Chapter 188: The Cao Family, Be Destroyed!

Chapter 188: The Cao Family, Be Destroyed!

At Bright Moon Pavilion.

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

"Lord Governor, what does this Mortal List mean?"

Hong Minghu said, "Drink and eat as you please!"

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

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

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

Glug, glug, glug—

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

In no time, the surface of the wine cup became as calm as a mirror, without a trace of impurities, clearly an exceptional fine wine.

Hong Minghu said, "You just asked me about the meaning of this Mortal List! Have you heard of the Dragon Ascension Chart's Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Lists?"

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

Hong Minghu smiled, "Strictly speaking, the Dragon Ascension Chart is divided into three lists: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal, each with a hundred names."

"The Heaven List is for the strongest individuals under thirty years old in the Great Xia Kingdom. The top-ranked individuals on this list have already reached the Grandmaster Realm. Those on the list are like dragons and phoenixes among men, unattainable."

"The Earth List is for each of the nine states of the Great Xia. The criteria for this list are the same as the Heaven List, with the top hundred under thirty years old."

"Below the Earth List is the Mortal List. There are seventy-two Mortal Lists, one for each of the seventy-two prefectures in the Great Xia. Those on this list are also the strongest under thirty years old."

At this point, Hong Minghu looked at Jiang Ning.

"Your ranking on Guangning Prefecture's Mortal List shows that within the prefecture, you're among the top hundred young powerhouses under thirty years old."

Jiang Ning asked, "Are Grandmasters also considered dragons?"

"I thought of all sorts of questions, but I never expected you to ask this one," Hong Minghu couldn't help but laugh.

Then he said, "Of course, even Grandmasters are still considered dragons. You should know that these so-called dragons are the true dragons of ancient times. In ancient times, true dragons were on par with immortals and gods."

"In front of such beings, even Grandmasters are just dragons in hiding."

"I see!" Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

Then he said, "Lord Governor, I wonder who exactly created this Dragon Ascension Chart and how they have such authority and means.")



Hong Minghu smiled, "To have such authority, it's naturally the official Great Xia. The Dragon Ascension Chart comes from the Sky Surveillance Bureau, which is said to have the power to oversee all major affairs in the world!")



"It's said that everyone in the Sky Surveillance Bureau possesses the so-called Immortal Root."

"If they were in ancient times, they would have achieved the status of immortals and gods. With their Immortal Roots and the backing of the Great Xia, they naturally possess some ancient methods, making their means unfathomably profound."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning slightly nodded, now understanding the situation.

The so-called Immortal Root in the Sky Surveillance Bureau was probably the Soul Wisdom mentioned by Shen Congyun.

It was also the favorite sacrifice of the evil gods in the Evil God Sect.

As for possessing ancient methods, that wasn't surprising.

After all, if they could master a Spirit Weapon, with the backing of the Great Xia and years of cultivation, it was only natural that they would have some special items.

So, the Dragon Ascension Chart was likely created using some ancient treasures, which explained its mysterious nature.

As for overseeing the world, if the Dragon Ascension Chart was accurate and reliable, then the four words might not be an exaggeration.

At this moment—

Hong Minghu looked at Jiang Ning, who seemed deep in thought, and asked, "Jiang Ning, what are you pondering about?"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning replied, "Lord Governor, I'm wondering if this Dragon Ascension Chart can be trusted?"

Hong Minghu chuckled, "I thought you were contemplating some profound matter! But I do know something about your question."

He paused for a moment.

Then he continued, "To say it's absolutely reliable is impossible! But from ancient times until now, the Dragon Ascension Chart has been quite trustworthy."

"Eight or nine out of ten times, it's accurate!"

"As for the occasional exceptions, it's because they hide too deeply, never revealing themselves. The Sky Surveillance Bureau naturally can't accurately rank them."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning immediately asked, "So, if someone hides their strength, would their ranking on the Dragon Ascension Chart be affected?"

Hong Minghu nodded, "Of course! If someone hides their strength, and the Sky Surveillance Bureau can still rank them accurately, that would be too terrifying!"

"Indeed!" Jiang Ning agreed, nodding.

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

Hong Minghu laughed and raised his cup as well.

After a while, he casually poured himself more wine and then filled Jiang Ning's cup.

