abnabooks Chapter 115, Part 1
Chapter 115, Part 1
Chapter 114, Part 1
The elder deacon of the alliance then announced the results from the high platform.
"Liang Chengsheng of Linwu City".
"Fu Lingyun of Qinglan City is eliminated."
After the results were announced, Fu Chenzhou suddenly stood up, his beard and hair standing on end, pointing at Liang Cheng, extremely angry.
"Sir, this boy's methods are so ruthless; he is clearly trying to cripple someone's cultivation and cut off their path to immortality. This is no longer a contest of martial arts, but a deliberate act of cruelty. We urge the Alliance to punish him severely!"
Once these words were spoken, many spectators whispered among themselves.
Liang Cheng went too far. Liu Qingyun and Fu Lingyun, the two prodigies of Qinglan City, were both crippled, almost wiping out an entire generation.
On the high platform, Bai Hong slowly stood up. He looked at Fu Chenzhou and suddenly chuckled. The chuckle was not loud, but it clearly drowned out the noise in the arena.
"Lord Fu, you are mistaken."
Bai Hong's voice was calm, yet tinged with coldness: "Victory is decided in the arena, and life and death are left to fate. This is the ironclad rule of the Three Cities Grand Tournament."
"Lord Fu, have you forgotten that ten years ago, when your disciple Fu Qingyun pierced the heart with a single sword strike on the arena, killing the previous generation's chief disciple of my Linwu Martial Academy, did you ever call his methods ruthless? Did you ever demand that the alliance severely punish him?"
Fu Chenzhou's face stiffened.
Bai Hong stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a sword.
"Back then, when my martial arts academy's disciples shed blood on the arena, City Lord Fu clapped his hands and laughed, saying that fists and feet have no eyes, and life and death are predestined. How come today, when it's your city's disciples lying on the ground, the rules have changed?"
"Are you, Qinglan City, allowed to kill, but I, Linwu City, am forbidden to injure? City Lord Fu, is the justice of this world perhaps written on the blade of your Qinglan City's sword?!"
Every word is piercing, every sentence cuts to the bone.
Many of the older martial artists in the arena recalled the tragic scene from ten years ago.
Fu Qingyun of Qinglan City was even more ruthless than Liu Qingyun is today.
When Linwu City protested, Fu Chenzhou retorted with a mere rule of the arena, leaving them no choice but to swallow their anger and bear the bitter consequences.
Now, the tables have turned. Fu Chenzhou was speechless, his face turning pale and his chest heaving, but he couldn't find a single word to refute Bai Hong's words.
The elder deacon of the alliance spoke up at this moment, immediately silencing all the discussion.
That's enough.
His gaze swept over Fu Chenzhou and Bai Hong, finally landing on Liang Cheng, who stood expressionless on the arena. He slowly said, "The rules of the arena were stated at the beginning of the competition."
"Those who admit defeat, step down from the stage, or lose their fighting ability are defeated. Fu Lingyun neither admitted defeat nor stepped down from the stage. Liang Cheng's actions did not violate the rules."
"The Three Cities Competition is not child's play. If you are not prepared to accept the possibility of injury or death, why send your disciples onto the stage?"
The old man's last words, though indifferent, set the tone.
Fu Chenzhou clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood.
He glared fiercely at Liang Cheng and Bai Hong, then slumped back down, his face ashen. He knew that Qinglan City was completely out of the competition.
He then turned his gaze toward Rock City, with a hint of resentment and a final hope.
Shi Meng felt his gaze, grinned, and patted the towering young man beside him, who was none other than Shi Yue.
"Yue'er, this Liang Zhenchuan from Linwu City seems to be quite tough. Go and give it a try. Don't let him think that we in Panshi City are helpless."
"Yes, Father."
Shi Yue's voice was like muffled thunder. He simply responded and strode towards the arena. His steps were not fast, but they were unusually heavy.
With each step, the ground thudded with a dull thud, like a giant beast walking, which was actually putting pressure on Liang Cheng.
