Chapter 163: Exceptional Talent

Chapter 163: Exceptional Talent

West of the Outer City.

The Training Ground.

"If I'm not mistaken, that should be him!" Hong Minghu slowly spoke.

"Oh?" Gongsun Yu was taken aback and turned to Hong Minghu with surprise, "Brother Hong, you know this person too?"

Hong Minghu explained, "Since I've come to Luo Water County, it's only natural that I'd inquire about everything big and small within the city. How else can I fulfill the Emperor's decree?"

Hearing these words, Gongsun Yu looked deeply into Hong Minghu's eyes.

"Indeed!" He nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Jiang Ning felt an incredibly intense gaze, a sensation that made him feel as if he were being watched by an extremely powerful presence.

He followed the direction of his perception, and his pupils constricted.

Although the training ground was vast, his extraordinary senses and exceptional vision allowed him to see far beyond what ordinary people could. Even those with far superior cultivation couldn't compare to his heightened senses.

He suddenly spotted the gray-robed man, Gongsun Yu, and the emblem on his gray robe.

It was the insignia of Medicine King Valley's sect.

Moreover, from the emblem, he could tell that this person was an elder from the Elder Hall of Medicine King Valley.

According to his knowledge, Medicine King Valley's influence spanned across Dongling County and its neighboring county, making their sphere of influence incredibly vast.

In such a situation, although Medicine King Valley wasn't known for its combat strength, its power was undeniable, and it was certainly not weak.

The Elder Hall, being the core of Medicine King Valley's strength, was comprised of the sect's most powerful individuals. Even the lowest-ranked elder would have undoubtedly reached the Seventh Stage.

What did 'peak' mean?

It referred to reaching the pinnacle of one's current realm, a state where there was no further advancement.

Such an existence, any one of them, was far superior to Liu Qingsong, an elder like him.

"Most likely a Sixth Stage Martial Artist, a Bone Forging Realm expert!"

"I'm no match for him!"

"Indeed, once a martial sect like this gets involved, it becomes extremely troublesome. They'll send stronger ones if you defeat the weaker, and older ones if you defeat the younger. It's like an endless supply, an inexhaustible force!"

Jiang Ning silently observed Gongsun Yu, his heart filled with endless complaints.

The arrival of Gongsun Yu, an elder from Medicine King Valley's Elder Hall, was both expected and unexpected for Jiang Ning.

He never imagined they would find him so quickly, not giving him a moment to catch his breath.

His heart was filled with a dense sense of foreboding.

If it were the previous opponents, Wang Jin could still offer some protection.

But now, Wang Jin couldn't handle this kind of opponent.

Although it was only a single step difference between the Sixth and Seventh Stages, the gap between them was undoubtedly significant.

"This is troublesome!"

Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

With all these thoughts, his heart underwent a sudden change.

"Begin!"

The man overseeing the assessment on the high platform spoke.

As these words landed, Jiang Ning focused his mind.

At this moment, nothing was more important than the Inspection Office's assessment.

With this in mind, he stepped forward and approached the 800-jin iron lock.

His right hand rested on the iron lock.

"Lift!"

Jiang Ning lightly commanded, and the 800-jin iron lock suddenly rose from the ground, then hovered in mid-air, level with his shoulders.

Jiang Ning's face remained calm, showing no signs of exertion. His heart rate was steady, and his breath was even. Everything was as it should be.

Witnessing this,

The man overseeing the assessment on the high platform fixed his gaze on Jiang Ning, his eyes narrowed in surprise.

"Impressive!"

He was secretly amazed.

Jiang Ning's performance was even more astonishing than Zhang Tiesheng's earlier display.

Undoubtedly, being able to lift the 800-jin iron lock with such ease meant he had already reached the Eighth Stage Divine Strength Realm.

Without attaining this realm, even with tempered muscles, it would be impossible to exhibit such strength without the support of a strengthened skin.

Jiang Ning's youthful appearance was evident at a glance, and he was undoubtedly in his teens.

At this age, in the Eighth Stage, he was considered a prodigy in the county, let alone the larger county seat.

The county had far fewer resources than the county seat, and martial guidance was also scarce.

Being poorer and more backward, the number of powerful individuals was naturally fewer.

At eighteen or nineteen, to be called a prodigy in the county, let alone the county seat, was an exceptional feat.

"Exceptional talent!" The man on the high platform secretly praised.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

With Gongsun Yu's arrival, Hong Minghu also paid special attention to Jiang Ning.

Witnessing this scene, he nodded slightly.

"A promising talent!"

Gongsun Yu's expression also changed slightly. His gaze intensified as he looked at Jiang Ning.

Suddenly, he spoke, "Brother Hong, please have this young man come over and answer a few questions for me. I suspect he knows something about Elder Liu Qingsong's death."

