boyutpedia Chapter 103 Unparalleled Loyalty and Righteousness, The Legend of Liang Zhen!
Chapter 103 Unparalleled Loyalty and Righteousness, The Legend of Liang Zhen!
Chapter 102 Unparalleled Loyalty and Righteousness, The Legend of Liang Zhen!
Lu Qingzhou sat cross-legged on the Ascension Platform, his blood and qi boiling.
The audience was packed with students from all the different dormitories, all eyes focused on the stage.
With Liang Cheng preceding him and Wang Teng following him, Lu Qingzhou has now chosen to attempt to break through to the True Qi Realm. If he succeeds, it will be a legendary tale.
"Senior Brother Lu, you should succeed this time, right?"
"After accumulating for so long, things should be stable now."
"It's hard to say; he's been bogged down in mundane affairs these past two years—"
On the stage, Lu Qingzhou's face was flushed, and his blood and qi were frantically pressing towards his dantian. The first wisp of blood and qi began to transform. He gritted his teeth and guided more blood and qi to converge.
But as time went on, his breathing began to become erratic.
Over the years, he has been preoccupied with family affairs and has not been able to maintain his cultivation consistently. Ultimately, his foundation is not solid enough. At this moment, as he fully circulates his cultivation technique, his meridians feel a tearing, throbbing pain.
"Freeze it!"
Lu Qingzhou roared inwardly, his blood and qi surging violently, but he was unable to achieve any qualitative change. In his impatience, he forcibly compressed it.
"puff!"
Blood spurted out, and the nascent true energy seed collapsed with a bang.
The surging blood and qi in his body were like a wild horse, rampaging through his meridians. Lu Qingzhou bled from his seven orifices and collapsed. The violent blood and qi raged in his body, tearing his meridians in many places, and fine beads of blood seeped from his skin.
"Help! Save them!"
Seeing that something was wrong, several disciples rushed onto the stage. Lu Qingzhou was already slumped in a pool of blood, barely breathing.
When Liang Cheng arrived, Lu Qingzhou was being helped down from the Ascension Platform.
His white clothes were soaked with sweat, his face was as pale as paper, and the blood at the corner of his mouth had not yet been cleaned.
The martial arts master, who was standing guard nearby, took his pulse and examined him, then breathed a sigh of relief: "His life is not in danger, but his meridians are damaged. He will need to rest for at least three months."
Brother Lu.
Liang Cheng stepped forward at this moment, and Lu Qingzhou opened his eyes, forcing an awkward smile: "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Brother Liang."
"I'll take you to the back of the mountain now."
Liang Cheng immediately found a stretcher and, with the Master's tacit approval, escorted Lu Qingzhou to Huang Lao's alchemy room in the back mountain.
Inside the alchemy room on the back mountain, Elder Huang glanced at Lu Qingzhou: "The backlash of qi and blood has torn the meridians. Taking the Warm Yang Pill to nourish it will prevent serious problems. Just take good care of yourself afterward."
At this moment, Liang Cheng pulled Elder Huang aside: "Elder Huang, Brother Lu, would you be willing to take the Replenishing Essence Pill?"
Old Huang sneered upon hearing this: "You want him to die? How domineering is the Replenishing Essence Pill? Back then, Wang Teng was testing the medicine, and I used three times the amount of medicinal materials to harmonize its effects. Under normal circumstances, taking the Replenishing Essence Pill after a backlash of Qi and blood would be like adding fuel to the fire."
Liang Cheng remained silent for a moment, wanting to try again, but was interrupted directly by Elder Huang.
Don't look for shortcuts.
Huang Lao ignored Liang Cheng and used acupuncture to stabilize Lu Qingzhou's injuries.
"The path of martial arts is one step at a time. His failure this time was purely due to a weak foundation and an unstable mind. He can recover from his injuries and hone his skills again, and he will still have a chance."
Liang Cheng stopped pressing the matter, then exchanged the Warm Sun Pill for the pill and sent Lu Qingzhou back to the Tianshe Courtyard.
Lu Qingzhou remained silent throughout the journey.
Only after dismissing everyone else did he speak in a hoarse voice: "Brother Liang, do you know why I'm in such a hurry this time?"
Liang Cheng poured a glass of warm water and handed it to him, without saying a word, listening quietly as Lu Qingzhou spoke.
"Someone in the Lu family has broken through to the True Qi Realm."
Lu Qingzhou held the cup, his fingers trembling slightly. "My third uncle's son, Lu Qingfeng, is a year younger than me. Yesterday, news came that he had been in seclusion in his family's secret room for three days, and had broken through the seclusion, condensing two true qi seeds."
