My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 99 Annihilation of the Entire Family

Chapter 98 Annihilation of the Entire Family

The next morning, news that Liang Cheng had been attacked and killed by a True Yuan Realm cultivator and whose fate was unknown spread throughout the city immediately, reminding many people of the massacre of the Li family thirty years ago.

I'm afraid Linwu City will not be peaceful.

On that day, Shen Wenyuan personally went to the Martial Academy to visit Liang Cheng, but was refused entry by the academy. Unable to see Liang Cheng, he returned to the City Lord's Mansion in a gloomy mood.

On that day, Yue Shan led the guards of the city lord's mansion to search the entire city.

Unexpectedly, Wu Zhenshan, the treasurer of the Military Equipment Hall who had previously had a grudge against Liang Cheng, also led a group to cooperate with Yue Shan in the search.

For a time, the entire city of Linwu was filled with panic.

Three days later, Bai Hong, along with Lü Bingchen and Yan Song, personally came to the back mountain and asked Elder Huang, "When will Liang Cheng wake up?"

'

Just as Old Huang was about to reply, a soft groan came from the bed. Liang Cheng's eyelashes trembled, and he slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were initially blank, but quickly cleared as he struggled to get up.

Old Huang thought to himself, "This acting is just as good as mine."

"Don't move."

Having received the money, Old Huang, always reliable in his work, pressed Liang Cheng down, saying, "Your internal organs have just stabilized; moving around will worsen your injuries."

Liang Cheng nodded, looked at Bai Hong, and said in a hoarse voice, "This student greets the Dean, the Master, and the Head Master. Please forgive me for not being able to perform the proper greetings at this time."

Bai Hong looked at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "With your true essence attacking, you are already incredibly lucky to have survived. Since you are injured, there is no need for such formalities. However, please tell me in detail about your encounter with the enemy that night."

Liang Cheng composed himself and clearly recounted the entire process from leaving Jubaoxuan, encountering Xu Jinjiang, to being ambushed by the man in black robes.

"Xu Jinjiang himself admitted that he had been stuck in the True Qi Realm for fifty years without being able to break through, so he joined the Fire Worship Cult and practiced the Blood Erosion Technique in order to prolong his life and break through the realm."

"When that man in black robes made his move, the black true essence in his palm could devour light, and was chilling and bone-corroding. It was of the same origin as the evil style of the Xu family's Blood-Corroding Force, but it was more refined and domineering."

After a moment, Bai Hong slowly spoke: "The Blood-Eating Force is a technique that only outer sect protectors of the Fire Worshiping Sect can practice. It is an internal cultivation method. Xu Jinjiang has been in seclusion for ten years, and it seems that he is transforming his body and trying to break through to the True Essence Realm."

He then looked at Yan Song and asked, "How many people are left in the Xu family?"

Yan Song immediately replied, "There are seventeen direct descendants and forty-three collateral descendants, plus servants and guards, totaling more than one hundred and twenty people."

"Everything is under control within the mansion, and all properties and warehouses are sealed off. Not a single person can escape. If even one person escapes, I will hold you accountable."

A fierce glint flashed in Yan Song's eyes: "Understood, subordinate."

He then turned and strode away, and immediately a low, urgent command came from outside the pavilion.

Lu Bingchen looked at Liang Cheng and sighed, "Next time you get a clue, you can let us know. You might not be so lucky next time."

"Disciple understands."

"Good that you understand."

Bai Hong stood up. "You should rest here quietly. Elder Huang will look after you. Since the Martial Academy has appointed you as its true disciple, it will protect you. The Xu family's affairs require your personal attention, so take good care of your injuries."

He walked to the door, then stopped and turned back, his gaze falling on Liang Cheng, scrutinizing him carefully for a moment.

"Your foundation is even more perfect than I imagined. Just how many true qi seeds have you condensed?"

Five!

A meaningful glint flashed in Bai Hong's eyes, but he didn't press further: "Yes, take good care of your injuries."

After saying that, he led Lü Bingchen out the door.

The room fell silent again.

Old Huang gave a cold laugh and remained silent.

This kid recovered faster than I expected, and now he's out of danger. I doubt many people would believe it if I told them.

"Young man, too much of a good thing can be bad. Don't overdo it."

Liang Cheng nodded. Now that his goal had been achieved, it was time to put an end to this matter.

At this moment, he asked the disciple in charge outside Huang Lao's gate to call Li Mu over.

"How's it going? Any progress on what I asked you to investigate these past few days?"

"As my senior brother predicted, there is indeed something unusual."

After Li Mu explained in detail, Liang Cheng nodded.

"Keep an eye on them, but don't alert them."

"Yes, but, senior brother, what about your injury?"

"It's nothing serious, my mother probably doesn't know, right?"

"Yes, they're keeping it a secret. Nobody told her."

