My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

[Annihilate the West Mountain Bandits — Contribution Points: 3,000]

He reached out and took down the notice.

...

「Xu Mansion, the study.」

Xu Zhang leaned back in a Grandmaster’s Chair with his eyes closed. A Steward knelt below. "Master, word has come from the Martial Arts Academy. Liang Cheng has appeared."

Xu Zhang opened his eyes. "How is he?"

"He appears unharmed and has already returned to his courtyard in the Celestial Dormitory."

"And Third Grand-Uncle?"

"Still no word."

Xu Zhang closed his eyes again, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the Zitan wood armrest. ’The Flipping River Flood Dragon’s three strikes failed to kill him. Third Grand-Uncle made a move personally, and now he’s missing.’

’And yet, he brazenly returns to the Martial Arts Academy.’

"Is there any other activity at the Martial Arts Academy?" Xu Zhang’s voice was hoarse.

"There’s a lot of chatter among the disciples, but the higher-ups haven’t made a move yet."

Xu Zhang’s eyes snapped open, laced with bloodshot veins. "He came back alive but hasn’t mentioned a thing about Third Grand-Uncle. This boy is dangerously cunning. We must be on our guard."

He paused. "Where is the Young Master?"

"The Young Master went to the Qiao Mansion early this morning to discuss the wedding details."

"When he returns, have him come see me immediately."

"Yes, Master."

The Steward withdrew.

Xu Zhang sat alone in the dim study. ’That item the Qiao Family possesses... I must get my hands on it as soon as possible.’

’As for Liang Cheng, now that the perfect opportunity is lost, I need to make new plans.’

...

「Qiao Mansion, the rear garden.」

Qiao Zhi had just seen Xu Zhi off. The wedding date was set, and there was no turning back.

A handmaiden ran in, lifting the hem of her skirt. "Miss! Young Master Liang is back! They say after he escaped from the sea, he went into seclusion to recover from his injuries. He only just appeared this morning."

Qiao Zhi stood silently for a moment, then let out a soft, unreadable laugh. "To escape the blade of the Flipping River Flood Dragon... He’s certainly hard to kill."

The handmaiden asked cautiously, "Miss, about the wedding..."

"It’s on the eighth of next month. Since I have to marry him, I’ll do it in grand style, for all of Lin Wu City to see."

Madam Qiao, who had appeared by the door at some point, spoke with red-rimmed eyes. "Zhi’Er, why must you put yourself through this?"

"Suffering? If the Qiao Family can re-enter the A Class of the Commerce Association, what does a little suffering matter? I can’t rely on others, so I’ll rely on myself."

"But once you’re married off, you’ll no longer be part of the Qiao Family."

Qiao Zhi froze. "So what? Xu Zhi promised me that our second son will bear the Qiao surname."

...

「Celestial Dormitory, Liang Cheng’s courtyard.」

Liang Cheng pushed open the courtyard gate. The stone locks were still in place, and the bluestone ground was as clean as ever, as if he had never left.

Just then, an urgent knock sounded at the gate. Liang Cheng rose to open it and found Li Mu standing outside, panting, his forehead beaded with sweat.

"Senior Brother Liang!"

Seeing him standing there safe and sound, Li Mu’s eyes suddenly burned. A thousand words caught in his throat. In the end, he only managed a heavy clasped-fist salute, his voice trembling.

"It’s just good to have you back!"

Liang Cheng clapped him on the shoulder. "Come inside."

The two had just sat down when more footsteps approached from outside.

Lu Qingzhou, dressed in a white robe with gold trim, entered carrying a carved mahogany box. His smile was as warm as ever. "Junior Brother Liang, you’re finally back."

Li Mu shot to his feet, standing awkwardly to one side.

Lu Qingzhou placed the box on the stone table. Inside, old ginseng and Ganoderma were neatly arranged, their medicinal fragrance filling the air. "A small token to help you with Strengthening the Foundation and Nourishing the Essence."

Liang Cheng cupped his hands. "Senior Brother Lu, you’ve gone to too much trouble."

"Junior Brother, don’t be a stranger. For the Flipping River Flood Dragon to dare attack a disciple of our Martial Arts Academy... this cannot be forgiven. I’ve already sent word to my family to investigate the movements of the Black Tide. I will ensure you get justice."

"I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother," Liang Cheng said, shaking his head. "But this is a feud I want to end myself."

Lu Qingzhou gave him a long look. "Admirable spirit. In that case, I will await your good news."

As he spoke, a Steward Disciple approached the courtyard. "Senior Brother Liang, Master Lü requests your presence."

Liang Cheng rose and said apologetically to the others, "The Master has summoned me. I must go."

"Official business comes first."

After Liang Cheng left with the Steward Disciple, Lu Qingzhou glanced at the respectfully standing Li Mu. "You’re Junior Brother Li, aren’t you? If you need anything in the future, you can come find me in the Celestial Dormitory."

Li Mu was taken aback by the favor and thanked him profusely. He left the courtyard in a daze, and by the time he returned to the Human Dormitory, his heart was still racing.

There, he saw several disciples from the Fishermen’s Gang waiting outside his door. Their leader, a young man with narrow eyes, forced a smile and offered him a few Jade Tokens.