His exposed skin gleamed with a bluish-gray sheen, and his muscles bulged out. After stepping onto the ring, he stood opposite Liang Cheng.
Without needing to say a word, Shi Yue let out a low roar, and his aura exploded!
Boom!
A thick, solid, earthy-yellow aura of true essence emanated from his body, making the air thick and creating a sense of oppression that was even more intense than that of Fu Lingyun!
Another True Essence Realm expert!
On stage, Bai Hong and Shen Jun's expressions changed.
If Liang Cheng hadn't unexpectedly broken through to the True Yuan Realm, Linwu City would probably have been at the bottom again this year!
Sure enough, in the past thirty years, those with more resources and the strong have always been stronger!
Fortunately, now, their Linwu City has produced a Liang Cheng!
The audience from the major clans in Linwu City were on tenterhooks.
"Rock City, Stone Mountain".
He clashed his fists together, producing a metallic clang. "Please."
"Linwu City, Liangcheng."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Yue moved immediately. There were no fancy footwork techniques; he simply took a step forward and threw a straight punch with his right fist!
Wherever the fist passed, the air was violently shattered, emitting a piercing whistling sound. Earthy yellow true energy swirled around the fist, like a falling meteorite, striking directly at Liang Cheng.
Liang Cheng neither dodged nor avoided the attack, intending to test the other party's strength.
A pale golden light instantly flowed through his entire body. He pushed his perfect Golden Armor Realm to its limit and unleashed a punch, his pale blue true essence surging like a tide.
【Raging Bull Power - Bull Charge】
Two fists collide!
"Thump—!!!"
A terrifying roar, far exceeding any previous one, exploded out. A visible circular shockwave suddenly spread out from the center of the two fists, and fine cracks appeared on the hard obsidian arena surface.
Liang Cheng swayed slightly, and the stone slab beneath his feet shattered. Shi Yue staggered back three steps, each step leaving a deep footprint on the arena.
Shi Yue's eyes flashed with an astonishing brilliance and fighting spirit.
"Great power! Take this again, my [Zhenyue Fist]!"
He lunged forward again, his fists sweeping and powerful, each punch heavy as a mountain, containing the will to suppress everything.
The earthy yellow true essence condensed, like a mountain pressing down.
At this moment, Liang Cheng was also filled with heroic spirit, as if he had returned to the martial arts school where he used to practice. He activated his Golden Armor Realm defense to the fullest and pushed his Wild Bull Strength to its limit.
Fists, palms, elbows, knees—the whole body can be used as weapons, engaging in the most primitive, violent, and direct head-on clash with Shi Yue!
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom—!"
On the arena, it was as if two ferocious humanoid beasts were fighting, with the sounds of their clashing energies echoing continuously, sending stones flying and dust billowing everywhere.
The terrifying sounds of flesh colliding sent chills down the spines of the audience.
"That's terrifying! Is that even human?"
"The body-refining techniques of Rock City are indeed renowned; Shi Yue's physical body is probably comparable to that of a prehistoric beast!"
"Shi Yue's performance is not surprising, after all, Pan Shi City is known for its physical defense. But Liang Cheng from Linwu City was able to hold his own against him without being at a disadvantage?! Just how high has his physical skill reached?"
In the blink of an eye, after more than twenty moves, the two sides were evenly matched.
Shi Yue grew increasingly excited as he fought, letting out a wild roar as his body shone with a bright bluish-gray luster, revealing faint rock-like textures, further enhancing his defense and strength.
The punch was thrown with nearly 30% more power than before!
"The Shi Family's Secret Technique: Rock Armor Technique!"
A glint of light flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
Now that the probing is over, it's time to see the real test.
He took a deep breath, and the nine condensed true essence orbs in his body, as pure as mercury, trembled simultaneously. The vast and boundless true essence of the Broken Waves surged to his right arm in an instant.
Without using any complicated moves, he simply compressed and concentrated all his strength, including the physical power of a fully-fledged Golden Armor Realm cultivator and the power of a fully-fledged Wild Bull Force, into his right fist.
