Chapter 304: Fleeting Glimpse of the Sky

Chapter 304: Fleeting Glimpse of the Sky

November 3rd, 2024

Inspection Office.

Jiang Ning followed behind Hong Ming Hu, and the two of them entered Hong Ming Hu's bedroom, one after the other.

"Lord Jiang, close the door!" Hong Ming Hu said, his face slightly flushed.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning turned around and closed the door to the room.

The next moment—

"Pfft—"

He suddenly heard the sound of coughing up blood behind him.

Turning around, he saw a pool of dark red blood mixed with shattered internal organs in front of Hong Ming Hu.

At this moment, Hong Ming Hu's right palm was resting on the nearby round table, his steps unsteady, and his face had turned pale, a stark contrast to its previous flushed state.

"Lord, what's happening?" Jiang Ning asked as he supported Hong Ming Hu.

"I'm fine!" Hong Ming Hu waved his hand and took a few deep breaths, his expression immediately easing.

Then he continued, "In that last battle, my five viscera were severely damaged, my meridians were extensively ruptured, and my bones were displaced and deformed. Fortunately, you were there to support us from a distance. If you hadn't been there, we might not have survived against Li Hong's mysterious abilities."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning smiled but remained silent.

Others might not know his true strength, but he was well aware of it.

His current strength far surpassed Hong Ming Hu's by several times.

Since Hong Ming Hu could resist for so long, there was no reason for him to be overwhelmed.

"Today's lucky survival is also thanks to you!" Hong Ming Hu spoke to Jiang Ning with sincerity.

"You've already said this a few times, Lord," Jiang Ning smiled.

"Haha—" Hong Ming Hu also laughed a couple of times.

The next moment—

His laughter abruptly stopped.

"Cough, cough—" He quickly covered his chest, and black blood instantly gushed from his mouth.

After coughing several times, Hong Ming Hu's face turned red, obviously struggling to suppress the urge to cough.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning slowly placed his palm on Hong Ming Hu's back.

Under the stimulation of Jiang Ning's inner breath, a glimmer of surprise flashed in Hong Ming Hu's eyes.

As Jiang Ning's inner breath flowed into his body, he instantly felt his five viscera relaxing, and his flushed face gradually returned to calmness.

"Your inner breath is extraordinary!" Hong Ming Hu exclaimed in surprise.

Jiang Ning smiled, "It's a vitality cultivation method, with no other advantages, but it's excellent for inner strength healing."

"Vitality cultivation?" Hong Ming Hu was immediately impressed. "Excellent! Martial artists fear hidden injuries and physical decline, as well as weakened bodily functions and declining energy. A good vitality cultivation method can extend the golden time by several years, increasing the chances of breaking through to grandmaster."

Then, Hong Ming Hu looked at Jiang Ning again, "You, as a martial arts genius, are most suitable for this type of cultivation method, focusing on nurturing courage and competition."

Jiang Ning said, "So, I've chosen the right path?"

"Indeed, it's the right path!" Hong Ming Hu nodded.

Then he added, "Alright, you can stop now, I feel much better!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning also withdrew his palm from Hong Ming Hu's back.

Hong Ming Hu quickly walked to a cabinet inside the room and took out a white jade porcelain bottle from it.

He removed the porcelain stopper and held a round gray pill in his hand, then swallowed it.

After taking the pill, Hong Ming Hu's complexion improved.

"You asked about the white tiger formed by my inner breath earlier, were you interested in learning it?" Hong Ming Hu put away the porcelain bottle and spoke to Jiang Ning.

"It's not that I want to learn, but I'm curious if this is the level of technique mentioned in the books?" Jiang Ning asked.

"The level of technique?" Hong Ming Hu asked, then nodded, "That description is also accurate!"

As he spoke, he opened another cabinet in front of him and took out a palm-sized red brocade box.

Jiang Ning's gaze immediately fell on the red brocade box in Hong Ming Hu's hand.

Hong Ming Hu noticed Jiang Ning's gaze and smiled.

Then he said, "You want to learn about this, it seems your inner strength level is not low!"

Jiang Ning nodded, "Indeed, it's not low, but it's not as high as yours, Lord."

Hong Ming Hu smiled and waved his hand, "I rely on external objects, how can I compare to you?"

As they conversed, Jiang Ning also approached the table in front of Hong Ming Hu.

Hong Ming Hu placed the red brocade box on the table and continued, "Take a look! This is a tiger bone with divine runes that I obtained at an auction previously."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning's gaze immediately shifted to the red brocade box in Hong Ming Hu's hand.

Soon, Hong Ming Hu opened the red brocade box.

What appeared before Jiang Ning's eyes was a bone as white as snow, containing intricate runes within.

Hong Ming Hu glanced at Jiang Ning and saw that his gaze had already fallen on the bone. He couldn't help but chuckle.

Then he picked up the bone from the red brocade box, "See it! The runes on this bone are called divine runes. The ferocious tiger formed by my inner breath earlier originated from these runes on the bone."

"In ancient times, the environment was completely different from today."

