Chapter 185: Family Heirloom

Chapter 185: Family Heirloom

The County Jail.

"Brother Jiang, how did you get here!" Cheng Ran grabbed the iron cage with both hands, his face filled with surprise.

He never expected to see Jiang Ning here.

At this moment, Xie Xiaojiu also arrived at the cell where Tong Xiuyun was detained. She tugged at Tong Xiuyun's clothes, and after finding nothing unusual, she finally heaved a sigh of relief.

The two of them instantly held hands, their faces filled with joy.

By the side.

Seeing that Cheng Ran was safe and sound, Jiang Ning slightly nodded and then replied, "I just heard about your situation and rushed over."

As he spoke, Jiang Ning continued, "Brother Cheng was arrested this morning, why didn't you mention my name? If you had brought up my name, how dare Xiao Tianhe act so recklessly."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ran couldn't help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"How can I have the face to mention Brother Jiang's name!"

Then, he sighed, "Only today did I realize that the Martial Way is a hundred times more important than commerce! Just like my Cheng family, we can be considered wealthy beyond measure."

"But what now? When faced with the captain of the Inspection Office, we are completely powerless!"

"If not for Brother Jiang coming to the rescue, my entire family might have been wrongfully accused and died."

Jiang Ning said, "Brother Cheng, you've finally realized the importance of strength."

Cheng Ran nodded repeatedly, "Yes, even if cultivating is difficult, I must continue! In this world, without strength, one can hardly take a single step!"

"If I had half of Brother Jiang's strength, how dare Xiao Tianhe bully my Cheng family like this?"

At this moment, Cheng Ran's father, standing behind him, patted his son's shoulder heavily.

"Good son, go ahead and fight! Even if I exhaust all our family's wealth, I will fully support you!"

Seeing this scene, Jiang Ning slightly nodded.

Strength is the truth, and he had long understood this.

In his previous life, among powerful nations, truth only existed within the range of their cannons. For those weaker nations, without sufficient strength, who would bother negotiating with them?

Therefore, after learning about the flourishing Martial Way in this world, he understood the importance of personal strength.

Powerful martial artists could live for hundreds or even thousands of years. He had already set his goal to continuously climb the path of the Martial Way.

After discovering his extraordinary panel, he became even more determined.

A moment later.

"Sir, how should we handle the others?" Zhang Cheng cautiously asked Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning replied, "Release them all; they are innocent!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

"Thank you, Sir Jiang!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

". . ."

As Jiang Ning spoke, the many tavern owners in the surrounding cells expressed their gratitude, and some even knelt down on the spot.

Tong Xiuyun, who had just walked out of the cell, looked at Jiang Ning with a grateful expression.

Only after hearing from Xie Xiaojiu did she realize that she was rescued because of Jiang Ning's efforts.

Without Jiang Ning's intervention, not only would she not have been saved, but even Xie Xiaojiu would have been in danger.

Thinking of this, Tong Xiuyun bowed and said, "Thank you, Sir Jiang, for saving my life!"

Jiang Ning said, "There's no need for that. Previously, Tong Xiuyun sold me half of her house, and I've always remembered this favor!"

Tong Xiuyun smiled and said, "It's just a small matter, but Sir Jiang still remembers it."

A moment later.

The group walked out of the jail.

Zhang Cheng followed closely behind, "Sir Jiang, regarding the arrest of your friends, it was all because of this man, Huang Dazheng. Should I send someone to bring him to the Inspection Office?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning stopped in his tracks.

"Xie Xiaojiu, you and Captain Zhang go together and bring Huang Dazheng to the Inspection Office to see me."

"Yes, Sir!" Xie Xiaojiu immediately responded with a bow.

At the same time.

The Cheng family father and son, following Jiang Ning, witnessed this scene. Cheng's father couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Rany, it's fortunate that you chose to befriend Jiang Ning earlier. Otherwise, we would have been in real trouble today!"

"Yes!" Cheng Ran also nodded in agreement.

Today was the first time he witnessed true power.

Xiao Tianhe, just a captain, could casually make up a reason to arrest them.

Moreover, the people in the county administration fully cooperated and didn't investigate the root cause.

Zhang Cheng, a warden with decades of experience.