"Alright, let's head back to True Inheritance Peak first. We need to get down to business now."

"good!"

Three days later.

Xu Mansion, ancestral hall.

Liang Cheng, his face somewhat pale, stood with Yan Song, hands clasped behind their backs, before the ancestral tablets of the Xu family, with dozens of law enforcement officers behind them.

The disciples of the hall exuded a chilling aura.

Wu Zhenshan and Shen Wenyuan were also present. They greeted Liang Cheng with concern and then stood quietly to the side without saying a word.

Today's main focus is the Martial Academy. They don't want to take any action now, lest they provoke the Martial Academy and cause them to do something crazy.

Whether direct or collateral descendants, all the Xu family members knelt on the ground, their faces ashen and trembling. Xu Feng's expression was particularly grim.

He never expected that the Supreme Elder, who had been so accommodating after his father Xu Tianxing's death, would actually attack Liang Cheng in the dead of night.

At this moment, he suddenly thought of Xu Zhi. When Xu Zhang died, he was practically marrying into the Qiao family. Did he have the same complicated feelings?

At this moment, the disciples of the Martial Academy carried three camphor wood boxes and placed them in the center of the ancestral hall. Wu Zhenshan's gaze swept over the evidence boxes, revealing neither his joy nor anger.

The first box contained account books.

The records are densely packed with transactions between the Xu family and various forces over the past ten years. Nearly 30% of the items are marked with a small flame symbol next to them.

The second box contained letters.

Xu Tianxing's secret correspondence with various parties involved resource transfers, intelligence exchanges, and even arrangements for the Zoroastrian blood sacrifices.

The third box contained the actual items.

More than ten dark iron plaques, with flame patterns on the front and numbers such as "Jiaxu" and "Yihai" engraved on the back, are exactly the same as those Liang Cheng obtained from the Dongshan Mine and those he obtained from Xu Zhi.

"Now that the evidence is conclusive, do you have any objections?"

Yan Song's voice was icy cold, echoing throughout the ancestral hall.

Liang Cheng was actually a little puzzled. How could they have obtained this evidence so easily, as if it had been waiting for them to come?

However, Liang Cheng did not voice his doubts. It is likely that many people at the scene noticed something was amiss, but no one spoke up.

Using the Xu family, now devoid of value, to extinguish the Martial Academy's anger is the most appropriate thing to do. Liang Cheng also wants the Xu family to perish and settle the matter once and for all, so why create unnecessary complications?

"The Xu family colluded with the Zoroastrian cult to steal mines, seize resources, harm the innocent, and plot to cause chaos. According to the laws of Linwu City, they should be executed."

"Thump!"

An elder of the Xu family collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down his face: "Chief Yan, True Disciple Liang, spare us! These were all done by the Ancestors, by the Patriarch and the others! We knew nothing, we really knew nothing!"

"Unaware?"

Yan Song picked up a secret letter and opened it directly.

"Three years ago, on the seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, your Xu family sent thirty strong servants to Xishan outside the city under the pretext of purchasing supplies for the New Year. Three days later, thirty mummified corpses were found in the mass grave on Xishan. Did you sign this order?"

The elder's face turned deathly pale instantly. Yan Song threw the letter back into the box and glanced around the room.

"Xu Jinjiang is the mastermind, Xu Tianxing has already been executed, and you are accomplices. The Martial Academy does not punish those who are guilty, but it will not let any guilty person go unpunished."

He waved.

Disciples from the Enforcement Hall stepped forward and put handcuffs and shackles on all members of the Xu family. The specially made cold iron shackles could restrict the flow of true qi, let alone these disciples at the Transformation Realm and below.

"All of them will be beheaded and their heads displayed in public, and all of the Xu family's property will be confiscated."

After Yan Song finished speaking, he turned to look at Liang Cheng. Liang Cheng nodded slightly. Then Yan Song waved his hand, and the disciples of the Martial Academy escorted the Xu family members to kneel outside the Xu residence. The surrounding people watched and whispered among themselves.

It was midday, the sun was shining brightly, but the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Liang Cheng, his face pale but expressionless, declared: "The Xu family colluded with the Zoroastrian cult to steal mineral resources, harm the people, and plot rebellion. The evidence is irrefutable; their crimes are unforgivable. They should be executed according to the law to uphold justice and set an example for others!"

Liang Cheng's gaze swept over the desperate and terrified faces. He felt no pleasure, only determination. The cause and effect of everything had to be settled today.

"cut!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the black-clad executioner standing behind the Xu family members raised his ghost-headed dagger, the gleaming blade tracing a cold arc.

Then the head fell to the ground, and the surroundings fell silent instantly.

This move by the Martial Academy has once again brought to mind the events of thirty years ago: never mess with a true disciple of the Martial Academy, or your family and clan will be wiped out.

