Chapter 178: Superior Martial Art, Water and Fire True Intention!

Chapter 178: Superior Martial Art, Water and Fire True Intention!

Moonlit Retreat.

Sitting before Feng Jiuge, the two of them raised their cups in a toast, engaging in lively conversation.

Feng Jiuge, with her military-like demeanor, appeared slightly softer in her casual attire, but her drinking style remained bold and uninhibited.

The cups they used were not small and delicate but rather substantial, large enough to be grasped with one hand.

With each cup, Feng Jiuge would down the contents in one gulp, emptying the cup in one go.

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

A moment later.

After downing over a dozen cups, the potent liquor left Jiang Ning with a slight buzz.

At this moment, Feng Jiuge's complexion remained unchanged.

"Miss Feng, you have an impressive tolerance for alcohol!" Jiang Ning exclaimed, secretly marveling at her ability.

It was well known that he had achieved success in his inner cultivation, and he was just one step away from producing inner breath.

In this state, his five viscera functions were several times stronger than that of an ordinary person.

Even with his robust viscera, he felt a hint of intoxication.

But Feng Jiuge remained unperturbed.

Upon hearing this, Feng Jiuge picked up a cup and tilted her head back, draining it in one go.

The crisp liquor flowed down her red lips and slender neck, disappearing into the valley between her breasts.

She emptied the cup in one swallow.

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

"I inherited my father's ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. When it comes to drinking contests, few can match me."

As she spoke, Feng Jiuge's gaze towards Jiang Ning held a hint of amusement.

Jiang Ning's face had turned slightly red, a clear sign that the alcohol had taken effect.

Feng Jiuge stood up, "On the arena, I lost to you, and I'm not satisfied. Would you be willing to have another match with me?"

"Of course! I'd like to witness your Inferno Spear Technique again!" Jiang Ning replied.

The next moment.

Jiang Ning also stood up.

They arrived in the backyard.

The backyard was neatly arranged, with only grass and two weapon racks as decorations.

After an incense stick's worth of time.

Feng Jiuge's eyes, as she looked at Jiang Ning, were filled with a complex expression.

"You've mastered the sword aura! No wonder you were able to obtain the position of Deputy Commander. That Young Master is far inferior to you in my eyes!"

After the battle, Jiang Ning's intoxication from the alcohol dissipated.

"That Young Master, with his status alone, is worthy of the position of Deputy Commander. I have no need to compete with him."

Hearing this, Feng Jiuge suddenly smiled lightly.

"With that Young Master's arrogant nature, if he heard your words, he would surely be furious."

Then, Feng Jiuge's eyes narrowed.

"The force you just displayed is so similar to the force I've mastered."

In the previous battle, Feng Jiuge had personally experienced Jiang Ning's nine levels of force while wielding the sword.

With each strike, he effortlessly unleashed the power of the previous three strikes, leaving her breathless from the overwhelming force.

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

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

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

Feng Jiuge finally understood why Jiang Ning was able to claim the position of Deputy Commander among the dozen or so captains.

In this spar, Jiang Ning chose to reveal his sword aura to make Feng Jiuge, as a captain, more willing to serve under his command.

He knew that people like Feng Jiuge, being Heaven's Pride, were proud and arrogant.

Mediocre talents would never be able to win her over.

Only by being far more outstanding than these Heaven's Pride individuals could he truly make someone like Feng Jiuge willingly serve under him.

"Nine Levels of Fire?" Jiang Ning showed a hint of surprise.

Then he said, "The force I've mastered is the Nine Levels of Force!"

"Nine Levels of Force?" Feng Jiuge also widened her eyes slightly.

"It seems you know about it!" Jiang Ning smiled.

Feng Jiuge nodded, "The Nine Levels of Fire and the Nine Levels of Force are two types of force, one of water and the other of fire! My Inferno Spear Technique, when mastered, appears as continuous flames in the eyes of the enemy, and each spear can unleash the power of nine spears. It is an intermediate-level martial art."

Jiang Ning said, "My River Tide Saber Technique, when perfected, can unleash the power of nine sabers with a single strike. It is also an intermediate-level martial art. As for the sword aura, there is no record of it."

"River Tide Saber Technique?" Feng Jiuge shook her head slightly, "I've never heard of it!"