Today, seeing Jiang Ning, he couldn't help but follow with a forced smile, unlike the warden known for his fierce reputation.

If one thought that this was Zhang Cheng's true face, they would be utterly mistaken.

To serve as a warden in the county jail for decades, keeping it incident-free for so many years, was no ordinary feat.

It was no secret that the county administration held many notorious bandits and outlaws, heroes of the wilderness, within its confines.

These individuals had formed countless friendships outside.

And these so-called heroes of the wilderness valued loyalty above all else.

There had been instances of prison breaks in the past.

However, over the years, no significant incidents had occurred within the county jail.

This was a testament to Zhang Cheng's capabilities.

Cheng Ran and his son continued to follow closely behind Jiang Ning.

"Ran, your father regrets not trusting your judgment before!"

"Father speaks the truth," Cheng Ran said slowly.

Cheng's father replied, "At that time, you were right about investing in Jiang Ning. If we had believed in your judgment, we would have gained a favor that would have benefited our Cheng family immensely in the future."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ran shook his head slightly, "Father, it's pointless to say more!"

"Yes, it's pointless!" Cheng's father sighed softly, "A missed opportunity is just that. We missed the best chance to befriend Official Jiang, and now, even if we spend all our wealth, I doubt he would even give us a second glance!"

The Inspection Office.

After leaving the county administration, Jiang Ning asked Cheng Ran to make some arrangements and then brought him to the Inspection Office.

The reason for bringing him here was simple.

He wanted to register Cheng Ran.

"Brother Cheng, take this token and go to the Administrative Office to complete the registration. After that, you will officially become a member of the Inspection Office," Jiang Ning said, taking out a black token from his chest and handing it to Cheng Ran.

"Rest assured, Official Jiang, I will not disgrace you in the future. Within ten to fifteen days, I am confident that I can reach the ninth level of martial arts," Cheng Ran assured him.

"Take your time, there's no rush!" Jiang Ning said, then added, "As for addressing me as 'Official,' there's no need for such formality between us!"

Cheng Ran shook his head repeatedly, "Official Jiang, public matters are public, and private matters are private!"

"In private, we are friends, but here, we must handle official matters properly! If you consider me a friend, you should not put me in a difficult position!" Cheng Ran explained.

Jiang Ning smiled upon hearing this.

"You make a valid point. In that case, we'll do as you say."

"Official, your subordinate takes his leave!" Cheng Ran bowed.

After Cheng Ran left, Jiang Ning turned and entered the inner hall of the manor.

Back in the inner hall, he continued to practice the Crucible Alchemy Secret Technique, refining the Tiger Prenatal Shape Transformation Pill within his body.

He discovered that with the power of this pill and his current refinement speed, it wouldn't take long for him to truly reach the peak of the eighth level.

Several hours later—

"Official, the person is here!" Xie Xiaojiu announced from the courtyard.

At that moment, Jiang Ning slowly retracted his Five Animal Fist stance.

[Five Animal Fist Experience +1]



[Skill]: Five Animal Fist (Limit Break Progress: 366/2000) (Attribute: Five Viscera Essence Storage)



"The Five Animal Fist is still far from its next limit break. It seems that after settling down, I should focus on martial arts cultivation!" Jiang Ning glanced at his panel and thought to himself.

He then closed the panel and looked at Xie Xiaojiu.

"Official, this is Huang Da Zheng, the source of today's morning incident."

Plop—

As Xie Xiaojiu spoke, Huang Da Zheng's knees went weak, and he knelt down.

That morning, he had witnessed the capabilities of Xiao Tianhe, the captain of the Inspection Office.

And now, he was facing not the captain but the deputy commander, whose status and strength surpassed that of Xiao Tianhe.

"Official, I, a mere commoner, was confused!" Huang Da Zheng exclaimed, his heart trembling with fear.

"In other words, you admit that you were the one responsible for those actions?" Jiang Ning asked calmly.

Huang Da Zheng nodded, "Yes, it was indeed my doing. I, a foolish commoner, was tempted by the family heirloom charm and lured Captain Xiao into abusing his power, thus committing this grave mistake."

"Please, Official, forgive me this once."

