In the Moonlit Pavilion.
After reading the ranking list, Jiang Ning set it aside.
"Director, what does this Human Ranking mean?" Jiang Ning asked.
Hong Minghu replied, "Let's eat and drink while we talk."
With that, he picked up the wine jug and began to pour wine for Jiang Ning.
"Let me do it," Jiang Ning said, reaching for the jug, but Hong Minghu stopped him. "No need! Today, I'm hosting this banquet. You just focus on enjoying yourself."
"Alright then," Jiang Ning said, seeing the determination on Hong Minghu's face.
The clear wine flowed smoothly into the cup, its surface soon as smooth as a mirror, indicating its high quality.
Hong Minghu explained, "You asked about the Human Ranking. Have you heard of the Hidden Dragon Ranking's three tiers: Heaven, Earth, and Human?"
Jiang Ning shook his head. "No, I haven't."
Hong Minghu smiled. "The Hidden Dragon Ranking is divided into three tiers: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Each tier has a hundred names."
"The Heaven Ranking lists the strongest individuals under thirty in the Great Xia Empire. The top among them have already reached the Grandmaster level. These are the true elites, far beyond the reach of ordinary people."
"The Earth Ranking is specific to each of the nine provinces of Great Xia. Like the Heaven Ranking, it lists the top hundred individuals under thirty in each province."
"Below the Earth Ranking is the Human Ranking. Each of the seventy-two prefectures has its own Human Ranking, which also lists the top hundred individuals under thirty."
Hong Minghu looked at Jiang Ning.
"Your inclusion in the Human Ranking of Guangning Prefecture means you are among the top hundred young talents under thirty in this prefecture."
Jiang Ning asked, "Are Grandmaster-level experts still considered 'Hidden Dragons'?"
Hong Minghu laughed. "Of all the questions I expected, this wasn't one of them."
He continued, "Even Grandmasters are still considered Hidden Dragons. You must understand that the 'dragon' here refers to the ancient true dragons, beings comparable to gods and immortals."
"In the face of such beings, even Grandmasters are mere fledgling dragons."
"I see," Jiang Ning nodded.
Then he asked, "Director, who exactly compiles the Hidden Dragon Ranking? How do they have the authority and means to do so?"
Hong Minghu smiled. "The authority comes from the Great Xia Empire itself. The Hidden Dragon Ranking is compiled by the Imperial Astrology Bureau, which is said to have the ability to monitor all major events in the empire."
"The members of the Imperial Astrology Bureau are said to possess 'immortal roots.' In ancient times, such individuals could have become gods or immortals. With their immortal roots and the backing of the empire, they have access to ancient techniques, making their methods incredibly profound."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded, finally understanding.
The so-called "immortal roots" of the Imperial Astrology Bureau were likely the same as the "spiritual wisdom" Shen Congyun had mentioned.
They were also the favorite offerings of the evil deities worshipped by the God Worship Cult.
As for their access to ancient techniques, that wasn't surprising.
After all, even Jiang Ning had managed to bond with a spirit weapon. With the empire's resources and centuries of accumulation, it was only natural they had access to such treasures.
The Hidden Dragon Ranking was likely compiled using some ancient artifact.
And the claim of "monitoring all major events" might not be an exaggeration, given the accuracy of the ranking.
At this moment, Hong Minghu noticed Jiang Ning's thoughtful expression and asked, "Brother Jiang, what's on your mind?"
Jiang Ning snapped out of his thoughts. "Director, I was wondering, how reliable is the Hidden Dragon Ranking?"
Hong Minghu chuckled. "I thought you were pondering some profound question! This one, I can answer."
He paused, then continued, "To say it's reliable would be impossible. But historically, the Hidden Dragon Ranking has been quite accurate."
"About eighty to ninety percent accurate, give or take."
"As for the exceptions, those are individuals who hide their true strength. If someone conceals their power, even the Imperial Astrology Bureau can't accurately rank them."
Jiang Ning nodded. "So, if someone hides their strength, the ranking could be off?"
Hong Minghu agreed. "Exactly! If the ranking could account for hidden strength, that would be terrifying."
