madnovel Chapter 93 Replenishing Essence Pill
Chapter 93 Replenishing Essence Pill
Chapter 92 Replenishing Essence Pill
The 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month.
When Liang Cheng and his party arrived at the Martial Academy, he first dismissed his personal guards and sent them home to enjoy the New Year before preparing to return to the No. 3 Courtyard of True Transmission Peak.
But before they could even get up the mountain, they were stopped halfway by a waiting disciple. "Senior Brother Liang, the Dean requests your presence."
Inside Mingxin Pavilion, the charcoal fire was burning brightly.
Bai Hong sat in the main seat, with Lü Bingchen and Yan Song on either side. When Liang Cheng entered, Bai Hong smiled.
Liang Cheng bowed respectfully, and Bai Hong raised his hand in a gesture of respect.
"No need for formalities, please sit down. I've been busy with things before the New Year and haven't had a chance to see you. It just so happens that you're back today. Actually, it's just for one thing."
"Please give your orders, Dean."
Bai Hong took out a scroll of documents and pushed it onto the table. "Don't be so serious. It's a good thing. You've been in office as the garrison commander of Dongshan Mine for half a year now. According to the agreement between the Martial Academy and the City Lord's Mansion, the garrison commander can enjoy 10% of the annual profit of the mine as cultivation resources."
Lu Bingchen continued, "After accounting for all expenses, the Dongshan Mine's output over the past six months has yielded a net profit of approximately 620,000 taels of silver. Your share of 10% has already been converted into contribution points by the Martial Academy as is customary."
Liang Cheng was slightly shocked. Sixty-two thousand taels of silver was a huge sum of money, even when converted into contribution points. Liang Cheng handed over the jade token, and Bai Hong personally transferred the contribution points.
Even though he was prepared, Liang Cheng was still somewhat shocked when he saw the amount of contribution points. Including the 100,000 special reward contribution points he had received before, a string of numbers was now clearly written on his jade tablet.
166,800 points!
Get rich overnight!
Then Yan Song placed a token on the table: "This token is a special resource token that rewards you. With this, you can purchase cultivation materials at cost price in the Foreign Affairs Hall."
Liang Cheng accepted the gifts with both hands and said in a deep voice, "Thank you, Dean, Master, and Head Master."
"This is what you deserve. Thanks to your reforms, the Dongshan Mine has seen a steady increase in output, and the cult's influence has been thwarted. The Martial Academy will remember this achievement. However—"
'
He changed the subject, his expression turning slightly serious: "I also need to remind you that after the New Year, the Zoroastrians will likely be resentful. As the garrison commander of Dongshan, many people are watching you, so you need to be more careful in your actions."
"Disciple understands."
"Go ahead and spend the New Year with your mother."
Next, Liang Cheng returned to the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak, but aside from acquaintances like Lu Qingzhou, he refused to see anyone.
As for Sanya and her husband, as well as Zhao Yuan, Liang Cheng also gave them a temporary leave to go home and reunite with their family.
The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.
Inside the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak, Ning Sanniang was busy in the kitchen.
Liang Cheng was ushered to sit in the courtyard. Listening to the clattering of the spatula inside and smelling the aroma of stewed meat wafting out, his mind, which had been tense for a year, gradually relaxed.
"Try this."
Ning San Niang brought out a plate of freshly fried dried fish, golden and glistening. Liang Cheng took a bite and found it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant meat filling.
"tasty."
He mumbled something as he reached for the second one.
Ning San Niang slapped his hand away, but her eyes were smiling: "Save your room, there are still eight dishes tonight, eat slowly."
"Isn't it because Mom's cooking is so delicious? I'm craving it."
Ning San Niang laughed and scolded, then turned and went into the kitchen.
In the evening, the New Year's Eve dinner was laid out on the small square table.
Ning San Niang and Liang Cheng offered incense and food in front of Liang Cheng's father's memorial tablet in the side room before sitting down. Ning San Niang kept putting food on Liang Cheng's plate, piling it up like a small mountain.
"That's enough, Mom, I can't eat anymore."
"You've lost weight after being away for more than half a year."
Ning San Niang ladled another spoonful of chicken soup over his rice, saying, "Drink more soup to warm yourself up."