"Look again!" Hong Minghu said, his eyes not even lifting, his tone indifferent.

"Brother Hong, the loss of the Prince of Huai'an's tribute has already enraged the Valley, and now Elder Liu's unexpected demise will surely infuriate the Valley Master if this news reaches him," Gongsun Yu slowly spoke.

"Are you threatening me?" Hong Minghu's tone suddenly turned stern, and the atmosphere grew heavy.

"I dare not! You are the trusted confidant of the Great Elder, sent to Luo Water County as the new Prefect. How dare I threaten you!" Gongsun Yu seemed to think of something, his tone softening.

Then he continued, "But this matter concerns the Prince of Huai'an's reputation, and the Valley Master has instructed us to thoroughly investigate."

"What does this have to do with me?" Hong Minghu asked, "Anyone from the Inspection Office dares to act recklessly, and they will die! Outside of the Inspection Office, I don't care!"

"Brother Hong, you're quite bold!" Gongsun Yu looked at Hong Minghu, his eyes suddenly sharp as if two divine swords were piercing Hong Minghu.

Hong Minghu suddenly laughed, "What, do you want to fight me here?"

Hearing this, Gongsun Yu's aura suddenly deflated.

To fight Hong Minghu here, he was already a Fifth Stage Martial Artist, one of the top three in the Valley.

He was no longer the same as before!

Hong Minghu had met him a few times in the past, but he was only a Sixth Stage Bone Forging Realm Master.

A difference of one stage, and now they were worlds apart.

Gongsun Yu naturally had full confidence in winning, but even if he did, it would be meaningless. He couldn't escape this training ground.

A Sixth Stage Master, both inside and out, was like copper and iron.

Even with Fifth Stage Divine Might, it wouldn't be easy to defeat him.

Moreover, once his inner breath was exhausted, there wouldn't be much difference between a Fifth and Sixth Stage Master.

Under a group attack, he would surely perish.

On the other side.

Jiang Ning's display of strength hadn't been intentionally reserved.

Since he wanted to compete for the position of Deputy Commander, he couldn't hold back much of his strength.

When the Inspection Office was first established, Mother Yong questioned if it was the best time to rise in rank, and he naturally wanted to seize this opportunity.

If he missed this chance, even with the strength in the future, it would be like climbing out of a pit, not easy to rise.

"Pass!"

The man on the high platform spoke indifferently.

Boom—

Jiang Ning lightly tossed the iron lock in his hand, and the ground rumbled, vibrating slightly.

In the wooden shed.

Wang Jin saw this and laughed, "Elder Yu, what do you think? How is my disciple?"

At this moment, Wang Jin's face was flushed with pride.

A hint of envy flashed in Yu Yuan's eyes.

"You old fellow, you've really hit the jackpot, finding such a talented and gifted disciple."

"No wonder you were so confident and wanted to bet with me. Good thing I didn't fall for your trick."

Hearing this, Wang Jin's prideful expression intensified.

He could clearly sense the envious tone of the Divine Might Martial Academy's Master.

Wang Jin's disciples behind him watched, their mouths agape in astonishment.

"I'm not mistaken, am I? Brother Jiang is lifting this eight-hundred-pound iron lock with such ease?"

"You're not mistaken, it's just like that!"

"Doesn't this mean Brother Jiang might possess the strength of an Eighth Stage Martial Artist?"

"Probably so!"

"Brother Jiang, you're incredible!"

"..."

For a moment, everyone exclaimed in awe.

In the training ground.

Watching Jiang Ning's retreating figure.

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Li Qing's small mouth slightly opened, her eyes sparkling with surprise.

On the first day Jiang Ning joined the Martial Academy, she met Jiang Ning and personally received her.

At the time, she was amazed by Jiang Ning's memory but didn't think such a stunning disciple would have such unexpected fortune and achievements in the future.

After all, her remarkable memory, allowing her to remember everything she read, did help with martial arts to some extent.

But the help was ultimately limited.

In the path of martial arts, the most important things were one's foundation and comprehension.

Comprehension was hard to fathom.

As for one's foundation, on the day Wang Jin finished tempering Jiang Ning's bones, he gave an ordinary evaluation.

This proved that in the initial stages of martial arts, a martial artist with an ordinary foundation would progress slowly.

With a limited lifespan and peak golden period, future achievements would be constrained.

But at this moment, Jiang Ning's performance completely shattered her perspective.

Easily lifting the eight-hundred-pound iron lock.

This display seemed even more impressive than Zhou Xing, the Squad Leader.

And she knew Zhou Xing had reached the Eighth Stage.

This clearly proved that Jiang Ning, her junior disciple, had crossed the threshold of the Eighth Stage Divine Strength Realm.

