Chapter 498: The Changing Tide and the Evolution of Life!

Chapter 498: The Changing Tide and the Evolution of Life!

Marquis Manor.

The study remained the same.

"Marquis!"

"Marquis!"

"..."

Upon entering the study, the group saw the room filled with incense smoke and greeted Shen Wenyuan.

Shen Wenyuan, seeing Jiang Ning and the others, put down the scroll in his hand and stood up.

"Please have a seat, everyone!"

"Thank you, Marquis!" The group bowed in gratitude and took their seats one by one.

"Did you all come to see me for something today?" Shen Wenyuan asked as he poured tea for Ye Zhengqi, a faint smile on his face.

"It seems the Marquis already knows!" Ye Zhengqi replied.

"Not exactly knowing, but guessing!" Shen Wenyuan poured tea for Ye Zhengqi as if he were a friend, then did the same for Jiang Ning.

"Marquis, I can do it myself!" Jiang Ning reached for the teapot, but Shen Wenyuan held it back, shaking his head slowly. "No need to be formal. You're one of us, and you've reached the Grandmaster level. Your aura suggests you're almost fully stabilized, and the damage to your body is almost completely restored, bringing you back to your peak."

"Your keen insight, Marquis!" Jiang Ning said.

Shen Wenyuan smiled. "And Bai Luoyu, Inspector, you need to work harder! According to the records, Inspector Jiang was discovered by you."

Hearing this, Bai Luoyu shook his head with a bitter smile. "People can't be compared. I've been working hard, but the path of martial arts requires steady progress. It will take me at least three to five months to reach the Fourth Rank."

"Not a bad estimate!" Shen Wenyuan nodded, then poured tea for Bai Luoyu without any airs.

He continued, "The path of martial arts requires a solid foundation to go far. Hasty and reckless actions can disrupt your foundation and lead to endless troubles."

"Thank you for your guidance, Marquis!" Bai Luoyu bowed and added, "Thank you for the tea."

Shen Wenyuan smiled and sat down. "I have some acquaintance with your father, so you don't need to be so formal. In a way, you are my nephew."

"Uncle Shen!" Bai Luoyu said.

Shen Wenyuan smiled and gestured for everyone to sit down.

The group then took their seats.

Shen Wenyuan then turned to Ye Zhengqi.

"Are you here because of the Yellow Sky Sect, Ye Prefect?"

"Yes!" Ye Zhengqi nodded.

"I knew it!" Shen Wenyuan said.

"Marquis, there's something wrong with the Yellow Sky Sect! According to the records, the Yellow Sky Cultivator has been active in recent months, traveling around, clearly planning something." Ye Zhengqi explained.

"Have some tea first!" Shen Wenyuan gestured calmly.

Ye Zhengqi, seeing this, picked up his teacup.

Looking at the three men, Shen Wenyuan spoke slowly, "I know what you mean. The Yellow Sky Sect and the Yellow Sky Cultivator might be up to something, and I'm aware of it!"

"However, the land is dry, and if it doesn't rain soon, a famine will surely break out this year."

"I've also visited the granaries. After distributing porridge last year, the remaining grain is less than ten percent. If the fields yield nothing this year, imagine how many people are in Guangning Prefecture. This is a huge problem."

Hearing Shen Wenyuan's words, Ye Zhengqi fell silent.

Jiang Ning then asked, "Marquis, could this unusual weather be caused by the Yellow Sky Sect? If they can pray for rain, they should have the power to make it not rain for months."

Shen Wenyuan replied, "The Heavenly Monarchs of the Yellow Sky Sect might have this ability, but they didn't do it. The Yellow Sky Cultivator once told the Emperor in the capital that it wasn't them. As for the prolonged drought, someone might be behind it, but we can't be sure who."

At this moment, Ye Zhengqi broke the silence, steering the conversation back on track.

"Marquis, shouldn't the Prefect be concerned about the people's well-being? Where is the Prefect?"

Hearing this, Shen Wenyuan rubbed his temples, looking somewhat troubled.

"He thinks I interfere too much and wants to manage everything, so he's lying in bed, playing the role of a laid-back ruler."

"This..." Ye Zhengqi was left speechless.

"But what if the Yellow Sky Sect causes chaos in the city one day? What then?" Ye Zhengqi asked, adding, "Marquis, you know how strong the Yellow Sky Sect is at gathering followers! With natural disasters and hardship, it's the perfect time for them to expand."

