Chapter 178: Advanced Martial Art, Water and Fire Essence!

Chapter 178: Advanced Martial Art, Water and Fire Essence!

Moonlit Residence.

Seated across from Feng Jiuge, the two of them clinked their cups, engaging in lively conversation.

Feng Jiuge, with her military background, exuded a sense of composure even in casual attire, but her drinking style remained as bold as ever.

The cups they used were not small, but rather, they could be called 'bowls'.

These cups were large enough to be held with both hands.

One after another, Feng Jiuge would raise her cup and drink it dry, emptying it in one go.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning had no choice but to keep up.

A moment later.

After downing over ten cups, the potent liquor had Jiang Ning feeling a slight buzz.

At this moment, he noticed that Feng Jiuge's demeanor remained unchanged.

"Miss Feng, you have an impressive tolerance for alcohol!"

Jiang Ning praised, secretly amazed in his heart.

It was common knowledge that he had achieved success in internal cultivation, and he was only a step away from producing inner breath.

In such a state, his organ functions were several times that of an ordinary person.

Even with his powerful organ functions, he felt a slight buzz, which was enough to indicate the strength of the liquor.

But Feng Jiuge remained unfazed.

Upon hearing this, Feng Jiuge picked up a cup and took a sip without tilting her head back.

Instantly, some of the cool liquor trickled down her red lips and slender neck, flowing into the valley below.

She finished it in one gulp.

Clang—

Feng Jiuge placed the cup on the stone table and proceeded to pour herself another drink.

"I inherited my father's ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so when it comes to drinking competitions, few can outdrink me."

As she spoke, Feng Jiuge glanced at Jiang Ning with a hint of amusement.

At that moment, Jiang Ning's face turned slightly red, a sign that the alcohol was taking effect.

Immediately, Feng Jiuge stood up, "On the arena, I lost to you, and I'm still not satisfied. Can we have another match?"

"Sure! I'd like to witness your Blaze Spear Technique again!" Jiang Ning replied.

The next moment,

Jiang Ning also stood up.

They arrived at the backyard.

The backyard was noticeably well-maintained, with a clean and tidy appearance. There were no excessive decorations, only a lawn, and two weapon racks.

After an incense stick's worth of time.

Feng Jiuge's gaze towards Jiang Ning was filled with complexity.

"You've mastered saber aura! No wonder you could claim the deputy leader's position. That young marquis is no match for you!"

After the match, Jiang Ning's intoxication completely dissipated.

"That young marquis, with his status alone, deserves the position of a deputy leader. I have no need to compete with him."

Hearing this, Feng Jiuge suddenly smiled lightly.

"With that young marquis's prideful nature, if he heard your words, he would be furious."

Instantly, Feng Jiuge's eyes narrowed.

"Why is the essence power you just displayed so similar to the Nine Refiner Fire Force?"

In the previous match, Feng Jiuge had personally experienced the Nine Levels of Power Jiang Ning unleashed with his saber.

With each strike, he effortlessly unleashed the power of the previous three strikes, and the force of his attacks left her breathless.

It was in this match that she realized Jiang Ning had held back so much on the arena.

In this exchange, her ultimate defeat came at the hands of Jiang Ning's saber aura.

Once the saber aura was unleashed, the outcome was decided.

Only then did Feng Jiuge understand why Jiang Ning had claimed the deputy leader position among over a dozen captains.

In this sparring session, Jiang Ning chose to reveal his saber aura to ensure that Feng Jiuge, as a captain, would willingly serve under him.

He knew that Feng Jiuge, as a proud genius, had a high-spirited nature.

Mediocrity would never earn her respect.

Only someone far superior to these geniuses could truly make Feng Jiuge willingly serve under him.

"Nine Refiner Fire Force?" Jiang Ning's face showed a hint of surprise.

Then he said, "The essence power I possess is the Nine Levels of Power!"

"Nine Levels of Power?" Feng Jiuge's eyes widened slightly.

"It seems you know about it too. Nine Refiner Fire Force and Nine Levels of Power are two martial arts derived from the ancient era's cultivation techniques, inspired by the Water and Fire Manual."

"Whoever can master both essence powers and unite the two auras will achieve an advanced martial art.

