Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

East courtyard.

The falling snow accentuated Jiangning at this moment.

People and scenery seem to blend into one.

rustling --

The sound of snow being crushed came from afar, and the footsteps grew closer.

at this time.

Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes and saw Lü Yi standing in the middle of the snow, wearing a green fur quilt, with fine snowflakes on her head.

"Young master, the carriages and horses are ready, and we can depart at any time," said Lüyi.

Looking around, a hint of reluctance appeared on her face: "Young master, are you really leaving so soon? The snow hasn't stopped yet."

"The roads will be even harder to travel once the snow stops," Jiang Ning said casually, then stood up.

With a flick of his robes, snowflakes danced in the air: "The sooner the better. With Xie Xiaojiu and the others, as well as Prefect Wang, looking out for us in Dongling City, there won't be any major trouble."

“Living in Dongling for too long might actually bring trouble! I don’t want to bring trouble to this city.”

His gaze swept over the familiar courtyard, over the thin ice on the lake, over the snow-laden branches, the stillness concealing an impending storm.

He was well aware that the Martial Saint's intervention had bought him time, but it was also like throwing a boulder into a calm lake; beneath the ripples, the undercurrents would only become more turbulent.

The capital city, right under the emperor's nose, is a place teeming with powerful figures, a den of dragons and tigers, where various forces intertwine most closely and engage in the fiercest power struggles.

Hiding there is not only a way to temporarily avoid the sharp edge, but also a way to actively step into a more complex game of chess with more concentrated information.

The chaos in the Great Xia Dynasty stemmed from these two individuals.

One of them is a martial arts saint.

One of them is the current Emperor Changning.

Based on his previous understanding, the Changning Emperor wouldn't last much longer.

This trip to the capital might draw him into another vortex.

But rather than bringing potential disaster to Dongling City, he would rather actively participate in that vortex.

"Let's go," he said again.

“Yes, young master!” Green Ripple replied, without any further doubt.

The snowfall subsided slightly as the carriage drove out of Dongling City.

Jiang Ning's departure did not alarm many people; only Lü Yi and Zhong Ling accompanied him.

As the car passed the city gate, its wheels crunched over the snow, making a soft, creaking sound, and it drove further and further away.

On the city wall, several figures silently watched the convoy disappear at the end of the official road.

Wang Shouyi and Zhao Yulong stood side by side.

"Does Lord Wang think his trip to the capital will be a blessing or a curse?" Zhao Yulong asked.

Wang Shouyi's insightful gaze revealed: "Fortune and misfortune are intertwined. Wang can provide temporary protection, but he can also attract more attention and killing intent. However, what he may need more is a safe environment and a faster channel to acquire resources. He has been very short of money throughout his growth!"

Thinking of the money missing from his warehouse, Wang Shouyi gave a helpless, bitter smile.

It is difficult to guard against domestic thieves.

He had no choice but to go along with it.

“His entry into the capital will inevitably embroil him in another major event. Based on my understanding, His Majesty will find it difficult to hold out until the spring!” Wang Shouyi said.

"Does Lord Wang mean that his trip to the capital will draw him into this quagmire?" Zhao Yulong asked.

“Of course it is!” Wang Shouyi said, “I have heard that he has a private engagement with the Seventeenth Princess, and the news that came from the capital some time ago also confirmed this! The Seventeenth Princess is also the Eighth Prince’s younger sister, and the Eighth Prince is in a difficult situation now. If he goes to the capital, given his personality, how can he stay out of trouble?”

"Lord Wang certainly has a lot to consider!" Zhao Yulong chuckled at Wang Shouyi, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Wang Shouyi smiled helplessly: "I only have two daughters!"

Inside the carriage.

Jiang Ning closed his eyes and concentrated his mind, focusing on his spiritual realm.

Within the spiritual realm, the illusory images of stars appeared, then vanished and shattered, transforming into burning celestial bodies.

Then the celestial bodies burned up completely, and everything returned to nothingness.

Immediately, flowers bloomed in the void, all trees grew, and all things began to compete.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter cycle, and day and night alternate.

Everything is in a constant cycle of destruction and decay, and all things return to nothingness.

Only he himself remains an eternal and unchanging figure.

Amidst the constant disillusionment, he sensed the true spirit imprint within his soul radiating a dazzling light, with specks of spiritual light scattering and merging with his soul.

At the same time, prompts would occasionally appear in front of you.
[Lingtai Cave Illumination of True Self Dharma Experience Points +10]

【.】

Compared to before, the experience points gained from each hint have decreased slightly, but progress is still incredibly fast.

At this moment, he felt no ripples in his heart and continued to cultivate the Lingtai Dongzhao Zhenwo Fa (Lingtai Cave Illumination True Self Method).

The wheels beneath their feet also drove onto the official road.

