Arc 15Jiang Ning Enters the Academy

Jiang Ning advanced to the fourth rank, killed Yu Manyun after she threatened his family, and developed new powers through his martial arts. At the Martial Academy, he helped Jiang Yiming earn Xu Nianqing’s attention, discovered Wang Qingtan’s divine nature, and conquered the ninth floor of the Martial Refinement Tower.

  • Jiang Ning obtained a Martial Academy passage token, studied advanced martial texts, and bought pills and rare materials, including the Great Sun Visualization Diagram.
  • Jiang Ning mastered the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique, transformed his inner breath into true essence, and began refining his marrow with his saber and fist intent.
  • After Xiao Emei warned him that Yu Manyun planned to abduct a family member, Jiang Ning killed Yu Manyun when she entered his home and attacked Liu Wanwan and the others.
  • Jiang Ning broke through the limits of the Wood-Chopping Saber Technique and Water-Fire True Force, gaining Innate Saber Bones and discovering that Water-Fire Harmony let his whole body contain and release true essence.
  • Jiang Yiming defeated a Martial Academy student who had tried to frame him, and Xu Nianqing accepted him as her disciple while Bai Luoyu agreed to detain the suspected plotters.
  • Jiang Ning entered the Martial Academy for further study, and contact with Wang Qingtan’s hand revealed that she possessed a divine point and fragmentary Lord of Ten Thousand Fires authority.
  • Jiang Ning defeated the opponents on all nine floors of the Martial Refinement Tower and earned 330 merit points, while Wang Qingtan prepared to challenge the ninth floor.
Chapters 351–375 Vol. 4 Read

Ch. 351A Great Divine Ability User Manipulates the Heavens!

Jiang Ning fed Old Softshell blood, studied to strengthen his mental power, and used Summon Clouds and Rain to disperse the clouds over Dongling City. After refining the sun’s essence, he brought his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique close to major mastery and planned for a breakthrough that could let him confront Yu Manyun and Xiao Qiushui.

  • Jiang Ning gave Old Softshell two drops of blood to refine and considered how to nurture his demonic retainers while limiting the effect of blood loss on himself.
  • Jiang Ning continued reading to raise his Literacy experience, and Liu Wanwan brought him breakfast despite his attempt to skip the meal.
  • Jiang Ning used Summon Clouds and Rain to disperse the gathering clouds over Dongling City, while Zhao Yulong and Jin Chan suspected a great divine ability user had changed the weather.
  • Jiang Ning recovered his mental strength in the lake, then drew in the sun’s essence to cultivate the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique.
  • Jiang Ning’s Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique reached 4895/5000, and he expected to achieve major mastery and transform his inner breath the next day.
  • Bai Luoyu observed Jiang Ning cultivating and reflected that he could not meaningfully compare his progress with Jiang Ning’s.

Ch. 352Yu Manyun Comes Calling

Yu Manyun came to Jiang Ning's residence to invite him to Water-Moon Sword Palace, but threatened his family when he refused. Jiang Ning overwhelmed her with his aura and sent her away, then decided to wait until his inner breath transformed before dealing with her.

  • Yu Manyun and Xiao Emei arrived at Jiang Ning's residence, where Jiang Ning had already spotted them with his Heavenly Eye.
  • Jiang Ning's speaking Dragon Carp startled Yu Manyun and Xiao Emei, and the encounter deepened their sense that he was extraordinary.
  • Yu Manyun invited Jiang Ning to Water-Moon Sword Palace on Xiao Qiushui's orders, but Jiang Ning refused.
  • Yu Manyun threatened Jiang Ning by mentioning his family, prompting him to unleash an overwhelming aura that left her unable to breathe.
  • Jiang Ning released Yu Manyun and Xiao Emei, then restrained his urge to kill Yu Manyun until he could handle the consequences and planned to act after entering the fourth rank.

Ch. 353A Folded Paper Figure Was a Doppelgänger!

Jiang Ning tasked Xiao Emei with guarding his family, strengthened her and Old Softshell with his blood, then visited Dongling City's Inspection Office with Lü Yi. There he met Prefect Su and learned that the Granny Bai he had known in Luoshui County was a paper figure, while her true body was in the royal capital.