Liang Cheng, now a True Qi Realm expert, is impervious to heat and cold, but he did not refute, and drank the soup in large gulps. Ning San Niang looked at him with a smile, full of satisfaction.
"My son is nineteen now, he's really grown up."
During the New Year's Eve vigil, sparks crackled softly from the charcoal brazier.
Ning San Niang had already been persuaded by Liang Cheng to go back to her room and lie on the bed. Liang Cheng was keeping vigil alone on New Year's Eve. The faint sound of laughter from the martial arts academy could be heard outside the window, making the small courtyard seem exceptionally quiet.
Having traversed this world for three years, Liang Cheng felt increasingly at peace.
New Year's Day.
Liang Cheng toured the martial arts academy, paid New Year's greetings to Dean Huang and others, and then stayed home, refusing to go out.
Now that he is a true disciple, he doesn't need to have too many social interactions. Lu Qingzhou and the others know his temperament, so they only sent a steward to deliver congratulatory gifts and did not come to disturb him.
After that, Liang Cheng lived a secluded life, practicing his martial arts every day without fail.
-
In the blink of an eye, it's the third day of the Lunar New Year, the day of the True Transmission Ceremony.
Before dawn, Liang Cheng had just changed into the martial arts academy's formal attire when there was a knock on the gate.
The person who came in was Lu Qingzhou, dressed in casual clothes, but with a solemn expression.
"Brother Lu? So early?"
Lu Qingzhou gave a wry smile, "Senior Brother Wang's promotion to True Disciple Ceremony cannot be delayed."
Liang Cheng looked at him and sighed inwardly. Lu Qingzhou was a year older than Wang Teng, and he was still hesitant to break through to the True Qi Realm. How could he feel good about that?
Liang Cheng didn't know how to comfort him, so he could only stride along with him to the martial arts academy's training ground, where a red carpet had already been laid out and banners were fluttering in the wind.
Almost all the prominent forces in Linwu City were present.
Bai Hongduan, the head of the martial arts academy, sat to the left of Yan Song, Lü Bingchen, and other high-ranking members of the academy, while to the right sat Deputy City Lord Situ Lang, Shen Wenyuan, Wu Zhenshan of the Martial Arts Hall, and others.
Further down, representatives from various businesses, martial arts schools, and aristocratic families sat in a dense, dark mass.
As soon as Liang Cheng arrived, Lü Bingchen called him over. Liang Cheng nodded to Lu Qingzhou, who then gestured for him to come over and walked to his position in the Heavenly Abode.
Liang Cheng discovered that Yun Jinghong was also at the Heavenly Abode, her aura was refined, and her cultivation had advanced further than before. He wondered when she would break through to the True Qi Realm.
Liang Cheng sat down at the lower seat at Lü Bingchen's invitation. "You're the only true disciple here. The other two couldn't get away for the time being, so we didn't call them back."
Liang Cheng nodded, indicating that he understood.
Just then, a gong sounded.
On the high platform in the arena, Wang Teng, dressed in a white robe with gold trim, stood with his hands behind his back. His face was still somewhat pale, but his eyes shone with inner light, and his body was filled with the flow of true energy.
The True Qi Realm has been achieved.
Dean Bai Hong then stood up and announced in a voice that resonated throughout the hall: "Wang Teng, a disciple of the Martial Academy, has successfully broken through his cultivation realm after enduring tribulations to demonstrate his resolve. Today, he is promoted to the fourth True Disciple of the Martial Academy, bestowed with the title of Peak Number Four, and granted all the privileges of a True Disciple!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Wang Teng bowed respectfully, his gaze sweeping across the audience, pausing for a moment on Liang Cheng's face before nodding slightly. Liang Cheng returned the bow, seemingly unmoved.
The ceremony lasted for an hour.
Various factions stepped forward one after another to offer their congratulations, and the list of gifts piled up like a mountain.
Liang Cheng watched from the sidelines, unmoved by external things. When Wang Teng failed to break through the barrier, no one asked about it. Now, the flowers are in full bloom, simply because he broke through to the True Qi Realm.
Strength is the foundation; everything else is merely icing on the cake.
In the evening, the ceremony ended.
