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

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



Cloud's Inn.

"Success!"

"Haha!!"

He Jinseng stepped out of the room, his face filled with joy and a radiant glow.

At this moment, his spirit soared, and his face was flushed with excitement.

After years of cultivating both internal and external skills, he had finally succeeded in refining his first strand of inner breath today.

This also represented a crucial step forward in his martial arts journey.

He could now be considered a true Fifth Rank powerhouse.

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

"What a pity, it's still another year before the triennial Military Scholar and Military Champion examinations."

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

"There's still a chance to seize the opportunity and become a Military Scholar."

He Jinseng shook his head and muttered to himself, his face showing a hint of regret.

Thirty years old was the maximum age for participating in the military examinations.

He was already thirty this year.

And there was still over a year left before the Prefectural and Imperial examinations.

By then, he would be thirty-one, and his age would disqualify him from participating in the military examinations.

As for falsifying his age, others had tried it before, but to no avail.

However, despite this, every year, there were still those who attempted various methods.

This was because those who obtained the titles of Military Scholar or Military Champion through the examinations were considered exceptional in both martial arts and military strategy, and they were in their prime age. Moreover, they needed to have memorized all military treatises and strategies, making them well-rounded in both civil and military affairs.

Naturally, they received significant attention.

After all, it was unsuitable for those with simple minds to lead troops.

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

Subsequently...

He Jinseng pushed open the door.

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

At that moment, he noticed several sheets of white paper on the floor and suddenly remembered something.

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

As the second young master of the Clear River God Mansion in Dongling City, his status was naturally very high.

Over half a month ago, he had almost confirmed that Jiang Ning was the one.

So he had Huang Xianzong, his colleague, investigate Jiang Ning's information.

After entrusting the task to Huang Xianzong, he felt a sense of opportunity and entered closed-door cultivation, seizing that moment.

Today, he had successfully refined his first strand of inner breath, officially stepping into the fifth-rank of martial arts.

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

At that time, as he was at a critical juncture, he couldn't spare the time and asked Huang Xianzong to leave the information and depart.

Now...

He Jinseng also recalled those matters and bent down to pick up the two pages of information about Jiang Ning that Huang Xianzong had slipped under the door.

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

"So formidable?!"

After reading these two pages of information about Jiang Ning, He Jinseng was deeply shaken.

He considered himself a true prodigy, a martial arts genius.

However, according to the information in his hands, his talent in martial arts was not even close to that of Jiang Ning.

The intelligence recorded Jiang Ning's eradication of the Worshipping God Sect's most crucial stronghold, and it mentioned that a sixth-rank martial artist from the Worshipping God Sect had died at Jiang Ning's hands.

As the second young master of the Clear River God Mansion, he was well aware of the strength and tenacity of the Worshipping God Sect's martial artists.

In their divine descendant state, they could achieve an invincible body, standing on an innate unbeatable ground.

Without surpassing them by a whole realm, few would dare to claim they could defeat them with certainty.

According to the intelligence, the Worshipping God Sect martial artist who died at Jiang Ning's hands was a sixth-rank martial artist, and he was at the half-step Jade Bone transformation.

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

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 artist.

Just by observing their bones, one could discern their bone-forging realm.

Thinking of this, He Jinseng's brows furrowed even tighter.

He had originally planned to leave and forcibly take Jiang Ning away.

Now, with the year-end approaching, he believed there was no one in Luoshui County who could match his strength.

After all, he had previously been a Jade Bone-level martial artist.

Last year, with his Jade Bone cultivation, he had participated in the Mansion Examination and successfully obtained the title of Military Bachelor.

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

Mastering inner breath meant truly entering the fifth stage of inner strength.

With such strength, he believed that while the Inspection Office was on an extended holiday and the Palace Master and several Commanders were on vacation, taking Jiang Ning back to Dongling City wouldn't be difficult.

Regarding such behavior, it attracted the attention of the Inspection Office.

He couldn't be bothered to care.

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

This matter, if it's going to cause a headache, it should be the old man of the family who should have the headache.

His actions were merely following their wishes and thoughts.

With the status brought by his military examination rank, he wasn't worried that the old man of the family would push him out as a scapegoat.

But now, seeing the intelligence that Huang Xianzong had investigated, he realized he had underestimated Jiang Ning.

