Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

Three days later.

In the morning, the sun was shining brightly.

"Young Master, the Marquis's residence has been cleaned and is ready for you to move in!" Green Rhyme reported to Jiang Ning as she approached him.

Jiang Ning nodded, "Then we'll move there this afternoon, so you won't feel uncomfortable in the Imperial Preceptor's residence."

"I will follow your arrangements, young master!" Green Rhyme looked at Jiang Ning, her eyes revealing joy.

Seeing the smile in Lüyi's eyes, Jiang Ning smiled back.

He waved his hand dismissively, signaling her to leave.

With Lüyi gone, he was left alone in the courtyard again.

[Skill]: Vajra Indestructible Body (Six times breaking the limit 70000/70000) (Characteristics: Dragon Elephant Power (Light Gold), Flawless Body (Dark Blue), Ten-Zhang Golden Body (Light Gold), Indestructible Golden Body (Light Gold), Blood Furnace (Dark Purple))

He glanced at the panel, then his gaze shifted downwards.

[Skill]: Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique (Six times to break the limit 70000/70000) (Characteristics: Longevity Seed (Light Gold), Great Sun Divine Body (Light Gold), Great Sun Furnace (Dark Purple))
Both cultivation techniques were already close to completion, and with his diligent practice over the past three days, both techniques have now reached completion.

However, we are still a long way from the next breakthrough.

Because the accumulation of source points is far from sufficient.

[Source Point]: 83.8
He looked away from the panel and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

For the past three days, he has stayed indoors, refining his physical body day and night, absorbing the essence of the sun. His internal alchemy and Vajra Indestructible Body techniques have both reached perfection, and he is only one step away from a breakthrough. However, the source point has become the biggest limitation at present.

“Relying solely on the Great Sun Divine Body to absorb the source points of the sun's essence daily is ultimately too slow. To accumulate quickly, one would need another opportunity similar to Yanghu Grotto-heaven, or some other great gain.” He thought to himself, glancing at the newly acquired Patrol Angel token hanging at his waist.

The token was warm to the touch, and the ten great suns on the back shimmered with a faint golden light, clearly indicating that it was slowly charging.

In three days, the large sun mark at the bottom of the back of the token only began to show a faint golden light, clearly indicating that it was still far from being fully charged.

At this moment, three days ago, in the inner realm of Shangyang, the words of Haoyang Zhenren about the integration of the ten domains and the discussion of the Heavenly Court still echoed in my ears.

"If we can really use this to trade resources with the true masters of other realms, it might solve the urgent problem of the shortage of source points."

"After all, they are immortal geniuses from blessed lands, and the resources they possess are bound to be a hundred times greater than mine."

"But what do I have to offer them in exchange for a deal?"

Jiang Ning frowned, looking somewhat worried.

From the conversation three days ago, he also roughly knew the identities of those true disciples of the Shangyang Immortal Sect.

They all have powerful backgrounds and lack nothing.

He was also aware of the greatest advantage he had in this world: martial arts.

Shen Yueru's previous conversation with him clearly revealed her disdain for martial arts.

The path to immortality has declined due to the great changes in the environment.

The power of Taoist magic and supernatural abilities is not as great as that of the ancient times.

However, it is still powerful compared to martial arts; in the same realm, immortality is still stronger than martial arts.

But based on his understanding, that was not the case.

In the world he inhabits, a powerful immortal at the pinnacle of humanity, the Yang God Realm, would be beaten to death by a first-rank martial artist; their strengths are simply not on the same level.

Outside the cave heaven, a powerful immortal cultivator at the Yangshen realm can only fight to a standstill with a Grandmaster at the second-grade Divine Intent realm.

A first-grade martial arts expert is on par with a Nascent Soul Realm expert who is known as an immortal.

Last year, he personally witnessed the battle between Daoist Qingyuan, who was at the Yuan Shen realm, and Lu Zhan, the Prince of Huai'an.

Nowadays, only within the cave heavens can the powerful immortals further enhance their strength and recreate some of the ancient might.

This is completely different from the martial arts that Shen Yueru talked about back then.

He also knew that this was probably because a martial saint had emerged from this world eight hundred years ago.

The existence of that Martial Saint has elevated martial arts to a new level.

This will allow the martial arts of this world to reach even greater heights.

However, among the disciples of Shangyang, only he himself knew about this matter.

Moreover, he knew that even if he explained it to them, those people would not be interested in the martial arts system he knew.

Those who reach their level inevitably aim to become immortals.

According to the true teachings of Haoyang, the world will undergo a great change, the ten regions will merge, and the grandeur of ancient times will be restored, or even surpassed.

At that time, the Immortal Path will reopen.

Becoming an immortal is no longer a pipe dream.

Jiang Ning pondered this for a moment, then shook his head.

Although the martial arts system has achieved remarkable success in this realm, it is not worthy of the attention of those immortal geniuses across the ten domains.

