Chapter 206: Staying at Xie Xiaojiu's Residence

Chapter 206: Staying at Xie Xiaojiu's Residence

At 10:00 AM, Jiang Ning exhaled a breath of refined Qi from his dantian, signaling the end of his daily routine of absorbing the Great Sun Essence Qi. He could distinctly feel the tempering of his five viscera and six bowels, as the inner breath in his dantian grew denser.

Even without tempering his viscera and bowels, as he focused on gathering his inner breath, it continued to increase at a steady pace, growing by several strands each day.

This effect was a result of the transformation brought about by the Five Qilin Fist's Water Proficiency.

With this characteristic in play, every passing day brought several new strands of inner breath to Jiang Ning.

Given time, even without any external efforts, his inner breath would accumulate like a vast ocean.

After some time, relying solely on this natural growth of inner breath, he would possess an abundance akin to a vast sea.

Soon after, Jiang Ning removed his clothing, revealing his well-defined muscles, and wearing only a pair of shorts, he stepped into the courtyard's shallow pool, barely over ten centimeters deep.

He sat cross-legged on the edge of the pool, beginning a meditation on the furnace.

His Qi and blood transformed into the fuel and firewood for the furnace's burning.

The Dragon Tiger Sinew Pill within his body began to refine, eliminating impurities and leaving behind only the pure medicinal essence, which condensed into a potent liquid.

Two hours later, Jiang Ning finally finished refining the first Dragon Tiger Sinew Pill.

With a snap of his fingers, he lightly tapped his hand.

The grand sinew in his body burst forth with an incredible force, hitting his arm with a sensation akin to a water bag.

This feeling was reminiscent of stretching his hand out of a speeding car's window in his past life.

"Indeed, the resilience of the grand sinew has increased by a few notches," Jiang Ning remarked with a hint of satisfaction.

He tested his strength a few more times, each attempt lasting only a few breaths.

"The explosive power has increased by at least half a level!"

"It seems the effects of the Dragon Tiger Sinew Pill are truly remarkable."

"However, the price is indeed a bit steep," he added, his heart aching slightly.

In just half a day, he had consumed a pill worth five thousand taels.

This rate of spending was only possible due to his previous wealth, the looming threat of powerful enemies, and the urgency of his situation.

Feeling the effects of the pill, he couldn't help but acknowledge its potency.

Compared to his previous efficiency in refining his grand sinew with the aid of Tiger Sinew Powder, this new method was at least ten times faster.

When contrasted with ordinary seventh-rank martial artists, the difference in efficiency was even more staggering, reaching several dozen times.

After all, he possessed far superior Qi and blood, an upper-rank root, and the ability to manipulate water sources.

These factors combined to grant him an unparalleled efficiency in refining his grand sinew.

The Dragon Tiger Sinew Pill, renowned for its ability to refine the grand sinew to a level of resilience akin to dragons and tigers, was living up to its reputation.

The dragon, in this context, referred to a powerful water dragon.

The tiger, a mighty beast of strength.

When the grand sinew reached this level of resilience, it could unleash unimaginable power with every move and gesture.

Within a mere arm's length, it could release an explosive force comparable to a full-strength strike.

Even a casual flick of the fingers could generate a force almost as powerful as a full-blown attack.

This powerful burst of energy was so intense that it could even cause his fingers to break.

This was the incredible effect of the Dragon-Tiger Sinew Pill.

After that, Jiang Ning took out another Dragon-Tiger Sinew Pill and swallowed it.

He then continued to visualize the furnace, using his vital energy as fuel to refine the pill within his body.

At the Inspection Office, Jiang Ning could relax his guard and not worry about Liu Linmen suddenly showing up, allowing him to focus entirely on refining the pill within his body.

Under these circumstances, his efficiency was two to three times faster compared to when he was at home.

Soon, the sun began to set.

Tap, tap, tap—

A series of light footsteps approached the courtyard.

The visitor was Xie Xiao Jiu.

As she entered the courtyard, she immediately lightened her steps and tiptoed around the corner of the courtyard, past the artificial hill, and saw Jiang Ning sitting cross-legged in the center of the pool.

At this moment, Jiang Ning was sitting cross-legged in the pool, wearing only a pair of loose underwear.

