Chapter 384: The Emergence of a Heaven Human Grandmaster

Chapter 384: The Emergence of a Heaven Human Grandmaster

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

Morning arrived.

Flap, flap, flap—

The sound of flapping wings filled the air.

The next moment, a flying messenger pigeon landed on Jiang Ning's hand.

"My letter?" Jiang Ning's gaze intensified.

He untied the tube attached to the pigeon and instantly saw the rolled-up letter inside.

Unfurling it, he recognized the familiar handwriting as Xiao Emeiy's.

"It seems like the Water Moon Sword Palace is making a move!" he muttered to himself.

He wasn't surprised.

After all, Yu Manyun had died, and many days had passed without any news.

It was only natural for the Water Moon Sword Palace to notice and investigate the matter.

His gaze shifted downward, quickly scanning the letter.

With a quick glance, he read the brief hundred-word letter.

His heart suddenly froze.

"Xiao Qiushui didn't show any signs, but Xiao Qiuyue has come to find me!"

At that moment, he thought of He Jinyun.

If anyone was deeply saddened by He Jinyun's death, it would be his biological mother, Xiao Qiuyue.

"Her coming to find me is a bit troublesome!" Jiang Ning's eyes flickered.

As strong as Xiao Qiushui was, he was still a civilian expert, only at the peak of the Fourth Rank.

Although Jiang Ning hadn't fought Xiao Qiushui yet, he wasn't afraid of a Fourth Rank opponent.

He now had that confidence.

However, Xiao Qiuyue was different.

Although Xiao Qiuyue didn't possess Xiao Qiushui's strength, her status as the Lady of Qinghe Commander's Mansion set her apart.

Given the opportunity, he dared to kill Xiao Qiushui, but killing Xiao Qiuyue was a different matter, at least not publicly.

It would be a blatant provocation against the aristocratic group.

Although the Qinghe Commander had declined, they still represented a member of the aristocratic faction.

Killing the Lady of Qinghe Commander's Mansion publicly would have a significant impact.

"Forget it!" Jiang Ning shook his head inwardly, "One step at a time!"

He raised his hand towards the lake and beckoned.

A fish, as thick as three fingers, flew into his palm, flopping around in his hand.

"A reward for you!" Jiang Ning tossed the fish to the flying messenger pigeon perched on his arm.

He then ruffled its feathers and closed the tube.

The pigeon tilted its head back, swallowing the fish, and flapped its wings, soaring into the sky.

In an instant, it disappeared without a trace, leaving no birdcall behind.

This was the flying messenger pigeon's greatest strength.

High intelligence, keen senses, endurance, quiet nature, speed, and good temperament.

Two more days passed.

It was the afternoon.

The sun shone brightly, and the sky was clear as far as the eye could see.

With consecutive sunny days, the winter chill had long faded, and the weather felt like the transition between spring and summer, warm and pleasant.

At the entrance of Jiang Ning's mansion.

"Brother Jiang!" Bai Luoyu called out as he spotted Jiang Ning from afar and hurried over.

Jiang Ning greeted him with a smile, "Brother Bai!"

Jiang Yiming followed closely behind him.

It was now the hour of the snake, and as usual, Jiang Ning and Jiang Yiming were at the Martial Academy.

However, Lu Yi had informed him the previous day that Bai Luoyu would be visiting today.

So, Jiang Ning decided to stay home instead of going to the academy.

After spending several days at the academy, he was feeling a bit weary from studying and thought it best to rest at home for a day while practicing other martial arts.

"Brother Bai, there's no need to be so formal," Jiang Ning said, glancing at the items carried by the two maids behind Bai Luoyu.

Bai Luoyu smiled, "My family has too much good tea, and I can't finish it all by myself. It's better to share the joy than to enjoy it alone."

He then gestured for the maid behind him to hand over the tea to Jiang Ning.

"Yiming!" Jiang Ning called out.

Jiang Yiming quickly stepped forward and took the package of tea leaves from the maid.

