Chapter 412: Breaking Limits, Metamorphosis, and the Yin Spirit!

Chapter 412: Breaking Limits, Metamorphosis, and the Yin Spirit!



At the fourth quarter of the hour of the Dog.

Zhaixing Lou.

The lights were just turning on.

On the eighth floor, the banquet hall was filled with thirty-eight tables made of sandalwood, each with a guest.

On the adjacent stage, colorful dancers performed gracefully, and the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air.

As the hour struck, Zhao Yulong gently tapped his wine cup, made of a Liuli bowl, onto the table and stood up first.

His deep voice suddenly resonated, "Ladies and gentlemen, let's raise our glasses to Jiang Kuisou, and let's drink to his success in the upcoming summer provincial exam!"

His calm voice carried an incredible penetrating power, clearly reaching the ears of the guests.

Zhao Yulong's initiative to stand up was a show of support for Jiang Ning.

Instantly, no one dared to be presumptuous, and they all quickly raised their cups and stood up.

"Let's toast to Jiang Kuisou's success in the provincial exam!"

". . ."

Seeing this, Jiang Ning also stood up immediately.

Everyone who came here had given him a gift of money, and since he didn't want to offend anyone, he didn't put on airs.

He raised his cup.

"Thank you all for your kindness! I'll take the first drink."

As his words fell, Jiang Ning tilted his head back and drank the fiery liquor in one gulp, feeling it burn down his throat.

After finishing his drink, he turned the cup upside down, not a drop of wine left.

Seeing this, the crowd was surprised, but they all raised their cups in response and drank in one go.

At this moment, Jiang Ning knew that some people in the crowd were probably criticizing him for not understanding the etiquette and manners of the upper class.

However, he didn't care about this at all and felt no shame or embarrassment.

In his past life, he was just an ordinary person, and in this life, he was born into a commoner's family. He had never learned the rules and etiquette of the upper class.

Moreover, he didn't care about conforming to the upper class's rules and etiquette.

In a world where personal strength was paramount, power was the primary factor.

The Great Xia Martial Saint, who had dominated the world for over eight hundred years, was the best example.

More recently, there was Zhao Yulong.

Every move Zhao Yulong made became the center of attention.

Throughout Dongling County, few dared to disrespect him.

So, when Zhao Yulong stood up earlier, the crowd also followed suit, not daring to be presumptuous.

Once Jiang Ning and Zhao Yulong sat down, the crowd sat down as well.

At this moment, there were only a few people at Jiang Ning's table.

Just then.

Amidst the clinking of glasses in the banquet hall, a sound of a golden goblet falling to the ground suddenly echoed.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.

They saw Yan Youjiao standing up.

"Jiang Kuisou, on the day of the exam results, you were ranked first, and I was second. Therefore, I'd like to ask Jiang Kuisou for some guidance. I wonder if Jiang Kuisou dares to spar with me?"

These words were like a huge stone dropped into already turbulent waters, causing the waves to surge even higher.

Everyone started whispering and discussing among themselves.

It was clear to everyone that Yan Youjiao's words were a challenge.

"Jiao'er, sit down!" Yan Yikuan's chopsticks clattered onto the table, making a crisp sound, and his tone was filled with reprimand.

"Father, this is my decision!" Yan Youjiao spoke clearly and firmly.

He saw the anger in his father's eyes, but unlike before, he didn't lower his head.

Instead, he looked directly into his father's eyes, showing no sign of retreat.

"Tonight is the banquet for the top scholars. It's not a place for your mischief!" Yan Yikuan spoke again.

"Father, at this banquet for the top scholars, I also want to perform for the guests!" Yan Youjiao showed no signs of backing down.

Just then, Yan Yikuan's lips moved slightly.

No sound came out.

However, Yan Youjiao clearly heard his father's voice, transmitted directly into his mind.

"You are no match for him!"

Hearing these words, Yan Youjiao couldn't help but smile slightly.

Of course, he knew he was no match for Jiang Ning.

Today, he wanted to bring shame upon himself and express his dissatisfaction to his father.

He wanted to embarrass his father.

This was his silent rebellion.

The thought flashed through his mind.

His gaze remained fixed on Jiang Ning.

"Jiang Kuisou, do you dare to spar with me?"

"Are you sure about this?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Of course I am!" Yan Youjiao replied, "I've heard about Jiang Kuisou's fame, especially the story of defending the city single-handedly with a bow on New Year's Eve in Luoshui County. I'd like to learn from Jiang Kuisou's skills!"

Jiang Ning looked at Yan Youjiao.

Yan Youjiao had just given him a hundred taels of gold as a gift.

"Then, I ask Jiang Kuisou to guide my son!" Yan Yikuan said.

"Agreed!" Jiang Ning nodded and stood up.

