Chapter 339: Returning to Luo Shui County

Chapter 339: Returning to Luo Shui County

December 7th, 2024

East of the City.

"Big Brother and Sister, you can stay here temporarily. I've already bought this house!" Jiang Ning pushed open the door, and the vermillion-red gate swung open, revealing a desolate and dilapidated scene in the front yard.

A gentle stream flowed through the pebble-paved waterway in the front yard.

"Ah Ning, you've gone to great lengths!" Liu Wanwan looked at Jiang Ning, her expression complex.

Jiang Li also patted Jiang Ning heavily on the shoulder, "Ah Di, thank you!"

Bai Luoyu stood on the steps of the gate, gently fanning himself with a folding fan, a faint smile on his face.

Jiang Ning smiled as well.

"Big Brother and Sister, why don't you go check out the house first? I'll chat with Brother Bai a bit more."

"No problem!" Jiang Li said, "Ah Di, go ahead and take care of things! I'll start tidying up the yard."

"Brother Jiang, how about a walk by the river?" Bai Luoyu took the initiative to speak first.

"Sure!" Jiang Ning nodded.

They walked side by side along the ten-foot-wide river.

"Brother Bai, I'll have to trouble you over the next few days!"

"It's nothing!" Bai Luoyu smiled, "I'll have someone find Yu Manyun right away, and there will be people keeping watch at the entrance to the East District. As soon as Yu Manyun appears, I'll be notified immediately."

"And there will be people keeping an eye on your home too. As soon as there's any movement, I'll be there. It's only a distance of about five hundred meters; there won't be any issues!"

Jiang Ning clasped his hands together, "Thank you, Brother Bai!"

"No need for that!" Bai Luoyu smiled, and with a 'swish', he opened his folding fan.

Then, Bai Luoyu said, "Does your master need my help?"

"That won't be necessary!" Jiang Ning shook his head.

"In that case, I won't worry too much!" Bai Luoyu continued to gently wave his folding fan, and the two of them walked on.

Then, Bai Luoyu spoke again, "Brother Jiang, since you've just bought this new home, I don't have anything good to offer, but I'll send you some furniture and a few servants."

"Thank you, Brother Bai!" Jiang Ning expressed his gratitude.

Bai Luoyu smiled, "I'll have someone coordinate with your brother regarding this matter. By the time you return, you'll have a brand-new mansion!"

"Thank you, Brother Bai!" Jiang Ning stopped walking and sincerely thanked him with clasped hands.

Before Bai Luoyu's arrival, he had never imagined things would go so smoothly.

Bai Luoyu was able to offer such significant help.

Through Bai Luoyu, he witnessed the power of influence.

For ordinary people, these matters would be extremely difficult, but Bai Luoyu only needed to say a few words, and everything was settled.

The house was also purchased at a low price.

This was because the house had been confiscated from its previous owner and was now government property, and the government had the final say.

And the government official in this case was Liu Fugu, summoned by Bai Luoyu.

With Bai Luoyu's backing, the house was practically half-sold and half-given.

What pleased him the most about this house was that each courtyard was filled with artificial waterfalls, gentle streams, and several artificial lakes.

This environment was perfect for him.

Moreover, just outside the mansion was a ten-foot-wide artificial river.

This river was created by diverting water from a tributary of the Nu River.

With this river, even when facing overwhelmingly powerful enemies, he had an escape route.

By entering the river and harnessing its power, he could unleash unimaginable battle prowess.

Therefore, the ten-foot-wide artificial river outside the mansion was his favorite feature.

Furthermore, the residence was only about five hundred meters away from Bai Luoyu's mansion.

With Bai Luoyu's strength, five hundred meters was just a short distance for him to cover in an instant.

With the presence of the Dragon Carp and the Old Turtle, as long as the enemy wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, they could buy some time, and Bai Luoyu would arrive.

Moreover, according to Bai Luoyu, there were people secretly keeping watch over his mansion, which further enhanced its security.

Not to mention, there were also people keeping watch at the entrance to the East District. As soon as Yu Manyun appeared, her whereabouts would be completely exposed.

At this moment, Jiang Ning's mind was completely at ease.

After that, he briefly said goodbye to Bai Luoyu and returned home.

At the mansion's entrance.

Lu Yi stood at the gate, gazing at Jiang Ning's distant figure with a foolish expression.

"Young Master," she murmured.

She didn't close the gate until Jiang Ning's figure completely disappeared, preventing the four-and-a-half-year-old little one from wandering off.

On the other side.

Jiang Ning soon arrived at the tall city wall in the East District.