Before the fist was even thrown, the surrounding air had already begun to distort.
At this moment, Shi Yue felt a fatal threat. He roared and pushed the [Rock Armor Technique] and the Mountain Suppression Fist to their limits. The illusory image of the earthen yellow mountain almost solidified. He threw a punch, seemingly about to shatter the sky.
Liang Cheng exhaled and threw a punch.
"break!"
This punch, simple and unadorned, was as fast as lightning and as heavy as a collapsing mountain!
【Raging Bull Power - Mountain Collapse】
The pale blue and earthy yellow true essence light collided fiercely once again!
But this time, there was no stalemate.
"Snap—!"
First, the earthen-yellow true essence mountain phantom that had condensed on Shi Yue's fist shattered with a crash. Then, his fist and arm, which had rock-like textures, emitted a tooth-grinding sound of bones breaking.
"Ugh—!"
Shi Yue screamed in agony as his massive body was sent flying like a cannonball after being struck head-on by a prehistoric beast, crashing heavily onto the edge of the arena.
Shi Yue collapsed to the ground, his right arm twisted irregularly, clearly with all the bones broken. His chest was sunken, and blood kept gushing from his mouth. Although he was not like Fu Lingyun, whose dantian was destroyed, he was still seriously injured and lost his fighting ability. His Rock Armor Technique was forcibly shattered.
The audience was silent.
At this moment, Shi Meng was the first to react.
"Rock City surrenders!"
Liang Chenggang was about to launch another attack when he abruptly stopped.
A golden opportunity was missed.
No one expected that in this battle, Liang Cheng would display absolute power, domineeringly crushing Shi Yue, meeting head-on with head-on, using strength to overcome strength, and defeating the so-called number one defensive prodigy of Pan Shi City head-on!
Bai Hong and Shen Jun were so excited that they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Won!
Fu Chenzhou's eyes were gloomy. Why didn't Liang Cheng go all out and cripple Shi Yue? Now only Qinglan City has suffered heavy losses!
The elder deacon of the alliance gave Liang Cheng a deep look and announced loudly, "Liang Cheng of Linwu City wins."
"Stone Peak of Rock City, rendered combat ineffective, eliminated."
"Liang Cheng of Linwu City has successfully defended his title. Is there anyone else who can challenge him?"
The sound echoed, but no one answered.
There was no one left to send from Qinglan City. The remaining disciples from Panshi City looked at each other in bewilderment. Even Shi Yue had been defeated so thoroughly, who would dare to step forward?
A moment of silence is the answer.
"Since no one is willing to challenge me, I hereby declare the champion of this Three Cities Grand Competition to be..."
"Linwu City, Liang Cheng!"
After a brief silence in the direction of Linwu City, the sound faded and then erupted into a thunderous cheer!
Shen Jun and Bai Hong clenched their fists fiercely, Lu Mingyuan and other heads of major clans stood up excitedly, and Han Li, Wang Teng, Yun Jinghong and others let out a long roar!
Thirty years of humiliation, washed away in one day!
The process will be expedited from here on out.
The remaining disciples of Qinglan City and Panshi City engaged in several point battles to compete for second and third place. However, after a brief period of treatment, Shi Yue, despite being partially injured, still managed to suppress the enemy with his True Essence Realm and achieved a series of victories.
Finally, the elder deacon of the alliance summarized the results and announced to the public: "The final rankings of the Three Cities Grand Competition are as follows."
"First Place: Linwu City!"
Second place: Rock City!
Last place: Qinglan City!
"Based on the ranking, the resource shares of the two spirit stone veins, Black Prison and Crimson Flame, and the two medicine valleys, Hundred Herbs and Cloud Mist, will be redefined over the next ten years."
Linwu City received 45% of the total share, Panshi City 30%, and Qinglan City 25%.
"Furthermore, Liang Cheng of Linwu City has won the grand competition with outstanding performance and is hereby granted the qualification of a disciple of the main academy. With this qualification, he may report to the main academy of the Four Islands Alliance in six months!"