"Indeed," Jiang Ning said, raising his cup. "Thank you, Director, for clearing that up. Let me toast to you."
Hong Minghu laughed and raised his cup as well.
A moment later, Hong Minghu refilled both their cups.
"Brother Jiang, do you know the real reason I invited you here today?"
"How could I possibly know?"
Hong Minghu smiled mysteriously, then pulled out a scroll from under the table and placed it in front of Jiang Ning.
"Take a look."
Curious, Jiang Ning picked up the scroll and unrolled it. His expression froze for a moment.
The scroll depicted a young girl in her early teens, her delicate features and gentle smile captured vividly.
She wore a light green dress, exuding a charming, youthful beauty.
Jiang Ning glanced at the painting, and then at Hong Minghu.
"Director, what is this?"
Hong Minghu took a sip of wine. "This is my daughter."
Then he asked, "What do you think? Isn't she beautiful?"
Jiang Ning understood now.
He nodded sincerely. "She is indeed beautiful."
Hong Minghu pressed, "Are you satisfied?"
Jiang Ning shook his head. "Director, to be honest, your daughter is too young. She's only fourteen. I really can't accept this."
"Fourteen isn't too young!" Hong Minghu frowned. "In Great Xia, fourteen is a suitable age for marriage. Are you saying my daughter isn't good enough for you?"
Jiang Ning quickly shook his head. "The daughter of the Director is of noble status. How could she not be good enough for me?"
"Then will you accept her?" Hong Minghu asked directly.
Jiang Ning sighed. "Director, I really can't accept this."
"Fine," Hong Minghu said, his tone cooling. "Let's drop the subject."
Jiang Ning inwardly sighed.
He could tell Hong Minghu was upset.
But considering the girl's age and the youthful face in the painting, his moral compass couldn't accept it.
If she were just a couple of years older, he might have considered it.
After all, the girl was beautiful, and being the daughter of someone like Hong Minghu would have been advantageous.
But reality didn't allow for such "ifs."
At just fourteen, he couldn't bring himself to accept.
At this moment, Hong Minghu spoke again.
"Commander Jiang, if I were to make a move against the Cao, Liu, and Xie families, which one do you think I should target first?"
Jiang Ning cupped his hands. "That decision is entirely up to you, Director."
Hong Minghu took a sip of wine.
"What about the Cao family?"
"If you think it's suitable, then it is."
"Then it's settled. The Cao family it is," Hong Minghu declared.
He then looked at Jiang Ning. "I've heard you've had conflicts with the Cao family before. How about I leave this matter to you? You can settle your grievances with them."
"If that's your order, I'll comply," Jiang Ning said.
"Good," Hong Minghu smiled. "Since you're fine with it, I'll have you lead the operation in a few days. Wipe out the Cao family. Show no mercy to those who resist."
"Yes, Director!" Jiang Ning acknowledged.
Hong Minghu said, "In that case, you may leave now."
Jiang Ning stood up, but before leaving, he seemed to remember something.
He turned to Hong Minghu and cupped his hands. "Director, about the incident during the day when He Jinyun killed innocent people for merit are you aware of it?"
"Killed innocent people for merit? What do you mean?" Hong Minghu looked up at Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning recounted the events of the day and his observations.
After listening, Hong Minghu chuckled. "That's not killing innocent people for merit. That young lord killed followers of the God Worship Cult. Who knows if any of them were actual members?"
Jiang Ning nodded. "I understand."
With that, he took his leave.
A short while later.
On the Moonlit Pavilion.
Hong Minghu stood at the edge, watching Jiang Ning's retreating figure.
Beside him, a shadowy figure appeared.
"Director, since this young man refuses to serve you, should I eliminate him?"
Hong Minghu showed no surprise at the figure's appearance.
After a moment of thought, he shook his head. "No, let him be. It's a shame to kill such a talented individual who's made it onto the Hidden Dragon Ranking."
"So you're keeping him?" the shadow asked.
"Yes," Hong Minghu nodded. "As long as he's under my command, he's still useful. But since he won't fully serve me, I'll assign him the dirty work."
"After all, those who wish to become dragons must endure trials and tribulations."
