After summarizing the lessons from the recent sparring session, Jiang Ning continued practicing his fist techniques in his courtyard.
Since moving into the martial arts school and having his small courtyard, he had spent most of his time practicing here.
Especially after achieving some success in his fist techniques, he rarely went to the front courtyard of the school.
The initial and proficient levels of the Five Animals Fist weren't easily noticeable to ordinary disciples.
But once the fist techniques reached minor mastery, every move and stance began to exude a sense of fluidity. Moreover, as his qi and blood gradually strengthened, the powerful qi and blood during practice became more apparent.
In such a situation, disciples like Xiao Peng, who were quite skilled, could easily sense something unusual.
Jiang Ning didn't want to reveal his progress too early to people like Xiao Peng, as it would only bring trouble.
As for Cheng Ran, it was different. After these days of interaction, Jiang Ning developed a certain level of trust in him. He knew Cheng Ran was a decent person and worth befriending.
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
After completing a round of fist techniques, Jiang Ning opened his panel to take a look.
[Name]: Jiang Ning
[Source Energy]: 9.2
[Skills]:
Literacy (First Breakthrough: 568/2000) (Trait: Photographic Memory)
Five Animals Fist (Minor Mastery: 39/500)
Woodchopping Saber Technique (Perfection: 1000/1000)
Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique (Mastered: 18/1000)
By today, he had made significant progress.
His qi and blood had circulated through more than one arm, and he was more than halfway through circulating the second arm.
The refinement of qi and blood also brought about an increase in strength and physical constitution.
Since mastering the Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique, he could only absorb the essence of the sun from sunrise until the eighth mark of the Mao hour (around 7:00 AM).
As a result, he had only gained 12 experience points for the Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique today. Although this was less than the experience gained from absorbing the essence at sunrise on the first day, he felt his progress was still quite noticeable.
Absorbing the more intense solar essence significantly enhanced the functionality of his internal organs, making them stronger and his stamina more enduring.
Every day, Jiang Ning could feel himself improving.
Moreover, his rate of progress didn't slow down as he advanced, unlike others who often plateaued.
Whether in the early or later stages, his progress remained steady, step by step, breaking through barriers consistently.
"Just two more days. In two days, the energy I've accumulated will allow me to break through the limits of my Woodchopping Saber Technique!"
"The addition of saber technique traits should help improve my strength! With that, my power will advance further."
"Additionally, my progress in literacy has surpassed a quarter of the way! I can't ignore the new traits and the enhancement of mental strength this skill brings."
Looking at his panel, Jiang Ning murmured to himself.
"If I could get my hands on precious medicinal herbs like wild ginseng again, my progress would be even faster!"
Thinking this, Jiang Ning felt a surge of anticipation.
Today, Zhou Xing would show up.
Once he met Zhou Xing, he could purchase the wild ginseng that would greatly aid his progress.
Outside, a ten-year-old wild ginseng cost about fifteen taels of silver, but from Zhou Xing, it would only cost ten taels.
With such a low price and high cost-effectiveness, it was only natural for Jiang Ning to choose to buy the ginseng from Zhou Xing.
Although this might seem like incurring a favor, in Jiang Ning's eyes, what was a favor compared to the current benefits?
Seizing every opportunity to grow rapidly and gain sufficient self-protection was the most important thing.
Being able to protect himself and those he cared about was the ultimate truth.
The saying "pride comes before a fall" was something he had deeply understood in his previous life!
Afterward, Jiang Ning continued practicing the Five Animals Fist in his courtyard, over and over again.
Each round of practice increased his experience by one point. At the minor mastery level, the Five Animals Fist allowed him to condense three strands of qi and blood within his body.
Now that his Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique had reached the mastered level, enhancing his internal organs, Jiang Ning could feel that the number of times he could practice each day was increasing.
Stronger organ functionality gave him greater endurance and faster recovery.
At the same time, his appetite had also grown larger.
For martial artists, having a big appetite was a good thing.
Only by eating more could one intake enough energy to support their growth.
During dinner with Wang Jin the previous night, Jiang Ning noticed that Wang Jin had already sensed his unusual appetite. However, Wang Jin didn't say much at the time, only encouraging him to eat more and not hold back.
Lunchtime
Everyone gathered around a rectangular table, sitting on either side, with Wang Jin seated at the head.
On the table were large bowls of steamed buns, vegetables, and a bowl of fatty meat for each person. This was the daily lunch provided by the Canglang Martial Arts School.