The significant allocation of resources means that Linwu City will receive nearly half of the resources in the next ten years, and the development of martial arts will inevitably experience an explosive growth!
After thirty years of enduring humiliation and hardship, a turning point has finally arrived.
However, even in the main academy, it is rare to see someone with true essence at the age of twenty. So what is so surprising about winning first place in the competition?
Cheers swept across Huiwu Slope like a tidal wave, and the pent-up frustration of the people of Linwu City for thirty years was released in an instant.
Liang Chengjing stood calmly in the center of the arena, his expression serene and devoid of joy or sorrow amidst the thunderous shouts.
"Liang Cheng!"
"Senior Brother Liang!"
Below the stage, Han Li, Wang Teng, and others shouted excitedly. Yun Jinghong stood with his sword in his arms, gazing at the figure on the stage, his fighting spirit still undiminished.
On the high platform, Bai Hong and Shen Jun had regained their composure. They smiled at each other, everything understood without words; this was the future of Linwu City.
There was no activity in the direction of Rock City.
In Qinglan City, Fu Chenzhou's face was gloomy, and hatred rose in his heart.
"Let's go!"
Fu Chenzhou squeezed out three words, stood up abruptly, bid farewell to the Alliance Deacon, and then hurriedly left with the people of Qinglan City.
The old alliance steward glanced at it but said nothing. The outcome was already decided, the rules were set, and how the loser behaved was irrelevant.
He looked at Liang Cheng again, his tone much gentler: "Liang Cheng, come forward."
Liang Cheng followed instructions and walked down from the platform.
The old man took out a pale silver token with intricate cloud patterns and handed it to him.
"This is a disciple's order from the Four Islands Alliance Headquarters. With this order, you shall report to the Headquarters in Yunhai City on Canglan Island within two months. Remember, you will not be waited for if you are late."
Liang Cheng accepted the token with both hands. It felt slightly cool to the touch, and a faint spiritual energy flowed through it.
"Thank you, Steward."
"Prepare well."
The old man rarely showed a smile. "Within the main academy, geniuses gather in great numbers, and the competition is far more intense than in the three cities. Do not waste this talent and opportunity."
"Your disciple will remember this."
The competition has officially concluded.
Shen Jun patted Liang Cheng's shoulder forcefully, filled with emotion: "Good lad! Well done! From today onwards, the backbone of Linwu City can finally stand tall!"
Bai Hong appeared even more composed. He looked at Liang Cheng with anticipation in his eyes: "The Four Islands Alliance Headquarters gathers the top geniuses from fifteen cities. While it's rare to see a twenty-year-old True Yuan Realm cultivator there, it's not exactly a rare find either. Moreover, some have powerful backgrounds, abundant resources, and unparalleled cultivation techniques."
He said solemnly, "You come from Linwu City, which means you have no connections in the main academy. From now on, you will have to rely on yourself for everything."
Shen Jun interjected, "However, you don't need to underestimate yourself. Your foundation, temperament, and combat strength are all top-notch."
"You have two months to solidify your cultivation level and become familiar with the use of true essence. You must strive for a high ranking in the entrance examination, as this will determine your initial treatment after entering the academy."
Liang Cheng nodded solemnly: "Disciple understands."
"Alright, go back and rest well, and reunite with your family."
Bai Hong smiled gently. "Linwu City is your root. No matter where you go in the future, this place will always be your support."
"Thank you, Dean Xie. Thank you, City Lord Xie."
Liang Cheng bowed.
That night, Linwu City held a simple victory celebration banquet at the Huiwupo camp.
The bonfire roared, and the aroma of meat and wine filled the air.
Han Li, Wang Teng, and others frequently toasted Liang Cheng, creating a lively atmosphere. Even the usually aloof Yun Jinghong raised her glass in greeting.
Liang Cheng accepted all comers, but always remained clear-headed.
The following day, they broke camp and returned home.
The atmosphere on the way back to Linwu City was relaxed and cheerful.
Bai Hong and Shen Jun no longer kept serious expressions and often showed smiles.
Five days later.
The majestic city walls of Linwu City are in sight.
