Chapter 188: The Cao Family, Annihilate Them!

Chapter 188: The Cao Family, Annihilate Them!

In the Bright Moon Tower.

After Jiang Ning finished reading the list, he set it aside.

"Master, what does this Mortal Chart mean?"

Hong Minghu said, "Drink and eat as we talk!"

As he spoke, he picked up the wine flask and was about to pour wine for Jiang Ning.

"I'll do it!" Just as Jiang Ning was about to take the wine flask, Hong Minghu raised his hand to stop him, "No need! Today, I'm hosting the banquet, so you just enjoy the food and drink!"

"Alright then!" Jiang Ning said helplessly, seeing Hong Minghu's determined expression.

Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle—

As the wine flask tilted, the clear and cold wine quickly filled the wine cup.

Soon, the surface of the wine cup became as calm as a mirror, without a trace of impurity, clearly indicating that it was an excellent wine.

Hong Minghu said, "You just asked me about the meaning of this Mortal Chart! Have you ever heard of the three major charts of the Qixing Ranking, the Celestial Chart, the Earthly Chart, and the Mortal Chart?"

Jiang Ning shook his head, "I've never heard of it!"

Hong Minghu smiled, "Strictly speaking, the Qixing Ranking is divided into three charts: the Celestial Chart, the Earthly Chart, and the Mortal Chart, each with a hundred people."

"Among them, the Celestial Chart is for the strongest individuals under thirty years old in the Great Xia Kingdom. The strongest among them have already reached the Master Realm. Those on this chart are like dragons and phoenixes among men, unattainable."

"The Earthly Chart is for the top 100 strongest individuals under thirty years old in each of the nine provinces of the Great Xia Kingdom. The conditions for this chart are the same as the Celestial Chart."

"Below the Earthly Chart is the Mortal Chart. There are seventy-two Mortal Charts, one for each of the seventy-two prefectures in the Great Xia Kingdom. The conditions for being on this chart are also the same as the Celestial and Earthly Charts, the strongest individuals under thirty years old."

At this point, Hong Minghu looked at Jiang Ning.

"The fact that you are on the Mortal Chart of Guangning Prefecture means that within Guangning Prefecture, you are one of the top 100 young powerhouses under thirty years old."

Jiang Ning asked, "Are those in the Master Realm also considered Qixing?"

"I thought of all kinds of questions, but I never expected you to ask this one," Hong Minghu laughed.

Then he said, "Of course, those in the Master Realm are still considered Qixing. You should know that the so-called dragons are the true dragons of ancient times. In ancient times, true dragons were on par with immortals and deities."

"In front of such beings, even those in the Master Realm are still considered Qixing."

"So that's how it is!" Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

Then he asked, "Master, I wonder who is behind this Qixing Ranking and why they have such authority and means."

Hong Minghu smiled, "To have such authority, it must be the official forces of the Great Xia. The Qixing Ranking comes from the Heavensight Bureau of the Great Xia, which is said to have the ability to oversee all major affairs in the world!"

"It is said that the people within this Heavensight Bureau are all claimed to possess immortal roots!"

"If these people were in ancient times, they would have achieved the status of immortals and deities. With their immortal roots and the backing of the Great Xia, they naturally possess some of the means from ancient times, so their abilities are extremely profound."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning slightly nodded, now having a general understanding.

The so-called immortal roots mentioned by the Heavensight Bureau were probably the spirit wisdom mentioned by Shen Congyun.

They were also the favorite sacrificial offerings of the evil deities in the Cult of Malevolent Gods.

As for possessing the means from ancient times, that was not surprising.

After all, even he could master a spiritual weapon, and with the backing of the Great Xia, after cultivating for so many years, it was not surprising that they had some special items.

Thinking of this, the so-called Qixing Ranking was probably achieved through the use of certain treasures from ancient times, allowing them to exhibit such miraculous abilities.

As for overseeing the world, based on the Qixing Ranking, if it is accurate and reliable enough, then perhaps the description of 'overseeing the world' is not an exaggeration.

At this moment, Hong Minghu looked at Jiang Ning's pensive expression and asked, "Jiang Ning, what are you pondering about?"