A half-step Jade Bone martial artist from the Worshipping God Sect, he wouldn't dare say he could kill him now.

Yet, Jiang Ning had managed to slay him.

Although he didn't know how Jiang Ning had done it, Huang Xianzong's investigation also didn't record the details.

However, based on this news, he knew he had underestimated Jiang Ning.

"I need to change my strategy. This Jiang Ning isn't someone to offend easily, especially not in his own territory." He Jinseng 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 Jinseng came here was when the Eighth Prince, Ji Minghao, was present.

Now, more than half a month had passed.

He had originally thought that He Jinseng had some urgent matter that made him leave Luo Shui County, which was why he hadn't come to find him for so many days.

Today's sudden visit caught him off guard.

But that was all.

After the battle with the two martial artists from the Worshipping God Sect a few days ago, his confidence had greatly increased.

Unless it was a Fifth Stage Peak martial artist, he wouldn't fear anyone below that.

As for He Jinseng, regardless of his actual strength, on the surface, he was a Sixth Stage Peak martial artist.

Even if he was hiding his strength, it wouldn't be that of a Fifth Stage Peak martial artist.

A Fifth Stage Peak martial artist at this age, not to mention anything else, could at least secure the Scholar rank in the military examination.

For the now-declined Clear River God Mansion, having a Scholar would undoubtedly restore some of its former glory.

With such strength, He Jinseng had no reason to hide his identity.

He Jinseng sized up Jiang Ning a few times, then his lips curled up as he calmly sat across from the tea table.

"Seeing me so calm and unhurried, not the slightest bit afraid, you have quite the spirit."

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

Upon hearing this, He Jinseng's eyes narrowed and stared directly at Jiang Ning, his gaze sharp.

"I heard that my cheap brother's death was at your hands?"

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

Then.

The room suddenly fell silent.

Only the sound of the pouring tea from Lu Yi, who was serving tea beside them, could be heard.

After a few breaths of silence.

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

At this moment, He Jinseng smiled, not waiting for Jiang Ning to pass the tea over. He reached out and picked up the tea in front of Jiang Ning.

Then he lifted the teacup and took a sip.

"The tea is good!" He Jinseng praised.

Then he looked at Jiang Ning: "You're not bad either, Jiang Commander."

Then he spoke to himself: "My cheap brother has always been a thorn in my side, even more so than my eldest brother, the legitimate heir! No matter what, Jiang Commander has helped me!"

"And I'm in a good mood today, so I came here to show Jiang Commander a clear path."

"What clear path?" Jiang Ning asked.

He Jinseng said: "To be honest, my cheap brother is more favored in the family than me, and he's valued more as well! It's not just because he's the youngest that he's favored, nor is it just because of his outstanding talent that he's valued."

"The real reason is his mother. My cheap brother's mother is the younger sister of the Palace Master of the Water Moon Sword Palace."

"And the Water Moon Sword Palace is a top-tier sect in the Dongling Prefecture."

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

"With my cheap brother's mother being the younger sister of the Palace Master of the Water Moon Sword Palace, but he also has the backing of the Water Moon Sword Palace, which is like the sun at its peak."

"If my cheap brother was indeed killed by Jiang Commander, then Jiang Commander should either run for his life or find a way to improve his connections and influence."

"With Jiang Commander's current lowly Eighth Rank, a minor official like that, even if he's affiliated with the Inspection Office, he might not be safe and reliable."

Upon hearing He Jinseng's words, Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed.

He had no idea about these things before.

He didn't know that behind He Jinyun stood the Water Moon Sword Palace.

Then.

Jiang Ning looked at He Jinseng: "Why is the Second Young Master telling me this?"

"Haha, I just wanted to befriend Commander Jiang. Plus, I have no grudges with Commander Jiang, and he even helped me out."

"My younger brother is dead, and my older brother doesn't care for martial arts. He only enjoys reading and painting, so he poses no threat to me."

"Commander Jiang's assistance will allow me to secure the hereditary title of Marquis for myself."

"I, He Jinseng, am not the type of person who doesn't know how to repay a favor. This is merely a case of returning a favor!"

After saying these words, He Jinseng promptly stood up.

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

"In five days, it will be the New Year, and I need to return home to celebrate!"

"Farewell!!!" He Jinseng bowed and cupped his hands, then turned and left.