The city gate was already packed with people.
The good news had already spread, causing a sensation throughout the city.
When Liang Cheng rode his horse and appeared at the end of the official road with Bai Hong and Shen Jun, a thunderous cheer instantly engulfed him.
"The True Story of Liang!"
"Heroes return in triumph!"
"Long live Linwu City!"
Countless people lined the streets to welcome them, their eyes filled with fervor.
Thirty years of humiliation at the bottom have been wiped away in one day.
While Linwu City was celebrating wildly, tens of thousands of miles away, in the heart of the Four Islands Alliance, on Canglan Island, in Yunhai City.
It far surpasses Linwu City in scale, is bustling and prosperous, and is filled with spiritual energy, with tall buildings standing side by side.
West of the city, Jubaoxuan, the main building of the four island branch.
The building is nine stories high and constructed of spirit wood and white jade. It gleams with a subtle light, and carriages and horses line the entrance. Those who enter and exit are either rich or noble, and many of them exude a profound aura.
On the top floor, in a quiet study.
Qian Wanjin, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, looked at the letter that had just been delivered through special channels. The letter contained the results of the Three Cities Grand Competition.
His usual smooth smile had long since disappeared.
"Liang Cheng, at the age of twenty, at the True Yuan Realm, decisively defeated Shi Yue of Pan Shi City, crippled Fu Lingyun of Qing Lan City, won the championship, and entered the main academy!"
He stood up and paced back and forth on the soft carpet covered with animal hides.
"How could a mere city like Linwu, so poor in resources, possibly produce such a figure?"
He stopped abruptly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. "Unless the legendary item from the Qiao family has truly fallen into his hands, it's impossible for him to break through to the True Essence Realm at such a young age!"
At the desk, a middle-aged man dressed in a plain long robe slowly spoke: "Your speculation is not without merit."
This person was none other than Shangguan Wen, the master of the four island branches of Jubaoxuan.
"OP!"
Shangguan Wen took a sip of tea and continued, "This boy is indeed a variable. When we analyzed the situation in Linwu City, we calculated everything correctly, which is why we withdrew from Linwu City. The only thing we overlooked was Liang Cheng."
"One miscalculation can lead to a completely passive situation."
Qian Wanjin calmed down, but his brows remained furrowed: "Master, what should we do now? If that thing really is on him—"
"So what if I'm here? So what if I'm not?"
Shangguan Wen countered, "After this battle, Linwu City has gained nearly half of Zhongyuan Island's resources, and it will surely rise to prominence in the next ten years."
""
"My Jubao Pavilion is a business, and harmony brings wealth." Shangguan Wen tapped the table with his finger. "Our relationship with Linwu City needs to be repaired, at least on the surface."
"repair?"
Qian Wanjin's face was grim. "Liang Cheng probably already harbors resentment towards me. As for the Qiao family matter—"
"So, you can't go back."
Shangguan Wen glanced at him, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "I will send a new manager to Linwu City, with sufficient sincerity, to rebuild Jubaoxuan."
Qian Wanjin opened his mouth, then finally nodded: "Yes, Master."
He knew this was the best course of action. The original poster appeared mild-mannered, but once a decision was made, it was irrevocable.
Shangguan Wen walked to the window, looked at the bustling street scene below, and slowly said, "Liang Cheng is indeed an anomaly. A True Yuan Realm cultivator at the age of twenty is truly rare."
"However, the main academy is full of geniuses and prodigies, with complex backgrounds. Whether Liang Cheng is a dragon or a worm will soon be revealed."
"We just need to wait and see. If he can really gain a foothold in such a place, or even stand out, then it will not be too late to admit his mistakes and talk about cooperation."
"What if he dies halfway through?"
Qian Wanjin couldn't help but ask.
Shangguan Wen smiled faintly, offering no direct answer, leaving everything unsaid.
Qian Wanjin's heart skipped a beat, and he bowed and replied, "Your subordinate understands."
Shangguan Wen waved his hand, and Qian Wanjin quietly withdrew.
The study returned to silence.