He raised his head, his eyes bloodshot: "I am the eldest grandson of the Lu family, and my father is the head of the family. But now, the third generation of the eldest branch has no one at the True Qi Realm, while the third branch has produced a genius."
Having said that, there's no need to say anything more.
In powerful and influential families, strength reigns supreme.
In the face of absolute power, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, elder and younger, is nothing but empty titles. If Lu Qingzhou cannot break through as soon as possible, once Lu Mingyuan abdicates, the status of the eldest branch in the clan will plummet.
"So you got anxious."
"1
"How could I not be anxious?"
Lu Qingzhou's voice was somewhat bitter, "My father suffered a hidden injury in a fight a few years ago, and his cultivation has stagnated. If I can't uphold the family's reputation—"
Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard.
Lu Qingzhou's old steward led in a middle-aged steward from the Lu family.
The latter bowed respectfully: "Young Master, the Third Branch's Young Master Qingfeng has reached the True Qi Realm. The clan has scheduled a Qilin Banquet in three days, and the ancestral worship ceremony will be held at the ancestral hall tomorrow. Do you have time to return?"
The other party remained respectful, just as always.
Lu Qingzhou replied expressionlessly, "I understand."
The middle-aged steward turned to Liang Cheng, bowed, and handed him an invitation: "Master Liang, you and the eldest young master are close friends. The head of the family has specially sent word that if you have the time, you are also invited to the Qilin Banquet."
Liang Cheng nodded and replied, "I will definitely be there when I'm free."
After the middle-aged manager left, Lu Qingzhou slammed his fist on the table, cracking it in several places. His face turned pale, aggravating his internal injuries, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Don't get angry."
Liang Cheng pressed down on his shoulder, "Your internal injuries haven't healed yet; you still need to rest."
"A Qilin Feast, what a magnificent Qilin Feast!"
Lu Qingzhou let out a bitter laugh, his face growing even paler.
"My father is still the head of the family, and the clan is already in such a hurry? The Lu family hasn't produced a True Qi Realm cultivator in ten years. Now that someone in the third generation has become a talent, it's only natural that we should hold a grand celebration."
"But I failed to break through today. Did anyone from the clan come to offer their condolences? Although the steward spoke respectfully, my eldest son is seriously injured, and the clan hasn't even sent a single healing pill!"
Liang Cheng waited quietly for him to finish venting before speaking: "I'll accompany you back to pay respects to our ancestors tomorrow."
Lu Qingzhou closed his eyes and shook his head: "This is an important place, only members of the Lu family are allowed to enter. Brother Liang, you don't need to—"
"I'll go with you."
Liang Cheng interrupted Lu Qingzhou directly, "I'll wait for you outside the ancestral hall."
Lu Qingzhou opened her eyes and stared at him blankly.
Liang Cheng said calmly, "We've known each other for a while. You go back to pay respects to your ancestors, and I'll stay here to keep you company."
The next morning, at the Lu residence.
Vermilion gates and high walls, majestic stone lions.
Upon seeing Lu Qingzhou's carriage arrive, the gatekeeper trotted forward and said, "Young Master, you've arrived! The masters have already reached the ancestral hall. Shall I carry you there now?"
"No need."
Lu Qingzhou got out of the car with Liang Cheng's help. "Brother Liang, just stay with me."
1
The gatekeeper glanced at Liang Cheng, hesitated, but ultimately didn't dare to stop him.
Afterwards, the two entered the mansion. The servants along the way still bowed respectfully, but their eyes held a different look, a subtle gaze directed at a loser.
-
As we walked into the second courtyard, a group of people came towards us.
The leader was a young man in brocade robes, with arrogant features and an aura that was not yet fully concealed, with faint traces of true energy circulating around him.
It was Lu Qingfeng, who had just advanced to the True Qi Realm.
He was surrounded by several young members of the Lu family, treated like royalty.
"Big brother."
Seeing Lu Qingzhou stop, Lu Qingfeng smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "I heard you ascended the Ascension Platform yesterday; truly valiant. What a pity—"
He didn't finish his sentence before deliberately shaking his head and sighing.
Lu Qingzhou remained expressionless: "Congratulations, Third Brother, on reaching the True Qi Realm. Let's go to the ancestral hall first; the elders must be getting impatient."
Lu Qingfeng nodded, then turned his gaze to Liang Cheng, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "This must be Master Liang of the Martial Academy, right? I've heard so much about you. I hope Master Liang will grace us with his presence at the Qilin Banquet in three days."