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

He Jinseng's visit wasn't to cause him trouble.

But it couldn't be called a gesture of goodwill either.

He directly snatched the teacup in front of him and drank the tea alone, clearly showing He Jinseng's attitude.

It was far from a gesture of goodwill and seemed rather arrogant.

However, he was certain that He Jinseng believed that He Jincloud had been killed by him, yet instead of causing trouble or creating conflict, he informed him of the upcoming challenges.

The Water Moon Sword Palace.

He Jincloud's mother was the younger sister of the Palace Master of the Water Moon Sword Palace.

If they believed that He Jincloud was killed by him, it would indeed be a significant problem.

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

In fact, it was the most elite sect in the entire Dongling Prefecture.

The Water Moon Sword Palace's overall strength even surpassed that of Medicine King Valley.

Medicine King Valley's fame spread throughout Dongling Prefecture, partly due to its medical and pill-making arts.

The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, Lu Qingshan, was the top divine physician in Dongling Prefecture.

As a divine physician who saved lives, his reputation was well-known.

This also elevated the status of Medicine King Valley to an extraordinary level.

Even sects stronger than Medicine King Valley had to show respect to the valley.

However, when it came to overall strength in Dongling Prefecture, while Medicine King Valley wasn't at the very top, the Water Moon Sword Palace held a place among the elite.

The Palace Master of the Water Moon Sword Palace was one of the few individuals in Dongling Prefecture who had reached the fourth rank.

Moreover, she was praised as the most likely candidate to become the second Grandmaster in Dongling Prefecture, earning the title of the Water Moon Fairy.

As Jiang Ning thought about the information regarding the Water Moon Sword Palace, he couldn't help but frown.

He didn't want to encounter trouble, but as he grew stronger, it seemed that trouble would find him.

Because of He Jincloud, the second young master of the Clear River God Mansion, He Jinseng, had come to him.

Now, although He Jinseng wasn't his enemy,

His attitude clearly indicated that he would report everything about Jiang Ning upon returning, including his speculations and suspicions.

This would inevitably attract the trouble of the Clear River God Mansion and might even bring the major problem of the Water Moon Sword Palace.

He Jincloud was the daughter of the Water Moon Sword Palace's sister, the niece of the Palace Master, and a close relative with blood as clear as water.

"Another trouble!"

Jiang Ning shook his head inwardly.

Then, he thought about what He Jinseng had said before leaving.

"He Jinseng is right. My current eighth-rank official position, within the entire bureaucratic system of Daxia, is completely insignificant."

At this thought, another term came to his mind.

Seventh-rank Sesame Official.

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

An eighth-rank official was not even close to the sesame official title:

F

When He Jinseng left, he mentioned that his current eighth-rank official position was insignificant within the bureaucratic system of Daxia.

Jiang Ning thought about this and then recalled another term, "Seventh-rank Sesame Official."

A seventh-rank county magistrate was the lowest rank considered a sesame official.

An eighth-rank official didn't even come close to the status of a sesame official.

"It seems that advancing my official position is indeed an urgent matter!"

"But what responsibilities will I have to undertake after my promotion?"

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Ning shook his head and chuckled.

His thoughts had wandered too far.

His top priority was still to enhance his strength.

After forging his Jade Bone, according to Daxia's martial arts ranking system, he was a genuine fifth-rank Inner Strength expert.

Moreover, he had achieved the pinnacle of fifth-rank Inner Strength.

When his inner breath reached the level of a gale, he would attain the peak of the fifth rank.

"Or perhaps the pinnacle of the fifth rank?"

As he thought about the words "pinnacle of the fifth rank," an instinctive feeling told him that reaching the level of a gale in inner breath wasn't the pinnacle of the fifth rank.

"Everything will have to wait until the Inspection Office resumes operations!"

"Let's see, it's probably just about twenty days left."

After clearing his thoughts, Jiang Ning stopped thinking further.

He stood up and walked out of the room.

He arrived in the spacious courtyard.

He began setting up a suitable practice area for his cultivation, a place infused with the five elements.

Hammering his bones and forging his Jade Bone, he wanted to strengthen both his hands.

Practicing the Five Animal Fist would stimulate the five elements to nurture his five viscera, enhancing their resilience.

This would increase his total inner breath.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end