Chapter 337: Entering Dongling City

Chapter 337: Entering Dongling City

At the entrance of Dongling City, two men dressed in black and gold official robes, distinctively belonging to the Patrol Office, had been waiting for quite some time. Suddenly, one of them fixed his gaze forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration.

"Hey, Xu, take a look, isn't that Jiang Ning?" The man nudged his companion with his elbow, his voice filled with urgency.

The other man, hearing this, immediately followed his gaze, and upon spotting Jiang Ning, their eyes met.

"It's him! That's Jiang Ning!" The man's eyes widened in recognition.

"Xu! Let's go, let's go! We can finally be free!" The first man was nearly bursting with impatience, elbowing his companion as he spoke.

Their commotion drew attention at the city gate. After all, the black and gold official robes were a clear sign of their affiliation with the Patrol Office, recognizable to anyone with a keen eye.

These two men were officials from the Patrol Office, an organization now present in every county and prefecture, ensuring their presence in every city. In the past half a year, the Patrol Office had risen to prominence, becoming the new power in the land, their influence akin to the sun at its zenith.

The sight of Patrol Office officials made people retreat in fear. Any collision with them could lead to accusations of rebellion, leaving no room for defense.

As the two officials left the city gate, all eyes followed them. Even the soldiers guarding the gate paused their inspection duties, curiosity getting the better of them.

Since yesterday, these soldiers had noticed the presence of the Patrol Office officials. They had been quietly discussing the reason for their prolonged stay at the gate, especially since they had stayed until the gate closed before leaving, which only heightened their curiosity.

It was only this morning that they learned the officials were awaiting the arrival of an important figure. At least, in their eyes, this person was of great significance.

And so, when the officials finally moved, everyone's curiosity peaked.

The two officials from the Patrol Office strode directly towards Jiang Ning, their gazes fixed on him.

Jiang Ning, having noticed their approach, couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity.

His official identity, registered within the Patrol Office, was merely that of an Eighth Rank Official.

In Luo Shui County, this position was considered quite prestigious.

However, in Dongling City, it was just an ordinary, common term.

In the county town of Dongling Prefecture, one might randomly kick someone on the street, and they could easily have a higher official rank than him.

An Eighth Rank, not even a sesame official.

What merits or abilities did he possess to warrant the Patrol Office sending people to the city gate to welcome him?

around his waist.

Moreover, they had done so without any prior notice or confirmation of his arrival.

How long would they have to wait for him?

Curiosity filled his eyes as he watched the two men approach him directly.

"Greetings, Officer Jiang!"

"Greetings, Officer Jiang!"

The two men immediately bowed in salute.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning finally understood that these two were here for him, having waited at the city gate in advance.

On the other side.

Liu Guangqi's eyes widened in surprise at this scene.

"Isn't he Scholar Jiang?!"

"How come these two dignitaries are calling him 'Officer'?"

The legitimate daughter of the Su family, standing next to him, also wore a stunned expression.

"Old Liu, didn't you say he was just a well-off scholar?"

"Yes!" Liu Guangqi replied, dazed as he looked at the group conversing in front of him.

At this moment, he could clearly see the two men showing great respect to Jiang Ning.

Just like how he himself would show respect to his master.

"What's going on here?" The Su family's daughter asked.

"I... I don't know!" Liu Guangqi was taken aback, then shook his head.

"Old Liu, weren't you close to him before?"

"At most, we were just acquaintances. How could we be considered close?" Liu Guangqi chuckled self-deprecatingly.

Seeing the respectful attitude of the Patrol Office personnel towards Jiang Ning, he realized that his previous actions were unnecessary.

After all, even the weakest members of the Patrol Office were martial artists who had entered the Martial Realm.

For them to show such respect, how could he be an ordinary scholar? He must possess exceptional martial skills.

"Old Liu, why didn't I befriend him earlier?" At this moment, the Su family's daughter, looking at the scene at the city gate, felt regret in her eyes.

She continued, "If I had befriended him, with the status that can make the Patrol Office of Dongling City show such respect, I could have gained an advantage in the family's struggles."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi recalled his young mistress's words and fell silent.

On the other side.

After a brief conversation with the two Patrol Office members, Jiang Ning learned the purpose of their visit.

It was Hong Minghu who had notified Dongling City.

And the reason Hong Minghu had informed the Patrol Office of Dongling City, asking them to find Jiang Ning and convey the message, was because a significant event closely related to Jiang Ning had occurred in Luo Shui County.

Wang Jin had met with an accident and was severely injured, with his tendons and bones shattered.

Normally, such injuries would render him a cripple.

"Thank you for the news, colleagues!" Jiang Ning took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and bowed.

"Officer Jiang is too kind!" The leader among them returned the bow and continued, "The message has been delivered. I shall now return to report back!"

"Good! Take your time, gentlemen!"

As he watched the two men walk away.

"Quickly! Hurry up and go!" The soldiers guarding the city gate immediately stopped inspecting the vehicles in front of Jiang Ning, even neglecting to collect the entrance fee. Instead, they urged them to enter quickly without blocking the gate.

At the same time.

"Younger Brother!" Jiang Li, standing next to Jiang Ning, spoke up.

He had been listening to Jiang Ning's conversation with the Patrol Office members and now knew what had happened in Luo Shui County.

"Elder Brother, what's wrong?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Younger Brother, should we return now?" Jiang Li inquired.

"There's no need to go back," Jiang Ning shook his head lightly.

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Then he looked towards the city gate, where all the vehicles in front had entered the city.

"Let's go into the city first!" He spoke again.

"Okay!" Jiang Li nodded, then asked, "Younger Brother, but what about your master?"

