Chapter 277: Attacking the County Town, the Black Lotus Sect's Holy Maiden!

Chapter 277: Attacking the County Town, the Black Lotus Sect's Holy Maiden!

The Inner City.

On a serene street.

Jiang Ning sat in a sandalwood carriage, flipping through books.

Lu Yi knelt on a carpet beside him, lighting incense in a censer.

She also poked at the charcoal fire, making it crackle and ensuring the carriage was warm and filled with a faint fragrance.

Outside, the atmosphere was equally tranquil.

The rare bitter winter had driven all the town's residents indoors, awaiting the season's end.

Half a shichen later.

Hsss—

Clop-clop—

The sound of horses snorting and hooves clattering on the ground came from outside the carriage.

"It's done!" Jiang Ning sensed the message from his Divine Descendant Mark, feeling delighted.

He put down his book, stood up, and lifted the curtain.

Lu Yi hurriedly followed, putting on the shoes she had removed at the separate red carpet by the carriage entrance.

Although Jiang Ning always wore shoes inside the carriage, casually stepping on the carpet, Lu Yi dared not do the same.

She knew that while Jiang Ning treated her well, he might not care about this matter.

But she had her own rules and was aware of their different statuses.

After putting on her shoes, she quickly followed Jiang Ning's footsteps out of the carriage.

Lifting the curtain, she saw Jiang Ning scratching the faces of the two Snow-Crimson Steeds.

The horses' eyes were full of vitality, unlike the lifeless and dull state they were in yesterday.

At this moment, Jiang Ning patted their faces.

"Let's go!"

As his voice fell, the two fillies received the message through the Divine Descendant Mark, understanding his command.

Immediately, they snorted twice, releasing thick white mist from their noses.

Jiang Ning re-entered the carriage.

Lu Yi, seeing Jiang Ning bend down to enter the carriage, lowered the curtain.

"Young Master, what's going on?"

"A little trick!" Jiang Ning smiled.

At this moment, he felt extremely pleased.

With just two drops of his blood, not only had the fillies' physical bodies been enhanced, making them stronger, more powerful, and more explosive, but they had also gained sentience, becoming extremely understanding of human nature.

Such an effect was truly unexpected.

This surprise made Jiang Ning extremely happy.

His flesh and blood, when absorbed by other creatures, not only enhanced their physical bodies but also turned them into his Divine Descendants.

Furthermore, it could grant sentience to other creatures.

Because his blood contained his Authority Imprint, it would form a Divine Descendant Mark within the creatures, allowing Jiang Ning to control those who absorbed his blood.

From the mark in the fillies' minds, he sensed that both were mares and felt an intense dependence and loyalty towards him.

"It seems my flesh and blood are truly rare treasures. Creatures with Authority are indeed unreasonable!" Jiang Ning sighed, feeling a strange emotion.

After several tests, he also became aware of the power of his blood.

If he wished, he could make any creature's physical body comparable to a Martial Dao Ninth Rank within a short time, just by offering a bit of his flesh and blood.

And this was when his Authority was still in fragments, with a weak effect.

If the Divine Descendant Authority were complete, the effect would undoubtedly be more potent.

"Eight-Armed Divine Deity, Flesh-and-Blood Deity!"

"For now, it's my only way to obtain Divine Essence and two Authorities."

At the same time.

The carriage started moving.

The speed quickly became swift.

The hurried clopping of hooves reached their ears.

Lu Yi, who had just taken off her cotton shoes, revealing white socks, lost her balance and grabbed the edge of the carriage.

"Young Master, these two Snow-Crimson Steeds are like they've taken medicine."

She had just stabilized her body when she spoke her thoughts aloud.

Jiang Ning smiled. These fillies had consumed his blood, which was far more effective than any medicine.

Then, he felt the speed of the carriage and made a decision.

After returning, he would feed them a bit more of his blood to enhance their physical strength, reducing the time needed for their journey within the city.

After all, the inner city's roads were spacious, with few pedestrians, but there was also a designated lane for carriages.

Moreover, with the fillies' newfound sentience, there was no worry of them colliding with passersby.

The next moment.

Jiang Ning picked up the book from the table.

【Skill】: Scholarly Insight (Four Breakthroughs, 4833/5000) (Traits: Photographic Memory, Exceptional Senses, Keen Mind, Exceptional Insight)



"Just need 167 more experience points for the fifth breakthrough.

Jiang Ning quietly sat at the entrance of the marketplace, continuing to read the book in the carriage. While broadening his knowledge, he was also increasing his experience in scholarly insight.

