Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

The residence of the Marquis of Dongling.

Jiang Ning had just returned to his East Courtyard from outside.

Suddenly, I saw a graceful young woman standing by the lake.

The girl wore a colorful dress with gold and red stripes, her hands and feet were slender, and her hair was adorned with gold and red scales.

The girl was Linglong.

Upon seeing Jiang Ning appear, she blinked, her eyelids also tinged with gold and red, as if she were wearing heavy makeup.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Ning asked first.

“Master, I just sensed a demon king appearing in the city,” Linglong said.

"Demon King?" Jiang Ning's eyes narrowed suddenly.

He had seen the term "Demon King" in ancient books before.

In the early days of ancient times, immortals, demons, and gods coexisted.

All three are advanced beings of heaven and earth.

Among demons, a great demon has a cultivation of a thousand years, while a demon king has a cultivation of three thousand years.

Every demon king is a being comparable to immortals and gods.

Even in the ancient times, any being like the Demon King would be a force to be reckoned with.

That was a powerful being capable of frightening even true immortals.

"Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Jiang Ning's eyes showed seriousness.

Linglong shook her head.

"We are all of the same kind, so I can't be wrong. That demon king probably sensed my presence as well."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded, his brows furrowed.

Then he turned his head to look in the direction where the demon race caravan had just left, and a figure immediately appeared in his mind.

Following beside the carriage was a man dressed in a long black robe, with a face like a stork, eyes like lightning, and an aura that was obscure.

"If there really is one, then it's him!"

At this moment, he understood why that man had given him such a feeling with just a simple glance.

Demon King!

Such beings, even in ancient times, could rival immortals and gods.

In this era, the world has changed dramatically. While this has impacted beings like demons, it has had the greatest impact on immortals and gods.

Both of these rely on the environment of heaven and earth.

Demons, on the other hand, rely most on their physical bodies.

While changes in the environment do affect special creatures like demon kings, the impact is not as significant as that on immortals and gods.

"I wonder what level of martial arts the Demon King's strength is comparable to?" The thought flashed through his mind.

He pondered for a moment.

He rubbed his temples and stopped thinking about it.

He knew that the arrival of the demon clan's delegation and the demon king was not because of him.

With such powerful figures entering the capital, the real headache is for everyone else, especially the kings who stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Having thought of this, he didn't bother to think about it anymore and turned back to continue practicing his skills.

In any case, he knew that his own strength was the most important thing.

The more chaotic the situation, the more important strength becomes.

That night.

Bright candlelight illuminated the front hall.

The food smelled delicious.

Jiang Ning had just put down his chopsticks.

dong dong dong-

A dull knocking sound came from the front gate.

"My lord! I'll go!" Green Ripple immediately stood up.

Jiang Ning shook his head: "Let's go together! It's probably someone from the palace."

As he spoke, he stood up from his seat.

Then, Jiang Li greeted Liu Wanwan and told them to continue eating before heading towards the main gate of the Marquis's residence in the front courtyard.

Upon seeing this, Lüyi quickly followed behind.

Cross the front yard.

We arrived at the gate of the Marquis's residence.

Luyi quickly stepped forward and took the initiative to open the tightly closed gate of the Marquis's mansion.

As the gate opened, a palace guard dressed in imperial attire stood outside.

Upon seeing Mr. Jiang Ning, the guard stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Greetings, Marquis of Dongling!"

After uttering these five words, he bowed deeply.

Jiang Ning waved his hand, signaling the guards to stand up.

"Has there been any notification from the palace?"

"The King of the Parallel Kingdom has just issued a decree that a court assembly will be held tomorrow at dawn in the Taiji Hall. Because a delegation of demons is coming to pay their respects, all civil and military officials are required to attend, and the Marquis has also been invited!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

"Understood!"

The guard bowed to Jiang Ning again.

"My lord, please arrive at the manor by carriage at four quarters past dawn tomorrow!"

Jiang Ning nodded again.

Upon seeing this, the guard bowed and retreated, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.

Jiang Ning then turned and went back to his residence, with Lü Yi following closely behind.

As Jiang Ning stepped into the front courtyard, Lü Yi closed the gate of the Marquis's residence again.

The moonlight was cool and clear as water. Jiang Ning walked on the bluestone slabs with a calm expression.

The arrival of the palace staff tonight was also within his expectations.

The battle between Ji Xuan, the King of the Parallel Kingdom, and Huang Tian Dao Ren forced Ji Xuan into seclusion for many days, preventing him from attending to state affairs.

But so many days have passed, and even though Ji Xuan was injured in the battle with Huang Tian Dao Ren, he should be almost fully recovered by now.

The demon clan delegation entered the city during the day today.

Therefore, the court assembly will inevitably begin in the next day or two.

