Chapter 389: Visiting the Prison, Practicing in Captivity

Chapter 389: Visiting the Prison, Practicing in Captivity

January 23rd, 2025

The third level of the County Prison.

Inside the dimly lit cell.

A millstone slowly rotated.

Half of the millstone was red, emitting a faint red glow, as if flames were dancing upon it.

The other half was black, emitting a dark light, seemingly capable of devouring everything.

The fusion of red and black revealed a divine oddity.

At this moment, Jiang Ning began his bone marrow refinement.

Being in prison had not affected his cultivation in the slightest.

On the contrary, he felt more focused and undisturbed in this environment.

On the third level of the County Prison, the silence was absolute, devoid of any living creatures, ensuring he wouldn't be disturbed.

Moments later, the water and fire millstone dissipated, revealing Jiang Ning's figure.

White radiance emanated from his pores.

Countless white rays burst forth from his skin.

Above him, a waterfall formed in the void, one end connected to the void, and the other to his head.

It resembled a bridge, linking the human and the heavens.

Countless divine lights erupted from within him, illuminating the dark cell.

In the darkness, Jiang Ning appeared like a sacred deity.

He quietly sensed the changes in his body.

He could hear the cracking sound of his bones.

The whooshing sound of the heavenly and earthly forces washing over his body.

He felt impurities being expelled, and his physical structure becoming more inclined towards perfection.

After a few breaths, he opened his eyes, which shone brightly in the darkness.

"Every round of bone marrow refinement brings improvement and transformation!"

He sighed inwardly and continued his practice.

As the water and fire millstone reached the third level, his efficiency in bone marrow refinement soared.

He now had a deeper understanding of the importance of strength.

With strength comes status.

With strength, one gains a stronger voice.

...

A loud rumble shook the heavy iron door, and it slowly opened.

Jiang Ning opened his eyes and saw a faint light coming from the passage leading to the second level of the County Prison.

He immediately dispersed the manifested water and fire millstone.

After a few breaths, someone descended the stairs.

It was one of the two men who had escorted Jiang Ning earlier.

"Commander Jiang!!"

The man who had escorted Jiang Ning stared at him in the cell, his face filled with astonishment.

At this moment, Jiang Ning's entire body, every pore, emitted a divine white radiance.

In the dark cell, this sight appeared sacred, illuminating the darkness.

Witnessing this, the man instantly realized that Jiang Ning had been refining his bone marrow.

He had seen this during Xiao Bieli's cultivation as well.

It was a typical symbol of a fourth-rank expert.

Drawing the power of heaven and earth into the body, washing over oneself, refining the bone marrow, and leaving behind a lingering glow.

Then, he quickly regained his composure.

"Commander Jiang, I've brought you some food," the man said.

As he spoke, he carried a tray and placed it on the clean ground near Jiang Ning's cell.

The aroma of roasted duck and chicken wafted from the tray, reaching Jiang Ning's nostrils.

Seeing the abundance on the tray, Jiang Ning couldn't help but glance at it in surprise.

There was wine and meat!

The steaming hot chicken and duck clearly came straight from the oven.

This meal had obviously been prepared with care.

"What's your name, brother?" Jiang Ning asked.

"My name is Zhao Dai," Zhao Dai replied as he took out a key to unlock the cell door.

The sound of metal clanging against metal was clear and distinct.

Zhao Dai opened the cell door, and his gaze naturally fell on the door, causing his pupils to constrict again.

He saw the clear fingerprints on the door.

His mind instantly recalled the words his colleague had spoken earlier.

"These fingerprints must have been left by Commander Jiang!"

"It seems Commander Jiang tested the prison before entering. The third level of the County Prison couldn't hold him!"

This thought shook Zhao Dai.

He picked up the food tray and entered the open cell.

"Commander Jiang, please excuse the humble accommodations!"

"Here's your dinner!"

Zhao Dai handed the food tray to Jiang Ning.

"No problem!" Jiang Ning smiled and took the tray with wine and meat. "I can get used to this!"

"Sir, please wait a moment. I'll bring you a table and chairs, and have someone clean this floor of the prison. The smell is unbearable!"

After saying this, Zhao Dai left the cell.

He didn't even bother to lock the cell door again and headed towards the second level of the County Prison.

"This guy is actually quite nice!" Jiang Ning smiled.

He placed the tray on the ground and sat cross-legged on the spot.

The cell he was in had been tidied by him, and the floor was now dry and clean.

The County Prison.

"Brother Zhao, what's the situation?"

"Brother Li, you were right! Those are Commander Jiang's fingerprints! With his strength, if he wanted to escape, this prison couldn't hold him! Moreover, do you know what I just saw?"

"What did you see?"

"Divine light shining through his body!"

"Divine light?" The man was slightly surprised, then nodded. "It's not surprising. Without the fourth rank, how could he leave such terrifying fingerprints? The third level of the County Prison is designed to hold powerful individuals below the Grandmaster level. Only someone with Xiao's strength could possibly break out of it!"

"Indeed!" Zhao Dai nodded and said, "Brother Li, should we send someone to clean the third level of the County Prison and provide some tables and chairs for Commander Jiang?"

