Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

In front of the government office.

Jiang Ning strode out.

"Master Hou!"

"Greetings, Lord Marquis!" Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu bowed to Jiang Ning.

“Lord Zhao and Brother Bai are being too formal! There’s no need for such formality between us!” Jiang Ning said.

Then he raised his hand to indicate, "Please come inside and we'll talk later."

“Okay!” The two nodded and followed Jiang Ning through the gate of the mansion.

The moment they entered the front yard, the two were immediately drawn to the plaque hanging in front of the main hall.

"Martial Arts Champion Under Heaven!" Bai Luoyu slowly uttered the four large characters on the plaque, her eyes filled with envy.

"The youngest martial arts champion!" he exclaimed with a look of emotion.

Zhao Yulong couldn't help but take a second look, drawn to the plaque.

"Your Excellency's trip to the capital this time is like a dragon emerging from the abyss, a dragon entering the sea," he said.

Jiang Ning shook his head helplessly: "But the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind! This trip has brought me disaster."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yulong immediately thought of what had just happened.

Although he couldn't recognize the figure shrouded in white light, he knew that the person had made a move because Jiang Ning had been attacked.

"My lord, who was that person just now?" Bai Luoyu asked, voicing the doubts that had been building up in her mind.

"Martial Saint!" Jiang Ning pondered for a moment before uttering those two words.

"Martial Saint?!" Bai Luoyu's pupils shrank, her face filled with shock.

Zhao Yulong, who was standing to the side, also looked shocked.

This answer was not what he had guessed.

"Yes!" Jiang Ning nodded in affirmation.

"It was actually this person," Zhao Yulong slowly exhaled, suppressing his turbulent emotions.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly again to indicate his approval.

"So, what are your plans for the future, Lord Marquis?" At this moment, the three of them entered the hall and sat down.

Green Ripple also brought over tea.

"Let's go back to the capital for the New Year first, and then return to Dongling City when spring arrives next year," Jiang Ning said.

“Lord Marquis should lay low for a while!” Zhao Yulong nodded in deep agreement: “With Lord Marquis having reached this point, certain figures will inevitably step in. The best option for Lord Marquis is to remain in the capital for the foreseeable future.”

Jiang Ning shook his head: "Although I am no longer the Inspector of Dongling County, I am now the Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture. It is both reasonable and emotional that I cannot stay in the capital for a long time, nor can I leave Zeshan Prefecture for an extended period."

Zhao Yulong nodded: "What you say makes sense, but in that case, your safety will be in question."

Jiang Ning smiled.

Just then, Lüyi hurriedly walked in again.

"Young master, Prefect Wang is requesting an audience outside the mansion."

Prefect Wang.

Upon hearing these three words, Jiang Ning immediately stood up.

“Lord Zhao, Brother Bai, please wait here for a moment.”

“Please do as you please, my lord!” Zhao Yulong said.

Jiang Ning immediately walked out of the hall.

Prefect Wang was Wang Shouyi, and also Wang Qingtan's father.

After a while.

He crossed the front yard and arrived at the gate of the mansion.

Their gazes immediately fell on the girl behind Wang Shouyi.

The girl wore a long, gold-red dress with a hem that almost covered her feet.

Beneath the hem of her skirt were patches of gold flakes resembling phoenix feathers.

The long dress was also adorned with gold sequins that resembled feathers.

Bathed in the afternoon sun, his entire body shimmered with golden light.

Standing in the pristine white snow, it resembles a phoenix bathed in sunlight, spreading its wings, exceptionally radiant and dazzling.

"Greetings, Lord Marquis!" Wang Shouyi immediately bowed to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning stepped forward and lifted Wang Shouyi's elbows with both hands.

“Prefect Wang, you’re too kind! There’s no need for such formalities between us.”

“Yes, I will!” Wang Shouyi nodded and continued, “Now that you are the Marquis of Dongling, the entire Dongling County is your fiefdom, and I will be your subordinate official from now on.”

"You're too kind, Prefect Wang. In the future, the entire Dongling Prefecture will rely on your help! As for me, Prefect Wang, just treat me as a mascot!" Jiang Ning said.

“Your Excellency is joking!” said Prefect Wang.

"Let's not talk about that for now. Prefect Wang, please come inside so we can discuss this further," Jiang Ning said.

"Okay!" Wang Shouyi nodded and then stepped through the gate.

Wang Qingtan followed behind, lifting the hem of her skirt with both hands, and the gold sequins clinked together, producing a series of crisp symphonic sounds.

As they passed each other, Wang Qingtan winked at Jiang Ning before continuing to follow Wang Shouyi.

After a while.

Front yard hall.

Wang Shouyi stepped across the threshold first and saw a huge charcoal brazier in the center of the hall. The charcoal was burning brightly, emitting bursts of blue and red flames, raising the temperature in the hall by several degrees and filling the hall with warmth.

"Prefect Wang!" Zhao Yulong got up early to greet him.

"Greetings, Prefect Wang!" Bai Luoyu followed closely behind.

