Chapter 319: Growth in Skills

Chapter 319: Growth in Skills



After that, Jiang Ning pushed open the door to his room.

The courtyard was already covered in a blanket of white snow.

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

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

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

Then he took a look at his panel.

【Skills】: Literary Proficiency (Fifth Limit Break 5477/6000) (Overlooking Nothing, Extraordinary Five Senses, Swift Mind, Outstanding Comprehension, Celestial Eye Vision)



Inner Core Nourishing Art (Minor Accomplishment 4055/5000)



These days, the two skills on the panel had seen the most significant changes.

Literary Proficiency, after several days of diligent experience accumulation, was now close to reaching the required 6000 points for the Fifth Limit Break.

As for the Inner Core Nourishing Art, due to the recent sunny weather, its progress had increased rapidly, surpassing 4000 points. Only a thousand points were left to reach the 5000 points required for the art's completion, where his inner breath would undergo a qualitative change, condensing into the essence wind.

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

Jiang Ning knew that he wouldn't be able to cultivate the Inner Core Nourishing Art in the next few days.

This art could only be cultivated on sunny days when the sun was unobstructed.

After glancing at the snowy scene in the courtyard, he retracted his gaze and didn't bother to clear the snow.

These days, he wasn't practicing cultivation; all he did was read books.

To increase his experience in Literary Proficiency, he had already read all the books in his house.

He had also bought many books from Lu Yi that he hadn't read before in Luo Water County. Each time he finished a batch, Lu Yi would bring back the next batch.

By now, he had read so many books that he couldn't keep count.

But he knew that he had almost read all the books available in Luo Water County.

A few days ago, Lu Yi had spent half a day buying a cart full of books for him.

After a quick glance, he realized that most of the books were ones he had read before; Lu Yi just didn't know.

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

A few days earlier, 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, especially the movements and arrangements of Xiao Qiushui, which she was to report to him promptly.

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 these days. I wonder what she'll do if she returns without success, and whether she'll keep her promise to pass on the information or 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 his head.

Looking up, he saw a large green bird hovering over Luo Water County.

"Flying Messenger Pigeon?" Jiang Ning was surprised, instantly recalling what Xiao Emei had told him before leaving.

The next moment, he quickly walked back into the room.

He picked up a green bamboo strip resembling a fire-folding fan and stepped into the empty courtyard.

In the courtyard, Lu Yi, who had been there moments ago, had already left to prepare a meal for Jiang Ning.

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 clay-like.

As the fragrance from the bamboo strip spread, after about a dozen breaths.

The Flying Messenger Pigeon, which had been hovering over Luo Water County, seemed to have found its direction and instantly descended like an arrow towards Jiang Ning's courtyard.

At a height of several zhang above the ground, the Flying Messenger Pigeon spread its wings, which spanned one and a half meters, instantly creating a gust of wind.

After spreading its wings, the Flying Messenger Pigeon's speed also slowed significantly.

Fluttering—

It flapped its wings and landed on Jiang Ning's outstretched arm.

It was as small as a fly.

Its claws were like iron hooks, white in color.

Its beak was sharp and red.

After landing on Jiang Ning's arm, the Flying Messenger Pigeon immediately pecked twice, removing the red clay from the bamboo strip in Jiang Ning's hand.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning understood and slightly exerted force to tear open the bamboo strip.

The Flying Messenger Pigeon quickly ate the red clay-like substance hidden inside the bamboo strip.

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

At this moment, Jiang Ning also noticed a message tube tied to the Flying Messenger Pigeon's right foot.

He opened the tube and pulled out a scroll of paper.

After unfolding it, he saw, as expected, a letter from Xiao Emei.

A moment later, he had finished reading it.

He exhaled softly.

According to the letter, Xiao Emei had not completed Xiao Qiushui's task, but she had not been punished.

However, Xiao Qiushui did not let the matter go.

She assigned her second disciple, Yu Manyun, to continue the task, which was to invite Jiang Ning to the Water Moon Sword Palace.

Based on the report in the letter, Jiang Ning also knew that Xiao Qiushui's younger sister, Xiao Qiuyue, was currently in the Water Moon Sword Palace.

And she had been there for a long time.

Jiang Ning understood that the reason Xiao Qiuyue, mother of He Jinyun, hadn't left the Water Moon Sword Palace was because Xiao Qiushui didn't dare let her go.