Everyone looked at Liang Cheng with an even greater sense of awe than before. This nineteen-year-old boy had wiped out a family and clan without batting an eye; he was a ruthless man.

Regardless of the expressions of the people present, Liang Cheng nodded to Shen Wenyuan and the others, and then returned to the Martial Academy with Yan Song.

The entire Xu family compound was sealed off, and this time, martial arts academy disciples guarded it layer by layer, preventing anyone from getting close.

"Let's go back to the Martial Arts Academy."

From this day forward, the once-renowned Xu family will be wiped out of Linwu City.

The secret passage was dark and winding, filled with the smell of mildew and aged stone powder.

Li Mu, holding a dimly lit fluorite lamp, led the way.

Liang Cheng followed behind him, almost blending into the shadows, moving forward silently.

"arrive."

Li Mu stopped in front of a seemingly ordinary stone wall, placed his hand on a spot on the wall, and pushed with all his might, the stone wall vanished without a trace—

It slid silently inward, revealing a cramped, secret room.

The room contained only a table and a chair, with a dim oil lamp casting a haggard shadow on a figure dressed in coarse cloth.

Hsu Feng.

Xu Feng, who should have been beheaded and displayed to the public, was unexpectedly alive. This was something Liang Cheng had secretly done with Li Mu's help: swapping Xu Feng with a death row inmate, a fact unknown to anyone.

Xu Feng raised his head at this moment. His face appeared unusually pale in the flickering lamplight, and his eyes were bloodshot, but his gaze was calm, even carrying a hint of mockery.

He wasn't shackled on his hands or feet, but his dantian was destroyed, his cultivation was completely ruined, and he posed no threat whatsoever.

"Liang Zhenchuan has excellent skills."

Xu Feng's voice was somewhat hoarse when he saw Liang Cheng appear.

"Who would have thought that I, a dead man, would be sitting in this sunless place? Are you trying to squeeze every last drop of value out of me, or do you just need to vent your frustrations?"

Liang Cheng gestured for Li Mu to stand guard outside the door. Li Mu went out, and the stone wall slowly closed, leaving only him and Xu Feng inside.

Liang Cheng walked to the table, but did not sit down. He simply looked at Xu Feng calmly.

"Xu Feng, there's no one else here. There's no need to put on that act of resigning yourself to your fate."

Liang Cheng's voice was not loud, "After Xu Tianxing died, it was you who quickly stabilized the Xu family internally and made arrangements with all parties, so that although most of the Xu family's businesses were confiscated, the core businesses were not completely cut off."

"Xu Jinjiang has been in seclusion for ten years, not concerning himself with family affairs. You know better than anyone what the Xu family has done behind the scenes, and you know even better who is behind the Xu family."

Upon hearing this, Xu Feng's fingers, which were resting on his lap, twitched slightly, and his sarcasm deepened: "Liang Zhenchuan has indeed investigated thoroughly."

He changed the subject, "But so what? The Xu family is gone, and I'm now a fish on your chopping block. What use is it to me to know more?"

"For you, perhaps you can die knowing why, and maybe even make some people pay the price."

Liang Cheng was not angry. Instead, he stared sharply at Xu Feng, as if he could see through his feigned composure and reach his heart.

"The destruction of the Xu family was inevitable from the moment Xu Tianxing died in prison, but you were unwilling to believe it, and even more unwilling to admit it."

"Xu Jinjiang's desperate act this time only accelerated the process, but the one who truly pushed the Xu family to the brink of ruin was not you or me, but the people behind the Xu family."

Upon hearing this, Xu Feng remained silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, gradually becoming somewhat manic, his laughter echoing in the secret room.

"Hahaha, Liang Cheng, you really are a smart man, and a ruthless one too."

He laughed until tears almost streamed down his face, then suddenly looked up and stared intently at Liang Cheng. The pretense of composure in his eyes completely crumbled, leaving only a venomous hatred.

"Do you think I want to watch the Xu family's century-old foundation, and watch my father and my clansmen die one by one?"

'

"Do you think I want to be pushed around like a fool, only to be thrown away like a useless dog in the end?!"

"who are they?"

Liang Cheng asked directly.

Xu Feng took a few breaths to calm himself, and said, word by word, "The Martial Arts Hall, Wu Zhenshan, and behind him, the high and mighty Deputy City Lord Situ Lang!"

"The problem is, even if you know all this, would you dare to lay a hand on them? I suppose you're powerless. No matter how strong the Martial Academy is, do you have the guts to crash into them and get hurt?"

The name Xu Feng uttered didn't surprise Liang Cheng too much, since he had already guessed it beforehand.

"Is the Xu family just a front for them to amass wealth and handle dirty affairs?"

"White gloves?"

Xu Feng scoffed, his voice filled with self-mockery, "That's just a nice way of putting it. Our Xu family is just their vicious dog!"