"Certain extraordinary beings would cultivate special runes within their bones, and these runes contained the rules and principles of heaven and earth."

"With these runes, extraordinary beings can unleash terrifying combat techniques."

"In my estimation, this tiger bone likely belonged to a powerful member of the White Tiger clan."

"The technique I previously used is called Inner Breath Transformation, which involves visualizing the runes on the tiger bone and manifesting them on the tiger's forehead, thereby unleashing remarkable effects."

As Hong Ming Hu spoke, his right thumb remained pressed against the side of the tiger bone covered in intricate runes, concealing the traces of the runes.

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning instantly understood.

He now realized why Hong Ming Hu had been using Inner Breath Transformation, transforming into a ferocious tiger to attack Li Hong.

This was his unique ability.

After glancing at the tiger bone in Hong Ming Hu's hand, Jiang Ning memorized his words and then asked again.

"Lord, I have one more question."

"Speak!" Hong Ming Hu urged.

"Why is your Inner Breath surge so efficient, like a floodgate opening, while mine is more like a trickling stream?"

"It's simple!" Hong Ming Hu turned to Jiang Ning and continued, "The human body has eight extraordinary vessels and twelve main meridians, with countless other collateral meridians. If you find these meridians and repeatedly flush them with Inner Breath, widening the collateral meridians, your Inner Breath surge efficiency will naturally skyrocket."

At this point, Hong Ming Hu addressed Jiang Ning again, "Your background is lacking, and you're missing too much martial arts knowledge. You should go to the Martial Academy in Dongling City to supplement your understanding and enhance your foundation!"

"Otherwise, with your current knowledge, your martial arts path will be limited, and you won't get far!"

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning's face showed surprise.

"Can I also go to the Martial Academy for further study?"

"Why not?" Hong Ming Hu's breathing had already become steady, indicating that the pill he had just swallowed was effective.

"With your martial arts talent, you've long been qualified to enter the Martial Academy. Not just the Academy, but even the educational institutions in Guangning Prefecture and the Dao Palace in the capital city are within your reach."

"However, for you at this moment, it's unnecessary to go through such trouble."

"The Inspection Office has the full support of the Martial Sage Bureau. Whether it's the Martial Academy, the educational institutions, or the Dao Palace, they all belong to the Martial Sage Bureau."

"Inspection Office personnel can use Contribution Points to enter the Martial Academy, educational institutions, or the Dao Palace for further study and enjoy all the benefits they offer."

"Contribution Points can also be used within the Martial Academy, educational institutions, and the Dao Palace."

"Given your background, it's crucial for you to visit these places."

"Moreover, there are many excellent resources inside that will greatly benefit you!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning instantly understood.

"Thank you, Lord, for your guidance!" He slightly cupped his hands in gratitude.

This expression of thanks came from the heart.

"No need for that!" Hong Ming Hu smiled and waved his hand, "Today, you saved my life, and I'm forever in your debt! This is just a verbal suggestion, nothing significant."

As his words fell, he held the tiger bone he had just taken out of the red brocade box in his right hand and placed it before Jiang Ning, his palm opening to reveal the bone.

"Lord Jiang, I present this to you!" Hong Ming Hu said.

"To me?" Jiang Ning was taken aback.

"Yes!" Hong Ming Hu nodded, "You've saved my life, and if this can help you, then it's yours!"

"Thank you, Lord!" Jiang Ning slightly cupped his hands and took the tiger bone from Hong Ming Hu, which resembled white jade.

His gaze fell upon the pure white tiger bone in his hand, and his eyes were instantly drawn to the intricate runes on its surface.

He felt a profound mystery.

"Remember these runes thoroughly, and when you can perfectly visualize them in your mind, you'll have succeeded. Then, use Inner Breath Transformation to manifest a ferocious tiger, and when these runes appear on the tiger's forehead, you'll gain extraordinary empowerment."

As Hong Ming Hu's guiding voice echoed in his ears, Jiang Ning stared deeply at the runes on the tiger bone in his hand.

With his photographic memory, he instantly memorized every detail without error.

Jiang Ning closed his eyes.

With his previous experience of visualizing the Five Beasts Diagram, he effortlessly completed the visualization in his mind, also without a single mistake.

In just a breath, Jiang Ning opened his eyes.

Hong Ming Hu looked on in confusion.

As Jiang Ning raised his hand, his Inner Breath surged, instantly manifesting a ferocious tiger, one with remarkable essence and aura.

Like a watercolor painting, the tiger seemed incomplete, lacking intricate details, but it exuded the essence and aura of a tiger, with the majesty of the king of beasts, commanding respect without anger.

At the same time, Inner Breath flowed within the tiger's forehead, instantly manifesting the tiger bone and the intricate runes on its pure white surface.

In an instant, the formation of these runes imbued the Inner Breath-transformed tiger with a unique characteristic.

A characteristic of savage aura.

This empowerment instantly contrasted with the previously calm and balanced Inner Breath.

"What are you doing?!" Hong Ming Hu exclaimed, his eyes widening.