"It's possible! We can't afford to offend such a person. Who knows, one day he might become a figure like Grandmaster Zhao, who just ascended to the top!"

"..."

---

Third Floor.

As Jiang Ning sat cross-legged on the ground, halfway through his meal, he heard sounds from above once more.

He looked up and saw a bright glow of firelight.

Leading the group were Zhao and Dai.

"They really brought tables and chairs!"

Jiang Ning couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the jailers following them.

"That's good, no need to eat lying on the ground!"

Jiang Ning nodded to himself and picked up a chicken leg, putting it in his mouth.

After a quick spin, the chicken leg was reduced to a bare bone.

The cell door was left wide open.

Several jailers were cleaning the third floor of the county prison, repeatedly washing away the filth on the ground with water and then sweeping away the puddles.

"Who do you think that big shot is? He's on the third floor, and the cell door is wide open. They even asked us to come and clean this floor," one of the jailers said.

"I have no idea! But for those two officials to treat him like this, he must be an extraordinary figure!"

"Of course, if he wasn't someone important, why would we be here at this late hour doing this?" another jailer replied.

"..."

At this moment, Jiang Ning had his fill and was fully satisfied.

He rubbed his stomach, feeling content.

"Commander Jiang, should we head back now?" Zhao and Dai asked.

"Sure," Jiang Ning nodded.

Zhao spoke up, "If you need anything, Commander Jiang, just let us know, and we'll do our best to help!"

"Thank you both," Jiang Ning said with a bow.

Zhao waved his hands repeatedly, "You're too polite, Commander Jiang. We're colleagues, and it's only right that we look out for each other!"

He continued, "Someone will bring you a bed and bedding soon. We won't lock the cell door for now!"

"Thank you both," Jiang Ning bowed again.

"You're welcome, Commander Jiang!"

That night, the cell returned to its peaceful state.

The entire third floor of the county prison was transformed, illuminated by bright lights.

Every corner, inside and out, was thoroughly washed with clear water.

Despite the long-standing fermentation, even after repeated cleaning, a faint unpleasant odor lingered.

However, it was still much better than before.

Moreover, his cell was no longer empty.

There were tables, chairs, and even a bed made of straw.

But at this moment, he felt no desire to sleep.

Being in the cell had, in fact, helped him understand many truths.

The Water and Fire Grinding Plate reappeared, drawing upon the power of heaven and earth into his body.

With each cycle of bone marrow refinement, he felt his body being cleansed, becoming more transparent.

Immersed in the third floor of the county prison, he lost track of time.

Only when he noticed a change in his Essence Energy Points did he realize that a new day had arrived.

【Essence Energy】: 6200 (6198→6200)



He then looked up at his panel.

【Rank】: Fourth Rank Bone Marrow Refinement (66/1999)



"I've probably completed about forty Bone Marrow Refinements."

Looking at his panel, he thought to himself.

At my current efficiency, if I reduce my sleep, I can complete the Bone Marrow Refinement in about a month and reach the peak of the Fourth Rank.

With this thought, Jiang Ning's heart stirred.

His eyes shone with determination.

(Note: The text contains a series of numbers and characters that don't seem to form a coherent sentence in the original language, so I've omitted them from the translation.)



His motivation surged, and he continued with the bone marrow refinement.

On the third floor of the county prison, he couldn't tell if it was day or night.

Jiang Ning could only guess the time based on his three meals a day.

After breakfast.

Boom!

The heavy door leading to the second floor of the county prison above shook slightly and then slowly opened.

"Someone's here. Who could it be at this time?" Jiang Ning wondered.

He paused his cultivation, interrupting the bone marrow refinement process, and dispersed the Water and Fire Grinding Plate's aura.

In an instant, countless rays of light burst forth from his pores.

After a few breaths.

"Big Brother, why are you here?" Jiang Ning asked, seeing the five people outside the cell door.

"Your sister-in-law was worried, so she asked me to come and check on you," Jiang Li replied.

At that moment, Jiang Li, Liu Wanwan, Jiang Yiming, Little Bean, and Lu Yi appeared.

"Uncle, are you okay?" Little Bean stood outside the iron cell, her small hand gripping the cold iron bars.

"What could possibly happen to me?" Jiang Ning smiled.

He pushed open the iron cell door.

Seeing the door open, Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan were momentarily stunned.

The fact that the cell door was left open was beyond their expectations.

"Come in and sit down," Jiang Ning said.

"Okay!" Jiang Li nodded, the worry on his face fading.

At that moment, he realized that Jiang Ning hadn't lied to him the day before.

Coming to the county prison was just a brief visit.

The open cell door was proof of that.

After a brief chat, Jiang Ning asked Jiang Li to return first, assuring him not to worry.

In a few days, he would be back.

Soon after.

Jiang Li had been gone for less than half an hour.

Another visitor arrived at the third floor of the county prison.

It was Xiao Bieli.

"Commander Jiang, are you getting used to it here?" Xiao Bieli asked, glancing at the grip marks on the iron cell bars.

Last night, after Zhao Dai's report, he had his doubts. But he also knew that Zhao Dai wouldn't deceive him about this matter.