"Jiang Ning, do you know the real reason I invited you here today?"

"How would I know?"

Seeing this, Hong Minghu smiled mysteriously.

Suddenly, a scroll was pulled out from under the table and placed in front of Jiang Ning.

"Take a look!"

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

Then, he picked up the scroll from the table and unfurled it, only to momentarily freeze in surprise.

As the scroll opened, a lifelike image of a young girl in the prime of her youth leaped out from the painting.

With a gentle smile and alluring eyes, her eyebrows were like delicate hooks.

Wearing a light green dress, she looked like a delicate young lady, and indeed, her appearance was quite pleasing.

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

"Lord Hong, this is..."

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

Then he asked, "Well, isn't she beautiful?"

Jiang Ning immediately understood.

He nodded sincerely, "Indeed, she is very beautiful!"

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

Jiang Ning shook his head slightly, "Lord Hong, to be honest, your daughter is too young. She's only in the prime of her youth, and I truly cannot accept this!"

"How is fourteen too young?" Hong Minghu glared, "In Great Xia, fourteen is already a suitable age for marriage! What are you saying? Do you think my daughter isn't good enough for you?"

Jiang Ning shook his head repeatedly, "The Young Miss of Lord Hong is of such noble status, how could she not be good enough for me?"

"If that's the case, will you accept her?" Hong Minghu asked straightforwardly.

Jiang Ning shook his head helplessly, "Lord Hong, I truly cannot accept this!"

"Alright!" Hong Minghu nodded, "Let's leave it at that and never speak of it again!"

Seeing this, Jiang Ning sighed inwardly.

How could he not understand that Hong Minghu was clearly angry at this moment?

But thinking of the age of Hong Minghu's youngest daughter and the youthful face in the painting, how could he accept this? If she were just two or three years older, he could seriously consider it.

After all, the girl in the painting was indeed very beautiful, and she was also the beloved daughter of Hong Minghu.

If she were to marry him, it would only bring benefits and no harm to him.

However, all of this was based on a hypothetical situation.

But reality had no room for hypotheticals.

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

Just then, Hong Minghu spoke again.

"Commander Jiang, if I were to make a move against the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, which one should I target first?"

At these words, Jiang Ning slightly cupped his hands, "This matter is entirely up to your decision."

Hong Minghu raised his cup and took a sip alone.

"What do you think of the Cao family?"

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

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

As his words fell, he looked at Jiang Ning, "I've heard that Commander Jiang had a grudge with the Cao family. I'll leave this matter to you, so you can understand them and take your revenge. How does that sound?"

"If Lord Hong commands, how can I not obey?" Jiang Ning replied.

"Good!" Hong Minghu smiled slightly, "Since Commander Jiang thinks there's no problem, then I'll assign this task to you. Lead the operation to investigate and eliminate the Cao family. Those who disobey will be killed without mercy!"

"Yes, my lord!" Jiang Ning agreed.

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

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

Then, facing Hong Minghu, he slightly cupped his hands, "Lord Hong, about the eradication of the Idolatry Sect's hideout earlier today, He Jinyun took credit for killing the innocent. Is Lord Hong aware of this?"

"Taking credit for killing the innocent? What do you mean by that?" Hong Minghu slightly raised his head to look at Jiang Ning.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning explained everything that had happened during the day and what he had observed.

After listening, Hong Minghu chuckled, "What kind of taking credit for killing the innocent? The young master killed believers of the Idolatry Sect. Since they were believers, who knows if there were any real members among them?"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning said, "I understand!"

After saying this, Jiang Ning bid farewell.

At the Bright Moon Pavilion.

Hong Minghu stood at the edge of the pavilion, quietly watching as Jiang Ning's figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

By his side, another person appeared, a figure like a shadow.

"My lord, if this person is not willing to serve you, should I have him eliminated?"

Hearing this voice, Hong Minghu's face showed no surprise.

He pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "Forget it! Let him be! It would be a pity to kill a talent who could be listed on the Dragon Ascension Chart."

"So, my lord, you intend to keep him?" the shadow asked.

"Hmm," Hong Minghu nodded slightly, "Since he's under my command, I consider him as serving me. But since he's unwilling to serve, from now on, assign him all the dirty work!"