"Thank Uncle Bai!" Jiang Ning said.

Hearing this, Jiang Yiming respectfully replied, "Thank you, Uncle Bai!"

"Indeed!" Bai Luoyu nodded, "On the first day of school, I watched you, and as expected of a member of the Jiang family, your martial talent is truly exceptional!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Bai!" Jiang Yiming responded politely.

Then, Jiang Ning said, "Brother Bai, please follow me. The drinks are already prepared!"

Bai Luoyu's face lit up, "Is it that excellent wine, like falling starlight?"

Jiang Ning smiled, "Even better!"

Indeed, he had poured a cup of wine infused with the Taiyin Stone earlier that day.

When the wine appeared, he was amazed to see silver threads forming a paddle, and within, tiny specks of starlight flickered.

This magical sight instantly made him realize that the concentration of the Imperial Liquid had increased, and it was on the verge of condensing into genuine golden threads.

Witnessing this, he couldn't bear to pour more of the wine.

He only poured a single cup.

But with the concentration of Imperial Liquid in that cup, when poured into a jar, it instantly transformed into countless silver threads.

In the backyard.

On the table in the pavilion, there were already three steaming dishes.

On the table, there was also a wine jug and several wine cups.

"Brother Bai, please take a seat!" Jiang Ning gestured with a raised hand.

The two of them sat down together.

"This gentleman, let me do it!" Seeing Jiang Ning about to pour wine from the jug, a maid behind Bai Luoyu hurriedly spoke up.

"Brother Jiang, we can just drink and chat, why should you pour the wine?" Bai Luoyu also spoke up.

Jiang Ning smiled and didn't insist.

The next moment—

Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle—

As the wine poured out from the jug, it flowed like a celestial waterfall.

"It's truly better!" Seeing this, Bai Luoyu's face lit up with joy, and he praised, "You weren't lying, Brother Jiang!"

Jiang Ning smiled, "I didn't deceive you, Brother Bai!"

Bai Luoyu nodded repeatedly.

Just then, Lu Yi brought another dish.

"With such fine wine and food, may I invite Lord Zhao to join us for a drink?" Bai Luoyu asked, putting down his chopsticks.

"Lord Zhao, the Grandmaster?" Jiang Ning's expression turned to one of surprise, then he nodded, "Of course, that's no problem."

Then he asked, "But how did you invite him, Brother Bai?"

"It's simple." Bai Luoyu smiled and took out the Heavenly Book, "With this, I can contact the Prefectural Inspector, and also Lord Zhao."

As his words fell, Bai Luoyu closed his eyes slightly.

After a brief moment, he opened his eyes.

"It's done. Lord Zhao said that we should start drinking first, and he'll be here soon. He's also bringing another guest, and I hope you won't mind, Brother Jiang."

"Why would I mind?" Jiang Ning smiled, "The more people, the merrier when it comes to drinking!"

The two clinked their cups again.

After taking a few bites of the dish, Bai Luoyu spoke, "Brother Jiang, do you know why I asked to meet you today?"

"I can't guess that," Jiang Ning replied.

"Have you heard of the annual auction held by Wanbao Pavilion?"

"Wanbao Pavilion?" Jiang Ning's expression changed, "The Wanbao Pavilion that rivals the fame of Wanhua Tower?"

"That's right!" Bai Luoyu nodded, "There are only seven days left until the Wanbao Pavilion auction. As a guest advisor of Wanbao Pavilion, I'd like to invite you to join me."

"No problem!" Jiang Ning readily agreed, "I've never been to an auction before, so it'll be a good opportunity to broaden my horizons."

Bai Luoyu smiled, "Since you're going, Brother Jiang, it's best to prepare some silver. There will be many valuable items at the annual Wanbao Pavilion auction in Dongling Prefecture, and there's a high chance you'll find something that catches your eye."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning wasn't particularly concerned.

He was different from ordinary people.

