nownovels Chapter 86 Zhenlin Yue
Chapter 86 Zhenlin Yue
Chapter 86 Zhenlin Yue
Lin Yue and Liang Cheng stood facing each other. Lin Yue's aura erupted, trying to force Liang Cheng into submission.
Liang Cheng responded calmly, uttering only three words as his reply.
"Not good."
Lin Yue's expression changed, and Liang Cheng continued, "My position as the garrison commander was agreed upon by the City Lord's Mansion and the Martial Academy. How dare your Lin family speak so arrogantly to me? What can you do if I refuse to fight?"
However, I still agree to fight you, but this fight is not a wager; it's only because your arrogance has tarnished the reputation of the City Lord's Martial Academy.
Liang Cheng knew very well that if he wanted to gain the greatest benefit from the Dongshan Mine, the Lin family was an obstacle he couldn't bypass.
Wu Yuan's previous words implied that he had already figured it out: he was the one to solve the problem of Dongshan Mine, and he had to suppress all dissenting voices.
Liang Cheng then unsheathed his Zhengxian sword and handed it to Zhao Yuan behind him. He then took a step forward, causing the ground to tremble slightly. Lin Yue's face turned extremely ugly.
Liang Chengming knew that he was skilled in martial arts, yet he was so certain of defeating him without even using a knife. He was underestimating himself.
The next moment, Lin Yue's right fist struck straight at the center of the body. The force of the punch cut through the air and brought with it a muffled hum, as if the mountain rocks were collapsing.
Black Mountain Strength - Crushing Stone Fist!
Liang Cheng neither dodged nor avoided, but instead met the attack with a punch of his own, his light blue true energy enveloping his fist, colliding fiercely with the gray-black fist force.
Raging Bull Force - Mountain Collapse!
"Bang!"
The shockwave exploded, and Lin Yue took three steps back, while Liang Cheng remained completely still.
A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Yue's eyes. He had used seventy percent of his strength in that punch, and an ordinary True Qi Realm expert would never dare to take it head-on.
However, Liang Cheng not only accepted the challenge, but also gained the upper hand.
"Impressive skill."
Lin Yue abandoned his contempt and took the situation seriously. He advanced again, unleashing a barrage of punches that resembled towering mountains, blocking all of Liang Cheng's escape routes.
Black Mountain Strength - Layered Peak Style!
Liang Cheng unleashed his Dragon Steps, weaving through the shadows of fists without sustaining any injury. In the gaps, he exchanged blows, the sounds of metal clashing against stone ringing out incessantly. The force of his energy whipped up the pebbles on the ground, sending them flying in all directions.
Seven moves, eight moves, nine moves —
In his tenth move, Lin Yue suddenly changed his stance, transforming his right fist into a palm. The gray-black true energy in his palm condensed into a tangible substance, and with a heavy suction force, he slammed it towards Liang Cheng's chest.
Black Mountain Strength - Mountain-Suppressing Palm!
This palm strike, though seemingly slow, locked down Liang Cheng's entire body's energy, leaving him with no way to avoid it.
A glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes, and he held back no longer. The nine true qi seeds in his dantian trembled simultaneously, and pale blue true qi surged into his right arm. A dark golden luster flowed under his skin, and he threw a punch.
The power of a wild bull!
Breaking Wave Technique - Triple Force!
Their fists met silently.
The next instant, a violent burst of energy erupted from the point of their clash, cracking the ground and sending rubble flying. Lin Yue groaned and staggered back five steps, a tingling and stinging pain shooting through his palms.
Liang Cheng also took a step back, his chest heaving with blood and qi, but his breathing remained perfectly steady.
Lin Yue stared at him for a long time before slowly withdrawing his stance: "Guardian Liang, your skills are excellent. I, Lin, keep my word. From now on, you will set the rules for Dongshan."
He turned and walked away, but stopped after a few steps, his expression complicated.
"However, there is something I must say: there are some things at Dongshan Mine that you should not touch. I hope you will take care of yourself."
