novelnext Chapter 133 Top of the Heroes List
Chapter 133 Top of the Heroes List
Chapter 132 Top of the Heroes List
Chuan Gong Hall.
Chen Xuanfeng was reading an ancient book when he glanced at them, his gaze lingering briefly on Liang Cheng, who nodded.
Chen Xuanfeng smiled and said, "Your foundation is solid, and you've made some progress. Go ahead. The last small competition before the end of the year is approaching, Liang Cheng. Don't slack off."
"Yes."
Liang Cheng respectfully accepted the order.
Ye Zhi Qiu's lips curled up. Now that he had entered the True Qi Realm, he no longer needed to participate in the Mid-Month Competition and was automatically removed from the Heroes Ranking.
"Autumn is here!"
"exist!"
Ye Zhi Qiu quickly responded.
"You should calm down and reflect. Now that you've entered the True Qi Realm, your ranking on the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking should be higher. Don't let your master lose face."
Ye Zhi Qiu hung his head, looking listless and weak.
"Yes, Master."
The two then said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
After returning to the courtyard, Liang Cheng took out the iron box containing the kraft paper from a hidden place.
He pieced together the newly acquired fragments from Fu Chenzhou with the old parchment, expanding the map's outline and extending its lines, but key details remained missing, shrouded in mystery.
"It's still not enough."
Liang Cheng examined it carefully for a long time, shook his head, and then carefully put it away again.
Since we don't know where to start, let's put it aside for now.
A few days later, a message reached the main hospital through alliance channels.
Fu Chenzhou, the deputy city lord of Qinglan City, mysteriously disappeared from his residence. No trace of him was found at the scene, making it an unsolved case.
When the news reached Liang Cheng, he was practicing his swordplay in the courtyard.
The blade flashed coldly, slicing through the air.
His sword movements didn't falter at all, as if it were none of his business.
A few days later, new notices were posted on bulletin boards throughout the main hospital, and the atmosphere among the disciples quietly became more lively.
"The last mid-month competition before the year-end will be held in three days!"
"Brother Liang broke into the top fifty last time, then missed several months. I wonder what will happen this time—"
Upon receiving the message, Liang Cheng sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard and poured himself a bowl of water.
"Mid-Month Competition —"
Let's take another step forward!
After all, rankings affect treatment, so how can we not compete for them?
For a period of time afterward, he stopped going out and devoted himself to cultivation, completely stabilizing the third level of the Broken Wave Technique, and his true essence within his body became perfectly harmonious and surging.
The mid-month competition arrived as scheduled.
The training ground was bustling with noise.
Xiao Qingxue, dressed in white, was the first to step onto the stage.
This time, she is challenging a veteran disciple ranked thirty-fifth on the Heroes Ranking.
Where the sword light shone, a chilling aura filled the air, and the sword intent was refined and pure.
In just over thirty moves, he broke through his opponent's defense with a brilliant move called "Freezing a Thousand Miles," and with a light touch of his sword tip on the opponent's chest, he won cleanly and decisively.
The ranking jumped directly to thirty-fifth, drawing widespread amazement.
"It seems that Junior Sister Xiao has gained a lot from her trip to Bibo City, and her sword intent has improved even further."
Some people in the audience were discussing it in hushed tones.
Following closely behind, Qin Wentian also took on the challenge again.
His sword energy was like a rainbow, unstoppable. After nearly sixty hard-fought moves, he finally defeated his opponent, who was ranked forty-second, and successfully moved into the top forty-second place.
However, looking at Xiao Qingxue's aloof back in front of him, Qin Wentian tightened his grip on his sword, his fighting spirit intensifying.
"It seems the trials between life and death are extraordinary. Should I also accept the mission from the main hospital and go out to seek opportunities?"
The two players' outstanding performance brought the atmosphere in the arena to a small climax.
Many disciples were eager to try and challenge those ranked higher than them.