He could imagine that tomorrow's court meeting would be fraught with hidden dangers.

The demon delegation was accompanied by a demon king.

And when Ji Xuan leaves the pass to attend court tomorrow, he may also make trouble for him.

He had not forgotten that not long ago, he had killed the old servant who was a peerless king and a first-rank martial artist.

So many days have passed, this matter must have reached the ears of the King of the South.

He frowned, then shook his head slightly.

Strength remains fundamental.

He glanced at the bright moon overhead, stood still, and then closed his eyes slightly.

Within the spiritual realm.

The Yin-Yang Dao Embryo is radiant and flowing, nearing perfection, and the primordial spirit is about to break free from the embryo.

After observing for a few moments, he slowly opened his eyes.

"My lord." Seeing this, Lüyi, who was following behind Jiang Ning, called out softly, "Should we prepare court attire?"

"Prepare!" Jiang Ning nodded, then added, "Go and inform Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming to keep watch around the Marquis's residence tomorrow. If things don't look right, take my brother and sister-in-law to the Grand Preceptor's residence first."

“Yes!” Green Ripple replied immediately, then turned and left.

[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))
He glanced at the "Skills" section, then his gaze moved upwards.

[Source Point]: 93.7
"Not far off!" he thought to himself, then looked into the distance. "At this point, there's no point in avoiding suspicion! Increasing my strength is the key. I hope he can give me what I want."

The thought flashed through Jiang Ning's mind, and he had already made up his mind.

next moment.

He vanished from the Marquis's residence in a flash. The moonlight was cool and still.

The capital city was much quieter at night than during the day, with only the night market on Suzaku Avenue still bustling.

Jiang Ning moved through the cluster of buildings of varying heights like a ghost.

In just a moment, he appeared in front of the residence of the Eighth Prince Ji Minghao.

During this period of time, Ji Minghao has not contacted him once, nor has he come to see Ji Mingyue once.

He also understood that Ji Minghao was trying to avoid suspicion.

Ji Minghao clearly did not want to involve his younger sister Ji Mingyue, nor did he want to be implicated.

For this reason, he actually thought more highly of Ji Minghao.

Standing in front of the Eighth Prince Ji Minghao's residence, several thoughts flashed through Jiang Ning's mind. Then, he flashed and sneaked into the Eighth Prince's residence.

Upon entering the prince's residence, security was tight, with sentries both overt and covert.

But for him, it was all for naught.

His gaze was fixed on a study in the backyard.

That was where the Eighth Prince was, and also the place he had just scanned with his divine sense.

It only lasted a moment.

creak-

He pushed open the door to Xu He's study.

Ji Minghao, whose face was flickering in the candlelight, suddenly looked up.

The moment he saw Jiang Ning, his pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly stood up.

"It's Brother Jiang!!"

At this moment, Ji Minghao's eyes revealed a look of joy.

"Eighth Prince!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Jiang, you've come so late at night, why be so formal!" Ji Minghao hurriedly walked towards Jiang Ning, without even wearing shoes or socks.

He strode forward, grabbed Jiang Ning's wrist, and couldn't help but feel excited.

“Brother Jiang, you must have important business to attend to here at this time. Although this is my study, it is not entirely safe from eavesdroppers. My residence is currently riddled with holes, and my brother’s confidants are everywhere. Let’s find another place to talk.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he walked toward the bookshelf next to him and then casually turned a bronze auspicious beast ornament on the shelf.

With a soft thud from within the wall, a row of bookshelves against the wall silently slid to the side, revealing a dimly lit secret passage that extended downwards, barely wide enough for one person to pass through.

The secret passage was inlaid with fluorite that emitted a faint glow, barely illuminating the steps.

"Brother Jiang, please follow me." Ji Minghao stepped into the secret passage first.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Ning followed closely behind.

The bookshelf slowly closed behind the two of them, isolating them from all outside noise.

The secret passage is not long; after descending about ten steps, you will find a small secret room.

The interior is simply furnished with only stone tables and benches, and several bright luminous beads are embedded overhead, emitting a steady, soft light.

The air was slightly cool but very dry, indicating good ventilation.

"This place was built by me in secret. No one knows about it except me. It is absolutely safe." Ji Minghao invited Jiang Ning to sit down, and his expression turned serious: "Brother Jiang, you risked coming here late at night. Is it for tomorrow's court meeting? The demon clan delegation has entered the capital at this time, causing a stir in the court and the public. Even the Imperial Uncle had to come out of seclusion today to convene the court meeting."

At this point, he looked at Jiang Ning again.

"Brother Jiang, you must be cautious and careful when attending the court assembly tomorrow. I don't know when, but the matter of Princess Qi has quietly spread within the royal family. Now, almost everyone inside and outside the royal family knows about Princess Qi."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning frowned slightly, already understanding the situation.