After saying that, Lin Yue strode away.
At this moment, Zhao Yuan quickly stepped forward: "Senior brother, are you alright?"
Liang Cheng shook his head, but his gaze was fixed on the direction where Lin Yue had disappeared.
"Are there things you shouldn't touch?"
The Martial Academy City Lord's Mansion clearly wants to suppress the Dongshan Mine on its own. What is there that cannot be touched?
For the next two weeks, Liang Cheng stayed in seclusion, diligently cultivating his skills while also taking decisive action to reorganize the mine. All the corrupt managers were imprisoned.
The Lin family remained silent, which surprised Liang Cheng. He thought the Lin family would jump out to stop it, but he didn't expect it to go so smoothly.
This warning has put everyone at Dongshan Mine on edge. Even the Lin family has fallen silent, and naturally no one dares to step forward.
For a time, the wages of Dongshan miners were stable, the entire mining operation was well-organized, and there was a thriving scene.
But under these circumstances, early in the morning, Li Mu pushed open the door and entered.
"Senior brother, something's happened. Three bodies have been found outside the garrison. One of the garrison guards had his heart ripped out."
Three corpses were laid side by side in the backyard of the garrison, covered with white linen. Liang Cheng lifted a corner of the cloth, and the wounds were indeed as Li Mu had said.
A hole the size of a bowl appeared in his chest, the edges of which were charred and curled, as if it had been instantly burned through by extremely high temperatures, and even the blood had evaporated.
Strangely, the surrounding clothes were completely undamaged.
"When was it discovered?"
"At three-quarters past midnight, the patrol team found them at the foot of the outer wall of the garrison. All three were monitoring the mine, but they died outside the garrison."
Liang Cheng crouched down and examined the edges of the scorch marks closely. The black color was not from ordinary burning; it was a dark, bruised hue, faintly exuding an sinister aura.
"Did anything unusual happen to these three people in the mine before?"
Li Mu shook his head. Liang Cheng thought for a moment and said, "Find out who they contacted yesterday, and then bring them over."
"Yes."
Liang Cheng was about to return to his study when Chen Ping suddenly approached and whispered, "Sir, I've seen this wound before. Back when we followed the Martial Arts Hall to wipe out the Zoroastrian cult, some brothers also died from this kind of wound."
"Zoroastrianism?"
Liang Cheng's heart sank, and he nodded.
"Thank you for reminding me, Captain Chen. I understand."
Chen Ping nodded, then fell silent again, stepping back to stand, displaying great discretion.
Half an hour later, Liu Da, the foreman of the miners, was brought over by Li Mu. His face was pale, and he knelt down as soon as he saw Liang Cheng.
"Guardian, spare my life!"
"Get up, come and look at these three corpses. Do you recognize them?"
Liu Da was stunned. When he saw the three corpses covered with white sheets, his body trembled, and he collapsed to the ground, crying out, "Guard, don't kill me!"
Li Mu kicked him. "I won't kill you. Answer honestly, do you know them?"
"I know them. They are the garrison guards who monitor the mine. We've had contact with them before."
"Did you see anything unusual about them before?"
"this----"
Liu Da's eyes darted away, and Liang Cheng flicked his finger, sending a wisp of cold air past Liu Da's ear, directly shaving off a lock of hair.
"I'll talk! I'll talk!"
Liu Da immediately spoke up, "Manager Lin Fu spoke to them before, but I don't know what they said!"
Lin Fu, the steward of the Lin family?
"Zhao Yuan." Liang Cheng turned around. "Take some men and come with me to bring Lin Fu here."
"yes!"
The Lin Family Mansion.
"Guard Liang!"
Lin Chong rushed over. After Lin Yue's probing last night, his wariness of Liang Cheng deepened. "I wonder what brings you here, Garrison Commander?"
Liang Cheng spoke calmly.
"Lin Fu is suspected of murder; I need to take him to his arrest and trial."
