Free Web NovelChapter 1669: Chapter 89: Peak of First Grade Martial Arts, Master of Nine Layers Mountain!_2
"At the time I refused, yet a shadow swept past, and neither Xie Xiaojiu nor I could react; we were already injured, and the personnel of the escorted convoy were the same."
"Feeling the opponent’s strength, I invoked the Marquis’s name."
"Yet the adversary spoke directly, saying he was seizing the Marquis’s possessions!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.
Feng Jiuge’s account was exactly the same as Chen Canghai’s narrative just now.
From Feng Jiuge’s description, it was clear that those people were targeting him.
And their strength was extraordinarily powerful.
Xie Xiaojiu’s furrowed brows relaxed at this moment, and he added, "The person claimed to be the Ninefold Mountain Master, his voice was hoarse and bizarre, seemingly disguised. His physique is burly, moving like a landslide or lightning, the strongest existence I’ve seen to date. I suspect this Ninefold Mountain Master is a second-grade Great Grandmaster."
Jiang Ning shook his head, "Not second-grade, but first-grade."
"First-grade!!" Feng Jiuge was taken aback, widening his eyes, "How is this possible?! How could a first-grade fall into banditry?"
"The adversary is clearly targeting me," Jiang Ning said.
"The Marquis absolutely must not fall into the trap. The Ninefold Mountain Master is coming for the Marquis, and there must be an inescapable net waiting for the Marquis on Ninefold Mountain." Feng Jiuge quickly advised.
Jiang Ning shook his head, "I definitely have to go to Ninefold Mountain! Those resources are vital for my upcoming cultivation, and I want to see who exactly is targeting me!"
While speaking, he lifted his hand from Xie Xiaojiu’s shoulder and walked to Feng Jiuge.
His palm landed below Feng Jiuge’s chest.
"Marquis!!" Feng Jiuge’s face flushed slightly.
Jiang Ning felt a heavy weight wanting to fall.
"Focus and calm your mind, do not get distracted!" Jiang Ning said.
At that moment.
A surge of vitality erupted from Feng Jiuge’s body, her previously lethargic expression instantly rejuvenated, her complexion gradually changed.
After several breaths.
Jiang Ning withdrew his palm.
"You two just need to rest patiently for a few more days, then your bodies can fully recover."
"Thank you, Marquis!" The two expressed their gratitude.
"Rest well." Jiang Ning rose from the seated bed, "I will handle the matter of Ninefold Mountain."
"Marquis, you must be cautious!" Xie Xiaojiu spoke.
"Rest assured!" Jiang Ning smiled at Xie Xiaojiu, "Since the adversary didn’t lethally attack the two of you, it’s clear he doesn’t want to truly make an enemy of me, which is why I want to visit Ninefold Mountain."
Then he looked outside the room.
Some footsteps approached.
At that moment.
Shen Wenyan and Ye Zhengqi appeared before him.
He took the initiative to walk out.
"Mr. Shen, Brother Ye!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands to the two.
"I just heard from the subordinates that Dongling Marquis appeared at the Inspection Office, I didn’t quite believe it at first, but didn’t expect Brother Jiang had indeed returned." Shen Wenyan greeted him with a smile.
Ye Zhengqi also cupped his hands in return.
Jiang Ning said, "I just heard about the Ninefold Mountain incident and returned to Guangning City to treat Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge’s injuries."
While speaking.
Inside the room behind.
Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge got out of bed.
As the two appeared before Shen Wenyan and Ye Zhengqi.
A look of astonishment instantly flashed in their eyes.
Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge had returned leading their team, heavily injured, which the two also knew, thus arranging for everyone at the Inspection Office to recover.
This morning, the two had visited Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge.
After all, these two are Jiang Ning’s people, logically and sentimentally, they both had to pay a visit.
They still clearly remembered that when they visited Feng Jiuge and Xie Xiaojiu in the morning, the two’s injuries were quite severe, with True Intent lingering—not something that could heal in a short time.
It would take time to slowly overcome, extinguish the remaining True Intent, then stimulate the body’s self-healing ability to recover.
However, judging from the two people now, their injuries have healed about seventy to eighty percent, and the remaining minor wounds will heal completely soon with the strong life force of a Martial Artist.
"Brother Jiang has become even more unfathomable!" thought Shen Wenyan.
Ye Zhengqi also showed surprise on his face. As the Patrol Envoy of Guangning Prefecture, he was knowledgeable and well aware that injuries caused by the residue of the True Intent in Martial Arts are the hardest to remove, requiring considerable effort over time.
The two in front of him had a stable aura and a rosy complexion. If it wasn’t for the bandages still present, one could hardly tell they had just recovered from serious injuries.
"What method did Brother Jiang use to have their injuries improve by seventy to eighty percent in such a short time?" exclaimed Ye Zhengqi.
