Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

Chapter 52: Chapter 48: Deeper Level

The hall fell deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

The Lord Chief walked over, his face grim.

His name was Tang Yunlong. He was about forty years old, with a square face and eyes so sharp they seemed capable of piercing flesh.

The authority he had cultivated from years in a high-ranking position at the Patrol Office made the surrounding air feel heavy.

"No need to be nervous, young man."

Tang Yunlong’s voice was deep. Though his words seemed reassuring, they carried an undeniable aura of pressure.

"Blood Qi condensed using the deviant methods of the Red Moon Nunnery has a very distinct, chaotic fluctuation. Just hold out your hand and let me examine it to prove your innocence."

"Alright."

Chen Cheng was as calm as ever, extending his hand directly.

He knew better than anyone whether he had used any deviant methods.

As for the Endless Moon Breath he had learned last night, it was an Evil Technique that specialized in concealment. It was impossible for an outsider to detect.

The only concrete trace it had left in Chen Cheng’s body was the damage to his heart and lungs.

But that had already been completely healed by his Health-Preserving Traits.

Even Chen Cheng himself couldn’t feel the slightest abnormality, let alone an outsider.

Seeing Chen Cheng’s forthrightness, Tang Yunlong’s suspicion lessened considerably. He extended three rough, strong fingers and placed them steadily on Chen Cheng’s wrist.

This was a completely different technique from the bone-feeling methods Fatty Fang and Zhuang Zhen had used before.

It felt as if three streams of air flowed from Tang Yunlong’s fingertips, traveling into Chen Cheng’s meridians. They were deeper, steadier, more penetrating, and also faster.

After only two or three breaths, Tang Yunlong had already pulled his hand back.

For a moment, all eyes were fixed on him.

The corner of Xiao Yi’s mouth curled into a faint, cold sneer.

Before today, his attitude toward Chen Cheng had been one of extreme disdain, believing Chen Cheng wasn’t even worthy of him personally putting him in his place.

Today, however, he saw Chen Cheng as a potential threat. Now that he had an opportunity, he was determined to suppress him.

He had it all figured out.

’If Chen Cheng really did use the Red Moon Nunnery’s methods, Tang Yunlong will arrest him on the spot.’

’On the other hand, even if Chen Cheng is innocent, Tang Yunlong will discover his rock-bottom Root Bone. His prospects for an official appointment will be much worse, which will also directly weaken him.’

Because of this, no matter the outcome, Xiao Yi was happy to see it happen.

Nearby, Liang Guang shrank back, wracking his brain for a way to quickly and cleanly distance himself from Chen Cheng.

Chu Meng, Zhu Mingyuan, and Ye Qiluo were all staring intently at Chen Cheng.

If Chen Cheng had made any other mistake, the three of them might have stepped in to smooth things over and protect the reputation of Dragon Mountain Hall.

But if Chen Cheng was truly involved with the Red Moon Nunnery, he would be an apostate from an Evil Cult that the authorities were determined to eradicate. The three of them would never dare to protect him; on the contrary, they would have to cut ties with him as quickly as possible.

In the end, no matter how strong a Martial Arts Hall was, it could never be stronger than the authorities.

Otherwise, almost all Martial Artists wouldn’t aim to participate in the Martial Selection to become a Military Guard Officer.

"It was just a misunderstanding."

Tang Yunlong spoke slowly. As he looked at Chen Cheng, the last of his suspicion vanished completely, replaced by a hint of surprise, and even admiration.

"This young man’s Blood Qi is deep, solid, and flows with smooth Harmony. It shows faint signs of Yin Yang Balance and a union of the Rigid and Soft... There is absolutely no trace of any sinister, strange, or chaotic fluctuations in his Blood Qi."

Tang Yunlong paused, then added with emphasis.

"I can be certain that this young man has nothing to do with the Red Moon Nunnery’s evil methods!"

After saying this, Tang Yunlong glanced sideways at Xiao Yi.

"Also, this young man’s Root Bone is not as pathetic as you claimed..."

"Admittedly, if one uses ordinary bone-feeling techniques to check, he might indeed appear to have a rock-bottom Root Bone. But with my family’s ancestral technique, I can perceive deeper details."

"His Root Bone... or rather, his physique is almost pure and flawless, like a newborn baby... Perhaps even healthier and cleaner than a baby."

Tang Yunlong paused, then said in a deep voice.

"On the path of Martial Arts, a good or bad Root Bone is certainly important, but Heart Nature and diligence, Comprehension and physique, are also fundamental. It’s not unheard of for someone to have a sudden epiphany and break through a realm."

With these words, Tang Yunlong not only proved Chen Cheng’s innocence but also provided a plausible explanation for how Chen Cheng could have condensed his Blood Qi so rapidly.

The expression on Xiao Yi’s face froze instantly. His smug look shattered completely, leaving only panicked embarrassment as his face turned pale.

It was as if his words had suddenly cracked the frozen atmosphere in the room.

The gazes that had been as sharp as arrows instantly softened, some even taking on a re-evaluative, almost friendly quality.

"Oh! Junior Brother Chen! Look what a mess this has become... A misunderstanding! A huge misunderstanding!"

Xiao Yi truly had a knack for this. In an instant, he put on a chagrined and earnest expression, took a half-step forward, clasped his fists, and bowed.

"It’s all my fault. I spoke too rashly and almost caused you huge trouble... But I really didn’t know your actual situation, did I?"

"Everyone in the Middle Courtyard said you had a rock-bottom Root Bone. It’s not like I intentionally framed you, right?"

Xiao Yi’s face was full of sincerity, and he bowed even deeper.

"I am here, in front of all these distinguished guests, to give you a proper apology. I hope you, Junior Brother Chen, can be magnanimous and not take it to heart."

"Senior Brother, you exaggerate."

Chen Cheng’s expression was normal. He only let his eyelids droop for a moment, completely hiding the faint glint of coldness deep in his eyes, and said in a placid tone.

"It was just a small misunderstanding. The Lord Chief has already helped clear things up. Naturally, I won’t hold it against you."

"Junior Brother Chen is so magnanimous!"

Xiao Yi straightened up and said with a chuckle.

"Junior Brother, if you’re not interested in a position at the Patrol Office, I can introduce you to a good post. I can get a Monthly Allowance of six taels of silver there..."

"There’s no need for Senior Brother to trouble himself."

Chen Cheng cut him off cleanly before he could finish.

However, the surrounding disciples who were looking for appointments couldn’t help but show looks of envy.

An appointment was, after all, a part-time job. A Martial Artist who had condensed two wisps of Blood Qi would normally have a Monthly Allowance of around three taels of silver. Six taels... one might not even earn that much with a full-time job.

Everyone understood that Xiao Yi was able to earn this amount largely because of the halo effect of being a genius from the Inner Hall.

The extra money from his Master was, in fact, a bet on his future.

Ordinary Outer Hall Disciples could only watch with envy and jealousy.

"First Senior Brother."

Chen Cheng turned and walked to the other side, saying seriously.

"I already have an appointment and have made a gentleman’s agreement with my Master. As for here... I’ll take my leave."

"Go on."

Chu Meng didn’t argue. After Chen Cheng left, he just exchanged a look with Zhu Mingyuan and Ye Qiluo.

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