Cultivating for Immorality: I Evolved Martial Arts into the Immortal Path – Chapter 95

Chapter 95: A Dark and Stormy Night

Chapter 95: Night of Darkness and Strong Winds

“Enough!”

These two simple words, though plain, were deafening.

Many martial artists present had heard this voice.

Their expressions changed, and they cupped their hands in salute towards the direction of the voice, shouting in unison, “Greetings, Alliance Leader!”

Martial Alliance Leader!

One of the only four Skin Tempering Realm experts in the county town!

In the darkness, a thin and wiry old man slowly walked out.

He wore coarse cloth clothing, his beard and hair were white, and his aura was unremarkable, just like an ordinary old man.

At first glance, it was hard to associate him with the Alliance Leader of the county’s Martial Alliance.

However, before him, both Hall Master Luo and Liang Han put away their previous hostility, sheathed their swords, and cupped their hands in salute.

“Alliance Leader!”

“Mm.”

The old man responded indifferently.

Though old, his eyes were bright, unlike the cloudy eyes of ordinary elderly people.

“Both of you are pillars of our Martial Alliance. Now, with turmoil brewing and demon beasts restless, cease your quarrel.”

He spoke with a raspy voice.

“After this demon beast matter is resolved, you can fight as much as you like. I can be your witness.”

“Yes!”

Luo Hong and Liang Han responded in unison, their attitudes respectful, without any objection.

Five Strands of Qi and Blood and Skin Tempering Realm, seemingly only a small difference, were actually two vastly different realms.

If they fought, even if they joined forces, they would not be a match for this old man.

The old man’s gaze shifted slightly, sweeping over Chu Liang, Wu Neng, and the others. He said, “I am aware of the reason for this matter.”

Hearing this, Wu Neng and the others’ hearts skipped a beat.

Chu Liang, however, remained calm.

The old man continued, “Wu Neng, you have no evidence for this matter. Let it go.”

“Yes.”

Wu Neng was unwilling but dared not disobey the Alliance Leader.

“If you have evidence, you can submit it to the Law Enforcement Hall, and the Law Enforcement Hall will decide.” The old man added.

“Yes.”

Wu Neng gritted his teeth. If he had evidence, why would he need to make such a big fuss?

It was precisely because he had no evidence that he needed to offer that treasure.

The old man said to Chu Liang, “Chu Liang, your talent is good. You should maintain your integrity, persist on your current path, and don’t stray.”

“Yes, thank you, Alliance Leader.”

Chu Liang cupped his hands and thanked him.

The old man spoke to both of them, appearing impartial.

However, discerning individuals could hear that the old man’s attitude towards Wu Neng was casual, while he praised Chu Liang’s “good talent.”

This difference made many present have additional thoughts.

“This Chu Liang is valued by the Alliance Leader. I must befriend him in the future.” Many thought to themselves.

Wu Neng and the others naturally also noticed this difference in attitude.

They felt very uncomfortable but dared not show it, only enduring it.

“If you two still want to fight, find a place outside the county town. Do not cause trouble within the county town again.”

The old man gave another instruction and then turned to leave.

He didn’t walk fast. His figure was thin and frail, his skin sallow, and he slowly walked into the darkness beyond the firelight.

The night wind howled, carrying his last words.

“Disperse!”

“Yes!”

Everyone responded in unison.

The disturbance dissipated just like that.

Through the words of Luo Hong, Liang Han, and the old man, everyone understood the cause of this incident.

It was actually because of Chu Liang and Wu Neng.

The connections of these two were too strong, unexpectedly able to mobilize two Hall Masters to confront each other, almost fighting in public.

“Truly worthy of Senior Martial Brother Chu.”

Within the martial arts hall, many disciples exclaimed in admiration.

Chu Liang was usually low-key, but when he did act, it was always a big deal.

This ability made them admire him.

“The stronger Senior Martial Brother Chu is, the greater the reputation of our Autumn Blade Martial Arts Hall. This is a good thing.” A disciple said.

“Yes, in the past two months, many people outside have been discussing our martial arts hall.”

“Some say our martial arts hall is even more powerful than the Black Sword Martial Arts Hall.”

