Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

Afternoon.

Jiang Ning stood on the terrace overlooking Yingyue Lake, practicing his boxing.

At this moment, his Five Animals Fist no longer had the initial grandeur and might that showed outwardly.

Instead, he cultivated its power internally, each movement mobilizing his whole body, drawing the Five Elements Spirit from heaven and earth into his internal organs.

From the side, one could not discern that he had already mastered the Fist Intent.

The Five Animals Fist Intent was hidden within him, and as his training progressed, he could even feel it slowly strengthening.

Strength increased, the physique became stronger.

The five internal organs were also gradually transforming.

He believed this was not an illusion.

But an actual existence.

With this transformation alone, given time, his physical strength could reach new heights.

Just at this moment.

His gaze swept across, seeing a man approaching from across the river, he immediately smiled.

The visitor was indeed Zhao Yulong.

He was previously worried that he had no way to contact Zhao Yulong, wondering how to greet him.

But now, it turned out to be simple!

A moment later.

[Five Animals Fist Experience Value +1]

As he finished his routine, he did not linger to assimilate his insights and reflections.

Instead, he donned a brocade robe, opened the window, and walked out.

...

In front of the pier.

"Master Zhao!"

Jiang Ning watched Zhao Yulong, who glided in like he was riding on a sword, and greeted him.

"Lord Jiang, how did you know I had arrived?" Zhao Yulong smiled faintly, his foot tapped lightly, leaping like a dragonfly and crossing the wide lake in an instant, landing steadily on the shore.

The verdant bamboo he had just stepped on angled sharply into the muddy ground at the shore like an arrow.

The Water Moon Sword Palace disciple, who had seen this from the lake, all had solemn expressions.

After several days of receiving esteemed guests, they had already gauged some of the visitors' strength from their methods.

Without a doubt, Zhao Yulong, who crossed the lake relying solely on a bamboo pole, was a top-tier strongman.

At the same time.

Jiang Ning heard Zhao Yulong's puzzlement.

Then he turned his head and pointed to the circle of buildings nestled against the mountain at the center of the island.

"I was practicing on the terrace and saw the Residence Master crossing the lake with just a bamboo!"

Zhao Yulong glanced accordingly and nodded knowingly.

"Where is Lord Ye?" he asked.

"He is in seclusion!" Jiang Ning replied.

"I see, then let's not disturb him!" Zhao Yulong nodded slightly and continued, "Let's go!"

Upon saying this, he began walking forward.

Beside him, the person who had been waiting for Zhao Yulong's arrival immediately stepped forth to welcome him.

"Greetings, Lord Zhao!" It was still the same man Jiang Ning had seen yesterday.

Compared to Ye Zhengqi and Jiang Ning, he evidently recognized Zhao Yulong's identity.

"You recognize me?" Zhao Yulong asked.

"The uncrowned king of Dongling County, I, as a disciple of Water Moon Sword Palace, have this bit of discernment!" the man remarked.

"Arrange a residence closer to Lord Jiang for me!"

"Yes!" the man nodded in response.

Then he couldn't help but glance at Jiang Ning.

When Jiang Ning first arrived yesterday, he was unaware of Jiang Ning's backstory.

But now it's different.

He was thoroughly informed of Jiang Ning's identity, and also aware of Jiang Ning's enmities with the Palace Master.

However, regarding this matter, he wouldn't foolishly speak out.

He could only pretend as if still unaware.

"Master Zhao, please follow me!" said the man.

"Lord Jiang, why don't you come along?" Zhao Yulong looked at Jiang Ning.

"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.

Halfway through.

"Lord Jiang, don't you have anything you'd like to ask?" Zhao Yulong clenched his fist, then released it, exhibiting a kind of subtle excitement.

Noticing this small gesture, Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile gently.

Zhao Yulong had completely taken that final step, achieving the title of Heavenly Human Grandmaster; he had discerned it long ago.

Without reaching Heavenly Human Grandmaster, how could ordinary Grandmaster brute force solely rely on a bamboo pole, like a light boat sailing through the waves, traverse the lake several miles long?

He was not surprised Zhao Yulong had reached this stage.

That day, when Xiao Qiushui stepped into Third Grade, achieving Heavenly Human Grandmaster and attempted to attack him, Zhao Yulong's displayed prowess was already halfway into Heavenly Human Grandmaster.

Now, more than a month has passed.

Zhao Yulong passing this final half-step was only natural.

And just days before, when he and Ye Zhengqi set out, Zhao Yulong was still in seclusion.

Originally, with both him and Ye Zhengqi arriving, Zhao Yulong didn't necessarily have to come.

Yet he still came.

This suggested that Zhao Yulong had fulfilled a long-held desire, was in a good mood, and chose to take some leisure.

Moreover, now Zhao Yulong revealed a kind of feeling wanting to confess.

"Residence Master, have you taken the essential step?" Jiang Ning followed Zhao Yulong's line of thought and spoke, feigning puzzlement.

"It seems you have noticed!" Zhao Yulong nodded slightly, his expression cheerful.

Then he said, "Indeed! I have become a Heavenly Human Grandmaster!"

Upon hearing this, the man leading the way ahead couldn't help but pause his steps, then continued leading the way.

"Congratulations, Residence Master!" Jiang Ning expressed his congratulations.

"Would you have a drink with me later?" Zhao Yulong asked.

"Sure!" Jiang Ning nodded, "Such a joyous occasion deserves a good celebration!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yulong's face showed a look of delight.

...

At night.

The moonlight was chilly.

The entire Yingyue Island became tranquil.

The lake surface rippled slightly, as though the bright moon was fragmented in the water, transforming into countless shimmering scales.

Jiang Ning was on the terrace, continuing to practice boxing.

He had been practicing this boxing for a long time as well.

But he had no intention of stopping.

Tomorrow is the grandmaster banquet of Xiao Qiushui.