As for Lu Yi, she went to the market alone to buy some things.

After a long time of not visiting, Jiang Ning naturally couldn't return empty-handed when going to the Martial Arts Academy to see his mentor, Wang Jin.

During his most difficult times, Wang Jin's help was crucial.

If it weren't for Wang Jin's support and high regard for him back then, he wouldn't have been able to progress this far so quickly.

Looking at the rankings in Luo Shui County, he could confidently say he was among the top three. With the year-end approaching, he could even claim to be the strongest in the county.

As the year drew to a close, whether it was Hong Minghu or the White Granny from the Internal Affairs Department of the Inspection Office, they would all return home to spend the holidays.

At this moment, outside Luo Shui County, in the Beiqiu Mountains, a small group of soldiers dressed in black armor appeared.

If someone with extensive knowledge were here, they would easily recognize these people as the Black Mountain Army, and among them were numerous Black Mountain Riders with Black Nightmare Horses and Black Iron Armor.

There were more than thirty riders.

Not long ago, Jiang Ning had killed a group of the Black Mountain Army and several Black Mountain Riders in the Beiqiu Mountains. Now, another group of the Black Mountain Army, carrying the banner of revenge, was approaching Luo Shui County.

Initially, Cao Rong had been sent from Dongling City's Heavenly Mechanism Camp to Luo Shui County, supposedly to eliminate this group of Black Mountain Riders.

If Cao Rong had made it here alive, he would have turned around and fled upon seeing this scene.

This group of the Black Mountain Army was too exaggerated.

There were more than thirty Black Mountain Riders with Black Nightmare Horses and Black Iron Armor.

It was known that the Black Mountain Riders were the elite of the Black Lotus Sect's protective army.

To join them, one had to have at least an eighth-rank Divine Power Realm in the Martial Dao.

In the Black Mountain Riders, a team of five was led by a captain, and the weakest among them was at the eighth-rank peak with a terrifying strength of three thousand jin.

Among them were also stronger individuals, including some at the seventh rank.

A team of fifty formed a battalion, and the battalion captains were all at the seventh-rank peak with sinews as tough as dragons.

This group of the Black Mountain Army had over a hundred soldiers, and there were more than thirty Black Mountain Riders.

This indicated the presence of several seventh-rank experts.

There was also a high possibility of a seventh-rank peak battalion captain.

"Saintess, the small squad of Black Mountain Riders died here." A cold female voice echoed through the valley, shrouded in silver.

Upon hearing this, the people in the valley suddenly fell silent.

In the past, the Black Mountain Army swept through Daming Prefecture, even occupying the prefecture city.

How powerful was the Black Mountain Army back then? Fifty Black Mountain Riders had achieved the feat of defeating fifty thousand imperial soldiers, and their reputation was at its peak.

Now, the Black Lotus Sect was in disarray, with members dying, scattering, and fleeing.

Under the pursuit and blockade of the imperial troops, the number of sect members had dwindled.

The Black Mountain Army, the protective force of the Black Lotus Sect, had managed to survive until now, and they were all exceptional Martial Dao practitioners.

Weaker members below the eighth rank had already been eliminated.

At this moment, if someone heard these words, they would realize that the most terrifying part of this Black Mountain Army wasn't the thirty Black Mountain Riders.

Instead, it was the Saintess, as mentioned by the leader of the Black Mountain Riders.

The Saintess of the Black Lotus Sect, rumored to be the incarnation and spokesperson of the Black Lotus Mother on earth.

Just then, the woman in a black veil and a long black sheer skirt spoke again, her cold voice echoing in everyone's ears.

"The brothers of our sect must not die in vain. We must avenge them and let them rest in peace in the Mother's kingdom."

"What does the Saintess mean?" a coarse male voice asked.

The woman's voice echoed again, "Captain Jiang! Our brothers are now facing hunger and cold. We need to enter the county town to resupply. Luo Shui County is the best choice!"

"By attacking Luo Shui County, we can not only let our brothers catch their breath and resupply, but also avenge the fallen brothers and let them rest in peace in the Mother's kingdom."

Upon hearing this, the leader of the Black Mountain Riders fell into deep thought.

Attacking a county town was no small matter.

Even if they succeeded, it would provoke a fierce retaliation from the imperial forces.

As he pondered, he turned to look at his fellow soldiers behind him.

Seeing their pale faces, shivering in the cold wind, he made a decision.

He nodded heavily.

"Good! We'll do as the Saintess says!"

