Chapter 319: Growing Skills

Chapter 319: Growing Skills



One week later, Jiang Ning pushed open the door to his room, and the courtyard was already blanketed in white.

As the cold wind rushed in, Jiang Ning narrowed his eyes.

A few snowflakes, like goose feathers, landed on his neck, melting into water droplets due to his body heat, instantly releasing a chill.

"The temperature has dropped again!" Jiang Ning sighed softly.

He then glanced at the courtyard.

【Skills】: Scholarly Insight (Five Times Limit Break 5,477/6,000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Swift Mind, Exceptional Insight, Heavenly Vision)



Inner Core Nourishment Skill (Minor Success 4,055/5,000)



These days, the most significant changes were in these two skills on his panel.

Scholarly Insight, after a few days of grinding experience, was now close to reaching the 6,000 points needed to break the limit.

The Inner Core Nourishment Skill, due to the recent sunny weather, had progressed rapidly, already surpassing 4,000 points. It was only a thousand points away from the 5,000 points required to achieve Great Success in the skill, transform inner breath, and condense prana.

However, with the sudden drop in temperature, the courtyard was filled with heavy snow, and the coldness intensified overnight.

Jiang Ning knew that he wouldn't be able to cultivate the Inner Core Nourishment Skill in the coming days.

This skill could only be practiced on clear, sunny days when the sun was unobstructed.

He glanced at the snowy scene in the courtyard and then withdrew his gaze, not bothering to clear the accumulated snow.

These days, he spent his time reading, as he had already finished all the books in his home to increase his Scholarly Insight experience.

He had also purchased many books from various bookstores in the city that he hadn't read before, and each time he finished a batch, the next batch would be brought to him by Lu Yi.

He had lost count of how many books he had read in recent days.

But he knew that he had almost read all the books available for purchase in Luoshui County.

A few days ago, Lu Yi had spent half a day buying books for him, filling a cart with them.

After a quick glance, he realized that most of the books had already been read by him; Lu Yi was simply unaware of this.

He then closed the panel in front of him and stepped into the courtyard.

A few days ago, Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei had also returned to Dongling City.

Before her departure, Xiao Emei had secretly come to him as promised.

He had given Xiao Emei a task.

It was to monitor the actions of the Water Moon Sword Palace and, more importantly, to report to him promptly about Xiao Qiushui's actions and arrangements.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but mutter to himself.

"Calculating the time, she should have returned to the Water Moon Sword Palace by now. I wonder what Xiao Qiushui will do if she returns without success? Will she keep her promise and pass the information to me, or will she betray me?"

A moment later.

Jiang Ning had just finished washing up and was about to return to his room to read when he heard a fluttering sound above him.

He looked up and saw a large green bird circling in the sky above Luoshui County.

"Feitian Xinweng?" Jiang Ning's eyes widened in surprise, instantly recalling what Xiao Emei had told him before she left.

He quickly returned to his room and picked up a green bamboo strip shaped like a fire stick.

Stepping into the spacious courtyard, he noticed that Lu Yi, who had been there moments ago, had already left to bring him some meat soup to warm his stomach, as was their routine.

In the courtyard, Jiang Ning opened the lid of the bamboo strip, and a strange scent wafted out.

He saw that the item inside the bamboo strip was red and shaped like a small bell.

As the fragrance from the bamboo strip spread, after about a dozen breaths, the Feitian Xinweng in the sky above Luoshui County seemed to have found its direction. It descended like an arrow towards Jiang Ning's courtyard.

At a height of several zhang above the ground, the Feitian Xinweng spread its wings again, which spanned an impressive one and a half meters, instantly creating a gust of wind.

With its wings spread, the Feitian Xinweng's speed decreased sharply.

It fluttered and landed on Jiang Ning's outstretched arm.

Its size was like that of a fly.

Its claws were like iron hooks, white in color.

Its beak was a sharp vermilion red.

After landing on Jiang Ning's arm, the Feitian Xinweng immediately pecked twice, removing the red clay-like substance from Jiang Ning's hand.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning understood and gently tore open the bamboo strip.

The Feitian Xinweng quickly lowered its head and ate the red clay-like substance hidden inside the bamboo strip.

Then, it rubbed its head against Jiang Ning's chest, showing affection.

Jiang Ning noticed a letter tied to the Feitian Xinweng's chest.

He untied the letter and pulled out the scroll within.

After unfurling it, he saw that it was indeed a letter from Xiao Emei, as he had expected.

He sighed softly.

According to the letter, after Xiao Emei returned, although she hadn't completed Xiao Qiushui's task, she hadn't received any punishment from Xiao Qiushui.

However, Xiao Qiushui hadn't let the matter go.

Instead, she had assigned her second disciple, Yu Man, to continue the task of inviting Jiang Ning to the Water Moon Sword Palace.

