Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method, a Second-Rank Divine Intent Realm Cultivation Method

Outside the Library Pavilion.

"Your Highness should know that I'm an ordinary man born and raised in Luoshui County. For the first eighteen years of my life, I never even left the county town. My understanding of the world and its history was extremely shallow, and my knowledge of Martial Dao barely scratched the surface," Jiang Ning said.

"It seems Brother Jiang's strength isn't merely outward. You're just as strong at heart!" Ji Minghao sighed softly.

Jiang Ning smiled.

"I was a scholar before this, you know!"

"A scholar?" Surprise crossed Ji Minghao's face as he looked at Jiang Ning.

Then he smiled. "It seems I've underestimated Brother Jiang. Even without your talent for Martial Dao, you might have become a great Confucian scholar, perhaps even someone worthy of entering the temple."

Jiang Ning chuckled.

"Your Highness flatters me. I just have a good memory! Passing the imperial examination to become a scholar, or even a provincial graduate, wouldn't have been too difficult. But beyond that, I wouldn't have had the slightest confidence."

"If you were so confident, Brother Jiang, why didn't you take the provincial examination this year as well? Becoming a graduate of both examinations would have made a fine tale," Ji Minghao said.

Jiang Ning shook his head. "Your Highness should know why!"

At those words, Ji Minghao gave a wry smile.

"Brother Jiang truly is extraordinary to have come this far. You even saw through the divine methods the imperial court relies on to maintain its rule."

"I did." Jiang Ning nodded. "That's why I didn't pursue any higher honors through the civil examinations."

"Remarkable!" Ji Minghao sighed.

As they talked,

the two of them reached the lakeside.

Blue waves rippled across the water in rolling patterns.

"Brother Jiang, do you know why I turned back