My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 67 Forging Swords

At this moment, countless eyes were focused on the arena. Liang Cheng remained expressionless, tore off a piece of his shirt, and hastily bandaged the wound on his shoulder.

As the Ironclad Realm's Qi and blood circulated, the bleeding gradually stopped.

His gaze swept calmly over the crowd below the stage, finally landing on the Xu family's seats. When Xu Zhang met his gaze, his face turned ashen, but he ultimately did not utter a word.

Shen Wenqing gave Liang Cheng a deep look, then personally handed the Class A Chamber of Commerce token to Chen Bainian, his voice steady: "Congratulations, Master Chen."

Chen Bainian accepted the gift with trembling hands: "Thank you, Chairman Shen."

The ceremony was brief.

Being ranked first in the Chamber of Commerce is not just a title; it signifies a higher credit rating, better access to goods, and eligibility to purchase certain special resources.

These are all tangible benefits.

Liang Cheng leaped down from the platform, and Chen Bainian greeted him with a solemn bow: "Guest Liang, I am deeply grateful. From now on, Chen's Trading Company will be your strongest support."

"You flatter me, sir." The wound on Liang Cheng's left shoulder actually began to slowly close; the defense of the Iron Armor Realm was indeed astonishing.

Not far away, Wang Qinian walked over with a beaming smile: "Young Master Liang displayed his extraordinary prowess today, which is truly admirable. The Wang family's batch of meteorite iron is still reserved for you. There's no rush for the matter of becoming a guest elder; the Wang family's doors are always open to you."

This is poaching people right in front of Chen Bainian.

Chen Bainian's expression changed, but he didn't speak. Instead, he took a step back, giving Liang Cheng and Wang Qinian space to talk.

Liang Cheng cupped his hands in greeting: "I appreciate Manager Wang's kindness, but since I have already accepted Master Chen's support, I should see it through to the end."

Wang Qinian's smile remained unchanged: "That's how it should be, that's how it should be. I'm just expressing goodwill. You can change your mind at any time."

Wang Qinian smiled and said, "That batch of meteorite iron will be sent to Young Master Liang tomorrow, free of charge, as a gesture of friendship."

Before Liang Cheng could speak, Chen Bainian immediately interjected, "Don't worry, Manager Wang, I will present the entire value of the meteorite iron."

After saying this, Chen Bainian looked at Liang Cheng with gratitude in his eyes. Seeing this, Wang Qinian smiled and left.

At this moment, Lu Qingzhou walked over, looked Liang Cheng up and down, and finally sighed, "Junior Brother Liang, I underestimated you."

"Senior brother, you flatter me. I only won by sheer luck."

By this time, the arena had been cleaned up, and Shen Wenqing walked over with a smile, "I had long heard that the Martial Academy had produced an extraordinary disciple, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed a young prodigy."

Chen Bainian quickly introduced, "This is Shen Wenqing, the president of the Chamber of Commerce," and then quietly added, "He and Special Envoy Shen Wenyuan are brothers."

Liang Cheng quickly greeted him, and after a brief conversation, said, "Young Master Liang, there's a Chamber of Commerce banquet tonight. Would you like to join us for a drink?"

Liang Cheng cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your kindness, President. But we're all on the same side, so I won't stand on ceremony. I'd like to go back to the Martial Academy to treat my injuries first."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenqing naturally understood Liang Cheng's meaning. His elder brother, Shen Wenyuan, was a benefactor of the other party, so he was naturally one of their own. He couldn't help but laugh heartily.

"I was confused. Nephew, you should go back first."

The way he addressed her changed naturally; she truly was a shrewd and resourceful person. At this moment, Lu Qingzhou stepped forward and offered to take Liang Cheng home.

The two returned to the martial arts academy, and Lu Qingzhou patted Liang Cheng on the back.

Without saying a word, they each returned to their respective courtyards.

……

The Xu residence, a secret room.

Xu Zhi's eyes were bloodshot, his face full of resentment: "Father, that bastard is getting stronger and stronger. Xu Qi died at his hands, and he remained silent. This shows how deep his thoughts are. We can't wait any longer."

Xu Zhang's voice was icy: "Then what can we do? Even He Jiuyou died at his hands, who below the True Qi Realm can kill him?"

"Then shall we ask the elders to take action?"

At this moment, Xu Feng shook his head and refused, "No, don't be fooled by the fact that the martial academy raises its disciples in a free-range manner. If anyone dares to bully the weak, they will not be polite."

"What should we do then?"

