Chapter 226: Unfathomable Methods

Chapter 226: Unfathomable Methods

Amidst the pouring rain, a voice cried out, "He's dead!"

Hong Minghu reached out to check He Jinyun's breath, and his pupils suddenly widened in shock. His expression turned grave as he realized the severity of the situation.

He Jinyun's death here would implicate him as well.

"Who did this?"

"Who dared to lay a hand on the Young Lord?"

"Who has the ability to kill He Jinyun, a naturally divine strength cultivator who had already reached the peak of the Eighth Rank Divine Strength Realm, in just two breaths?"

Three questions flashed through Hong Minghu's mind.

The Eighth Rank Divine Strength Realm was an exceptional level of power, and only a top-tier Sixth Rank Martial Artist could achieve such a feat.

Hong Minghu's mind briefly flashed with the image of Luoshui County's Sixth Rank Martial Artist, and he slowly shook his head.

It couldn't have been them!

After a moment of contemplation, Hong Minghu's headache worsened.

"Forget it!" He shook his head and squatted down.

"Strange!" After examining He Jinyun's injuries, Hong Minghu felt a sense of unease.

He had never seen such wounds before; they were like thousands of needles piercing the body, terrifying to behold. Yet, there were no traces of any deadly weapons left behind.

"This is beyond comprehension!" Hong Minghu furrowed his brows.

Just witnessing He Jinyun's unbearable injuries, he knew the pain he endured must have been akin to a thousand arrows piercing his heart and a million ants gnawing at his bones.

At that moment, He Jinyun's corpse lay lifeless, his body ravaged beyond recognition, covered in blood and rain, stood as a grim reminder of the brutality that had transpired.

As the rain washed over the corpse, blood flowed across the ground, spreading in all directions.

Meanwhile, at the Inspection Office.

Sun Big Mother!

I have avenged you!

Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes, his heart whispering these words.

Despite killing He Jinyun, Jiang Ning felt no joy.

He understood that taking action against He Jinyun would bring him trouble if it were to be exposed.

He Jinyun was the son of the Marquis, known as the Young Lord.

Even though the Marquis had declined over generations, He Jinyun's father, being the legitimate heir of the original Marquis, held the title as the direct descendant of the eldest son.

Although the title no longer came with land or power, the position had diminished from a second-rank official to a fourth-rank one.

However, the eldest son of He Jinyun's lineage still enjoyed the inheritance of the Marquis title.

Even if the Marquis had fallen from grace, with no real power and reduced to a fourth-rank civil official, he still held the prestige of the Qinghe Marquis.

The title of Qinghe Marquis represented far more than just a name.

It symbolized the past and honor, a force to be reckoned with.

This power was something Jiang Ning knew he couldn't resist.

But even with this knowledge, Jiang Ning made his choice.

Compared to this potential threat, He Jinyun's direct threat seemed more troublesome to Jiang Ning.

Yesterday, he dared to go after Sun Big Mother, and who's to say he won't go after Xiao Dou Bao, or his brother and sister-in-law, or those close to him tomorrow?

He Jinyun's actions showed no regard for consequences, and Jiang Ning wasn't willing to take that risk.

Moreover, he didn't want to delay avenging Sun Big Mother!

Jiang Ning sat in the rain, deep in thought for a long time.

Suddenly, a commotion outside the courtyard interrupted his contemplation.

"He Jinyun is dead!"

Hearing the voice from outside, Jiang Ning slowly stood up.

"I should go take a look!"

After stepping out of the courtyard gate, he saw Xie Xiao Jiu.

"Lord!" Xie Xiao Jiu exclaimed, then raised her black sleeve to shield Jiang Ning from the rain.

Jiang Ning, already soaked from the rain, smiled at Xie Xiao Jiu, who was on her tiptoes.

"Do I really need an umbrella when I'm already drenched?"

"Lord, you should avoid the rain. It's freezing, and you'll catch a cold!" Xie Xiao Jiu replied.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning chuckled and rubbed her head.

He then took out an umbrella from the Infinite Ring and handed it to Xie Xiao Jiu.

"Let's go and see what's happened there!"

"Yes, Lord!" Xie Xiao Jiu hurriedly agreed.

She immediately opened the umbrella and held it high above Jiang Ning's head.

Jiang Ning took a step forward and turned back to look at Xie Xiao Jiu.

"Move the umbrella closer to you. You're a young lady, and you can't afford to catch a cold. Besides, I'm already soaked, so it's useless for you to hold the umbrella for me. It's for you anyway!"

Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Xie Xiao Jiu's face lit up with a smile. She followed closely behind him, holding the umbrella over Jiang Ning.

After a short while, they turned a corner, and Jiang Ning saw He Jinyun's lifeless body, drenched in blood and rain.

"Marquis, what's going on here?" Jiang Ning furrowed his brows.