Liang Cheng calmly replied, "Definitely."
As the two passed each other, a member of a collateral branch behind Lu Qingfeng muttered under his breath, "He's seriously injured and still comes to pay respects to his ancestors, what's with the show of bravado—"
The voice wasn't loud, but everyone present was a martial artist, so they could hear it clearly.
Lu Qingzhou's body stiffened.
Liang Cheng stopped and turned to look at the young man who had spoken: "What did you just say?"
The young man's expression changed, and he stammered, "I didn't say that—"
"The eldest grandson of the Lu family attended the ancestral worship ceremony despite being seriously injured, which shows his filial piety and sense of responsibility."
Liang Cheng's voice was calm, yet clearly carried throughout the courtyard, "Since when has it become the turn of a collateral descendant to gossip? Is this the rule of the Lu family?"
The courtyard fell silent instantly.
Lu Qingfeng's expression changed slightly. He glared at the young man and quickly smiled apologetically at Liang Cheng, "Master Liang, please calm down. The subordinates are ignorant—"
"If they don't understand, we'll teach them until they do, so that others won't say the Lu family is bad at parenting."
After Liang Cheng finished speaking, he didn't look at them, but turned to Lu Qingzhou and said, "Brother Lu, let's go."
The two continued on their way.
Behind him, Lu Qingfeng stared at Liang Cheng's back with a gloomy look in his eyes.
The young man who spoke was deathly pale.
If Liang Cheng's words get out, his future will be ruined.
The Lu Family Ancestral Hall is located deep in the backyard, hidden by ancient trees, with blue bricks and black tiles.
The ancestral hall door was open, and incense smoke filled the air. Figures could be vaguely seen inside. Almost all of the older generation of the Lu family and the heads of each branch were present.
"Brother Liang, please wait here for a moment."
Lu Qingzhou straightened his clothes before stepping inside.
Liang Cheng stood under the ancient tree outside the ancestral hall, closing his eyes and concentrating.
The chanting of the ancestral worship ceremony echoed from inside the ancestral hall, filled with the aroma of incense. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the ceremony ended, and members of the Lu family emerged one after another.
The first to emerge were several clan elders. Upon seeing Liang Cheng, their surprise vanished in an instant, and they nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Next came the heads of each branch of the family, each with a different expression.
Lu Qingfeng came out with the rest of the family. When he passed Liang Cheng, he paused for a moment, but ultimately said nothing and quickly left.
The last to emerge were Lu Qingzhou and his son.
Lu Mingyuan, the head of the Lu family, was a serious-looking middle-aged man who bore a five or six-point resemblance to Lu Qingzhou. He helped his son and walked up to Liang Cheng.
"The True Story of Liang Zhen"
Lu Mingyuan cupped his hands in thanks, "Thank you for your help with the Qingzhou matter."
Liang Cheng returned the greeting: "Uncle Lu, you're too kind. It's only right that I treat Brother Lu this way."
Lu Mingyuan nodded, patted his son on the shoulder, and turned to leave.
Lu Qingzhou finally breathed a sigh of relief and said with a wry smile, "Brother Liang, thank you for speaking up for me earlier. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have suffered even more cold looks today."
"It was just a small favor."
Liang Cheng supported him, saying, "You're still recovering from your serious injuries, so you should talk less. I'll take you back to rest first."
"etc."
Lu Qingzhou took out a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to Liang Cheng. "This was secretly given to me by my father just now. With this token, you can allocate resources in the Lu family's businesses and enjoy the treatment of a direct descendant."
Liang Cheng took the jade pendant. It felt warm and smooth to the touch. The front was engraved with the character "Lu" and the back had cloud patterns.
"Your father is—"
Lu Qingzhou said in a low voice, "He is paving the way for me. Now that the eldest branch of the family is declining, he has to make plans as soon as possible. I know you don't want to get involved in the conflicts between aristocratic families, so don't worry, he won't bother you. Just think of it as another source of income."
"Alright, since I've come with you, I won't give up halfway." Liang Cheng put away the jade pendant. "Let's go back and recover first. I'll accompany you to the Qilin Banquet in three days."
When the two left the Lu residence, the sun was already high in the sky.
The gatekeeper bowed and saw them off, his attitude even more respectful than when they arrived. Clearly, Liang Cheng's words in the courtyard had spread throughout the Lu residence.
As the carriage drove away from the Lu residence, Lu Qingzhou leaned against the carriage and suddenly said, "Brother Liang, I only understand a principle today."
"What?"
"When you're not strong enough, even your own family will look down on you."
