Free Web NovelChapter 1668: Chapter 89: Peak of First Grade Martial Arts, Master of Nine Layers Mountain!
Royal Capital.
Dongling Marquis Mansion.
Listening to the report from Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming, Jiang Ning frowned slightly, contemplating silently.
His intuition told him that there was something strange about this matter.
If resource thieves have such strength to plunder his belongings, then they wouldn’t have ended up as mere bandits.
"Explain in detail!" Jiang Ning’s eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming, speaking calmly.
Chen Canghai’s face was grave, and he said solemnly, "Marquis, during this escort mission, Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge were traveling together. The convoy was attacked at Nine Layers Mountain. Xie Xiaojiu and others were unable to resist, even after invoking your name, which proved useless. Strangely, the assailants did not strike fatally."
Jing Wuming added, "Marquis, after learning about this, Brother Chen and I went to Nine Layers Mountain, but we were still no match for them and had to retreat to the Royal Capital to report to you."
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Ning’s eyes.
"You two were also no match for them?"
Chen Canghai nodded, confirming this.
Jiang Ning chuckled softly.
"If there truly exists such a powerful band of thieves in the world, it would indeed be too absurd."
He then spoke with a slightly cold gaze, "Nine Layers Mountain! It seems someone is deliberately using the name of thieves, targeting me, intercepting my resources, intending to draw me to Nine Layers Mountain."
Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming exchanged looks, seeing the seriousness in each other’s eyes. Chen Canghai said softly, "The Marquis is wise! When Brother Jing and I went to Nine Layers Mountain, the opponent never showed their true face, always wearing a black scarf."
"Their strength was unfathomable!"
"We gave it our all, yet could not even reveal their true identity!"
"The person known as the master of Nine Layers Mountain, I dare say, must be a Peak of First Grade Martial Arts expert."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning pondered briefly.
"A Peak of First Grade Martial Arts expert! Across the Thirty-six Prefectures of the Nine Provinces, any such figure is a renowned presence."
"Such an expert would not stoop to mere banditry; there must be hidden motives. Since this matter is aimed at me, I should see who is really behind this trickery."
He glanced at the two, noticing their erratic breathing, clearly injured.
"You both should go and rest to heal your wounds; I have my own plans for this matter."
"Yes, Marquis!" Both replied, bowing their heads.
"By the way!" Jiang Ning spoke up again.
The two were about to bow and leave but stopped in their tracks.
"Where are Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge recuperating now, and how are their injuries?" Jiang Ning asked again.
"Marquis, the two are currently in Guangning Prefecture!" Chen Canghai replied.
Jiang Ning nodded.
Seeing Jiang Ning had no further questions, the two bowed and left.
With their departure, Jiang Ning stood alone under an ancient pine, as a breeze rippled across the lake’s surface.
Yet in his heart, he pondered.
In his view, this matter was undoubtedly aimed directly at him.
And the opponent did not bother to disguise their intention.
A Peak of First Grade Martial Arts expert, becoming a bandit, claiming to be the master of Nine Layers Mountain.
Believing it would indeed be laughable.
Now, he contemplated only one thing.
Whether he should go.
Master of Nine Layers Mountain...
He pondered.
Then, his gaze hardened.
"Since it’s aimed at me, taking my resources, how can I not go?"
"In the present world, who stands as my rival?"
"Unless that master of Nine Layers Mountain is Ji Xuan!"
Thinking of this possibility, he couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head.
If indeed faced with Ji Xuan.
He would certainly understand Ji Xuan.
It’s precisely because he knows Ji Xuan that he realizes Ji Xuan would not do such a thing.
With Ji Xuan’s assertive nature, if he were to act after emerging, he would confront head-on, not resort to such indirect maneuvers to lure him out.
Having decided.
He summoned Lv Yi and instructed Lv Yi to relay a message to Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming for them to rest and heal today and accompany him to Nine Layers Mountain tomorrow.
Nine Layers Mountain is located a hundred and eighty miles outside Shangjing County, very close to Shangjing County. At their pace, it wouldn’t take much time to travel from the Royal Capital to Shangjing County.
After Lv Yi finished relaying the instructions, Jiang Ning departed from the Royal Capital.
...
Less than an hour later.
He arrived at the gates of Guangning Prefecture.
Standing before the gate, his Divine Thought swept across, instantly mapping out Guangning City in his mind, and he found the figures of Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge.
The two were currently residing in the Inspection Office in Guangning City, recuperating.
The next moment, he moved again, heading toward the Inspection Office in the city.
Inside the office, Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge were recuperating.
Seeing Jiang Ning suddenly appear, both were startled, struggling to get up and greet him.
"No need for formalities." Jiang Ning gestured gently, his gaze sweeping over them.
Xie Xiaojiu’s face was pale, his left arm wrapped in thick bandages, with blood faintly seeping through.
Feng Jiuge’s energy was waning, their internal organs evidently shaken, though their spirit was still intact.
Seeing Jiang Ning personally arrive, a sense of remorse appeared in both their eyes.
"Marquis, we have failed!" Xie Xiaojiu said softly.
"The opponent’s strength exceeded expectations; it’s not your fault. I’m just glad you two are safe," Jiang Ning interrupted, stepping to the couch and placing his hand on Xie Xiaojiu’s shoulder, "Tell me the details of that day."
As he spoke, a robust vitality surged from within Xie Xiaojiu.
His previously pale face quickly turned rosy.
At this moment, Feng Jiuge took a deep breath and began slowly, "That day, as the convoy reached Nine Layers Mountain, everything seemed calm. Suddenly, a violent gust of wind swept through, raising dust and stone. Before the convoy, appeared a group of seven, all clad in black suits with faces covered. They demanded we leave our wares and depart quietly."
