Chapter 157: The Aspiration for an Eighth Rank Official Position

Chapter 157: The Aspiration for an Eighth Rank Official Position

Wan Hua Tower.

At the open-air pavilion on the top floor.

When Lin Qingyi spoke those words, Lin Jiaer's heart trembled.

The next moment, Lin Qingyi continued, "Lin Jiaer, you took something from the tower without permission. Go and kneel under the sun for three hours."

"Yes, Auntie!" Lin Jiaer's delicate body trembled, and she silently agreed.

Then, Lin Qingyi turned to Little Green, "Little Green, you violated the rules. Go and kneel outside for two hours."

"Yes, Tower Lord!" Little Green respectfully knelt down.

Jiang Ning watched Little Green's lowered posture, and his heart couldn't help but feel a twinge of reluctance.

The scorching sun hung high in the sky.

Kneeling for two hours, if it were a martial artist like Lin Jiaer, it wouldn't be too bad.

With a strong physique, she could endure it.

But for someone like Little Green, who hadn't practiced martial arts, kneeling under the hot sun for two hours might lead to heatstroke or even fainting, endangering her life.

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment, then hesitated.

This was a matter for Wan Hua Tower, and as an outsider, he didn't have the right to get involved.

He secretly shook his head, putting the silver ticket he was holding into his pocket.

"What? Do you want to plead for them?" Lin Qingyi glanced at Jiang Ning, and from his gaze and expression, she could tell what he was thinking.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning calmly spoke up, "Sister Lin, I want to plead for Little Green!"

"You know how to cherish a beauty!" Lin Qingyi gave Jiang Ning a slight glance, "Fine! Since you call me sister, I can't refuse you this favor!"

Then, Lin Qingyi faced Little Green, who was walking towards the scorching sun, and said, "Little Green, considering that Jiang Ning pleaded for you, kneel outside for an hour and then come back."

"Remember, you are a member of the tower, and from now on, the tower's belongings should not be given to outsiders."

"Yes, Tower Lord!" Little Green knelt respectfully on the ground, "Thank you, Tower Lord, for your mercy!"

Then, she turned to Jiang Ning and knelt, "Thank you, Jiang Ning."

"No need for such a grand gesture!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

Little Green didn't say more but silently walked towards the scorching sun.

At this moment, Lin Jiaer also stopped and looked at Jiang Ning with hopeful eyes.

Kneeling under the sun for three hours.

Although with her Ninth Stage Mastery, it wouldn't cause any harm.

But she was already a beauty-conscious person.

Directly exposing herself to the sun for three hours would darken her skin.

Witnessing this, she realized how highly regarded Jiang Ning was in her aunt's heart.

Just a few words on behalf of a servant, and her aunt easily lessened the punishment.

If Jiang Ning could speak for her, the punishment would likely be much lighter, just like the servant's.

However, at this moment.

Jiang Ning faced Lin Qingyi and said, "Sister Lin, you are indeed beautiful and kind-hearted!"

Lin Qingyi smiled gently.

"Since you're so sweet, I'll give you another piece of information! It's about the Inspection Bureau."

As she spoke.

Lin Qingyi waved her hand towards her room.

A white paper flew towards her.

"Inner Breath is truly mystical!" Seeing this, Jiang Ning's heart was filled with longing.

This magical power was incredibly alluring to him.

It was so unscientific! And it was this very unscientific nature that attracted him.

No matter how strong, fast, or well-defended he became.

He was still a mortal, a flesh and blood human.

But Inner Breath, in Jiang Ning's eyes, was a truly extraordinary power.

A tangible, visible extraordinary power. After reading so many fantasy works, how could he not desire it?

Subsequently.

The white paper, telekinetically brought by Lin Qingyi, seemed to be held by an invisible force and gently landed in her hand.

"Take it! This is something I prepared for you early on! It contains most of the information about the Inspection Bureau. If you can achieve the Eighth Stage before then, you'll have a chance to become a captain."

"According to the structure of the Inspection Bureau, any captain is an official of the Great Xia with a Ninth Stage position! It's a real official position."

"This should be attractive to you!"

Hearing Lin Qingyi's words, Jiang Ning immediately took the white paper handed to him.

"Thank you, Sister Lin!" he expressed his gratitude.

Just then.

"Jia'er, why are you still standing there? Go and kneel outside!" Lin Qingyi spoke to Lin Jiaer beside her.

At this moment, Lin Jiaer, who had just turned her gaze towards Jiang Ning, glared at him with anger.

Being ignored for so long, anyone would feel displeased.

Especially someone like her, who was always favored and treated like a precious gem.

"Auntie, I'll go now!" Lin Jiaer spoke up.

As she spoke, Lin Jiaer bowed and walked towards the scorching sun.

"It's time for you to leave!" Lin Qingyi looked at Jiang Ning, patted her mouth, and yawned.