Finally, when the deacon announced the start of the next round of challenges, Liang Cheng opened his eyes.
He didn't look at the middle of the ranking list; his gaze fell directly on the top, on the name that was now ranked first on the list of heroes: Li Zhan.
This person comes from a family of martial arts practitioners and is known for his fierce and violent fighting style. He is one of the best among the peak True Yuan Realm cultivators and has held the top position for nearly two years.
However, Ye Zhi Qiu later surpassed everyone and broke through to the True Qi Realm first, which surprised everyone.
At this moment, Liang Cheng stood up and, under countless focused gazes, stepped onto the central main arena.
"Disciple Liang Cheng challenges Senior Brother Li Zhan!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire venue.
The noisy training ground fell silent for a moment, then erupted into an even louder roar!
"A direct challenge to Senior Brother Li Zhan?!"
"He missed several rounds of the monthly competitions during his seclusion, and he's only just returned from Bibo City, right? Senior Brother Li is widely recognized as the disciple closest to the True Qi Realm!"
"This is going to be interesting!"
A burly figure, as imposing as an iron tower, landed heavily on the arena; it was Li Zhan.
His face was rugged, his eyes piercing, and he stared at Liang Cheng, his voice booming: "Liang Cheng? I heard you performed quite well in Bibo City, but this is the main academy's arena. I can give you another chance!"
"Please enlighten me, senior brother."
Liang Cheng responded calmly, already holding the dagger in his hand.
"Instructions? I'll show you what a difference there really is!"
Li Zhan grinned maliciously, and without saying a word, the bluestone beneath his feet shattered, and he shot out like a cannonball!
He didn't use any weapons; his iron fists were his strongest weapons. The force of his punches was fierce and violent, with a sharp whistling sound that tore through the air, aimed straight at Liang Cheng's face.
Before the fist even arrived, the scorching and violent fist strike, bursting with true energy, rushed straight towards them!
Liang Cheng neither dodged nor evaded. With a slight thought, a pale golden Hunyuan Gang Body Protection Shield instantly appeared on his body.
"clang!!!"
Li Zhan slammed his iron fists into the protective barrier, producing a deafening roar!
The protective aura of the Hunyuan Gang Body trembled violently, with golden ripples flowing wildly. It seemed unstable, but in reality, it tenaciously blocked the mountain-splitting punch.
Li Zhan's pupils contracted.
His punch was enough to shatter the protective aura of an ordinary late-stage True Yuan Realm cultivator, yet the opponent only experienced fluctuations in his protective aura.
"You've got some skill! Take ten more punches from me!"
With a roar, Li Zhan no longer held any contempt for the opponent. His fists transformed into a barrage of punches, raining down like a storm!
Each punch was powerful and heavy, containing scorching fire elemental essence, with boundless power!
Bang bang bang bang bang—!
The impacts were as dense as drumbeats, with deafening roars. Liang Cheng's figure, amidst the shadows of fists, resembled a lone boat on the sea, his pale golden aura flickering uncertainly as he endured the fierce and violent impact of the battle.
He was firmly rooted to the ground, as immovable as a mountain.
"Let's see how long you can hold out!"
After a prolonged and unsuccessful attack, Li Zhan roared in anger. Liang Cheng's defensive stance and lack of offensive action clearly showed that he did not take Li Zhan, the top-ranked hero, seriously.
The next moment, Li Zhan's fist technique changed again, his fists turning as red as branding irons, his true energy raging.
[Burning Mountain Fist·Explosive Flame Style]
This punch was far more powerful than before. The Fire Element True Essence, compressed to its limit, seemed ready to explode at any moment!
A glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes, and he finally abandoned his purely defensive stance.
Just as the explosive punch was about to hit him, he activated the Dragon Step, his figure moving like a ghost, sliding half a step to the side and back, narrowly avoiding the most powerful point of the punch.
At the same time, he swung his blade diagonally upwards!
