The human body’s meridians are divided into twelve main meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. The twelve main meridians are distributed in the limbs, namely the three yin meridians of the hand, the three yang meridians of the hand, the three yin meridians of the foot, and the three yang meridians of the foot.
When internal energy flows through the twelve main meridians, one reaches the realm of a second-rate martial artist.
Lian Cheng’s comprehension was extraordinary. He had already grasped the essence of the Purple Mist Divine Skill, which was why his cultivation speed was so fast.
In less than three days, his internal energy had transformed into Purple Mist internal energy and began to furiously impact the twelve main meridians. He did not stop. Within another three days, he had successfully opened all twelve meridians.
Feeling the surging internal energy in his body, Lian Cheng was overjoyed.
He directly drew his Cold Light Sword and first performed the Huashan Sword Technique. Internal energy flowed through him and his sword, making him feel like his strength had increased to an unimaginable level, six or even ten times stronger than when he was a third-rate martial artist.
Then, he performed the Nurturing Sword Technique, the Hīyí Sword Technique, the Jade Maiden Eighteen Swords, the Snake and Eagle Life-and-Death Struggle, the Lian Cheng Sword Technique, and the Lingbo Weibu step by step.
Indeed, his strength had increased significantly. Perhaps he could even hold his own against a first-rate martial artist.
Of course, this was just speculation. He had to test it out.
The Huashan sect happened to have two people who could serve as test subjects. Naturally, Lian Cheng did not hesitate. He immediately decided to leave seclusion and head straight for the study. Yue Buqun and his wife should be in the study now.
However, Lian Cheng was wrong. Only Linghu Chong was in the study.
“Second Junior Brother, you’re out of seclusion… Um?! You, you, you’re a second-rate martial artist?!”
Linghu Chong circled Lian Cheng in shock, his voice stuttering. “I just finished memorizing the Purple Mist Divine Skill, and you’ve already reached the second-rate level! Truly, you are Second Junior Brother, talented beyond compare. I must work harder!”
This aspect of Linghu Chong’s personality was very good.
He didn’t feel that Lian Cheng surpassing him was stealing his thunder; instead, he was happy for Lian Cheng.
Lian Cheng nodded and asked, “Where are Master and Mistress? Why are you the only one here?”
Linghu Chong sighed helplessly, “Master and Mistress are in seclusion. And you were in seclusion for the past few days too. I’ve been memorizing scriptures and managing the sect. It’s been so frustrating. But now it’s good. Since you’ve come out of seclusion, it’s my turn to go into seclusion. Second Junior Brother, the sect is now in your hands. Senior Brother is leaving!”
He immediately ran off, fearing that Lian Cheng would call him back.
Lian Cheng sighed. It seemed he couldn’t test his strength for now.
Fortunately, he also needed time to adapt to the strength of a second-rate martial artist and manage the sect. It wouldn’t be a problem.
However, the Huashan sect’s manpower was still too small. Several people were in seclusion, leaving only a few little kids behind. This wouldn’t do. He had to cultivate more people quickly.
Lian Cheng left the study and saw Liang Fa, Shi Daizi, Gao Genming, and Lu Dayou playing with the junior apprentice sister.
Liang Fa was the oldest, but he was only ten years old, still quite young.
It was perfect. You have to cultivate masters from a young age.
Lian Cheng waved to Liang Fa. “Third Junior Brother, come with me to the study. I have something to tell you.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Fa quickly left the game and ran over to the study with Lian Cheng. However, Lian Cheng leisurely brewed tea, making Liang Fa uneasy.
Although everyone admired the senior and second senior brothers, the second senior brother was always serious, making Liang Fa a little afraid.
Fortunately, Lian Cheng finally spoke. “Third Junior Brother, our Huashan sect is short-staffed. When Master, Mistress, and Senior Brother are in seclusion, there’s practically no one to manage the sect. I thought, even though Third Junior Brother is young, you have a steady personality. You should be cultivated.”
Liang Fa’s eyes lit up. He immediately patted his chest and said, “Second Senior Brother, whatever you want me to do, just say it. I’ll definitely do it!”
Children are like this. If you think they are small and look down on them, they will be resentful. But if you give them tasks and let them take on responsibility, they will feel like you treat them as adults, giving them a sense of responsibility.
A sense of responsibility will make a child grow up quickly and become responsible!
This was Lian Cheng’s first step in cultivating Liang Fa!
Of course, children are still children. They need not only responsibility but also rewards as encouragement, which will give them a sense of accomplishment.
Lian Cheng smiled. “Third Junior Brother, your Huashan Sword Technique is the best. So, for the next month, you will lead your junior brothers and sisters in sword practice. Can you do it?”
“Of course!”
Liang Fa assured him, “Second Senior Brother, rest assured. I will definitely take good care of my junior brothers and sisters!”
Lian Cheng nodded in satisfaction. “Very good. Third Junior Brother, do your best. In half a month, I will teach you the Lingbo Weibu!”
“Second Senior Brother, are you serious?!”
“Of course, I’m serious!”
“Great! Second Senior Brother, don’t worry, I will definitely complete the task!”
Liang Fa was overjoyed. He knew how powerful the Lingbo Weibu was. It was thanks to this skill that Second Senior Brother could evade Master’s pursuit. Once he learned it, he would definitely reach the same speed.
He could also be praised by Master and Mistress, earning the admiration and envy of his junior brothers and sisters, just like the senior and second senior brothers!
“Very good. Go, remember to practice diligently and not waste your time. I will have many more and even more important tasks for you in the future. Without strong power, you won’t be able to handle them. Of course, if you do well, the rewards will not be small either. You know my Lian Cheng Sword Technique, right? I might pass it on to you someday.”
“Yes! I will not let Second Senior Brother down!”
Liang Fa walked out of the study with high spirits.
His junior brothers and sisters gathered around him, asking him what was going on.
He proudly looked down at these little kids, feeling like he was an adult, different from these little kids, because Second Senior Brother had assigned him a task!
“Ahem! Second Senior Brother said my Huashan Sword Technique is the best, so I will lead everyone in sword practice from now on!”
Wow! The little kids were envious.
After all, it had always been Master, Mistress, Senior Brother, and Second Senior Brother who led them in sword practice. All four were very powerful. Now, Third Senior Brother would lead them in sword practice. Didn’t that mean Third Senior Brother was also very powerful?
Liang Fa felt great satisfaction from the admiration of his junior brothers and sisters.
Lian Cheng watched, finding it both amusing and touching. The world of children was truly simple!
For the next month, Liang Fa actively led his junior brothers and sisters in sword practice and even took care of them in other aspects. This was the benefit of taking on responsibility. Liang Fa’s character was growing rapidly.
Lian Cheng also kept his promise and taught Liang Fa the step sequences of the Lingbo Weibu, allowing him to practice daily.
He himself continued to familiarize himself with the strength of a second-rate martial artist, mastering various sword techniques and also spending time each day specifically cultivating the Purple Mist Divine Skill, striving to reach the first-rate level as soon as possible.
A month later, Linghu Chong left seclusion.
As expected, he had successfully entered the second-rate realm, his strength greatly enhanced.
His first act after leaving seclusion was to find Lian Cheng for a fight. This was not to compete for a higher or lower ranking but to test his own strength.
Lian Cheng was looking for an opponent, so he naturally wouldn’t refuse.