madnovel Chapter 121 Mountain-Swallowing Demon Ape
Chapter 121 Mountain-Swallowing Demon Ape
Chapter 120 Mountain-Swallowing Demon Ape
As the black-robed deacon announced the result, the crowd below the arena erupted in cheers.
"Ranked 48th on the Heroes List! Liang Cheng actually succeeded in the challenge!"
"That final strike was too brutal; even Senior Brother Lin Yuan's Blazing Sun Palm was cleaved in two—"
Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Liang Cheng sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Yuan, who was struggling to stand up: "Senior Brother Lin, you flatter me."
Lin Yuan's face was bitter, and he let out a long sigh.
"Junior Brother Liang has excellent swordsmanship; my defeat is not unjust."
He staggered off the stage, his back view desolate.
As Liang Cheng stepped off the stage, Ye Zhi Qiu rushed up and patted him hard on the shoulder: "Good lad! Ranked forty-eighth on the Heroes Ranking! Well done!"
Liang Cheng smiled, feeling a slight burning pain in his left shoulder. He had just withstood the aftershocks of the Blazing Sun Palm. Although his Hunyuan Gang Body had blocked ninety percent of the force, his skin and flesh were still slightly burned.
"Are you injured?"
Ye Zhi Qiu, with his sharp eyes, immediately took out the Ice Jade Cream and handed it over.
"It's just a superficial wound, nothing serious."
At this moment, several scholars on the high platform were congratulating Chen Xuanfeng.
Li Changfeng stroked his beard and laughed, "Old Chen, you've struck gold this time."
Master Su Wan nodded slightly: "With a strong will and adaptability in the face of the enemy, this child has a limitless future."
Several teachers praised him in public, and Chen Xuanfeng repeatedly said he was very lucky.
At this moment, Fu Qingyun stood in the crowd with a gloomy face. He whispered a few words to Shi Jun beside him, which surprised Shi Jun.
Are you sure?
Fu Qingyun nodded.
Shi Jun thought for a moment, then nodded, took another step forward, and his voice echoed throughout the hall: "Junior Brother Liang's talent is exceptional, which I admire. I also happen to practice swordsmanship, and I am eager to test my skills. In three days, I would like to spar with you. I wonder if you dare to accept?"
The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze.
Shi Jun ranked thirty-eighth, at the peak of the late True Yuan Realm, far surpassing Lin Yuan. His appearance at this moment clearly indicated his intention to overshadow Liang Cheng.
Chen Xuanfeng frowned.
Liang Cheng turned to Shi Jun, his expression calm: "Senior Brother Shi, would you like to offer me some guidance?"
"good."
Everyone looked at Liang Cheng.
He just fought Qin Wentian, Xiao Qingxue, and Lin Yuan in succession, and his momentum was overwhelming. He might be provoked into agreeing.
After all, which genius isn't proud and arrogant?
If we were to engage in battle, it would be a fierce fight, with less than a 40% chance of victory. Even if we were to win, it would be a Pyrrhic victory, requiring a long period of recovery.
Fu Qingyun sneered from below the stage, waiting to see how Liang Cheng would respond.
Liang Cheng remained silent for three breaths, then suddenly smiled and spoke, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior Brother Shi ranks thirty-eighth, and his cultivation is profound. I, your junior brother, am ashamed to admit my inferiority."
"I concede defeat in this battle."
Admit defeat?!
The entire audience erupted in uproar!
Some were disappointed, some understood, but Fu Qingyun's face turned ashen.
No one expected Liang Cheng to admit defeat so readily. Shi Jun stood there, stunned, all the words he had prepared stuck in his throat.
A glint of light flashed in Chen Xuanfeng's eyes, then he stroked his beard and smiled approvingly, as did the other teachers.
In martial arts competitions, one must assess the situation and act prudently, neither fearing battle nor fighting blindly!
A slight smile appeared on Ye Zhi Qiu's lips.
Fu Qingyun's face flushed red, and he roared, "Liang Cheng! How dare you refuse Senior Brother Shi—"
"What is there to be afraid of?"
