Chapter 177: Marriage Proposal? My Daughter is Only Fourteen!

Chapter 177: Marriage Proposal? My Daughter is Only Fourteen!

The Training Ground.

Inside the Tent.

As the tent flap was drawn aside, Jiang Ning suddenly appeared before the two men.

"Your subordinate, Jiang Ning, pays his respects to the Marquis!" Jiang Ning bowed.

"Do you know me?" Hong Minghu asked.

"Even if I didn't recognize you, I could still guess!" Jiang Ning replied.

"Indeed!" Hong Minghu nodded slightly and then asked, "Do you know why I called you here?"

"I don't know!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Hong Minghu raised his finger and pointed to Gong Sun Yu beside him, "This is Gong Sun Yu, the Third Elder of Medicine King Valley!"

"So it's Elder Gong Sun Yu," Jiang Ning bowed slightly.

Gong Sun Yu said, "Jiang Ning, do you know why I'm looking for you?"

"I don't know!" Jiang Ning shook his head slightly.

"Then I'll be direct," Gong Sun Yu began, "Elder Liu Qingsong was murdered, and it happened on the day he went to see you. You must have met Elder Liu Qingsong, right?"

"Is Liu Qingsong dead?" Jiang Ning furrowed his brows.

"You didn't know?" Gong Sun Yu asked, his eyes piercing as he stared at Jiang Ning.

"How would I know?" Jiang Ning glanced at him and continued, "After meeting with Elder Liu Qingsong, I've been in closed-door cultivation at home, preparing for this day for several months!"

Meanwhile, on the side, Hong Minghu listened to the conversation between the two, his right index finger drumming on the table.

Thud—

Thud—

Thud—

The muffled sounds echoed within the tent.

Gong Sun Yu spoke again, "When you met with Elder Liu Qingsong, what did he say to you?"

"He just casually asked me if I had seen any traces of the rogue, Tian Bu Yi, on the deserted island. After asking, he left," Jiang Ning replied.

"I understand!" Gong Sun Yu nodded at Jiang Ning.

Then he turned to Hong Minghu, "Marquis Hong, I've asked what I needed to."

"Any findings?" Hong Minghu asked casually.

"Indeed!" Gong Sun Yu nodded slightly.

He then bowed to Hong Minghu, "With this matter concluded, I'll take my leave!"

After bidding farewell to Hong Minghu, Gong Sun Yu headed out of the tent.

As soon as he stepped out, his expression changed abruptly.

Earlier, Liu Qingsong had smelled the medicinal fragrance on Jiang Ning, the scent of the Tiger Fetus Transformation Body Pill.

How could he not smell it when he was in the same room as Jiang Ning?

When Jiang Ning first entered the tent, Gong Sun Yu had already formed a ninety percent certainty in his mind.

The rogue, Tian Bu Yi, had fallen to Jiang Ning, and so had Elder Liu Qingsong.

After witnessing Jiang Ning's performance today, Gong Sun Yu did not believe that Liu Qingsong could not have fallen to Jiang Ning.

The previous strike on the arena, carrying a powerful sword aura, had defeated Yuan Fei, who had just begun his muscle training and completed the entry into the Ape Demon True Body.

That strike alone was enough to prove that Jiang Ning had the strength to face a typical Seventh Rank martial artist.

Although Liu Qingsong was slightly stronger than an average Seventh Ranker, who could guarantee that Jiang Ning had performed at his full potential at that time?

After all, Yuan Fei, who had completed the entry into the Ape Demon True Body, was also suppressed by Jiang Ning throughout the fight, showing no signs of reaching his limit.

"Truly terrifying! At this age, Jiang Ning has already reached this level. This matter is of great importance, and I must return to the valley to report to the Valley Master!" Gong Sun Yu thought to himself, muttering under his breath.

At this thought, he added, "This child is too monstrous. When the time comes, I hope the Valley Master can make the right choice, considering the potential harm he could cause."

On the other side.

Inside the Tent.

As Gong Sun Yu left, Jiang Ning also heaved a slight sigh of relief.

The Third Elder of Medicine King Valley.

This identity had indeed startled him.

After thoroughly offending Medicine King Valley, which had become his hypothetical enemy, he naturally studied their information.

According to the records, the Elder Hall of Medicine King Valley consisted of six elders.

Each one of them was a Fifth Rank martial artist, standing among the Sixth Rankers.

To become an elder, one must break through to the Fifth Rank.

The elders at the top of the hierarchy were also the most powerful.

The records indicated that the Grand Elder in the Elder Hall was a Fifth Rank master who had deeply researched and cultivated his inner breath for five years.

It was because of such a powerful Elder Hall that Medicine King Valley could become a major force in Dongling Prefecture and rank as the second most prominent sect.