  • Jiang Ning ordered Xiao Emei to watch Yu Manyun and protect his family, then gave her three drops of blood and promised future rewards.
  • Jiang Ning gave Old Softshell his blood, ordered it to protect his family, and promised it could become a great demon or even a Demon King.
  • Jiang Ning and Lü Yi went to Dongling City's Inspection Office, where Bai Luoyu and Prefect Su welcomed him.
  • Su Zhi led Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu to the Internal Affairs Office so Jiang Ning could obtain a certificate for advanced study at the Martial Academy.
  • Jiang Ning was surprised to find Granny Bai there, and Su Zhi explained that both the Granny Bai in Dongling City and the one in Luoshui County were paper figures, while her true body was in the royal capital.

Ch. 354True Explanation of Fourth-Rank Martial Arts, Rough Explanation of Fifth-Rank Martial Arts

Jiang Ning obtained a Martial Academy token and exchanged contribution points for study credits and manuals explaining the fourth- and third-rank realms. After Su Zhi and Bai Luoyu left, he browsed the privileges catalog and considered what to buy next.

  • Jiang Ning asked Granny Bai for a Martial Academy identity token, and Su Zhi approved granting him one that let him enter the academy and its special buildings.
  • Granny Bai explained that the token tracked credit points, and Jiang Ning exchanged one hundred thousand contribution points for one hundred credits.
  • Granny Bai gave Jiang Ning the Sixth-Rank Privileges Catalog after he showed her his Heavenly Secrets Register, and Su Zhi and Bai Luoyu left him to browse.
  • Jiang Ning chose the True Explanation of the Fourth-Rank Marrow Refinement Realm and the Crude Explanation of the Third-Rank Blood Exchange Realm, spending sixty thousand contribution points.
  • Jiang Ning browsed martial arts in the catalog and learned that advancing his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique to major mastery would cost six hundred thousand contribution points.

Ch. 355Exchanging Items, the Foundations of Martial Saint Manor!

Jiang Ning studied Martial Saint Manor’s exchange catalog and selected pills and treasures for himself and Jiang Li. He read the Fourth-Rank Martial Dao True Explanation under its time limit, then turned to the Rough Explanation of Third-Rank Martial Arts.

  • Jiang Ning learned that the Indestructible Vajra Body method cost one million contribution points and that a Dragon-Tiger Embryonic Breath Pill cost four hundred thousand.
  • Granny Bai gave Jiang Ning the sealed Fourth-Rank Martial Dao True Explanation and Rough Explanation of Third-Rank Martial Arts, warning that each sheet would turn to ash after he removed its film.
  • Jiang Ning read the catalog and wrote down requests for a Marrow-Remolding Pill, Embracing-Embryo One-Qi Pills, Moonlight Dew, and Hundred-Spirit Blood.
  • Jiang Ning tore the film from the Fourth-Rank Martial Dao True Explanation and read it before the golden paper burned in the sunlight.
  • Jiang Ning gained 334 Literacy experience from reading the Fourth-Rank Martial Dao True Explanation and then prepared to study the third-rank text.

Ch. 356Fully Understanding the Path to Fourth Rank and Grandmaster!

Jiang Ning studied the True Explanation of Fourth-Rank Martial Arts and learned how marrow cleansing worked, then read the Rough Explanation of Third-Rank Martial Arts and clarified the paths to becoming a Heaven-Man Grandmaster. He realized his third-level martial intents already matched a grandmaster’s ability to stir the power of heaven and earth, and he left with a clear plan to advance through marrow cleansing and blood replacement.

  • Jiang Ning learned that fourth-rank martial artists refined their marrow by using second-level or higher martial intent to draw the power of heaven and earth into their bodies.
  • Jiang Ning realized his third-level Wood-Chopping Saber Intent and Five Animals Fist Intent already let him stir the power of heaven and earth, so he decided he did not need a Marrow-Washing Pill.
  • Jiang Ning read the Rough Explanation of Third-Rank Martial Arts and gained 588 Literacy experience points.
  • Jiang Ning learned the distinctions between Human-Path, Earth-Borne, and Heaven-Man Grandmasters, along with several methods of becoming a Heaven-Man Grandmaster.
  • Jiang Ning concluded that his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique would soon transform his inner breath, allowing him to begin marrow cleansing and pursue the Grandmaster realm.