Moreover, his own martial arts have long transcended the mundane. On the basis of perfection, the accumulation of martial arts through multiple breakthroughs is incomparable to ordinary martial arts. Such a foundation and path are difficult for outsiders to replicate.

He regained his composure and brought his thoughts back to reality.

"Well, since we can't get resources from other disciples for the time being, we can only continue to rely on our own hard work and opportunities."

"Move into the Marquis's residence first, and then we'll wait and see what happens!"

A thought flashed through his mind.

He then practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard, holding a long sword.

afternoon.

"Have you decided?" Su Qingying asked Jiang Ning as she sat at the dining table.

"Hmm!" Jiang Ning nodded: "I've bothered you here for too long. Now that His Majesty has bestowed upon you the Dongling Marquisate, it's time to establish your own residence."

At this moment, Su Qingying sat at the dining table, her plain white dress trailing on the ground, her straight and slender legs hidden beneath the dress, only a pair of embroidered shoes showing.

Upon hearing this, she did not respond immediately. Instead, she gazed at Jiang Ning quietly for a moment with her clear, deep eyes before nodding slightly. "Very well. The mansion next door has already been prepared. Now that you are the Marquis of Dongling, you should have your own mansion." She paused, her voice still calm. "Besides, it's more comfortable to live in your own mansion."

Jiang Ning smiled and said, "Thank you for taking care of me these past few days."

Su Qingying shook her head, her gaze sweeping over Zhong Ling, Ji Mingyue, and Liu Wanwan, who were helping to clear the dishes behind Jiang Ning, and who were being pulled along by Xiaodoubao and chattering away. A faint gentleness flashed in her eyes.

“It’s not a matter of taking care of you. With you here, the Imperial Preceptor’s residence is much more lively.” She paused, then added, “The Marquis’s residence and the Imperial Preceptor’s residence are just next door. If there is anything important, you can get there in an instant.”

Jiang Ning nodded.

After lunch, he led Zhong Ling, Ji Mingyue, Xiaodoubao, Liu Wanwan, and Lüyi, along with some simple luggage, out of the side gate of the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion and into the quiet alley next door.

Only Lin Qingyi remained inside the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

Because Lin Qingyi is the source of all his conflicts with the King of the South.

During this time, the King of the South has been in seclusion and has not been involved in state affairs.

But he never forgot the threat posed by the King of the South.

As they left the Imperial Preceptor's residence, Qinghe and Hongmian followed closely behind, carrying things to help.

The gate of the Dongling Marquis's residence was slightly more understated than that of the Imperial Preceptor's residence, but the lintel was high and wide, and the copper nails on the black lacquered gate gleamed. The four gilded characters "Dongling Marquis's Residence" on the plaque shone brightly in the afternoon sun, exuding the majesty and grandeur of a newly rich.

This is a mansion personally bestowed by Emperor Changning before he fell into a coma. It is located in the core area of ​​the capital and is only next to the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

It symbolizes favor and status.

Jiang Ning hadn't moved in before because he lacked confidence and needed Su Qingying's protection.

Having reached this point, he now has a certain level of confidence.

Moreover, it is right next door to the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

With Su Qingying's abilities, she could arrive here to help him in an instant.

Green Ripple, who was walking ahead, pushed open the half-closed black lacquered gate of the Marquis's mansion.

"Please go first, Your Excellency!" said Lüyi.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly and stepped into the mansion first.

The mansion has a spacious layout with pavilions and towers arranged in a well-organized manner, although it does not have the same elegant charm as the Imperial Preceptor's mansion, which exudes the mystery of formations and the accumulation of time.

Yet it is also adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, lush with vegetation, possessing a spacious and grand atmosphere. The front yard is paved with bluestone slabs, and ancient pine trees are planted on both sides.

In the central courtyard is a sizable pond, where lotus flowers are just beginning to bloom, and several koi carp swim leisurely, their exquisite forms blending in with the water.

Nearby, an old turtle was basking in the sun, its belly up.

These days, the two of them have been living a very comfortable life.

Passing through the central courtyard, the backyard is a meticulously maintained garden with artificial hills, flowing water, winding paths, and several independent courtyards scattered throughout, creating a tranquil environment.

Along the way, Little Bean Bun chattered away, full of enthusiasm.

Liu Wanwan, Jiang Li, and the others looked around at their new home.

Although the Marquis's residence had been bestowed long ago, it had also been simply cleaned.

But after rest and repair, it was never seen again.

Jiang Ning looked around and was quite satisfied.

Liu Wanwan took Xiaodoubao and Lüyi to settle their luggage and choose a courtyard.

Zhong Ling and Ji Mingyue are similar in age and height, and their friendship has been growing stronger over time.

After hearing about Zhong Ling's past, Ji Mingyue felt even more heartache.

The two of them also went to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.

Jiang Ning went straight to the courtyard on the east side.

The courtyard to the east is the main courtyard, the direction facing the head of the household.

He naturally felt obligated to take on the task.

