Chapter 362: Entering the Fourth Rank, New Changes on the Panel!

Chapter 362: Entering the Fourth Rank, New Changes on the Panel!

Dongling Mountain Range.

Nameless Peak.

The mountain peak was steep, with sheer cliffs and exposed rocks on all sides.

At the top of the peak, there was a platform about ten zhang wide.

The entire platform seemed to have been carved out by a knife, chiseled by an axe.

On the platform, there were only three to five pine trees, the most noticeable of which was a Welcoming Pine facing the direction of Dongling City.

Aside from these few pine trees, the platform at the peak was devoid of excessive vegetation and flowers, appearing exceptionally simple.

Standing on the summit platform, Jiang Ning could see the entire Dongling City within his gaze.

The city's pedestrians looked like ants, appearing exceptionally tiny.

"This is a great place!"

Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.

Then, he withdrew his gaze from the city.

The next moment, a cold light flashed, and a long sword appeared in his hand.

Swish—

Swish—

Swish—

With casual swings of the sword, the blade glinted, and gale winds shot out in all directions.

With each swing, Jiang Ning displayed his blade technique.

Using the blade technique as a guide, he drew upon the power of heaven and earth.

He felt the unique power that permeated the heavens and earth.

Under the guidance of his blade technique, this power transformed into streaks of dazzling white sword rays.

As he continued to swing his sword, the area within several zhang was filled with a chilling and sharp aura, and every inch of space was saturated with exceptionally sharp sword rays.

As he repeatedly swung his sword, drawing upon the power of heaven and earth, Jiang Ning continuously sensed the existence of this power and the feeling it brought him, gradually becoming familiar with it.

After a moment, he twisted his wrist, gripping the sword hilt, and slashed forward.

Whirrr—

The sword blade rapidly rubbed against the air, instantly emitting a trembling sound.

The air took on a visible shape, split apart by the sword, and the sword ray pierced through the air, extending for several zhang.

This swing instantly drew upon the power of heaven and earth, which poured down from above and drenched his entire body.

At the same time, Jiang Ning suddenly felt as if a sweet rain was pouring down on his head, merging into his body, making him feel refreshed and exhilarated, both physically and mentally.

This sense of exhilaration was like drinking ice water after intense summer exercise, leaving one drenched in sweat.

Or like walking in a desert, drinking ice-cold beverages when both tired and thirsty.

Wherever the sweet rain passed through, he could feel every cell in his body seemed to be cheering.

But this feeling lasted only for an instant before disappearing.

The power coursed through his body without leaving any residue.

However, instead of feeling discouraged, Jiang Ning's face lit up with joy.

Where there's one, there's two.

With the experience of drawing upon the power of heaven and earth into his body for the first time, the second time became much simpler.

After a while, he paused his movements.

Another moment passed.

He adjusted himself.

He swung his sword again.

This swing appeared ordinary.

Yet, the sword ray instantly flashed, splitting the air like a wave of water.

Simultaneously, he drew upon the power of heaven and earth once more.

The power of heaven and earth poured down like sweet rain.

This time, Jiang Ning didn't hesitate.

True energy erupted within his body, instantly capturing this power entering his body.

He immediately guided it into his bone marrow.

"Again!"

His expression brightened, and he swung his sword once more.

With each swing, the seemingly ordinary sword rays transformed into the third-level blade technique's manifestation.

Every swing, if directed at another person, would appear in their eyes as a terrifying sight. In their blurred vision, only the sword ray would be visible, while the heavens and earth would dim, and all else would pale in comparison.

Soon, wave after wave of the power of heaven and earth merged into his body, guided by his true energy into his bone marrow.

Every time the power of heaven and earth filled a section of his bones, his true energy sealed it.

Bone Marrow Refinement.

It required filling every part of the body's bone marrow with the power of heaven and earth, then drawing upon it simultaneously, which constituted one cycle of bone marrow refinement.

According to Jiang Ning's knowledge from the Fourth Rank Bone Refinement True Understanding, bone marrow refinement continued until one achieved the state of 'Refined Bone Marrow Like Frost,' where the entire body was perfected.

To reach this stage, the number of refinement cycles required varied depending on each person's innate talent. Generally, the younger one was, the less damage their body sustained, the less affected by external influences, and the fewer refinement cycles needed.

The older one was, the more refinement cycles were required.

The number of cycles significantly affected the time needed to complete the bone marrow refinement stage.

Jiang Ning, with each swing of his sword, drew upon the power of heaven and earth into his body using his blade technique.

Then, with his true energy as a guide, he directed it into his bone marrow and sealed it.

As each section of his bone marrow was filled with the power of heaven and earth and sealed by his true energy, a radiant glow emanated from his body, as if pearls and gems were shining within him.

This glow was the radiance emitted from the power of heaven and earth merging with his bone marrow and flesh.

On the other side, at the Water Moon Sword Palace residence.

"Junior Sister, have you really thought this through? Do you want to use Jiang Ning's family as a threat?"

Xiao Emei, dressed in white like snow and wearing a long skirt, frowned at Yu Manyun standing before her.

