My martial arts have no bottlenecks.

Chapter 22 Investigation

That night, in the reef cave.

Liang Cheng used the newly acquired iron marrow to prepare a medicinal ointment to temper his bones. The medicinal power penetrated, making the stinging sensation stronger, and his joints emitted a faint buzzing sound.

Two hours later, the exercise was completed.

The Complete Works of Stone Armor Technique (Fragment) (78/2000)

The progress is even more obvious; it truly lives up to its reputation as a superior iron marrow, with amazing effects.

The next day, Chen Bainian sent another large sum of resources: ten catties of iron bone marrow, a box of medicinal bath packets, and a note:

"Focus on martial arts and don't worry about anything else."

Liang Cheng put away the note and looked at the gradually brightening eastern sky.

He wants to become stronger. Chen Bainian's investment is not just out of kindness, but a heavy bet on the future.

……

Just as Liang Cheng continued to make progress, another disciple in the front yard of the martial arts school broke through to the Ming Jin level, became a disciple of Yang Wei, and entered the back yard.

It was the same old acquaintance, Li Mao.

However, Li Mao dared not show any superiority when facing Liang Cheng, addressing him as "Senior Brother" with utmost respect.

On the contrary, when facing Zhao Yuan, he showed no trace of his former sycophantic behavior, and even seemed to be taking advantage of his misfortune.

This action caused many people to frown inwardly, but no one said anything, since it was just an expression and no actual action.

However, Zhao Yuan had already restrained his arrogance and was not angry. Zhou Hu saw this and nodded in approval.

People need to experience failure to grow.

For Zhao Yuan, the previous defeat in the competition was not necessarily a bad thing.

……

night.

Inside the cave, the Iron Bone Marrow Ointment had been prepared. Liang Cheng took off his shirt and applied it, experiencing a burning pain that seemed to pierce his bones, but he remained unfazed.

He continued to hammer and forge, the medicinal power seeping wildly into his bone marrow, the humming sound of his joints growing louder and louder, and a lingering sheen appearing under his skin.

An hour later, the medicine was fully absorbed.

The Complete Works of Stone Armor Technique (Fragment) (84/2000)

Significant progress has been made, but it's not enough. The spring hunt is just around the corner at the end of March, and the more we improve our strength, the more confident we'll be then.

For the next twenty days or so, Liang Cheng ignored everything else, practicing standing meditation morning and evening, boxing during the day, and tempering his bones in the reef cave late at night. The disciples of the martial arts school were inspired by him and became even more diligent in their training.

By mid-February, their strength had steadily improved.

【Mastery of Hunyuan Zhuang (485/1000)】

【The Great Perfection of the Wild Bull's Strength (320/2000)】

The Complete Works of Stone Armor Technique (Fragment) (288/2000)

With ample resources, Liang Cheng's cultivation speed increased rapidly, and his current strength was comparable to that of Zhou Hu, who had reached the threshold of the Transformation Realm.

If we were to return to the Three Towns Martial Arts Tournament, even if Zheng Biao were at his peak, the outcome would still be uncertain.

Just as Liang Cheng was full of energy and continuing his cultivation, Chen Bainian's old servant Chen Fu rushed over, "Guest Liang, our master has a favor to ask of you, please help us."

Chen Fu's expression was grave. "Yesterday, three cargo ships returned from Qingshi Town. Last night, when they were almost at the Linhai Town dock, the ships and the crew disappeared."

Chen Fu lowered his voice, "This batch of goods is for the City Lord's Mansion. If it can't be found, the Chen family will be in big trouble."

"What does Master Chen want me to do?"

"The landlord has already reported it to the town's security office, but they're slow to act," Chen Fu said, bowing slightly. "You're a local, could you help investigate?"

After a moment's hesitation, Liang Cheng, realizing he had received many favors from Chen Bainian, felt it inappropriate to refuse: "I'll go ask him."

After sorting out his thoughts, Liang Cheng went to the dock to find Zhang Kui, who was a local strongman and would definitely know if there was any trouble at the dock.

Inside the Sea Serpent Gang's headquarters, Zhang Kui was listening to his subordinates report the accounts when he saw Liang Chenglai. He greeted him with a smile, "Young Master Liang, what a rare guest!"

