Chapter 71: Gao Sheng |
Over the next few days, Chen Qing consolidated his realm, familiarized himself with the power of transforming strength, and continued practicing the Toad Fishing Force.
Zhou Liang would also occasionally explain his own experiences and insights.
Chen Qing's mastery of transforming strength power became increasingly skillful.
He even gained new insights into the through-arm boxing techniques. Some moves that previously seemed "useless" now appeared like killing moves, and his strength had increased considerably.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and the Blue Scale Assembly was held as scheduled.
The venue was at Gaolin County's largest martial arts training ground, the "General's Platform" located in the northeastern corner of the inner city.
In front of the General's Platform's massive arched stone gate, crowds surged and noise shook the sky.
Banners from various martial halls and factions fluttered in the cold wind.
When Zhou Liang arrived with the group from Zhou's courtyard, two figures were already standing beside the gate waiting.
A thick-backed simple blade hung at his waist, its scabbard ancient and simple, faintly emanating an aura of deadly intent.
The other man was somewhat stocky, wearing a dark green silk robe. His finger joints were thick and covered in calluses. This was Cao Tieshan, the chief manager of the weapon forging shop.
His face bore the genial smile typical of merchants.
These two were famous figures in Gaolin County, serving as joint witnesses for this Blue Scale Assembly, holding revered positions.
"Master Zhou, we've been waiting," Wu Peng clasped his fists, his voice resonant.
"Brother Zhou, your bearing surpasses that of the past," Cao Tieshan also smiled and cupped his hands, though his gaze couldn't help but fall on Chen Qing behind Zhou Liang.
Zhou Liang quickly returned the courtesy, "To trouble Chief Escort Wu and Manager Cao to personally welcome us, Zhou feels unworthy of such honor."
He stepped aside, bringing Chen Qing forward, and introduced him, "This is my disciple Chen Qing. He was fortunate enough to achieve a breakthrough recently, so I brought him today to see the world."
Wu Peng's thick eyebrows rose slightly, showing just the right amount of surprise and approval, "Excellent! Truly heroes emerge from the young! Zhou's courtyard has a successor. Congratulations!"
They had also heard news that Zhou's courtyard had a disciple who broke through to transforming strength.
So young, they wondered what his true strength was like.
In others' eyes, a transforming strength expert was a transforming strength expert, but there were distinctions within this realm.
Cao Tieshan also stroked his beard and laughed, "Young friend Chen achieving such accomplishment at such a young age, his future is limitless! Master Zhou, you've taken on a good disciple and taught him even better!"
Chen Qing, neither humble nor arrogant, clasped his fists and bowed, "Junior Chen Qing greets Chief Escort Wu and Manager Cao. You two seniors praise me too highly. This youth doesn't dare accept such praise. In the future, I will still need guidance from you two seniors."
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Liang led his disciples through the tall stone gate under the watchful eyes of Wu and Cao, officially entering the core venue of the Blue Scale Assembly.
Upon entering the grounds, the clamorous sound waves grew even stronger. Several gazes shot over, including scrutinizing, curious, and even hostile looks.
Zhou Liang walked steadily, heading straight toward the main viewing platform area to the north.
"Brother Zhou!"
At this moment, a middle-aged man with refined features who looked more like a teacher smiled and walked over, sizing up Chen Qing as he said, "This must be that disciple Chen Qing who broke through to transforming strength, right?"
"That's correct."
Zhou Liang said, "This is Zhang Shicheng, Master Zhang."
Chen Qing clasped his fists.
Zhang Shicheng smiled, "No need for formalities, a young talent indeed."
After the two exchanged pleasantries, Zhang Shicheng finally left.
"That martial master just now is from the west side of the city. His family's inherited 'Cotton Cloud Palm' has reached profound depths," Zhou Liang introduced to Chen Qing in a low voice as they walked.
Soon, several more people came forward to chat. Zhou Liang introduced them one by one, then looked toward the martial halls' direction.
Several figures with condensed auras had already taken their seats there, all top experts of Gaolin County.