Liang Chenggang had just returned to Courtyard No. 3 and hadn't even had time to change out of his formal attire when there was a knock on the gate. When he opened the door, it was Wang Teng.
His eyes gleamed. "Senior Brother Liang, would you care to have a friendly spar?"
Liang Cheng was taken aback upon hearing this.
Wang Teng was always arrogant and proud. He should have been the one promoted to the third true disciple, but unfortunately, he beat him to it.
It seems they still haven't accepted it.
Liang Cheng refused outright, "Junior Brother Wang, I'm sorry, you must have heard about the battle at Dongshan Mine. My old lung injury hasn't healed, and my internal energy isn't flowing smoothly, so I can't fight."
Wang Teng glanced at him, then nodded. "Alright, then I'll come back to ask for your guidance once you've recovered, Senior Brother."
Wang Teng took his leave, and Liang Cheng shook his head. He had already fully recovered from his injuries, but he simply didn't want to fight.
He was a martial arts fanatic, but Liang Cheng didn't take him seriously. However, the arrival of the other party made Liang Cheng's heart stir.
The pills that Elder Huang refined must be extraordinary to enable Wang Teng to break through. With this in mind, he greeted Ning San Niang, changed into casual clothes, and headed to the back mountain.
The alchemy room on the back mountain.
"You want a Source-Replenishing Pill, kid?"
After listening to Liang Cheng's request, Old Huang glanced at Liang Cheng and refused outright, "No way! You brat, you wouldn't let me test the medicine, and you expect benefits in return?"
-
"Old Master Huang, it was my fault for being ignorant. My injuries haven't healed yet, so please help me this once."
Liang Cheng's face was full of sincerity, but Old Huang just sneered, "Your skill in martial arts is enough to withstand most attacks from the True Qi Realm. How come you still have those injuries from back then?"
Liang Cheng chuckled sheepishly upon hearing this. Seeing that he was shamelessly refusing to leave, Old Huang said, "Fine, but you'll have to pay extra!"
"How many?"
"One pill costs 4,000 contribution points. A bottle of ten pills is discounted to 30,000 points. If you're willing, transfer your contribution points immediately. If not, get lost and don't bother me while I'm refining pills."
This price is outrageous! A bottle of Condensing True Essence Pill only costs four thousand contribution points. This is practically robbery.
"make a deal!"
"uh-huh?"
Old Master Huang was somewhat surprised. He had asked for an exorbitant amount, and even a true disciple's annual income was usually no more than that. Yet Liang Cheng had actually agreed.
Liang Cheng also had a plan. The pill that could help Wang Teng repair his foundation in advance and break through smoothly was worth a try. Wasn't the purpose of contribution points to improve oneself?
Old Huang then realized that Liang Cheng had made a lot of money from the Dongshan Mine, but he didn't go back on his word. He took Liang Cheng's jade token, transferred 40,000 points to him, and threw out a jade bottle.
"Replenishing Essence Pill, one pill at a time, once every three days. Its medicinal power is strong, so do not be greedy."
"Thank you very much, Elder Huang!"
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the sky cleared after the snow.
Inside the quiet room of the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak, Liang Cheng sat cross-legged, holding a crimson pill the size of a longan in his palm.
The surface of the pill had faint cloud-like patterns flowing around it; it was the same pill I had purchased from Elder Huang the day before yesterday.
"Take one pill at a time, once every three days."
Silently reciting Elder Huang's instructions, Liang Cheng put the pill into his mouth. The pill dissolved immediately upon entering his stomach, and a gentle yet powerful medicinal force spread throughout his body like a spring tide.
Unlike the sharp and pungent effect of Ningzhen Pill, this medicine is more robust and lingering, as if it is slowly cleansing the meridians and nourishing the blood and qi.
Liang Cheng activated the Broken Wave Technique, causing the nine True Qi Seeds to vibrate simultaneously, greedily absorbing the medicinal power. The Replenishing Source Pill slowly released its medicinal power continuously.
three days later.
As the last wisp of medicinal power was completely refined, the nine true qi seeds within his body suddenly trembled and shone brightly.
The previously independent trajectories of their operations became interconnected. In an instant, Liang Cheng felt the speed of the true energy flowing through his meridians surge several times over, as if there were roaring waves.
