Chapter 43: Big Shot

Chapter 43: Big Shot

After summarizing the experience from the recent battle, Jiang Ning continued practicing his Five Beasts Fist in his courtyard.

Since he had been living at the martial academy and had his own small courtyard, he spent most of his time practicing there.

Especially after achieving some success with his Five Beasts Fist, he seldom went to the front courtyard of the martial academy.

Ordinary disciples could hardly tell the difference between the initial and proficient stages of the Five Beasts Fist.

However, once the Five Beasts Fist reached the minor success stage, every move became more fluid and flexible. The Vital Energy gradually grew, making it easy to perceive the powerful Vital Energy during practice.

In such a situation, any disciple of decent strength, like Xiao Peng, could sense something was different.

He did not want to reveal his progress too early to someone like Xiao Peng; it would only invite trouble.

As for Cheng Ran, it was different. After interacting with him for a few days, Jiang Ning had developed some trust in him, knowing that Cheng Ran was a decent person and worth befriending.

【Five Beasts Fist Experience Points +1】

After completing one round of the Five Beasts Fist, Jiang Ning checked his status panel.

【Name】: Jiang Ning

【Source Energy】: 9.2

【Skills】:

Literacy and Judgment (First Limit Break 5/2000) (Trait: Photographic Memory)



Five Beasts Fist (Minor Success 39/500)



Firewood Splitting Blade Technique (Perfection 1000/1000)



Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique (Initial 18/1000)



Today, he had made significant progress.

His Vital Energy had penetrated one arm and was over halfway through the second arm.

The refinement of his Vital Energy also brought about an increase in strength and physical prowess.

The Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique, after reaching the initial stage, could only absorb the Dusk to Early Morning Solar Essence.

As a result, he only gained 12 experience points today, which was less than the first day when he absorbed the Solar Essence.

However, he felt that his progress was still quite noticeable. The more intense absorption of the Sunlight Essence had a more significant impact on his organ functions, making his organs stronger and his stamina more enduring.

Every day, Jiang Ning could feel himself improving.

Unlike others, whose progress slowed down or even stagnated as they advanced, his progress remained consistent and steady, step by step.

"Two more days, and the energy I've accumulated will allow me to break the limit of my Firewood Splitting Blade Technique!"

"The addition of the blade technique's trait should help boost my strength. This will take my capabilities to the next level."

"Moreover, the progress of my Literacy and Judgment has surpassed the one-quarter mark! I cannot ignore the new traits and the enhancement of mental power associated with this skill."

Looking at his status panel, Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

"If I could get another supply of precious herbs like wild ginseng, my progress would be even faster!"

Thinking about this, Jiang Ning felt a surge of anticipation.

Today, Zhou Xing would definitely show up.

After seeing Zhou Xing, he could purchase the wild ginseng that had greatly benefited him.

Outside, a ten-year-old wild ginseng would cost about fifteen taels of silver, but Zhou Xing sold it for only ten taels.

At such a low price and high cost-effectiveness, he naturally chose to buy wild ginseng from Zhou Xing.

Although it might seem like he was incurring a favor, to Jiang Ning, the current benefit was the most important.

Seizing every opportunity to rapidly grow and develop sufficient self-protection capabilities was the truth.

Being able to protect himself and those he cared about was the ultimate goal.

He had deeply understood the phrase "dying for face and living in misery" in his previous life!

Afterward.

Jiang Ning continued practicing the Five Beasts Fist in the courtyard, round after round.

Each round of practice added a bit of experience points, and the Five Beasts Fist at the minor success stage allowed him to condense three strands of Vital Energy within his body.

Now, with the Inner Alchemy Vitality Technique reaching the initial stage and his organs being enhanced, Jiang Ning could clearly feel that his body could endure more rounds of practice each day.

With stronger organ functions, his endurance was more lasting, and his stamina recovered faster.

At the same time, his appetite had also increased.

For a martial artist, being able to eat was a good thing.

Only by eating well and eating more could one intake enough energy to support their growth.

During dinner last night with Wang Jin, Jiang Ning noticed that Wang Jin had already sensed his abnormal appetite. However, Wang Jin did not say much, only telling him to eat without restraint and to have more.

At lunchtime.

Everyone gathered around a rectangular table, with Wang Jin seated at the head of the table.

On the table were steamed buns, vegetables, and a bowl of fatty pork in front of each person. This was the daily lunch provided by the Waveflow Martial Academy.

There were plenty of steamed buns and vegetables, but each person only had one bowl of pork, ensuring that the disciples got a taste of meat and fat every day.