"Then I'll take my leave!" Jiang Ning bowed.

Lin Qingyi waved her hand towards Jiang Ning and gracefully walked towards her room.

Her figure was accentuated by the thin clothing.

At this moment, Jiang Ning was unaware of this scene, as his gaze was fixed on the piece of white paper in his hand, instantly captivated by one of the statements written on it.

"Eighth Stage, eligible to participate in the Patrol Team Leader Assessment."

"As long as you pass the assessment, you can not only join the Inspection Bureau but also obtain a Ninth Stage official position!"

"Moreover, there's also a chance to compete for the position of Deputy Commander!"

Jiang Ning muttered to himself as he stared at the piece of white paper in his hand.

His eyes instantly lit up with determination.

In an instant, he set his sights on the position of Deputy Commander.

Winning the position of Deputy Commander would grant him an Eighth Stage official rank.

Although this Eighth Stage rank was not a full Eighth Stage but a lower one.

However, in Luoshui County, even a lower Eighth Stage was considered a true big shot.

The Chief of City Guards in the yamen was also a lower Eighth Stage official.

The Commander-in-Chief of the City Guard Command, a full Eighth Stage, was one of the few in the entire Luoshui County.

The County Magistrate was one, a full Eighth Stage.

The Commander-in-Chief of the City Guard Command was another, also a full Eighth Stage.

As for those above the Eighth Stage, the entire Luoshui County had only two Seventh Stage high-ranking officials.

The Head of the Royal Guards outside the city and the County Lord within.

And who were these two people?

One held military power, commanded the stationed troops, and could mobilize the City Guard Command.

The other was the ruler of Luoshui County, the local emperor, and a true River Crosser who could force the three major families of Cao, Liu, and Xie to join forces.

From this, one could see the status of an Eighth Stage official.

It was only a step below the status of these two people.

If Jiang Ning could seize the position of Deputy Commander, obtaining a lower Eighth Stage official rank, it would be like ascending to heaven in one step.

It was well known that the Inspection Bureau was a true power-wielding institution.

According to Jiang Ning's understanding, it could be compared to the Jinyiwei of his previous life.

But in reality, the power of the Inspection Bureau far surpassed that of the Jinyiwei.

This was all because the ruler of the Inspection Bureau was none other than the Martial Saint who had dominated the world for eight hundred years.

The only Martial Saint in this world.

Therefore, every official in the Inspection Bureau held real power.

Having real power was a symbol of status.

However, Jiang Ning also knew that it would be extremely difficult for him to obtain the lower Eighth Stage position.

According to the intelligence records, these positions were almost exclusively reserved for the aristocratic descendants of the Martial Academy.

The Martial Academy was located in the county seat of Dongling Prefecture, within Dongling City.

This was the place where the Great Xia nurtured martial arts talents.

Those who could join the Martial Academy were either of noble birth or possessed unparalleled martial arts talent.

Aside from them, even the wealthy heirs struggled to enter the Martial Academy.

In the martial arts world, one's background was of utmost importance.

Lacking talent?

There were always post-natal elixirs to make up for it.

Weak Qi and Blood?

There were also powerful elixirs to strengthen them.

And those extremely precious things were not easily obtainable, even with money, without the right status.

Take, for example, the Tiger Pup Transformation Body Pill from Medicine King Valley.

Even if one had a noble background, they would become extraordinary.

In such a situation, to join the Martial Academy as an ordinary person and become a student was a testament to their exceptional talent.

One could imagine how extraordinary their talent was.

This talent would undoubtedly attract the appreciation and cultivation of many influential figures.

Jiang Ning deeply understood this.

If not for his extraordinary talent, how could he have gained the favor of Wang Jin, Shen Congyun, and Lin Qingyi?

Therefore, he was well aware that competing for the position of Deputy Commander against the place of the Martial Academy's elite would not be easy.

Moreover, there was no fairness in competing for the position of Deputy Commander against them.

However, no matter how challenging it was, Jiang Ning wanted to give it his best shot.

Obtaining an official position had countless benefits.

In this world, the Great Xia still reigned supreme.

Within the Great Xia's territory, officials represented righteousness and truth.

In the absence of invincible strength, righteousness and truth were two extremely important things.

Furthermore, joining the Inspection Bureau meant that even if the Medicine King Valley incident were to be exposed, there would be no need for excessive worry.

This matter could be resolved easily, as he would have the Great Xia and the mighty Inspection Bureau backing him.

How dare the Medicine King Valley dare to act against an official appointed by the Great Xia court?

Especially an official from the Inspection Bureau.

In this world, the Great Xia still held ultimate power.

Acting against a court official might make one a target of the Inspection Bureau's warning.

Jiang Ning was quite confident about this.

Moreover, by joining the Inspection Bureau, he would have access to advanced martial arts progression methods.

This was another reason Jiang Ning wanted to join the Inspection Bureau.