Liang Cheng interrupted him directly, his tone still calm, "Senior Brother Shi's cultivation is profound, his true essence is abundant, and his combat skills are superb. I am no match for him."
He looked at Shi Jun, cupped his hands and said, "If Senior Brother Shi wants to give me some guidance, my third senior brother Ye Zhi Qiu is also here. He has received my master's true teachings and will surely benefit you greatly."
Ye Zhi Qiu stepped forward in cooperation.
Shi Jun's face was grim.
Ye Zhi Qiu ranked third on the list of heroes, and I am no match for him at all.
Fortunately, the black-robed steward stepped forward and said, "Today is the Inner Court's Mid-Month Competition, not a private sparring match. Shi Jun, why don't you step down?"
Shi Jun quickly accepted the offer, stepped back, and said no more.
However, he returned to his original position and whispered to Fu Qingyun, "Remember to bring the Profound Yuan Barrier-Breaking Pill over tonight."
Fu Qingyun's expression changed.
"What, you're unwilling? It's Liang Cheng who refuses to fight, not me who doesn't want a challenge!"
Fu Qingyun quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "Senior brother is joking. I'll send the things over tonight."
On the other side, Ye Zhi Qiu curled his lip.
"Coward, you bully the weak and fear the strong!"
Seeing this, the black-clad steward asked several more times. The inner courtyard disciples were all familiar with each other, and after a few brief exchanges, there were no more challenges.
At this moment, the steward announced loudly: "Liang Cheng ranks forty-eighth, with a basic monthly salary of three thousand contribution points; Xiao Qingxue ranks fifty-eighth; Qin Wentian ranks sixtieth, with a basic monthly salary of two thousand points—"
After the announcement, the competition came to a complete end.
Return to Courtyard No. 42 and activate the meditation array.
Liang Cheng sat cross-legged, took the True Essence Pill, circulated his Qi throughout his body, and with the power of the Crossing the Sea True Meaning, he recovered completely in just two hours.
After applying the Ice Jade Ointment to the burn on his left shoulder, and thanks to his strong physique, the wound was almost invisible. He opened his eyes, his vision clear.
-
If he could temporarily tolerate the grudge of Fu Chenzhou's ambush, how could he possibly tolerate a mere challenge from Shi Jun in a minor competition?
It's not too late to settle scores one by one after we become stronger.
The next day, at the Chuan Gong Hall.
Liang Cheng was summoned to Chen Xuanfeng's quiet room.
His three senior brothers were all there. Upon seeing him enter, Ye Zhi Qiu was the first to smile and say, "Junior Brother, yesterday's competition was excellent!"
Lu Zheng nodded: "Knowing when to prioritize is the mark of someone destined for great things."
Although Leng Feng didn't speak, there was a hint of approval in his eyes.
Chen Xuanfeng gestured for Liang Cheng to sit down and got straight to the point: "Your handling of the situation yesterday was exactly what I wanted. In martial arts competition, it's not about who wins first. Shi Jun is a narrow-minded man. If you fight him to the death, you'll be playing right into his hands."
"Disciple understands."
Chen Xuanfeng took off his sword. "Today, I will demonstrate the Mountain-Slaying Sword to you again. You can calm your mind and comprehend its power."
-
Afterwards, the other three disciples left, leaving Liang Cheng alone.
Chen Xuanfeng asked his three senior brothers to wait outside the door, leaving only Liang Cheng in the quiet room.
"sit."
Chen Xuanfeng pointed to the prayer mat opposite him, and only after Liang Cheng sat down did he slowly speak, "Yesterday, your handling of Shi Jun was measured and appropriate, which pleased me greatly. However, I have kept you here today because there is another important matter."
Liang Cheng said solemnly, "Master, please speak."
"The main academy has always been generous to its disciples and provides ample resources. Private fights are forbidden within the academy, and the passing down of knowledge from master to disciple is highly valued. You are already aware of these things."
At this moment, Chen Xuanfeng changed the subject, "But the competition in martial arts is like rowing against the current. If one is only protected in a greenhouse, one will never become a pillar of talent."