She then continued, "The Nine Levels of Fire and the Nine Levels of Force are forces from ancient times. If someone can master both forces and combine the two auras, it would be a superior martial art."

"If one can comprehend the profound mysteries of the 'Water and Fire Manual', and even master the 'Water and Fire True Intent', it's like holding the key to the door of a Master!"

Jiang Ning asked, "Miss Feng, do you intend to exchange martial arts techniques?"

Feng Jiuge looked at Jiang Ning and said, "The Inferno Spear Technique is an Intermediate Level Martial Art and my father's signature technique. I can't make such a decision on my own!"

Jiang Ning replied, "I can't decide either. I'll have to consult my master; he should agree!"

Feng Jiuge said, "Then I'll send a message to my father. If he agrees, we can exchange our techniques."

"Agreed!" Jiang Ning affirmed.

As he left the Moonlit Retreat, Jiang Ning secretly rejoiced.

Nine-Fold Force, Nine-Fold Fire Force.

If these two forces could be combined, they would create a Superior Martial Art.

So far, he hadn't possessed such an advanced technique.

He had personally experienced the difference between Intermediate and Lower Tier Martial Arts.

With his current combat power, the River Tide Saber Technique played an indispensable role.

Without the Intermediate Level River Tide Saber Technique, his strength would be at least fifty percent weaker.

This was the effect of an Intermediate Level Martial Art.

From this, one could imagine the even more exaggerated strength enhancement that a Superior Martial Art would bring.

For others, like Feng Jiuge, even if she obtained the River Tide Saber Technique, she might only be able to grasp the basics of the saber technique and master the Nine-Fold Force.

But to perfect these two Intermediate Level Martial Arts and fuse them into one, that was an unreachable goal.

For Jiang Ning, however, with the help of his unique panel, given some time, he could perfect these two techniques and even break through their limits.

Then, merging them wouldn't be difficult!

Thinking of this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but feel excited.

A Superior Martial Art, the Water and Fire True Intent, was the key to his future.

---

Canglang Martial Arts Academy.

"What did you say?" Wang Jin stood up, his eyes wide with shock, staring at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning repeated, "Miss Feng asked if I'm willing to exchange the River Tide Saber Technique for her Inferno Spear Technique, which can cultivate the Nine-Fold Fire Force!"

Seeing Wang Jin's shocked expression, Jiang Ning reiterated.

"Are you sure you're not tricking me?" Wang Jin asked, his breathing slightly rapid.

"Of course!" Jiang Ning assured him.

Hearing Jiang Ning's confirmation, Wang Jin paced back and forth.

"Seeking everywhere without finding, yet it comes effortlessly!" Wang Jin muttered to himself, then turned to Jiang Ning.

"I agree. You can handle this yourself!"

Wang Jin then added, "Follow me!"

In the study, Wang Jin solemnly handed over the River Tide Saber Technique manual to Jiang Ning.

"I entrust this matter to you. Try your best to complete this exchange!"

"I will!" Jiang Ning nodded.

As Jiang Ning returned home, the sky had already darkened.

Recalling the day's events, Jiang Ning felt a sense of unreality.

In just one day, he had transformed from an ordinary commoner into an Eighth Rank official with real power and authority over life and death.

This was a position that outranked others, a true authority figure.

In other words, if he didn't count the Inspection Bureau, he was now one of the top officials in Luoshui County.

"This..." As Jiang Ning stepped into his home, he was slightly surprised by the items in the front yard and the person sent by Jiang Li.

The two people in the front yard noticed Jiang Ning's arrival.

"Lord Jiang, have you dined?" The round-faced president of the Four Unions Merchant Guild bowed to Jiang Ning, his face beaming with a smile.

Despite his comical appearance, Jiang Ning didn't underestimate this man, for he was the president of one of the top three merchant guilds in Luoshui County, with the lives of countless commoners intertwined with the guild.

And behind the guild stood the powerful Liu family.

Suddenly, Jiang Ning's heart skipped a beat.

The Liu family seemed insignificant to him now.

He then thought of the Cao family.

Cao Bin's actions, the hired river pirate Tian Jiayi, and Cao Rong's involvement—Jiang Ning hadn't forgotten any of it.

Forgiveness was impossible! If not for the Cao family, he might have fallen into their hands.

How could he easily forgive such a life-and-death grudge?

Jiang Ning always kept these matters in mind.