"I'll settle you all first, then I'll go back alone! With my speed, it won't take long to return by myself."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li stared at Jiang Ning in surprise.

They had walked all the way from Luo Shui County, and he knew how long it had taken.

Although the carriage was slow, it still took a full five days.

A five-day journey, according to his younger brother, would only take a few hours.

"What's my younger brother's true strength?" Jiang Li's mind flashed with this thought.

Then he slowly nodded, "Okay, I'll follow your arrangements."

At that moment.

Even though all the carriages in front of Jiang Ning had entered the city, leaving a spacious area, and there were still carriages behind him, the soldiers guarding the city gate didn't dare to rush him.

They had just witnessed how the Patrol Office members treated this young man.

They were well aware that these two Patrol Office members had waited at the city gate a day in advance, specifically for this young man.

They had waited for nearly a full day before Jiang Ning finally appeared.

Given such a grand reception, they dared not offend such an important figure.

"Let's enter the city!" Jiang Ning gazed at the spacious road ahead and spoke.

"Good idea!" Jiang Li nodded in agreement.

Soon after, two horse carriages passed through the thick city walls.

As they traveled along the road, Jiang Ning fell into deep thought.

The incident with Wang Jin had caught him off guard.

He hadn't expected Yu Manyun to arrive in Luo Shui County right after he had left.

His suspicion that Yu Manyun was the one who injured Wang Jin was not without basis, as Xiao Emei had sent a warning beforehand.

Among his potential enemies, Yu Manyun was the most likely suspect in terms of both motive and capability, fitting the description perfectly.

At this moment, he couldn't help but feel relieved.

He was relieved that Yu Manyun had arrived a few days later.

If she had come earlier, he would have been in Luo Shui Lake.

If she had found them while he was absent, his brother's family would have been in danger.

If she could harm Wang Jin, she would surely target his brother's family as well.

Just this thought made his heart tremble with fear.

It further solidified his determination.

Lao Gui and Ling Long needed proper guidance and cultivation.

With their training, even in his absence, they would be able to protect his brother's family.

After passing through the city gates and entering Dongling City, Jiang Ning's gaze landed on a prominent inn.

The Riverside Tower.

"Little brother, shall we stay at this inn?" Jiang Ning suggested, nodding in agreement.

"Sounds good!"

"Big brother and sister-in-law, find a place to stay first! I'll take care of the rest later!"

A moment later,

After booking rooms and settling in, Jiang Ning left Lao Gui and Ling Long with his brother's family, then stepped out of the Riverside Tower.

He had already made up his mind.

He must return to Luo Shui County.

Wang Jin's severe injuries required immediate treatment, or else he might be left with hidden wounds, or even permanent disability due to the severity.

In Dongling Prefecture, the only place with better medical skills than Medicine King Valley was the Water Moon Sword Palace.

But before returning, he had to ensure their safety.

If Yu Manyun found his brother's family in Dongling City, an inn alone wouldn't be able to protect its guests.

Even with Lao Gui and Ling Long, they might not be able to defeat Yu Manyun.

According to Xiao Emei, Yu Manyun was a contender for the next heir of the Water Moon Sword Palace, indicating her strength was no less than Xiao Emei's.

After all, both Xiao Qiushui and Xiao Mingyue were surnamed Xiao, and so was Xiao Emei.

This shared surname suggested a closer relationship between Xiao Emei and Xiao Qiushui, leaving room for speculation.

If Yu Manyun could compete with Xiao Emei, she must have some skills.

Lao Gui's strength was below that of a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist.

As for Ling Long, her strength was even lower, with only a few decades of cultivation. Her abilities were likely comparable to an Eighth-Rank Martial Artist.

Therefore, if they faced Yu Manyun, they could only delay her for a moment. They didn't have the ability to protect them completely.

Before leaving, he had to find additional assurance.

He needed to ensure that even if Yu Manyun found his brother's family in Dongling City, she wouldn't be able to harm them.

Soon,

Following the method Xiao Emei had left, Jiang Ning released a flying messenger bird from the Bird House in the city.

He summoned Xiao Emei back from the Water Moon Sword Palace, making her one of the protectors for Jiang Li's family.

After that,

He remembered the agreement made with Bai Luoyu before she left Luo Shui County.

Bai Luoyu had invited him to Dongling City, offering to be a good host and treat him to a drink.

Normally, he wouldn't be in a hurry to meet Bai Luoyu.

But the situation was different now.

In Dongling City, Bai Luoyu held an extraordinary position.

As the Inspector General of the prefecture, she wielded significant authority.

Moreover, having served as a Sixth-Rank Inspector General, her abilities were no small matter, likely surpassing Yu Manyun's.

If Bai Luoyu agreed to help, his brother's family would be safe.

Without any worries, he could set off for Luo Shui County.

His mentor, who had taught him and helped him through the water and fire, deserved his gratitude.

Not to mention, Wang Jin's injuries were indirectly caused by him.

Both emotionally and rationally, he had to handle this matter.

He must find a way to treat Wang Jin's injuries and minimize any potential consequences.

As for Yu Manyun, if she was indeed responsible, he couldn't let this grudge go unavenged.

He wasn't afraid of the Water Moon Sword Palace, her backer, if it came to a fight.

He already knew the location of the Water Moon Sword Palace—on a lake island.

That was his home turf, where he could unleash most of his strength.

If he used all his abilities, he would even dare to challenge Xiao Qiushui, the so-called first person under the Grandmaster.

But this wasn't the time or place for that.

The immediate priority was to eliminate his worries and take Wang Jin to Medicine King Valley for treatment.

Everything else could wait.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end