My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 73 Hibernation

The next day, early morning.

Liang Cheng sat cross-legged in a cubicle in Huang Laodan's room, regulating his breathing. The room was filled with miscellaneous items and medicinal herbs, creating a mixed atmosphere that conveniently masked his own presence.

The effects of the modified formula of the Breakthrough Pill were still ongoing, and the blood and qi in his body flowed like thawing river water, nearly twice as fast as before.

Every meridian is immersed in that warm and cool medicinal power, the acupoints are constantly being cleansed, and the meridians are slowly widening.

Qi and blood rise from the dantian, pass through the qihai, and pierce through the tanzhong. Under the tidal wave of qi and blood, the acupoints emit subtle crackling sounds, as if invisible barriers are being broken through layer by layer.

[Severing Waves Technique, Level 1: Mastery (122/6000)]

His cultivation progress is astonishing.

Even the progress in the Bronze Armor Realm is going smoothly, and the Qi and Blood Hammer has become the best forging hammer for the skin and flesh.

"Thump!"

A low, rhythmic thud seemed to echo from inside the cubicle, and the bronze sheen beneath the skin flickered with each impact. With each circulation of blood and energy, the skin's luster became even more solid.

He continued his practice diligently until dusk, when his meridians began to ache slightly, reaching his limit. Only then did Liang Cheng stop and slowly exhale a breath of turbid air.

He looked at his body; the texture of his muscles was tight, like refined bronze.

[Stone Armor Skill (Bronze Armor): Minor Success (1/2000)]

Bronze Armor Realm, breaking through to the Lesser Completion Realm!

Even without the application of ointment and the hammering technique, it can only be said that the modified formula of the Breakthrough Pill is indeed incredibly effective.

Just then, the sound of a door opening and Huang Lao cursing came from outside. A moment later, he came in carrying a food box and put it in front of Liang Cheng.

"Let's eat first, then we'll talk."

The food box was full of highly nutritious foods, which Liang Chengfeng devoured in no time. Old Huang and his son stared at him intently, marveling at his meal.

"How does it feel?"

"The progress of the Broken Wave Technique is very fast."

"Nonsense, how could my medicine be bad?" Old Huang snorted smugly, then lowered his voice, "There's new news outside."

"The Martial Academy's search team found several pieces of broken planks from a merchant ship and half a charred and deformed Heavenly Abode disciple token at the foot of a cliff fifty miles north of Sanwankou."

"Based on this, Old Man Lü and the others deduced that you most likely crashed into the exploding ship when you fell into the sea, and your remains were never found. The focus of the search has shifted from finding you to investigating the case. The intensity hasn't decreased, but the direction has changed."

Liang Cheng remained silent, acknowledging that the Martial Academy had done nothing wrong.

"Also, Chen Bainian's funeral was hastily held at the mortuary outside the city this afternoon. Your master Yang Wei helped with the arrangements, but the scene was deserted, with few members of the Chamber of Commerce in attendance. It's a case of people leaving and the tea growing cold."

Liang Cheng tapped his fingers unconsciously on his knee. "Then what about my master and the others..."

"They're fine. Yang Wei is a sensible man; he took his men back as soon as he finished his business and didn't pursue the matter any further."

"At the Martial Academy, the bounty is still up, but many people privately think you're dead. The Earthly Dormitories are starting to vie for a spot in the Heavenly Dormitories."

"What about the Xu family?"

"Xu Zhang went to the city lord's mansion this morning, supposedly to report on grain affairs. However, the servants from his mansion who were in charge of purchasing supplies went to two medical clinics today, both famous for treating external injuries and cold poisoning. It's estimated that the people from Fanjiangjiao have also been dispatched."

Liang Cheng nodded in thanks.

"You can continue practicing; no one dares to cause trouble here. But shouldn't you repay me by cooperating with me to try other pills?"

Liang Cheng quickly refused, "Old Huang, I have just recovered from my serious injuries. Let's talk about it later. Why don't you help me purchase copper molten metal and fire-patterned steel first? I can give you the money in advance."

"You little rascal, fine, but it's a deal: nine out of 13, 13 back. I'll charge you some interest, is that too much to ask?"

Liang Cheng shook his head, handed the several thousand taels of silver notes wrapped in an oilcloth to Old Huang, who didn't count them and left immediately.

Liang Cheng sat quietly for a while, digesting the information brought back by Elder Huang. Now was the perfect time to lie low, so he stopped thinking about it, calmed his mind, and returned to cultivation.

This time, he pushed his meridians to their limit, focusing on mastering the "Dragon's Step".

The cubicle was small, only a few feet across, and filled with clutter. Liang Cheng moved like a fish, weaving and turning through the gaps. His toes barely touched the ground; he relied entirely on twisting his waist and hips and bursting with energy to change direction.