Tianju Martial Hall's master Zhao Kaishan, Guangchang Martial Hall's master Liu Suifeng, Hongyun Martial Hall's master Lin Hongyu, Jinghong Martial Hall's master Deng Feihu and other experts.
The Tianju Martial Hall master was a burly, tall middle-aged man who practiced Mountain Opening Fist, fierce and domineering.
Guangchang Martial Hall's master Liu Suifeng had white hair and beard, a lean figure, wearing a gray cloth robe washed to a fade, looking like an ordinary old man at first glance.
He was an veteran transforming strength expert of Gaolin County. His "Cloud Piercing Finger" was renowned for its precision, swiftness, and strong penetrating power, once hailed as Gaolin County's number one transforming strength expert.
However, his qi and blood had declined with age, his strength no longer at its former peak, though his residual might remained.
As for Hongyun Martial Hall's master Lin Hongyu, she was the only female hall master present, appearing to be around forty, still charming, wearing striking fire-red martial attire.
Her posture was upright, her legs particularly long and powerful.
Jinghong Martial Hall's master Deng Feihu was currently sitting with eyes closed, cultivating his spirit, his aura calm as water, as if the outside clamor had nothing to do with him.
Besides Zhang Shicheng, there were several other martial masters from various courtyards, either keeping very low profiles or advanced in years with declining qi and blood.
"These are all the true top experts of Gaolin County," Zhou Liang said to Chen Qing in a low voice. "They rarely gather together normally. Today at the Blue Scale Assembly, you can get to know them."
Chen Qing knew that Zhou Liang's careful introductions were to prevent him from suffering major losses when traveling in the future.
Chen Qing's gaze swept over these experts, memorizing each of their faces.
"Old Zhou!"
At this time, Liu Ze and Shen Zhenzhong approached with their disciples.
Zhou Liang smiled and greeted them, "We're late."
Chen Qing thought to himself that from this perspective, his master and the other two "sticking together for warmth" wasn't too bad in terms of strength. After all, three transforming strength experts would make any ordinary faction think twice.
Just then, an even louder commotion came from the entrance.
The crowd automatically parted to create a path.
The people from Pine Breeze Martial Hall had arrived.
Hall master Shi Wenshan led the way, beaming with joy and smiles, constantly cupping his hands in greeting to all sides.
The disciples following behind him were all in high spirits with impressive bearing.
Shi Wenshan's gaze swept over the main viewing platform. When he saw Zhou Liang and the others, not only did his smile not diminish in the slightest, it became even more enthusiastic.
He strode over with large steps, laughing loudly from a distance, "Ha ha ha! Brother Zhou! Brother Liu! Brother Shen! It's been too long! And fellow colleagues, Shi arrives late, please forgive me!"
His voice was resonant, his posture very humble, as if he were an old friend who hadn't seen Zhou Liang for years.
When he approached, he clasped his fists heavily toward Zhou Liang, "Brother Zhou, I heard that your courtyard has produced a young talent. This is truly wonderful news! Congratulations! Everyone at Pine Breeze also feels honored!"
His eyes seemed sincere, his tone earnest, as if he truly felt happy for Zhou Liang and Chen Qing.
However, Chen Qing, standing behind Zhou Liang, clearly caught that flash of coldness that passed through the depths of Shi Wenshan's smile.
The more enthusiastic this smile was, the more false it became. Dogs that bite don't bark, indeed.
Chen Qing's inner alarm bells rang loudly, though his expression remained unchanged.
The Zhou courtyard disciples following behind Zhou Liang, Sun Shun, Zhou Yu and others, their gazes passed over Shi Wenshan's hypocritical smile and finally settled on the black-clothed figure behind him, Gao Sheng.
When they saw Gao Sheng's indifferent face, a chill instantly shot from the soles of all Zhou courtyard disciples' feet straight to the tops of their heads.
That once high-spirited, exceptionally talented Qin Lie had been on the martial examination platform, beaten by the person before them using the most vicious and ruthless methods, his spine shattered, his major tendons destroyed, ultimately ending up in a deranged state.