Seeing the scratch marks on the iron bars of the cell, he no longer had any doubts.

Facts speak louder than words!

"It's bearable!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"That's good. When Commander Jiang is released, I'll prepare a welcoming feast for him!" Xiao Bieli said.

"Then I'll thank you in advance, Sir Xiao!" Jiang Ning replied.

"I'll handle this matter as soon as possible. I estimate that Commander Jiang will be out in three to five days!" Xiao Bieli assured him.

After some brief pleasantries, Xiao Bieli left the third floor of the county prison.

...

The county prison's main cell.

"Is this the discarded refined iron from the third floor's cell?" Xiao Bieli asked, looking at the thick iron bar in front of him.

"Yes, Sir!" The prison guard replied respectfully.

Although he didn't know why Xiao Bieli wanted him to find the discarded iron from the prison's construction, he followed the order and brought it to him.

Xiao Bieli nodded, then grabbed the thick refined iron bar, and his right hand suddenly exerted force.

The veins on the back of his hand bulged.

His muscles also swelled.

Then, he released his right hand.

"It's not that impressive!" Seeing the grip marks on the thick iron bar, his expression was calm, and his face showed no change.

...

The third floor of the county prison.

After Xiao Bieli left, Jiang Ning continued his cultivation, refining his bone marrow.

...

After lunch.

In the afternoon.

Boom! The heavy door above shook again and slowly opened.

"Someone else has come!"

Jiang Ning was secretly surprised, and he interrupted his bone marrow cultivation once more.

The manifested water and fire grinding disc dissipated, and countless rays of light burst out from his pores.

A moment later.

Footsteps approached.

"Is it them?"

Jiang Ning was secretly astonished.

In the flickering firelight, he could clearly see the visitors—the Wang family's two jewels, Wang Qingtan and Wang Qinghan.

Their arrival was somewhat unexpected for Jiang Ning, beyond his predictions.

At this moment, a prison guard led the way in front of the two sisters.

"Miss, this is the person you're looking for!" The guard said respectfully.

"Step aside!" Wang Qingtan waved her hand.

"Yes, Miss!" The guard bowed and stepped aside.

"Jiang Ning, I haven't seen you for a few days, and I didn't expect you to be locked up here!" Wang Qingtan stood outside the cell, her gaze sweeping over the layout inside.

She continued, "I thought you'd have a hard time on the third floor of the county prison, but it seems quite comfortable!"

"How did Miss Wang find the time to come and visit me here?" Jiang Ning asked.

"To see if you're doing alright! After all, you owe me a thousand taels of gold worth of credit points, and I'm your big creditor!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile.

"Then, Miss Wang, why don't you ask your father to find a way to get me out? Otherwise, if I'm sentenced to death, those credit points worth a thousand taels of gold will be wasted!"

Just then, Wang Qinghan spoke up, "Brother Jiang Ning, my sister just took me to see our father, and he said he wanted to see what you look like! He agreed to let my sister plead for you!"

"Shut up!" Wang Qingtan glared at her younger sister.

Then she explained, "I asked my father to intervene because I don't want the thousand taels of gold to go to waste!"

Wang Qingtan then sighed helplessly.

"In this world, those who owe money are indeed the bosses!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Wang!" Jiang Ning's expression turned serious as he thanked her with a bow.

Seeing this, Wang Qingtan's face softened.

She reassured Jiang Ning, "Don't worry, even though you're in the third floor of the county prison, as long as my father intervenes in Dongling County, he can get you out."

"Thank you, Miss Wang!" Jiang Ning expressed his gratitude again.

"What about me?" Wang Qinghan spoke up.

"Thank you, Qinghan," Jiang Ning smiled.

Then he said, "After we get out, I'll treat you both to a drink!"

"No way!" Wang Qingtan grabbed her sister, who had jumped forward, and held her back, shaking her head. "I have a weak tolerance for alcohol. I may look good, but if I get drunk, you'll take advantage of me."

Jiang Ning: "..."

She's really confident.

Jiang Ning silently mocked her in his mind.

Then he looked at Wang Qingtan intently, and he couldn't help but acknowledge her confidence.

She indeed looked stunning.

After that.

The two sisters left the third floor of the county prison.

They came in a hurry and left in a hurry.

Outside the county prison.

Hoo—

Wang Qingtan took a long breath.

"I almost suffocated!"

"The stench in this prison is unbearable!"

"Yeah! Sister!" Wang Qinghan stuck out her tongue. "I wonder if Brother Jiang Ning is used to being on the third floor of the county prison!"

Bang! At that moment, Wang Qingtan gave her a head pat.

"You don't have a brother, only a sister!"

"You're always cackling like a mother hen!"

"Sister," Wang Qinghan looked at her sister with a pitiful expression.

"Let's go home!" Wang Qingtan said, "After we get back, we'll ask Father to get him out as soon as possible. A fourth-rank bone marrow refiner at such a young age is worth befriending. Father can show some favor, which might help him in the future."

"Sister, that's a great reason! It will definitely convince our father!" Wang Qinghan's eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end