Ch. 357A Lavish Spending of One Million Contribution Points, an Unprecedented Harvest

Jiang Ning spent 1,150,000 contribution points on pills, rare blood, and the first volume of the Great Sun Visualization Diagram, then began using his purchases to replenish his body. After restoring his blood and qi, he sent Jiang Li a Marrow-Remolding Pill and his essence blood to aid his martial training.

  • Jiang Ning chose six types of pills and rare materials, including the Great Sun Visualization Diagram, and paid Granny Bai 1,150,000 contribution points for them.
  • Granny Bai gave Jiang Ning the items and explained that he had to activate the Voidspace Crystal against his brow to view the visualization method.
  • Jiang Ning consumed two drops of Hundred-Spirit Blood, replenishing his blood-loss deficiency and strengthening his qi and blood.
  • Jiang Ning condensed essence blood stripped of the Divine Scion's Vassal mark and prepared it for Jiang Li's training.
  • Jiang Ning sent Lü Yi to deliver Jiang Li the Marrow-Remolding Pill and the essence blood, believing they would greatly advance his martial rank.

Ch. 358Digesting the Gains One by One; Demonic Qi Crowns the Heavens!

Jiang Ning used Hundred-Spirit Blood to strengthen his spirit weapon, Linglong, and Old Softshell, whose auras filled the sky above his residence. He then tested Moonlight Dew's effects and prepared to activate the Voidspace Crystal and study the Great Sun Visualization Diagram.

  • Jiang Ning refined the remaining Hundred-Spirit Blood and fed it to his saber, Linglong, and Old Softshell, revealing their powerful auras.
  • Bai Luoyu saw black clouds above Jiang Ning's residence and suspected demonic aura, though his maid A-Mei could see nothing.
  • Lü Yi delivered a Marrow-Remolding Pill and a blood bead from Jiang Ning to Jiang Li, who swallowed both and fainted.
  • Liu Wanwan recognized that Jiang Li was cleansing his sinews and washing his marrow, then carried him back to rest.
  • Jiang Ning sent Linglong and Old Softshell back into the lake, stored his Thousand-Spirit Blood, and consumed ten drops of Moonlight Dew, increasing his mental field's range by ten meters.
  • Jiang Ning placed the Voidspace Crystal against his brow and prepared to memorize the Great Sun Visualization Diagram using his Photographic Memory.

Ch. 359New Technique

Jiang Ning practiced the Great Sun Visualization Diagram, unlocked and improved the Visualization technique, and found that it accelerated his spiritual-power growth. The next morning, he checked his gains, confirmed that Old Softshell and Linglong had grown stronger, and prepared to test the Embracing-Embryo One-Qi Pill as his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique neared a breakthrough.

  • Jiang Ning used the Voidspace Crystal to experience the Great Sun Visualization Diagram and unlocked the Visualization technique on his panel.
  • Jiang Ning advanced Visualization to Beginner, making his spiritual power grow at least thirty percent faster and extending his spiritual force field to 376 meters.
  • Jiang Ning checked his Source Energy the next morning and judged the Moonlight Dew's cost-effectiveness to be poor.
  • Jiang Ning learned that Old Softshell's cultivation had risen to 221 years and Linglong's had doubled to 50 years, then sent Old Softshell to visit Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan.
  • Jiang Ning noted that his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique was 105 experience points from Major Accomplishment and opened the Embracing-Embryo One-Qi Pill bottle, releasing its medicinal fragrance.

Ch. 360Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique Reached Great Accomplishment, Inner Breath Transformed!

Jiang Ning refined pills to reach two jiazi of cultivation, then practiced the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique until it reached Great Mastery and transformed his inner breath. After demonstrating the greatly increased range of his power, he stood on the verge of advancing from the fifth rank to the fourth.