Unlocking the Secrets of Water and Fire

"Should we manage to grasp the mysteries of the Water and Fire Treasures, we'll be able to wield the Water and Fire Essence, the very key to unlocking the Grandmaster's gate!"

Jiang Ning inquired, "Miss Feng, do you have any intentions of exchanging martial arts techniques?"

"Are you authorized to make such decisions?" Feng Jiuge glanced at Jiang Ning before responding, "The Blaze Spear Technique, as a mid-tier martial art, is also my father's claim to fame. I'm not at liberty to make decisions regarding its exchange."

Jiang Ning replied, "Neither can I. I'll return and consult my master; he's likely to agree."

Feng Jiuge nodded, "Then I'll send a letter to my father via pigeon post. If he consents, we can exchange techniques."

"Agreed!" Jiang Ning exclaimed, beaming with excitement as he left the Moonlit Residence.

The Allure of Upper-Tier Martial Arts

The Nine Refiner Fire Force and the Nine Levels of Power represented two techniques that, when combined, would form an upper-tier martial art. Jiang Ning had yet to possess such a technique. Having experienced the significant differences between mid-tier and lower-tier martial arts firsthand, he understood the substantial impact of upgrading. His current prowess was largely attributed to the Canglang Sword Technique, a mid-tier martial art. Without it, his strength would be at least 50% diminished.

This exemplified the effects of mid-tier martial arts. It was reasonable to assume that upper-tier martial arts would yield even more astonishing enhancements. For others, like Feng Jiuge, acquiring the Canglang Sword Technique might allow her to grasp the basics and wield the Nine Levels of Power. However, mastering and fusing these two mid-tier techniques would be an unattainable goal.

For Jiang Ning, though, this was a different story. With the aid of his extraordinary interface, given time, he could master both techniques, potentially even surpassing their limits. Merging them would then be effortless!

A New Opportunity

At the Canglang Martial Academy, Wang Jin's eyes widened in astonishment as he leapt to his feet. "What did you just say?" he asked, staring at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning repeated, "Feng Jiuge inquired if I'd be willing to exchange the Canglang Sword Technique for her Blaze Spear Technique, which can cultivate the Nine Refiner Fire Force!"

Wang Jin's breathing quickened as he paced back and forth. "This is a windfall! We've stumbled upon something incredible without lifting a finger!"

Turning to Jiang Ning, Wang Jin instructed, "This matter is approved; handle the exchange yourself."

A Weighty Responsibility

Leading Jiang Ning to the study, Wang Jin solemnly handed over the Canglang Sword Technique's manual. "This task is now in your hands; strive to complete the exchange."

"I will," Jiang Ning assured, nodding.

A Day of Unforeseen Events

As Jiang Ning returned home under the darkening sky, he reflected on the day's extraordinary events. From being an ordinary citizen to becoming an Eighth-Rank official with real authority, wielding the power of life and death – this was a position that outranked many others in the entire Luoshui County, excluding the Inspection Office.

An Unexpected Visitor

Upon entering his home, Jiang Ning's gaze fell upon the items in the front yard and the person who had accompanied Jiang Li. His expression betrayed a hint of surprise.

The visitor, a portly man with a jovial smile, addressed Jiang Ning, "Lord Jiang, what an honor to meet you! I'm the President of the Four United Trading Guild."

Jiang Ning was cautious, recognizing the guild's significant influence in Luoshui County, with ties to the formidable Liu Family.

A Shift in Perspective

For a moment, Jiang Ning pondered the Liu Family's significance in his life, only to be reminded of the Cao Family's past transgressions, including Cao Rong's ambush and the hired thug, Tian Buyi.

These unavenged grievances still lingered in Jiang Ning's mind. Forgiveness was out of the question; the score would be settled.

A Humble Inquiry

The President of the Four United Trading Guild asked, "Lord Jiang, have you had dinner?"

The rotund and big-eared president of the Four United Trading Guild bowed deeply to Jiang Ning, his face beaming with a wide smile.

"No need!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

"Then, allow me to host a meal at the Bright Moon Pavilion. I have a private room reserved there year-round, and the environment is excellent!" The president of the Four United Trading Guild said, bowing slightly.

"No need!" Jiang Ning shook his head again.