Moreover, during the circulation of true qi, not only does the total amount of true qi surge, but its texture also undergoes subtle changes. The true qi that was originally like a surging river has gained a sense of depth and surging power, like the deep sea, containing stronger explosive force and more endurance.
With a slight thought, a wisp of pale blue true energy emanated from his fingertips, condensing and swirling slowly in his palm like flowing water, further enhancing his control over true energy.
What surprised him even more was that after reaching the Golden Armor Realm of the Stone Armor Technique, his body, nourished by the potent medicinal power of the Replenishing Source Pill and flushed by the Tidal True Qi, was brimming with vitality, as if he had inexhaustible strength.
Liang Cheng slowly finished his practice, his deep blue light in his eyes receding.
He clenched his fist, feeling the increased power within his body and the more complete control he had gained. He slowly exhaled, his breath long and deep.
[Second Level of the Breaking Wave Technique: Mastery (1/15000)]
The effects of the Replenishing Essence Pill were indeed powerful, not only helping him break through to the next realm in three days, but also solidifying his foundation to an unparalleled degree.
"Thirty thousand contribution points, it's worth it."
After calming down, Liang Cheng continued practicing his swordsmanship, which can be considered a balanced approach.
The next day was the eighth day of the first lunar month.
Familiar footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard.
Liang Cheng pushed open the door and saw Zhao Yuan and his wife Sanya standing in the courtyard.
Sanya was wearing a newly tailored cotton-padded coat, her face slightly red from the cold. She was carrying two preserved chickens in her hands, and her husband, Li Tieniu, followed behind her, smiling憨厚ly.
"Senior brother!"
-
Zhao Yuan strode forward, his aura more composed than before. It seemed that with ample resources, he had been diligently cultivating at home and had made significant progress.
"You're back?"
Liang Cheng greeted her with a smile, took the things from Sanya's hands, and said, "Let's talk inside, it's cold outside."
In the kitchen, Ning San Niang pulled San Ya aside to talk, saying that her parents were doing well, and that Da Tou Er Gou still hadn't come home this year, but had sent money and a letter home.
Life got better, but Da Tou Er Gou's parents got older and older.
Liang Cheng did not continue listening.
In the courtyard, Zhao Yuan whispered, "Master has also come to Linwu City."
Liang Cheng was taken aback upon hearing this: "Master? Why is he here? Why didn't I see him come over?"
"A few days ago, Madam Qiao sent someone to the martial arts school, saying that Qiao Zhi was pregnant and that she had specially invited Master Qiao to the Qiao residence for a gathering."
.
Zhao Yuan's expression was somewhat complicated. "Master originally didn't want to come, but Madam Qiao sent three groups of people and said very nice things, so Master came in the end."
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng fell silent.
Zhao Yuan continued, "My master asked me to pass on a message to you. He said that the value of a master lies in his disciple. If you weren't now a true disciple of the Martial Academy, the Qiao family would never have such an attitude."
Liang Cheng was silent for a moment, then asked, "Master, he's staying at the Qiao residence?"
"Yes, Master told me to tell you that he will come to see you again in a couple of days. You don't need to go to the Qiao residence, as he might put you in a difficult position."
Liang Cheng nodded. Yang Wei was thoughtful, knowing that if he went to the Qiao residence, Madam Qiao might ask him for a favor, which might put him in a difficult position.
"Master is in a difficult position."
"Alright, you've had a long journey, get some rest."
Zhao Yuan stood up, bowed, and left.
The tenth day of the first lunar month, early morning.
Just as Liang Cheng finished practicing his swordsmanship, there was a knock on the courtyard gate. When he opened the door, he saw Yang Wei standing outside, his face ashen and his eyes dark and bluish.
"Master?"
Liang Cheng quickly ushered him into the study, made the charcoal fire burn even brighter, and brought him tea before asking, "Master, what's wrong—"
After Yang Wei sat down, he clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white.
He opened his mouth several times before finally managing to squeeze out in a hoarse voice: "Liang Cheng, I saw the Dongshan Cold Iron Mine in the Qiao family's warehouse."
The study fell silent.
Liang Cheng slowly put down the teapot, somewhat surprised: "Master, are you sure you didn't see wrong?"
