Chapter 280: The Tree Desires Calm, But the Wind Won't Cease

Chapter 280: The Tree Desires Calm, But the Wind Won't Cease



Cloudcome Inn.

"Success!"

"Haha!!"

He Jinsheng stepped out of the room, his face beaming with joy.

At this moment, his spirit soared, and his face glowed with a radiant red hue.

After years of cultivating both his inner and outer strength, he had finally succeeded in refining his first strand of inner breath on this day.

This also represented a crucial step forward in his martial path.

He could now truly be called a powerhouse of the Fifth Rank.

With this strength, he was a genuine influential figure in Dongling City.

"It's a pity that the Martial Scholar and Martial Champion examinations are held only once every three years, and it's just over a year away."

"If only it were a year earlier, I might have been able to participate at my age."

"By then, I might not be able to get lucky and grab a Martial Scholar title."

He Jinsheng shook his head, speaking to himself, his face filled with regret.

Thirty years old was the maximum age for participating in the Martial Examinations.

He was already thirty this year.

And there were still over a year and a few months until the provincial and imperial examinations.

By then, he would be thirty-one, and his age would disqualify him from the Martial Examinations.

As for falsifying his age, others had tried it before, but it didn't work.

However, even though it didn't work, every year, there were still people who attempted various methods.

This was because if one could obtain the title of Martial Scholar or Martial Champion, they would rise swiftly within the military system.

Those who could pass the Martial Examinations were all martial geniuses, in their prime, and they also had to memorize all military strategies and theories, making them well-rounded in both martial and literary arts.

Naturally, they received significant attention.

After all, simple-minded warriors were not suitable for leading armies.

And without formidable martial prowess, one could easily perish on the battlefield due to various unforeseen circumstances.

Soon after.

He Jinsheng pushed open the door.

"It's time to settle the matter with my little brother."

At that moment, he noticed a few sheets of paper on the floor, and it suddenly dawned on him.

"This should be the result of Huang Xianzong's investigation into that Jiang Commander, right?" He Jinsheng muttered to himself.

As the second young master of the Qinghe Duke's Mansion in Dongling City, his reputation and status in Dongling City were naturally quite high.

Over half a month ago, he had basically identified Jiang Ning.

So he had Huang Xianzong, a colleague of Jiang Ning and the captain of his team, help him investigate Jiang Ning's information.

After entrusting the task to Huang Xianzong, he had felt a sense of opportunity and subsequently entered seclusion, seizing that strand of opportunity.

Today, he had successfully refined his first strand of inner breath, formally entering the Fifth Rank of the martial path.

He also remembered that a few days ago, Huang Xianzong had knocked on his door, stating that he had gathered all the intelligence on Jiang Ning.

At that time, he was at a critical juncture and couldn't spare the time, so he had asked Huang Xianzong to leave the intelligence and leave.

At this moment.

He Jinsheng also remembered those events and bent down to pick up the two pages of intelligence on Jiang Ning that Huang Xianzong had slipped under the door.

Holding the intelligence, he slowly read it, and the more he read, the more his brows furrowed.

"So formidable?!!!"

After reading the two pages of intelligence on Jiang Ning, He Jinsheng was utterly shocked at this moment.

He prided himself on being a true martial genius.

But according to the intelligence in his hands, his talent in the martial path was completely unworthy of comparison with Jiang Ning.

Because the intelligence recorded Jiang Ning's destruction of the most crucial stronghold of the Divine Sect, and it also recorded the Sixth Rank martial powerhouse of the Divine Sect who had died at Jiang Ning's hands.

Moreover, this was a Sixth Rank martial powerhouse of the Divine Sect.

As the second young master of the Qinghe Duke's Mansion, he was well aware of how formidable and difficult to deal with the martial powerhouses of the Divine Sect were.

In their Divine Lineage Transformation state, they were strong enough to make the Divine Sect's martial powerhouses invincible in the same realm, naturally standing on the winning side.

Without a higher realm, basically no one dared to claim they could defeat them easily.

According to the intelligence, the martial powerhouse of the Divine Sect who had died at Jiang Ning's hands was a Sixth Rank martial powerhouse, and he was at the Half-Step Jade Bone Transformation stage.

He also believed that Huang Xianzong wouldn't deceive him about such a matter.

Because there was no need for it.

He also didn't think Huang Xianzong would make a mistake in his investigation.

Because it was too easy to distinguish a Sixth Rank martial powerhouse.

One could tell their bone-forging realm just by observing their skeletal structure.

Thinking of this, He Jinsheng's brows furrowed even more.

He had originally planned to leave immediately and take Jiang Ning away by force.

Now, with the year-end approaching, he believed there were no longer any powerhouses in Luo Water County who could match him.

After all, he had previously been a Jade Bone stage martial powerhouse.

Last year, with the strength of his Jade Bone stage, he had participated in the county examinations and successfully obtained the title of Martial Scholar.

Today, after years of cultivating both his inner and outer strength, he had finally succeeded in refining his first strand of inner breath.