He stared at Liang Cheng with a deep gaze: "That's why there's a 'questioning the mind' for admission, screening out those with strong willpower and perseverance. That's why the Foreign Affairs Hall sets up tasks to train people in life-or-death combat."
"Soothe the mind within the hospital, boost morale for external battles!"
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng was startled.
Chen Xuanfeng continued, "Normally, according to custom, newly recruited disciples can only take on external missions after six months of enrollment, in order to avoid premature losses, but—"
"You are different."
"You have already entered the True Essence Realm and have even reached the 48th place on the Heroes Ranking. If you continue to follow the rules in the academy, although you can slowly accumulate points through monthly contribution points, it will dull your edge."
"Foreign affairs missions are dangerous, but the rewards are generous, often including rare and precious materials that can help one break through in cultivation, and also forge one's ambition in martial arts."
Liang Cheng took a deep breath: "This disciple understands that the path of martial arts is like walking on a knife's edge; there is no room for complacency."
A hint of approval flashed in Chen Xuanfeng's eyes: "You have such insights, very good. In that case, I will give you two choices."
"Firstly, you will be carrying out missions with your senior brothers. They are experienced and can protect you and guide you through the procedures."
"Secondly, you can take on missions alone, bearing the consequences of your own life, but you can keep all the rewards and hone your skills to become a martial artist."
Liang Cheng answered almost without hesitation: "This disciple chooses the second option."
He looked at Chen Xuanfeng with a firm gaze: "Since it is to hone one's martial arts will, one should walk the dangerous path alone. Relying on your senior brother's protection will ultimately make it difficult to achieve anything significant."
"good!"
Chen Xuanfeng clapped his hands and took out a warm, white jade token from his pocket. It was about the size of a palm and engraved with cloud patterns.
"This is a communication jade tablet. It can be activated by infusing it with true essence. Within a thousand miles, I can sense the location. If you encounter a desperate situation, crush it, and your master will arrive as soon as possible."
Liang Cheng respectfully accepted it with both hands.
It feels slightly heavy in the hand, with a subtle flow of spiritual energy.
He had never heard of such miraculous methods when he was in Linwu City.
But when I thought of Dean Bai Hong’s words, “Martial arts lead to divinity,” and the mysterious “path of heart-touching” when I entered the hospital, I felt an infinite longing.
The path of martial arts is profound and mysterious, and what he needs to do is to break through the mortal realm and see that scenery with his own eyes.
Chen Xuanfeng smiled slightly at the door and said, "Come in."
Ye Zhi Qiu and the other two entered, and Chen Xuan Feng spoke.
"You all go ahead and carry out your own tasks. Liang Cheng will go to the Foreign Affairs Hall to pick up his tasks himself, so you don't need to take him with you."
Seeing the jade token in Liang Cheng's hand, Ye Zhi Qiu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Junior Brother, I knew you wouldn't choose to come with us."
"We'll be going now. See you at the next mid-month competition."
After Ye Zhi Qiu and the other two left, Chen Xuan Feng said, "Go on, the Foreign Affairs Hall will issue new missions. Remember—"
—
"In the face of a life-or-death crisis, crush the token immediately and return alive."
"Yes, Master."
After leaving the Chuan Gong Hall, Liang Cheng went straight to the Foreign Affairs Hall of the General Hospital.
The Foreign Affairs Hall, located on the eastern side of the Suspended Mountain, is a three-story black stone hall with a constant stream of disciples coming and going.
He was calm and composed, with hurried steps, a stark contrast to the newcomers he had seen when he first entered the main hospital.
Upon entering the hall, a cacophony of noise immediately greeted me.
In the very center stood a jade disc three zhang tall, its surface shimmering with spiritual light, and densely packed with various mission information scrolling across it.
Dozens of disciples gathered around the jade disc, some staring intently at it, others whispering amongst themselves.
Liang Cheng walked closer, looked up and examined it closely, and sighed inwardly, "Such methods are no different from those of immortals and gods."
