By the lakeside.
Watching the departing figures of Shen Congyun and Lin Qingyi, Jiang Ning retracted his gaze and turned his attention to the few golden sheets of paper in his hand.
The subsequent cultivation methods of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique?
This should be of help to me as well.
Afterward, he carefully studied the golden sheets that recorded the follow-up cultivation methods of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique.
[Literacy Experience +1]
[Literacy Experience +1]
[Literacy Experience +1]
[...]
In the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Jiang Ning had thoroughly read through the contents of the golden sheets.
With his photographic memory, the contents were deeply engraved in his mind, as if carved with a knife and chisel.
"After the initial stage, one must absorb the essence of the sun to refine the internal organs. However, the solar essence after sunrise is extremely violent and unbearable for ordinary people. As expected, there is a guiding method for this," Jiang Ning murmured to himself.
He felt a surge of excitement.
With this guiding method, from now on, his efficiency in absorbing solar essence to refine his internal organs would greatly increase.
This would also boost his experience gain, and the time required for breakthroughs in the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique would shorten due to the increased efficiency.
This would undoubtedly accelerate his growth in strength.
After all, the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique was a peerless skill, a method for refining the internal organs.
Internal strengthening was typically a realm reached only at the fifth rank of martial arts.
At this level, one could strengthen their internal organs, endure prolonged battles, possess immense stamina, and even condense internal energy to strike enemies from a distance.
The most powerful among them could condense their internal energy into a blade-like force, capable of cutting through a thousand armored soldiers with a single strike.
Although this peerless skill lacked a complete method for perfection, based on Jiang Ning's current understanding, as long as he could advance the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique to the mastery level, he would be able to achieve the realm of "thunderous organs" and "blade-like internal energy."
At this moment, after finishing his reading, Jiang Ning also understood why Shen Congyun had helped him.
It was because he had reached the initial stage of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique.
Mastering a peerless skill in such a short time was, in Jiang Ning's view, the reason Shen Congyun had decided to assist him.
Perhaps in Shen Congyun's eyes, once Jiang Ning's Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique reached mastery, he would smoothly advance beyond the fifth rank of martial arts and enter the fourth rank.
This potential for the future was what made Shen Congyun willing to help him now.
Even though Jiang Ning had some inkling of this, he was still immensely grateful for Shen Congyun's assistance today.
Without Shen Congyun's intervention, today's events would have ended badly for him.
His elder brother and sister-in-law's family would likely have met a tragic end.
Even if Jiang Ning could have sought revenge in the future, it would only have served to soothe his conscience.
Thanks to Shen Congyun's intervention, according to Cao Rong's earlier words, his elder brother's family should now be safe.
Recalling everything that had happened today, Jiang Ning clenched his fists tightly.
"Without sufficient strength, one is like a drifting weed in the wind, unable to control their destiny!" he sighed inwardly.
"Thankfully, a figure like Shen Congyun stepped in to intervene!" Thinking of this, he felt a wave of relief.
In the next moment, he tightened his grip on the golden sheets recording the follow-up cultivation methods of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique.
"This technique cannot be underestimated. I must not fall behind!"
"If I can reach the minor mastery level in the future, I will be able to condense internal energy ahead of time. At the major mastery level, my internal energy will become blade-like, possessing unstoppable power."
"By then, even if I only reach the eighth rank of martial arts, I will have the strength to kill Cao Rong."
"I won't have to experience the same sense of helplessness as today!!"
"That feeling of having my life and fate controlled by others!!"
Jiang Ning silently vowed in his heart.
His gaze fell on his status panel.
[Skill]: Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique (Initial Stage 31/1000)
Moreover, given the unique nature of my panel, even though I previously lacked the follow-up methods after the initial stage, I was still able to grind experience with this technique.
Now, even if the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique lacks a complete method for perfection, with the help of my panel, I might still be able to push this peerless skill to its ultimate level.
If I truly achieve perfection, I might possess unimaginable power!
After all, this is a peerless skill!!!
Thinking of this, Jiang Ning couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.
Canglang Martial Hall
As Jiang Ning's figure appeared, everyone looked at him with envy.
"He's so lucky to have caught the attention of someone as important as Shen, the Deputy Tower Master!"
"Yeah!"
A few people whispered among themselves.
Cheng Ran also looked at Jiang Ning with envy.
Then, he approached Jiang Ning.
"Junior Brother Jiang, Master Wang said to go to the backyard and see him when you return."
Jiang Ning nodded. "Senior Brother Cheng, thank you for earlier!"
Seeing Jiang Ning's sincere expression, Cheng Ran lightly punched his chest.
"Junior Brother Jiang, don't be so formal. I was too late to inform you! Thankfully, Master Wang stepped in."
"And... Deputy Tower Master Shen also stood up for you!"
Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.
"Yes! Thanks to Master and Deputy Tower Master Shen's help, I really wouldn't have known what to do otherwise!"
He sighed, then said, "Senior Brother Cheng, I'll go see Master now!"
"Alright!" Cheng Ran nodded.
Martial Hall Backyard
"Master!"
Wang Jin looked at Jiang Ning and nodded slightly. "What are your thoughts on today's events?"
Jiang Ning replied, "Without strength, one can only be at the mercy of others."
Wang Jin nodded. "You're right. Without strength, one can only be at the mercy of others."
At this, Wang Jin sighed again.
"You don't know how arrogant Cao Rong is. With his achievements, seventh-rank martial arts, and perfected tendon refinement, his strength ranks among the top five in Luoshui County. Even I am beneath his notice."
"But as soon as Deputy Tower Master Shen appeared, Cao Rong immediately backed down."
"This is the status that power brings."
Jiang Ning said, "I understand. I will work even harder from now on."