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

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

"In the future, if he achieves greatness, he will have to thank me!"

As they spoke, the shadow gradually faded away.

On the other side.

As Jiang Ning walked through the streets, his ears perked up.

On the Bright Moon Pavilion, Hong Minghu was conversing with a shadowed figure, and Jiang Ning could hear every word.

As expected!

To reach the position of a Governor, one must be a ruthless and formidable individual.

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

If he were to make a move against me, I would have no means to counter him.

I could only jump into the river within the city, hoping to have a chance to turn the tables.

With this thought, Jiang Ning quickened his pace.

A 7th Stage Martial Dao practitioner was right before his eyes.

In the end, strength was the foundation and the most reliable asset.

Wan Hua Tower.

"Slow down, Young Master Jiang!" Xiao Lu escorted Jiang Ning to the entrance and watched him leave.

After a few breaths.

"Did Young Master Jiang just arrive?" Lin Qingyi's voice suddenly came from behind Xiao Lu.

Hearing this voice, Xiao Lu's body trembled slightly.

Then, she quickly turned around and bowed, "Yes, Madam Lin, Young Master Jiang did just come by."

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

Xiao Lu replied, "Young Master Jiang just came here to purchase bull sinew powder, tiger sinew powder, and dragon sinew powder."

"Bull sinew powder, tiger sinew powder, and dragon sinew powder?" Lin Qingyi's expression turned surprised.

Then, she added, "It seems this young man is aiming for the 7th Stage. To prepare all these sinew powders at once, he is indeed quite generous!"

Xiao Lu nodded repeatedly, "Madam Lin is right! Young Master Jiang was indeed very generous today, spending 17,000 silver ingots in our tower, the highest single purchase this year!"

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

Then, Lin Qingyi looked at Xiao Lu and said, "Next time Young Master Jiang comes, inform me no matter when or where, understand?"

"Yes, Madam Lin!" Xiao Lu quickly bowed in response.

The moon gradually rose higher in the sky.

Returning to his home.

Jiang Ning looked at the three large bags of medicinal powder before him.

His heart was filled with excitement.

Although these three bags of medicinal powder had nearly depleted his savings, according to his estimation, they were enough to propel him to the 7th Stage Martial Dao, reaching the level of dragon sinews.

At that stage, his strength would flow as he wished, and he could freely channel it to any part of his body.

Furthermore, the power he could exert with each move would be vastly different.

At the very least, it would be several times more powerful.

With a doubling of explosive strength, the difference would be like heaven and earth.

It was like a hundred-pound punch versus a two-hundred-pound punch; a few punches of the latter could easily kill the former.

This was the difference between levels.

With this in mind.

Jiang Ning closed the courtyard gate.

Then, he went to the pool.

The bright moonlight reflected on the pool, and even his own shadow was clearly visible.

This pool before him was dug by his own hands.

After obtaining the Water Spirit Affinity, the water became the best place for his martial cultivation.

Any martial training, when his body was in optimal condition, would have greatly increased efficiency.

Not to mention, being in the water would also increase his experience in Water Proficiency with the passage of time.

The next moment.

He directly poured a bag of bull sinew powder into the water.

This bull sinew powder, in a single bag, consumed the essence of over ten bulls' sinews.

The essence of over ten bulls' sinews, after being refined through a special method, was then ground into powder, becoming an aid for 7th Stage Martial Dao cultivation.

Normally, one would use this bull sinew powder, mix it with water, drink it, and then use their vital energy and force to strengthen their body's sinews, gradually enhancing their foundation.

But at this moment, Jiang Ning had other ideas.

He wanted to try something different.

That was to pour the bull sinew powder into the pool, and with his ability to control water, he could also manipulate the medicinal power of the sinew powder to enter his body through countless pores, and then use his vital energy to refine it, strengthening the foundation of his body's sinews.

Due to his unique ability, Jiang Ning wanted to experiment.

If successful, he would enter the 7th Stage Martial Dao at a faster pace.

A 7th Stage Martial Dao practitioner, in the entire Luoshui County, was a formidable force.

Just like the three major families, whose influence was so great because they possessed 7th Stage practitioners.

Wang Jin's status in Luoshui County was so high, even the Cao family had to respect him, precisely because he was a 7th Stage Martial Dao practitioner.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end