At this time, there were many pedestrians on the wall, as the view here was expansive and the scenery was excellent.

Moreover, the passageway on the wall was very wide, wide enough for three carriages to drive side by side.

There were even small vendors setting up stalls on the wall.

This indicated the high volume of foot traffic.

Jiang Ning stood atop the city wall, gazing at the distant scenery. From here, the Nu River could be clearly seen flowing from the north to the south, dividing Dongling City into two halves, with the terrain gradually lowering along its course. Standing at the edge of the wall, he had an unobstructed view of the entire West River area, allowing him to observe all the activities within the city. Witnessing this scene, Jiang Ning gained a deeper understanding of why the land prices on the East Bank were higher. The feeling of overlooking the mountains and standing above others naturally, how many could resist such a sensation?

With a light leap, he gracefully landed on the battlements. "Young Master, be careful of the strong winds here. You might get blown off," a soft and gentle voice, with a thick southern accent, called out from behind him. Jiang Ning turned around and saw a young lady in a pink dress, exuding the elegance of a noble lady, with a scholarly air about her. Their eyes met, and the young lady's expression froze for a moment. "Thank you for the reminder!" Jiang Ning smiled. He then leaped into the air, his body soaring. "No!!! Stop!" The young lady leaned forward, extending her right hand to grab the hovering Jiang Ning. However, as Jiang Ning's robe was caught by the wind, fluttering loudly, her fingertips could only barely touch his robe. She watched as Jiang Ning plummeted straight into the Nu River.

"No..." the young lady murmured again, her voice echoing in the air. This commotion drew the attention of others on the city wall. "Someone's jumping into the river to commit suicide!" someone nearby exclaimed, providing an explanation for the spectacle.

Upon hearing this, everyone seemed to understand. Soon after, they heard a 'plop' sound from the river, indicating someone had fallen into the water. "What a pity!" someone exclaimed, gazing at the turbulent Nu River with a hint of regret in their eyes. "Yes, such a young life, why would they want to end it?" another person, who had also witnessed the scene, echoed with a similar expression of regret.

"Miss!" a maid, standing next to the young lady in the pink dress, rushed over. "Miss, what's wrong?" the maid asked with concern. "He's so handsome, why would he want to end his life?" the young lady in pink replied, her face filled with worry.

"Miss, there's no need to feel sorry for a coward like him. He's just an empty shell with a good-looking exterior!" the maid consoled, even though she hadn't witnessed the incident, she followed the conversation. "Don't say that, Xiao Wan!" the young lady in pink continued, "Go and ask someone to retrieve his body from downstream and give him a proper burial."

"Yes, Miss!" the maid responded immediately, then added, looking at her mistress with admiration, "Miss, your heart is truly kind!"

In the Nu River.

As Jiang Ning sank to the bottom of the river, he instantly felt the complex and rapid undercurrents. However, at this moment, even the most turbulent currents couldn't affect him in the slightest. Soon, his gaze turned towards the direction of Luo Water County.

Although the Nu River didn't directly connect to the Luo River or lead to Luo Water County, by using the river, he could reduce the distance to the county significantly. He had jumped into the Nu River to return to Luo Water County more quickly.

The next moment, with a thought, he activated the Grand Elemental Water Teleportation, and his body instantly merged with the river water. In an instant, he reappeared thirty li away, feeling drained.

He then hovered quietly in the water, sensing the river's energy. After a while, when his condition had fully recovered, he activated the Grand Elemental Water Teleportation again.

After several cycles, he emerged from the river, fully restored, and climbed onto the shore. He scanned the surroundings and the distant scenery, instantly locking onto the direction of Luo Water County.

Maintaining a speed of about sixty percent, he sprinted towards his destination. This pace was the most energy-efficient, just as an ordinary person could sprint a few hundred meters at most, but could run several times that distance at a slower pace before exhaustion. This was the difference.

Half an hour later, he saw the not-so-tall city wall ahead and exhaled a breath of turbid air. "I'm here!" he declared.

He had now reached the gates of Luo Water County after several days of long-distance travel, but with his current stamina, it had only taken him about one hour. "It's all thanks to my fast legs!" Jiang Ning thought to himself.

He then headed towards the city gates.

Dongling City.

East of the city.

In the backyard of Bai Luoyu's mansion.

Bai Luoyu sat face-to-face with a man of refined appearance. On the stone table between them was a tea set.

Steam rose from the hot tea as it was poured into the cups.

"Please, Zhao Mansion Master, have some tea!" Bai Luoyu gestured with an outstretched hand.

The Master's title was a clear indication of the man's identity.

