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Chapter 178 - Chapter 178: Superior Martial Arts, the Essence of Water and Fire!

Moonlit Residence. 

Sitting across from Feng Jiuge, the two raised their cups and chatted happily. 

Despite wearing casual home clothes, which softened her demeanor slightly, Feng Jiuge still drank with the boldness of a seasoned soldier. 

The cups they used were not small wine cups but rather large ones that could be held in the palm of one's hand. 

Cup after cup, Feng Jiuge would down each one in a single gulp, leaving no drop behind. 

Seeing this, Jiang Ning had no choice but to keep up. 

After a while. 

After more than a dozen cups of strong liquor, Jiang Ning began to feel a slight buzz. 

At this point, seeing that Feng Jiuge's expression remained unchanged. 

"Miss Feng, you have quite the tolerance for alcohol!" 

Jiang Ning praised, inwardly amazed. 

After all, he had achieved significant internal refinement and was only one step away from generating internal energy. 

In this state, the functions of his internal organs were several times stronger than those of an ordinary person. 

Yet even with such robust internal organs, he could still feel the effects of the alcohol, which spoke volumes about the potency of the liquor. 

But Feng Jiuge showed no signs of being affected. 

Hearing this, Feng Jiuge picked up another cup, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one go. 

A few drops of the clear liquor trickled down her red lips and slender neck, disappearing into the valley of her chest. 

After finishing the cup. 

Clang 

Feng Jiuge placed the cup on the stone table and began pouring herself another drink. 

"I inherited my father's ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. So when it comes to drinking, few can match me." 

As she spoke, Feng Jiuge glanced at Jiang Ning with a hint of amusement. 

At this moment, Jiang Ning's face was slightly flushed, a clear sign that the alcohol was taking effect. 

Then, Feng Jiuge stood up. "On the arena, I lost to you, and I'm not entirely convinced. Would you be willing to have a rematch?" 

"Of course! I'd love to see your Blazing Spear Technique again," Jiang Ning replied. 

In the next moment. 

Jiang Ning also stood up. 

They made their way to the backyard. 

The backyard had been tidied up, leaving a clean and open space. There were no unnecessary decorations, just grass, and two weapon racks. 

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick. 

Feng Jiuge looked at Jiang Ning with a complex expression. 

"You've mastered blade intent! No wonder you were able to secure the position of deputy commander. Even that young lord is no match for you!" 

After the fight, the effects of the alcohol had completely worn off for Jiang Ning. 

"That young lord, just based on his status, is worthy of being a deputy commander. I don't need to compete with him." 

Hearing this, Feng Jiuge suddenly chuckled lightly. 

"If that young lord, with his prideful nature, heard you say that, he'd be furious." 

Then, Feng Jiuge's gaze sharpened. 

"The force you used just now, why does it feel so similar to the Ninefold Fire Force I've mastered?" 

During their fight, Feng Jiuge personally experienced the Ninefold Force that Jiang Ning unleashed with his blade. 

With each strike, he could easily unleash the power of three strikes, overwhelming her and leaving her breathless. 

It was only through this fight that she realized how much Jiang Ning had held back during their match in the arena. 

In the end, her defeat came when Jiang Ning used his blade intentionally. 

Once blade intent was unleashed, the outcome was decided. 

It was then that Feng Jiuge understood why Jiang Ning had been able to secure the position of deputy commander among more than a dozen captains. 

During this spar, Jiang Ning had chosen to reveal his blade intent to make Feng Jiuge, a captain, more willing to serve under him. 

He knew that prodigies like Feng Jiuge were proud and arrogant. 

Only someone far more outstanding than them could truly make someone like Feng Jiuge willingly submit to their command. 

"Ninefold Fire?" Jiang Ning showed a hint of surprise. 

Then he said, "The force I've mastered is called the Ninefold Force." 

"Ninefold Force?" Feng Jiuge's eyes widened slightly. 

"It seems you're familiar with it," Jiang Ning smiled. 

Feng Jiuge nodded. "The Ninefold Fire Force and the Ninefold Force are two types of force derived from the ancient Water and Fire Codex!" 

"If one can master both forces and combine the essences of water and fire, it becomes a superior martial art." 

"If one can even glimpse the mysteries of the Water and Fire Codex, they can master the true essence of water and fire, which is the key to becoming a grandmaster!" 