  • Jiang Ning refined ten Embracing-Embryo One-Qi Pills and increased his cultivation to two jiazi.
  • A yellow-robed Taoist at Three Origins Taoist Temple dispersed the clouds, while Jiang Ning noticed the weather changing and later greeted Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan.
  • Jiang Ning waited for the Hour of the Snake and absorbed solar essence until the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique reached Great Mastery.
  • Jiang Ning felt his inner breath condense from mist into liquid, completing the final cultivation step of the fifth rank.
  • Jiang Ning tested his transformed inner breath and found that it could travel one hundred and thirty zhang before dispersing.

Ch. 361Internal Breath Condenses into Liquid, Beginning Marrow Refinement!

Jiang Ning tested his newly liquefied true essence and found that its power was immense but quickly depleted, then practiced the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique under the noonday sun. After confirming his progress and learning that the Martial Academy admissions were four days away, he prepared to begin refining his marrow and headed toward the cliffs east of Dongling City.

  • Jiang Ning discovered that his internal breath had transformed into true essence, which vastly increased his power but consumed a fifth of his reserve during testing.
  • Jiang Ning absorbed the Great Sun's essence at noon and raised the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique to Major Mastery 26/10000.
  • Jiang Ning learned that the Martial Academy admissions would begin in four days and planned to take Jiang Yiming to enroll.
  • Jiang Ning entered the lake to restore his condition, then prepared to use his third-level saber potential to refine his marrow and advance to Rank Four.
  • Jiang Ning tested Dragon Abyss with a slash that carved a long mark in the courtyard, then decided to practice beyond his home and turned toward the eastern cliffs.

Ch. 362Entering the Fourth Rank, New Changes to the Panel!

Jiang Ning refined his bone marrow on an unnamed peak, entering the fourth rank and discovering that he could alter how traits appeared on his panel. After Xiao Emei warned him that Yu Manyun planned to abduct one of his relatives, Jiang Ning decided Yu Manyun would not be spared.

  • Jiang Ning drew the power of heaven and earth into his bone marrow with his saber-intent and completed his first marrow-washing.
  • Xiao Emei questioned Yu Manyun about using Jiang Ning's family as leverage, and Yu Manyun admitted she planned to abduct Jiang Yiming or Jiang Yuanyuan to lure Jiang Ning to the Water-Moon Sword Palace.
  • Xiao Emei sent Jiang Ning a letter warning him of Yu Manyun's plan, and he resolved to kill Yu Manyun for threatening his family.
  • Jiang Ning spent the afternoon refining his marrow six or seven times and entered the fourth-rank marrow-refinement stage.
  • Jiang Ning saw the new Fourth-Rank Marrow Refinement entry on his panel and changed Water Manipulation Art into Water-Controlling Divine Ability (First-Break).

Ch. 363A Dark and Windy Night, Yu Manyun Arrives!

Jiang Ning discovered that he needed 1,999 marrow cleansings to complete his Fourth Grade realm, then used Five Animals Fist intent to accelerate his cultivation. As Yu Manyun reached his residence to abduct Little Doubao, Xiao Emei stayed outside while Jiang Ning continued cultivating inside.

  • Jiang Ning calculated that he needed 1,999 marrow cleansings and estimated he could complete the realm in about three months.
  • Jiang Ning practiced Five Animals Fist, manifested a fiery tiger with third-level intent, and completed another marrow cleansing.
  • Bai Luoyu saw the phenomenon from afar and resolved to seek a Thunderclap Fruit at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion auction to advance his own cultivation.
  • Yu Manyun and Xiao Emei approached Jiang Ning's home, where Yu Manyun planned to take Little Doubao while he cultivated.
  • Xiao Emei declined to enter the courtyard, and Yu Manyun vaulted over the wall alone.

Ch. 364Divine Radiance Protects the Body, Like an Immortal, Like a God!

Yu Manyun infiltrated Jiang Ning’s estate to attack his family, but Jiang Ning revealed he had reached the fourth rank and killed her. Xiao Emei accepted his reward, took Yu Manyun’s body, and chose not to betray her master, while Jiang Ning let her decide whether to share information about Xiao Qiushui.

