Chapter 310: Perfection and the Arrival of the Inspector

Chapter 310: Perfection and the Arrival of the Inspector



November 10, 2024

Inside the room, after Liu Wanwan carried Jiang Yiming away, Jiang Ning sat down and started drinking with Jiang Li.

For him now, drinking wine was no different from drinking water.

Even the strongest liquor couldn't bring the slightest intoxication to him once it entered his stomach.

His robust physique and vigorous internal organs easily dissipated the effects of alcohol.

"Today is truly joyful!" After a few cups of wine, Jiang Li's mood became increasingly cheerful.

Seeing Jiang Li's emotional expression, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile.

He knew the reason for Jiang Li's happiness.

Jiang Ning continued to drink without saying much.

A moment later, Jiang Li spoke, "Little brother, I want to tell you something."

"Sure, big brother," Jiang Ning replied, putting down the chopsticks he had just picked up to serve himself some food.

Jiang Li said, "In a few days, when the weather gets warmer, I plan to take you, big sister-in-law, Yuan Yuan, and Ming Er to visit the Liu family in Dongling."

"That's great!" Jiang Ning exclaimed.

"You don't object?" Jiang Li was taken aback and looked at Jiang Ning.

He still remembered that twelve years ago, when Jiang Yiming was three years old, he had taken Jiang Yiming, Liu Wanwan, and Jiang Ning to the Liu family in Dongling City to mend the rift between Liu Wanwan and her parents.

However, they were not even allowed to see Liu Wanwan's parents and were harshly humiliated and kicked out.

The words they heard were so hurtful that six-year-old Jiang Ning vowed never to visit the Liu family again.

Later, Jiang Li wanted to visit the Liu family several times because Liu Wanwan missed her mother, but each time, thirteen-year-old Jiang Ning vehemently opposed the idea.

Even Liu Wanwan, with her strong-willed nature, shook her head firmly.

Jiang Li understood that Liu Wanwan didn't want to face humiliation again.

But every time he saw Liu Wanwan waking up from her dreams with tears soaking her pillow, it broke his heart.

However, he was helpless against the strong opposition from both Jiang Ning and Liu Wanwan.

Recently, after discussing with Liu Wanwan, her attitude became ambiguous, indicating her reluctance.

Today, taking advantage of the alcohol and the impending arrival of spring, Jiang Li finally shared his thoughts with Jiang Ning.

To his surprise, Jiang Ning readily agreed.

At the same time, seeing Jiang Li's astonished expression, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile.

"Why would I object? At Yiming's age, he's old enough to start martial arts training. The Martial Academy in Dongling City is an excellent place for him, and it's also a good opportunity for big sister-in-law to visit her family."

"The Martial Academy?" Jiang Li's expression turned to one of surprise upon hearing those words.

Then he said, "But Yiming doesn't have the qualifications to enter the Martial Academy."

Jiang Ning shook his head and explained, "After taking the great medicine I just gave him, his martial arts talent has significantly improved. It's enough for him to qualify for the upcoming enrollment at the Martial Academy."

"Is this really possible?" Jiang Li asked in disbelief.

He was well aware of how difficult it was to enter the Martial Academy.

The Martial Academy was located in the county seat of Dongling County, within Dongling City.

It was the place where the Martial Sage Bureau cultivated martial arts talents.

Students who were admitted to the Martial Academy were either of noble birth or possessed exceptional martial arts talent.

Even wealthy families found it challenging to gain entry.

In the martial arts world, one's background was of utmost importance.

If one lacked talent, there were always supplementary medicines to enhance it.

If one's qi and blood were weak, there were also medicines to strengthen them.

Thus, even those of noble birth, no matter how ordinary, would become extraordinary.

However, Jiang Yiming's background was as ordinary as it could get.

Therefore, to join the Martial Academy and become a student, one could only rely on exceptional martial arts talent.

Jiang Li had little confidence in Jiang Yiming's martial arts talent.

Family members knew their own family's strengths, and although Jiang Yiming hadn't formally practiced martial arts yet, they had a good idea of his talent.

It was roughly on par with Jiang Li's, ordinary and unremarkable.

However, Jiang Ning's confident assertion left Jiang Li in disbelief.

Meanwhile, seeing the expression on his older brother's face, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile.

"Of course! Yiming's martial arts talent is so exceptional that not only can he enter the Martial Academy, but he could even join the Academy in Guangning Prefecture's capital city!"

"The Academy?" Jiang Li was even more shocked to hear those words.

The Martial Academy, the Academy, and the Dao Palace were the three major martial arts institutions under the Martial Sage Bureau.

These three institutions were well-known to the public as the official martial arts training centers of the Martial Sage Bureau.

As a government official, Jiang Li was naturally aware of this.

Especially in the past couple of years, Jiang Ning has gained a deep understanding of the Martial Garden, the Academy, and the Dao Palace for the sake of Jiang Yiming's future.