-
"Could it be a misunderstanding? Lin Fu has always been honest and kind, and he doesn't concern himself with external affairs, only managing the Lin family's internal affairs. How could he be involved in a murder case?"
"Young Master Lin, three of the garrison's personal guards have been killed. Lin Fu is very likely the last person to have contact with them. This garrison commander is arresting him according to the law. What's wrong with that?"
"Does the garrison have any evidence?"
Liang Cheng stared at him. "If Young Master Lin feels wronged, why don't we go to the garrison together and hear how Lin Fu explains himself? Your father should have told you that as the garrison commander, I set all the rules on the surface."
Lin Chong was speechless.
Liang Cheng said no more and escorted Lin Fu away.
As he walked out of the Lin family's gate, he glanced back and saw Lin Yue standing by the attic window, staring at him expressionlessly.
The garrison's dungeon.
Liang Cheng pulled up a chair, sat opposite Lin Fu, and placed the token on the low table between the two of them.
"Why did you kill my garrison guards?"
Lin Fu, chained up, trembled all over: "Governor, I'm innocent! Even if you gave me ten lives, I wouldn't dare to harm the garrison's guards!"
"What did you say to them at the mine yesterday around 3 PM?"
-
Liang Cheng's gaze was sharp as a knife, fixed intently on Lin Fu.
Lin Fu's eyes flickered: "I didn't say anything, we just happened to run into each other and exchanged a few polite words—"
"Praise? The only thing those three had in common yesterday was seeing you, and then they died that very night. Lin Fu, do you think I'm a fool, or do you believe the Lin family can protect you?"
Lin Fu's face was deathly pale, and his lips were trembling. Suddenly, a commotion came from outside the window, and Zhao Yuan rushed in immediately.
"Senior, there's a fire in the direction of the mine!"
"Fire has broken out in the direction of the mine!"
Zhao Yuan's voice was urgent, and a fierce glint flashed in Liang Cheng's eyes.
"Zhao Yuan!"
"exist!"
"You immediately take thirty guards to the mine, fight the fire with all your might, control the scene, and forbid anyone from approaching the No. 3 mine shaft. Investigate the cause of the fire, and if anyone obstructs you, arrest them on the spot!"
"yes!"
Zhao Yuan turned around and rushed out.
-
"Li Mu, you take the remaining guards and strictly guard the garrison, especially the dungeon. Without my order, no one is allowed to approach Lin Fu."
"clear!"
Li Mu nodded solemnly and drew his sword.
Liang Cheng finally looked at Chen Ping, who had been standing silently in the corner: "Captain Chen."
Chen Ping clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Greetings, garrison commander."
"I request that you lead a few skilled men from the Armory Hall to immediately seal off the three streets and alleys surrounding the garrison, allowing entry but not exit."
I suspect this fire is a diversionary tactic; some accomplices are trying to take advantage of the chaos. They'll send a signal as soon as anything happens.
Chen Ping's eyes flickered slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "The garrison commander has thought things through thoroughly. I will go and do it immediately."
Chen Ping accepted the order and quickly divided his nine men into three groups, each guarding a street corner and setting up makeshift barricades. Their movements were swift and efficient, showing that they were experienced soldiers.
Only Liang Cheng and Lin Fu remained in the dungeon. Liang Cheng took two steps closer and looked down at him. Lin Fu was still trembling. Liang Cheng didn't say anything, turned around and left the dungeon.
Lin Fu lay slumped on the rack, his face ashen white.
Outside the garrison, chaos reigned.
-
In the distance, black smoke billowed from the direction of the mine, flames shot into the sky, and cries and running sounds carried on the wind. Miners' families ran in panic in the streets, children wailed, and it looked like the end of the world.
Liang Cheng ascended the stone steps in front of the garrison, channeled his inner energy, and shouted across half the street: "Listen up, everyone! The fire has been brought under control. Anyone not involved should immediately go home and stay inside. Anyone who runs around spreading rumors will be executed on the spot!"