The coveted secret manuals and precious martial arts treasures that others craved weren't something he valued highly.

There were few things in this world that could truly capture his heart.

He had agreed to attend the annual Wanbao Pavilion auction mainly because of Bai Luoyu's invitation and the opportunity to broaden his horizons.

After all, an auction wouldn't take up much of his time.

After three rounds of drinks, Bai Luoyu turned to Jiang Ning, who smiled in response.

"Let's go. The Prefectural Lord has arrived, and we should welcome him!" Bai Luoyu spoke first.

Please...collect...6...9...books...

Jiang Ning nodded.

Zhao Yulong, a grandmaster and the Prefectural Lord of the Inspection Office in Dongling City, was the superior of his superior's superior, holding the highest authority within the Dongling Prefecture Inspection Office system.

Such a figure naturally deserved respect.

A moment later, in the front courtyard—

"Greetings, Prefectural Lord!"

"Greetings, Prefectural Lord!"

As soon as Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu arrived in the front courtyard, they saw Zhao Yulong dressed in ordinary gray cloth.

His attire made him appear incredibly ordinary.

If someone who didn't know his true identity saw him at this moment, they wouldn't recognize him as the uncrowned king of Dongling Prefecture.

With his power and status, even the nominal highest authority, the Prefectural Governor, would yield to Zhao Yulong.

Soon after, Jiang Ning's attention was drawn to the person accompanying Zhao Yulong.

He was a young monk with a face as radiant as a jade crown.

His head shone brightly, reflecting the sunlight like a pearl.

"It's him!" Jiang Ning's gaze slightly intensified.

He had met this young monk once before on Shuangyang Mountain.

This time, he never expected to see him again, and in his own home, no less.

At the same time, he realized that he couldn't see the twelve ordination scars on the young monk's head.

"He must have been inexperienced in the ways of the world back then!"

Jiang Ning spoke to himself, suddenly understanding.

On Shuangyang Mountain, it was likely that the young monk had just entered the secular world for the first time.

That's why he didn't conceal the twelve ordination scars on his head.

It was known that the twelve ordination scars were also called the Bodhisattva Precepts.

Bodhisattva represented one of the highest pursuits for Buddhist cultivators.

Its realm was only second to that of the Buddha.

This showed how esteemed the Bodhisattva was.

To receive the Bodhisattva Precepts indicated an extremely high status in Buddhism!

As the saying goes, a tree that stands out will be blown by the wind.

This saying held a lot of truth; people were envious by nature. Just like in this world, aside from parents and true relatives, no one wished for others to live better lives.

Given the current situation in Daxia, this mysterious young monk, with his conspicuous Bodhisattva Precepts, was asking for trouble by running around like this.

Previously, it was clear that the young monk, due to his inexperience, had not tried to conceal his identity.

But now, it's different.

The twelve scars, known as the Bodhisattva Precepts, were now completely covered by the young monk.

It was evident that he had come to understand this principle.

"Jinchan, greetings to you both, patrons!" The young monk joined his palms together, his manners respectful.

Then, he turned to Jiang Ning, a friendly smile on his face.

"Patron, we meet again!"

Seeing Jiang Ning, he was reminded of the backlash from the Heavenly Eye that day.

Whether it was the Martial Heavenly Eye, the Taoist Heavenly Eye, or the Divine Heavenly Eye, they were all extraordinary.

All three types of Heavenly Eyes were no less powerful than the Buddhist Heavenly Eye he had cultivated.

"Master, it is fate!" Jiang Ning replied.

Jinchan smiled slightly, "Patron, you do indeed have a connection with the Buddha."

At this moment, standing closer, he could sense the Vajra Indestructible Body aura emanating from Jiang Ning, and his cultivation was profound.

Zhao Yulong was momentarily stunned when he witnessed this scene.

"Master Jinchan, do you know Commander Jiang?"

"We have met once before," Jinchan answered.

"We have met once," Jiang Ning confirmed.

"It seems we are indeed connected by fate!" Zhao Yulong laughed heartily.