Lu Qingzhou closed his eyes. "But if someone stands behind you, those who look down on you will at least restrain themselves."
Liang Cheng looked out the window; the streets of Linwu City remained as bustling as ever.
"So you need to get better as soon as possible."
"Then, break through to the True Qi Realm with dignity. At that time, you won't need anyone standing behind you; you will be your own source of strength."
Lu Qingzhou opened his eyes and responded heavily, "Hmm!"
The carriage headed towards the Martial Arts Academy, leaving the turmoil of the Lu family behind for the time being.
Two days later, the Lu residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.
Almost all the prominent forces in Linwu City have arrived.
The city lord's mansion was taken over by Shen Wenyuan, and Lü Bingchen and several teachers from the martial arts academy arrived. Various merchants, martial arts schools, and aristocratic families crowded the front courtyard to the brim.
Lu Qingfeng, dressed in a brocade robe and wearing a jade crown, was surrounded by a crowd of people around the main table in the main hall.
He spoke and laughed with ease and composure, and his inner energy was not completely concealed, which added to his youthful genius.
During the banquet, people kept coming up to toast and congratulate him, and he returned the toasts one by one, making him the center of attention.
In contrast, Lu Qingzhou was seated at the third table on the right, a less prominent position.
His face was still somewhat pale, and he forced himself to deal with the occasional greetings. The table was mostly filled with members of the Lu family's collateral branches, making the atmosphere much more somber.
Liang Cheng sat beside Lu Qingzhou, silently drinking tea.
Midway through the banquet, Lu Mingyuan, the head of the Lu family, stood up and raised his glass: "Thank you all for attending the Lu family's Qilin Banquet today."
Qingfeng's breakthrough is a stroke of luck for the Lu family and for the younger generation of Linwu City. I hope you will all give him your guidance in the future.
After some pleasantries, the banquet reached its climax.
After several rounds of drinks, Lu Qingfeng suddenly stood up, walked to an open space in the hall, and cupped his hands in greeting to those around him: "Today's feast is a grand occasion, and I, Qingfeng, will make a fool of myself and demonstrate a set of my Lu family's Flowing Cloud Palm Technique for you all, to enhance the festive atmosphere!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Lu Qingfeng moved swiftly, his palm techniques flowing like clouds and water. With his true energy flowing in, each palm strike brought a sound of air being torn apart. When the performance reached its climax, he suddenly struck the stone lantern in the courtyard with his palm.
"Bang!"
The stone lamp shattered upon impact, but the fragments were enveloped by the force of his palm strike, condensing into a swirling cloud ring in the air that lingered for a while.
"good!"
"Such masterful control over true energy—truly worthy of being the Lu family's prodigy!"
A chorus of praises arose. Lu Qingfeng stopped his attack, a smug look on his face, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over Lu Qingzhou's table.
At this moment, Liang Cheng suddenly put down his teacup, got up, and walked into the hall.
The entire room fell silent instantly.
"Young Master Lu's palm technique is exquisite."
Liang Cheng cupped his hands to Lu Qingfeng, saying, "I'm eager to learn a move from him, is that alright?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room was stunned.
Is the martial arts academy's true disciple about to make a move?
Or in this kind of setting?
Lu Qingfeng was taken aback upon hearing this, then laughed and said, "Liang Zhenchuan is too kind. I am new to this realm; how could I dare to fight you?"
"Only one move."
Liang Cheng's tone remained calm. "I will not use my inner energy, but only my physical strength to receive your palm strike. If I take half a step back, I will consider myself to have lost."
These words caused an uproar among the crowd.
Without using one's true energy, how can one withstand a palm strike from a True Energy Realm expert?
Even though Lu Qingfeng has just broken through, he is still at the True Qi Realm!
Lu Qingzhou clenched his fists at the table. He understood why Liang Cheng was doing this; it was to support him and to tell everyone in the most direct way.
Behind Lu Qingzhou stood someone capable of suppressing the Lu family's genius with a single move.
Seeing this, Lu Mingyuan hesitated to speak, and ultimately did not say anything.
Lu Bingchen shook his head in the end, taking Liang Cheng's nonsense as an excuse, and did not stop him.
My martial arts academy's true disciples have acted in this way, who dares to say anything?
Lu Qingfeng's expression shifted, but ultimately, being young and impetuous, he nodded and said, "Since Master Liang has such an interest, I, Qingfeng, will accompany you. Please!"
The two stood facing each other, three zhang apart.
Lu Qingfeng took a deep breath, his body surging with pale blue true energy. He dared not be careless, and pushed his true energy to seventy percent before slowly pushing out his right palm.
