Chapter 469: Return to the City, D-Class Great Merit News!

Chapter 469: Return to the City, D-Class Great Merit News!

Home!

Jiang Ning smiled wryly.

He closed the panel and immediately set off.

He had already lingered outside for two days, and now it was time to return.

As for the use of Source Energy Points, he wasn't in a hurry yet.

Without achieving the method to become a Master, he was still unfamiliar with the path beyond that.

He didn't understand how to use the blade intent to trigger the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, so it wasn't suitable to rashly let the Chopping Wood Blade Technique break through its limits.

Calculating the time, it would be these few days.

Shen Wenyuan was about to take office.

His D-Class Great Merit was also due to be distributed soon.

With the exchange permissions for the D-Class Great Merit, he could obtain the desired Master Blood Replacement method.

Everything had to wait until he acquired the Master Blood Replacement method, understood the path ahead, and then make a decision.

Then, his figure moved, and he disappeared from the spot.

Dongling City.

When Jiang Ning saw the towering city walls ahead and the three large characters "Dongling City" above the city gate, it was already past noon, and the sun was gradually setting.

"Finally home!" Jiang Ning looked at the city walls and couldn't help but smile faintly.

Then, he quickly walked toward the city gate.

"I wonder if Lord Zhao has returned yet?" the thought flashed through his mind.

A moment later.

Knock, knock, knock—

Jiang Ning knocked on the door of his house, then stood quietly in place.

"Coming!" A gentle voice echoed from behind the door.

The next moment, footsteps approached from a distance, appearing behind the door.

Clank!

With the door latch falling, the door slowly opened.

"Ah Ning?" Liu Wanwan's eyes lit up as she saw Jiang Ning behind the door.

Then, looking at Jiang Ning's messy hair, a hint of concern flashed in her eyes.

"Come in quickly! You're finally back! These days, Little Doudou has been calling for Uncle Xiao every day, talking about you all the time!"

Hearing Liu Wanwan mention Little Doudou, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile softly.

"Then I'll go spend some time with Little Doudou later!" As he spoke, Jiang Ning stepped through the door, chatting casually as usual.

"She'll definitely be very happy!" Liu Wanwan's face softened.

After Jiang Ning crossed the threshold and entered the front courtyard, she then closed the main gate of the residence.

"By the way, Sister-in-law!" Jiang Ning spoke up.

"What is it?" Liu Wanwan replied while closing the gate.

"Sister-in-law, why don't you hire some servants?" Jiang Ning suggested.

"No need!" Liu Wanwan shook her head, continuing to close the gate. "Living with outsiders isn't as comfortable! We don't go in and out of the gate very often, so it's fine to keep it closed."

"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded. "I'll do as Sister-in-law says."

Then, he added, "By the way, where's Brother?"

"Brother!" Liu Wanwan's eyes softened when she mentioned Jiang Li, then she scolded gently, "He said he's been at home for so long that he's about to rust, so he went out for a walk and to buy some firewood, rice, oil, and salt."

Jiang Ning nodded. "I'll look for him when he gets back!"

"Alright!" Liu Wanwan responded. "I'll tell him when he returns."

Liu Wanwan didn't ask any more questions.

Then, Jiang Ning looked at the figure that appeared in the front courtyard.

The slender figure of Lvyi.

"Master!" Seeing Jiang Ning's gaze, Lvyi greeted him.

"Has anyone been looking for me or left me any letters these days?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Yes!" Lvyi nodded repeatedly.

"Shen Wenyuan has taken office?" Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed, then he nodded.

"I'll go there later!" he continued.

His heart couldn't help but feel excited.

With Shen Wenyuan in office, the distribution of the D-Class Great Merit would allow him to smoothly obtain the method to achieve the Divine Human Master level.

With that, everything was in place.

He then glanced at the panel.

【Source Energy】: 35433

【Techniques】: Inner Great Success 9069/10000

Then he closed the panel.

The Source Energy Points had set a new record, with over thirty-five thousand points in reserve.

"Prepare some food and hot water for me!" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes, Master!" Lvyi replied, quickly running back to carry out Jiang Ning's instructions.

"Ah Ning, shall I cook a few dishes and warm some wine for you?" Liu Wanwan asked.

Liu Wanwan, hearing the conversation between the two, spoke up.

