Chapter 40: The Current Situation

Chapter 40: The Current Situation

At this moment, Jiang Ning had a rough idea of the hidden power mentioned in the fragmented Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique.

The human body's five viscera and six bowels inherently contained numerous secrets.

In his past life, he had heard stories of a mother lifting a car to save her son trapped underneath, unleashing her hidden potential.

There were countless similar examples.

If one could unleash their hidden potential, they could exhibit strength far beyond the ordinary.

These hidden powers, like adrenaline, were concealed within the five viscera and six bowels.

Jiang Ning was well aware that if he could achieve this, it would undoubtedly add a powerful killer move to his arsenal.

"However, to fill up these one thousand experience points in the technique will not be an overnight task," he muttered to himself, looking at the progress bar of the Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique on his panel.

【Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique Experience +1】

【Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique Experience +1】

【.】

He continued this practice until the fourth hour of the morning approached, and then he stopped.

【Skills】: Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique (Beginner, 6/1000)



That night, Jiang Ning took out two silver ingots from his pocket, his expression filled with mixed emotions.

Each ingot weighed ten taels, making them twenty taels in total.

These twenty taels of silver were given to him by a former colleague of his older brother, who had come to the martial academy's front gate personally to deliver them on his brother's behalf.

Jiang Ning's eyes showed a hint of guilt.

"Twenty taels of silver! I wonder where my brother borrowed this money from!"

He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Forget it, no point in dwelling on this!"

"The most urgent task is to improve my strength. Only by enhancing my power can I change my destiny and the fate of my brother's family!"

"Once I enter the Martial Dao and join the Inspection Bureau, I'll bring my brother and sister-in-law to live in the inner city!"

"I'll repay my brother and sister-in-law's kindness in the future!"

Jiang Ning made a silent decision in his heart.

He put the twenty taels of silver into his pocket and continued to grind his fist technique experience.

The next day, at the fourth hour of the morning, after the martial academy opened its doors, Cheng Ran entered and left the front courtyard with Jiang Ning, heading towards Jiang Ning's residence.

As they stepped into the small courtyard, Jiang Ning finally spoke.

"Cheng Shixiong, how is it?"

Cheng Ran nodded, "Your guess was right. There were indeed two people from the Green Serpent Gang keeping watch at the martial academy's entrance."

"The Green Serpent Gang?"

Cheng Ran nodded, "Luoshui County has three major gangs: the Green Serpent Gang, the Black Tiger Gang, and the Bamboo Gang. These gangs have the backing of certain families. The Green Serpent Gang is involved in transportation and human trafficking, and they have the Cao family's support."

"As expected!" Jiang Ning nodded, not at all surprised.

Cheng Ran looked at Jiang Ning, "As for the other matter you asked me to investigate, I have some results. A few days ago, the Military Authority took action against the Worship God Sect, but they suffered a setback, which has made the Worship God Sect more active in the outer city these days."

"However, your brother and sister-in-law are safe and sound. The patrol forces around their home have increased significantly, and there have been no disturbances so far!"

Hearing that his brother and sister-in-law were safe, Jiang Ning breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good!"

Cheng Ran continued, "As for the other matter you asked me to investigate, I have some results! Xu Yunfeng has no record of taking action, but his last recorded action was capturing a fleeing criminal after a violent incident. That criminal was not weak; he had already achieved Qi and Blood Mastery and successfully circulated his energy through his limbs."

Jiang Ning said, "In that case, Xu Yunfeng is probably like you, with Qi and Blood Perfection and about to enter the Martial Dao."

Cheng Ran nodded, "That's likely the case! He is Cao Bin's man, backed by the Cao family. If he enters the Martial Dao, his position and status in the Military Authority will surely improve. As the saying goes, one should not fight against the government. It's not good that he has taken an interest in you."

Jiang Ning helplessly said, "There's nothing we can do about it!" Cheng Ran agreed, nodding, "Cao Bin suddenly taking an interest in your sister-in-law is truly unfortunate!"

He continued, "Unfortunately, I, Cheng Ran, have little influence, and I can't ask my father to request a favor from Cao Bin to spare your sister-in-law."