His voice was as steady as iron, carrying the unique pressure of a True Qi Realm cultivator, instantly suppressing most of the noise. Several miners who were originally in a panic were stunned in place.
"It's Commander Liang—"
The garrison commander said he could control it—
The crowd calmed down a bit. In the past two weeks, Liang Cheng had established a reputation, and everyone was still somewhat skeptical.
Liang Cheng told the two guards who remained behind, "Make a commotion with gongs and drums, and announce along the streets that every household should prepare water and guard their doors, and not gather together."
"yes!"
Liang Cheng then unleashed his Dragon Step, leaping onto the rooftop and speeding towards the mine.
The thickest smoke was indeed coming from the No. 3 mine shaft and the adjacent storage area, but what made his heart sink was that the fires were not all in one place; at least three or four fires were erupting at the same time!
This was definitely not an accidental fire.
Mining site.
Zhao Yuan had already arrived with his men. The garrison guards were organizing the miners to fight the fire, but the fire was extremely large, especially since the warehouse next door contained a large amount of dry wood and a small amount of kerosene for support, and once it started burning, it was difficult to contain.
"Senior Brother Zhao!"
A martial arts academy deacon, his face covered in soot, rushed over. "The fire is the biggest at the entrance of Cave Number Three; you can't get close at all! There are people inside throwing burning wood out!"
"What?"
Zhao Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, at the entrance to Cave 3, which Liang Cheng had sealed off, flames were flickering, and a figure could be vaguely seen moving behind the flames.
"court death!"
He drew his sword and shouted to his ten guards behind him, "Follow me into the cave! The rest of you, continue fighting the fire and keep a close watch on the warehouse. We must not let the fire spread to other mines!"
"yes!"
Zhao Yuan used his powerful ox-like strength to protect himself and rushed into the fire first.
Thick smoke billowed from the cave, and the heat was scorching. But what shocked him even more was that about ten feet inside the cave entrance, a makeshift fire wall had been built using rubble and burning wood!
Behind the firewall, three men dressed in coarse miner's clothes but with their faces covered with black cloths were constantly throwing firewood soaked in kerosene toward the cave entrance.
Upon seeing Zhao Yuanchong enter, the three did not linger in battle. One of them blew a sharp whistle and turned to flee into the depths of the mine!
"Chase!"
Zhao Yuan was not about to let them go, so he drew his sword and chased after them. However, the three men were very familiar with the mine's paths, and after turning left and right, they actually went straight into an abandoned mine tunnel.
Zhao Yuan and his men chased for about half a cup of tea's time when a muffled "boom" suddenly came from ahead. A huge boulder that had been placed beforehand fell from above, completely blocking their path.
Zhao Yuan was forced to stop, his face turning ashen.
He suddenly remembered Liang Cheng's instructions: "Control the scene and don't allow anyone to approach."
"Go back!" Zhao Yuan decisively ordered. "Check the area where they just stopped!"
When Liang Cheng arrived, the fire in the warehouse had been mostly brought under control, but smoke was still billowing from Cave No. 3. Zhao Yuanzheng was leading people to clear the obstacles at the entrance of the cave. When he saw Liang Cheng arrive, he hurriedly stepped forward to report.
"Senior brother, it was arson. Someone is hiding in Cave No. 3, deliberately setting a fire and setting a trap to delay us."
"What are the casualties?"
"Seven or eight miners were burned, all with minor injuries, but I found this in a corner of the mine tunnel where they were staying."
He handed me a piece of charred cloth, on which was embroidered half a twisted flame.
Zoroastrianism!
Liang Cheng took the piece of cloth and held it in his palm.
Lin Mao, another steward of the Lin family, stepped forward, his face full of anxiety: "Governor Liang, this fire is strange. Cave No. 3 has been sealed off for days, how could someone still be hiding inside? If this burns down the mine tunnel, the losses will be—"
"Manager Lin."