The news spread throughout the royal family and beyond, and it was mainly about those few princes.

Although Ji Minghao has not had any contact with him during this period.

But Ji Mingyue was already by his side.

Ji Mingyue and Ji Minghao are siblings born of the same father and mother. No matter how much they try to deny any connection, the princes cannot ignore his existence.

A thought flashed through his mind, then Jiang Ning shook his head: "The matter of the court assembly can be dealt with as it comes. I came here tonight not for that. To be honest, I urgently need a batch of rare and precious materials to break through the barrier and enhance my strength. Time is of the essence, and it is difficult to obtain them in time. After much thought, perhaps only Your Highness can solve my urgent problem. I wonder if Your Highness's treasury has such treasures?"

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Ji Minghao's eyes.

He was well aware of the pressure Jiangning was under during tomorrow's court assembly.

Faced with these pressures, the best way to cope is to improve one's own strength.

Ji Minghao said decisively, "Although I gave Brother Jiang some rare and precious materials some time ago, I still have some savings accumulated over the years. Since Brother Jiang has this need, I will do my best to help. Without further ado, I will take Brother Jiang there now."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands, feeling somewhat moved.

Ji Minghao waved his hand, his expression solemn: "Brother Jiang, there's no need for further words. Although we met when we were both humble, we have worked side by side many times, and our friendship is extraordinary. Moreover, the stronger Brother Jiang becomes, the more hope there is for Little Seventeen, for me, and even for this Great Xia. If these worldly possessions can help Brother Jiang reach even greater heights, then that is their greatest value."

After saying that, he got up and walked up the steps: "Brother Jiang, please come with me."

Jiang Ning set off to follow.

Back in the study.

"Brother Jiang, please wait here for a moment. I have sent a servant to bring you a cloak to prevent your presence from being exposed in the manor! My manor is currently filled with confidants planted by my imperial brothers, and I have no way of knowing who they are. If you do not conceal your identity when you go out, it will surely spread throughout the manor of all my imperial brothers tomorrow, which will be detrimental to you and also to Little Seventeen!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning shook his head.

"There's no need for all that trouble!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Minghao's pupils dilated.

He saw Jiang Ning clinging to him, his figure suddenly disappearing slowly.

In just one breath, there was nothing in front of him.

"Can Your Highness still see me?" Jiang Ning's voice rang out from the empty space ahead.

"Brother Jiang, what a brilliant move!" Ji Minghao exclaimed softly.

He then composed himself.

"Brother Jiang, please follow me!"

After leaving those words, he straightened his appearance, put on the boots that were placed to the side, and pushed open the study door.

Walking through the mansion.

The lookouts, both overt and covert, exchanged glances, all sweeping toward Ji Minghao. But upon seeing that the newcomer was the master of the mansion, the current Eighth Prince, those gazes quietly withdrew.

along the way.

Occasionally, maids and servants would bump into Ji Minghao, and they would all step aside and bow in greeting.

Ji Minghao passed through several courtyards and arrived at a tall artificial mountain.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" Ji Minghao said as he appeared.

Two people suddenly emerged from the shadows behind the artificial hill and bowed to Ji Minghao.

Ji Minghao waved his hand, then took out his token and threw it at the two of them: "Open the inner treasury, I need to go in."

"Yes, Your Highness!" the two replied.

After catching the tokens tossed to them by Ji Minghao, the two of them each took out another token from their pockets.

Then, pushing aside a rock, there were three palm-sized marks on the flat stone wall behind it.

The three tokens were embedded one by one into the recesses on the stone wall.

Rumbling--

The rocks slowly shifted, revealing a passage ahead.

The passageway was also inlaid with dull fluorite on both sides, and the air was filled with a faint smell of decay due to poor ventilation.

"Wait outside, and no one is allowed to approach!" Ji Minghao said.

"Yes, Your Highness!!" The two men outside the artificial hill hurriedly clasped their hands in salute to Ji Minghao, then retreated to a distance of about ten feet, fully alert.

Ji Minghao also headed towards the passage ahead.

After passing through a narrow passage that was about two zhang long, a stone chamber about three zhang square suddenly appeared before us.

The walls were cast from black refined iron and inlaid with glowing beads of different sizes.

"Brother Jiang?" Ji Minghao asked in a low voice.

"I'm here." Jiang Ning's calm voice rang in his ear.

Upon hearing this, Ji Minghao was startled.

Along the way, he could no longer feel the atmosphere of Jiangning.

However, the sound indicated that Jiang Ning had been following them all along.

This also made him realize that Jiang Ning might have any unknown means to kill him at any time.

In an instant, many thoughts began to stir in his mind. (End of Chapter)