Seeing this, Yan Youjiao said, "This place is too small to showcase our skills. How about we compare our martial arts?"

"As you wish!" Jiang Ning agreed.

A moment later.

The stage where the dancers had been performing was cleared, and Jiang Ning and Yan Youjiao stood on opposite sides.

Below, the crowd watched with great interest, as if they were watching a play.

As Jiang Ning noticed the gaze upon him, his eyebrows furrowed.

He decided to end this quickly.

"Make your move!" He looked at Yan Youjiao.

His voice fell.

A dragon's roar reverberated amidst the surging qi and blood.

Yan Youjiao moved, creating multiple afterimages as he approached.

"You Long Bu!" Someone in the audience exclaimed in surprise, "A complete You Long Bu!"

As Yan Youjiao moved, his robe fluttered like dark clouds, generating waves of air from the ground.

Too slow! Jiang Ning shook his head inwardly.

Seeing Yan Youjiao's approach, Jiang Ning's already low interest plummeted further.

The gap between them was too vast, leaving him with no desire to engage.

At that moment, Yan Youjiao noticed the change in Jiang Ning's eyes.

He could sense disdain in Jiang Ning's gaze.

Despite his mental preparation, a nameless anger rose within him.

At over twenty-five years old, he had already reached the strength of a sixth-grade warrior. Among the younger generation, who would dare to underestimate him?

The next moment, as Yan Youjiao approached within ten feet of Jiang Ning...

"Jiao Long Tan Zhuao!"

Yan Youjiao curled his fingers into claws, his aura surging, and the claw's wind tore through the air.

Facing this fist that cleaved through the air with gale-like force, Jiang Ning simply lifted his hand and punched.

Boom!

As Jiang Ning's fist landed, Yan Youjiao's five fingers bent under the impact, and the fist also shattered Yan Youjiao's facade, slamming into his chest.

Confronting Jiang Ning's punch, Yan Youjiao had no power to resist and was sent flying off the stage, landing heavily on the ground.

"So strong?"

"The gap between Jia Yi and Jia Er is this huge?!"

"..."

Below, some guests, unaware of the truth, exclaimed in astonishment.

Jiang Ning also jumped off the stage.

At this moment, Yan Yikuan appeared beside Yan Youjiao, grabbing him with one hand.

He secretly examined Yan Youjiao's body and, seeing no severe injuries, heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Jiang Kuisou, for your mercy!" Yan Yikuan bowed.

Then, he raised his hand and slapped Yan Youjiao's back.

Cough, cough! Yan Youjiao coughed twice, and under Yan Yikuan's slap, the qi in his body became completely smooth.

"You haven't even thanked him yet!" Yan Yikuan's tone turned stern.

Having personally experienced Jiang Ning's strength, he suddenly understood why his father didn't grant him the position of Kuisou.

His virtue did not match his position, and it might even invite disaster.

If he became Kuisou with his father's help and then suffered a defeat, he would fall from the clouds into the mud.

This thought flashed through his mind, and Yan Youjiao immediately spoke, "Thank you, Jiang Kuisou, for your mercy!"

"Duwei Yan, Brother Jiang, let's take a break and continue drinking!" Bai Luoyu said, sitting in his seat.

That night.

The night was as thick as ink, with a dark moon and high winds.

In the eastern courtyard.

"Young Master, the inventory has been calculated!"

"How much?" Jiang Ning picked up a cup of hot tea and took a sip, moistening his throat.

"It's worth approximately 350,000 taels of silver!" Lvyi said.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning's expression couldn't help but show some emotion.

Three hundred and fifty thousand taels.

In any era, this was a substantial fortune.

This wealth was merely the gifts he received at a single banquet as the Kuisou.

His understanding of the Kuisou's status deepened, and he also gained a more profound insight into the wealth held by those officials and nobles.

These officials and nobles, with their gifts alone, could easily create a wealthy family.

One can only imagine the astonishing wealth held by the officials and nobles in the city!

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Ning said, "Tomorrow, help me sell all these items and buy Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan!"

"Yes, Young Master!" Lvyi nodded immediately.

Two days later.

Before dawn, the world seemed to be immersed in darkness.

Jiang Ning got out of bed and opened his eyes.

The previous day, Lvyi had gone to sell the gifts received at the Kuisou banquet.

This sudden wealth had made him rich overnight.

The Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan obtained from those gifts had been consumed by him the day before.

He refined them.

Originally, he didn't want to continue taking pills in a short period, as the pill toxins in his body had not been completely cleared.

However, with his Yuan Neng points about to break through 10,000, and with the support of the completed tenth limit-breaking, he could take the final step.

Additionally, his body had been constantly refining his marrow in recent days, clearing out impurities, so he could consume more without much concern.

