Chapter 176: Deputy Leader, Jiang Ning!

Chapter 176: Deputy Leader, Jiang Ning!

On the arena.

Clang!

As the blade descended, the powerful collision between the sword and staff created invisible sound waves that were visible to the naked eye.

With the two combatants at its epicenter, the dust beneath their feet trembled and was then propelled outward by an invisible force, spreading in all directions.

At the same time...

Yuan Fei was suddenly knocked off the arena.

Below the arena, the crowd near the edge also instinctively covered their ears.

As the powerful sound waves spread, they experienced a ringing sensation in their ears.

"Incredible!" The exam proctor was astonished, his face filled with disbelief.

Even though he was currently a Sixth Level Martial Dao practitioner, among the four deputy leaders, he was one of the top two. Yet at this moment, he was still amazed by Jiang Ning's blade technique.

The attack power of this blade technique far exceeded the limits of an Eighth Level Martial Dao practitioner.

Even an ordinary Seventh Level Martial Dao practitioner would struggle to withstand such an attack and retreat unscathed.

Under Jiang Ning's blade, Yuan Fei was sent flying several zhang away, finally crashing into the crowd.

"Wow! Jiang Ning is the first among more than ten captains, and he has secured the top position, claiming the deputy leader's position!"

"It's unbelievable! We didn't think Jiang Ning would make such a comeback and become the strongest one!"

"Indeed! It's truly astonishing! But this is what a true Martial Dao prodigy is like! A true prodigy always breaks free from the constraints of common sense and defies the world's understanding!"

"I'm so envious! From now on, when facing Jiang Ning, I'll have to call him 'Sir'!"

"Yes! Jiang Ning, at such a young age, has obtained an Eighth Level authority position. This kind of authority is no less than that of a county magistrate. It's like he's risen to the heavens in a single bound!"

". . ."

Witnessing the scene on the arena, the crowd couldn't help but exclaim, filled with astonishment and shock, their mouths agape and eyes wide.

On the other side.

Zhao Hu, upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but regret provoking Jiang Ning.

He quietly slipped back into the crowd, out of Jiang Ning's sight.

At this moment, he only wanted to minimize his presence.

In the spectator stands.

Lin Qingyi's slightly dazed gaze shifted, and she watched the arena intently.

"This little guy, how many more surprises will he bring me!"

"After three months of training, he's become invincible at the Eighth Level. With his mastery of saber techniques, I can't even dare to predict how powerful he'll become in the future!"

At the same time.

Lin Jiaye watched Jiang Ning standing on the arena, the sole remaining combatant, and her heart was filled with regret.

If she had known Jiang Ning could reach this point, she would have never refused her aunt Lin Qingyi's matchmaking efforts.

"I wonder if there's still a chance to make amends. After all, I'm quite the beauty!" Lin Jiaye thought to herself, deep in contemplation.

Below the arena.

Slap!

Wang Jin smacked his thigh, as Yuan Fei was wearing thin summer clothing.

The slap echoed loudly.

But at this moment, he ignored the pain in his thigh, his face beaming with joy.

"My disciple, how amazing is he!"

He turned to the nearby Yu Yuan.

At this moment, Yu Yuan's face was filled with envious jealousy.

Seeing Yu Yuan's expression, Wang Jin laughed heartily, feeling incredibly proud.

A student surpassing the master is the wish of nine out of ten teachers in the world.

As a teacher, who wouldn't want an outstanding disciple to inherit their legacy?

Especially with a disciple like Jiang Ning, who displayed such legendary prowess.

Wow!

That was Wang Jin's thought at this moment.

On the arena.

After unleashing his full power with a blade, knocking Yuan Fei off the arena and securing victory, Jiang Ning transitioned to a saber-wielding stance.

Then, he turned towards the exam proctor on the arena.

As he turned, his gaze swept across the entire half of the training ground, and it naturally passed over the central spectator stand.

At the center of the stands was where Hong Minghu was seated.

In that fleeting glance, Hong Minghu and Gongsun Yu's expressions were captured by Jiang Ning's eyes.

"It should be fine!" Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

He hadn't forgotten that during the exam, a person from Medicine King Valley had suddenly appeared beside Hong Minghu.

According to Jiang Ning's speculation, this person was undoubtedly a core member of Medicine King Valley's upper echelon.