"Captain Jiang, there's no need to worry," the woman said. "With the heavy snowfall blocking the mountains, communication between cities has been cut off.

"Luo Shui County is now an isolated city."

"As long as the snow doesn't melt, we'll be safe within the city walls."

"Moreover, the New Year is approaching, and the powerful individuals from the Inspection Office stationed in the county have already returned home, leaving the defenses extremely weak."

"Even with Captain Jiang's hundred-strong army, along with his own strength, there's a chance to conquer a county seat."

"Furthermore, I'll also take action at that time!"

Upon hearing these words, the man with the coarse voice immediately brightened.

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Then, on the night of the New Year, we'll begin the siege, and I hope the Holy Maiden can lend us her support and join forces to breach the city."

"Rest assured! As a member of the Worshipping God Sect, I'll provide assistance. If necessary, I'll even cover your retreat." The woman's voice was firm.

"Thank you, Holy Maiden!!!" The man with the coarse voice immediately bowed deeply.

At the entrance of the market.

A slender girl, dressed in green, was seen carrying a heavy tiger leg weighing over thirty to fifty pounds in her left hand and several large and small packages in her right, clearly struggling with the weight.

Her seemingly delicate arms contrasted sharply with the heavy load.

"She's incredibly strong!"

"This little girl is extraordinary, clearly skilled in martial arts!"

"Indeed, those items don't look light at all!"

". . ."

As the crowd chatted, Lu Yi weaved through the people and approached Jiang Ning's coach.

"Young Master, I've bought everything!" Her voice reached Jiang Ning's ears.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning put down the book in his hand and stood up.

He then swept aside the curtain and grabbed Lu Yi's arm, effortlessly lifting her into the coach.

"Come in, and put the items in the carriage."

"Yes!" Lu Yi replied.

Soon, two white and red flame horses, at Jiang Ning's command, headed towards the Cang Lang Martial Arts Academy.

Cang Lang Martial Arts Academy.

With the New Year approaching and the weather worsening, the academy's disciples had already returned home.

Dong Dong Dong---

The academy's main gate was suddenly knocked.

After a moment.

Hong Long---

The gate slowly opened.

Jiang Ning was greeted by a middle-aged woman.

"Who are you?" She looked at Jiang Ning, her face revealing surprise.

Jiang Ning was taken aback and hesitated, "I'm Jiang Ning, a disciple of Master Wang, and I've come today to pay my respects to my teacher."

Upon hearing Jiang Ning's words, the middle-aged woman realized, and quickly bowed, "A humble commoner greets Jiang Young Master!"

"There's no need for that!" Jiang Ning waved his hand, and an invisible force stopped the middle-aged woman from kneeling.

Seeing her, Jiang Ning's mood sank.

When he first joined the academy, he had received much care from Aunt Sun.

He could feel that Aunt Sun treated him like a sister or mother.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, Jiang Ning cherished this kind of concern.

So, when he later learned that Aunt Sun had been killed by He Jinyun, he no longer chose to endure and secretly took revenge for her.

As he was lost in thought.

The middle-aged woman who opened the door stepped aside, "Jiang Young Master, I've heard of you! You're Master Wang's disciple, and I'll take you to see him now."

"Thank you!" Jiang Ning said.

Then, Jiang Ning and Lu Yi followed her, heading towards the master's quarters.

The Quarters.

The middle-aged woman opened the door, sneaking a glance inside.

She then quietly approached Jiang Ning.

"Young Master Jiang, the master has just fallen asleep. Do you want to wake him up?"

"No need!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

Just then, a robust figure suddenly emerged from within the room.

"Come in! I was just about to get up." His voice was filled with vitality.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning strode forward, and Lu Yi, seeing this, hurriedly followed with the items.

Pushing open the door, Jiang Ning saw Master Wang, his face flushed with health, just getting out of bed and putting aside his blanket.

"Master!" Jiang Ning bowed respectfully.

Master Wang glanced at Jiang Ning and then at Lu Yi, who was carrying the items with both hands.

"Since you're here, it's only right to bring something." Master Wang got up and put on his shoes.

"It's been nearly a month since I last visited Master. With the New Year approaching, I couldn't possibly come empty-handed." Jiang Ning explained.

Master Wang's smile, but he couldn't change them overnight.

"Put the items over there!" Master Wang pointed to the table.

Lu Yi glanced at Jiang Ning, and seeing his slight nod, she placed the items on the table.

"Care for some wine?" Master Wang walked to the table and took a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

"Yes!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"Good!" Master Wang's face lit up with a smile.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end