"Thank you, sister-in-law!" Jiang Ning smiled.

An hour later.

Jiang Ning, having eaten his fill and taken a refreshing bath, sat at the table as Lvyi combed his long hair.

A moment later.

Jiang Ning's long hair was neatly tied with a hairband.

"Sir, all done!" Lvyi clapped her hands, highly satisfied with the result.

She remembered how he looked when she first saw him at the front gate.

His hair was disheveled, and he appeared unkempt.

But now, it was different.

His long hair was neatly combed and tied, and he wore a brocade robe, making him look nothing like a martial official.

Jiang Ning reached out to touch the small knife tied back with the hairband.

Looking at his reflection in the bronze mirror, he nodded in satisfaction.

"I need to go out for a bit!" Jiang Ning said.

"Alright, sir. I'll go collect the bedding!" Lvyi replied.

"Is Lord Zhao in the office?" Jiang Ning asked.

"He's here!" one of them respectfully replied. "Would you like me to guide you?"

"Please lead the way!" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes, sir!" the man replied.

A moment later.

In the study.

Zhao Yu Long looked up and saw Jiang Ning standing at the door.

"Inspector Jiang!" Zhao Yu Long smiled and stood up.

"Lord Zhao!" Jiang Ning bowed.

"I'm relieved to see that Inspector Jiang has returned safely!" Zhao Yu Long said.

Jiang Ning glanced at the desk and then looked at Zhao Yu Long. "I appreciate your concern, Lord."

Zhao Yu Long smiled but said nothing. He noticed Jiang Ning's gaze and glanced at the documents on his desk.

"Would Inspector Jiang like to review the recent important events in the county?"

"If possible, I would like to take a look," Jiang Ning said.

"That's easy!" Zhao Yu Long waved his hand. "I'll have someone copy these and send them to your office later."

"Thank you, Lord!" Jiang Ning bowed.

"No need for such formality!" Zhao Yu Long waved his hand. "Do you know why I sent someone to your residence?"

"It must be related to Shen Wenyuan's appointment and the merit I earned previously," Jiang Ning asked.

"Exactly!" Zhao Yu Long nodded.

"As for your Class D major merit, it has already been awarded."

"Have you decided what to use your Class D major merit for?"

Jiang Ning nodded and said, "I've decided. I want to exchange it for the method to achieve the rank of Divine Human Master."

"Divine Human Master?" Zhao Yu Long's expression was surprised, and he was somewhat stunned.

Then, looking at Jiang Ning, he slowly nodded. "Indeed, it's time for you to plan your future path. Coming from a small place like Luoshui County, with an average master, you need to prepare in advance!"

As he said this, Zhao Yu Long couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic.

He had just recently entered the rank of Divine Human Master and completed his second blood replacement.

The journey had been arduous and filled with hardships.

He had finally reached the rank of Divine Human Master, and now, Jiang Ning was already planning his path.

It was clear that Jiang Ning was not far from reaching this level.

This made him feel as if he were being overtaken by the next generation.

"By the way, how many blood replacements do you plan to complete at the Third Rank Blood Replacement stage?" Zhao Yu Long asked.

He then added, "Inspector Jiang has extremely high potential. This choice is crucial, and you must not set your goals too low!"

"I understand!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"Good to hear!" Zhao Yu Long said. "In my opinion, Inspector Jiang should complete at least four blood replacements at the Third Rank to do justice to your talent."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning swallowed the words he was about to say.

If Zhao Yu Long said he should complete at least four blood replacements, he couldn't say that he planned to complete nine.

"Inspector Jiang, if you've made your decision, I'll send a message and have them prepare in advance," Zhao Yu Long said.

"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.

He had planned to visit Guangning Prefecture anyway.

Not for any other reason, but to participate in the local martial examination.

The local martial examination was held in the city of Guangning Prefecture.

Although becoming a martial candidate was not of great use to him now, it was a necessary step to participate in the imperial examination and become a martial champion.

The Martial Champion, a title that is only awarded every three years.

For those under the age of thirty, the most outstanding prodigies must defeat all their peers to claim the title of Martial Champion.

From what he knew, throughout the years, the top three in the Martial Examination were often young Masters.

In some cases, all three were Third Rank Divine Human Masters.