Wang Jin smiled. "There's no need to overdo it. You're already working hard enough! But remember, the path of martial arts has no end. Even the Martial Sage, who stands above all, has not reached the limit."
"I hope you can always maintain your initial heart, advancing courageously and diligently. Don't become complacent or arrogant after achieving some success in the future."
Jiang Ning cupped his hands in respect. "I will remember Master's teachings."
Hearing this, Wang Jin nodded slightly again.
Then he added, "Deputy Tower Master Shen, as the Deputy Tower Master of Wanhua Tower in this region, is not allowed to interfere in local conflicts according to the rules of Wanhua Tower. Today, he broke those rules to help you. You must remember his kindness."
Jiang Ning said, "I understand! I am not an ungrateful person."
Wang Jin continued, "But the fact that Deputy Tower Master Shen was willing to risk breaking Wanhua Tower's rules to help you shows how much he values you. You must seize this opportunity firmly."
"In life, such great opportunities are rare. Once missed, they are truly gone, and regret will be too late."
"Seizing this opportunity is extremely important for you."
Jiang Ning nodded again. "I understand! I will remember Master's teachings."
Wang Jin looked at Jiang Ning before him and nodded in satisfaction.
Then, after a moment of hesitation, he spoke again.
"Do you know why Deputy Tower Master Shen suddenly decided to help you?"
Hearing this and sensing Wang Jin's curiosity, Jiang Ning smiled inwardly.
Then he said, "It's because of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique."
Before Jiang Ning could say more, Wang Jin exclaimed in surprise, "The Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique?"
Jiang Ning nodded. "Yes, Deputy Tower Master Shen saw that I had reached the initial stage of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique, which is why he was willing to help me."
At this, Wang Jin finally understood.
"So that's it! It was because of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique. Now I fully understand!" He nodded slowly, then looked at Jiang Ning again. "A few days ago, when you entered the study, you must have seen the incomplete pages of the Internal Elixir Nourishment Technique that I left on the desk."
"Yes," Jiang Ning nodded again, then added, "I secretly practiced this technique. Please punish me, Master!"
Looking at Jiang Ning, who had lowered his head, Wang Jin laughed. "Punish you? For what? This is a good thing! I, too, was only able to learn this special internal strengthening method because I am a naturally gifted individual."
"Now, you, my disciple, have also caught Deputy Tower Master Shen's attention for the same reason."
"This is quite a coincidence!"
Wang Jin looked at Jiang Ning, feeling more and more satisfied.
To be valued by Shen Congyun, Jiang Ning's martial talent was undoubtedly exceptional. Moreover, like Wang Jin himself, Jiang Ning was a naturally gifted individual.
Now, with Shen Congyun's help, it was clear that Jiang Ning's future achievements would be extraordinary.
Then, Wang Jin recalled the scene from earlier.
He had sensed the power of the Ninefold Force within Jiang Ning.
Thinking of this, Wang Jin suddenly spoke.
"By the way, if I'm not mistaken, you've mastered the Ninefold Force, haven't you?"
Jiang Ning replied truthfully, "Yes, I recently achieved the initial stage of the Canglang Blade Technique and mastered the Ninefold Force."
Hearing Jiang Ning's confirmation, a glint of surprise flashed in Wang Jin's eyes.
Even though he had already sensed this earlier, hearing it directly from Jiang Ning still left him somewhat astonished.
It had only been a few days since he had given Jiang Ning the martial manual, and now his disciple had already achieved the initial stage of the blade technique and condensed the Ninefold Force.
Recalling Jiang Ning's actions over the past few days and the events of today, Wang Jin felt as though he had stumbled upon a treasure.
He had taken on such a disciple, one who could inherit his legacy and carry it forward.
Then, Wang Jin said, "Let me feel the Ninefold Force you've mastered again."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning placed his palm on Wang Jin's right arm, and a strand of force flowed through their contact into Wang Jin's body.
Wang Jin felt the immense power contained within this force.
It was indeed the Ninefold Force!
Wang Jin's heart surged with waves of emotion.
After a moment, he steadied himself and looked at Jiang Ning, who stood as straight as a pine tree before him. A trace of emotion flashed in his eyes.
"Master, what's wrong?" Sensing Wang Jin's emotions, Jiang Ning asked.
Wang Jin shook his head. "It's nothing. Earlier, I said that if you mastered the force, I would help you. Come see me tomorrow. I'll make some preparations for you today."
"Thank you, Master!" Jiang Ning's face lit up with joy as he cupped his hands in gratitude.
Wang Jin added, "You need to further improve your strength. Don't place all your hopes on Deputy Tower Master Shen. He broke Wanhua Tower's rules to help you, and he may face consequences soon."
"Once something happens, the Cao family might also change their stance, especially since today's events have created a rift."
Jiang Ning listened with a serious expression.
"I understand!"
Wang Jin smiled. "No need to be so serious. This is just a possibility!"
Then he waved his hand at Jiang Ning. "Alright, you may go now. Attend to your matters."
"Yes, Master!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands and prepared to leave the backyard.
"Wait!" Wang Jin called out again. "You can go home today and see your family. With Deputy Tower Master Shen's intervention, your elder brother's family should be released."
Jiang Ning nodded and left Wang Jin's backyard, his heart filled with anticipation.
Although Wang Jin hadn't explicitly stated how he would help, Jiang Ning could guess some of it.
Moreover, regardless of the method Wang Jin chose, it would undoubtedly accelerate his growth in strength.
His source energy points would also increase at a faster rate.
This thought filled Jiang Ning with even greater anticipation.
Since his Firewood Chopping Blade Technique had already maxed out its experience, as long as he had enough source energy points, he could undergo a second breakthrough and gain new traits.
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