In just over three months of martial arts training, reaching the Eighth Stage, was truly astonishing.

Li Qing looked at Jiang Ning, her eyes filled with continuous admiration.

At this moment.

Zhou Xing, standing next to Li Qing, also slightly paled.

Eighth Stage Martial Artist?

Huff—

He let out a soft sigh, "An Eighth Stage Martial Artist, that's quite something. Good thing we're not enemies."

But Zhao Hu, standing beside him, felt differently.

Seeing this scene, his face suddenly changed, and he secretly regretted his decision.

At the same time, his feet involuntarily took a half-step back, making him less noticeable behind the group.

On the viewing platform.

Lin Qingyi, dressed in a blue robe, had appeared there at some point.

She watched the scene in the training ground without a hint of surprise.

A faint smile played on her lips.

"It seems the Vajra Pill has been thoroughly refined by him, so it's not surprising he's reached the Eighth Stage. It's quite an achievement."

"But does that girl regret seeing this?"

Lin Qingyi thought of this and glanced at Lin Jiaye, who was not far away on the viewing platform.

At this moment, Lin Jiaye's face slightly changed, and she seemed to give a perfunctory response and smile to the man beside her.

At this moment, everyone on the training ground remembered Jiang Ning's face.

An Eighth Stage Martial Artist's strength, in Luo Water County, was not something easily found.

Especially at such a young age, it was worth remembering.

On the training ground.

Jiang Ning returned to the front of the group.

"Jiang Shidi, your progress is truly exaggerated!" Zhou Xing was the first to praise.

Zhou Xing now seemed more enthusiastic than before.

Jiang Ning spoke, "Senior Brother Zhou, you're exaggerating. It's just good luck!"

Hearing this, Zhou Xing couldn't help but show a hint of envy.

He didn't think Jiang Ning was being humble.

Without luck and opportunity, it was impossible to reach this stage in such a short time.

"Jiang Shidi, you're truly formidable!" Li Qing's eyes also revealed a hint of surprise.

Seeing this, Zhou Xing couldn't help but smile.

He naturally understood Li Qing's interest in Jiang Ning.

Especially after today, Li Qing's heart was clearly stirred.

Zhao Hu, standing beside him, felt even more jealous.

"Damn, this kid's got some serious luck. I wonder what opportunity he stumbled upon to reach this stage."

"Li Qing's a real bitch. I've been chasing her for so long, and she won't even give me a glance. Now, she's the one chasing after me."

"Damn!!!

Anger surged within Zhao Hu, but at this moment, he was weaker, so he dared not show any reaction.

If he couldn't beat him, showing arrogance would be asking for trouble.

A moment later.

Jiang Ning returned to the wooden shed.

"Master, I've fulfilled your command!" Zhou Xing clasped his hands.

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Good!!!"

Wang Jin glanced at the four of them, his eyes showing approval.

Four out of five passing the first test, and he was already satisfied.

Then his gaze fell on Li Qing.

Li Qing was eliminated, not because she lacked strength, but because she had only recently entered the Ninth Stage.

If she had two more months to settle, she wouldn't have been eliminated.

"Li Qing, don't be discouraged. With your family background, joining a sect is a good choice. The Inspection Office isn't your only option."

Li Qing clasped her hands, "I understand, Master! I've already prepared myself for this!"

"Before coming here, my father secured a disciple position in Bashu Prefecture's Sword Pavilion for me. Now that I've failed, I'll be leaving for Bashu Prefecture's Sword Pavilion in a few days."

"Sword Pavilion?" Wang Jin slightly nodded, "Sword Pavilion is a great sect, with a Great Grandmaster residing there. With your talent and family background, joining Sword Pavilion will ensure a future above me."

Li Qing clasped her hands, "Thank you for your comfort, Master."

Beside them, Jiang Ning overheard their conversation and was slightly surprised.

Bashu Prefecture?

Sword Pavilion?

A Great Grandmaster?

He didn't know Li Qing's father had such connections, securing a position in Bashu Prefecture's Sword Pavilion.

Impressive, Li Qing's father is quite capable!

After comforting Li Qing, Wang Jin looked at Zhou Xing and Zhao Hu.

"You two did well!"

Then his gaze fell on Jiang Ning.

"You're not bad either! An Eighth Stage Martial Artist, your physique must have improved since the beginning, right?"

Jiang Ning smiled, "I don't know bone-reading, so I'm not sure."

"Let me see your physique's changes!" Wang Jin said.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning stepped forward.

The next moment.

Wang Jin stood up, raised his hand, and patted Jiang Ning's shoulder.

Instantly, a powerful force surged into Jiang Ning's body, his muscles and bones resonating, and his entire body shook.

"Top-notch!!!"

Wang Jin's eyes widened, looking at Jiang Ning in disbelief.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end