He then calmed himself down and began to examine the tasks on the jade disc.
The higher the danger of the mission, the greater the reward.
"Clear the monsters in the West Mountain mine (Reward: 500 Contribution Points)"
"Escort the caravan to the southern outskirts of Yunhai City (Reward: A century-old Solomon's Seal plant)"
Each task had a reward listed after it, and one task caught Liang Cheng's eye.
Kill the ferocious beast Devouring Mountain Ghost Ape in Black Wind Abyss, hand over the demon core, and receive the following rewards: three bottles of Jade Marrow Condensing Pills (three pills per bottle) and one portion of Earth Core Tempering Milk.
Ferocious beast!
Unlike the previous Spring Hunting Competition, the ferocious beasts here are all equivalent to the True Qi Realm, and ordinary islands simply do not exist, having already been eliminated by the Four Islands Alliance.
At this moment, the disciples around them started discussing among themselves.
"This is the third time the Black Wind Abyss quest has appeared this month, right? What kind of pills is the Pill Cauldron Pavilion experimenting with that they need the demon core of the Mountain-Devouring Ghost Ape? That's a peak third-tier ferocious beast!"
"Yes, this mission is no easy task. Senior Brother Chen, who was ranked fiftieth on the Heroes Ranking, returned severely injured. Otherwise, why do you think the reward is so generous?"
"The rewards are all good stuff. The Jade Marrow Condensation Pill is something that the Pill Cauldron Pavilion only produces about ten bottles of each month. You can't get it with ordinary contribution points."
"The Earth Core Meridian Tempering Milk is a treasure for cleansing and refining the meridians; once it's used up, it's gone forever."
Liang Cheng looked at the jade disc again.
His gaze swept between several missions, finally settling on the mission to exterminate the ferocious beast, the Mountain-Swallowing Ghost Ape, in the Black Wind Abyss.
Although Black Wind Abyss is a dangerous place, information about the ferocious beasts is relatively public. He had read the relevant records in the Scripture Pavilion and had a good understanding of the situation.
He also knew something about the Jade Marrow Condensing True Pill, which had a mild medicinal effect and could solidify the foundation of true essence. The Earth Core Tempering Pulse Milk was even more rare and highly beneficial to the cultivation of the Primordial Body.
Thinking of this, he did not hesitate and went to a disciple dressed in a blue robe.
Liang Chengdao asked, "Senior brother, what are the procedures for accepting this mission?"
The disciple in charge took out a jade slip and said while recording the information, "This mission requires verification of cultivation and combat strength. Please present your identity jade token, junior brother."
Liang Cheng took out his identity jade token, and the other person couldn't help but look up when he saw it.
"You were just admitted to the hospital?"
However, seeing that Liang Cheng was ranked forty-eighth on the list of heroes, I remembered who Liang Cheng was. No wonder he came to accept the mission without waiting for half a year.
"Junior brother is qualified, but as is customary, those who take on missions alone need to pay 500 contribution points as a deposit. If the mission fails or the mission is not completed by the deadline, the deposit will be deducted."
Liang Cheng frowned.
The disciple in charge explained, "This is to prevent people from taking on tasks but then being too afraid to complete them, thus occupying a spot for nothing. After all, the rewards for these tasks are valuable, and the number of spots is limited."
Liang Cheng thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay."
After the disciple finished his task, he returned the jade token and handed over a black mission order and a map made of animal hide.
"The mission order must be carried at all times and submitted for verification upon return. The map is a simplified version of Blackwind Abyss. Time limit: thirty days."
"It won't interfere with my junior brother's participation in the mid-month competition."
"Thank you, senior brother."
Liang Cheng turned and left, then returned to No. 42, Bing.
The news that Liang Cheng had accepted a mission at the Foreign Affairs Hall to wipe out the Black Wind Abyss Devouring Mountain Ghost Ape was leaked by someone, and within half a day, it had become the talk of the town.
"Have you heard? That newbie Liang Cheng accepted a mission from Black Wind Abyss!"
-
"Is he crazy? Even Senior Brother Chen didn't get away with it last month!"