【Wind and Thunder Slash - Wave Splitting】
The blade flash was not vast, but it was condensed and precise, accurately targeting the weak points in the opponent's fist technique!
Li Zhan's punching momentum was blocked at this moment, and his power was slightly sluggish.
Liang Cheng, however, had already used the momentum to turn around, and struck first with his blade!
【Wind and Thunder Slash - Thunderclap】
The blade flashed, swift as a thunderclap!
This strike suddenly increased in speed, aiming straight for the center of the battle!
Li Zhan reacted extremely quickly, changing his fist into a palm, and slammed his crimson palm against the side of the blade, intending to deflect Liang Cheng's attack.
However, Liang Cheng flicked his wrist, and the blade drew a strange arc, changing from a thrust to a slice, slicing towards his wrist, his true energy becoming even more violent!
Seeing this, Li Zhan was forced to withdraw his palm. Liang Cheng pressed his advantage and continued to attack. His sword strikes were continuous and powerful. The wind and thunder slashes were as swift as lightning and as mercury poured onto the ground. For a time, even a fierce attacker like Li Zhan was forced to retreat repeatedly.
Having lost the initiative, Li Zhan could only parry and defend with his fists and palms, and was sometimes overwhelmed.
The audience was stunned.
"It seems like Senior Brother Li is being suppressed by Liang Cheng?"
"Such a fast knife! Complete control of the rhythm!"
"Liang Cheng's defense is insane! He actually withstood so many punches from Senior Brother Li without any problem!"
On stage, Li Zhan grew increasingly alarmed as the battle raged on. His opponent's defense was ridiculously strong, his swordsmanship was incredibly cunning, and his strength and speed were all top-notch.
A fierce glint flashed in his eyes; he knew he couldn't delay any longer.
"Open it!"
With a roar, Li Zhan unleashed a burst of crimson true energy, forcefully breaking through Liang Cheng's continuous sword strikes and creating a distance of several feet.
His chest rose and fell slightly, his hands clasped together in front of his chest, and a terrifyingly violent energy began to gather, making the surrounding air scalding and distorted.
"That's the killing move of the Burning Mountain Fist—Lava Eruption!"
A discerning disciple exclaimed in surprise.
Liang Cheng's eyes narrowed as he sensed the terrifying power that was about to erupt.
Instead of launching a preemptive attack, he took a deep breath and frantically activated the Broken Wave Technique within his body. His azure true essence surged out like a tidal wave, not only injecting into the Preemptive Blade but also replenishing the Hunyuan Gang Body in front of him, forming layers of defense.
"war!"
He thrust out both fists with fierce force!
A pair of iron fists erupted with true essence, forming a crimson sphere of light like a miniature sun, carrying a destructive aura as it hurtled towards Liang Cheng!
Liang Cheng also made a move at this moment.
He gripped the knife with both hands, raised it above his head, and his aura suddenly surged, as if he had become one with the knife in his hands.
This time, he finally unleashed the Mountain-Slaying Blade.
The blade flashed and fell silently.
But the next moment, a finely condensed blade of light collided violently with the crimson true essence on Li Zhan's fist!
The next moment, without any earth-shattering explosion, the raging crimson true essence was actually "cut open" by the thin line of blade light!
The raging fire elemental essence was gradually penetrated and disintegrated by the azure water elemental essence. The blade light continued its unstoppable momentum, cutting through the light sphere and continuing its attack on the horrified warrior behind it!
With a roar, Li Zhan concentrated all his remaining true energy into his arms, crossed them in front of him, and retreated rapidly!
"laugh--!"
His protective true essence was torn apart, and the blade's edge left two deep, bone-revealing wounds on Li Zhan's crossed arms, causing blood to spurt out!
The immense impact sent Li Zhan flying, tumbling off the edge of the ring. He staggered seven or eight steps before managing to regain his footing, his arms covered in blood and his breath weak.
He looked up at the ring.
Liang Cheng sheathed his sword and stood still, his breathing not fluctuating much, his gaze remaining calm.