Jiang Ning asked, "Miss Feng, would you be willing to exchange techniques?" 

"Can you make that decision?" Feng Jiuge looked at Jiang Ning, then said, "The Blazing Spear Technique is a mid-tier martial art and my father's signature technique. I can't make that decision." 

Jiang Ning said, "I can't either. I'll need to consult my master, but I believe he'll agree." 

Feng Jiuge said, "Then I'll send a message to my father. If he agrees, we can exchange techniques." 

"Deal," Jiang Ning said. 

As he left Moonlit Residence, Jiang Ning felt a surge of excitement. 

Ninefold Fire and Ninefold Force. 

If the techniques representing these two forces were combined, they would form a superior martial art. 

And superior martial arts were something he had yet to possess. 

He had personally experienced the vast difference between mid-tier and low-tier martial arts. 

His current strength was largely due to the Surging Waves Blade Art, a mid-tier martial art. 

Without it, his combat power would be reduced by at least half. 

This was the effect of a mid-tier martial art focused on combat techniques. 

Thus, the boost from a superior martial art would be even more significant. 

For others, like Feng Jiuge, even if she obtained the Surging Waves Blade Art and managed to master the Ninefold Force, achieving mastery in both techniques and merging them would be an insurmountable goal. 

But for Jiang Ning, it was different. 

With the help of his mysterious panel, given some time, he could master both techniques to perfection and even surpass their limits. 

Merging them would likely not be difficult! 

With this in mind, Jiang Ning felt a sense of anticipation. 

A superior martial art and the essence of water and fire would be his foundation for survival. 

Surging Waves Martial Arts School. 

"What did you say?" Wang Jin suddenly stood up, his eyes wide as he stared at Jiang Ning. 

Jiang Ning said, "Feng Jiuge asked me if I'd be willing to exchange the Surging Waves Blade Art for her Blazing Spear Technique. The Blazing Spear Technique can cultivate the Ninefold Fire Force." 

Seeing Wang Jin's shocked expression, Jiang Ning repeated himself. 

"You're not lying to me, are you?" Wang Jin's breathing became rapid. 

"Of course not," Jiang Ning replied. 

Hearing Jiang Ning's confirmation, Wang Jin paced back and forth. 

"After searching high and low, we've found it without even trying!" 

Wang Jin muttered this a few times, then turned to Jiang Ning. 

"This is approved. You can handle it yourself." 

Then Wang Jin added, "Follow me." 

They went to the study, where Wang Jin solemnly handed Jiang Ning the manual for the Surging Waves Blade Art. 

"I leave this matter to you. Do your best to complete the exchange." 

"I will," Jiang Ning nodded. 

By the time Jiang Ning returned home, it was already dark. 

Recalling the events of the day, Jiang Ning felt as if it were all a dream. 

In a single day, he had gone from an ordinary commoner to an eighth-rank official of the court. 

Moreover, this was a position with real authority, granting him the power of life and death. Such a position outranked most officials. 

In other words, within Luoshui County, excluding the Inspection Bureau, he was now one of the highest-ranking officials. 

"What's this..." As he stepped into his home, Jiang Ning noticed the items on the ground in the front yard and the person accompanying Jiang Li. He was slightly surprised. 

At this moment. 

Jiang Ning's appearance immediately caught the attention of the two in the front yard. 

"Master Jiang, I didn't expect to be so lucky as to meet you!" A plump, round man smiled obsequiously at Jiang Ning. 

Though the man looked comical, Jiang Ning didn't dare underestimate him. 

This man was the head of the Sihe Merchant Guild. 

The Sihe Merchant Guild was one of the top three merchant guilds in Luoshui County. 

The livelihoods of countless commoners were closely tied to the Sihe Merchant Guild. 

Behind the Sihe Merchant Guild stood the Liu family, a behemoth. 

Suddenly. 

Jiang Ning's mind stirred. 

The Liu family... doesn't seem like much to me now. 

Then he thought of the Cao family. 

Cao Bin's previous actions, Cao Rong's assassination attempt, and Tian Buyi, the river pirate hired by Cao Rong. 

Jiang Ning had never forgotten these. 

Letting it go? Impossible! 

If not for his good fortune, he might have already fallen victim to the Cao family. 

Such a life-and-death grudge was not something he could easily let go of. 

These matters had always been on his mind. 