Moreover, the eastern courtyard is the largest and most spacious, making it suitable for him to practice martial arts.

Step into the East Courtyard.

The first thing that catches the eye is a clear lake, about half an acre in size.

The lake water is so clear that you can see the bottom, and the surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the scenery in the courtyard.

On the west side of the lake, a pavilion with upturned eaves at each of the four corners is built over the water.

The pavilion has dark nanmu wood pillars, a roof covered with green tiles, and copper bells hanging from the eaves.

A gentle breeze blows, and the bells ring out clearly.

Inside the pavilion is a stone table and four stone benches. The tabletops are engraved with chessboard patterns and are smooth and cool to the touch.

This spot offers excellent views, overlooking both the lake and the rest of the courtyard, making it a perfect place to sit quietly, enjoy tea, and contemplate the scenery.

Seeing this scene instantly reminded him of Dongling City.

The courtyard of the mansion in Dongling City was partially the same.

Thinking of this, the image of a woman with ethereal beauty involuntarily appeared in his mind.

That's Wang Qingtan.

"It's been so long since I've visited her!" he sighed inwardly.

His gaze drifted toward the study on the opposite bank of the lake.

The study is a single-story building with white walls and gray tiles, featuring a simple and ancient design.

He flashed across the lake and appeared in front of the study.

Push it open, and the room is spacious, bright, and well-lit.

A row of floor-to-ceiling rosewood bookshelves stood against the north wall, but no books were placed on them, and they emitted a faint woody fragrance.

A large desk was set up under the window, complete with writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

The paperweight is a piece of uncarved green jade, with natural patterns resembling ink wash paintings of mountains and rivers.

A purple bamboo couch is placed against the east wall for people to rest when they are tired.

The window faces the lake; when I tire of reading, I can simply look up and see the shimmering water.

He glanced at the study and nodded in satisfaction.

Stepping out of the study, I looked at the ancient, vigorous pine tree not far ahead.

The tree is of unknown age; its trunk requires three people to encircle it; its bark is cracked like dragon scales; its branches twist and turn towards the sky, spreading out a canopy like a giant umbrella, lush and verdant, blocking out the sun.

But he sensed a sense of gloom in the tree.

Clearly, due to its advanced age, this tree is nearing the end of its life.

A thought flashed through my mind, and I walked to the ancient, vigorous pine tree and placed my hand on it.

next moment.

A surge of vitality burst forth from the branches.

The ancient tree's branches suddenly trembled, and then the dry bark turned a glossy green. The branches and leaves rustled and unfurled, with tender leaves sprouting and blooming.

The old leaves are also stretching out, appearing even more verdant.

The gnarled old roots have regained their vitality, radiating a surge of life.

The gloom was swept away, replaced by a fresh and vibrant energy, like the first growth of trees in spring, with even a faint green light flowing among the branches and leaves.

Jiang Ning withdrew his hand, seemingly understanding something.

This ancient pine tree has lived for hundreds of years, and now it is facing birth, aging, sickness and death, which is a calamity.

His intervention this time revitalized the ancient pine tree.

For an ancient pine tree, this little bit of life can add hundreds of years to its lifespan.

"Perhaps one day in the future, this ancient pine tree will also develop sentience!"

Jiang Ning looked at the ancient pine tree in front of him, whose branches swayed and rustled even without wind, and muttered to himself.

Then, he stood under the ancient pine tree, feeling the cool breeze blowing in his face, and pondered his next steps.

Suddenly, a thought stirred within him, and he sensed two familiar auras rapidly approaching from outside the mansion.

Before long, Lüyi led two familiar people to him. The two were Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!!"

"Greetings, Your Excellency!!"

The two bowed to Jiang Ning upon seeing him.

Chen Canghai's face was gaunt, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He stepped forward, clasped his hands and bowed, his voice hoarse and urgent: "My lord, we have failed in our mission and have come to apologize!"

Jing Wuming also bowed deeply, his face somewhat grim: "My lord, something terrible has happened. The batch of resources we were escorting from Guangning Prefecture to the capital was hijacked on the way!"

Jiang Ning's previously calm gaze suddenly sharpened, and the air instantly became heavy.

These past few days, he has been worrying about where the source of the problem comes from.

In the short term, the resources transported from Guangning Prefecture were his only hope.

With the resources delivered to the capital, aside from everything else, the Vajra Indestructible Body and the Internal Alchemy Nourishing Exercise can at least be improved further.

His strength will thus increase again.

But now, these resources that belonged to him were robbed halfway through, which surprised him.

The strength under his command is undeniably formidable.

Even though Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming did not participate in the escort.

However, Xie Xiaojiu, Zhou Xing, and others are already quite strong.

However, those who became outlaws had no martial arts masters.

Anyone with a bit more strength could reach the fifth rank.

Even if someone has committed serious crimes, by choosing to serve a powerful local tyrant, almost all of their crimes can be easily overlooked.

Strength is the greatest law in the world. (End of Chapter)