The Martial Garden is located in the county city, the Academy in the prefecture city, and the Dao Palace in the imperial capital.

These three major institutions for nurturing talents conduct rigorous selections layer by layer.

Those who eventually join the Dao Palace are all of grandmaster caliber.

Graduates from the Dao Palace are all of the Fifth Rank.

And the threshold to become a grandmaster is the entry requirement for the Dao Palace.

Compared to the Dao Palace, the Academy has a much lower entry requirement, and the Martial Garden has an even lower one.

But this so-called low threshold only recruits true martial geniuses or the offspring of prominent families in Dongling and the descendants of high-ranking officials.

These offspring, relying on the accumulated resources of their parents, will not lack the necessary resources when they embark on the martial path, and their achievements will naturally be considerable.

As for the offspring of ordinary families, they can only rely on their pure martial talent.

Looking at Jiang Li's shocked expression, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile again.

That was his essence blood.

It was also a powerful tool of the Divine, a powerful authority.

With just a drop of that essence blood, it was enough to transform Jiang Yiming's body and make his talent extraordinary.

He could easily possess a strength of several hundred jin, and with that strength, he could rival even those who have entered the Martial Foundation.

With such innate conditions, once he steps onto the martial path, Jiang Yiming will quickly reach the Martial Foundation.

Lu Yi was a good example of this.

So, he had no doubts about Jiang Yiming's talent.

With such exceptional innate conditions, it was impossible not to meet the entry requirements of the Martial Garden.

Jiang Ning said, "Big Brother, rest assured! I'm absolutely certain that Ming can become a student of the Martial Garden. So, Big Brother and Sister-in-Law, it's time for you to go to Dongling City for Ming's future."

"After some time, I'll accompany you both there."

"You're going too?" Jiang Li regained her focus, her face showing surprise.

"Mhm!" Jiang Ning nodded. "If Big Brother is going to the Liu Family, how can I not go?"

"Brother, it's better not to cause conflict with the Liu Family. After all, that's your sister-in-law's family." Looking at Jiang Ning's calm face, and thinking back to the humiliation Jiang Ning suffered at the Liu Family's doorstep twelve years ago, as well as his current status and strength, Jiang Li suddenly felt a sense of unease.

Then he said, "Brother, maybe you shouldn't go!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile. "Big Brother, rest assured! This is Sister-in-Law's family visit, it's not that necessary, and there won't be any bloodshed! Moreover, I also have several things to do in Dongling City."

"I need to go to the Martial Garden for further studies and also take the military examination in a month."

"The military examination?" Jiang Li's expression changed, glancing at Jiang Ning, and then her expression became clear.

Jiang Li nodded and said, "Yes, at this age, you've reached this level. Taking the military examination will surely bring you official rank, and having an official position will be somewhat beneficial for your future career."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning did not reveal his thoughts.

It's not just the military examination.

There's also the civil examination.

According to his previous understanding, after passing the civil examination and obtaining an official rank, one can go to the Sacred Temple to receive the Vast Righteous Energy. This can greatly enhance one's spiritual power.

Of course, this is what the books say.

In reality, he's not sure how it works, but his intuition tells him that the so-called Vast Righteous Energy might not be that simple.

Just like the Yellow Heaven Sect's method of strengthening the flesh and his way of enhancing others' bodies.

But no matter what, he wants to try it out.

Moreover, the official ranks from both the civil and military examinations will help him with his official position in the Inspection Office.

Within the Inspection Office, the promotion of official positions is extremely straightforward and crude.

With merits and contribution points, one can advance their official rank.

Apart from that, there are no additional requirements.

Only a crude and simple dynasty like the Xia Dynasty would offer such convenience.

Jiang Ning didn't find this strange at all and didn't think it was unreasonable.

Based on the history he learned from the books.

The Xia Dynasty was the first unified feudal dynasty.

Without the experience of learning from history, Jiang Ning saw many unreasonable aspects in the Xia Dynasty.

But no matter how unreasonable it is, when placed on the first dynasty, everything becomes reasonable.

Streamlined, direct, and not bloated.

That was his direct impression of the Xia Dynasty's court.

A few days later.

At the entrance of Luoshui County.

Bai Luoyu stepped out of the carriage and stood on the chariot seat.

"Luoshui County, we've finally arrived!"

His expression was filled with emotion as he slowly fanned himself with a folding fan.

Xiao Emei: "..."

Xiao Emei, standing beside him, was speechless.

If she were alone, she would have changed to a fine horse and reached Luoshui County from Dongling City in just three days at most. Why did it take so long?

"White Inspector, are we entering the city?" Xiao Emei asked.

"Let's enter the city!" Bai Luoyu said, continuing, "After entering the city, I need to take a good bath. It's been several days, and my body stinks."

Xiao Emei: "..."

Then, she quietly sniffed her collar and felt relieved.

On the other side.

Eastern Yard.

Inhale. Exhale.