Most likely, the news of Liu Qingsong's disappearance had reached Medicine King Valley, prompting this core member's arrival.

This person's appearance here, in Jiang Ning's heart, was undoubtedly an investigator who had traced something.

Although Jiang Ning didn't know how he could have traced it here.

However, Jiang Ning also remembered that this world was vastly different from his previous one, where a Martial Saint could dominate for eight hundred years.

In the world before the Great Summer, there were legends of immortals, gods, and demons. Therefore, it was only natural that this world had unfathomable and unimaginable methods and techniques.

Considering this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but treat the strong expert from the Medicine King Valley as someone who was targeting him. That's why he revealed his mastery of the Saber Aura to the many prominent figures at the most critical moment. This was also to increase his standing in the eyes of the crowd.

As the Martial Way's prodigy, there would always be people willing to invest in him and befriend him. Just like how he had showcased his talents in front of Wang Jin in the past, earning his appreciation, and subsequently, his support.

Later on, Shen Congyun valued him so much, not only because of Shen's personality and conduct but also because Jiang Ning had already gained significant importance in Shen's eyes. If Shen Congyun hadn't valued him enough, the outcome of the encounter with Cao Rong would have been uncertain, even with Wang Jin's protection.

Now, facing the strong expert from the Medicine King Valley, even after obtaining the Deputy Leader position and being on the verge of becoming a Eighth Rank Official, Jiang Ning could only choose to estimate and increase his precautions.

"I hope it's useful!" Jiang Ning thought to himself.

In his eyes, the only two people he could turn to for help were the new Prefect of Luoshui County, Hong Minghu, and Lin Qingyi.

Hong Minghu, being able to take on such a significant task, must have exceptional strength, possibly making him the strongest in Luoshui County.

As for Lin Qingyi, Jiang Ning still found him to be shrouded in mystery. From their interactions, Jiang Ning suspected that Lin Qingyi's strength might surpass even Shen Congyun's. The way Lin Qingyi controlled his Inner Breath so smoothly and effortlessly was a testament to this.

At the Arena, the Exam Proctor congratulated Jiang Ning, "Congratulations, Young Brother Jiang!"

The Exam Proctor then introduced himself, "I'm Ye Qiu, and I'm about ten years your senior. Do you mind if I call you Young Brother?"

Jiang Ning smiled and replied, "Not at all."

The Exam Proctor smiled back and continued, "I'm Ye Qiu, the Ye Qiu who knows the world's autumn when a single leaf falls."

Jiang Ning bowed and said, "I'm Jiang Ning, nice to meet you, Big Brother Ye."

Ye Qiu laughed and invited Jiang Ning to meet up later that night, saying, "If you're free tonight, let's get together!"

Jiang Ning agreed, and Ye Qiu handed him a golden Identification Token, saying, "Take this token, and when you have time, visit the Inspection Office. Engrave your identity on the back, and in the future, when people see this token, it will be as if you're there in person!"

Jiang Ning took the token and nodded, understanding. Ye Qiu smiled, feeling pleased, and said, "This terrible weather is finally ending, and I can go home and rest!"

Jiang Ning jumped down from the Arena and landed in front of Xie Xiaojiu, asking, "Is your previous offer to join me still valid?"

Xie Xiaojiu nodded, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Of course, it's still valid."

Seeing Jiang Ning become one of the last people standing among the ten captains and obtain the Deputy Leader position, Xie Xiaojiu realized the vast gap between them.

"I don't regret losing to him," Xie Xiaojiu thought to herself.

Jiang Ning saw Xie Xiaojiu's nod and smiled, saying, "In that case, after I sort out the Inspection Office's situation, I'll have you transferred to my team."

Xie Xiaojiu bowed and agreed, "Yes, sir!"

Jiang Ning was pleased to see Xie Xiaojiu's obedience. Since he had chosen the path of the Inspection Office, he needed to plan carefully and gather more people under his command. He wasn't there to be a mere laborer. His primary goal was still to cultivate and break through in the Martial Way.

The Inspection Office was just a temporary haven for him, representing the Warrior Saint, the imperial court, and the truth. In any world, the truth was always in the hands of a minority, those with absolute power.

Justice was the same; whoever had the power was the truth and justice. In this world, even if the Great Summer was no longer as prosperous as before, it was still a force to be reckoned with.