His body was revealed, with muscles that resembled a sleek cheetah.

His long black hair was simply tied back with a band, and the ends were damp with water stains.

On Jiang Ning's body, wisps of water vapor rose continuously.

The pool water beside him also rippled slightly.

"He's still practicing!"

"No wonder his strength is so powerful!"

"He has greater talent than me and puts in tireless effort, even forgetting to eat and sleep!"

Xie Xiao Jiu watched Jiang Ning with a hint of admiration in her heart.

Since she had met Jiang Ning, she had seen him either practicing or resting after practice.

Such relentless dedication was something she had never achieved, even during her most difficult times.

Moreover, Jiang Ning had now transcended his social class and become a revered figure in Luoshui County.

It was well-known that even within the Xie Family, her father secretly instructed her to follow Jiang Ning closely.

In his words, there was even a hint of suggesting that she should offer herself to Jiang Ning.

Recalling those words, Xie Xiao Jiu couldn't help but feel speechless.

But this also showed how highly regarded Jiang Ning was.

One of the three major families in Luoshui County, the Cao Family, had been defeated by Jiang Ning.

Who wouldn't be afraid in such a situation?

Yet, despite having achieved such status and lifestyle, Jiang Ning didn't indulge in the pleasures of life but continued to practice and cultivate.

This was the aspect that impressed Xie Xiao Jiu the most.

After that, Xie Xiao Jiu quietly stood by the side, waiting for Jiang Ning to finish his practice.

In the distance, the setting sun slowly descended behind the mountains.

The fiery sunlight cast a warm glow on the courtyard.

A gentle breeze blew, causing the lake's surface to shimmer with ripples of red light.

Even at this time, the wind from afar still carried scorching heat, causing sweat to bead on people's foreheads.

"How long have you been here?" Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes.

"My lord, not long, just half a cup of tea's time!" Xie Xiao Jiu replied.

Jiang Ning nodded and asked, "Any news about Liu Linmen?"

"Yes!" Xie Xiao Jiu nodded repeatedly.

Gurgle—

Xie Xiao Jiu's face turned red.

Hearing the rumbling in Xie Xiao Jiu's stomach, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile.

699 Book Bar

Then, Jiang Ning stood up from the pool.

Splash—

The water flowed down his body and landed on the pool's surface, creating ripples.

"Let's go eat, and we can talk as we walk."

Jiang Ning spoke, and his powerful muscles flexed, shaking the water stains off his body.

"My lord, you should change your clothes, I'll wait for you outside!" Xie Xiao Jiu's face turned red, and she quickly turned and ran away.

Jiang Ning was taken aback, then smiled.

Xie Xiao Jiu thought he was going to change his underwear, but he didn't need to.

With a thought, the water on his underwear instantly evaporated.

Then, he picked up the clothes placed on the rocks of the artificial hill and put them on.

Lookout Tower.

The lake's surface was calm, and a gentle breeze blew.

This place was just a street away from the Inspection Office.

Jiang Ning and Xie Xiao Jiu sat by the window on the second floor.

"Speak," Jiang Ning glanced out the window, feeling refreshed.

"My lord, according to the information from below, the entire day, the Yellow Heaven Sect and others didn't make any major moves. But someone went out to buy some medicinal ingredients, ingredients for treating eye ailments!" Xie Xiao Jiu explained.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning seemed to understand something.

"What about Liu Linmen? Has he gone out?"

"The people keeping watch outside didn't see him," Xie Xiao Jiu replied.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

In his heart, he thought, it seems the injuries I caused to Liu Linmen's eyes that night haven't healed yet.

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment, then said, "Keep a close watch, don't let anyone in or out."

"Understood!" Xie Xiao Jiu nodded repeatedly.

Just then—

"Master, the food and wine are here!" A young servant boy approached Jiang Ning, who was sitting by the window, with a tray in hand.

Jiang Ning glanced at the food and said, "Let's eat first."

"Yes, sir!" Xie Xiaojiu nodded repeatedly.

As night fell, the two of them left the restaurant.

"Sir, are you really going to stay at my home tonight?" Xie Xiaojiu asked.

"Yes, I'll be staying at your place tonight, and for the next few days as well," Jiang Ning affirmed with a nod.