The benefits were numerous.

The only downside was that by joining the Inspection Bureau, he couldn't truly stay uninvolved and would have to take on some responsibilities.

However, there was another advantage: a true place to call home.

Even if the world became chaotic, places where the Martial Saint resided would remain stable for a longer time.

A Suitable Place to Settle Down

Time was the most precious resource for Jiang Ning.

With enough time, his cultivation technique would continue to break limits, and as his unique traits increased, his strength would become more and more extraordinary.

Comparing his current self to a month ago, the difference in strength was like night and day.

After bidding farewell to Lin Qingyi, Jiang Ning left the Wan Hua Tower.

He turned back to look at the top of the tower once more.

He could see Little Green and Lin Jia'er kneeling outside the tower.

After a glance, he averted his gaze.

If Little Green had knelt for two hours, he would have used the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique again to save her life.

After all, they had known each other for some time, and Little Green had always served him attentively during his visits to the Wan Hua Tower. It was only natural that he felt a sense of reluctance.

However, with Lin Qingyi's intervention reducing the punishment, half an hour would not be enough to take her life.

It was at this thought that Jiang Ning decided to let it go.

Afterwards, Jiang Ning headed straight home.

With this mission accomplished, he only wanted to return quickly and absorb the resources he had acquired over the past few days, thus enhancing his strength as soon as possible.

The stronger he became, the greater his chances of obtaining the position of Deputy Commander.

In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.

Jiang Ning

Source Energy: 143.7

Skills:

- Textual Understanding (Second Limit Break 1833/3000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses)



- Five Beasts Fist (First Limit Break 322/2000) (Characteristics: Five Viscera Essence Storage)



- Firewood Cleaving Blade Technique (Fourth Limit Break 5000/5000) (Characteristics: Lateral Thinking, Blade Like the Wind, Divine Blade Control, Unity of Man and Blade)



- Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique (Proficiency 1644/2000)



- River Wave Blade Technique (Mastery 48/1000)



- Invincible Body (Minor Mastery 453/5000)



- Water Proficiency (Fourth Limit Break 873/5000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Control, Water Spirit Affinity, Cloud and Rain Summoning)



These past two days had been incredibly fulfilling for Jiang Ning.

Besides cultivating, he spent his time absorbing the resources he had obtained in the previous days.

The Vajra Pill had already been completely refined by him.

And he had witnessed the power of this pill.

It had increased his strength to 3,500 jin, which was the effect of the Vajra Pill.

Now, he possessed a strength of 3,700 jin.

At this level of strength, he found that the muscle groups in his arms had reached their limit.

To further increase his strength, he would need to temper the muscle groups in other parts of his body.

With strength flowing through his entire body, his body was one unified whole.

The transformation of his entire body's muscle groups would naturally allow his arms to reach new heights in strength.

Besides the significant change in strength, the most notable improvement was the increase in Source Energy points.

His Source Energy points had skyrocketed from 51.8 to 143.7.

This drastic change was also due to his relentless eating over the past two days.

In just two days, he had consumed most of the White Dragon Fish meat, leaving less than thirty jin remaining.

Moreover, he had spent these two days immersed in water, constantly nourished by the Water Spirit.

His physical state was constantly recovering, and under such circumstances, it was as if he was continuously taking restorative medicines.

He had no fear of depleting his body's resources.

Although his Qi and blood energy were consumed rapidly, his physical state recovered just as quickly.

His stamina and vitality were virtually inexhaustible, and his efficiency reached new heights.

Even when his Qi and blood energy were depleted, they recovered at an astonishingly fast rate.

Therefore, every day, he visualized the furnace, using his internal Qi and blood energy as fuel. He repeatedly employed the Furnace Refining Technique to refine the pills within his body.

As a result, not only had he completely refined the Vajra Pill, but the Strength Enhancing Pill had also been fully refined.

However, he discovered that as his strength surpassed 3,000 jin, the effect of the Strength Enhancing Pill had diminished significantly, becoming much less effective than before.

On the other hand, the Vajra Pill continued to provide him with remarkable enhancements.

Additionally, the Vajra Pill had another effect.

As he digested the pill's power, he combined it with the Invincible Body's skin membrane refinement, which resulted in an unexpected outcome.

His Invincible Body experience points skyrocketed by four hundred points.

Although these four hundred points did not bring about a qualitative change, he still noticed that the strength of his skin membrane had increased by at least thirty percent.

A thirty percent increase undoubtedly had a significant effect.

Ordinary weapons were now unable to penetrate his skin.

He had truly become impervious to blades and arrows.

Furthermore, the Tiger Pup Transformation Body Pill within his body had also been partially refined.

By tomorrow, at most, he would refine the first Tiger Pup Transformation Body Pill, further enhancing his strength.

These past two days, his Source Energy points had skyrocketed precisely because of this!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end