"We'll deal with future problems when they come. Let's focus on getting through this immediate crisis!" Shen Wenyuan shook his head and sighed. "As for the potential trouble from the Yellow Sky Sect, that's not something I can handle. Let the officials in the capital worry about it. For now, I'll do my best to ensure the people of Guangning Prefecture can survive."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning realized there was nothing more he needed to say.

After weighing the pros and cons, Shen Wenyuan had made his decision.

If I could summon rain, how large an area could it cover?

Jiang Ning thought to himself, a new idea forming in his mind.

"Both of you!" Shen Wenyuan looked at Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu.

"Please go on, Marquis!" Jiang Ning responded.

"In a couple of days, a Heavenly Monarch from the Yellow Sky Sect will come to Guangning Prefecture to perform a rain-summoning ritual. Could you both keep an eye on the city to prevent any disturbances?"

"No problem!" Jiang Ning agreed.

"As ordered, Marquis!" Bai Luoyu bowed, not using the more familiar "Uncle Shen."

Shen Wenyuan nodded and turned to Ye Zhengqi. "Ye Prefect, have you fully recovered from your injuries?"

"Completely!" Ye Zhengqi nodded.

"And your injuries, Marquis?" he asked in return.

Shen Wenyuan shook his head. "I've been confined to the manor these past few days. My divine soul is severely injured, so I need to recuperate in this incense-filled environment. Once my injuries are stable, I can appear in public. For now, I need you all to keep an eye on things."

"With me here, there won't be any trouble!" Ye Zhengqi assured him.

"Your words put my mind at ease!" Shen Wenyuan looked relieved.

A moment later, the three men left Marquis Manor.

"Inspector Jiang, Inspector Bai, you two must ensure Dongling County remains stable!"

"That's our duty!" Jiang Ning said.

"Brother Jiang is right!" Bai Luoyu agreed.

Ye Zhengqi nodded.

At this moment, Jiang Ning spoke up.

"Ye Prefect, there's something I'm curious about."

"Go ahead and ask!" Ye Zhengqi said.

"What is the current state of the Martial Saint Manor's owner?" Jiang Ning asked.

Hearing this, Bai Luoyu also looked at Ye Zhengqi.

This wasn't just a curiosity for Jiang Ning; Bai Luoyu was curious too.

Or rather, no one in the world wasn't curious.

What state is the Martial Sage in now?

The peace that has lasted for centuries is mainly due to the invincible Martial Sage.

His strength has deterred almost everyone from causing trouble.

Even if someone did, no one would dare to join in.

But the current chaos is different.

Anyone can see that many forces are secretly involved.

The root cause is that the invincible Martial Sage is old and no longer as powerful. He hasn't shown his face or displayed his might for years.

At that moment.

Ye Zhengqi saw Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu looking over and slowly shook his head.

"I don't know the exact condition of that person. In the world, probably only his two closest disciples can understand his physical state."

"But one thing is certain: he is old, but not incapacitated!"

"Before his passing, someone will have to bear the brunt of his anger."

"Because of this, although there are undercurrents in the world today, no major power dares to step in personally, which is why the situation has not yet collapsed."

After listening to Ye Zhengqi's explanation, Jiang Ning bowed.

"Thank you for your enlightenment!"

After returning from the Marquis Manor.

Jiang Ning felt the changes in his body. He had digested many of the five Scarlet Flame Blood Crystals he had taken in the morning, so he took out another five-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng, chewed it up, and swallowed it.

The Second Blood Transformation required a lot of energy. Even after consuming ten Scarlet Flame Blood Crystals, he was still far from reaching his peak state.

Later, he practiced the Deer Form Boxing for a while to maintain his health, and then it was noon.

Noon was the crucial time for him to absorb the essence of the sun and practice the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique.

【Skill】: Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique (Perfect 2477/10000)

After this period of cultivation, the experience points for the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique had exceeded two thousand.

This made him look forward to the changes this cultivation technique would bring if it could break through its limits.

The completion of the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique allowed him to form an Inner Core within his body. The Inner Core, suspended in his dantian, continuously nourished his organs and strengthened his physical functions.

He could feel that not only were his organs becoming stronger, but there was also an effect of extending his lifespan.

With the completion of the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique, he also gained the qualification to advance to the Third Rank and become a Heavenly Master.

This showed the miraculous nature and high grade of this cultivation technique, far surpassing the best martial arts.

Additionally, the characteristics he gained from the breakthrough of the Adamantine Indestructible Body, which was also a high-grade martial art, added to his excitement about the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique.

As his thoughts flowed.

He closed the interface and looked up at the sun.

Compared to a few days ago, the sun now seemed even more scorching.

