep his composure.
Since Xu Zhang's death, the power of the third branch of the family has been quickly taken over by the eldest branch, and Xu Feng's status has risen to another level. He has reached the peak of the Transformation Realm and is also very shrewd, making him a standout in the Xu family.
However, as long as Xu Feng doesn't provoke him, Liang Cheng is too lazy to bother with him now. He should focus on cultivating first, as strength is the foundation and everything else is meaningless.
Then the auction officially began.
The first half of the event was uneventful, mostly consisting of pills, weapons, or incomplete cultivation manuals. Liang Cheng bid on a bottle of Condensing True Qi Pill, which could gently nourish newly formed true qi, just what he needed.
After halftime, the atmosphere became even more enthusiastic.
"The next item to be auctioned is a piece of old, worn-out parchment. It seems to be from the same source as the parchment auctioned before. It might be worth a lot. The starting price is still three hundred taels."
The auctioneer announced loudly that a maid had brought over a wooden tray. The red silk was lifted, revealing another piece of dark yellow kraft paper of the same material.
Liang Cheng's fingers, which were resting on the back of the chair, tightened slightly, but then returned to normal. His senses were now astounding; the pattern on this piece of parchment matched perfectly with the one he had obtained from Liu Biao.
This is by no means a coincidence.
It seems there's more than one complete picture pieced together from the parchment fragments, but Jubaoxuan's two consecutive auctions suggest there might be a purpose behind it.
Liang Cheng leaned back in his chair, his expression returning to calm. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and casually glanced down at the parchment, seemingly uninterested in it.
No one paid any attention in the hall, and the auction almost failed. Xu Feng had an idea and thought of what Liang Cheng had obtained at the auction before, so he raised his paddle to bid.
"Three hundred taels."
The others remained still.
In the end, Xu Feng bought the parchment for three hundred taels of silver.
As the auctioneer struck the gavel, his gaze seemed to casually sweep over all the private rooms numbered A on the third floor, pausing for a moment at room number A3.
Liang Cheng sneered inwardly.
Sure enough, Jubao Xuan might be testing him. It seems the water behind this parchment is deeper than he imagined, and he needs to be even more careful.
Liang Cheng remained vigilant. After the auction ended, Liang Cheng and Lu Qingzhou left without exchanging anything.
In the backyard of Jubaoxuan, Qian Wanjin listened to his subordinate's report, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes.
Could it be that Liang Cheng's purchase of the parchment was just a spur-of-the-moment decision, and that he guessed wrong?
We need to find another opportunity to test the waters.
Three days later, a hearty laugh came from outside the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak.
"Master Liang, I've come uninvited, just to ask for a cup of tea. I hope you won't mind?"
Liang Chenggang finished his morning exercise and went out to greet the sound. He saw Yue Shan, the commander of the Linwu City Guard, walking with a powerful stride in civilian clothes, with only two personal guards behind him.
"Commander Yue's presence is an honor to our humble abode. Please come in."
Liang Cheng bowed respectfully, somewhat surprised. He and Yue Shan had only crossed paths during the spring hunt, and their relationship was not particularly close.
Yue Shan didn't stand on ceremony. After entering the courtyard, his gaze swept over Liang Cheng from head to toe, and he clicked his tongue in amazement: "Good lad, how long has it been? And judging from your aura, your true qi is condensed and not dissipated. Your foundation is as solid as if you have been practicing for more than ten years. Old Lü has really struck gold this time."
Liang Cheng invited him to sit down at the stone table, and Sanya served him tea.
Yue Shan gulped down his tea in one go, displaying his rudeness. He put down his teacup and said bluntly, "I've heard rumors that that old bastard is secretly colluding with pirates, but the city lord, concerned about stability and lacking concrete evidence, hasn't taken action against him. This stab of yours—"
quick!"
Liang Cheng smiled but remained silent, while Yue Shan stopped talking, saying, "You're no pushover either, you're quite cunning."
At this point, Yue Shan suddenly said, "I'm getting a little itchy. Come on, lend a hand and let me see just how good your True Qi Realm really is."
Before he finished speaking, his large, fan-like hand reached out from afar. Without any outward display of true energy, a heavy, mountain-like force crashed down, and the air seemed to freeze.
Liang Cheng neither retreated nor dodged, his body shimmering with a faint golden light, and his Golden Armor Realm activated spontaneously, keeping the heavy baleful aura three feet away from him.
At the same time, his right hand, with fingers pointing like a knife, released a wisp of condensed light blue true energy that pierced through his fingers like a needle cutting through cotton, directly stabbing into Yue Shan's palm.
"what?"
Yue Shan exclaimed "Eh!" and changed his grabbing motion into a slapping motion. Gray-iron-colored true energy surged in front of his palm, pressing down like a mountain, directly clashing with Liang Cheng's true energy finger strike.
"Pop!"
With a soft sound, the two people's energy collided. The stone table remained motionless, but ripples spread across the surface of the teacup on the table.
Yue Shan immediately stopped probing and laughed heartily: "What superb skill, what cunning finger strength! Ordinary True Qi Realm cultivators wouldn't dare to take this palm strike head-on. With your superb skill alone, you could probably withstand three full-force sword strikes from the Overturning River Dragon."
Liang Cheng also stopped there. They stopped short of using their full strength, but Yue Shan, though seemingly rough, was unfathomably powerful.
"Commander Yue's cultivation is profound; I admire him greatly."
Yue Shan waved his hand, his expression becoming more serious. "Don't give me that. I'm here today for two reasons: first, to see how much you've improved, and second, to give you a message."