To avoid easily exhausting one's body, they practiced the fist forms all morning, leaving everyone famished.

After sitting down, the crowd eagerly devoured the food on the table.

At the head of the table, Wang Jin sipped his post-meal tea, cleansing his stomach.

He calmly observed the ravenous crowd, occasionally nodding slightly and expressing satisfaction.

Suddenly, a disciple rushed into the hall from outside.

Approaching Wang Jin, he bowed and greeted him.

"Master, someone is here to visit. He says his name is Shen Congyun."

"Shen Congyun?" Wang Jin's expression was one of surprise, and he abruptly stood up.

The chair he had been sitting on moved backward, making a "bang bang" sound.

The commotion suddenly caught everyone's attention, including Jiang Ning's.

Shen Congyun? Hearing those three words, Jiang Ning was also slightly taken aback.

Shen Congyun, the deputy lord of the Wan Hua Tower branch in Luoshui County.

Although he was only a deputy lord, the Wan Hua Tower was a superpower spanning the nine provinces of Daxia. Almost every state, prefecture, county, and city in Daxia had a Wan Hua Tower.

The Wan Hua Tower's business was simple—they catered to martial artists.

They offered martial arts manuals, precious elixirs, divine weapons, protective gear, various intelligence information, and more.

At the Wan Hua Tower, one could purchase most of the resources needed for martial cultivation with enough silver.

From low-grade manuals to grandmaster-level fundamentals, everything was available for a price.

Such a powerful force meant that even if Shen Congyun was just a deputy lord of a branch in Luoshui County, his status was still extremely high there. In the eyes of the local dignitaries, he was undoubtedly a big shot.

Whether it was the seventh-rank County Magistrate of Luoshui County or the three major local families of Cao, Liu, and Xie, they all had to give him some face.

The reason the Wan Hua Tower could be found in every state, prefecture, and county was that they always maintained a neutral stance, focusing on commerce and wealth through harmony. They never interfered in conflicts between various forces.

Only absolute neutrality could earn the trust of all parties.

In Daxia, no matter how strong a force was, could it surpass the imperial court?

"Strange, what is Shen Congyun doing here to see the master?" Cheng Ran, sitting next to Jiang Ning, spoke with a puzzled expression.

"Do you know, Jiang?" He then turned to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning shook his head slightly, "How would I know?"

"Could it be because of that matter?" Cheng Ran seemed deep in thought.

"What matter?" Jiang Ning asked.

Cheng Ran explained, "I heard that since the Inspection Bureau is about to open its office in the county, many local forces are investing in potential candidates to enter the bureau. After all, you know that once we successfully enter the bureau, with the support of the Martial Sage and the power of 'report after execution,' it's like leaping over the dragon gate."

"Investing before entering the bureau to enhance martial strength is like offering firewood in winter. Many people are willing to do this as a favor."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.

"This is indeed a good investment with a high return on investment."

Cheng Ran continued, "But what's strange is that with Shen Congyun's status as a deputy lord of the Wan Hua Tower, even if the Wan Hua Tower wants to invest, why does he need to get involved personally?"

"The Wan Hua Tower doesn't invest in just anyone. They only invest in true martial geniuses."

"A county-level Inspection Bureau isn't worth the Wan Hua Tower's trouble, and it's not worth Shen Congyun's involvement either. Even if they succeed, the return isn't significant enough for the Wan Hua Tower."

Meanwhile, Wang Jin stepped out of the main hall.

Shen Congyun.

Thinking of this man, Wang Jin couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement.

Stuck at the seventh-rank peak for many years, Wang Jin finally saw an opportunity to break through with Shen Congyun's help.

He quickened his pace, swiftly crossing Tianyuan, and headed towards the martial arts academy's entrance.

Stepping over the threshold, Wang Jin saw the middle-aged man outside wearing a gray robe, with a gentle face and slightly white temples.

"Elder Brother Shen!!!"

Wang Jin approached Shen Congyun with both hands clenched in a fist.

"Younger Brother Wang!" The man, who looked to be in his forties, also revealed a gentle smile and returned the greeting with a bow.

"Elder Brother Shen, you came so suddenly without any prior notice. I didn't even able to prepare good wine and meat to treat you!"

Shen Congyun smiled, "I'm sorry for the sudden visit."

"You're being too formal. Since we call each other brothers, my home is also yours. Feel free to come anytime."

Hearing this, Shen Congyun's face lit up with a smile, "Younger Brother Wang, please invite me in for a chat."

"Please, please, please, please!!!" Wang Jin gestured, and the two walked side by side into the martial arts academy.

A new week, seeking monthly votes! Thank you!!!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end