"Chief Zhang, I've come today with a request," Liang Cheng said bluntly. "Three cargo ships belonging to the Chen family went missing yesterday just before reaching the dock. Have you heard anything about it, Chief Zhang?"

Zhang Kui's expression turned serious: "Such a thing has happened? I truly know nothing about it." He turned to his subordinates and asked, "Have you heard of it?"

All his men shook their heads.

"Guest Liang, dozens of ships come and go from Linhai Town's docks every day. Although I, Chen, am in charge of this area, I don't know every single ship." Zhang Kui said sincerely, "But since it's something you asked me to do, I'll immediately have my brothers inquire about it and let you know as soon as I have any news."

The words were well-spoken, but Liang Cheng sensed that Zhang Kui was trying to shirk responsibility; he didn't want to get involved.

"Then it will be hard work."

After leaving the Sea Serpent Gang's headquarters, Liang Cheng went to the town's security station. His old acquaintance, Liu Qi, after hearing Liang Cheng's purpose, smiled bitterly and said, "Young Master Liang, it's not that I'm not trying my best, but the station has already sent two teams to search for him, but it's difficult."

"Thank you for your trouble, brother. I'll treat you to drinks once this is over."

As he spoke, Liang Cheng secretly slipped Liu Qi a silver ingot. Liu Qi immediately patted his chest and promised that he would do his best to search.

But two days passed without any progress.

Chen Bainian came to the martial arts school to find Liang Cheng, looking haggard: "These three ships of goods cost ten thousand taels of silver each, and they were tributes to the city lord's mansion. If they can't be found, the Chen family's business in Linwu City this year will probably be ruined."

"Does Master Chen have any enemies?"

"In business, who doesn't have a few enemies?" Chen Bainian shook his head. "But I can't think of anyone who would dare to make a move in Linhai Town."

After seeing Chen Bainian off, Liang Chengzhong went to the dock to investigate the matter. On the way, he ran into Er Gou, who looked nervous.

"Brother Cheng, I heard something. Last night, Da Tou got drunk and was bragging at the dockside liquor store, saying something like, 'Some money looks hot, but you still have to take it.' Someone asked him if he had made a fortune, and he drunkenly said, 'The wealth of three boats is enough to live on for a lifetime.'"

Liang Cheng's eyes narrowed: "What else did he say?"

"That's all. He was helped away later." Er Gou swallowed hard. "Brother Cheng, don't tell anyone I told you."

"Okay, don't worry."

After seeing Er Gou off, Liang Cheng found Da Tou in the courtyard of the Sea Serpent Gang's back street.

When Da Tou saw Liang Chenglai, he was taken aback: "Brother Cheng? What brings you here?"

"Three cargo ships belonging to the Chen family trading company have gone missing. Do you know any clues?" Liang Cheng asked directly.

Big Head looked blank: "How would I know? Brother Cheng, I'm in charge of loading and unloading at the dock now, the ships aren't my responsibility."

"I heard you were talking about the profits from three boats at the liquor store last night..."

"Brother Cheng, I never said anything like that. Is someone spreading rumors? Even if I'm a scoundrel, I wouldn't dare touch the Chen family's goods!"

Liang Cheng stared at him: "You really don't know?"

"I really don't know!" Big Head stared directly at Liang Cheng. "Brother Cheng, I'm living a good life now, I can't afford to get involved in that kind of thing."

Having said that, Liang Cheng didn't press the matter further.

Tell me if you have any clues.

"Of course."

Liang Cheng turned and left, while Da Tou's face was grim, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

Liang Cheng didn't return to the martial arts school, but went to the beach not far from the pier. Chen Bainian's men found several fresh pieces of ship plank on the shore.

Following the debris downstream, we found the shipwrecks in a secluded bay. The remains of three cargo ships had been towed here and deliberately damaged to look like they had run aground.

The goods had already been moved out, leaving only some worthless junk.

The person in charge was very careful and left no clues, but to accomplish this task, a manpower shortage was essential.

Thinking of this, he looked around. This bay was secluded, but only five miles from the dock, and it was bound to be a patrol area for the Sea Serpent Gang.

The fact that they could tow three ships away right under the noses of the Sea Serpent Gang without being detected made him suspicious, especially considering Big Head's earlier reaction.

But when he was about to keep an eye on Da Tou, he discovered that Da Tou had been sent out by Zhang Kui and was not at home.

Want to cover it up!