Soon, his movements took on a fluid rhythm, as if he had truly transformed into a dragon of the sea, moving freely and nimbly within a small space.

【Dragon Step: Mastery (320/3000)】

……

Three days passed in this way, and it was the 25th day of the first lunar month.

The effects of the medicine lasted for three days, and Liang Cheng's cultivation entered a frenzied and highly efficient state. He cultivated diligently almost without sleep.

The circulation of Qi and blood in the "Broken Wave Technique" becomes increasingly vigorous, and the time required for one cycle of the Small Heavenly Circuit is constantly shortened.

The cultivation of the Bronze Armor Realm in the Stone Armor Technique, accompanied by the copper-melting liquid and fire-patterned steel brought back by Elder Huang, along with other common auxiliary materials, was used to prepare a medicinal ointment that continued to penetrate. The bronze luster of that layer gradually became more restrained, and it slowly developed a sense of profound simplicity.

The application of "Dragon Steps" in extreme spaces has become increasingly sophisticated, with versatile and unpredictable movements.

……

night.

The last lingering effects of the modified medicine quietly dissipated after Liang Cheng completed the final cycle of circulation. He opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and clear, before slowly calming down and returning to stillness.

There were no lights in the cubicle, only the faint moonlight filtering in from the window, but he could see clearly and hear the faint sound of the bells from the Martial Academy in the distance.

[Severing Waves Technique, Level 1: Mastery (988/6000)]

[Stone Armor Skill (Bronze Armor): Minor Success (510/2000)]

【Dragon Step: Mastery (1100/3000)】

After three days of arduous training, his injuries were fully healed, and his strength increased dramatically, a complete transformation.

The door to the cubicle was pushed open at this moment, and Old Huang came in carrying a bowl of medicinal soup. Upon seeing this, he raised an eyebrow: "All done? Your foundation is even more solid than I expected."

"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Huang." Liang Cheng bowed solemnly.

"Stop with the nonsense." Old Huang handed him the medicinal soup. "It's to replenish your qi and blood. Drink it. What are your plans next? Given your condition, you could have broken through to the True Qi Realm long ago. Why are you still cultivating step by step?"

At this point, Elder Huang's expression became meaningful. "You brat, do you really want to perfectly establish your foundation, ascend to the True Qi realm, and achieve the Dao Foundation? Your ambition is far too great!"

"Perfect foundation building, achieving the foundation of the Dao?"

Liang Cheng took the medicine and drank it all in one gulp. A warm current spread through him. Hearing what Old Huang said, he was still a little puzzled.

He was merely a mayfly with no inherent limitations, achieving a perfect transformation without any obstacles. But judging from Master Huang's meaning, there seems to be another implication.

Old Huang stared at him for a few moments, sensing he wasn't lying, and clicked his tongue inwardly: "This kid probably stumbled upon this by accident, honing his foundation to perfection without even realizing it?"

Old Huang stopped dwelling on it. "In that case, what are your plans now? Will you stay with me?"

"This place is not suitable for hiding for long. After all, with more people around, traces will inevitably be left, which may cause you trouble."

"You've got some conscience, kid. The search at the Martial Academy has shifted direction, but it hasn't been lifted. The Xu family's noses seem to still be sharp. So, what are your thoughts?"

Liang Cheng had already considered this: "Since I am currently in the shadows, I might as well go to the cold pool deep in the Thousand Miasma Valley of the Western Mountains."

Old Huang narrowed his eyes: "The Cold Pool? That place is filled with poisonous miasma. Ordinary cultivators can't stay there for long. With your current strength in hard skills, it is indeed a good place, but it's a bit tough."

He turned around and rummaged through the pile of junk for a moment, then tossed over an oilcloth bag.

"In my bag are obstacle-avoiding pills, as well as some herbs for dispelling cold and detoxifying. I also have plenty of the Bronze Armor Realm cultivation materials you requested; enough for you to use for a while."

Liang Cheng took the oilcloth package, a warm feeling welling up in his heart: "Old Huang, I can't thank you enough."

"Nonsense, remember, this has to be repaid. Same old rule, nine out and thirteen back. You're lucky, kid. When you really break through to the True Qi Realm, remember to give me a few more pills to try."

Liang Cheng nodded. "If the situation allows, I certainly won't refuse."

"Alright, when are we leaving?"

"I'm leaving now."

"Hmm, that's fine too," Old Huang yawned. "Let's go, let's go. Don't die out there, or no one will be able to try my prescription."

Liang Cheng slung the oilcloth bag over his shoulder, re-wrapped the razor blade tightly with gray cloth, bowed deeply to Old Huang, and said no more.

Liang Cheng turned and disappeared into the shadows, his mind racing with thoughts.

The only way to break this deadlock is to accumulate strength.