To rank among the top in the preliminary examination and then advance to the palace examination, where one must defeat all peers to claim the title of Martial Champion, was an honor that greatly aided one's career advancement, even to the point of ennoblement.

Throughout history, many Martial Champions have joined the military and risen to the rank of Third Rank provincial governors.

Subsequent ennoblement to the rank of marquis was not uncommon.

Even ennoblement to the rank of king was a possibility!

The triennial examination, which would be held next year in the autumn, was still a year and a few months away.

"Right!" At this moment, Zhao Yu Long suddenly spoke again.

Noticing Jiang Ning's gaze, Zhao Yu Long said, "Don't forget to participate in the Martial Examination in early July! The court is short of personnel, so the examination has been changed from every three years to every year."

"Every year?" Jiang Ning was immediately surprised.

"Yes!" Zhao Yu Long seemed to have anticipated Jiang Ning's reaction, and he smiled, continuing, "So if Patrol Inspector Jiang has any intentions, don't forget to participate in the Martial Examination in early July."

"Securing a top-three position in the Martial Examination should not be difficult for Patrol Inspector Jiang!"

"Ranking in the top tier will allow you to advance to the palace examination."

"If Patrol Inspector Jiang can achieve a top-tier ranking in the palace examination, I believe your position will advance further."

Hearing Zhao Yu Long's words, Jiang Ning clasped his hands in gratitude.

"Thank you, Governor! I had just that intention."

Zhao Yu Long said, "Then Patrol Inspector Jiang should set out as soon as possible! Early July is only a little over a month away!"

"Moreover, the palace examination is in early October, which is also not far off!"

"If Patrol Inspector Jiang can reach Third Rank within these few months, the position of Martial Champion is not out of reach!"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning smiled. "That is exactly my intention!"

"Excellent spirit!" Zhao Yu Long praised.

Then he added, "I will inform the city officials shortly to make the necessary preparations to ensure that Patrol Inspector Jiang can smoothly obtain what he desires."

"Thank you!" Jiang Ning clasped his hands again.

On the other side.

Guangning Prefecture.

In the Patrol Inspector's Office.

Ye Zhengqi sat at his desk, his left hand resting on his knee and his right hand holding a dossier.

His eyes quickly scanned the information in the dossier, and his brows furrowed.

"Xiao Qiushui is dead?"

"Yes, sir!" The black-clad man in front of him respectfully replied.

"Is this information true?" Ye Zhengqi asked again.

"Absolutely true! I would stake my life on it! And..." The black-clad man hesitated.

"Speak directly, why be so hesitant?" Ye Zhengqi scolded.

"The WaterMoon Sword Palace is spreading rumors that it was you who killed Xiao Qiushui!" the black-clad man said.

"I killed Xiao Qiushui?!" Ye Zhengqi gave a cold laugh, not revealing his thoughts.

In his mind, he was trying to figure out who had killed Xiao Qiushui.

He could count on one hand the people present that day who had the means to kill her.

But even after considering each of them, he still couldn't determine who had done it.

"Who is the current Palace Master of the WaterMoon Sword Palace?" Ye Zhengqi asked again.

"Xiao Emei!" the black-clad man answered.

"It's her?!" Ye Zhengqi was somewhat surprised.

He didn't have much of an impression of Xiao Emei, having only seen her profile.

From the profile, he knew that Xiao Emei seemed to have some connection to Jiang Ning.

"Xiao Emei is only a Fifth Rank martial artist. How could she smoothly become the Palace Master of the WaterMoon Sword Palace?" Ye Zhengqi asked.

"The Great Elder fully supported her! All opposition was eliminated!" the black-clad man continued, "It's said that Xiao Qiushui foresaw her own fate and left a contingency plan."

"Xiao Qiushui's will designated Xiao Emei as the next Palace Master of the WaterMoon Sword Palace."

Hearing this, Ye Zhengqi nodded slightly.

In his mind, the image of Jiang Ning surfaced.

"Was it his doing?" Ye Zhengqi mused to himself.

Then he shook his head slightly.

"Unlikely!"

"According to the intelligence, Jiang Ning has only been at Fourth Rank for a few months. How could he be a match for Xiao Qiushui, a Divine Human Master?"

Having thought it through, he dismissed the notion in his mind.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end