The buns and vegetables were unlimited, but each person only got one bowl of meat, ensuring that every disciple had some protein and fat in their diet.
This way, they wouldn't easily wear themselves out from training.
After a whole morning of practicing, everyone was ravenous.
As soon as they sat down, they began devouring the food on the table.
At the head of the table, Wang Jin sipped tea after his meal, cleansing his palate.
He watched the disciples wolfing down their food with a calm expression, occasionally nodding in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a disciple hurried into the hall from outside.
He approached Wang Jin, cupped his hands, and bowed.
"Master, someone named Shen Congyun is here to visit."
"Shen Congyun?"
Wang Jin's expression showed surprise as he abruptly stood up.
The chair behind him shifted with a loud thud.
The commotion naturally drew everyone's attention, including Jiang Ning's.
Shen Congyun?
Hearing the name, Jiang Ning was also slightly surprised.
Shen Congyun was the deputy head of the Wanhua Tower branch in Luoshui County.
Although he was only a deputy, Wanhua Tower was a superpower spread across the nine provinces of the Great Xia Empire. Almost every city, prefecture, and county had a Wanhua Tower.
Wanhua Tower's business was simple: catering to martial artists.
They sold everything from martial arts manuals and precious herbs to divine weapons, protective armor, and even intelligence.
At Wanhua Tower, as long as you had enough silver, you could buy most of the resources needed for martial arts training.
From entry-level techniques to the fundamental methods of becoming a grandmaster, everything was available for the right price.
With such a vast influence, even though Shen Congyun was just a deputy in a small county branch, his status and position in Luoshui County were extremely high. In the eyes of the local nobility, he was a true big shot.
Even the county magistrate, a seventh-rank official, and the three major local families Cao, Liu, and Xie had to show him some respect.
The reason Wanhua Tower could spread across the empire was their commitment to neutrality and harmonious business practices. They never interfered in conflicts between other factions.
Only by maintaining absolute neutrality could they earn the trust of all parties.
In the Great Xia Empire, no matter how powerful a force was, who could rival the imperial court?
"Strange, why would Shen Congyun come to visit Master?" Cheng Ran, sitting next to Jiang Ning, muttered in confusion.
"Brother Jiang, do you know?" he then turned to ask Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning shook his head slightly. "How would I know?"
"Could it be because of that matter?" Cheng Ran pondered.
"What matter?" Jiang Ning asked.
Cheng Ran explained, "I heard that recently because the Inspection Bureau is about to open, many forces in the county are investing in potential candidates. After all, as you know, once we successfully join the bureau, backed by the Martial Sage and wielding the power of life and death, it's like a fish leaping through the Dragon Gate."
"Investing before joining is like offering help in times of need it's a favor, and many people are happy to do it."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.
"That's indeed a good investment, with high cost-effectiveness."
Cheng Ran added, "But what's strange is, with Shen Congyun's status as the deputy head of Wanhua Tower, even if Wanhua Tower wanted to invest, why would he personally get involved?"
"Moreover, as far as I know, Wanhua Tower rarely invests in talent. They only invest in true martial geniuses."
"A county-level Inspection Bureau isn't worth Wanhua Tower going to such lengths, nor is it worth someone like Shen Congyun getting involved. Wanhua Tower probably doesn't see much return in such investments, even if successful."
Meanwhile
Wang Jin walked out of the hall.
Shen Congyun.
Thinking of this person, Wang Jin felt a surge of excitement.
Having been stuck at the peak of the seventh rank for many years, with Shen Congyun's help, he finally saw a chance to advance further.
He quickened his pace, swiftly crossing the courtyard and heading toward the school's main gate.
As he stepped over the threshold, Wang Jin saw a middle-aged man in a gray robe, with a scholarly appearance and slightly graying temples, standing outside.
"Brother Shen!"
Wang Jin walked toward Shen Congyun, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Brother Wang!" The man, who appeared to be in his forties, smiled warmly and returned the gesture.
"Brother Shen, why didn't you inform me of your visit in advance? I could have prepared some good wine and meat to welcome you!"
Shen Congyun smiled. "My sudden visit is rather presumptuous."
"You're being too polite. Since we address each other as brothers, my home is your home. Feel free to come anytime."
Hearing this, Shen Congyun smiled. "Brother Wang, aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Please, please, after you!" Wang Jin gestured, and the two walked side by side into the martial arts school.
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