Then, he looked at his panel.

【Gong Li】: 148 (143→148)



Due to the refinement of Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan the previous day, his Gong Li had increased by about five years.

Then he looked down, focusing on the Yuan Neng points section.

【Source Energy】: 12,311

When he saw the Source Energy points displayed on the panel had exceeded five digits, a delighted smile spread across his face.

Breaking the five-digit mark.

Twelve thousand, three hundred and eleven points.

This value had completely satisfied the requirements for the Breaking Limit of Literacy and Comprehension.

His gaze subconsciously fell on the 'Techniques' column.

【Techniques】: Literacy and Comprehension + (9 Breaking Limits 10,000/10,000) (Traits: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Sharp Mind, Exceptional Comprehension, Divine Eyes (1st Limit Break), Heightened Senses, Unity of Knowledge and Action, Mind like a Clear Mirror)



Seeing the familiar plus sign, the anxiety in his heart dissipated, and he felt completely at ease.

This meant that everything was now satisfied, and with just a thought, he could achieve the tenth limit break for Literacy and Comprehension.

The next moment,

Without the slightest hesitation, he had a thought.

Instantly,

The Source Energy points plummeted like a waterfall.

【Source Energy】: 2,311 (12,311 → 2,311)



His mind became empty, and in this moment, the seven emotions and six desires vanished, leaving him in a state of neither joy nor sorrow.

His entire being returned to a state of pure rationality.

In this state, he could clearly sense his brain absorbing the pure spiritual energy, and his mental power rapidly increasing.

The next moment,

He suddenly felt as if his soul had transcended the confines of his body.

He saw his perspective rising upwards.

He looked down at his calm self, the roof of the courtyard, and the entire mansion.

He saw Lvyi and Liu Wanwan already awake in the courtyard, and Jiang Li and Jiang Yiming, father and son, sparring bare-chested.

Amidst the surging energy, their fists clashed with each other.

Then, his perspective rose even higher.

At that moment, a gust of mountain wind blew.

He felt his body sway and a chill that penetrated his bones.

He looked down and saw a blue human-shaped cloud of smoke.

With a thought, he raised his right hand.

Instantly, the blue cloud that formed his right hand rose as well.

This cloud was extremely blurry, and only through its transformations could he make out that it was a right hand.

"This is..."

Jiang Ning was startled.

Then,

He saw the cloud rapidly condensing.

It was transforming from a misty illusion into a solid figure.

At this moment,

Another gust of mountain wind blew.

The sensation it brought was completely different from before.

In his eyes, the blue cloud flickered slightly and then returned to normal, unaffected by the gust of wind.

At the same time, the chilling feeling that had penetrated his soul was also gone.

Meanwhile,

This transformation didn't stop; the illusory cloud continued to solidify.

The mountain wind blew in gusts, but it only brought a refreshing coolness, not a chill.

Jiang Ning suddenly had a moment of clarity, and he quietly contemplated the changes occurring within him.

On the other side,

Bai Luoyu looked up at the blue shadow floating in the sky through the window, his expression becoming unusually solemn.

After a long while,

He slowly spoke a few words.

"Divine Shadow Transformation!"

"Who is it?"

After hesitating for a moment, he chose not to act rashly and instead quietly observed the Divine Shadow floating in mid-air.

As time passed, he saw the Divine Shadow, which was like a cloud of smoke, becoming more and more solid, revealing distinct lines.

After a while,

The blue Divine Shadow floating in mid-air had already transformed into a highly condensed form.

One could see the incredibly clear human body contours and the vague outlines of the facial features, including the mouth, eyes, nose, and ears.

At this moment,

Jiang Ning felt the mountain breeze brushing past him, and it was like a gentle caress, unable to bring any unusual sensation.

Suddenly, his body moved.

The clearly outlined Divine Shadow instantly disappeared from its original spot.

In just a fleeting moment,

Jiang Ning had arrived deep in the Dongling Mountains, several miles away.

During this process, he felt that the mountains and forests posed no obstacle to him.

All tangible and intangible objects were ignored, and he could easily pass through them.

His body flickered again.

It was as if a streak of light passing through ancient trees, rocks, and mountains.

In an instant, he had reached an even deeper part of the Dongling Mountains, more than ten miles away.

Indeed, it was the Divine Shadow!

His heart rejoiced.

Knowledge about the Divine Shadow flashed through his mind.

The Divine Shadow can travel at night, and its speed is unparalleled!

He then left the mountains and headed towards the city.

At this moment, if he were to look down from above and activate his Divine Eyes,

He would clearly see a blue streak of light passing through the mountains and forests, forming a straight line as it sped towards Dongling City.

Its speed was as swift as lightning.

This blue streak of light was at one end of the mountain range one moment and appeared at the other end in the next.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end