One of the three Masters of Dongling City.

Either the main Master or one of the two Deputy Masters.

Anyone who knew the surname Zhao would recognize him as the Fifth-Rank Main Master.

He was also one of the publicly acknowledged Grandmasters in Dongling City.

Zhao Yu Long picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and then set it down.

"Inspector Bai, I heard that Jiang Ning from Luoshui County is here."

"Inspector Bai, your information network is impressive!" Bai Luoyu nodded, "Yes, he is here, and he even bought a residence in the city."

"Oh? He bought a house?" Zhao Yu Long was slightly surprised.

Then he said, "I heard he is the candidate for the County Inspector of Dongling Prefecture?"

"Yes!" Bai Luoyu nodded in agreement.

"Interesting!" Zhao Yun Long smiled, "Where is the house he just bought? I'd like to meet him. It's quite a legend for someone so young to rise from a small county to this level."

Bai Luoyu shook her head, "Master Zhao, you won't be able to see him now!"

"Why?" Zhao Yu Long's face showed surprise.

Bai Luoyu explained, "He has just set off on his return to Luoshui County!"

"Back to Luoshui County?" Zhao Yun Long asked, "But what happened in Luoshui County?"

"You guessed right, Master Zhao. Something related to him did happen!" Bai Luoyu nodded.

Then she revealed all the information she had.

A moment later.

After listening to Bai Luoyu's words, Zhao Yu Long nodded in understanding.

"So that's how it is! If it was indeed Yu Manyun's doing, she's quite bold!"

"Indeed!" Bai Luoyu agreed.

"Very well!" Zhao Yun Long stood up, "If Jiang Ning comes to Dongling City again, Inspector Bai, please let me know. I have a good feeling about him and would like to see what kind of prodigy he is!"

"No problem, Master Zhao!" Bai Luoyu also stood up immediately.

Then she asked, "Are you leaving now, Master Zhao?"

"Yes, I'll be on my way!" Zhao Yun Long waved his hand, "No need to see me off!"

As his words fell.

He took a step forward, and like a ghostly figure, he quickly reached the back courtyard's entrance in a few strides.

Then he disappeared from Bai Luoyu's sight.

Luoshui County.

Canglang Martial Academy.

"Senior Brother Jiang!!!"

"Senior Brother Jiang!!!"

The two disciples guarding the academy, upon seeing Jiang Ning appear before them, were shocked beyond words.

One of them even rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

After the news spread, they had learned that Jiang Ning had gone to Dongling City by carriage.

Only a few days had passed since then, and now they saw Jiang Ning standing before them, leaving them utterly incredulous.

Then they watched as Jiang Ning stepped over the threshold and entered the academy's courtyard.

"It's really Senior Brother Jiang! Am I seeing things?"

"No, I see him too!"

Jiang Ning walked through the quiet front yard.

And arrived at the backyard where Wang Jin resided.

As soon as he entered the backyard gate.

He saw Zhou Xing and Cheng Ran sitting and chatting in the pavilion.

When they heard the noise Jiang Ning made while walking, they turned to look over.

The next moment.

Both of them simultaneously widened their eyes.

"Master Jiang!!!" Zhou Xing exclaimed.

"Commander Jiang!!!" Cheng Ran also cried out.

"Where's Master Wang?" Jiang Ning asked calmly, noticing their shocked expressions.

"Master Wang is inside!" Zhou Xing answered first.

Cheng Ran added, "Commander Jiang, the Master and Brother Ye are also inside."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Senior Brothers, let me go in and check on Master Wang's condition first!"

A moment later.

The two exchanged glances.

"Why did the Master return so suddenly?" Zhou Xing asked.

"I don't know!" Cheng Ran shook his head and said, "Based on the timing, Jiang Ning should still be in Dongling City. How did he suddenly appear at the academy?"

The two were perplexed.

"Master!"

"Brother Ye!"

Seeing the two inside the room, Jiang Ning greeted them.

At that moment, there was another person in the room, someone with a strong medicinal scent.

Jiang Ning recognized him as one of Luoshui County's well-known physicians.

At this moment, Hong Ming Hu and Ye Qiu looked at Jiang Ning in astonishment.

"Why did Commander Jiang return so suddenly?" Hong Ming Hu asked, his face showing surprise.

To inform Dongling City, so the Patrol Office there could send someone to tell Jiang Ning that the incident was his doing.

So he knew roughly when Jiang Ning had received this notification.

"Jiang Ning!" Ye Qiu also greeted him.

Then he looked at Wang Jin, who was lying on the bed, his body tightly wrapped in bandages.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end