Liang Cheng interrupted him, "During the closure of Cave 3, your Lin family was responsible for guarding the perimeter. Was there anything unusual?"
Lin Mao's expression changed, and he became somewhat anxious: "My family sent people to guard the place in shifts, but only to prevent outsiders from entering. Who knew there were people hiding inside—"
"That would be dereliction of duty."
Liang Cheng's tone was calm but unquestionable: "From today onwards, Mine No. 3 will be fully taken over by the garrison's guards, and all mine guards will be replaced by personnel from the garrison."
Lin Mao's expression changed: "This needs to be reported to the patriarch—"
"No need."
Liang Cheng looked at him and said, "You can go back to the Lin family now."
Lin Mao trembled, dared not say another word, and hurriedly left.
Liang Cheng stopped looking at him and said to Zhao Yuan, "Clear the entrance to the cave and send trusted people in to investigate thoroughly, especially the mine tunnel where they stayed. Turn over every inch of soil."
"yes!"
Just then, a sharp whistling sound came from the direction of the garrison, which was the distress signal that Li Mu had agreed upon!
Liang Cheng's pupils contracted.
Something fishy was definitely going on; they were using a diversionary tactic!
"Zhao Yuan, I'm leaving this to you. Chen Ping should already be on his way back to reinforce. You'll work with him to stabilize the mine. If anyone's being unreasonable, I'll give you the authority to act first and report later."
No sooner had he finished speaking than he transformed into a blur and shot off toward the garrison.
Outside the garrison, outside the dungeon.
Li Mu stood with his knife in hand, the bodies of two men in black lying at his feet.
But the people surrounding them were all masked with black cloths, their eyes were fierce, and the weapons in their hands gleamed with a ghostly blue light, clearly poisoned.
The dungeon door had been destroyed, but Li Mu and his personal guards blocked the entrance, refusing to budge an inch.
"Senior Brother Li, haven't Captain Chen's men arrived yet?"
A martial arts academy deacon was panting heavily, with a deep, bone-revealing gash on his arm.
"Soon!" Li Mu gritted his teeth and insisted, "We have to hold on, even if we can't. We absolutely cannot let them take Lin Fu away. Senior Brother will be here soon!"
The men in black seemed to be getting impatient and pounced at the same time!
Li Mu swung his sword to meet the attack. Although his opponent was also an ordinary master of internal energy, their combined sword strikes were fierce and ruthless. In just a few moves, Li Mu was forced to defend himself and was in grave danger.
"clang!"
One poisoned blade deflected his knife, while another seized the opportunity to stab him straight in the heart. Li Mu barely managed to turn to the side, the blade grazing his ribs and leaving a trail of blood.
He groaned and staggered backward.
Just as the poisoned blade struck again, a pale blue aura, carrying the force of wind and thunder, pierced the sky like a cold moon, arriving first despite being delayed!
"puff!"
The black-clad man wielding the knife had his arm severed at the shoulder, screamed, and flew backward. Liang Cheng's figure darted into the fray like a ghost, and the moment he drew his sword, all the black-clad men were sent flying.
"Liang Cheng!!!"
One of the men in black shouted, and then their jaws moved, crushing the poison hidden under their teeth. They collapsed instantly, dead.
The dozen or so people didn't hesitate at all, obeying orders without fear of death, and for a moment, there was complete silence.
Liang Cheng remained silent for a moment, then turned to Li Mu and asked, "How badly are you injured?"
"It's just a superficial wound, nothing serious."
Li Mu gritted his teeth and stood ramrod straight.
Liang Cheng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the corpses scattered on the ground. He squatted down beside one of the bodies, tore open its clothes, and revealed a complete crimson flame tattooed on its chest.
Zoroastrianism!
At this moment, Chen Ping led several soldiers from the Military Equipment Hall into the gate. His armor was stained with blood, indicating that he had also been in battle.
Just then, a guard suddenly ran out of the dungeon, his voice filled with panic.
"Shoulder, Lin Fu is dead."
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