Chapter 216: Breakthrough, Achieving Serpent Sinew

Chapter 216: Breakthrough, Achieving Serpent Sinew

In the blink of an eye, several days had passed.

On this deep autumn morning, the sun rose later than usual.

Jiang Ning sat cross-legged in a wooden tub, surrounded by rising water vapor. The woodpile beneath occasionally crackled with "popping" sounds as sparks flew.

"Sir, you truly can endure hardships!" Xie Xiao Jiu, supporting her head, blinked repeatedly, her eyelids fighting to stay open.

Just then, Jiang Ning suddenly opened his eyes, his face lighting up with joy.

Xie Xiao Jiu, witnessing this, instantly became more alert, her drowsiness dissipating.

"Sir!" she exclaimed.

Jiang Ning's joyful expression turned into a triumphant fist clench.

"Finally, I've reached the Serpent Sinew level!"

"Next, I need to gather the remaining Contribution Points and exchange them for the Dragon Ascension Pill to achieve the Dragon Sinew level!" Jiang Ning thought to himself.

Immediately, he stood up, and the water cascaded down from his body into the tub.

"Sir, are you ending today's training?" Xie Xiao Jiu asked.

"Yes, it's over," Jiang Ning replied with a nod.

"Why did you stop so early today, Sir?" Xie Xiao Jiu wondered.

"I broke through!" Jiang Ning explained. "It's only fitting to conclude today's sinew refinement progress!"

Upon hearing this, Xie Xiao Jiu's eyes widened.

"Sir, you really broke through?"

Jiang Ning nodded, a smile spreading across his face.

Fully achieving the Serpent Sinew level meant his strength had increased significantly.

Next, if he could gather 30,000 Contribution Points to exchange for the Dragon Ascension Pill, he might smoothly break through to the Dragon Sinew level.

Once he reached the Dragon Sinew level, he could begin to ascend to the Sixth Rank.

"Sir indeed broke through!!" Xie Xiao Jiu thought, astonished.

Witnessing Jiang Ning's confident expression, she no longer harbored any doubts.

A few days ago, as an observer, she had seen Jiang Ning's strength firsthand.

With a single palm strike, he had killed the Seventh Rank Black Rider Army leader.

This demonstrated Jiang Ning's power at the Seventh Rank Martial Dao.

Now, having broken through again, Xie Xiao Jiu's eyes reflected her incredulity.

What level would this new breakthrough signify, built upon his previous foundation?

Later that day...

Jiang Ning boarded Xie Xiao Jiu's horse-drawn carriage in a narrow alley.

"Sorry to keep you waiting in the snow, Sir!" Xie Xiao Jiu apologized, hastily offering Jiang Ning a fur coat.

"No need to apologize," Jiang Ning smiled. "It's been a while since I've seen snow. Standing in it today feels quite pleasant!"

As he spoke, Jiang Ning adjusted the fur coat, making himself more comfortable.

This snowfall was the first he had seen since arriving in this world.

Earlier, he had conducted a simple experiment to see if his Water Control Technique was effective against snow.

The result was somewhat disappointing: the technique had no effect on snow.

Moreover, the snow's presence didn't provide him with any sensory extension benefits.

While in water, regardless of the temperature, he felt as comfortable as if bathing in warm springs.

However, in the snow, he could feel the cold, albeit without any adverse effects.

As they approached the Inspection Office entrance...

"Liu Tianshi, do you think Jiang Ning is the one who killed our sect's Incense Master that night?" a middle-aged woman asked, standing alongside Liu Linmen under the snowy sky.

"Eight out of ten chances!" Liu Linmen replied confidently. "We just need to verify it!"

Moments later...

"He's here!" Liu Linmen exclaimed, gazing at the approaching horse-drawn carriage.

Simultaneously, Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed.

"What's wrong, Sir?" Xie Xiao Jiu asked, sensing the change in atmosphere within the carriage.

"An unexpected guest has arrived," Jiang Ning said calmly.

"Is it the person you've been avoiding these past few days, Sir?" Xie Xiao Jiu inquired.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Shall I handle them for you, Sir?" Xie Xiao Jiu offered.

"No need," Jiang Ning replied serenely. "He's an intelligent person. At this point, hiding is meaningless – just self-deception!"

On the other side, Liu Linmen approached the carriage, followed by the middle-aged woman.

"May I have the pleasure of speaking with Commander Jiang?" Liu Linmen asked, bowing respectfully.

Snow fell silently, and a moment of silence ensued.

"Yes!" A voice emerged from within the carriage.