"It's just that back then, our ancestor was about to make a mistake in order to break through to the True Essence Realm, and then he was used by them. We were made to do all the dirty and tiring work, and the shady things."

"Most of the profits from mining, black market transactions, and even cooperation with Zoroastrianism flowed to them."

"Our Xu family only gets scraps, yet we bear an enormous responsibility. My father, until his death, still hoped they could lend the Xu family a hand!"

At this moment, Xu Feng's voice was filled with suppressed anger and pain.

"evidence."

Liang Cheng said succinctly, "Since you hate them so much, provide evidence that you risked your life for them and make them pay the price."

Xu Feng looked at him: "You secretly spared my life just so you could take them down? Aren't you afraid? You almost died before!"

"Since they plotted against me and almost killed me, do you think I can just cower and turn a blind eye?"

Liang Cheng's tone was calm, yet it was filled with murderous intent. "I've always been a person who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and resentment. Your Xu family wanted to kill me, so I made the Xu family disappear completely. As for them, either I die, or they are completely wiped out. There is no other way."

"Given your cautious nature, I'm sure you wouldn't do nothing. So, could you tell me about the preparations you've made in secret?"

"good!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of mad, gleeful pleasure flashed in Xu Feng's eyes.

"Based on your statement, in the Xu Family Ancestral Hall, the third floor tile from the left under the offering table, use this as a base point and press the edges of the five surrounding bricks in a specific order."

"The order is top left, bottom right, center, bottom left, top right. After that, a secret compartment will appear, containing a secret book that my father secretly copied."

"It contains some information that can't be brought to light. While it's not enough to directly bring down Situ Lang, it can help you follow the clues and find a direction for your investigation!"

Liang Cheng silently noted it down and nodded.

"Thank you, but I have one more question for you."

"explain."

At this point, Xu Feng, who had even revealed his last secret, agreed without any hesitation.

"Xu Zhi died seven days ago. Have you seen him before?"

"Xu Zhi? Never seen him before."

Liang Cheng nodded, not disappointed, but Xu Feng took a breath and his eyes suddenly became somewhat strange.

"Since you told me to prepare to deal with Situ Lang before I die, I'll give you one more piece of information: do you know why Xu Zhi wants to marry Qiao Zhi?"

"Do you really think he's only after Qiao Zhi because she's pretty, or because he wants the Qiao family's pitiful assets?"

Liang Cheng's gaze sharpened.

"What do you mean?"

Xu Feng didn't take it seriously and continued, "Because of a legend that has been circulating for a long time but few people take it seriously, the Qiao family ancestors once had an extraordinary person who left behind something."

"It is said that this thing may be helpful in breaking through to the True Essence Realm, or even higher realms. Situ Lang wants it, and naturally, my Xu family is also interested."

"Xu Zhi approached Qiao Zhi initially on orders to investigate this matter, but unfortunately, that kid seems to have really fallen for Qiao Zhi later on, and he's become less efficient in his work."

"As for what that thing is, I don't know. Madam Qiao might know, but she's dead. Now, maybe only Qiao Zhi knows, or maybe even she doesn't know."

The Qiao Family's Secret Treasure?

Liang Cheng's mind raced, and he secretly made a note of the matter.

At this moment, Xu Feng seemed to have said everything he needed to say, and the secret room fell into a brief silence, with only the flickering light of the oil lamp.

Xu Feng's agitation and hatred gradually subsided. He slowly stood up, straightened his rough clothes, and his movements even carried a hint of composure.

"Liang Cheng".

"The Xu family wanted to harm you, and you destroyed my Xu family. This is karma, and today I will pay with my life to settle the score once and for all."

O

"Promise me that after I die, Situ Lang and Wu Zhenshan will be buried with my Xu family as soon as possible."

Liang Cheng looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded.

"it is good."

Xu Feng smiled at this moment, feeling somewhat relieved.

"I, Xu Feng, was once a martial arts genius, but I thought I had a brilliant plan and could bring glory to my family. In the end, I was nothing more than a pawn of others, and my whole family was wiped out. How absurd and laughable."

"If I am reborn, I will diligently cultivate martial arts so that no one can use me as a pawn again."

As soon as he finished speaking, he used all his strength to slam into the stone wall.

"Bang!"

A muffled thud.

Xu Feng swayed, his eyes quickly dimming. He looked at Liang Cheng, his lips moving, and finally uttered a few barely audible words.

"Don't let me die in the wilderness—"

Then, all breath was gone.

Liang Cheng stood there, looking at Xu Feng's corpse, his face expressionless. After a moment, he turned around and knocked on the stone wall.

Li Mu pushed open the door and entered, but his expression remained unchanged upon seeing the scene inside.

"Find a quiet place for a proper burial. Erect a blank tombstone."

"Yes, senior brother."

>