"Then should I inform my father to open the door and welcome you?" Xie Xiaojiu looked at Jiang Ning.

"No need!" Jiang Ning shook his head and continued, "Don't tell anyone about this. Just give me the specific location, and I'll climb over the wall to find you later."

"Okay then!" Xie Xiaojiu was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

They walked in silence.

Jiang Ning had already decided to stay temporarily at Xie Xiaojiu's home.

According to Lin Qingyi, the phantom soul that appeared that night was from a Ground King of the Yellow Heaven Sect.

The Ground King's phantom soul had arrived in Luoshui County and, through some mysterious means, discovered that the assassination of Liu Linmen was his doing.

So, he found Jiang Ning and marked him.

If it weren't for Lin Qingyi's sudden intervention, the situation might have become even worse.

Although Lin Qingyi injured the phantom soul, the mark on Jiang Ning's body couldn't be removed.

In this situation, if Liu Linmen found him and used his Heaven Opening Eye to identify him, he would be discovered.

Therefore, Jiang Ning chose not to return home that night.

Before leaving during the day, he also informed his older brother.

It would be too easy for Liu Linmen to find him in his own home at night.

Staying at Xie Xiaojiu's home was different; it would be difficult for Liu Linmen to trace Jiang Ning's whereabouts.

During the day, Jiang Ning was at the Inspection Office, and it would be challenging for Liu Linmen to find him there as well.

With each day's delay, Jiang Ning's strength would increase.

The stronger he became, the safer and more room to maneuver he would have.

Soon after, the two of them arrived at the street where Xie Family Manor was located.

Standing in a corner of the shadows, Jiang Ning watched as Xie Xiaojiu left.

"Miss Ninth!"

"Miss Ninth!!"

The two guards at the entrance, upon seeing Xie Xiaojiu, bowed respectfully, not daring to show any negligence.

Nowadays, Xie Xiaojiu was well-respected throughout the Xie Family Manor.

This was not only due to her strength but also her status.

After crossing the threshold of the Xie Family Manor, Xie Xiaojiu immediately saw a middle-aged man standing in the front courtyard.

"Father!" Xie Xiaojiu said indifferently.

Hearing Xie Xiaojiu's voice, the middle-aged man turned around.

This man was the current head of the Xie Family, Xie Zheng Tian.

"Ninth, you've finally returned!" Xie Zheng Tian revealed a kind smile.

He had once wronged Xie Xiaojiu and her mother, and he knew that Xie Xiaojiu resented him for his cruelty towards her mother.

So, every time he met Xie Xiaojiu, he would show extra kindness, hoping to improve their father-daughter relationship.

"Father, why are you specifically waiting for me here? Is there something important?" Xie Xiaojiu asked with a detached expression.

Xie Zheng Tian said, "Ninth, you asked the people below to keep an eye on a group claiming to be from the Yellow Heaven Sect, and that was the intention of Leader Jiang, right?"

"Yes!" Xie Xiaojiu nodded.

Hearing this, a hint of joy flashed across Xie Zheng Tian's face.

"Leader Jiang has been frequently assigning tasks to you, and he personally promoted you to the position of captain. He must have his eye on you. You should seize this opportunity!"

"Father, if you're going to say things like that, I'm going to bed now," Xie Xiaojiu said coldly.

Watching Xie Xiaojiu's gradually disappearing figure, Xie Zheng Tian couldn't help but sigh quietly.

As the head of the Xie Family, he increasingly felt the instability of Luoshui County.

He was well aware of the Yellow Heaven Sect, a major sect.

It seemed that the Xie Family was also getting involved.

But this order came from the Deputy Leader Jiang of the Inspection Office.

Even if he knew, he dared not refuse or disobey.

The incident with the Cao family, where dozens of people died overnight, was still fresh in his mind. If they resisted, the outcome would be the same.

In this situation, how could he dare to stop the people below from keeping an eye on the Yellow Heaven Sect?

Since he couldn't refuse, he decided to take a gamble.

By tying the Xie Family to Jiang Ning's ship, if Jiang Ning soared to greater heights, so would the Xie Family.

But to ensure they were firmly tied to Jiang Ning, the key was in the young and passionate Xie Xiaojiu.

With a little temptation, she could easily be swayed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end