So, Jiang Ning could easily guess that Gong Sun Yu, the Third Elder of Medicine King Valley, was at least a Sixth Rank Peak cultivator.

With Gong Sun Yu's strength, he could sweep through the entire Luoshui County.

Perhaps only Hong Minghu, dispatched from another region, could rival him.

As Jiang Ning pondered, Hong Minghu spoke up in praise, "Well done! To stand tall and not be intimidated by such a powerful opponent, you've upheld the prestige of our Inspection Bureau!"

Jiang Ning promptly cupped his hands, "I have the confidence to act this way because the Marquis is here. If the situation were different and I were alone with the Third Elder of Medicine King Valley, I wouldn't have this courage."

Upon hearing this, Hong Minghu smiled, "You're right! With me here, even though Gong Sun Yu has been a Fifth Rank for some time, he still wouldn't dare to act recklessly in my presence!"

Fifth Rank?

Jiang Ning's heart was filled with surprise.

Looking at Hong Minghu before him, he couldn't help but speculate.

Could he also be a Fifth Rank Inner Strength expert?

"No need to guess, I'm also a Fifth Rank!" Hong Minghu said lightly.

"Marquis, you're truly formidable!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands in respect.

Hong Minghu laughed heartily and said, "Let's sit and talk."

"Yes, Marquis!" Jiang Ning replied and sat down.

"Jiang Commander, you're eighteen this year. Do you have a spouse or someone you have your eye on?" Hong Minghu asked, taking the opportunity to inquire about something that had been on his mind.

"No!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

Hearing this, Hong Minghu's heart was filled with joy.

After witnessing Jiang Ning's abilities, he knew that Jiang Ning's future would far surpass his own.

Despite being a Fifth Rank Martial Artist, his rank was flawed, achieved through the use of secret medicinal pills.

His martial path would end here, and even with more pills, he could only reach the peak of the Fifth Rank, with little hope for further advancement.

If it weren't for this limitation, he would have broken through to the Fifth Rank with his own strength, and he wouldn't be serving as the Marquis in a small county like Luoshui.

He would have ventured to higher realms.

Although the Marquis seemed to hold a high position with significant authority, his official rank was only Seventh Rank, a mere speck in the vast bureaucracy of the Xia Dynasty.

Jiang Ning, however, was different.

At just eighteen years old, he possessed Seventh Rank strength and had cultivated both his inner and outer strengths, mastering skills that only a few Fifth Rank experts could.

With such terrifying talent, his future would undoubtedly surpass Hong Minghu's.

Jiang Ning's potential for the position of a Master was so evident that it wouldn't surprise Hong Minghu in the slightest.

In the grand tent, Hong Minghu said, "Since Jiang Commander doesn't have a spouse, I have a young daughter who just turned fourteen, the age for marriage. Would Jiang Commander be willing to meet her?"

Fourteen years old? Jiang Ning's eyes widened, and he was momentarily speechless.

Fourteen years old? That's illegal.

"Marquis, I'm currently focused on my martial path and have no plans to start a family yet!" Jiang Ning replied.

"I see," Hong Minghu's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. "In that case, let's put this matter aside for now. If Jiang Commander is interested in the future, you can meet my daughter at any time! Tomorrow, I'll send a painting of her for you to see!"

Hong Minghu didn't doubt Jiang Ning's words, knowing that Jiang Ning had come this far with exceptional strength due to his natural talent, bone strength, and understanding, as well as his personal efforts.

Without a deep devotion to the martial path, even the most talented individuals would struggle to achieve such feats at a young age.

However, at this moment, Hong Minghu couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

He had high hopes for Jiang Ning.

If they could form a marital alliance, it would be ideal.

Jiang Ning, seeing that Hong Minghu had said his piece, could only nod in agreement.

After all, he was working under Hong Minghu and needed to consider his superior's face.

As Jiang Ning exited the grand tent, the training ground returned to its usual calm.

Various factions dispersed, and the onlooking crowd began to disperse and head home.

After leaving the training ground, Jiang Ning thought for a moment and headed towards the place Feng Jiuge had mentioned.

The Inferno Spear Technique was all too familiar to him.

The force within it was something he knew intimately.

It had a unique similarity to the Nine-Layer Force, which piqued his curiosity.

The Inferno Spear Technique was a variation of the Inferno Saber Technique.

Just as the River Tide Saber Technique cultivated the Nine-Layer Force, he could manifest it with his fists as well.

Moonstay Residence.

It was a high-end residence within the inner city, functioning similarly to an inn.

While inns catered to ordinary people, even the so-called 'Heavenly Inns' only served wealthy patrons.

Moonstay Residence was different.

Its prices were much higher than even the top-floor rooms of Heavenly Inns.

However, the living environment was also significantly better.