He then lowered his voice and said, "A while ago, I followed the city lord to hunt down the remnants of the Zoroastrianism. Near the Misty Reef in the southeast sea, my scouts caught a glimpse of the Kuroshio's ship. That place is a desolate place with many reefs and thick fog, making it a good place for people to hide."
Liang Cheng's expression changed; this coincided with what Lu Qingzhou had said earlier.
Yue Shan patted him on the shoulder: "That bastard Fan Jiangjiao almost killed you. With your temper now, you're definitely going to get revenge."
Consider this news my early congratulations on your advancement to the True Disciple level. But let me make this clear beforehand: that treacherous place, Misty Reef, is easy to defend but difficult to attack. If you're going, you'd better make thorough preparations, lest you be caught off guard and suffer a setback.
Liang Cheng then stood up and solemnly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Commander Yue."
"Thank me my ass, I just like you because we click."
Yue Shan stood up, regaining his former heroic demeanor. "Let's go. The city lord will be back soon. There's a ton of mess to deal with. Remember to treat me to drinks after you kill the River-Turning Flood Dragon!"
Liang Cheng personally saw Yue Shan off, and upon returning, he had already made up his mind.
At this moment, someone outside the courtyard announced that Master Qian of Jubao Pavilion had sent an invitation to Liang Zhenchuan to meet at Tingzhu Pavilion in the afternoon.
Liang Cheng narrowed his eyes. Jubaoxuan was not just a local force; it spanned eight islands and twenty-four cities under the Penglai Sect. For the sake of future plans, he could not afford to offend it easily.
In the afternoon, at Tingzhuxuan.
Qian Wanjin, still looking prosperous in his red robe, personally poured tea. The tea soup was clear and green, with a unique and refreshing aroma. "This is the Misty Hidden Spirit Tea, produced in Misty Hidden Reef. It has the effect of calming the mind, soothing the body, and nourishing the meridians. Liang Zhenchuan, please try it."
Liang Cheng's heart skipped a beat. It was Fog Hidden Reef again. Sure enough, Qian Wanjin then said, "I heard that Master Liang asked the Lu family to find clues about the Black Tide. I happen to have some information here."
"Does the true lineage tell you that the Kuroshio pirates' lair is very likely hidden at Misty Reef?"
Liang Cheng remained calm and said, "I've heard a little about it."
Qian Wanjin took out an exquisite nautical chart and spread it out: "The Fog-Hidden Reef is located 470 miles southeast of Linwu City. It consists of thirteen reef islands of varying sizes. It is shrouded in thick fog all year round, with swift currents and numerous reefs, both visible and hidden, making it like a maze. My Jubao Pavilion happens to have a detailed survey nautical chart."
-
As he spoke, he pointed to several locations on the nautical chart. Liang Cheng looked at the chart and said in a deep voice, "Why is Steward Qian telling me these things?"
Qian Wanjin smiled gently: "The True Disciple is the most dazzling new star in Linwu City in recent years. My Jubao Pavilion is a long-term business, so I am naturally happy to form a good relationship with the True Disciple. Consider this information as a gift to congratulate the True Disciple on his advancement."
Thank you.
The two then chatted amiably, and Qian Wanjin suddenly brought it up casually: "By the way, I remember at the last auction, the True Master bought a fragment of parchment? I wonder if he got anything out of it? That picture seems to hold some mystery."
Liang Cheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten about it. The picture was too incomplete to make out anything. I don't know where I lost it. If you are interested, I will keep an eye out if I see similar fragments in the future."
Qian Wanjin laughed heartily: "It's nothing, no need to worry about it."
As the tea entered his mouth, a hint of chilling coldness lingered within its delicate fragrance. Liang Cheng understood immediately that both the tea and the painting silently revealed the profound heritage of Jubaoxuan.
When he left Jubaoxuan, Qian Wanjin personally saw him to the door and cupped his hands, saying, "If Master Liang needs anything in the future, Jubaoxuan has its own channels of information, so you can come and consult him."
""
As he spoke, he handed over a small jade pendant engraved with the emblem of Jubao Pavilion. Liang Cheng accepted it, thanked him, and left.
Upon returning to True Transmission Peak, Liang Cheng immediately began planning how to ascend Misty Reef and slay the Black Tide River-Turning Flood Dragon. After all, he had almost died at the hands of the other party, and Chen Bainian had lost his life because of it. How could he not avenge this?
However, according to Yue Shan, the Black Tide may not only be related to the Xu family, but also to the Zoroastrianism. Otherwise, why would Yue Shan come here in person?
Thinking of this, Liang Cheng prepared to consult Lü Bingchen. Now that Yue Shan Jubao Xuan had gotten involved, the Black Tide matter was probably not simple.
Lu Bingchen was somewhat surprised to receive the report and immediately met with Liang Cheng. "Liang Cheng, what brings you here?"
"Master, I have some questions and would like to ask you about them."
Then Liang Cheng recounted the events of the day to Lü Bingchen. After listening, a glint flashed in Lü Bingchen's eyes.
"Yue Shan and Jubao Pavilion have both sent you messages indicating that the Black Tide is likely involved with the remnants of the Zoroastrianism. Trade routes are blocked, and the City Lord's Mansion also wants to finish the job in one fell swoop, so they all want to use you as a tool."
"However, since you're determined to go, why not issue a Class A bandit suppression mission in the name of the Martial Academy, with no limit on the number of participants? This would give you a legitimate reason to go, and it would also train the disciples within the academy—a win-win situation. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng felt enlightened and immediately bowed, saying, "This disciple will respectfully follow Master's instructions."