Jiang Ning was also aware that Xiao Qiu Shui's younger sister, Xiao Qiu Yue, was currently in the Water Moon Sword Palace.

And she had been there for quite some time.

For so long, the reason why Xiao Qiu Yue, the birth mother of He Jin Yun, had not left the Water Moon Sword Palace was because Xiao Qiu Shui dared not let her go.

After losing her son, Xiao Qiu Yue had developed suicidal thoughts.

Especially after Xiao Emei returned without success, Xiao Qiu Yue's emotions became even more intense.

Therefore, Xiao Qiu Shui did not dare to let Xiao Qiu Yue leave.

Because Xiao Qiu Yue understood that at this point in time, killing an official of the Inspection Office would bring about a calamity.

Others would weigh the pros and cons and would not take action against Jiang Ning based solely on suspicion.

But Xiao Qiu Yue was different.

According to Xiao Emei's report, the current Xiao Qiu Yue only wanted to eliminate all potential threats, seeking revenge for her only son.

In her quest for vengeance, the current Xiao Qiu Yue had adopted the mindset of rather killing ten innocent people than letting one guilty person go free.

For this very reason, Xiao Qiu Shui did not dare to let her leave.

However, at the same time, Xiao Emei also mentioned that Yu Man Yun, in order to prove herself and enhance her standing in Xiao Qiu Shui's eyes, would definitely do her best to handle this matter.

As the next in line for the position of Palace Master of the Water Moon Sword Palace, Yu Man Yun was the second-best candidate.

In this matter, Yu Man Yun would undoubtedly strive to demonstrate her excellence, thereby gaining Xiao Qiu Shui's approval and improving her standing in his eyes.

After reading the entire letter, Jiang Ning chuckled and then shook his head.

"Yu Man Yun, Xiao Qiu Shui, Xiao Qiu Yue, and Xiao Emei."

"I wonder how much of what Xiao Emei said in this letter is true and how much is false."

"I suppose most of it is likely to be true."

"The real issue probably lies in the description of Yu Man Yun."

"It's not impossible that she might use my hand to get rid of Yu Man Yun for her own benefit."

Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

Regarding this speculation, he felt that the possibility was not low.

It was evident that within the Water Moon Sword Palace, Xiao Emei had not yet reached the level of excellence required to secure the position of the next Palace Master.

Therefore, if Yu Man Yun was repeatedly mentioned by Xiao Emei, she must be a potential competitor.

Subsequently, he thought of Xiao Qiu Yue, the wife of Qinghe Bo and the birth mother of He Jin Yun, who was mentioned in the letter.

Thinking of this person, Jiang Ning couldn't help but frown.

If it were anyone else, there would still be room for negotiation.

After all, his current status was not low, and he was an official of the Inspection Office.

Even if it were Qinghe Bo himself, He Jin Yun's father, it was unlikely that he would take action against Jiang Ning based solely on suspicion, provoking the formidable Inspection Office.

After all, for Qinghe Bo, he had many sons.

The number of direct and collateral descendants in his family was astonishing.

Generally, the bond of kinship was not that strong.

They would weigh the pros and cons and would not act impulsively once they had done so.

But for He Jin Yun's birth mother, Xiao Qiu Yue, it was not the same.

She only had one son, He Jin Yun.

For most mothers in the world, their children are their only solace.

Especially in a large family like the Qinghe Bo Mansion, it was challenging for couples to have pure and deep emotions. The deepest bond was only between mother and child.

The death of He Jin Yun was devastating news for his mother, Xiao Qiu Yue.

Jiang Ning completely understood and did not find it strange if Xiao Qiu Yue took any action to avenge her only son.

Therefore, he did not doubt Xiao Emei's words in the letter.

However, understanding was one thing, but Xiao Qiu Yue's thoughts still gave Jiang Ning a headache.

There was no evidence regarding He Jin Yun's death, and both Xiao Qiu Shui and Qinghe Bo would weigh the pros and cons and would not act impulsively.

But if Xiao Qiu Yue were to die at Jiang Ning's hands, it would become a public matter.

As the wife of Qinghe Bo and the younger sister of Xiao Qiu Shui, either identity would bring about significant trouble.

Not to mention possessing both identities.

If Xiao Qiu Yue were to die at Jiang Ning's hands, it would be like stirring up two hornet's nests.

Thinking of all this, Jiang Ning felt a wave of frustration and annoyance.

This feeling was no less oppressive than dark clouds gathering overhead.

He felt incredibly irritable.

"It's still a matter of insufficient strength!" Jiang Ning clenched his fists.

After a moment.

"Hoo—"

He exhaled, releasing the pent-up frustration in his heart.

"If I had enough strength, the dark clouds in my heart would naturally dissipate.

words, they took action.

Jiang Ning calmed his emotions and returned to his room to read quietly.

The calmer his mind, the more efficient his reading became.

The efficiency of his Scholarly Insight skills also increased.