  • Yu Manyun entered Jiang Ning’s estate while Xiao Emei stayed outside after receiving Jiang Ning’s warning.
  • Yu Manyun found Liu Wanwan and Little Doubao, but Jiang Ning arrived shrouded in divine radiance and revealed he had reached the fourth rank.
  • Yu Manyun tried to attack Liu Wanwan and the others, but Jiang Ning restrained and killed her with gang qi.
  • Jiang Ning took Yu Manyun’s body away and asked Jiang Li to clean the courtyard so Little Doubao would not be frightened.
  • Xiao Emei came to Jiang Ning, received two drops of his blood, and refined them to strengthen her body.
  • Xiao Emei asked to take Yu Manyun’s body and admitted she could not betray Xiao Qiushui; Jiang Ning agreed and told her to choose whether to report Xiao Qiushui’s movements.

Ch. 365Successive Limit Breaks, Explosive Growth in Strength!

Jiang Ning spent Source Energy to advance his Wood-Chopping Saber Technique, awakening extraordinary Innate Saber Bones and strengthening his saber intent, then continued cultivating the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique. The Qinghe Count decided not to pursue Jiang Ning, while Bai Luoyu realized Jiang Ning had mastered the technique to great accomplishment.

  • Jiang Ning spent one thousand Source Energy to break the Wood-Chopping Saber Technique's limits for the seventh time and gained his first break of Innate Saber Bones, which gave him an extra bone and saber intent.
  • Jiang Ning spent another two thousand Source Energy to advance the technique to its eighth limit break, awakening a precious art within his saber bones that released a dangerous killing aura before he suppressed it.
  • Jiang Ning tested his stronger saber intent and looked forward to facing Xiao Qiushui.
  • The Qinghe Count refused He Jinsheng's request to pursue Jiang Ning, deciding Qinghe Earl's Estate could not afford a conflict and would treat Jin Yun's death as though nothing had happened.
  • Jiang Ning absorbed the sun's essence at noon, and Bai Luoyu recognized that Jiang Ning's Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique had reached great accomplishment.

Ch. 366Return to Medicine King Valley!

Jiang Ning visited Medicine King Valley, gave Wang Jin precious pills, and told him he had avenged him by killing the woman who attacked him. That night, Jiang Ning revealed third-level fist intent and reached Marrow Refinement Divine Radiance, then planned to break through Water-Fire True Force to improve his cultivation speed.

  • Jiang Ning arrived at Medicine King Valley, reunited with Wang Jin, and gave him Foundation-Consolidating Origin-Nourishing Pills to aid his recovery.
  • Lu Qingshan appraised the pills and said they could help Wang Jin recover and potentially advance his martial path.
  • Jiang Ning told Wang Jin that he had killed the woman who had attacked him, avenging his master.
  • While Jiang Ning practiced in the courtyard, Lu Qingshan and Elder Huang recognized his third-level fist intent and witnessed him reach Marrow Refinement Divine Radiance.
  • Jiang Ning reviewed his slow marrow-refinement progress and decided to break through Water-Fire True Force in hopes of grasping Water-Fire Momentum and improving his efficiency.

Ch. 367Seventy-Two Earthly Transformations, One of the Divine Abilities!

Jiang Ning cultivated Water-Fire True Force until he broke through and comprehended the Water-Fire Millstone momentum, gaining the Stone Boiling divine ability. He began training to strengthen the art further, while his attempts to test the force left Linglong and Old Softshell unconscious.

  • Jiang Ning improved Water-Fire True Force more efficiently and decided to cultivate it in an environment where water and fire converged.
  • After returning to Dongling City, Jiang Ning met Liu Sansheng and Liu Wanwan's mother at his residence.
  • Jiang Ning used 500 source energy points to break Water-Fire True Force through to its third limit and comprehended the first level of Water-Fire Millstone momentum.
  • Jiang Ning discovered that his new Stone Boiling divine ability let him control flames and transform them into lifelike shapes.
  • Jiang Ning's Water-Fire Millstone Force knocked Linglong and Old Softshell unconscious when he tried to test it on them.
  • Jiang Ning resumed cultivating by the lake as Lü Yi and Linglong watched the force of his momentum with awe and fear.

Ch. 368Characteristics: Water-Fire Harmony, True Essence and Qi-Blood Metamorphosis!

Jiang Ning cultivated Water-Fire True Force through its fourth limit break and gained the Water-Fire Harmony trait, which let him fuse true essence with vital blood. The chapter left him discovering that his whole body could now store and release true essence, while Jiang Yiming headed to the Martial Academy entrance assessment.