"That's right!" Yu Manyun, in a blue long skirt, nodded, "It seems like Senior Sister already knows! Did someone from below inform you?"

This statement, though phrased as a question, carried a tone of absolute certainty.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Emei didn't argue but smiled and nodded.

"You're right, Junior Sister. I did ask someone below for information."

Yu Manyun glanced at Xiao Emei upon hearing this.

Then, she said, "Since you already know, there's no point in hiding it from you, Senior Sister!"

He continued, "Jiang Ning's strength surpasses mine! I can't do anything if he doesn't want to visit Water Moon Sword Palace."

"But with a different method, it'll be the same!"

"As long as I bring back either his nephew or niece to Water Moon Sword Palace, with his character, he won't dare refuse."

"Once at Water Moon Sword Palace, with the Master there, what can a mere Fifth Rank like him do?"

At this moment, Xiao Emei furrowed her brows slightly and spoke.

"Junior Sister Yu, is it worth offending Jiang Ning for this task?"

"At his age, he already possesses such strength, a true young Grandmaster. In the future, he will undoubtedly be a Grandmaster with a seat among the greats."

"Offending a future Grandmaster for a mere task doesn't seem like something a smart person like you would do."

"Senior Sister, you don't understand!" Yu Manyun shook her head. "Many things that you can easily obtain, I have to fight for with my life, compete for, and seize!"

"I know that no matter how hard I try, I'm not qualified to compete with you for the inheritance of the Palace Master."

"But even so, I don't want to give up just like that!"

Hearing this, Xiao Emei nodded slightly.

"I've transcended the mortal realm!"

A moment later—

Flap, flap, flap—

A flying dove flapped its wings and disappeared in the blink of an eye before Xiao Emei.

Atop the nameless peak.

As Jiang Ning continued to wield his blade, he drew upon the power of heaven and earth, infusing it into his body.

Gradually, his entire body was filled with the power of heaven and earth, saturating his bone marrow.

Soon,

Every part of his bone marrow was infused with the power of heaven and earth.

His entire body instantly radiated a shimmering glow, as if there were pearls and gems within, emitting a sacred brilliance.

"In the True Understanding, there's a saying: 'Drawing heavenly marrow into the body, washing and refining the human marrow, thus the Bone Marrow Refinement.'"

Jiang Ning scanned his body with his inner vision, then opened his eyes and murmured.

The next moment,

He stood in place.

His body trembled.

Between his muscles, every pore instantly emitted a visible radiance.

A glow burst forth from the top of his head, like a waterfall cascading from the void, a bridge connecting heaven and man, or a pillar of light piercing through his body.

In an instant,

Jiang Ning felt his mind and body undergo a purification, every part of his body, every piece of flesh and bone, being washed by an invisible force.

This force instantly made him feel a rebirth and elevation from within.

He seemed to become more attuned to the world around him.

The world became clearer in his eyes.

It was as if a dusty glass had been in front of him, and after a refreshing rain, the dust was washed away, making the world even clearer.

At the same time, the sounds of flowers, birds, and insects in his ears became more distinct.

He also felt his body transforming bit by bit.

His energy became more vigorous, his strength increased, and his muscles and human tendons within his flesh became more resilient.

This was a holistic elevation from within.

◇9◇Book◇Bar

"Is this Bone Marrow Washing?" Jiang Ning murmured.

After completing his first Bone Marrow Washing, his understanding of it became even deeper.

This was not just Bone Marrow Washing; it was a purification of every inch of his body, reaching every corner.

Under this purification, hidden illnesses, hidden injuries, and the roots of all diseases would gradually be washed away.

It was more like an optimization, a rebirth.

A process of elevation from an ordinary life form to a higher level.

"Completing Bone Marrow Washing should be the true transcendence, right?" Jiang Ning pondered in his heart.

At this moment,

Flap, flap, flap—

The sound of flapping wings came from above.

Jiang Ning immediately looked up.

Soon, he spotted a flying bird circling overhead.

The next moment,

Before he could call out,

The bird seemed to have found its target.

It instantly folded its wings and dove towards Jiang Ning.

"It's looking for me!" Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed with determination.

The bird was like an arrow piercing the sky, and in the blink of an eye, it reached directly above Jiang Ning's head.

The bird then spread its wings, and the rapidly descending body instantly slowed down due to the opened wings, gently landing on Jiang Ning's outstretched arm.

He quickly noticed the message tube tied to the bird's leg.

Taking out the letter from the tube, Jiang Ning instantly recognized the handwriting as Xiao Emei's.

He quickly scanned the letter.

There were only a few dozen words on the letter, which he finished reading in an instant.

"Seeking death!" His eyes narrowed, and killing intent surged in his gaze.

The message from Xiao Emei informed him that Yu Manyun would come knocking on his door in the dark that very night.

Her purpose was to abduct either Jiang Yiming or Jiang Yuanyuan.

As long as Yu Manyun abducted either of them, she would take them back to Water Moon Sword Palace that very night.

Her goal was to lure him to Water Moon Sword Palace.