The next moment, the curtain of the carriage was swept aside, and Liu Linmen saw Jiang Ning, dressed in a silken white robe, stepping out with a bow.

This silken white robe was specially tailored by Xie Xiao Jiu a few days ago, as she insisted that Jiang Ning would look good in white.

And so, Jiang Ning complied with her wishes.

At the same time, Xie Xiao Jiu, clad in a black dress, gracefully exited the carriage, following closely behind Jiang Ning.

"Wait here for me!" Jiang Ning spoke to Xie Xiao Jiu, handing over his fur coat to her.

Xie Xiao Jiu, upon hearing this, gave Liu Linmen a deep glance and then obediently took the fur coat from Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning jumped down from the carriage, landing softly on the plush snow-covered ground, his descent silent.

At this moment, Liu Linmen's right index and middle fingers pinched together, gently gliding across his own brow.

The next instant, realization dawned upon him.

"As I thought!"

"Come over here and talk!" Jiang Ning said calmly.

"Yes!" Liu Linmen couldn't help but show a hint of reverence, obediently following Jiang Ning.

At this moment, seeing Jiang Ning in person, his previous thoughts were further solidified.

Because, in Jiang Ning, he didn't sense any trace of panic or tension.

All he could perceive was composure and confidence.

It's worth noting that Liu Linmen, as the Incense Master of the Yellow Heaven Sect, was undoubtedly a genuine Fifth Rank Inner Firmament Realm cultivator.

He had long since cultivated his inner breath.

Such strength, not only in a small place like Luoshui County but even in the county town of Dongling, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage or oppressed by the aura of those old cultivators.

And at this moment.

The young Jiang Ning, not even twenty years old, was caught off guard by Liu Linmen's scrutiny, yet he showed no signs of nervousness or fear.

How could an ordinary person achieve such composure?

In Liu Linmen's opinion, there was no doubt that Jiang Ning possessed unwavering confidence to face him without the slightest hesitation.

On the other side.

The middle-aged woman watched Jiang Ning's figure, her eyes flashing with astonishment.

The next moment, her heart was filled with wild joy.

Spirituality! Such intense spirituality!

This was a perfect sacrificial offering! If I present this perfect offering, I will surely ascend to the Fifth Rank, my internal organs will be strengthened, and I will directly enter the ranks of the Fifth Realm.

At this moment, the middle-aged woman's eyes gleamed with greed as she saw Jiang Ning's figure.

In Jiang Ning, she saw her opportunity for ascension.

The two of them walked into a nearby alley.

As Jiang Ning paused.

"Commander Jiang, I'm sorry for the intrusion today!" Liu Linmen said with a respectful tone.

Seeing Liu Linmen's demeanor, Jiang Ning was momentarily perplexed.

In an instant, he set aside this confusion for the time being.

He could sense that Liu Linmen didn't seem to bear any ill intentions towards him.

Although he didn't understand why Liu Linmen had no ill will, it didn't affect his next choice.

Whether it was a bluff or a show of confidence, it was a choice with a certain degree of assurance.

"Incense Master Liu, after opening your Heavenly Eye, did you confirm it?" Jiang Ning asked calmly.

"Yes!" Liu Linmen nodded slightly, his expression respectful.

"It took so many geniuses to find me, it seems that the Earth King in your sect was not lightly injured!" Jiang Ning spoke with ease.

"Injured?" Liu Linmen's eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing Liu Linmen's reaction, Jiang Ning's confidence grew.

Then, he nodded slightly and said, "Your Earth King used the Phantom Soul Exit technique, it's not so easy to escape unscathed!"

Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Liu Linmen immediately understood.

No wonder, after that day, when he tried to contact the Earth King through incense, he received no response.

The Earth King had already suffered damage to his Phantom Soul that very night.

Injuries to the Phantom Soul were always the most troublesome and vexing.

If the injury worsened, it could lead to the soul's dissipation or a state of stupor.

At this moment, Liu Linmen fully comprehended why the Earth King had been unresponsive; he was recuperating from his Phantom Soul injury.

Hence, he had no time to respond to Liu Linmen's request.

Simultaneously, Liu Linmen discovered another crucial detail from Jiang Ning's words.

The Earth King, after using the Phantom Soul Exit technique to find Jiang Ning, was struck by Jiang Ning, injuring the Earth King's Phantom Soul.

"Injuring the Phantom Soul! Only a peerless genius could achieve such a feat in this small place!" Liu Linmen thought to himself.

In an instant, his respect for Jiang Ning grew.

He was certain that Jiang Ning was either a reincarnated transcendent or an old demon possessing a new body.