  • Liu Wanwan reminded Jiang Yiming to remember Jiang Ning's kindness, and Jiang Yiming assured her he could pass the Martial Academy assessment.
  • Jiang Yiming visited Jiang Ning, leaped across the lake, and demonstrated strength that satisfied his uncle; Jiang Ning told him to register while he continued cultivating.
  • Jiang Ning completed Water-Fire True Force's fourth limit break, spending one thousand source energy and gaining the Water-Fire Harmony trait.
  • Jiang Ning realized Water-Fire Harmony might unite true essence and vital blood, then tested the idea and successfully fused them throughout his body.
  • Jiang Ning discovered that the fusion let his whole body hold true essence and release it from any point, beyond the dantian's capacity and without relying on his meridians.

Ch. 369A New Level, Jiang Yiming Breaks the Deadlock

Jiang Yiming’s enrollment at the Martial Academy was targeted by a Young Count’s scheme, but he exposed the setup and drew the academy’s attention by revealing his strength. The chapter left him striking back to force influential figures to recognize his talent, while Jiang Ning watched without intervening.

  • Jiang Ning tested Water-Fire Millstone Force after discovering that Water-Fire Harmony let his true essence and vital blood reinforce each other.
  • Jiang Yiming arrived at the Martial Academy with his family and joined the enrollment queue, where a brawny youth shoved ahead of him to provoke a fight.
  • The youth attacked Jiang Yiming, then a Martial Academy student broke the youth’s shin and tried to blame Jiang Yiming, while Jiang Ning watched from nearby.
  • Jiang Yiming accused the student of conspiring to disqualify him and declared that the plot would not succeed.
  • Jiang Yiming unleashed his blood and qi and swung a powerful strike to display his talent and win the attention of the Martial Academy’s leaders.

Ch. 370Breaking the Deadlock, Jiang Ning Appears!

Jiang Yiming defeated a Martial Academy student in three hammer-like punches, drawing Instructor Xu Nianqing’s interest. Jiang Ning arrived with Bai Luoyu, revealed his status as a candidate inspector, and asked Bai Luoyu to investigate whoever had targeted his family.

  • Jiang Yiming defeated the Martial Academy student with three powerful strikes, while Xu Nianqing ordered Wang Qingtan to investigate Jiang Yiming and the threat against the Academy.
  • Wang Qingtan checked Jiang Yiming’s household registration and questioned how a fifteen-year-old constable’s son had entered the ranks of Martial Dao.
  • Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu arrived, and Wang Qingtan greeted Bai Luoyu as Inspector Bai while Jiang Yiming called Jiang Ning his uncle.
  • Bai Luoyu introduced Jiang Ning as a former Inspection Office commander and candidate inspector, and Jiang Ning asked him to investigate the attack on his family.
  • Xu Nianqing greeted Bai Luoyu and recognized that Jiang Ning had reached the fourth rank, though she had never heard of him.

Ch. 371The Strongest Instructor Takes Jiang Yiming as a Disciple

Xu Nianqing accepted Jiang Yiming as her disciple after learning of his extraordinary talent, while Jiang Ning arranged for the people behind the scheme against him to be detained. Jiang Ning then entered the Martial Academy for further study, where Wang Qingtan was assigned to guide him.

  • Jiang Ning confirmed Jiang Yiming was fifteen, and Jiang Li agreed to Xu Nianqing taking him as her disciple.
  • Xu Nianqing exposed the injured Martial Academy student's role in the scheme, while Jiang Ning caught Liu Boming and the effeminate youth as likely masterminds.
  • Bai Luoyu agreed to detain the suspects until after the imperial examinations, and knocked out the Qinghe Earl's Estate youth when he protested.
  • Jiang Ning used his passage token to begin further study at the Martial Academy, and Xu Nianqing assigned Wang Qingtan to receive him.

Ch. 372Phoenix Heavenly Maiden, Wang Qingtan!

Jiang Ning toured the Martial Academy with Wang Qingtan and Wang Qinghan, learning about its facilities and affordable pills while considering how to build up Source Energy. A touch of Wang Qingtan’s hand revealed that she possessed a divine point and fragmentary Lord of Ten Thousand Fires authority, leaving Jiang Ning to realize she was a divine maiden.