As he turned each page of the book, prompts continuously appeared before him.

[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]



[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]



[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]

The Green Ripple held a thermally insulated food container as she gently pushed open the door, only to find Jiang Ning engrossed in his reading. She tiptoed in, her toes barely touching the ground.

Carefully, she placed the container on the table inside the room. Then, she took a piece of sandalwood, gently shaved off some wood shavings, and placed them in the incense burner. After packing them down, she lit the burner, and soon, wisps of blue smoke rose, filling the room with a faint sandalwood fragrance. This scent had a calming and soothing effect.

After a while, Jiang Ning flipped to the last page of the book he was reading and put it down. Green Ripple, seeing this, quickly opened the food container and took out the still-warm bowl of meat soup.

Witnessing this, Jiang Ning shook his head, "You don't need to wait here all the time; go and attend to your own matters!" As he spoke, he took the bowl of meat soup from Green Ripple.

After a few mouthfuls, half of the palm-sized porcelain bowl was empty. He took several more big gulps, and the meat soup disappeared into his stomach.

Green Ripple took the bowl from Jiang Ning and placed it back in the food container. "Young Master, then I'll take my leave."

"Wait!" Jiang Ning spoke up.

Green Ripple, who had just lifted her foot to leave, paused. She turned to look at Jiang Ning and noticed blood slowly seeping out of his fingertip and then congealing into a drop of deep red blood.

Green Ripple's eyes lit up at this sight. She was well aware that Jiang Ning's blood contained mystical powers. It could enhance her physical body, greatly aiding her martial arts progress.

The next moment, she opened her mouth, closed her eyes, and waited for the blood to be fed to her.

Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile at her eagerness. However, he flicked his finger, and the drop of blood flew straight into Green Ripple's mouth.

"Alright, you can go and attend to your own matters now!" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes, Young Master!" Green Ripple's face turned slightly red, filled with excitement.

---

At the Ten Thousand Flowers Tower, Lin Qingyi, looking lazy, read the letter in front of her and couldn't help but smile, shaking her head. "This little girl is really persistent. After a month, she's sent another letter to that boy."

"Forget it, since she sent it, I'll go to that boy's house later!"

"It's been a long time since I last saw that boy. I wonder how much he's grown by now?"

As these thoughts crossed her mind, a smile appeared on Lin Qingyi's lips.

---

In the afternoon, the sky remained overcast, and heavy snow fell vertically. Jiang Ning sat indoors, having opened the window. Although it was snowing heavily, the temperature was much warmer than at the beginning of the year, and it wasn't as cold as it had been then.

He sat by the window, continuously flipping through the books in his hand.

[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]



[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]



[Scholarly Insight Experience +1]



---

In front of him, the pages kept turning at a higher frequency than before. After reaching the last page, he finally withdrew his gaze from the book and glanced at his panel.

【Skills】: Scholarly Insight (5th Limit Break 5613/6000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Swift Mind, Exceptional Insight, Heavenly Vision)



"I still have a bit more to go. With my current efficiency, I should be able to reach the limit tomorrow!"

Thinking about the upcoming reward for his efforts, Jiang Ning felt a hint of excitement.

The limit break in Scholarly Insight would allow his psychic power to undergo another transformation. Moreover, none of the related characteristics were useless; every single one was beneficial.

Especially the Heavenly Vision gained from the fifth limit break was extremely practical in combat. It didn't directly increase his combat power, but its auxiliary effect was highly useful. In his recent battles, Heavenly Vision had been a great help, and when combined with his arrow techniques, the effect was even more significant.

Thinking about his arrow techniques, Jiang Ning recalled White Lo Yu's high praise for them during their conversation a few days ago. It was clear that White Lo Yu held his arrow techniques in high regard, and his words hinted at his admiration for Jiang Ning's skills.

Similarly, Xiao Emei had also expressed her recognition of Jiang Ning's abilities, primarily focusing on his arrow techniques.

It was evident that among the people of Dongling City, Jiang Ning was known for his proficiency in arrow techniques.

"When I have time, I should work on breaking through my arrow techniques!"

As this thought, Jiang Ning picked up the teacup beside him, gently blew away the tea leaves floating on the surface, and took a sip. He couldn't help but frown.

"As expected, the tea I brewed is far inferior to the one Green Ripple made."

He put down the teacup and admired the snowy scene outside the window. The quiet afternoon was windless, and the heavy snow fell straight down. He could hear the rustling sound of snowflakes landing on the accumulated snow. Occasionally, the weight of the snow would cause branches to bend, and the snow would fall to the ground.

After enjoying the scenery outside for a while, Jiang Ning picked up another book and prepared to read it. Just as he was about to start, he raised his hand and placed his index and middle fingers together, closing his eyes and touching his forehead.

In an instant, his heavenly eye opened, and he immediately saw the scene at the entrance of his manor.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end