The Internal Affairs Office.
In the courtyard.
Jiang Ning examined the token in his hand and found it was little different from his old one.
Only the inscription on its face had changed, from three characters to two.
Eighth Rank.
It meant his official rank had risen from Subordinate Eighth Rank to Principal Eighth Rank.
Jiang Ning put away the token and cupped his hands again.
"Senior, I'd like detailed information on the Fifth-Rank Inner-Strengthening Realm, as well as a martial art involving inner breath."
"I knew it!" The old woman looked unsurprised.
A thin booklet appeared in her hand.
In the sunlight, Jiang Ning could clearly read the words on its cover.
Fifth-Rank Inner-Strengthening Realm: A Detailed Explanation
"This is a copy of a Martial Saint's account of the Fifth-Rank Inner-Strengthening Realm. It should clear up your questions about the Fifth Rank."
"It normally costs a thousand contribution points. Today, it's yours!"
With that, the booklet landed in Jiang Ning's hand.
The old woman looked at him and continued, "As for a martial art involving inner breath, there's no such thing. Inner breath is inner breath—a transcendent power, somewhat like the true qi of those who walked the Immortal Dao in the Primordial Era."
"Some martial artists may have unique ways to circulate it."
"That falls under technique, not martial arts."
"The three-page explanation in your hand records one such technique."
At those words,
Jiang Ning could no longer suppress his urge to explore the unknown. He hurriedly opened the booklet.
[Literacy experience +3] [Literacy experience +5] [Literacy experience +2] [...]
As he read, his Literacy experience kept rising.
Though the booklet held only three short pages, Jiang Ning studied it carefully for a full cup of tea's time.
When he reached the end, he slowly lifted