Mastering the inner breath was truly entering the Fifth Rank Inner Fortitude Realm.

With this strength, he believed that taking Jiang Ning back to Dongling City while the Inspection Office was on vacation and the commanders were away wouldn't be difficult.

As a result of such actions, the Inspection Office had taken notice.

He couldn't be bothered to care.

Since the old man of the family valued He Jinyun's mother's influence so much, he would have to bear the wrath of the Inspection Office for He Jinyun's sake.

If anyone should worry, it would be the old man of the family.

His actions were merely following their wishes and ideas.

With the status brought by his success in the martial examinations, he wasn't worried that the old man would push him out as a scapegoat.

But now, after seeing the intelligence Huang Xianzong had gathered, he realized he had underestimated Jiang Ning.

A half-step Jade Bone warrior from the Divine Worship Sect, he wouldn't dare say he could kill even now.

Yet Jiang Ning had managed to slay him back then.

Although he didn't know how Jiang Ning had done it, Huang Xianzong's intelligence report also didn't provide detailed records.

However, based on this information, he understood that he had underestimated Jiang Ning.

"I need to change my strategy. This Jiang Ning isn't someone to offend easily, especially in his own territory." He Jinsheng muttered to himself.

Then, he put away the records about Jiang Ning in his hand and walked out of the inn.

Eastern Courtyard.

"Sit!" Jiang Ning looked at the unexpected guest before him, feeling a bit puzzled.

The last time He Jinsheng came here was when Ji Minghao, the Eight Prince, was still around.

It had been over half a month since then.

He had initially thought that He Jinsheng had some urgent matter to attend to in Luo Water County, which was why he hadn't come to see him for so many days.

His sudden visit today caught Jiang Ning off guard.

But that was all.

After the battle with the two warriors from the Divine Worship Sect a few days ago, his confidence had greatly increased.

Unless a Fifth Stage Apex warrior came in person, he had no fear of anyone below that level.

As for He Jinsheng, regardless of his actual strength, he was publicly known as a Sixth Stage Apex warrior.

Even if he were hiding his strength, it was impossible for him to be at the Fifth Stage Apex level.

At the Fifth Stage Apex, with his age, not to mention other things, he could at least secure the title of Martial Scholar in the martial examinations.

For the now-declined Qinghe Duke's Mansion, having a Martial Scholar would undoubtedly restore some of its former glory.

With such strength, He Jinsheng's identity would have no reason to hide.

He Jinsheng sized up Jiang Ning for a few moments, then his lips curled up as he sat down at the tea table with ease.

"For Jiang Commander to see me so calm and unhurried, not the slightest bit of fear, that's quite the spirit."

"Why should I be afraid?" Jiang Ning asked.

Upon hearing this, He Jinsheng's eyes fixed on Jiang Ning, his gaze sharp.

"I've heard that my little brother's death was at the hands of Jiang Commander?"

"Who told the Second Young Master this? Where's the evidence?" Jiang Ning asked calmly.

Suddenly—

The room fell into silence.

The only sound was the gurgling of the tea being poured by Lu Yi, who was standing by the side.

After a few moments of silence—

"Young Master, the tea is ready!" Lu Yi spoke up, breaking the quietness.

At this moment, He Jinsheng's lips lifted slightly, a hint of a smile appearing.

Without waiting for Jiang Ning to pass the tea, he reached out and took the tea cup in front of Jiang Ning.

Then, he lifted the tea cup and took a sip.

"Not bad tea!" He Jinsheng praised.

He looked at Jiang Ning again: "Jiang Commander is not bad either."

Then, he spoke to himself: "My little brother has always been a thorn in my side, even more so than my eldest brother, who is the legitimate firstborn son! Regardless, Jiang Commander has helped me!"

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"Moreover, I'm in a good mood today, so I've come to show Jiang Commander a clear path."

"What clear path?" Jiang Ning asked.

He Jinsheng said, "To be honest, my little brother is much more favored in the family than I am, and he's also more valued than me! It's not just because he's the youngest, nor is it just because he has exceptional talent that he's favored."

"The real reason is his mother, my little brother's mother, is the younger sister of the Palace Lord of the Watermoon Sword Palace."

"And the Watermoon Sword Palace is a top-tier sect with great influence in Dongling Prefecture."

"My family's old man needs the influence of the Watermoon Sword Palace."

"With my little brother's mother as the younger sister of the Palace Lord of the Watermoon Sword Palace, he has the backing of the flourishing Watermoon Sword Palace."

"If my little brother was indeed killed by Jiang Commander, then Jiang Commander should either run for his life or find a way to improve his status and connections within the Inspection Office."

"With Jiang Commander's current lowly status as a minor official, even if he's under the Inspection Office, it's not necessarily safe and reliable."

Hearing He Jinsheng's words, Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed.

These things were completely unknown to him.

He didn't know that behind He Jinyun stood the mighty Watermoon Sword Palace.

