Chapter 261 - 135: The New Wave

The passenger ship slowly sailed away from the Dark Current Reef Area.

The thick fog gradually dispersed, revealing a faint glimmer of dawn where the sea met the sky.

On deck, Ye Zhiqiu directed the surviving sailors and guards to clear the aftermath of the battle, collecting the bodies and patching up the damage.

Liang Cheng stood by the ship’s rail, his expression calm as he gazed at the eastern horizon, which was gradually brightening.

"Junior Brother."

Ye Zhiqiu walked up to him and handed him a waterskin. "Have some water."

Liang Cheng took it and tilted his head back, gulping down a few mouthfuls. The cool liquid slid down his throat, suppressing the murderous intent churning in his chest.

"My family’s merchant ship will be here soon. I’ll report the details of this incident to Master. Unfortunately, these men had no identifying marks on them, and their weapons were common, mass-produced models. It seems they were veterans—very clean."

Liang Cheng’s eyes turned cold.

"Qian Wanjing."

"Most likely."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "But without evidence, the Main Courtyard can’t move against the Treasure Pavilion directly. I’ll report this to Master when I get back and have it investigated secretly. Since he’s made a move once, there’s no guarantee he won’t do it again."

"I understand."

Liang Cheng handed the waterskin back. "Thank you for everything on this journey, Senior Brother."

"We’re martial brothers. No need to be so formal."

Ye Zhiqiu waved his hand dismissively, then smiled. "But after this ordeal, you’ve surprised me more and more, Little Junior Brother. With your current strength, I’m afraid you’re already unmatched below the True Gang Realm."

"You flatter me, Senior Brother."

The two exchanged a smile.

「Half a day later.」

The Ye Family’s merchant ship arrived. Everything was transferred to it, and some of the passengers and sailors, enticed by a generous reward, returned to Canglan Island with Ye Zhiqiu.

After all, with both witnesses and physical evidence present, they couldn’t afford to leave any loose ends.

After all, Fu Qingyun was dead. He was a Main Courtyard disciple, and even though he deserved to die, they had to make sure no one could find any fault with what happened.

"Junior Brother, we’ll meet again after the New Year. Give my regards to your mother."

"Take care, Senior Brother."

...

「Half a month later, the passenger ship arrived safely at the eastern port of Central Origin Island.」

Lin Wu City. He had arrived.

Without alerting anyone, Liang Cheng, dressed in a common blue cloth robe, walked out of the port with the crowd, his Zhenxian Saber wrapped in cloth and slung across his back.

Familiar sights on both sides of the street flashed by. With the New Year approaching, the city was even livelier than usual. The shouts of vendors and the laughter of children filled the air.

The aroma of cured meat and pastries wafted through the air.

Liang Cheng’s pace quickened unconsciously. After passing through several long streets, the Lin Wu City Martial Arts Academy came into view.

Compared to the grandeur of the Main Courtyard, the academy before him felt much more familiar and welcoming.

The entrance was unchanged, and the shouts from the training grounds could be faintly heard over the courtyard walls.

Just as he reached the main gate of the Martial Arts Academy, the two young disciples on guard duty looked over. One of them rubbed his eyes and cried out in disbelief:

"Senior Brother Liang Cheng?!"

The other disciple snapped to his senses, his face flushing with excitement. "It really is Senior Brother Liang! You’re back from the Main Courtyard!"

Their voices were not quiet, and they immediately caused several passing Martial Arts Academy disciples to stop and look.

"It’s Senior Brother Liang Cheng!"

"Which Liang Cheng? Could it be *the* one—"

"Who else could it be! The Senior Brother Liang Cheng from our Martial Arts Academy who got into the Main Courtyard!"

Muffled gasps and whispers spread quickly. Many disciples looked over with a mixture of curiosity and awe, but none dared to approach and disturb him.

Liang Cheng gave the gatekeeping disciples a slight nod. "I’ve come back for a visit."

"Please! Please, come in!"

The two of them hurriedly cleared the path, their backs ramrod straight as they watched Liang Cheng step into the Martial Arts Academy.

Inside the courtyard, other disciples also noticed him. They looked at him with varied expressions; the youth who had once left their academy had now become someone they had to look up to.

Liang Cheng’s expression remained calm. He simply nodded slightly at a few familiar gazes and continued without stopping, walking straight across the front training grounds.

...

「True Inheritance Peak, Courtyard Three.」

The courtyard gate was open. Before he even got close, he could hear the innocent laughter of a child and the voices of two familiar people chatting and laughing.

Liang Cheng reached the gate and saw Yang Wei by the stone table in the courtyard, holding a sturdy-looking little boy. He was teasing the child with a small, carved wooden horse.

Zhou Hu sat beside them, saying something with a smile while shelling peanuts.

"Master, Senior Brother Zhou."

Liang Cheng said softly, standing at the entrance.

The two men in the courtyard turned their heads at the same time.

Yang Wei was stunned for a moment, then his eyes filled with unconcealed joy. "Liang Cheng? How are you..."

Zhou Hu shot to his feet, strode over, and gave Liang Cheng a light punch on the shoulder, laughing heartily. "You rascal! You didn’t even give us a heads-up that you were coming back! We thought you wouldn’t get here until the end of the year! San Ya just went back to Linhai Town a couple of days ago. She was just saying how great it would be if you were back."

The child also stared at Liang Cheng with wide, curious eyes.

"The journey was smooth, so I arrived a bit early."

A smile touched Liang Cheng’s lips as he looked at the child in Yang Wei’s arms. "Is this Yang An?"

"That’s him."

Yang Wei looked down at his grandson, his expression softening. "Look at him. It’s been almost a year, and now the little guy can walk and run. He never stays still."

Liang Cheng’s gaze lingered on the child’s innocent face for a moment before he gave a gentle nod.

Zhou Hu pulled him down to sit. "Your timing is perfect. Your mother has been talking about you nonstop these past couple of days. I’ll go tell her right now—"

"No need."

Liang Cheng stopped him and stood up. "I’ll go myself."

He bowed slightly to Yang Wei. "Master, I’ll come back to talk with you later."

"Go on."

Liang Cheng crossed the small courtyard and walked toward the west wing.

The door to the room was ajar, and it was quiet inside.

He raised his hand and knocked gently on the door.

A slight stir came from within the room, followed by the sound of footsteps. The door was pulled open.

Lady Ning leaned against the doorframe, her eyes instantly turning red as she gazed at her son.

"Cheng’Er, is it really you?"

Liang Cheng stayed in the room and spoke with his mother for a long time. Lady Ning held his hand and asked about everything under the sun, from his food and lodging at the Main Courtyard to whether his cultivation was difficult. Her words were rambling, but filled with concern.