No matter what, Heaven's Pride couldn't possibly be so simple.

Just as Liu Linmen's eyes shifted, Jiang Ning spoke again.

"Incense Master Liu, have you come to seek revenge for your disciples?"

"How dare I!" Liu Linmen quickly regained his composure, a smile on his face.

Then he said, "Commander Jiang is an imperial official. I, a mere commoner, beseech you to spare us and grant us a way to live!"

"If Commander Jiang is willing to spare us, I will follow your every command in the future. Even if it means facing Hellfire and Cauldron, I won't even frown."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning looked at Liu Linmen and suddenly burst into laughter.

The next moment, he turned and left.

Seeing Jiang Ning's meaningful smile, Liu Linmen was momentarily perplexed.

He stared blankly at Jiang Ning's departing figure, only turning away when Jiang Ning re-entered the carriage and disappeared from his sight. His eyes continued to shift.

"What does he mean by that?" Liu Linmen pondered Jiang Ning's laughter, muttering to himself.

"Taoist Liu!" A middle-aged woman appeared beside Liu Linmen and spoke.

Hearing her voice, Liu Linmen slowly regained his focus.

"Taoist Liu, was the person who attacked that night this Commander Jiang?" The middle-aged woman asked again after seeing Liu Linmen's reaction.

"It was him!" Liu Linmen nodded.

"It really was him!" The middle-aged woman's eyes narrowed, and her gaze suddenly became fierce.

Then she said, "Taoist Liu, can I take this revenge for you?"

"You want to take action against Commander Jiang to avenge the Incense Master from your sect?" Liu Linmen looked at the middle-aged woman in slight surprise.

"Yes!" The middle-aged woman nodded heavily, then continued, "That person was closely related to me. I must avenge him!"

"So..." The middle-aged woman turned to Liu Linmen, "Please, Taoist Liu, let me have this chance to settle the score with this Blood-Clothed Enemy!"

Seeing the determination in the middle-aged woman's eyes, Liu Linmen pondered for a moment.

Then he slowly nodded, "Since you say so, we'll do it your way!"

"Thank you, Taoist Liu!" The middle-aged woman's eyes lit up with a rich shade of joy.

Seizing this opportunity, I will surely rise to the heavens!

This thought flashed through her mind.

At this moment, Liu Linmen's heart was filled with amusement.

This Sun Tanzhu from the Idolatry Sect wanted to take action against Jiang Ning, and he was more than willing to let her.

"This is perfect. I can use Sun Tanzhu to test the depths of Commander Jiang. If he can handle the crisis brought by Sun Tanzhu, my previous guess will be more likely. In that case, what's the harm in my retreat and submission?"

"If I'm wrong, I'll die at Sun Tanzhu's hands, and the Inspection Office won't have anything to do with me in the future!"

Liu Linmen's thoughts raced, and he quickly figured everything out.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ning had just returned to the carriage and was deep in thought.

Liu Linmen's behavior had completely caught him off guard.

After a long contemplation,

"It seems like Liu Linmen has imagined a lot about me."

"As they say, the most deadly is the imagination."

"After today's display, where I pretended to be formidable by taking advantage of the Earth King's damaged phantom soul, Liu Linmen won't dare to act against me for a while."

"For now, I'm safe."

"That's not bad!"

After figuring it out, Jiang Ning felt relieved.

To be honest, a Fifth Rank Inner Fortitude Realm expert like Hong Minghu, who made him feel like facing a formidable enemy, had also put him under some pressure.

Jiang Ning wasn't sure if he had the qualifications to engage in combat with such a person.

A true Fifth Rank Inner Fortitude Realm expert was far beyond his reach, as someone who had only initially grasped the inner essence.

After all, his accumulation wasn't deep enough, and his total inner essence couldn't compare to someone like Liu Linmen.

Not to mention the vast difference in their Martial Dao cultivation.

So, for now, it was best to avoid confrontation.

As Jiang Ning pondered, the carriage entered the gates of the Inspection Office.

"We're here, sir!" Xie Xiao Jiu spoke up.

Jiang Ning also snapped out of his thoughts, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped out.

The two of them landed on the soft snow.

Xie Xiao Jiu suddenly said, "Sir, is that matter resolved?"

Jiang Ning understood what Xie Xiao Jiu meant.

He nodded, "Temporarily resolved!"

"Then..." Xie Xiao Jiu opened her mouth, "Will you be going back with me today?"

"I need to go home first, so my brother and sister-in-law won't worry."

Hearing Jiang Ning's reply, Xie Xiao Jiu's eyes dimmed slightly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end