Hong Minghu glanced at Jiang Ning and then frowned, "He Jinyun is dead, and this is going to be a big problem!"

At the same time, Ye Qiu, who had arrived earlier, was secretly observing Jiang Ning.

Having just learned about He Jinyun's situation, he immediately suspected Jiang Ning.

However, as Jiang Ning appeared, he showed no signs of a fight on his body.

Not only were there no signs of a struggle, but there wasn't even a trace of mud or sewage on him.

After observing him, Ye Qiu immediately dismissed his suspicions of Jiang Ning.

He was well aware that with He Jinyun's strength, if Jiang Ning had been the killer, there would have been some evidence left behind.

Moreover, in his opinion, even if Jiang Ning had a certain motive, he didn't possess such capabilities.

The Marquis, having heard the commotion, arrived at the scene.

But in just two or three breaths, such a short time.

In such a short time, to kill He Jinyun, it would have to be the Marquis himself.

Furthermore, the way He Jinyun died was so peculiar that even if he were to do it, he wouldn't be able to.

At the same time, he also believed that with Jiang Ning's intelligence and ability to assess the situation, he wouldn't be unaware of how terrifying it would be to kill He Jinyun.

As the heir of the Marquis's main lineage, although He Jinyun was the youngest son, he was also the most favored.

It was easy to imagine that when this matter reached the Marquis's manor, it would cause a huge stir and provoke great anger.

After staying at the scene for a moment, all four commanders soon arrived.

Half an hour later, the group still hadn't reached a conclusion. In the end, Hong Minghu entrusted the task of investigating the murderer to Ye Qiu, the one he trusted the most.

The rest of the group dispersed.

After leaving the Inspection Office, Xie Xiao Jiu said to Jiang Ning, "Lord, you're soaked. Why don't you come to my place and take a hot bath?"

Hearing Xie Xiao Jiu's words, Jiang Ning was slightly startled and then looked at her.

"Aren't you afraid?"

"No!" Xie Xiao Jiu shook her head.

Jiang Ning looked at her determined gaze and then slowly shook his head. "No, it's too late!"

Leaving these words behind, Jiang Ning turned and left.

In this world, even though he had reached his current status, he didn't dare to say that he could rest easy. How could he bring happiness to others?

Not to mention, today he had provoked a potential giant by taking action.

If the truth were to come out, it would be difficult for him to protect himself, let alone those close to him.

At the same time, Xie Xiao Jiu, dressed in black, raised her hand and watched as Jiang Ning's figure quietly disappeared into the distance.

The rain gradually eased, and the heavy downpour from earlier had turned into a light drizzle.

Xie Xiao Jiu remained silent, watching until Jiang Ning's figure completely disappeared from her original position.

Returning to his manor, Jiang Ning took a hot bath, and the negative emotions in his heart instantly dissipated.

A smile appeared on his face.

No matter what, he had gained a lot in the past two days.

He had eliminated the potential threat posed by Cao Rong.

At the same time, his Literary Proficiency skill had broken its limit again, and his Exceptional Insight had greatly increased.

With the boost of Exceptional Insight, most of his martial arts skills would now gain double the experience efficiency, which would greatly aid in improving his strength.

Moreover, his psychic energy surged, and his psychic energy field easily covered a hundred-meter radius around him.

Due to the increase in psychic energy, his techniques also became more powerful.

Today, he used the Cloud and Rain Manipulation technique to effortlessly cover the entire Luo Shui County with heavy rain and then, from a distance of one li, used the Water Control Technique to kill He Jinyun.

With such mysterious and unpredictable methods, Jiang Ning believed that no one could find evidence or trace the crime back to him, the real culprit.

This was also the reason why he dared to take action against He Jinyun and avenge Sun Big Mother today.

Sitting in the courtyard, as the dark clouds dispersed, revealing the bright moon in the night sky.

Jiang Ning checked his status panel once more.

Name: Jiang Ning

Essence Energy: 237.43

Skills:

Literary Proficiency (4 Times Limit Break / 5000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Keen Mind, Exceptional Insight)



Firewood Chopping Blade Technique (5 Times Limit Break / 6000) (Characteristics: Broad Understanding, Blade Aura Like a Gale, Divine Blade Control, Unity of Man and Blade, Innate Vajra Bone)



Water Proficiency (5 Times Limit Break / 6000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Control Technique, Water Affinity, Cloud and Rain Manipulation)



"There are still 200 Essence Energy points remaining, which can only allow Literary Proficiency to complete the fifth Limit Break. It's still insufficient for Firewood Chopping Blade Technique and Water Proficiency to reach the sixth Limit Break."

After checking his status, Jiang Ning closed the panel.

Now, his thoughts were focused on a single goal—further enhancing his strength.

The stronger he became, the more confident he would be in facing unexpected situations.