"I appreciate your kind intentions, Cheng Shixiong!" Jiang Ning thanked him with a bow.

In his heart, he shook his head, having analyzed the situation repeatedly. Regardless of whether Cao Bin had ulterior motives, the matter wasn't as simple as it seemed.

Eight out of ten, it still involved the struggle between the County's esteemed figure and the local power.

His older brother and sister-in-law were caught in this vortex, perhaps due to Cao Bin's personal agenda, but more so because of the conflict between these two forces.

Since his older brother was chosen as a pawn and dragged into this struggle, it was impossible for Cheng Ran to ask his father to intervene, even if his father did, the Cao family wouldn't let it go so easily.

"I have to rely on myself for all of this!"

"Becoming Wang Jin's direct disciple can alleviate the initial crisis."

"Joining the Inspection Bureau and leaning on this big tree will truly resolve this situation."

Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

At this moment, Cheng Ran spoke again, "As for the other matter Jiang Shidi entrusted me with, finding suitable medicinal herbs for cultivation. I looked it up, and it turns out that a ten-year supply of ginseng is the most suitable, offering the best value for Jiang Shidi!"

"On the market, a ten-year supply of ginseng is priced at fifteen silver taels, but Jiang Shidi can get it from Senior Apprentice Zhou Xing for just ten silver taels."

"I've heard about this too. Anyone from our Martial Academy who buys a ten-year supply of ginseng from Senior Apprentice Zhou Xing pays only ten silver taels, which is about five taels cheaper than the market price."

"Senior Apprentice Zhou Xing's family is one of the largest herb merchants in Luoshui County. This ten silver taels is probably their cost price, making it a very good deal."

"This afternoon, during the Tiger Unleashed event, Senior Apprentice Zhou Xing will most likely come to the Martial Academy. That's when Jiang Shidi can approach him to purchase the ginseng."

After listening attentively, Jiang Ning clasped his hands again, "I've troubled Senior Apprentice Cheng these past few days!"

Cheng Ran laughed heartily, "Jiang Shidi, you're too polite. If it weren't for your help the other day, I wouldn't be standing here chatting with you today!"

"The chance to enter the Inspection Bureau is even more slim for me. It was Jiang Shidi who truly helped me, giving me the opportunity to compete with Xiao Peng for the entry qualification."

As he spoke, Jiang Ning noticed Cheng Ran's robust vital energy and couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Senior Apprentice Cheng, your vital energy is so strong. Have your injuries healed?"

"Indeed!" Cheng Ran smiled and nodded, "My father learned that I wanted to join the Inspection Bureau, and he knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, he spent a significant sum to buy a Great Restoration Pill, and within a day, my injuries were completely healed, and my vital energy increased by more than fifty percent!"

As he spoke, Cheng Ran clenched his fist, "I'll have a chance to reclaim my honor. Let Xiao Peng taste the pain of injury too."

"Senior Apprentice Cheng, you have a grand spirit!" Jiang Ning praised.

Cheng Ran chuckled, "I just can't stand that Xiao Peng. He's too cunning, hiding his true strength. I almost fell victim to his schemes!"

"It's a pity indeed!" Looking at Jiang Ning, Cheng Ran immediately expressed his regret, "Jiang Shidi's talent for learning fist techniques is the best I've ever seen. To reach this level in just a few days of learning, if only he had started martial arts a year or two earlier, this entry qualification wouldn't have been Xiao Peng's in the first place!"

Jiang Ning smiled and shook his head, "There's nothing to regret! Who can predict the future? Being able to learn martial arts is already satisfying enough for me. Where I'll end up in the future, it's still up to myself!"

"Jiang Shidi, you're so open-minded! I admire you!" Cheng Ran clenched his fist and bowed, then patted his own chest, "Jiang Shidi, rest assured, with me here, that Xiao Peng won't get the entry qualification so easily. I will definitely compete with him!"

Jiang Ning smiled but didn't say more.

Regarding his own pursuit of the entry qualification, he had never discussed it with anyone, and he wouldn't do so at this moment.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end