After losing her son, Xiao Qiuyue had developed suicidal thoughts.

Especially after Xiao Emei's unsuccessful attempt, Xiao Qiuyue's emotions became even more agitated.

Therefore, Xiao Qiushui was even more reluctant to let her leave.

Xiao Qiuyue knew that killing an official of the Inspection Office at this time would bring about a calamity.

Others would weigh the pros and cons and wouldn't act solely on suspicion.

But Xiao Qiuyue was different.

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

In her quest for vengeance, Xiao Qiuyue was determined to rather mistakenly kill ten than let one escape.

For this reason, Xiao Qiushui was even more hesitant to let her go.

However, Xiao Emei also mentioned that Yu Manyun, in order to prove herself and increase her standing in Xiao Qiushui's eyes, would undoubtedly strive to handle this matter.

As the second in line for the position of Palace Master in the next term, Yu Manyun would undoubtedly strive to showcase her excellence and earn Xiao Qiushui's approval, thereby enhancing her status in his heart.

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

"Yu Manyun, Xiao Qiushui, Xiao Qiuyue, Xiao Emei."

"I wonder how much of Xiao Emei's words in this letter are true and how much are false."

"Most of it should be true."

"The real issue might be the description of Yu Manyun."

"It's not impossible that she wants to use me to get rid of Yu Manyun."

Jiang Ning silently pondered.

He found this speculation quite plausible.

It was evident that within the Water Moon Sword Palace, Xiao Emei hadn't reached the level of excellence to secure the position of the next Palace Master.

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

Subsequently, he thought about Xiao Qiuyue, mentioned in the letter, the wife of Qinghe Bo and mother of He Jinyun.

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

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

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

Even the current Qinghe Bo, He Jinyun's father, wouldn't likely take action against him based solely on suspicion, provoking the massive Inspection Office.

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

In such a large family, the number of direct descendants was astonishing.

Generally, the familial bond wasn't that strong.

So, they would weigh the pros and cons and wouldn't act impulsively.

But for Xiao Qiuyue, mother of He Jinyun, it was different.

She had only one son, He Jinyun.

For most mothers in the world, their children were their only source of solace.

Especially in a large family like Qinghe Bo's, it was difficult for couples to have pure and deep emotions; only the mother-child bond was the strongest.

The death of He Jinyun was a devastating blow to his mother, Xiao Qiuyue.

Jiang Ning completely understood and didn't find it strange that Xiao Qiuyue would do anything to avenge her only son.

Therefore, he didn't doubt Xiao Emei's report.

However, Xiao Qiuyue's thoughts also gave Jiang Ning a headache.

Without evidence of He Jinyun's death, neither Xiao Qiushui nor Qinghe Bo would act impulsively, weighing the pros and cons.

But if Xiao Qiuyue were to die at his hands, it would become a public matter.

As the wife of Qinghe Bo and Xiao Qiushui's younger sister, Xiao Qiuyue's death at his hands would stir up two hornet's nests.

Thinking of all this,

Jiang Ning felt a wave of frustration, quite displeased.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

This feeling was no less than a thick layer of dark clouds hanging overhead.

He felt exceptionally stifled.

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

After a moment,

"Hoo—"

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

"If I had enough strength, these worries would dissipate!"

"If I had the power of a Grandmaster, would He Jinyun's matter be so troublesome?"

At this thought, Jiang Ning realized that the most important thing for him now was still just one thing—to enhance his strength.

In a world where might makes right, the greatest reliance is on one's fist, and only then on authority.

As long as the fist is strong enough, a single man's anger can shake the heavens, stirring dragons and snakes from their lairs.

Subsequently,

Jiang Ning calmed his mind and returned to his room to read in tranquility.

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

His proficiency in the art of memorization and comprehension increased.

As he turned each page, prompts appeared before him.

【Memorization and Comprehension Experience +1】

【Memorization and Comprehension Experience +1】

【Memorization and Comprehension Experience +1】

Lu Yi entered the room with a thermally insulated food container, and upon seeing Jiang Ning engrossed in his reading, she tiptoed in, standing on her toes.

She carefully placed the container on the table inside the room.

Then, she picked up a sandalwood stick, gently shaved off some wood shavings, and placed them in a sandalwood incense burner. After compacting the shavings, she lit them.