Flowing Cloud Palm - Pushing Cloud Style!
The palm strike was like a tidal wave, aimed straight at Liang Cheng's chest!
Liang Cheng did not use his true energy; he simply raised his right hand, spread his fingers, and pressed forward.
The movements were slow, even somewhat casual.
But just as Lu Qingfeng's palm strike was about to hit him, his arm muscles trembled slightly, and a very faint golden luster appeared under his skin.
The physical power of the Golden Armor Realm Perfection erupted in that instant!
"Bang!"
A dull thud resounded.
Liang Cheng stood still, motionless.
There wasn't even a crack in the blue bricks underfoot.
Lu Qingfeng's face turned pale, and he took three steps back before regaining his balance.
He felt as if his palm strike had hit an iron mountain; the recoil made his entire arm numb, and his meridians even throbbed with pain.
one move.
It really was just one move.
Moreover, the opponent didn't even use their true energy!
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence.
All eyes were on Liang Cheng, the youngest disciple of the martial arts academy, whose strength had actually reached such a level.
No wonder he was able to escape from a True Essence Realm expert.
The Martial Arts Academy has produced a true dragon!
Liang Cheng then withdrew his hand and nodded to Lu Qingfeng, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer."
Then, as he turned and walked back to his seat, no one saw him furrow his brow slightly.
In the instant of contact, he sensed a very subtle sense of familiarity from Lu Qingfeng's true energy, but he couldn't quite place it.
He suppressed his doubts and sat back down next to Lu Qingzhou.
The atmosphere at the banquet became subtle.
The attention that had been focused on Lu Qingfeng had now largely shifted to Lu Qingzhou's table, with many whispering among themselves, "Liang Zhenchuan is backing Lu Qingzhou up—"
"He defeated Lu Qingfeng in one move, without even using his true energy. This is clearly telling the Lu family not to be complacent just because Lu Qingzhou is temporarily behind."
"With such friends, even if Lu Qingzhou breaks through a few years later, as long as the Lu family head doesn't step down, his position in the clan will be secure."
Lu Qingfeng returned to the main table with a livid face, and lost all interest in the rest of the banquet.
Lu Mingyuan gave Liang Cheng a deep look, his eyes filled with complex emotions, including gratitude and helplessness.
The banquet continued in a slightly awkward atmosphere.
Half an hour later, Liang Cheng saw that Lu Qingzhou's complexion was getting worse and worse, so he got up to take his leave.
Lu Mingyuan personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion and thanked him in a low voice.
"Thank you very much, Liang Zhenchuan, for today."
"Uncle Lu, you're too kind."
Liang Cheng returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "Brother Lu's injuries have not yet healed, so I will take him back to the martial arts academy to recuperate first. I will visit him another day."
Then Liang Cheng helped Lu Qingzhou into the carriage, which drove away from the Lu residence.
Inside the carriage, Lu Qingzhou let out a long sigh of relief: "Brother Liang, I am deeply grateful for your kindness today—"
"Between us, there's no need for such words. If you hadn't risked your life to take on the mission for me that day, saving me from disaster, where would I be today?"
Lu Qingzhou was moved by these words, but finally hardened his heart and said, "Brother Liang, actually I was also gambling that day, wanting to add to the glory, my motives were not pure."
Liang Cheng waved his hand, "Look, you can say all this, so what does it matter what you thought before? Anyway, I'm still grateful for your kindness now."
Lu Qingzhou finally couldn't suppress his emotions, and his eyes reddened. Liang Chengxian spoke first, "Take good care of your injuries and break through as soon as possible. Only when you reach the True Qi Realm will today's events truly have meaning."
Lu Qingzhou nodded emphatically.
Halfway through the journey, the carriage suddenly heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats from ahead.
A troop of black-armored knights led a caravan past at breakneck speed, heading straight for the city lord's mansion.
"Commander Yue Shan!"
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng lifted the carriage curtain and looked over.
The knights in the team were all wounded, and there were several stretchers covered with white sheets in the team.
People on the street quickly moved aside and whispered among themselves.
"Commander Yue has returned seriously injured—"
"What's the situation like on the other side of the border?"
"Is Zoroastrianism really that vicious?"
Liang Cheng lowered the carriage curtain, his expression grave.
Yue Shan is a True Qi Realm expert who fought alongside Shen Jun. If he could injure him to such an extent, the battle situation at Bianhai is probably even more tragic than rumored.
"Go back to the martial arts academy first.
Liang Cheng said to the coachman.
The carriage sped towards the Martial Arts Academy.