Looking up, he could see layers of light radiating and spreading from the sun.

The sky was completely clear, not a single cloud in sight.

"Yellow Sky Sect, Heavenly Monarch, the pinnacle of human power below the immortals."

Jiang Ning muttered to himself, his thoughts wandering.

A moment later.

He glanced at the sundial in the courtyard.

Heh.

He took a light breath.

Then he began to absorb the essence of the sun.

With each inhalation and exhalation.

Crimson light descended.

【Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique Experience +1】

【Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique Experience +1】

【Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique Experience +1】

【...】

The current growth rate of the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Technique was faster than before.

In the blink of an eye.

Two days had passed.

Jiang Ning pushed open the door to his room.

Heh.

Looking at the bright, clear sky, he exhaled a long breath of stale air.

Then he checked his interface.

【Primordial Essence】: 36887

The Essence Points, after constantly digesting the Heavenly Treasures he bought at the auction over the past two days, were approaching the thirty-thousand mark.

This was the highest point in his history.

However, for what he wanted to do, he still needed over ten thousand more points.

He wanted the Script Awakening to break through its limits.

And the Script Awakening was facing its twelfth breakthrough.

This level of breakthrough required not just a thousand or two thousand points, not even ten thousand or twenty thousand points, but an estimated fifty thousand points.

Fifty thousand points would require a significant sacrifice from him.

He had already consumed ten Scarlet Flame Blood Crystals and two five-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng roots.

Even so, the Essence Points were still not enough, and he was still short by over ten thousand points.

But the increase in Essence Points was only a supplementary boost. The main purpose was to replenish the energy consumed by his Second Blood Transformation and restore his condition.

By now, all the energy in his body had been fully restored, and he no longer felt any weakness.

His body, full of vitality and vigor, made him feel as if he could punch Xiao Qiushui to death.

He clenched his fist.

Pang!

The air cracked, and the sound of it being crushed echoed.

"Feels great!" Feeling the changes in his body and the surge in strength, he was thoroughly captivated.

Carefully sensing his body, he could feel the profound changes occurring within him under the nourishment of the new blood.

Especially after all the energy in his body was fully restored, the transformation of his physical body became more evident with a strong foundation.

He could feel the cells in his body constantly dividing, growing, and dying.

Dividing, growing, dying.

After each cycle of life, he became a little stronger.

Each cycle of division was a cycle of transformation.

Countless cells made up his living body.

Jiang Ning stood quietly at the door of his room, eyes slightly closed, savoring the changes in his body.

Savoring the evolution of life.

Feeling the gradual strengthening of his body under the nourishment of the new blood, this process captivated and entranced him.

In his heart, he felt immense enjoyment and pleasure.

The pleasure brought by the evolution of life, though not intense, was very lasting.

Especially after his body was fully restored, his sensations became clearer, and the transformation and evolution of his physical body became more evident.

Time passed bit by bit.

The fiery sun slowly rose from behind the mountain ridge, adding a touch of warmth to the world.

As the sun rose higher, the warmth turned into scorching heat.

A breeze blew, rustling the bamboo forest.

The warm wind brushed against his face.

After a long while.

Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes, which were bright and spirited, like beacons of light.

The changes brought by the Second Blood Transformation were even more evident this time.

Perhaps, the most miraculous aspect of the Third Rank Grandmaster was not the so-called unity with heaven and earth, nor the control of heavenly forces.

The true essence and marvel were the transformation of the physical body, the evolution of life, and the process of transcending the limits of human life.

Because life was evolving, the lifespan of a Third Rank Grandmaster started at two cycles of sixty years, easily surpassing the life expectancy limits of the previous era.

Breaking the life expectancy limits of the human race, this was evolution.

The evolution of life!!!

A thought flashed through Jiang Ning's mind, deepening his understanding.

What outsiders considered crucial, such as the control of heavenly forces and unity with heaven and earth, he now felt was not essential.

Those were just external forces.

As the books recorded.

In ancient times, the path of cultivation relied on external environments and external forces.

When the environment changed, the entire path was almost rendered useless.

Immortals and deities vanished from history.

Even if some geniuses could still walk that path today, due to the changes in the environment, their strength at any immortal level would be weaker by a tier or a level.

This was the result of severe dependence on external environments and external forces.

Compared to the ancient path of cultivation, martial arts were more focused on internal power, less dependent on external environments.

With this clearer new understanding, he felt that the path of martial arts was very much worth exploring.

Internal power.

Not relying on external forces, not depending on the environment, this resonated deeply with him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end