A strand of crimson Grand Sun True Energy descended from the horizon, and in an instant, it entered Jiang Ning's abdomen through his nostrils.

After refining it...

【Inner Core Nourishing Art Experience: +1】

After a while, he finally stopped his actions of absorbing and expelling the Grand Sun Essence Energy, slowly opening his eyes.

【Skill】: Inner Core Nourishing Art (Minor Accomplishment: 3221/5000)



With several days of good weather, his progress in the Inner Core Nourishing Art had increased significantly, and his experience points had already surpassed the 3000-point milestone. He was now closer to the realm of Major Accomplishment, and his Inner Breath condensing into Vital Energy would also advance further.

Then, he looked at the other two columns on the panel.

【Skill】: Five Beasts Fist (Fifth Limit Break 5000/5000) (Attributes: Five Viscera Storing Essence, Five Elements Spirit, Fist Technique Master, Bear Tiger Physique)



【Origin Energy】: 1681.73

The Five Beasts Fist technique had already reached its limit last night, and the experience points fulfilled the requirements for the next Limit Break. Now, he only lacked Origin Energy points.

"Just over three hundred points, not too much."

Jiang Ning stood up, knowing exactly where to get the Origin Energy points he needed.

He had almost bought all the heavenly treasures in the Wanhua Tower.

However, there were still several other major herb shops in Luoshui County.

While it was difficult to find herbs that were several hundred years old, there were plenty of herbs with slightly younger ages.

These herbs could also increase his Origin Energy points.

Just like the ten-year-old wild ginseng that Zhou Xing had given him when he first started practicing martial arts.

This type of wild ginseng, when cultivated in large quantities, had a considerable yield, and the other major herb shops also had some in stock.

One hour later.

Zhou Family Herb Shop.

"Lord Jiang, please wait a moment, my son should be arriving soon."

After saying this, Zhou Xing's father smiled and refilled Jiang Ning's tea.

"No rush!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

He could clearly see that Zhou Xing's father was afraid of him.

Although he didn't quite understand why Zhou Xing's father was afraid of him, he could empathize.

It was just the common fear of officials among the ordinary people.

Even though the Zhou Family Herb Shop had a certain reputation and heritage in Luoshui County, in the eyes of those with true power, they were no different from the common folk.

Then, Jiang Ning picked up the teacup on the table. As the teacup left the table,

In the next moment, a smile appeared on his lips.

"He's here!"

He placed the teacup back on the table and stood up.

After a few breaths.

Footsteps approached, and soon, Zhou Xing appeared before Jiang Ning, looking flustered and covered in dust.

His face was slightly red, and he was breathing heavily.

"Senior Brother Zhou!"

"Lord Jiang!"

Both spoke simultaneously.

"Lord Jiang, you came to my home without prior notice. I should have prepared a proper welcome, but instead, I've kept you waiting."

Jiang Ning smiled, "Senior Brother Zhou, I came on a whim, and it's I who should apologize for making you rush over!"

"It's nothing to rush over for some exercise!" Zhou Xing laughed, appearing nonchalant.

He was out of breath, and his face was slightly red, deliberately showing Jiang Ning his attitude by running all the way.

This silent show of respect was a detail in their interaction.

Then, Zhou Xing said, "Lord Jiang, is there something you need my help with today?"

"Indeed!" Jiang Ning nodded.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xing immediately asked his father and the others to leave, leaving only Jiang Ning and Zhou Xing in the room.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning smiled, "It's not a top-secret matter, no need for such precautions."

"Please speak, Lord Jiang!" Zhou Xing said.

Then, Jiang Ning stated his request.

After hearing Jiang Ning's request, Zhou Xing immediately patted his chest and said, "No problem! This is a minor matter, and the Zhou Family Herb Shop still has some of our previous stock, including a few of our most treasured items. I'll get them for you right away!"

"Please wait a moment, Lord Jiang."

As his words fell, Zhou Xing hurried out, disappearing from Jiang Ning's sight.

Soon, only Jiang Ning and Lu Yi remained in the room.

"Little Lu, what do you think of Zhou Xing?" Jiang Ning suddenly asked.

"He's a smart man!" Lu Yi replied.

"Indeed, he's a smart one!" Jiang Ning smiled.

Then, in less than half a cup of tea's time,

Zhou Xing appeared before Jiang Ning, carrying a pile of things wrapped in yellow cloth.

He went to a nearby table and placed the yellow cloth on it.

After unfolding the cloth, a pile of jade boxes appeared before Jiang Ning's eyes.

"Lord Jiang, these are the treasures that the Zhou Family Herb Shop has collected over the years, all of which are precious herbs over fifty years old."

Jiang Ning's eyes scanned the table, and his heart rejoiced.

There were jade boxes on the table, each containing herbs over fifty years old.

These herbs, aged over fifty years, would bring him a significant increase in Origin Energy points.

With these items, he wouldn't need to consider using herbs that were only ten or twenty years old.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end