"The rewards are Jade Marrow Condensation Pill and Earth Core Tempering Milk, no wonder they dared to fight so desperately."
Discussions circulated among the peaks and dwellings, some expressing surprise, some disdain, and a few secretly plotting.
Zhenyue Peak, the residence of Shi Jun.
The air in the quiet room was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Shi Jun sat cross-legged on a futon, his true energy flowing around him, with faint mountain shadows floating behind him.
The footsteps stopped outside the door, and Fu Qingyun's voice rang out with a hint of ingratiation: "Senior Brother Shi, I've brought the things."
Shi Jun slowly finished his practice and opened his eyes: "Come in."
Fu Qingyun pushed open the door and entered, holding a palm-sized jade box in her hands, which she carefully placed on the low table in front of Shi Jun.
"Senior brother, please take a look. This is the Profound Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill. It is made primarily with a three-hundred-year-old Profound Origin Fruit, supplemented with twelve kinds of spiritual herbs. It was personally refined by a fourth-grade alchemist invited by the clan at great expense. Its medicinal power is mild and mellow."
He opened the jade box, and a refreshing medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air. Inside the box lay a white pill the size of a longan, with faint cloud patterns flowing across its surface.
A hint of eagerness flashed in Shi Jun's eyes.
This Profound Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill is exactly what he needs right now; it might just allow him to reach the Perfect True Origin Realm.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have accepted Fu Qingyun's request to publicly embarrass Liang Cheng during the mid-month competition, even though Liang Cheng didn't respond at all.
"I'll accept the gift." Shi Jun closed the jade box and put it into his pocket. "The matter before is settled."
Fu Qingyun quickly smiled apologetically, "Yes, yes, thank you for your help, Senior Brother. However—"
He hesitated.
Shi Jun glanced at him: "Speak your mind."
Fu Qingyun lowered his voice, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "Senior brother, I just heard that Liang Cheng took on a mission from Black Wind Abyss, all alone. This is a great opportunity!"
"Black Wind Abyss is a place teeming with monsters and shrouded in mist. If he were to encounter misfortune inside—"
Before he could finish speaking, Shi Jun suddenly stood up and slapped him across the face!
Snapped!
The crisp sound of the slap was particularly jarring in the quiet room.
Fu Qingyun was knocked back, his face instantly swollen and red, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He stood there stunned.
"Did a monster eat your brain?" Shi Jun stared at him, his eyes icy cold. "The Mid-Month Competition is just a friendly spar between fellow disciples; it's a friendly competition where you stop when you've made your point."
"You want me to kill someone in Black Wind Abyss? To break the main hospital's ironclad rules and ruin my future?!"
Fu Qingyun covered her face, too shy to speak.
Shi Jun took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said in a deep voice: "The first rule of the main academy: Fellow disciples must not kill each other. Those who violate this rule will have their cultivation abolished and be expelled from the academy. Those whose actions are serious will be killed on the spot!"
"Do you think Chen Xuanfeng is someone to be trifled with? Since he dared to let Liang Cheng take on a top-tier mission alone, wouldn't he provide him with a way to protect himself? If Liang Cheng really dies in Black Wind Abyss, the Enforcement Hall will definitely investigate thoroughly! At that time, neither of us will be able to escape responsibility!"
Fu Qingyun lowered his head, but a flash of resentment and malice crossed his eyes.
Seeing his appearance, Shi Jun felt even more irritated and waved his hand: "Get out of here. Remember, don't have any more stupid ideas. In the main hospital, you have to follow the rules of the main hospital."
"Yes."
Fu Qingyun bowed and withdrew from the quiet room. After leaving, the humility on his face quickly faded, replaced by a gloomy expression. He touched his burning cheeks, his teeth grinding together.
"Shi Jun, if you dare not, I have my own way."
He turned and quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor.
Inside the quiet room, Shi Jun sat down again, his brows furrowed.
His words just now were half a reprimand to Fu Qingyun and half a warning to himself.
Liang Cheng is indeed an eyesore.