"Alright!" The president of the Four United Trading Guild maintained his smile. "You must be tired today, and I wouldn't want to trouble you with further travel."

"Next time, when I have time, I'll host a banquet for you!"

A moment later, the president of the Four United Trading Guild, sensing the situation, took the initiative to take his leave.

Looking at the pile of items in the courtyard, Jiang Ning instantly understood that these were gifts from various families and influential forces in Luoshui County.

Soon after, a list handed to him by Jiang Li further confirmed his guess.

The mountain of gifts came from the major families, including the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, as well as trading guilds, escort agencies, weapon forges, and several major factions.

That night, after finishing his meal, Jiang Ning set out to meet with Commander Ye Qiu, who had invited him.

It was late at night, with the moon hanging high in the sky, when Jiang Ning finally returned.

This banquet was attended only by Jiang Ning and Ye Qiu; no one else was present.

Upon returning, Jiang Ning fell asleep immediately.

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

[Name]: Jiang Ning

[Source Energy]: 187.3

[Skills]:

- Literary Proficiency (Second Limit Break: 1903/3000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses)



- Five Animal Fist (First Limit Break: 353/2000) (Characteristics: Five Viscera Essence Storage)



- Wood Splitting Blade Technique (Fourth Limit Break: 5000/5000) (Characteristics: Analogical Reasoning, Swift Blade, Divine Blade Control, Human-Blade Unification)



- Inner Core Nourishing Technique (Mastery: 1644/2000)



- Canglang Sword Technique (Great Accomplishment: 67/1000)



- Vajra Unshakable Body (Minor Accomplishment: 453/5000)



- Water Proficiency (Fourth Limit Break: 3873/5000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Manipulation, Water Affinity, Cloud Control)



Jiang Ning took a casual glance at his skill panel and then closed it.

His Source Energy was about to break through the 200-point mark.

Once he reached 200 points, according to his estimation, he could perform the fifth limit break for either the Wood Splitting Blade Technique or Water Proficiency.

However, he hadn't decided which one to choose yet.

The fourth limit break of the Wood Splitting Blade Technique not only added characteristics but also allowed him to grasp the Saber Aura.

The fifth limit break would likely bring about significant changes as well.

The breakthrough in Water Proficiency brought even more noticeable changes.

Whether it was the mastery of water manipulation or cloud control, both exceeded his expectations.

After waking up, Jiang Ning activated the Crucible Alchemy Secret Technique, refining the Tiger Prenatal Transformation Pills within his body.

The powerful medicinal effects of the Tiger Prenatal Transformation Pills merged with his body, enhancing his root bone.

Since learning that his root bone had become an upper-grade one, Jiang Ning truly understood the potent effects of the Tiger Prenatal Transformation Pills.

He also realized why this pill was considered a tribute, offered to the Huai'an King.

With such a pill, any child could transform and attain a root bone like his.

An upper-grade root bone would even be considered a Celestial Prodigy in Dongling Prefecture.

In the blink of an eye, three faintly golden drops of medicinal liquid appeared within his body.

The liquid dissolved and merged with his limbs and bones.

Jiang Ning immediately channeled his Essence Power, stimulating the flow of energy throughout his body, further tempering his muscles as the medicinal effects took hold.

Although he hadn't stayed long at the eighth rank, various treasures had aided him in reaching this stage.

He was now at the peak, just one step away from the ultimate limit.

In Jiang Ning's estimation, within a few days, he would reach the true peak of the eighth rank and could then attempt to break through to the seventh rank.

Most of the morning passed.

[Inner Core Nourishing Technique Experience +1]



[Inner Core Nourishing Technique Experience +1]



[Inner Core Nourishing Technique Experience +1]



[Skills]: Inner Core Nourishing Technique (Mastery: 1684/2000)



It was still the third hour, and Jiang Ning was in the crucial phase of consuming the Great Sun Essence to refine his five viscera and six bowels, thereby increasing his Inner Core Nourishing Technique experience.

However, he had to interrupt his cultivation as Xiao Dou Bao came running to inform him that a beautiful lady had come to visit, specifically asking to see him by name.

Xiao Dou Bao didn't know who it was, as the visitor hadn't revealed their identity.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end