Compared to ordinary roads, there was not much snow on the official road.

The road beneath the official road is paved with special stones, the heat naturally carried by which can melt the snow falling from the sky.

The carriage was warm and comfortable, with soft carpets on the floor.

In the charcoal brazier in the middle, the charcoal fire was burning brightly, with faint flames rising.

Suddenly, Jiang Ning opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming.

"Young master, what's wrong?" Green Ripple asked.

“Someone’s coming!” Jiang Ning said.

As he spoke, he got up from inside the carriage.

Then he swept aside the heavy, hanging carriage curtain.

As he got onto the vehicle, he immediately spotted a figure on a protruding stone tablet by the roadside ahead.

At that moment, the two BMWs pulling the trailers seemed to be suppressed by an invisible force and suddenly stopped.

The entire carriage came to an abrupt stop on the road.

"Young Master!" Green Ripple poked her head out.

“Wait for me here!” Jiang Ning said.

He then leaped and landed lightly on the snow without leaving a trace.

Immediately, he walked away, stepping on the snow on both sides of the road.

People passed by without leaving a trace, not even a mark on the snow.

Xia Xuanyan remained calm as he watched this scene unfold. In just a few breaths, Jiang Ning arrived before Xia Xuanyan.

"Lord Dongling, it's been a long time!" Xia Xuanyan jumped down from the boulder and said with a smile.

"What brings Patriarch Xia to see me?" Jiang Ning asked calmly, showing no surprise at Xia Xuanyan's presence.

Because Xia Xuanyan's presence at this moment distorted the surrounding magnetic field, allowing him to feel that the invisible energy in the world was distorted because of Xia Xuanyan's presence.

But he could sense that Xia Xuanyan's figure was somewhat illusory and blurry at this moment, unlike the real one he had seen last time.

Even with the distortion caused by the invisible field, it was clear that Xia Xuanyan was not present in person at this moment.

He didn't know what methods were used.

But he understood that Xia Xuanyan still possessed considerable strength in this state.

That invisible field is the proof.

It was precisely because of the existence of this invisible field that he was able to sense the abnormality of this place from a great distance, even while inside the carriage.

"Lord Dongling, shall we have a talk?" Xia Xuanyan said.

"Okay!" Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Let's go!" Xia Xuanyan said.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Lord Dongling, do you understand the situation you are in now?" Xia Xuanyan asked as he walked through the snow.

“Patriarch Xia, please speak frankly!” Jiang Ning said.

"Alright, then I'll get straight to the point!" Xia Xuanyan nodded and continued, "Two days ago, that Martial Saint in his later years appeared in the world because of you and destroyed the Xuan Yuan Blessed Land in one fell swoop. Such an action caused an uproar among all the grotto heavens and blessed lands. No one expected that he would come out of the mountains again in his later years to personally support you and destroy the ancient Xuan Yuan Blessed Land."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning continued to look at Xia Xuanyan.

Seeing this, Xia Xuanyan stopped and continued, "That Martial Saint in his later years valued you so much that you were put on the kill list of many forces."

"With his protection, who can kill me? Who dares to kill me?" Jiang Ning said bluntly, his words sharp and ruthless.

Xia Xuanyan smiled faintly: "He is still alive, so no one dares to touch you. With his strength, he can trace the truth in an instant, and no one can cover up the facts in his hands! We don't need to risk our lineage and heritage because of you."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning felt reassured.

His sharp and outspoken remarks were intended to glean information from Xia Xuanyan.

After all, he knew that Xia Xuanyan, as a Nascent Soul expert and the head of the Xia family in the Xuanhuang Great Cave Heaven, knew much more about things than he did.

Especially news about those blessed lands and grottoes.

Upon hearing Xia Xuanyan's words, he immediately realized that as long as the Martial Saint remained safe, he was likely to be secure.

As Xia Xuanyan said, with the Xuan Yuan Blessed Land ahead and that Martial Saint already in his twilight years, who would be willing to bear the wrath of this man before his death?

Those forces wouldn't risk their own traditions and heritage by killing them.

Because no one wants to follow in the footsteps of Xuan Yuan Blessed Land.

Moreover, that Martial Saint was invincible for over eight hundred years and suppressed the world for over eight hundred years, so no one would doubt the strength of that Martial Saint.

Even in their later years, no one is willing to take that risk.

Various thoughts flashed through his mind.

Then, he looked at Xia Xuanyan and said, "Patriarch Xia, please speak frankly!"

He continued, "If you continue like this, you will face a dead end! I can show you a way to survive."

“Please speak, Patriarch Xia!” Jiang Ning said.

Hearing Jiang Ning's calm tone, Xia Xuanyan nodded immediately and then said, "My Xuanhuang Cave Heaven is a great cave heaven. Among all the cave heavens, there are only a handful with stronger foundations than Xuanhuang Cave Heaven, no more than two hands' worth."