The pale golden protective aura around his body slowly receded.
For a moment, the entire venue fell silent.
On stage, a glint flashed in Chen Xuanfeng's eyes.
The Mountain-Slaying Blade, Minor Mastery!
This kid is indeed incredibly perceptive; he's a true prodigy.
Ye Zhi Qiu couldn't help but cheer at this moment.
"Well done, junior brother!"
Although the disciples personally taught by Chen Xuanfeng of the Transmission Hall are all outstanding, with all three having broken through to the True Qi Realm, none of them have ever reached the top of the Heroes Ranking!
And Liang Cheng, the youngest disciple, finally accomplished this feat.
The deacon paused for a moment before announcing the result in a loud voice.
"Challenge successful! Liang Cheng wins! He's promoted to the top of the Heroes Ranking!"
Whoosh—!
After a brief silence, a tremendous clamor erupted, soaring into the sky!
Won!
Liang Chengzhen has won!
Moreover, they defeated Li Zhan, who was known for his ferocious attacks, in a way that was almost overwhelming!
Xiao Qingxue's cold gaze was fixed on the figure on the stage, and she remained silent for a long time.
Qin Wentian took a deep breath, his eyes filled with complex emotions, a mixture of resentment and determination to face the challenge again.
Liang Cheng slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. He glanced at Chen Xuanfeng on the high platform, then turned and stepped down.
First place on the leaderboard!
"Is there anyone else who wants to take on the challenge?"
The audience was completely silent.
In the corner, Fu Qingyun almost gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with jealousy as he stared intently at Liang Cheng. When Liang Cheng seemed to sense his presence and looked over, he quickly lowered his head.
Seeing that no one else would step forward to challenge, the headmaster of the main academy swept his gaze over the many disciples below the stage and began to announce the results of the challenges and their respective treatment.
Finally, his gaze fell on Liang Cheng, who stood tall and straight in front of him, and he announced in a loud voice: "Disciple Liang Cheng has surpassed his peers in this mid-month competition and has been awarded the top spot on the Heroes Ranking."
"According to the regulations of the main hospital, you are entitled to the following benefits:" 7
"First, the monthly contribution points have been increased to five thousand."
"Second, I obtained three bottles of Earth Spirit Pills and ten portions of Essence Tempering Liquid."
Each time an item was read out, a low gasp of amazement rose from the audience. These resources were enough to make any True Essence Realm disciple envious.
The gray-robed deacon paused briefly, then raised his voice slightly: "Third, the first person to reach the top of the Heroes' Ranking will be granted the qualification to cultivate in the Mystic Spirit Realm for one month!"
"The Mysterious Spirit Realm?"
Liang Cheng was somewhat surprised to hear this, as Chen Xuanfeng had not mentioned these things to him before. At this moment, Ye Zhi Qiu came to his side.
"The Mysterious Spirit Realm is engraved with a massive array, and the spiritual energy within is frighteningly dense, several times greater than that of the outside world!"
"I didn't tell you before because I didn't expect you to take first place. Junior brother, you must seize this opportunity. One month inside is equivalent to half a year of arduous training outside. It's an incredible opportunity!"
At this point, Ye Zhi Qiu sighed.
"However, I haven't personally experienced it yet, so I won't be able to enjoy this privilege for now. Once you experience it, you'll have to tell me what it's like."
Liang Cheng nodded slightly upon hearing this, then remained calm and bowed to the steward, saying, "This disciple obeys the order and thanks the headmaster for his generous gift."
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"I hope you cherish this opportunity, study diligently and never give up the training you received from the General Hospital."
As he spoke, the gray-robed deacon handed Liang Cheng a token that gleamed with a faint silver light.
"Three days later, take this token to the entrance of the Mysterious Spirit Realm in the back mountain, where the guardian elder will guide you inside."
"Yes."
Chuan Gong Hall.
