Chapter 85: Advancing in Martial Arts, Qi and Blood Perfection is Near!

Chapter 85: Advancing in Martial Arts, Qi and Blood Perfection is Near!

Outside Dongling City, by the Si River.

A rugged-looking man with a bushy beard asked, "Cao Rong, why are you letting me go?"

Cao Rong replied, "I've heard that even though you, Tian Buyi, are notorious, you're also known for your strong sense of honor and keeping your word."

Hearing Cao Rong's praise, the bearded man proudly said, "That's right! In the underworld, I'm known for my integrity. I always keep my word and never go back on it."

"Good!" Cao Rong said, "Then today, I'll spare your life, and you'll owe me a favor. Is that fair?"

Tian Buyi nodded, "Absolutely fair!"

Cao Rong continued, "I'll use this favor to ask you to do something for me!"

"No problem!" Tian Buyi, with his bushy beard, patted his chest, "You've saved my life by letting me go! Just tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to make it happen, even if it means risking my life."

Cao Rong nodded, "I want you to kill someone!"

"Who do you want me to kill?" Tian Buyi asked.

Cao Rong slid a scroll of white paper from his sleeve and tossed it to Tian Buyi.

Tian Buyi quickly caught the scroll and unrolled it.

After reading it, he nodded, "Easy! This person is just a low-ranked martial artist, a mere yellow-haired waiter. I can kill him with a single stone!"

Cao Rong said, "Once you complete this task, our debts will be settled, and we'll have no further dealings."

Tian Buyi grinned, revealing his yellow teeth, "I understand, Cao Rong. You're a rising official and don't want to be associated with a river bandit like me."

He patted his chest again, "Rest assured, Cao Rong. I'll do as you ask, and you won't hear from me again."

Cao Rong added, "Remember, don't make it too obvious. Create some trouble along the way, and then escape to Luoshui County to finish the job."

Tian Buyi laughed, "Understood! Don't worry, Cao Rong. I've done this a few times before. For a mere youngling, you're using me, which means you don't want the Cao family involved."

After saying this, Tian Buyi leaped into the surging river.

Plop!

With a splash, Tian Buyi's figure disappeared into the turbulent Si River.

Cao Rong stood silently by the river, watching the spot where Tian Buyi had disappeared, deep in thought.

"Jiang Ning, you've earned the trust of Shen Congyun! Now, my Cao family has a grudge against you!"

"In that case, you must stay away!"

"I don't want to gamble on your future or your kindness!"

"I hope you'll have a better rebirth in your next life!"

Then, Cao Rong turned and left.

Tian Buyi, the River Dragon, an eighth-level martial artist, was powerful enough in Cao Rong's eyes to crush Jiang Ning in his cradle.

Moreover, using Tian Buyi would ensure that no one would suspect Cao Rong if the deed was done well.

This way, even if Shen Congyun returned in the future, he wouldn't blame Cao Rong.

Cao Rong didn't want to gamble on Jiang Ning's future, regardless of the reason Shen Congyun valued him.

Furthermore, even if this matter caused trouble in the future, it wouldn't be for a few years.

In a few years, when facing Shen Congyun again, Cao Rong wouldn't fear him!

Three days later.

[Experience Points +1]



[Skill]: Five Animals Fist (Great Achievement 511/1000)



After completing a set of fist techniques.

Jiang Ning exhaled a turbid breath.

Then he walked to the side and picked up a large bowl.

Gurgle, gurgle—

As his throat moved, a bowl of sweet and refreshing well water entered his stomach.

The heat in his body instantly dissipated.

He then sensed the surging power of Qi and Blood within him and spoke to himself.

"I'll achieve Qi and Blood Perfection in just a day or two!"

"Today at the earliest, tomorrow at the latest."

Just then, a voice called out from the doorway, startling Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning turned to see Cheng Ran.

He smiled, "Long time no see, Cheng Ran."

Cheng Ran shook his head, "Don't call me 'Senior Brother.' From now on, you should call me 'Junior Brother.'"

"What do you mean?" Jiang Ning was puzzled.

Cheng Ran sighed, "How long will you keep this from me, Jiang Ning? Master Wang has already accepted you as his senior disciple, and I can only be considered a junior disciple now."

"Achieving Great Achievement in martial arts is truly difficult!"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning understood.

A few days ago, Wang Jin had told him that he would temporarily delay announcing his acceptance as a disciple to the martial arts academy to prevent Jiang Ning from attracting too much attention, as 'The tallest tree catches the most wind.'

Being too noticeable could invite unnecessary trouble, which wasn't always a good thing.

Jiang Ning had agreed at the time, as he was past the age of showing off.

Now, he just wanted to focus on martial arts and gradually build his strength.

He had no desire for unnecessary displays of prowess.

Cheng Ran's expression indicated that he had learned about Wang Jin accepting Jiang Ning as his senior disciple.