Suddenly—

Jiang Ning looked at He Jinsheng: "Why is the Second Young Master telling me these things?"

He Jinsheng chuckled, "I merely wanted to befriend Commander Jiang, and we have no grudges. Instead, Commander Jiang has helped me."

"My younger brother is dead, and my older brother has no interest in martial arts. He only enjoys reading and painting, so he poses no threat to me."

"Commander Jiang's assistance has allowed me to secure the hereditary title of a count."

"I, He Jinsheng, am not one to be ungrateful. This is merely a reciprocal gesture."

After saying these words, He Jinsheng stood up.

"Commander Jiang, I've said all I needed to say. I bid you farewell."

"In five days, it will be the New Year's Eve. I must return home to celebrate!"

"Farewell!" He Jinsheng bowed and left.

At this moment, Jiang Ning watched He Jinsheng's departing figure, deep in thought.

He Jinsheng's visit wasn't to cause trouble.

However, it couldn't be called a friendly gesture either.

He directly grabbed the teacup in front of him and drank alone, making his attitude clear.

It was far from friendly and seemed rather arrogant.

But with his belief that Jiang Ning had killed He Jinsheng, instead of causing trouble or confronting him, he informed Jiang Ning of the problems he would face.

Watermoon Sword Palace.

He Jinsheng's mother was the Palace Master of Watermoon Sword Palace.

If they believed that Jiang Ning had killed He Jinsheng, it would indeed be a significant problem.

According to his understanding, Watermoon Sword Palace was one of the top sects in Dongling Prefecture.

In fact, throughout Dongling Prefecture, it was one of the very best sects.

Watermoon Sword Palace's overall strength even surpassed that of Medicine King Valley.

Medicine King Valley's reputation in Dongling Prefecture was partly due to its renowned medical and pill-concocting skills.

The Valley Master, Lu Qingshan, was the number one divine physician in all of Dongling Prefecture.

As a divine physician who saved lives and helped the masses, his reputation was naturally outstanding.

This also elevated Medicine King Valley's status to an extraordinary level.

Even sects with strength surpassing Medicine King Valley had to show respect.

However, when discussing the top sects in Dongling Prefecture, Medicine King Valley couldn't compare to Watermoon Sword Palace.

Watermoon Sword Palace's Palace Master was one of the few individuals in Dongling Prefecture who had reached the Fourth Rank.

Moreover, she was praised as the one most likely to become Dongling Prefecture's second Divine Master after Watermoon Fairy.

Thinking about the information regarding Watermoon Sword Palace, Jiang Ning couldn't help but frown.

He didn't want trouble, but as he grew stronger, it seemed that trouble always found him.

He Jinsheng's matter had brought the second young master of Qinghe Duke's Mansion, He Jinsheng, to his doorstep.

Although He Jinsheng wasn't hostile towards him now,

His attitude made it clear that he would report everything about Jiang Ning, including his speculations and judgments, upon returning.

This would inevitably attract the trouble of Qinghe Duke's Mansion, and it was highly likely to draw the attention of the more significant problem, Watermoon Sword Palace.

He Jinsheng was the daughter of Watermoon Sword Palace's Palace Master's younger sister, the niece of the Palace Master, and a close blood relative.

"Another problem!"

Jiang Ning silently shook his head.

Then, he recalled He Jinsheng's words before leaving.

"He Jinsheng was right. My current eighth-rank official position is insignificant within the entire bureaucratic system of Great Xia."

Thinking of this, he also thought of the term.

Seventh-Rank Minor Official.

Only a seventh-rank county magistrate could be considered a minor official.

From the eighth rank, he couldn't even touch the fringes of a minor official position.

"It seems that advancing my official rank is indeed urgent!"

"I wonder what duties I'll be responsible for after my promotion?"

After pondering for a moment,

He shook his head and chuckled.

His thoughts had strayed too far.

His top priority now was to enhance his strength.

After forging Jade Bone, according to Great Xia's martial arts ranking system, he would be a genuine Fifth-Rank Inner Fortitude Realm powerhouse.

Moreover, he would be a Fifth-Rank Inner Fortitude Realm Master.

Once his inner breath reached the Primal level, he would attain the Fifth-Rank Perfection.

"Or perhaps the Fifth-Rank Apex?"

Thinking of the term Fifth-Rank Apex, Jiang Ning shook his head again.

His intuition told him,

Reaching the Primal level of inner breath wasn't the Fifth-Rank Apex.

"Everything depends on the Inspection Office resuming operations!"

"Calculating the time, it's only about twenty days left."

After organizing his thoughts, Jiang Ning stopped pondering.

He stood up and walked out into the spacious courtyard.

There, he began to set up a suitable practice area, a place where the five elements were in harmony.

Forging Jade Bone, practicing Five Beasts Fist, and training with Vital Energy Hammers, he aimed to strengthen both his hands.

Practicing Five Beasts Fist could nurture his five viscera with the five elemental essences, enhancing their resilience.

This would increase his overall inner breath.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end