Just like yesterday, when he learned that Cao Rong was heading straight for Luoshui County, he was able to intercept and kill Cao Rong alone on the way to the county.

This was all due to his formidable strength.

His abilities gave him this confidence.

If he were to kill He Jinyun and be exposed, only his strength would be his true reliance.

His official position might be useful against forces like the Yellow Heaven Sect.

However, an Eighth Rank official position was insignificant compared to a Fourth Rank Marquis, especially one of the main lineage.

Although Jiang Ning didn't think this was likely, he still had to be cautious.

Just like that night, when he secretly attacked Liu Linmen, only to have Liu summon the Earth King to manifest his Phantom Soul, easily pinning him down.

He was unfamiliar with such mysterious and unpredictable methods.

Then, Jiang Ning began to assess his current abilities.

He glanced at his status panel once more.

Skills:

- Literary Proficiency (Three Times Limit Break 3/5000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Keen Mind, Exceptional Insight)



- Five Animal Fist (One Time Limit Break 787/2000) (Characteristics: Five Organs Essence, Sea of Blood)



- Firewood Chopping Blade Technique (Five Times Limit Break 6000/6000) (Characteristics: Cross-Categorical Understanding, Blade Aura Like Gale, Divine Blade Control, Innate Blade Body)



- Inner Core Nourishing Technique (Minor Accomplishment 713/5000)



- Vajra Unshakable Body (Minor Accomplishment 453/5000)



- Water Proficiency (Five Times Limit Break 6000/6000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Control Technique, Water Affinity, Cloud and Rain Manipulation, Water Body)



- Gale Thunder Archery (Three Times Limit Break 49/4000) (Characteristics: Thunderstorm Breath, Heart's Arrow Technique, Thunderstorm Arrows)



- Waterfire Essence Technique (Minor Accomplishment 54/500)



Literary Proficiency allowed him to expand his psychic energy to cover his entire body, providing immense assistance.

Although Five Animal Fist had only achieved one Limit Break, the resulting increase in his sea of blood was massive, and this robust energy was key to his rapid progress.

Firewood Chopping Blade Technique's greatest change came after achieving five Limit Breaks, further enhancing his blade aura.

The peak power of that night's final strike was still fresh in Jiang Ning's mind.

In his opinion, that strike might have been his strongest combat technique.

The fact that it could slay a Sixth Rank Martial Dao monster with a single strike was a testament to its terror.

As for Inner Core Nourishing Technique, after reaching the Minor Accomplishment level, it allowed him to master the inner breath of a Fifth Rank Inner Fortitude Realm practitioner.

His simultaneous internal and external cultivation was the reason his strength far surpassed others of the same rank.

However, Vajra Unshakable Body had been neglected for a long time, and although the technique's rank was impressive, it hadn't manifested any extraordinary effects on him.

He then turned his attention to Water Proficiency, Gale Thunder Archery, and Waterfire Essence Technique.

Water Proficiency was his most significant reliance at present.

With this skill, once he entered the water, his strength would greatly increase, making aquatic environments his true domain.

Gale Thunder Archery, a Middle-tier Martial Art, had become one of Jiang Ning's trump cards after achieving three Limit Breaks.

Moreover, the technique's characteristic of moving like the wind and striking like thunder greatly enhanced his regular combat abilities.

Compared to the terror of Gale Thunder Archery, Waterfire Essence Technique, an Upper-tier Martial Art, fell slightly short, as its offensive power was far less terrifying.

Jiang Ning understood that this was because Waterfire Essence Technique had only reached the Minor Accomplishment level and was yet to achieve Major Accomplishment, let alone Perfection.

Gale Thunder Archery, a Middle-tier Martial Art, had already achieved three Limit Breaks, benefiting from three characteristics and the fact that each Limit Break further strengthened the Thunderstorm Power.

The support of three Limit Breaks had already transformed Gale Thunder Archery.

It was no longer just an ordinary Middle-tier Martial Art.

In Jiang Ning's opinion, even a Perfected Upper-tier Martial Art might not compare to his current Gale Thunder Archery with three Limit Breaks.

After reviewing the changes in his status panel, Jiang Ning closed it and clenched his fist.

In an instant, power surged through his body, and he felt his body's muscles and tendons as sturdy as dragon sinews. He nodded in satisfaction.

He had achieved dragon sinews, but the true peak of Seventh Rank Martial Dao was unattainable at this level.

To seek further breakthroughs, he would have to advance to the Sixth Rank.

Currently, to achieve a more significant breakthrough in strength, he needed to enhance his skills and, more importantly, temper his mortal body.

Bone Forging was the final step of External Cultivation.

It was also a crucial step.

After completing this step, his early start in internal and external cultivation, combined with the progress of Inner Core Nourishing Technique, would allow him to directly enter the Fifth Rank Inner Fortitude Realm.

And not just an ordinary Fifth Rank.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end