“If you are outside, once that Martial Saint passes away, a powerful figure will surely step in to kill you and prevent you from growing up and becoming the second Martial Saint.”

Jiang Ning asked, "Then where is the way out that Patriarch Xia mentioned?"

He then continued, "According to what Patriarch Xia said, the Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven is only one of the top ten grotto heavens. Above the Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven, there are several grotto heavens whose foundations and strength surpass Xuanhuang."

Upon hearing Jiang Ning's words, Xia Xuanyan smiled confidently.

"Since I've come to you, I naturally have the confidence to give you a way out. Even if the three upper heavens join forces to take your life, I still have the confidence and assurance to protect you! However, there is one condition!"

"What's the premise?" Jiang Ning asked.

Xia Xuanyan said, "You will marry my daughter Xia Wanqin and become my son-in-law, the son-in-law of the Xuanhuang Great Cave Heaven! Once you enter my Xuanhuang Great Cave Heaven, I will spare no effort to help you grow, giving you a greater chance to complete the final leap and become the second person in eight hundred years."

"What gives Patriarch Xia the confidence to say he is unafraid of the combined forces of the Upper Three Heavens?" Jiang Ning asked.

“It’s very simple!” Xia Xuanyan smiled calmly: “The Marquis of Dongling should not know that in his own cave heaven, he has an innate advantage that is enough to make him invincible. It was precisely because of the advantageous location that he was able to sit down and talk with us. If it weren’t for that, with his strength and personality in his prime, he would have already conquered all the cave heavens. How could he have kept us here until now?”

Jiang Ning said, "Is entering the Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven my path to survival?"

“Not bad!” Xia Xuanyan nodded slightly: “If you enter my Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven and marry my daughter Xia Wanqin, you will be a person of my Xuanhuang Grotto Heaven. I have enough reason to protect you. As long as you stay in the Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven, you will have no fear of your life. No one can take your life.”

Jiang Ning said, "Isn't Patriarch Xia afraid that once I grow up, I will rebel against the Xuanhuang Great Cave Heaven?"

Xia Xuanyan shook his head: "Since I've come to see you today, there are some things I must make clear. You've entered my Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven, and I can impose some restrictions on you. These restrictions are not excessive; they are just to prevent you from going back on your word, denying your commitment, and leaving the Xuanhuang Great Grotto Heaven! I'm not afraid to make this clear to you, after all, this is a matter of mutual consent. It cannot be forced or coerced."

Sure enough! !
Upon hearing Xia Xuanyan's words, Jiang Ning understood.

"Lord Dongling might as well give this serious consideration! The great changes in this world will only take a year or two at most! Although Lord Dongling's talent and potential are unparalleled throughout history, he is still young. Even if your talent and potential are strong, you will still need a considerable amount of time to grow to your peak." Xia Xuanyan looked at Jiang Ning's expression and spoke again.

Jiang Ning said, "Patriarch Xia, you should know that a martial artist like me cannot be bound or restricted! If I could accept such constraints and restrictions and bow my head, I would never have reached that point!"

Xia Xuanyan nodded in deep agreement.

That was his idea all along.

If you bow your head, your mind will not be complete, and you will never be able to reach that level.

He didn't actually need Jiang Ning to reach the level of that Martial Saint.

That kind of being is far too powerful!
Powerful beyond their comprehension.

It was so powerful that it made them all tremble.

Whether it's a blessed land, a grotto-heaven, a grand grotto-heaven comparable to the Xuanhuang Grotto-heaven, or even the Upper Three Heavens.

When faced with the Martial Saint at his peak, they all trembled and felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

So even if Jiang Ning was willing to back down, he didn't want Jiang Ning to come to this point.

Even if it's just a possibility, I don't want to try it.

Because such an existence cannot be controlled or bound.

But he also knew that if he were bound by constraints, his mind would no longer be complete, and he would be unable to achieve freedom, thus making it impossible to reach that point.

Afterwards, Xia Xuanyan nodded and did not refute.

"What Marquis Dongling said is right! If one bows one's head and is bound by constraints, it is impossible to reach that level! But Marquis Dongling should also know that since the Great Xia Dynasty established its rule over the world, more than eight hundred years have passed. Countless geniuses have once shone like the bright sun in the sky, and some have even dominated an era, but in these eight hundred years, not a single one has succeeded!"

"The Marquis of Dongling should think carefully before he takes an impossible probability and uses it to ensure his own longevity."

"With the resources of my Xuanhuang Great Grotto, your lifespan will not be limited to two or three Jiazi, but will be able to live for more than a thousand years, or even longer."

"You can also nurture the next generation, placing your hopes on them, helping them grow, surpass their parents, and become true figures comparable to Martial Saints." (End of Chapter)