  • Wang Qinghan reminded Jiang Ning that she had once seen him jump into a river and had tried to save him, while Wang Qingtan denied that she would have done the same.
  • Wang Qingtan showed Jiang Ning the Earth-Vein Chamber, but he declined to use it because it would not help him much at present.
  • At the Pill Tower, Jiang Ning examined the academy’s discounted pills and considered saving his credits for pills that could provide Source Energy.
  • Wang Qingtan offered Jiang Ning a loan at nine out, eleven back, and Jiang Ning remarked that she was generous compared with the academy’s usual terms.
  • When Jiang Ning took the pill booklet from Wang Qingtan, their fingers touched and his panel detected an owned divine point and fragmentary Lord of Ten Thousand Fires authority.
  • Jiang Ning concluded that Wang Qingtan was unlike the divine beings he had encountered before and recognized her as a living divine maiden.

Ch. 373Martial Academy Treasure, Martial Refinement Tower!

Jiang Ning toured the Martial Academy with Wang Qingtan and learned about the Martial Refinement Tower, hoping to earn credits there. As Lin He challenged the ninth floor and Wang Qingtan clashed with Yan Youhu, Liu Sansheng unexpectedly greeted Jiang Ning.

  • Wang Qingtan showed Jiang Ning the academy and its Divine Weapon Tower, but he found no bow suited to his strength.
  • Wang Qinghan mentioned that her family owned their father's old battlefield bow, while Wang Qingtan explained the Martial Refinement Tower's rewards and admission qualifications.
  • Jiang Ning decided to challenge the tower, but Lin He was already attempting the ninth floor, so they waited with the gathered students.
  • Wang Qingtan said Lin He had once been stronger than her and dismissed Yan Youhu's taunts about her confidence.
  • Liu Sansheng arrived and called out to Jiang Ning.

Ch. 374Wang Qingtan Couldn't Believe It!

Liu Sansheng greeted Jiang Ning at the Martial Refinement Tower, where Lin He emerged bloodied after failing to clear its ninth floor. Jiang Ning entered the tower to begin his own challenge, while Liu Sansheng’s account of Jiang Ning’s age and achievements left Wang Qingtan doubting her earlier assessment of his strength.

  • Liu Sansheng approached Jiang Ning and offered to show him around, while Yan Youhu wondered why Liu Sansheng treated Jiang Ning with such deference.
  • Jiang Ning waited for Lin He to finish challenging the ninth floor, then learned that entering the tower would cost ten academic credits.
  • Lin He emerged wounded and admitted to Wang Qingtan that he had failed again before leaving the tower.
  • Jiang Ning entered the Martial Refinement Tower with a crimson token and sensed a strange fluctuation that resembled, but differed from, his spiritual force field.
  • Wang Qingtan asked Liu Sansheng about Jiang Ning, and Liu Sansheng said Jiang Ning was near her age and had defended a city from the Black Mountain Rebels.
  • Wang Qingtan reconsidered her belief that Jiang Ning’s signs of marrow refinement meant he was much older, and wondered whether she had misjudged his strength.

Ch. 375Cleared! Rewards and Gains!

Jiang Ning cleared all nine floors of the Martial Refinement Tower, earning merit points and large amounts of qi and blood before emerging at the summit. Wang Qingtan entered the tower to attempt the challenge, while Jiang Ning waited outside with Wang Qinghan.

  • Jiang Ning defeated the trial opponents on the first eight floors, absorbing their qi and blood and accumulating merit points as he climbed.
  • Onlookers identified Jiang Ning as a former deputy commander from Luoshui County, and Yan Youhu described his rise and his conflict with Yan Youhu's father.
  • Jiang Ning defeated the ninth-floor opponent, reached the summit, and left the tower with 330 merit points.
  • Wang Qingtan entered the Martial Refinement Tower to challenge its ninth floor, while Wang Qinghan asked Jiang Ning whether her sister would succeed.
  • Jiang Ning reassured Wang Qinghan by patting her head, then realized she had no unusual qualities like her sister.
Arc 15 of 42