"Junior Brother Li, the boys were ignorant the other day and caused offense. Please, take these Contribution Points. Don’t hold it against us..."

Li Mu looked at the Jade Tokens, a sudden wave of disgust washing over him.

’Half a month ago, I might have taken them. I might even have felt some satisfaction. But now...’ he felt perfectly calm.

"There’s no need. It was a small matter between fellow disciples."

The narrow-eyed man paused, then quickly offered an obsequious smile. "You’re magnanimous, Junior Brother. In the future, if you need anything in the outer courtyard, just say the word!"

Li Mu nodded and shut the door to his room.

He could faintly hear the men outside talking, their voices full of relief.

He stood in his courtyard, unmoved, and began practicing his Posture Stance.

...

「Mingxin Pavilion, Lü Bingchen’s study.」

Lü Bingchen sized up Liang Cheng, who stood before him. His gaze lingered on Liang Cheng’s chest for a moment. "How are your injuries?"

"No longer serious. Thank you for your concern, Master."

"That strike from the Flipping River Flood Dragon... I hear it was an extremely close call."

"This disciple was lucky. I used the force of the current to deflect some of the Sword Qi and relied on my Hard Skills. It was the only way I managed to escape with my life."

"To escape the blade of a True Qi Realm Middle Stage expert is a rare feat indeed. The Martial Arts Academy does not mistreat its disciples. The rations you missed while recovering will be added to your Token shortly."

"Thank you, Master."

"Mm. Go back and rest well. As for the Black Tide, the Martial Arts Academy will handle it."

Liang Cheng bowed and withdrew.

...

As he walked the bluestone path back to his courtyard, disciples turned to stare, and a constant stream of salutes followed him.

Just as he reached his gate, a Servant Disciple ran up to him. "Senior Brother Liang, Martial Arts Hall Master Yang has arrived. He’s waiting for you in the courtyard."

Liang Cheng’s heart tightened, and he hurried inside. "Master, why are you here? Is it my mother...?"

"Your mother is fine. The moment word of your accident arrived, I had Zhao Yuan and Zhou Hu personally guard her. She’s hidden away in a safe place, and no one knows where."

Liang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly invited Yang Wei to sit down. Yang Wei then briefly recounted the events that had transpired during Liang Cheng’s disappearance.

When he got to the old fisherman’s family, he sighed.

"That silver you gave them made them a target. A few remnants of the Sea Snake Gang broke into their home one night. They stole the silver, and when the old fisherman’s son tried to protect their belongings, they broke his leg..."

"They had to beg all the way back to their village. I sent men with Herbs and silver taels, but I fear the trauma of the attack will leave lasting scars."

Liang Cheng fell silent. "What about the others in the village?"

"They haven’t had much contact with you these past two years, so they weren’t involved. As for Miss San Ya, whom you specifically asked about, no one bothered her. She’s still in the village doing needlework, and she’s even been promised to a good family, living a peaceful life."

The weight in Liang Cheng’s heart finally lifted. ’He had deliberately kept his distance from her, precisely because he feared this exact situation would one day come to pass.’

’Before he was powerful enough, any connection, no matter how small, could become a weakness for others to exploit and invite disaster.’

’Only by breaking through to the True Qi Realm and gaining the power to stand on his own two feet could he even begin to think about protecting anyone.’

At the Martial Arts Academy, experts in the True Qi Realm could bring their immediate family to live there. Even if the expert fell in battle, the Academy would provide a pension to protect their loved ones.

After finishing his story, Yang Wei wrung his hands, a rare, awkward expression on his face.

Liang Cheng took the initiative. "Master, if there’s something troubling you, please just say it."

"The day before yesterday, the Xu Family sent someone to make a formal marriage proposal, and the Qiao Family accepted," Yang Wei said, looking at him hesitantly. "I came here today to ask what you think about it."

Liang Cheng gazed out the window, where the wind rustled through the bamboo leaves. He finally spoke, his voice calm, but every word enunciated with perfect clarity.

"Master, it was likely the Xu Family who ordered the Flipping River Flood Dragon to kill me at sea."

Yang Wei froze. In the next instant, his expression contorted with fury. He slammed his palm on the stone table, and several fine cracks instantly spiderwebbed across its surface.

His chest heaved, his eyes filled with a dawning horror. He shot to his feet. "I’m going to the Qiao Mansion right now!"

"Master!" Liang Cheng tried to stop him, but Yang Wei had already stormed out of the courtyard.

...

「Outside the Qiao Mansion.」

Yang Wei was politely stopped at the front gate by two Qiao Mansion guards.

"Martial Arts Hall Master Yang, the Madam and the Young Miss are not receiving guests today. Please return another time."

"Let me in! I have something urgent to tell Zhi’Er!"

As they argued, the old servant, Uncle Wang, hurried out. With a troubled expression, he handed over a note. "Martial Arts Hall Master Yang, the Young Miss asked this old servant to give you this."

Yang Wei took the note. On it were a few lines written in elegant, small script:

[What are my affairs to you? The Qiao Family must survive, so I must marry. When I begged you to have Liang Cheng help me, did you care about our bond as father and daughter? Now you come playing the loving father. How utterly laughable!]

Yang Wei clutched the note, his fingers trembling. He stood rooted to the spot, unmoving for a long, long time.

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