"If he can survive the tests I set for him, he'll surely rise to greatness."
"In the future, if he achieves success, he'll have to thank me for it."
As he spoke, the shadowy figure gradually faded away.
Meanwhile.
Walking down the street, Jiang Ning's ears twitched slightly.
The conversation between Hong Minghu and the shadowy figure on the Moonlit Pavilion reached his ears.
As expected!
No one who rose to the position of Director was simple. They were all ruthless individuals.
Hong Minghu, who had seemed so friendly and even poured wine for him earlier, now harbored murderous intentions.
If Hong Minghu truly decided to act against him, Jiang Ning had no way to resist.
His only option would be to jump into the river and try to escape.
Thinking of this, Jiang Ning quickened his pace.
Reaching the seventh grade of martial arts was now more urgent than ever.
Strength was, after all, the foundation of everything and the most reliable asset.
Wanhua Pavilion.
"Master Jiang, take care!" Xiao Lu escorted Jiang Ning to the door, watching him leave.
A few moments later.
"Was Jiang Ning here?" Lin Qingyi's voice suddenly appeared behind Xiao Lu.
Startled, Xiao Lu quickly turned and bowed. "Yes, Master Jiang was here."
"What did he come for?" Lin Qingyi asked.
Xiao Lu replied, "Master Jiang came to buy ox tendon powder, tiger tendon powder, and flood dragon tendon powder."
"Ox tendon powder, tiger tendon powder, and flood dragon tendon powder?" Lin Qingyi raised an eyebrow.
"It seems he's preparing to break through to the seventh grade. But to buy all three at once he's quite extravagant!"
Xiao Lu nodded eagerly. "You're right, Pavilion Master! Master Jiang spent seventeen thousand taels of silver today. It's the largest single purchase we've had this year."
"That much?" Lin Qingyi was surprised.
Then she turned to Xiao Lu. "Next time Jiang Ning comes, no matter when or where, notify me immediately. Understand?"
"Yes, Pavilion Master!" Xiao Lu quickly bowed in acknowledgment.
As the moon rose higher.
Back at his residence.
Jiang Ning looked at the three large bags of medicinal powder in front of him.
He was filled with excitement.
Although these three bags had nearly emptied his savings, he estimated they would be enough to push him to the seventh grade of martial arts the level of flood dragon tendons.
At that level, his strength would flow effortlessly, allowing him to channel power to any part of his body.
Moreover, the force he could unleash with each movement would be vastly different.
His explosive power would at least double.
A doubling of explosive power was the difference between heaven and earth.
For example, in a fight between someone with a hundred jin of punching power and someone with two hundred jin, the latter could easily kill the former with just a few punches.
That was the difference a multiplier made.
Thinking of this, Jiang Ning closed the courtyard gate.
Then he walked to the pool.
The moonlight reflected off the water, revealing his reflection.
This pool was one he had dug himself.
With his Water Affinity trait, being in the water was the best environment for his martial training.
Any training done in peak physical condition would be far more efficient.
Not to mention, being in the water also gradually increased his Water Affinity skill experience.
With that in mind, he poured a bag of ox tendon powder into the water.
This bag contained the essence of over ten ox tendons.
The tendons of more than ten oxen had been refined and ground into powder, creating a substance that could aid in the cultivation of the seventh grade of martial arts.
Normally, one would mix a small amount of this powder with water, drink it, and then use their blood and energy to refine it, gradually strengthening their tendons.
But Jiang Ning had a different approach.
He planned to dissolve the powder in the pool and use his water manipulation ability to absorb the medicinal properties through his pores.
This would allow him to refine his energy and strengthen his tendons more efficiently.
Given his unique abilities, he wanted to try this method.
If it worked, he could reach the seventh grade much faster.
The seventh grade of martial arts was a significant milestone, even in Luoshui County.
The three great families Cao, Liu, and Xie owed their prominence to having seventh-grade martial artists in their ranks.
Even Wang Jin, despite his age, was highly respected in Luoshui County because of his peak seventh-grade strength.
Though he was past his prime, among the seventh-grade experts in the county, Wang Jin was still one of the strongest.
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