“Hmph, it originally is more powerful than the Black Sword Martial Arts Hall!”

“…”

Speaking of Chu Liang, all the disciples felt a sense of pride.

Being in the same martial arts hall as Chu Liang was a great honor. After all, Chu Liang’s talent was recognized even by the local Martial Alliance Leader.

However, a few disciples’ faces were unnatural.

Liu Qiao’s face was ashen. He had wanted to see Chu Liang taken away, but in the end, he only heard the Martial Alliance Leader praising Chu Liang.

The surrounding discussions were like needles piercing his heart, making him extremely uncomfortable.

“Why is this Chu Liang’s luck always so good?”

Liu Qiao felt extremely distressed and couldn’t bear to listen anymore. He was also afraid that the surrounding disciples would notice him, so he eventually ran back to his residence like a frightened mouse.

After the news spread, several others felt as uncomfortable as he did.

For example, Young Master Xu Hua from the cloth shop.

“Chu Liang! Chu Liang!”

He grabbed his hair, his face pale, his mind in chaos.

“Even the Martial Alliance Leader praised him. What should I do? Will I never be able to take revenge in this life?”

“Trash! Just a single word of praise, and you’re defeated?”

Qi Hai shouted coldly, holding a sword scabbard, and fiercely whipped Xu Hua.

Pa!

A sharp pain struck, stimulating Xu Hua’s mind to become much clearer.

He trembled and couldn’t help but feel grateful. Looking at Qi Hai, he whispered, “Master…”

“You are young, your life has just begun. There will be many more setbacks in the future! That Chu Liang is just the first hurdle on your martial arts path. Step over it.”

“Yes, yes… Thank you for your instruction, Master.”

Xu Hua took a few deep breaths and hurriedly adjusted his mentality.

In terms of talent, he was among the top tier of geniuses in the county town, having condensed his first strand of Qi and Blood at a young age.

Before Chu Liang arrived, he was on par with Qi Yue and the others. He was also considered to have the potential to break through to the Skin Tempering Realm.

Falling behind a step now was nothing.

The one who laughs last laughs best!

At this time, Qi Yue, however, couldn’t adjust her mentality as quickly as Xu Hua.

Her delicate face was clouded. As soon as she heard the news, she crushed the teacup in her hand with a crack and fiercely threw it on the ground.

Bang!

Tea splattered all over the floor of the main hall.

The martial arts hall disciple who reported the news to her immediately shrank his neck, fearing her anger.

“You didn’t lie to me?” Qi Yue asked sharply, “Did Grandfather Alliance Leader really praise that Chu Liang’s talent?”

“Yes, Young Miss, those were the Alliance Leader’s exact words.”

“How is that possible?”

Qi Yue gritted her teeth, her beautiful eyes slightly reddened.

“Grandfather Alliance Leader has seen me several times, but he has never praised me. Every time, he just tells me to work hard.” She didn’t want to believe it, her fingers tightly clasped together, her chest heaving, her heart far from calm.

Outside the main hall, Hall Master Qi Hong sighed softly.

He didn’t enter the main hall but turned and left.

This night, some rejoiced while others worried.

In the Autumn Blade Martial Arts Hall, Qi Xiuliang bid farewell to Chu Liang and returned to his courtyard, so happy that he practiced his sword for a full hour before resting.

Li Ren left the martial arts hall with Luo Hong and went to the Martial Alliance, seemingly to discuss matters.

Liang Han also returned to the Martial Alliance with the people from the Law Enforcement Hall.

Time passed into the latter half of the night.

The entire county town became quiet again.

In the courtyard, Chu Liang hadn’t rested yet.

He sat quietly in meditation, his saber in front of him, his eyes slightly closed, waiting for news.

After a while, Rat One scurried back from outside and reported to Chu Liang, “Master, just as you predicted, Wu Neng and the others are unwilling to give up and left the county town on horseback overnight. They plan to go to Qing Shi Village and thoroughly search your home, trying to find some clues.”

“Good!”

Chu Liang suddenly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them.

Wu Neng had finally left the county town.

The time had come!

A dark and windy night, the perfect time for killing!