Jiang Ning asked, "How did you find out?"

Cheng Ran said, "Don't worry about how I know, but please don't call me 'Senior Brother' anymore. I can't handle that now."

"I'll call you Cheng Brother then!" Jiang Ning said.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ran hesitated and slowly nodded, "That's fine too!"

He breathed a sigh of relief.

To be honest, he had been called 'Junior Brother' by Jiang Ning for over a month, but now, being suddenly addressed as such, he found it hard to accept all at once.

Jiang Ning's new way of addressing him relieved some of the pressure he felt.

Cheng Ran then said, "Master Wang has just announced that he has formally accepted you as his true disciple. From now on, we, as his named disciples, should address you as Senior Brother!"

Cheng Ran sighed, "It's truly unbelievable. You've only been here for a short while, yet you've surpassed me and become Master Wang's true disciple."

"No wonder that big shot Shen Congyun took notice of you the other day and even personally intervened to rescue you from the Cao family."

Hearing Cheng Ran's words, Jiang Ning could only smile.

At this moment, Cheng Ran's gaze fell on the stone table beside the courtyard.

"This blade belonged to Senior Brother Jiang, and it seems he already had it before he became Master Wang's true disciple."

"Then, they waited so many days before informing us."

Jiang Ning nodded in agreement, not denying it, "Cheng Brother, your observation is indeed detailed. The facts are as you say."

Cheng Ran smiled wryly, "The gap between people is truly vast! After seeing Senior Brother Jiang, I finally understand what it means to be a genius! It suddenly makes me feel like my hard work in martial arts is meaningless."

"With Senior Brother Jiang's talent, I could never catch up in a lifetime."

"Not only is Senior Brother Jiang talented, but he's also so kind-hearted. I can't help but feel discouraged."

Seeing this, Jiang Ning patted Cheng Ran's shoulder and said, "Cheng Brother, you shouldn't compare yourself to others. In this world, there's always a higher mountain and a greater person. When comparing oneself to others, who can truly surpass everything?"

Cheng Ran said, "The Martial Sage can!"

Jiang Ning smiled ambiguously, not refuting the statement.

Then he said, "The key is to focus on oneself and set personal goals. As long as you surpass yourself step by step and break through your limits, one day, you might achieve unexpected success!"

"Moreover, Cheng Brother, with your wide network, I believe you can see that this world is becoming more chaotic!"

"In times of chaos, strength is the most important!"

"Wealth is but a fleeting possession!"

Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Cheng Ran was stunned for a moment.

After a long pause, he clasped his hands together and bowed to Jiang Ning.

"Senior Brother Jiang, your words truly resonate with me!"

"Senior Brother Jiang is right! Setting personal goals and surpassing oneself is the right path."

"I've heard a Grandmaster say those words before."

"That Grandmaster said that he had set personal goals and surpassed himself, breaking through his limits."

"When he looked back, he realized that all the geniuses who once rivaled him were left far behind."

Jiang Ning smiled, "That's the truth! As long as we keep surpassing ourselves and making progress, we will eventually reap the rewards."

Cheng Ran said, "Senior Brother Jiang is right, this world is indeed becoming more chaotic!"

"Recently, there was another rebellion in White Mountain Province, and after it was suppressed, the Black Gale Army that had been roaming there is now said to have reached our Dongling County."

"In these turbulent times, strength is indeed necessary."

After saying this, Cheng Ran bowed to Jiang Ning again.

As he bowed, a white paper slipped out of his sleeve and fell to the ground by Jiang Ning's feet.

Jiang Ning picked it up, "Cheng Brother, hold on to this!"

At that moment, his gaze inadvertently swept across the paper.

"This is..."

He paused, then quickly scanned it.

Then, he looked at Cheng Ran, "Cheng Brother, is this for me?"

Cheng Ran took the paper from Jiang Ning's hand and smiled bitterly, "It was originally prepared for Senior Brother Jiang. I asked my father to approve an investment for Senior Brother Jiang, to repay a favor. But now, it seems unnecessary!"

"Senior Brother Jiang was already valued by Shen Lord, and my family's resources can't compare to his."

After saying this, Cheng Ran tore the paper into pieces.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning's mouth opened slightly, about to speak.

Then, he sighed inwardly and muttered to himself, "Forget it!"

"Shen Congyun has helped me so much, and he even said to find Lin Qingyi after I achieve Qi and Blood Perfection."

"This should be considered his investment in me. Since I've accepted it, it wouldn't be appropriate to accept Cheng Ran's investment as well."

"And I don't know if Cheng Ran's offer is sincere or not."

At this thought, Jiang Ning fell silent.

After tearing up the paper, Cheng Ran put the pieces in his pocket.

Then he said, "Senior Brother Jiang, would you mind going to the front yard to greet the other disciples? They all want to meet you!"

Jiang Ning nodded, "Sure!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end