On the day of Daxia's collapse, the legendary Warrior Saint would inevitably pass away.

With the Warrior Saint's passing, the power of absolute truth and justice would no longer exist.

Naturally, Daxia would struggle to maintain this absolute authority.

But before that day arrived, the Inspection Office, with the Warrior Saint's presence, was the most powerful authority in Daxia.

Given this, it was also the safest place for Jiang Ning, the most suitable place for him to grow and develop.

However, for all this to happen, he needed a solid foundation within the Inspection Office.

Therefore, he required people under his command who would follow his orders and be at his disposal.

With this, he would no longer be troubled by trivial matters, and he could focus on cultivating his martial arts and constantly improving his strength.

Among this group, Xie Xiaojiu, although not a captain, had a strength surpassing many captains; she was an extremely rare talent.

Jiang Ning naturally valued Xie Xiaojiu.

Now, hearing Xie Xiaojiu address him as "Master" and seeing her actions, Jiang Ning knew this matter was settled.

After that.

He finally felt relieved and headed towards the direction where Wang Jin was.

"Master, I have not failed your command!" Jiang Ning said.

"I never expected it! You, young man, have come this far!" Wang Jin looked at Jiang Ning with admiration.

"All this is thanks to your guidance, Master!" Jiang Ning smiled.

"No, no!" Wang Jin waved his hand and continued, "I still have some self-awareness! Your achievements are mainly due to your own efforts. As for me, I can only be considered your guide."

Wang Jin sighed as he recalled the events of the past few months.

Seeing Jiang Ning's progress, he reminisced, and his expression became somewhat dazed.

These events seemed to have happened a long time ago, but in reality, it had only been a few months.

At that moment.

A fully armored bodyguard, tightly gripping a long sword at his waist, approached Jiang Ning and Wang Jin.

"Master Jiang!" The bodyguard bowed to Jiang Ning and continued, "The Governor summons Master Jiang to come over."

"As expected, they have come," Jiang Ning thought to himself.

Then he nodded, "Lead the way, please!"

"Yes, Master Jiang!" The bodyguard bowed again.

Jiang Ning turned to Wang Jin beside him and said, "Master, the Governor has summoned me. I need to go over there!"

"Go! But be careful in everything you do!" Wang Jin instructed.

"Understood!" Jiang Ning nodded.

At this moment, as the drums sounded, the Inspection Office's examination officially ended. The crowd surrounding the training ground began to disperse, and the various forces in the wooden sheds also left.

"Master, should we wait here for Junior Brother Jiang?" Li Qing asked.

Wang Jin glanced at Jiang Ning's departing figure and shook his head, "No need to wait! Let's go back first!"

"Yes, Master!" Li Qing replied.

On the viewing platform.

Lin Qingyi quietly arrived and quietly left.

The crowd also dispersed.

At this time, Hong Minghu and Gongsun Yu were no longer on the viewing platform but had come to the tent in the training ground.

Inside the tent.

Hong Minghu sat with a commanding presence, while Gongsun Yu stood by his side.

After learning that Hong Minghu's strength was likely above his own, Gongsun Yu became extremely confident. He had no objections to the current situation.

A moment later.

Footsteps sounded outside the tent.

He's here! Hong Minghu's heart slightly condensed, and he was very interested in Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning's performance earlier had shocked him.

Even the geniuses on the Human Chart of the Ascension Chart he had seen before did not compare to the impression Jiang Ning gave him today.

"With his performance today, he should be able to enter the Human Chart of the Ascension Chart, right?" Hong Minghu thought to himself.

The Ascension Chart was divided into the Human Chart, Earth Chart, and Heaven Chart.

The Human Chart represented a prefecture's top hundred martial artists under the age of thirty, regardless of their actual age. It was based solely on their realm and strength.

Being on the Human Chart was an immense honor.

A prefecture consisted of over ten counties and hundreds of counties.

In such a vast territory, there were countless martial geniuses.

To be among the top hundred was a sign of heaven-sent talent.

The Earth Chart represented a province's top hundred martial artists under thirty.

Those on the Earth Chart were considered grandmaster-level talents, even the last one.

As for the Heaven Chart, it encompassed the entire Daxia's nine provinces, gathering the top martial geniuses.

Those on the Heaven Chart included grandmasters.

To achieve grandmaster status under thirty was a testament to the Heaven Chart's extreme difficulty.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end