Xu Zhi was somewhat exasperated, but Xu Feng remained calm and said in a deep voice, "If one-on-one combat doesn't work, then we'll have more people involved. As long as they aren't True Qi Realm experts, things won't escalate too much if something happens. A genius who's dead is dead after all."

"When will you make your move?"

"Doesn't he still have someone he cares about in Linhai Town? The end of the year is approaching, and those who wander far from home always want to return."

A cold glint flashed in Xu Zhang's eyes: "Then let's not rush. Besides, we're not the only ones who want to take action. I'll go to the City Lord's Mansion myself tomorrow."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Second Uncle."

"Also, Zhi'er, go to the Qiao residence again tomorrow to get to know the Qiao family's daughter and deepen your relationship. It's no longer just about finding something."

Xu Zhi's eyes lit up. "Understood, Father."

……

Wang's Trading Company

Wang Qinian toyed with his teacup: "He Jiuyou is dead, and Xu Zhang has lost an arm. Liang Cheng is more ruthless and decisive than expected."

The old man in black robes said, "It seems that his temperament is too rigid, and he may be difficult to control."

"It's alright," Wang Qinian said with a smile. "The sharper the blade, the more slowly it needs to be sharpened. You can personally deliver that batch of meteorite iron tomorrow."

……

Martial Arts Academy.

Yan Song put down the battle report: "Killing He Jiuyou in public shows astonishing strength. With such murderous aura, he should work in the Enforcement Hall later."

Lu Bingchen stroked his beard and laughed, "In martial arts competitions, how can people not die? I think this kid has a solid foundation and is decisive in killing; he's a good prospect."

"Let's send a message to all the major powers in the city: fair competition is fine, but don't bully the weak, or my martial arts academy won't stand for it."

Yan Song nodded in agreement: "Then I'll have Lu Qingzhou keep a close eye on things. After all, he doesn't understand many of the rules, and we don't want a promising talent to go astray."

……

News of Liang Chengzhen's slaying of He Jiuyou spread like wildfire among the various factions in Linwu City.

This seventeen-year-old martial arts academy student's name is no longer just that of a promising newcomer, but has officially entered the public eye with a fearsome reputation.

Inside the Qiao residence.

Qiao Zhi excitedly grabbed her mother's arm: "Mother! You heard it all! Senior Brother Liang can even kill He Jiuyou! As long as he's willing to fight for us, the Qiao family will definitely be able to return to the top tier of the Chamber of Commerce!"

Mrs. Qiao shook off her hand, a hint of disappointment in her eyes, and said sternly, "Shut up. What do you take him for? A thug of the Qiao family?"

"But he's clearly Dad's apprentice! Shouldn't he help us..."

"Should?" Madam Qiao interrupted her directly, her eyes full of determination. "Yang Wei has already left the manor. How much affection do we still have for him?"

"The strength and ruthlessness Liang Cheng displayed today are beyond your calculation. Besides, he killed members of the Xu family and is already embroiled in trouble. The Qiao family is already in dire straits; if they get involved with him, wouldn't their downfall be even faster?"

Looking at her daughter's tearful, resentful eyes, she softened her tone: "Zhi'er, some glories, once missed, are gone forever. What we should be seeking now is peace, not restoration."

"Without real ability, ambition will only lead to your downfall!"

"mother!"

……

The next day, Liang Cheng's shoulder injury had mostly healed, leaving only a shallow scar.

Chen Bainian personally delivered the eighteen catties of meteorite iron to the Wang family, along with a three-thousand-tael silver note: "The Wang family's debt has been settled. This is my reward for this. Please don't be shy, Guest Liang."

Liang Cheng accepted the gifts without hesitation and then asked Lu Qingzhou to pass on a message that he would take the meteorite iron and black gold to the Hundred Weapons Workshop in the west of the city that afternoon.

Qin Hongyu was already waiting at the door. As soon as she saw him, she smiled and said, "Junior Brother Liang, your arrival is truly an honor!"

She led Liang Cheng inside, where his elder brother Qin Huaiyu and Elder Zhang were already waiting by the stove.

After examining the meteorite, Elder Zhang nodded: "It's all good material. Did you bring the black gold from last time? Use the nine-layered burning method, and it can be completed in seven days. At the end, you will quench it with your own blood and qi, making it indestructible."

"I've brought it. I'll leave everything to you, Master."

Qin Huaiyu led Liang Cheng to the outer room and handed him a cup of tea: "Young Master Liang, rest assured, come back in seven days and you will surely see the treasured sword."

Before he finished speaking, the dull sound of forging could be heard from inside.

One sound after another, deep and lingering.