Located along the Luo River, it was surrounded by lush greenery.

Even during this drought, the water level in Luo Lake remained unchanged.

Additionally, each residence had its courtyard, ensuring privacy.

All of this contributed to the high cost of living here.

"Young Master Jiang, Miss Feng Jiuge is in this courtyard!" A maid in a long green skirt led the way ahead.

She stopped in front of the Green Water Courtyard, pointing to the plaque above the courtyard with the inscription of the Green Water Courtyard.

At this moment, the wind from Luoshui blew across the lake, past the lakeside, and onto the maid's body.

In the breeze, the maid's dress clung to her skin, accentuating the graceful figure of the young girl.

"Thank you, Miss Xiao Cui, for showing the way!" Jiang Ning bowed slightly.

"You're welcome, Young Master Jiang. It's my duty!" The maid, named Xiao Cui, bowed gracefully and then retreated.

Dong—

Dong—

Dong—

Jiang Ning gently knocked on the gate of the small courtyard.

"Who's there?" came a youthful voice from within the courtyard.

As they spoke—

Clang—

The sound of the gate rattling echoed from the courtyard entrance.

The courtyard gate slowly opened, and a girl with two pigtails appeared before Jiang Ning.

"Who are you?" She looked at Jiang Ning, and her initially vigilant expression softened.

"I am Jiang Ning, and I have come to pay my respects to Miss Feng Jiuge!"

"Oh, I see!" The girl with two pigtails nodded slightly and then said, "Please wait here, and I'll go inform Sister Feng!"

With these words, the girl closed the courtyard gate, and the gradually fading footsteps behind the gate indicated that she had gone to inform Sister Feng.

A moment later—

Footsteps echoed once again from behind the courtyard gate.

Clang—

The gate rattled.

The courtyard gate slowly opened.

The girl with two pigtails poked her head out again.

"Young Master Jiang, please come in! Sister Feng said you can enter," the girl with two pigtails said.

Jiang Ning smiled and patted her head, feeling a sense of familiarity with this girl, as if she were a neighbor's younger sister.

"What's your name, little girl?" he asked.

"Just call me Yi Yi, Young Master Jiang! And I'm not that young anymore!" Yi Yi replied.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning smiled slightly.

"How old are you, then?"

"Fourteen!" Yi Yi lifted her head and puffed out her chest, as if showing off her assets.

Jiang Ning: "..."

He thought of Hong Minghu's proposal for a marriage alliance, and his youngest daughter had just turned fourteen.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ning glanced at Yi Yi once more.

He was speechless.

Fourteen years old? Even Hong Minghu had the audacity to bring this up.

Just the thought of it made Jiang Ning feel like it was a sin.

A moment later—

Led by Yi Yi, Jiang Ning arrived at the waterside pavilion.

Enveloped by the cool flowing lake water, the pavilion also exuded a refreshing chill.

"This is indeed a great place! No wonder Moonstay Residence is so expensive," Jiang Ning nodded slightly, his thoughts unspoken.

"Young Master Jiang, please wait here for a moment. Sister Feng just returned from outside and is taking a bath. It'll take some time," she said.

"It's fine, I'm not in a hurry!" Jiang Ning replied.

Then he patiently waited.

He knew from his past life how troublesome it was for a woman to take a bath.

However—

In just half a cup of tea's time—

Feng Jiuge appeared before his eyes.

The current Feng Jiuge looked completely different from the one on the arena earlier.

Her form-fitting red dress accentuated her tall and slender figure, with an excellent proportion.

Years of martial arts training had given her an exceptional physique.

Without the protection of armor, her body was fully exposed.

Her hair was no longer in the high ponytail from earlier, exuding a spirited and handsome aura.

Instead, it was loosely draped over her shoulders, with droplets of water still clinging to the strands.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!" Feng Jiuge spoke.

Jiang Ning stood up, "It wasn't that long."

Then, the two of them sat down.

"Would you like some wine?" Feng Jiuge asked.

"Yes," Jiang Ning nodded.

Hearing this, Feng Jiuge nodded slightly.

She poured wine for both of them and said, "Young Master Jiang, did you win earlier?"

"I was lucky enough to win by chance!"

"Congratulations!" Feng Jiuge said, and then added, "Where's the talk of luck in this? To win the only deputy commander position among more than ten captains, it's not luck but strength that you rely on."

At this point, Feng Jiuge stared at Jiang Ning for a while.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Miss Feng?" Jiang Ning finally spoke.

Feng Jiuge withdrew her gaze and raised the wine cup in her hand, gesturing to Jiang Ning.

After clinking their cups, Feng Jiuge said, "I don't know if you, as the deputy commander, would welcome me joining your ranks?"

"Of course! I'd be delighted!" Jiang Ning immediately replied.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end