Jiang Ning replied, "Master, I'm thinking, can this Qixing Ranking be trusted?"

Hong Minghu chuckled, "I thought you were pondering some profound question! I actually know something about this."

At this point, Hong Minghu paused.

Then he continued, "To say that it is absolutely trustworthy is naturally impossible! But from ancient times until now, the Qixing Ranking has always been quite reliable."

"Eight or nine out of ten are accurate!"

"As for individual exceptions, it's because they are too deeply hidden, always concealing their strength, so the Heavensight Bureau naturally cannot accurately rank them."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning paused. "So, if someone hides their strength, then the ranking on the Qixing Ranking would be inaccurate?"

Hong Minghu nodded, "Of course! If they can accurately rank those who hide their strength, then it would be too terrifying!"

"Indeed!" Jiang Ning agreed, nodding vigorously.

Then, he raised his cup and said, "Thank you, Master, for clearing my doubts. I'd like to offer a toast to you, Master."

Hong Minghu laughed and raised his cup as well.

A moment later, Hong Minghu casually refilled his own cup and then refilled Jiang Ning's cup.

"Do you know the real reason I invited you here today?"

Below the Heavens, the Martial Path to Great Xia

"How would I know about this?"

Upon hearing this, Hong Minghu smiled mysteriously.

He then pulled out a scroll from under the table and placed it in front of Jiang Ning

Main storyline continues...

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"Take a look!"

Seeing Hong Minghu's mysterious smile, Jiang Ning's face immediately showed a hint of curiosity.

He picked up the scroll from the wine table and unfurled it, his eyes widening slightly in surprise.

As the scroll opened, a lifelike portrait of a young girl in her blossoming age emerged from the painting.

With a gentle smile and arched eyebrows, she wore a light green dress, resembling a delicate jade beauty.

Jiang Ning glanced at the girl in the painting and then at Hong Minghu.

"Master Hong, this is..."

Hong Minghu raised his wine cup and took a sip, "This is my young daughter!"

He then asked, "Well, isn't she beautiful?"

Jiang Ning suddenly understood.

He nodded sincerely, "Indeed, she's very beautiful!"

Hong Minghu said, "So, are you satisfied?"

Jiang Ning shook his head slightly, "Master Hong, to be honest, I really can't accept this!"

"How can fourteen years old be too young?" Hong Minghu stared, "In Great Xia, fourteen is already an appropriate age to get married! Come to think of it, do you think my daughter isn't good enough for you?"

Jiang Ning shook his head repeatedly, "Master Hong's daughter, her status is so noble, how could she not be good enough for me?"

"Since it's like that, will you accept it?" Hong Minghu asked straightforwardly.

Jiang Ning shook his head helplessly, "Master Hong, I really can't accept it!"

"Alright!" Hong Minghu nodded, "Let's leave it at that, and we won't talk about it again!"

Seeing this, Jiang Ning sighed helplessly in his heart.

How could he not understand that Hong Minghu was clearly showing a hint of anger at this moment?

But thinking of Hong Minghu's young daughter's age and the youthful face in the painting, how could he accept it?

If it were a few years older, he might have seriously considered it.

After all, the girl in the painting was indeed beautiful, and she was the daughter of Hong Minghu, a powerful figure.

If she were to marry into his family, it would only bring benefits and no harm.

However, all of this was based on the condition of her age.

But reality had no such conditions.

At only fourteen years old, he couldn't accept it.

Just then, Hong Minghu spoke again.

"Commander Jiang, if I were to target the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, which one should I start with?"

Jiang Ning replied with a slight bow, "This matter is entirely up to your decision, Master Hong."

Hong Minghu raised his wine cup and took a sip.

"What do you think of the Cao family?"

"If Master Hong thinks it's good, then it's good!"

"Then it's the Cao family!" Hong Minghu declared.

After speaking, he turned to Jiang Ning, "I heard that Commander Jiang had a grudge with the Cao family. I'll leave this matter to you. Go and investigate the Cao family, and take revenge for me, how about it?"

"If Master Hong has ordered it, how can I not obey?" Jiang Ning said.