As the thin smoke rose, a faint sandalwood fragrance filled the room, known for its calming and soothing effects.

After a while, Jiang Ning flipped to the last page of the book he was reading and finished it. He put the book down.

Seeing this, Lu Yi quickly opened the container and took out the still-warm bowl of meat soup.

Jiang Ning shook his head at the sight, "You don't need to wait around here; go and attend to your own matters!"

As he spoke, he took the bowl of soup from Lu Yi.

He took several mouthfuls, and half of the palm-sized porcelain bowl was already empty.

Then, he took a few more gulps, finishing the soup.

Lu Yi took the bowl from Jiang Ning and placed it back in the container.

"Young Master, then I'll take my leave," she said.

"Wait!" Jiang Ning said.

Lu Yi, who was about to leave, stopped in her tracks. She turned to look at Jiang Ning and saw blood slowly seeping out of his fingertip, which then condensed into a drop of dark red blood.

Her eyes lit up with excitement at this sight.

She now knew very well that Jiang Ning's blood contained mysterious power, which could greatly enhance her physical body and significantly aid her martial arts progress.

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

Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile at her.

However, he flicked his fingertip, and the drop of blood flew through the air, entering Lu Yi's mouth.

"Alright, you can go now!" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes, Young Master!" Lu Yi exclaimed, her face filled with excitement.

Wan Hua Tower.

Lin Qingyi, looking lazy, smiled as she held the letter in her hands. "This girl is really persistent. After a month, she's sent a second letter to that boy."

"Forget it. Since she sent it, I'll go to his house later!"

"It's been a while since I last saw him. I wonder how much he's grown?"

As she thought this, a smile appeared on her lips.

Afternoon.

The sky remained overcast, and heavy snow fell straight down.

Jiang Ning sat indoors, opening the window.

Although it was snowing heavily, the temperature was much warmer than at the beginning of the year, not as cold as before.

He sat by the window, continuously reading the books in his hands.

【Literary Proficiency Experience Points +1】

【Literary Proficiency Experience Points +1】

【Literary Proficiency Experience Points +1】

【.】

In front of him, the words kept appearing.

The frequency was much higher than before.

After reaching the last page, he finally took his eyes off the book and glanced at his panel.

【Skills】: Literary Proficiency (Fifth Limit Break 5613/6000) (Characteristics: Memorize at a Glance, Extraordinary Five Senses, Swift Mind, Outstanding Comprehension, Heavenly Eye Vision)



"Just over 300 more points. At my current efficiency, I should have enough by tomorrow!"

Jiang Ning's heart stirred with anticipation, thinking that he would soon reap the rewards of his hard work.

The Fifth Limit Break of Literary Proficiency would allow his mental power to transform once again.

Moreover, the supporting characteristics were all useful, not a single one was useless.

Especially the Heavenly Eye Vision added during the Fifth Limit Break.

Having the Heavenly Eye Vision didn't directly increase his combat power, but its supportive effect was extremely beneficial.

In his recent battles, the Heavenly Eye Vision provided great assistance.

Combined with his archery, the effect was more than the sum of its parts.

Thinking of his archery, he couldn't help but recall his conversation with Bai Luoyu, who highly praised his archery.

Her words revealed her awe for his archery skills.

Similarly, Xiao Emei's recognition of him was also primarily based on his archery.

Clearly, in the eyes of the people of Dongling City, his most outstanding skill was archery.

"If I have time, I should focus on improving my archery further!"

As this thought arose, Jiang Ning picked up the teacup beside him, gently blew away the tea leaves, and took a sip, only to frown.

"The tea I brewed is vastly different from Lu Yi's."

He put down the teacup and admired the snow outside the window.

The quiet afternoon was filled with the sound of snow falling straight down onto the accumulated snow, creating a rustling sound.

Occasionally, the weight of the snow caused branches to bend and snow to fall to the ground.

After enjoying the scenery for a while, Jiang Ning picked up another book.

As he was about to start reading, he suddenly looked up, his gaze falling on the entrance of the manor.

"On a day like this, who would come to visit?" he wondered.

With this thought, he brought his thumb and index finger together, closed his eyes, and touched his forehead.

In an instant, his Heavenly Eye between his eyebrows opened, and he saw the scene at the entrance of the manor.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end