"Lord Jiang, have you dined?" The president of the Four Unions Merchant Guild bowed again, his face filled with a smile.

Jiang Ning shook his head. "Not at all!"

"Then, allow me to host a meal at the Bright Moon Tower for you, Commander Jiang," the rotund and big-eared president of the Four Unions Merchant Guild said with a slight bow. "I have a private room reserved there year-round, and the environment is excellent!"

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

"Alright then!" The president of the Four Unions Merchant Guild maintained his smile. "Commander Jiang, you must be tired today, and it's not suitable for you to travel by boat or carriage."

"Next time, when Commander Jiang has time, I'll host a banquet for you again!"

A moment later, the president of the Four Unions Merchant Guild, understanding the situation, took the initiative to take his leave.

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

The list handed over by Jiang Li further confirmed his guess—these mountains of gifts came from the major families.

Among them were presents from the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, as well as from the merchant guild, the escort agency, the weapon forge, and several major factions.

That night, after Jiang Ning finished his meal, he went to meet with Commander Ye Qiu, who had invited him.

It was late into the night, and the moon had already risen high in the sky when Jiang Ning finally returned.

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

After returning, Jiang Ning fell asleep immediately.

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

[Name]



[Skills]



Literacy (Second Limit Break 1903/3000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses)



Five Animals Fist (First Limit Break 353/2000) (Characteristics: Five Viscera Store Essence)



Firewood Splitting Sword Art (Fourth Limit Break 5000/5000) (Characteristics: Analogical Reasoning, Swift as the Wind, Divine Sword Control, Unification of Man and Sword)



Inner Dan Cultivation Technique (Proficiency 1644/2000)



River Tide Sword Art (Great Mastery 67/1000)



Unbreakable Golden Body (Minor Mastery 453/5000)



Water Nature (Fourth Limit Break 3873/5000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Control, Water Affinity, Rainmaking)



After taking a casual glance at his skill panel, Jiang Ning immediately closed it.

His source energy points were about to break through the 200 mark.

Once he reached this threshold, according to his speculation, he could perform the fifth limit break for either the Firewood Splitting Sword Art or the Water Nature skill.

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

The fourth limit break of the Firewood Splitting Sword Art brought about more than just additional characteristics; it also allowed him to grasp the sword aura.

The fifth limit break would likely bring about similar significant changes.

The breakthrough in Water Nature, in particular, resulted in very noticeable changes.

Whether it was the mastery of water control or rainmaking, it far beyond his expectations.

After getting up, Jiang Ning activated the Furnace Refining Technique and refined the Tiger Fetus Transformation Body Pill within his body.

The powerful medicinal effects of the Tiger Fetus Transformation Body Pill merged with his body, enhancing his bone structure.

Ever since he learned that his bone structure had improved to the upper-grade level, Jiang Ning truly understood the potency of the Tiger Fetus Transformation Body Pill.

He also realized why this pill was offered as a tribute to the Prince of Huainan.

With such a pill, any child could transform and achieve a bone structure like his.

An upper-grade bone structure, even in Dongling County, would be considered worthy of the title 'Heavenly Pride.'

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

The liquid dissolved and merged with his limbs and bones.

Jiang Ning circulated his vital energy, mobilizing the blood throughout his body, and continued to temper his body as the medicinal effects took hold.

Although he hadn't stayed at the Eighth Stage for long, various treasures had already brought him to the brink of advancement at this level.

He was just one step away from reaching the true peak of the Eighth Stage and attempting to push open the doors to the Seventh Stage.

In Jiang Ning's opinion, it would only be a matter of days before he reached the true peak of the Eighth Stage and could start trying to break through to the Seventh Stage.

[Inner Dan Cultivation Technique Experience +1]



[Inner Dan Cultivation Technique Experience +1]



[Inner Dan Cultivation Technique Experience +1]



[Skills]



Inner Dan Cultivation Technique (Proficiency 1684/2000)



It was still the hour of the Dragon, and Jiang Ning was in the crucial stage of absorbing the essence of the great sun, tempering his five viscera and six bowels, and increasing his Inner Dan Cultivation Technique experience.

However, he had to interrupt his cultivation temporarily.

The little bean, who had run over, informed him that a beautiful older sister had come to visit and specifically asked to see him by name.

The little bean didn't know who it was because that person hadn't introduced herself.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end