As he spoke, Huang Da Zheng presented a ring with both hands.

"This is one of my family heirlooms! There are two rings in total, and according to our family records, this ring has the Mustard Seed Effect."

"The Mustard Seed Effect?" Jiang Ning's expression turned to surprise.

"Huh? The Mustard Seed Effect?" A surprised voice also came from the entrance of the manor.

Jiang Ning looked up and saw that the visitor was Feng Jiuge.

"Official!" Feng Jiuge exclaimed upon seeing Jiang Ning's gaze.

Then, she flashed across the courtyard, instantly covering several yards to stand before Jiang Ning.

"I've heard that in ancient times, there were mystical crafting techniques that could fit the vastness of the universe into a mustard seed! Could the item in your hand be the legendary Mustard Seed Ring?" Feng Jiuge asked, her eyes glimmering as she looked at the ring in Huang Da Zheng's hands.

Upon hearing this, Huang Da Zheng nodded repeatedly, "You're right, Official, according to our family records, this is indeed the legendary item."

"Since it's a legendary item, why don't you use it?" Feng Jiuge asked, voicing the doubt in Jiang Ning's mind.

Huang Dazheng's face fell as he replied, "It's not that I don't want to use it, but I'm unable to. This item can only be used by someone with the legendary Immortal Techniques, and I'm just an ordinary person."

"What are these Immortal Techniques?" Feng Jiuge asked curiously.

Huang Dazheng shook his head. "I don't know. My ancestors have researched it for generations, but none of them have been able to use it correctly."

"That's why I don't want this treasure to collect dust, so I'm offering it to you, sir. Please spare my life!" Huang Dazheng said, holding out the ring.

Jiang Ning saw the hesitation in Xie Xiaojiu's eyes and paused for a moment before taking the Mustard Seed Ring from Huang Dazheng.

The ring was obsidian black and lacked any luster, with only a floral pattern on its surface. However, as soon as Jiang Ning held it, he felt an inexplicable sensation, as if he had seen it before.

His brow furrowed as he tried to recall the memory. Suddenly, it came to him - the feeling was similar to when he discovered the Spirit Weapon in the underground armory of the military equipment store.

Jiang Ning's heart skipped a beat as he realized the connection. "I'll take this item, and I won't pursue the matter further," he said calmly.

Huang Dazheng's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, sir! As the saying goes, 'a precious sword deserves a hero.' This item must be a gift from the heavens, and it will surely reveal its extraordinary effects in your hands."

Jiang Ning asked, "You mentioned earlier that there's another ring with Xiao Tianhe?"

Huang Dazheng nodded. "Yes, sir. There are two rings in total. One is in your possession, and the other I gave to Captain Xiao Tianhe this morning. It should be with him now."

Jiang Ning nodded and instructed Xie Xiaojiu, "Send him away."

Xie Xiaojiu bowed and replied, "Yes, sir."

As Huang Dazheng left, he couldn't help but feel relieved. He had heard that Xiao Tianhe had been imprisoned and was being tortured. Knowing his own fate could have been the same, he felt grateful to have been spared.

Although he had to give up a family heirloom, Huang Dazheng considered it a small price to pay for his life. Many people would take something and not fulfill their promises, but Jiang Ning had kept his word.

As they left, Feng Jiuge spoke up, "Sir, my ten team members have been recruited. Will you be inspecting them soon?"

Jiang Ning replied, "No need, I trust you."

Feng Jiuge smiled. "You're indeed a laid-back leader, sir."

She then asked, "May I take a look at the Mustard Seed Ring in your hand?"

Jiang Ning handed her the ring, and she examined it carefully before saying, "Sir, have you heard of the Mustard Seed Jewel?"

Jiang Ning shook his head. "No, I haven't."

Feng Jiuge explained, "The Mustard Seed Jewel is an ancient Immortal item with the power to contain the heavens and the earth within a mustard seed. However, using it is not simple. According to my knowledge, only those with an Immortal Root or the ability to temporarily leave their body and interact with the outside world can use it."

Jiang Ning nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Even if I can't use it, it's still a valuable collectible."

Feng Jiuge agreed. "You're right, sir. The life of that tavern owner is insignificant compared to the value of this Mustard Seed Ring."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end