"I stayed at the Qiao family for five years back then, and I recognized the black-based silver-patterned cold iron that was unique to Dongshan Mine. There are thirteen pieces in total now, piled up in the corner of the west warehouse of the Qiao mansion, covered with burlap, but I saw it by accident."
He raised his head, his eyes bloodshot: "Liang Cheng, Zhao Yuan mentioned the dangerous situation you faced at Dongshan Mine, and he also knows that among the goods robbed from Dongshan Mine some time ago was cold iron ore."
Liang Cheng asked, "When did Master see it?"
"Yesterday afternoon, Qiao Zhi, who is pregnant, insisted on going to take inventory. Yan—Mrs. Qiao was worried, so I went with her."
Yang Wei gave a bitter smile. "I didn't expect that although the goods in the warehouse were well hidden, the linen was torn by the corner of the box, allowing me to see the black background with silver patterns."
Upon hearing this, Liang Cheng fell silent for a moment.
Yang Wei suddenly grabbed his arm: "Liang Cheng, tell me the truth, if the Qiao family was just deceived and didn't know it was a mine robbery, could you please turn a blind eye?"
His fingers were icy cold, and his voice was almost pleading: "If they knew about it, but weren't deeply involved, could you consider leniency?"
Looking at his master's red eyes, Liang Cheng felt a mix of emotions.
After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly: "Master, this matter is far too significant. The robbery of the mine is just the surface; it may involve the Zoroastrian Church. The City Lord's Mansion has been investigating this matter all along."
"We had previously discovered that there was illegal mining activity in Linwu City, but we couldn't find the distribution channels. Now it seems that the Qiao family is most likely involved."
Yang Wei trembled upon hearing this.
Liang Cheng helped him sit down again, his voice steady, "I will send people to investigate secretly. If the Qiao family is just being used and hasn't made any serious mistakes, I can guarantee their lives will be safe."
"But if they get deeply involved in one of them..."
At this point, he paused and looked directly at Yang Wei: "Master, colluding with cults and smuggling contraband is a crime punishable by confiscation of property and extermination of the entire clan. We can only decide how to handle it based on the specific circumstances."
Upon hearing this, Yang Wei trembled, but continued to listen to Liang Cheng finish speaking.
"If they are merely being coerced and no serious consequences have occurred, I will do my best to mediate. I cannot guarantee the final outcome, but as long as there is even the slightest possibility, I will do everything in my power."
Yang Wei slumped down, closed his eyes, and sighed deeply. Tears welled up in his eyes. This tough man, who had been resolute for half his life, was now hunched over like an old man.
"I understand," he said hoarsely. "Investigate. If you find out the truth, at least you'll die knowing why."
Liang Cheng then called Zhao Yuan over and explained the situation.
"Go and investigate the source of the cold iron ore in the west warehouse of the Qiao family, find out who handled it, and when it was put into storage. But remember, you must not alert them."
Zhao Yuan nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, senior brother, I know what I'm doing."
"Also, investigate Xu Zhi. Now that he's married to Qiao Zhi, he's using the Xu family's influence to help the Qiao family revive their business. See if there's anything fishy going on."
"Yes."
Zhao Yuan accepted the order and left.
Inside the study, Yang Wei remained sitting blankly, the sunlight reflecting off the snow outside the window was somewhat dazzling.
Liang Cheng brought him a fresh cup of hot tea and said softly, "Master, please rest here. The Qiao family is involved in the robbery, so it's not appropriate for you to go there. If there's any news, I can inform you immediately."
Yang Wei slowly got up and followed Liang Cheng to a guest room. Just as Liang Cheng was about to leave, Yang Wei suddenly called out to him.
"Liang Cheng".
"Master."
"If it really comes to that, give them a quick death, don't let them suffer."
Liang Cheng nodded emphatically and turned to leave.
In the afternoon, Zhao Yuan brought back the first piece of news.
"The cold iron ore in the west warehouse of the Qiao family was recorded as entering the warehouse on the 18th day of the twelfth lunar month, and the person in charge was Xu Zhi."
A cold glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
"Xu Zhi————"
"Continue the investigation. I need to know how this batch of ore entered the black market and how it ended up at the Qiao residence."
"Yes, senior brother."