"So you two arrived quite some time ago!" Wang Shouyi said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting.

At this moment, Wang Qingtan followed her father into the warm hall.

She first glanced at Jiang Ning with a radiant look, then turned to the other two guests in the hall.

With hands clasped at the waist, he gracefully performed a standard curtsy.

"Qingtan greets Lord Zhao and Lord Bai." Her voice was clear and melodious, like gold flakes gently clattering.

Her long, gold-red dress, adorned with phoenix-feather-like gold sequins, swayed slightly with her movements, shimmering even more brilliantly in the glow of the charcoal fire.

“Miss Wang, there’s no need for such formalities!” Zhao Yulong said immediately.

As the head of the Dongling County Inspectorate, and an official in the same city as the county governor Wang Shouyi, he was naturally familiar with the governor's daughter and also knew some of the relationship between Jiang Ning and Wang Qingtan.

Luo Yu returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his attitude even more polite: "I, Bai, greet Miss Wang."

He knew that Wang Shouyi was not only Jiangning's "father-in-law" but also the actual ruler of Dongling County, holding a very important position, so his daughter should not be neglected.

Moreover, Jiangning is now like a dragon emerging from the abyss, poised to enter the vast ocean.

Despite the crisis, the martial saint who had been living in seclusion for many years took the initiative to step in and support him.

With the protection of this martial saint, their future fate is unpredictable.

However, once they gain momentum, they will be among the world's top beings.

Because of his connection with Jiang Ning, he couldn't help but be more polite to the eldest daughter of the prefect's family.

"You two are too kind! I am unworthy of such hospitality!" Wang Qingtan returned the greeting once more.

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Qingtan quietly stood a little behind her father, Wang Shouyi, with her head bowed and eyes lowered, looking every bit the quiet and gentle lady.

Only when she occasionally glances at Jiang Ning does that spark of liveliness quietly appear in her eyes.

Wang Shouyi seemed quite satisfied with his daughter's performance. He stroked his short beard and smiled at Zhao and Bai, saying, "My daughter has been unruly and made you both laugh. Today, upon learning that the Marquis has returned to the manor, I brought her here to pay her respects to the Marquis, and it also happens to be a good opportunity for her to meet you two gentlemen."

His words were tactful, explaining Wang Qingtan's appearance and implying that Jiangning's return to the city was the most important matter in Dongling County at present, and that it was only natural for the father and daughter to come.

Just by listening, Jiang Ning began to think highly of Wang Shouyi. Under Wang Shouyi's management, Dongling County was now orderly and well-organized.

He is a truly capable and good official.

Their conversations and behavior were also very smooth.

In his view, only officials who are so shrewd and perceptive can get things done.

At this moment, Jiang Ning also returned to the main seat.

He gestured to everyone, "Please sit down, no need to stand on ceremony!"

"Thank you, Lord Marquis!" The three men bowed and expressed their gratitude before taking their seats.

"Thank you, Lord Marquis!" Wang Qingtan also bowed gracefully to Jiang Ning before sitting down sadly.

As she sat down, her skirt unfurled like flower petals.

The gold and red hues intertwined, and under the glow of the charcoal fire, it seemed as if rosy light was flowing across the hem of the skirt.

At this moment, Lüyi also served hot tea to the newly arrived Wang Shouyi and his daughter.

The charcoal fire crackled in the hall, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air. The somber atmosphere brought about by the earth-shattering events of the Martial Saint's appearance and the destruction of the blessed land seemed to have been somewhat diluted by the casual greeting and the warm fire.

Zhao Yulong took a sip of tea, looked at Wang Shouyi, and steered the conversation back to the main topic: "Prefect Wang, your arrival is timely. I was just discussing with the Marquis the Marquis's future conduct and safety."

"The Marquis intends to return to the capital for the time being and will return after the New Year."

"However, since Your Excellency is also serving as the Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture, it may be inappropriate for you to be away from the prefecture for an extended period of time. We are currently considering this matter."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouyi's expression also turned serious.

He nodded and said, "Lord Zhao's concerns are very valid. The Marquis is now a target of criticism, and today's attack is proof of that."

“The capital is under the emperor’s nose, full of talented people, and heavily guarded, making it a safer place. As for the duties of the governor…” He pondered for a moment, then looked at Jiang Ning, “Perhaps we can report to the court, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and request permission to allow the Marquis to use the capital as a base to remotely manage state affairs, and then personally handle important matters.”

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I believe that after experiencing the wrath of the Martial Saint today, His Majesty and the court should be able to understand the Marquis’s difficulties.”

Bai Luoyu interjected, "Prefect Wang's method is prudent. Besides, the Marquis's safety is no longer a private matter."

"The Martial Saint's swift action today, annihilating the Xuan Yuan Blessed Land, is not only to support the Marquis, but also to announce to the world. If the Marquis makes even the slightest mistake in Dongling, I fear..."

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood the unspoken meaning—that would likely provoke an even more unpredictable reaction from the Martial Saint.