He crumpled the letter into a ball, clenched his palm, and with a burst of energy, the letter turned into a pile of scraps.

The scraps fell from his palm, and the mountain breeze swept them away, leaving no trace.

"To harm my family, it seems the deterrence from the other day has faded!"

"Since it's come to this, she can't be allowed to leave!"

Jiang Ning instantly made a decision in his heart.

Yesterday, through the Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation and Third Rank Rough Interpretation, he realized that he had previously underestimated himself.

As a result, he no longer feared Xiao Qiushui.

Having mastered the third level of Energy Flow, with a single burst of power, his abilities were on par with a Heaven and Man Master.

With such capabilities and having already started Bone Marrow Refinement, he no longer feared Xiao Qiushui, one of the top Fourth Rank existences.

He even wanted to test his skills against Xiao Qiushui.

See what kind of strength the one hailed as the first under the Dongling Prefecture Grandmaster possessed.

After that, he began to draw upon the power of heaven and earth into his body, over and over again.

When his True Energy and physical stamina were nearly depleted, he would go into the water to replenish his body's exhaustion.

As his proficiency increased, the efficiency of Bone Marrow Washing also gradually improved.

The setting sun gradually descended.

Hoo—

Jiang Ning gently exhaled a breath of turbid air.

For an entire afternoon, he had just completed one round of Bone Marrow Washing, which took nearly an hour.

An hour of continuous blade movements, drawing upon the power of heaven and earth into his body, was required to achieve a single Bone Marrow Refinement.

By now, with increased proficiency, the time needed to complete a round of Bone Marrow Washing had significantly shortened, almost halved.

Now, he only needed a little more than half an hour to complete a round of Bone Marrow Refinement.

At this moment.

Frequently bathed in the power of heaven and earth.

In the dimming glow of the setting sun, the light was faint.

The remaining radiance on Jiang Ning's body became even more apparent.

His hands seemed incredibly sacred, like those of an immortal deity.

"I've also entered the ranks of the Fourth Rank!" A smile appeared on his face.

In one afternoon, he had completed six or seven rounds of Bone Marrow Washing.

With each wash, he felt reborn, transformed, and his strength improved comprehensively.

Six or seven successful rounds of Bone Marrow Washing.

Although the increase in strength wasn't particularly significant, in terms of Martial Dao rank, he was now truly a Fourth Rank Martial Daoist.

As for the subsequent Bone Marrow Refinement, there was no other way but to put in the effort, like grinding with water.

As far as he knew, at this Fourth Rank level.

Some people washed their bone marrow hundreds of times, reaching a state of purity.

While others washed their bone marrow tens of thousands of times before achieving purity and perfection in this realm.

The gap between them was innate.

In general, the younger the age, the fewer times Bone Marrow Washing was required.

The older the age, the more times Bone Marrow Washing was needed.

However, regardless of the number of Bone Marrow Washing, the overall difference in physical body enhancement was not significant.

Therefore, from the improvement brought by each Bone Marrow Washing, many experienced Martial Daoists could also estimate how many times they needed to wash their bone marrow to achieve perfection.

"I wonder how many times I need to wash my bone marrow!"

Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

He opened his panel to take a look.

The next moment.

His gaze sharpened.

【Realm】: Fourth Rank Bone Marrow Refinement (8/1999)



Seeing this newly added field on the panel, his eyes instantly sharpened, and a look of disbelief flashed across them.

"Could this be the number of times I need to achieve perfection in Bone Marrow Refinement?"

At this thought, a contemplative look flashed through his eyes.

"If my understanding is correct, does this mean the panel can change according to my will and thoughts?"

"If so, it also indirectly proves that I control the panel!"

His eyes quickly flashed with contemplation.

Then, his gaze fell on another field on the panel.

【Skills】: Water Proficiency (Eight Times Boundary Break 9000/9000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Mastery (First Break), Water Affinity, Cloud Summoning and Rainmaking, Water Body, Grand Five Elements Water Escape, Master of Rivers and Lakes)



In the Skills panel, under the Water Proficiency field, the characteristic of Water Mastery had previously been upgraded and broken through, and a plus sign appeared after it on the panel.

This plus sign always felt out of place whenever he saw it.

"If it's truly under my control, can the display of this characteristic be changed?"

A thought suddenly flashed through Jiang Ning's mind.

Then.

He saw the Water Mastery characteristic start to flicker on and off.

The next moment.

The panel changed again.

【Skills】: Water Proficiency (Eight Times Boundary Break 9000/9000) (Characteristics: Underwater Breathing, Water Mastery (First Break), Water Affinity, Cloud Summoning and Rainmaking, Water Body, Grand Five Elements Water Escape, Master of Rivers and Lakes)



【Water Mastery (First Break)】: A power, an innate ability to control water sources.

"It really works!"

Seeing the changes on his panel, Jiang Ning's eyes lit up with joy.

This was undoubtedly a new discovery for him.

"I wonder if today's changes are related to my Bone Marrow Refinement?"

This thought was fleeting, and he quickly dismissed it.

Because Jiang Ning realized that there was no way to verify this guess.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end