Then, Jiang Ning gestured with his hand, "Please, both of you, let's drink and chat!"

"Good!" Zhao Yulong nodded.

The backyard.

With the help of Bai Luoyu's maidservant, fresh tea was served on the table.

Wine, tableware, and dishes were also refreshed.

"Good wine!" Zhao Yulong exclaimed upon seeing the clear wine with silver strands swirling within.

"Indeed, it is excellent wine!" Jinchan nodded slightly, "It seems to be diluted Imperial Essence, a rare sight indeed!"

"Master, with such discernment, may I ask where you are from?" Bai Luoyu's face showed a hint of doubt.

This was the first time he had met this young monk.

The fact that he accompanied Zhao Yulong indicated that this young monk was no ordinary person.

If he were not extraordinary, an ordinary monk would not have the qualifications to accompany Zhao Yulong.

"I am from the Vajra Temple," Jinchan joined his palms together.

"Vajra Temple?" Bai Luoyu was taken aback.

Jiang Ning was also secretly surprised.

Even in the remote county of Luoshui, he had heard of the Vajra Temple's fame more than once.

The Vajra Temple was undoubtedly a top-tier superpower throughout the land.

Even during the reign of the Great Xia Dynasty, when the Martial Sage was at his peak and visited various sects, the Vajra Temple did not completely submit.

Numerous Buddhist scriptures, cultivation techniques, and secret manuals were still well-preserved.

They only lent out a few of their sect's martial arts and ultimate techniques for the Martial Sage to peruse.

Unlike the weaker sects, they did not allow the Martial Sage to enter with his men and take away the accumulated efforts of many years.

This demonstrated the profound depth of the Vajra Temple's foundation.

It was indeed a worthy superpower.

"I am indeed from the Vajra Temple!" Jinchan reaffirmed.

"It seems I underestimated you, Master!" Bai Luoyu said.

Then, he raised a cup of wine, "This cup of wine is my apology to you, Master."

As his words fell, he drained the cup.

"No need to worry!" Jinchan smiled.

He also picked up a cup of wine and drank it in one go.

"Do Buddhist monks drink alcohol?" Bai Luoyu was momentarily surprised.

"As long as one has the Buddha in their heart, there is no need to be bound by such rules!" Jinchan smiled slightly.

"Master, you are truly genuine! I offer you another cup!" Bai Luoyu raised his cup again.

Jinchan waved his hand, and the wine from the lake instantly rose like a water column, filling his cup in an instant.

"The power of nature!" Bai Luoyu was taken aback once more.

However, Jiang Ning was not surprised at this moment.

The last time he saw this young monk at Shuangyang Mountain, he had already reached the realm of unity with heaven and humanity, where man and nature become one.

Only one's eyes could perceive such a realm.

Other senses were almost useless.

Because when one is in unity with heaven and humanity, merging with nature...

In the forest, one becomes a tree, and in the chaos of the world, one becomes a rock.

At this moment, Zhao Yulong smiled, "White Inspector General, do you remember when you asked me what I was doing recently? Although Master Jinchan is very young, he has already mastered the realm of unity with heaven and humanity. During this time, I have been receiving guidance and enlightenment from Master Jinchan, trying to comprehend this realm."

"Congratulations, Prefect, you will soon enter the ranks of the Heaven Human Grandmaster!" Bai Luoyu immediately understood and offered his congratulations.

"It's still too early for congratulations," Zhao Yulong said with a gentle shake of his head.

Upon hearing this, Bai Luoyu understood even more.

The fact that Zhao Yulong said this meant that he had already mastered the unity with heaven and humanity and was on the verge of becoming a Heaven Human Grandmaster.

It wouldn't be long before Dongling City would produce a Heaven Human Grandmaster.

"Congratulations, Prefect!" Jiang Ning raised his cup in celebration.

"Congratulations, Prefect!" Bai Luoyu also raised his cup upon seeing this.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end