"Good!" Hong Minghu smiled slightly, "Since Commander Jiang thinks there's no problem, then in a few days, this matter will be assigned to Commander Jiang's team to investigate and eliminate the Cao family. Anyone who disobeys will be killed without mercy!"

"Yes, Master Hong!" Jiang Ning agreed.

Hong Minghu said, "Since it's like that, then Commander Jiang, you may take your leave."

Jiang Ning stood up, and before leaving, he seemed to remember something.

He bowed slightly to Hong Minghu, "Master Hong, regarding the extermination of the Cult of Malevolent Gods' hideout during the day, He Jinyun took false merit from killing the innocent. Is Master Hong aware of this?"

"False merit from killing the innocent? What false merit?" Hong Minghu slightly raised his head to look at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning then explained everything that happened during the day and what he had observed.

After listening, Hong Minghu smiled contemptuously, "How is this taking false merit? That young marquis killed believers of the Cult of Malevolent Gods. Since they were believers, who knows if there might be real members among them?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning said, "I understand, Master Hong!"

After saying this, Jiang Ning took his leave.

A moment later, at the Bright Moon Tower.

Hong Minghu stood at the edge of the tower, quietly watching as Jiang Ning gradually walked away.

Beside him, a figure appeared, like a shadow, asking, "Master, if he's not going to be of use to you, should I take care of him?"

Hong Minghu's face showed no surprise at all.

He pondered for a moment and then shook his head, "Forget it! Let him be! It's a pity to kill such a talented person who could be listed on the Dragon Ranking!"

"So, Master, you're going to keep him?" the shadow asked.

"Hmm!" Hong Minghu nodded slightly, "Since he's under my command, he's considered to be of use to me! But since he's not going to serve me, from now on, all the dirty work will be assigned to him!"

"As the saying goes, those who will soar must undergo trials and tribulations!"

"If he can pass these trials I set for him, he will surely rise to great heights."

"In the future, if he achieves greatness, he should thank me first!"

As they spoke, the shadow gradually retreated.

Jiang Ning's ears twitched as he walked on the street.

The conversation between Hong Minghu and the shadow on the Bright Moon Tower entered his ears.

As expected!

Those who hold the position of Manor Lord are no simple figures; they are all ruthless and formidable.

Hong Minghu, who had previously shown favor towards me and even poured me wine, now had murderous intentions towards me.

If he were to make a move on me, I would truly have no way to counter him.

My only chance would be to jump into the river within the city, where I might have a chance to hold him off.

With this in mind, Jiang Ning quickened his pace.

The Seventh Stage of the Martial Path was imminent for him.

Strength was, after all, the foundation of everything and the most reliable asset.

Ten Thousand Flowers Tower.

"Please, Young Master Jiang, don't leave so soon!" Little Green escorted Jiang Ning to the entrance and watched as he departed.

After a few breaths.

"Did Jiang Ning just come by?" Lin Qingyi's voice suddenly appeared behind Little Green.

Hearing this voice, Little Green's body trembled slightly.

She quickly turned around and bowed, "Yes, Madam, Young Master Jiang did indeed come by just now."

"What did he come here for?" Lin Qingyi asked.

Little Green replied, "Young Master Jiang just visited and purchased bull sinew powder, tiger sinew powder, and dragon sinew powder."

"Bull sinew powder, tiger sinew powder, and dragon sinew powder?" Lin Qingyi showed a hint of surprise.

Then, she continued, "It seems this young man wants to break through the Seventh Stage. But to prepare tiger sinew powder, bull sinew powder, and dragon sinew powder all at once, he's quite extravagant!"

Little Green nodded repeatedly, "Madam, you're right! Young Master Jiang was indeed very generous today. He spent seventeen thousand taels of silver in our establishment, making it the highest-earning transaction this year!"

"So wealthy?" Lin Qingyi's face showed surprise.

Immediately, Lin Qingyi turned to Little Green and said, "Next time Jiang Ning comes, inform me no matter when or where, understood?"

"Yes, Madam!" Little Green quickly bowed in acknowledgment.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end