Jiang Ning smiled slightly without explanation and said, "Some minor healing methods, nothing worth mentioning. However, regarding the matter of Nine Layers Mountain, since both of you are here, I need to discuss it thoroughly."
Upon hearing this, Shen Wenyan’s expression turned serious, and he gestured to lead the way, "Brother Jiang, please proceed to the study for a detailed discussion."
The three moved to the study of the Inspection Office and dismissed everyone else.
Shen Wenyan personally poured tea, speaking in a deep voice, "I have also conducted an investigation into the Nine Layers Mountain robbery. There are many oddities in this matter. Though Nine Layers Mountain has always had a bandit problem due to its treacherous terrain, they were mostly a rabble capable of robbing travelers at best. How could they possess such formidable martial artists and dare to attack the escort convoy of a Marquis? And according to Xie Xiaojiu, the master of Nine Layers Mountain has exceptionally high martial skills, and the six under his command are no common hands. Such a lineup is not something ordinary bandits could possess."
Ye Zhengqi interjected, "What’s even stranger is that they only robbed goods, without taking lives, and even showed mercy to both Xie and Feng. This is clearly a warning, not an ordinary robbery. Brother Jiang, this should be the work of some big figure trying to entrap you."
Jiang Ning took a sip of tea, "I am aware of that too. However, since those in the shadows wish to meet me, I have no reason to avoid them!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Wenyan frowned, "Brother Jiang, please don’t act rashly. The other party has set this trap, and Nine Layers Mountain must be full of danger. While your strength is extraordinary, two fists cannot contend against four hands, especially when they are in the dark, and you are out in the open."
Jiang Ning shook his head, "I’ve thought this through! I must visit Nine Layers Mountain! It’s not just for other reasons but also to reclaim my cultivation resources."
Then he put down the tea, looking at the two men.
"I will set off tomorrow. Don’t worry about Nine Layers Mountain. Since I choose to go, I am confident. But here in Guangning Prefecture, I need both of you to pay close attention. Especially the border defense of Zeshan State, the Yellow Heaven Sect is itching to move, and now that spring has come and the ice and snow have melted, we cannot afford to be complacent. If anything happens, be sure to inform me, and I will hurry back at once."
Shen Wenyan and Ye Zhengqi exchanged glances, knowing he had made up his mind and did not persuade further.
Shen Wenyan cupped his hands, "Rest assured Brother Jiang, the Guangning Prefecture and the border defense of Zeshan State, we will do our utmost. On your journey, you must be careful. If needed, the troops of Guangning Prefecture are ready to be mobilized at any time."
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Shen!" Jiang Ning then shook his head, "Guangning Prefecture is too far from Nine Layers Mountain, and troops are of no use! In front of such powerful figures, numbers are meaningless! I will go lightly on this trip."
After briefly speaking, he reminded the two men to keep an eye on the Yellow Heaven Sect, and Jiang Ning left the study, returned to where Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge were staying, carefully instructing them to rest and heal, and left a few strands of pure Qi-Blood to aid their recovery.
Then he left Guangning City and returned to the Royal Capital.
...
Early the next day, as dawn barely broke.
In front of the Dongling Marquis Mansion, Jiang Ning, clad in a black outfit, carried nothing but the increasingly warm Patrol Angel token on his waist.
Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming were waiting at the door, their injuries healed overnight with Jiang Ning’s help, their spirits stable.
"Marquis, the carriage is ready." said Jing Wuming.
"No need." Jiang Ning waved a hand, "This is not a pleasure trip, let’s be quick."
The next moment, he took a step forward, covering several feet in an instant.
The pair hastily followed Jiang Ning’s steps.
In just a moment, the three had left the gate of the Royal Capital City.
Once outside the Royal Capital, Jiang Ning’s speed increased further.
Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming followed closely behind.
Compared to Chen Canghai’s easy pace, Jing Wuming struggled significantly more.
Before even leaving Shangjing County, Jing Wuming was already sweating profusely.
Looking at the calm and carefree figure ahead, his mind was even more serious.
He had heard long ago that Jiang Ning had been struck by the Immortal’s Curse Killing Skill.
Just like what the Changning Emperor was afflicted with.
And now, the Changning Emperor’s life or death was uncertain, with state affairs already handled by Prince Pingjian, Wang Jixuan.
But Jiang Ning, all this time, showed no signs of the Curse Killing Skill, nor did he appear gravely ill.
His condition was even better than in recent days.
Occasionally, he even felt an immense pressure emanating from Jiang Ning.
Compared to Jing Wuming, Chen Canghai was no less surprised.
Though he maintained a composed gait.
But he knew, this pace was Jiang Ning accommodating their speed.
He could clearly feel this speed was far from Jiang Ning’s limit.
Furthermore, when Jiang Ning treated their injuries last night, he mentioned he had just visited Guangning Prefecture.
The distance between Guangning Prefecture and the Royal Capital is a vast expanse of mountains and waters, a distance of ten thousand miles.