Jiang Ning felt the change in his Inner Breath and nodded repeatedly, "Lord, you're right. With this transformation, the combat power unleashed by the Inner Breath surge is indeed different. When I strike with this power, the Inner Breath consumption remains the same, but the power increases manifold."

"The level of this skill is amazing! It's also extremely practical!"

Jiang Ning was extremely satisfied at this moment.

In just a few breaths, his inner breath's power had increased several times over.

This was an incredible harvest! Hong Ming Hu slowly calmed the shock in his heart.

His eyes fixed on Jiang Ning, as if an ordinary person had encountered a divine being.

"Lord Jiang, how did you do this? Your inner breath-condensed ferocious tiger is even more divine and lifelike than mine."

"It's very simple!" Jiang Ning continued, "There are only about a hundred mysterious runes on the tiger bone, and I have a photographic memory. I can memorize everything with just one look, so it's very easy to sketch the divine runes in my mind and manifest them on the ferocious tiger formed by my inner breath."

"At the same time, the first martial art I learned when I entered the path of martial arts was the Five Beasts Fist, and in the tiger style, which is the first technique of the fist, I have observed countless ferocious tigers since I started on the martial path. I have a deep understanding of their essence and aura."

"So, achieving this step was very simple for me!"

Hong Ming Hu: "..."

Then, he sighed deeply.

"Meeting you has made me understand the feeling of helplessness in the fleeting glimpse of the sky. Your talent is truly astonishing."

As he spoke, Hong Ming Hu took another deep look at the ferocious tiger condensed by Jiang Ning's inner breath.

The tiger in Jiang Ning's hand was only palm-sized, a little over ten centimeters.

But it gave him a startling feeling.

In his heart, he knew that with just this burst of inner breath, Jiang Ning had the ability to threaten his life.

This threat was not because Jiang Ning's inner breath was stronger, but because his skill level was far ahead.

The effect of the divine runes on the white tiger bone was much stronger in Jiang Ning's hands than in Hong Ming Hu's.

This was mainly because Jiang Ning, like Hong Ming Hu, had managed to manifest the divine runes within the ferocious tiger formed by their inner breath. In just a few breaths, Jiang Ning had achieved a level that Hong Ming Hu could only reach after several months.

Moreover, the ferocious tiger formed by Jiang Ning's inner breath was even more lifelike, and the more real the divine and physical form, the stronger the effect and the greater the power it could draw.

These divine runes were an external manifestation of the rules and principles of heaven and earth.

At the same time, Jiang Ning heard Hong Ming Hu's praise, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

He had worked so hard, and if he couldn't even achieve this, wouldn't he be too useless?

"But I never thought that the photographic memory would play such a crucial role here. Indeed, every trait should not be underestimated!" he thought to himself.

At this moment, Hong Ming Hu also calmed his turbulent heart.

His gaze lingered on the tiger bone in Jiang Ning's hand.

"Lord, this is for you!" Jiang Ning said, handing the white tiger bone back to Hong Ming Hu.

From Hong Ming Hu's expression, he could tell that Hong Ming Hu was reluctant to part with the tiger bone.

And at this moment, he also knew that this tiger bone was no longer of use to him.

His photographic memory allowed him to thoroughly memorize it after just one look, ensuring he would never forget it.

The tiger bone had no further use in his hands.

Upon hearing this, Hong Ming Hu glanced at the tiger bone in Jiang Ning's hand once more and then shook his head, "It's not right to take back something that has been given away. You can keep it!"

Jiang Ning said, "I no longer have a use for this! Lord, you seem to still need it!"

"Even if you don't need it, keep it! I won't take back something I've given away! If you truly don't need it in the future, you can even sell it!" He shook his head firmly again.

After some unsuccessful attempts, Jiang Ning gave up on the idea of returning the tiger bone.

His impression of Hong Ming Hu also improved slightly.

A moment later, Hong Ming Hu watched Jiang Ning leave, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain.

"Stubborn! So stubborn!"

He slapped himself a few times.

No one knew better than him how much silver this tiger bone had cost.

Such items, even if left unused for a hundred years, would remain unchanged and could be passed down through generations.

Moreover, it could greatly enhance the combat power of fifth-rank Inner Strength martial artists, making it extremely valuable with a high premium.

When he acquired this tiger bone, he had spent a full eleven ten thousand silver ingots. He had originally planned to resell it after he no longer had a use for it, so that his expenditure would be more acceptable.

But after recalling the past and Jiang Ning's life-saving grace, he decided to part with this item, which represented his family's wealth, in order to mend their relationship.

"Forget it!"

"Forget it!"

"Sending out a gift worth eleven ten thousand silver ingots is at least a way to repair our relationship!"

"And he did save my life today!"

"I must express my gratitude for saving my life!"

On the other side, Jiang Ning, with his powerful perception, heard Hong Ming Hu's muttering from inside the house.

He was filled with astonishment.

"Worth eleven ten thousand silver ingots?"

"This little thing is so expensive?!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end