"Master Jiang, have you eaten?" The rotund head of the Sihe Merchant Guild bowed slightly, his face full of smiles. 

"Not yet," Jiang Ning shook his head. 

"Then allow me to treat you to a meal at Moonlight Pavilion. I have a reserved private room there with a great atmosphere!" The guild head said with a slight bow. 

"No need," Jiang Ning declined. 

"Very well," the guild head maintained his smile. "Master Jiang must be tired today. It's not suitable for you to travel again." 

"Next time, when Master Jiang has time, I'll invite you again." 

A moment later. 

The head of the Sihe Merchant Guild tactfully took his leave. 

Looking at the pile of items in the yard, Jiang Ning realized they were gifts from various families and factions in Luoshui County. 

From the list Jiang Li handed him, his guess was confirmed. 

The mountain of gifts came from the major families. 

Among them were gifts from the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, as well as from merchant guilds, escort agencies, weapon forges, and several major gangs. 

That night. 

After dinner, Jiang Ning went to meet Ye Qiu, the commander who had invited him. 

It wasn't until late at night, with the moon high in the sky, that Jiang Ning returned. 

This meeting was just between him and Ye Qiu, with no one else present. 

Upon returning, Jiang Ning fell asleep almost immediately. 

The next day. 

[Name]: Jiang Ning 

[Source Energy]: 187.3 

[Skills]: 

Literacy (Second Breakthrough 1903/3000) (Traits: Photographic Memory, Enhanced Senses) 

Five Animals Fist (First Breakthrough 353/2000) (Trait: Essence Storage in Organs) 

Firewood Chopping Blade Art (Fourth Breakthrough 5000/5000) (Traits: Cross-Application, Swift as the Wind, Mastery of the Blade, Unity of Man and Blade) 

Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique (Proficient 1644/2000) 

Surging Waves Blade Art (Advanced 67/1000) 

Indestructible Golden Body (Intermediate 453/5000) 

Water Affinity (Fourth Breakthrough 3873/5000) (Traits: Underwater Breathing, Water Manipulation, Water Spirit Affinity, Cloud and Rain Control) 

After a glance at his panel, Jiang Ning closed it. 

His Source Energy was about to break through 200 points. 

Once it reached 200, he speculated that both the Firewood Chopping Blade Art and the Water Affinity skill could undergo a fifth breakthrough. 

But he hadn't yet decided which one to choose. 

The fourth breakthrough of the Firewood Chopping Blade Art had not only added new traits but also allowed him to master blade intent. 

The fifth breakthrough would likely bring equally significant changes. 

As for the Water Affinity, each breakthrough had brought remarkable transformations. 

Whether it was mastering water manipulation or controlling clouds and rain, each step had exceeded his expectations. 

After getting up. 

Jiang Ning briefly practiced the Furnace Elixir Refinement Technique, refining several layers of the Leopard Fetus Transformation Body Tempering Pill. 

The powerful medicinal effects of the pill integrated into his body, enhancing his bone structure. 

Since discovering that his bone structure had improved to a high-grade level, Jiang Ning truly understood the potency of the Leopard Fetus Transformation Body Tempering Pill. 

He now realized why this pill was considered a tribute item, worthy of being offered to the Prince of Huai'an. 

With this pill, any child could transform their bone structure to a level like his. 

High-grade bone structure, even in Dongling County, could be considered the mark of a prodigy. 

In the blink of an eye. 

After refining, three drops of pale golden medicinal liquid formed within his body. 

The liquid spread, integrating into his limbs and bones. 

Jiang Ning then channeled his energy, circulating his blood and refining his muscles as the medicinal effects took hold. 

Although he hadn't been at the eighth rank for long, with the help of various treasures, he was already nearing the peak of this rank. 

He was just one step away from reaching the limit of the eighth rank and beginning his attempt to break through to the seventh rank. 

By mid-morning. 

[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique experience +1] 

[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique experience +1] 

[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique experience +1] 

[...] 

[Skill]: Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique (Proficient 1684/2000) 

It was still early in the morning, the optimal time for Jiang Ning to absorb the essence of the sun and refine his internal organs, increasing his experience with the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique. 

But he had to stop. 

Because Little Doubao came running to tell him that a beautiful woman had come to visit, specifically asking to see him. 

As for who it was, Little Doubao didn't know. 

The woman hadn't said. 

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