Therefore, whether for public or private reasons, the imperial court and various forces probably want him to be in an absolutely safe environment even more than Jiang Ning himself does.

As Jiang Ning listened to their discussion, his fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the armrest of his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

He knew he was not good at officialdom, nor was he good at finding a suitable excuse for his dereliction of duty.

He simply felt that he should temporarily avoid confrontation and return to Dongling County after improving his own strength.

However, the actions he intended to take were described as reasonable, appropriate, and impeccably tactful by Wang Shouyi, Zhao Yulong, and Bai Luoyu.

“What you three say makes sense! Let’s do it your way!” Jiang Ning nodded.

“Since Your Excellency has made a decision, I will draft a few memorials for you to submit. Your Excellency need not trouble yourself with such trivial matters,” Wang Shouyi said.

"Then thank you very much, Prefect Wang!" Jiang Ning said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.

"You're too kind, Lord Marquis!" Wang Shouyi immediately stood up: "This is my duty."

"The three of you must not have had lunch yet, right? If not, why don't you have lunch at my house?" Jiang Ning said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yulong opened his mouth, a fleeting look of hesitation crossing his face, before nodding: "Since Your Excellency has extended an invitation, then I shall accept!"

"The three of you, please sit here with me for a while and warm yourselves by the fire. We're short-handed at home right now, so it will take a little more work," Jiang Ning said.

“My lord, we are short-handed. Why don’t you let me go to the kitchen to help?” Wang Qingtan said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning glanced sideways at him with a suspicious look.

“My lord, what my daughter said makes sense! My daughter is very talented in cooking, and this is a good opportunity for her to show off her skills!” Wang Shouyi said.

Jiang Ning nodded: "Then let Miss Qing Tan show off her skills!"

After a while.

The four of them were drinking tea in the front hall, while the charcoal fire in front of them burned bright red.

Every now and then sparks would fly up, accompanied by a "pop" sound.

Just then, Jiang Ning suddenly looked up at the sky outside.

Although the roof blocked his view, his gaze seemed to penetrate the obstacles in front of him and reach the sky outside.

"My lord, what's wrong?" Zhao Yulong noticed Jiang Ning's actions and asked.

“A Grandmaster has arrived!” Jiang Ning said.

"Grandmaster?" Zhao Yulong looked surprised, then immediately realized, "Could it be Lord Shen?"

“It must be him!” Jiang Ning nodded, then stood up and asked, “Would you all like to come with me to greet Grandmaster Shen?”

“Of course!” Zhao Yulong was the first to stand up.

Wang Shouyi and Bai Luoyu also stood up.

"Since Your Excellency has come out to greet us, how can we sit here putting on airs?" Wang Shouyi said with a smile.

The three then followed Jiang Ning out of the hall.

Step onto the clean walkway.

On both sides of the walkway were snowdrifts that had been cleared away with shovels.

Even from several meters away, separated by a wall and the mansion gate, Jiang Ning could still sense the extraordinary aura emanating from the entrance.

With each breath, the breath resonates with the heavens and earth.

This characteristic also indicates that the powerful individual who just landed outside is a second-grade Grandmaster.

After a while.

Jiang Ning pushed open the gate of the mansion, and a familiar figure came into view.

He wore a blue scholar's robe and had a refined and scholarly demeanor, bearing a resemblance to Shen Congyun.

This person was none other than Shen Wenyuan, the prefectural governor of Guangning Prefecture.

In Zeshan Prefecture, his status and power were second only to a few individuals.

This includes the governor of Zeshan Prefecture who recently passed away.

"Greetings, Lord Marquis!" Upon seeing Jiang Ning, Shen Wenyuan immediately stepped forward and bowed to him.

"You're too kind, Master Shen! Please go first!" Jiang Ning said, raising his hand.

"I am unworthy of the honor of being personally greeted by Your Excellency!" Shen Wenyuan said politely.

Then, he bowed to Wang Shouyi and the others one by one.

“Prefect Wang, Lord Zhao, and Inspector Bai.”

"I've met the Marquis!"

"I've met the Marquis!"

"."

The three of them bowed to Shen Wenyuan.

Like Jiang Ning, Shen Wenyuan also holds the title of Marquis Wenyuan, with his fiefdom being Xichuan County.

"Lord Shen, please!" Jiang Ning gestured with his hand.

"Please!" Shen Wenyuan gestured, and then the two walked together into the mansion.

Zhao Yulong, Wang Shouyi, and Bai Luoyu were one step behind.

"Did Lord Shen also see what just happened?" Jiang Ning asked.

“Yes!” Shen Wenyuan said, “Grandmasters resonate with the heavens and earth. No matter where they are in the thirty-six prefectures of the Nine Provinces, they can see that scene just now, and see the Martial Saint cross thousands of rivers and mountains to destroy the Xuan Yuan Blessed Land.”

At this point, Shen Wenyuan said with emotion, "I never expected that you would come to this point! Your rise to power has been too amazing, and in the current situation, it may not be a good thing."

“I know!” Jiang Ning nodded. (End of Chapter)