Chen Xuanfeng was extremely satisfied with Liang Cheng's performance.
"Has the Broken Mountain Blade reached the minor mastery stage?"
Liang Cheng nodded.
Chen Xuanfeng could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.
"Good! Your talent is indeed extraordinary, and your will is firm. I won't say anything more. I hope you can adjust your mindset. I hope the Mysterious Spirit Realm will bring you some surprises."
Liang Cheng nodded in agreement, then took his leave and returned to Courtyard No. 42, where he sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing and strive to reach his optimal state.
Three days later, at dawn.
Following the instructions, Liang Cheng arrived at the depths of the mountain behind the main hospital.
This place is shrouded in mist and ancient trees reach for the sky; ordinary disciples are not allowed to enter without permission.
After passing through a maze-like forest, Liang Cheng was suddenly greeted by a valley entrance shrouded in a faint light.
At the valley entrance sat an elderly man in simple clothes with white hair and beard, blending into the surrounding rocks. Liang Cheng stepped forward and respectfully handed him a silver token.
The old man didn't even lift his eyelids, but stretched out a withered finger and gently tapped the light screen.
"Buzz"
The light curtain rippled like water, revealing a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through. Pure and rich spiritual energy rushed out from the gap, invigorating Liang Cheng.
"The term is one month. You will be sent out after the term expires. During this period, you must not damage a single tree or blade of grass in the secret realm, and you must not go deep into the core forbidden area. Violators will be severely punished."
The old man's voice was flat.
"Disciple understands."
Liang Cheng took a deep breath and stepped into the light curtain.
The scene before my eyes suddenly changed.
The sky above the valley was clear and blue, and what was most astonishing was the spiritual energy permeating the air, a dense, almost tangible, pale white mist that flowed slowly.
With each breath Liang Cheng took, he felt a cool, pure energy flowing into his limbs and bones.
Several quaint stone houses are scattered throughout the valley.
Liang Cheng looked around and found that the stone houses were not much different, so he chose one. The interior was simply furnished with only a futon, but it was exceptionally clean.
He put down his belongings, calmed his mind, sat cross-legged on the futon, and then began to circulate the "Broken Wave Technique".
As soon as he activated the technique, the dense, almost liquid spiritual energy around him seemed to be attracted and frantically converged towards his body.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, which originally required slow refining in the outside world, was easily absorbed and transformed here as if water had flowed into a channel, with the efficiency increased by more than several times!
Furthermore, since he possesses a fragment of the True Meaning of Crossing the Sea, his cultivation at this moment is even more effortless.
"What a terrifying training environment!"
Liang Cheng was deeply shocked.
No wonder the disciples of the main academy care so much about their ranking on the Heroes List. One day of cultivation here is probably equivalent to several days of hard work outside.
"Without fighting fiercely in the ring, defeating Li Zhan, and seizing this top spot, how could I have had such an opportunity?"
"The main academy has abundant resources, but they will only be allocated to the most capable and talented disciples."
"The path of martial arts is indeed like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind."
"Resources and opportunities must be fought for and seized by oneself!"
Once this thought arose, his already firm desire for martial arts became even more fervent and clear.
fight!
Compete with your peers, compete with the rankings, compete with heaven and earth!
Only by securing more resources, reaching higher positions, and touching upon stronger martial arts can one achieve true mastery!
He composed himself and stopped wasting this precious time.
The "Primordial Body Technique" and the "Broken Wave Technique" operate simultaneously, one forging the body's vital energy and the other condensing the true essence tide.
A faint golden luster appeared on the surface of the body, reflecting off the milky white spiritual mist around it.
The true energy within the body flows ceaselessly like the Yangtze River, and with each complete cycle, a noticeable increase can be felt.
When they were hungry, they ate the dry rations they had brought in; when they were thirsty, they drank from the clear and sweet spring outside the stone house.
Apart from necessary rest, he devoted all his time to cultivation.
Time flew by as I immersed myself in my practice.