A newcomer, who was too popular, was humiliated in front of everyone yesterday.
But Shi Jun wasn't stupid.
Is it worth breaking the ironclad rules of the General Hospital and jeopardizing one's martial arts future for a mere squabble?
not worth it.
Moreover, Liang Cheng is Chen Xuanfeng's personal disciple.
Chen Xuanfeng is known for protecting his own at the main hospital. If anything happens to Liang Chengzhen, Chen Xuanfeng will definitely investigate to the end.
"However, Black Wind Abyss is dangerous, and the monsters don't follow the rules. If that kid's skills are lacking and he ends up in the beasts' mouths, then he can't blame anyone else."
He doesn't need to take action himself.
Life and death are preordained, wealth and honor are determined by fate.
Shi Jun slowly closed his eyes and entered a meditative state again.
On the other side, Liang Cheng inventoried the resources in his hands: three bottles of True Essence Pills, five bottles of Rejuvenation Pills, three bottles of Warming Yang Pills, and several healing pills and external plasters.
The communication jade pendant given to him by Chen Xuanfeng was kept close to his body.
Both the scalpel and the hidden sword had been wiped clean and maintained, their cold gleam gleaming.
-
After Liang Cheng finished tidying up, he sat down to meditate and regulate his breathing, adjusting himself to his peak condition.
Then he set off on a long journey to carry out his mission.
Chuan Gong Hall.
At this moment, Liang Cheng thought Ye Zhi Qiu, who was out on a mission, was sitting at the lower seat when a disciple came in to report.
"Master, Senior Brother Liang has already left."
Chen Xuanfeng nodded.
"Zhi Qiu, I'm entrusting your junior brother to you. Just record his performance along the way. Don't show yourself unless it's a matter of life and death. If you can't handle it either, crush the communication jade token and notify me immediately."
"Yes, Master, don't worry, I understand."
Ye Zhi Qiu then bowed and left, secretly following behind Liang Cheng.
It turns out that the previous news from inside the courtyard was spread by Chen Xuanfeng through his men.
-
If anyone in the courtyard harbors any improper thoughts, they should await Chen Xuanfeng's swift and decisive strike.
After all, how can you guard against thieves every single day?
However, the training of Liang Cheng was indeed true. The young tiger had to be released from its cage. However, the Transmission Hall always protected its own, so how could Chen Xuanfeng not make arrangements?
Ye Zhi Qiu was his means of protecting Liang Cheng.
At this moment, Chen Xuanfeng looked towards the Black Wind Abyss outside the courtyard.
Hopefully, no one is truly blind to this.
In the elegant room on the third floor of Jubao Xuan in the western part of Yunhai City.
Qian Wanjin was brewing a pot of fine "Cloud and Mist Spirit Tea," its aroma filling the air, and in front of him lay a newly delivered secret report.
When Qian Wanjin saw the line "Liang Cheng accepted the mission to wipe out the Black Wind Abyss Devouring Mountain Ghost Ape," his fingers paused slightly.
-
He picked up his teacup, gently blew on the floating leaves, took a sip, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.
"Black Wind Abyss —"
He muttered to himself, "What a coincidence."
The side door of the private room slid open silently, and an elderly man in gray robes quietly entered, bowing and saying, "Master."
Qian Wanjin pointed to Liang Cheng's name in the secret report: "This Liang Zhenchuan is an old friend of ours. This is his first time taking on a mission from the main hospital. Our Jubaoxuan should show our appreciation."
The old man in gray hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Does the person in charge mean to win over Liang Cheng? But we probably already have some grudges between us from last time in Linwu City."
"Win them over?"
He put down his teacup and slowly said, "Didn't we just have a herb-gathering team that went to Black Wind Abyss?"
"There are many ferocious beasts and powerful forces there, and the situation is complicated. Liang Cheng is in trouble in the abyss. We should help him if we can, and if we can't, then it's just his fate to suffer this calamity."
The old man in gray understood.
"Yes, this old servant will arrange it immediately."
The old man in gray bowed and withdrew.
The elegant room returned to silence.
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