Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

Upon the Dongling Mountain Range stands an ordinary Daoist temple, deep and quiet, its steps covered with moss.

At the entrance to the temple hangs a wooden plaque weathered by the ravages of time.

On it are engraved four large charred black characters.

Three Elements Daoist Temple.

"Gentlemen constables, take care!" A yellow-robed Daoist greeted them.

Only after watching those constables disappear into the distance did he withdraw his gaze, his expression shifting from amiable to calm.

"That Xiao Bieli really had to provoke a Grandmaster!"

"Got even me caught in the investigation!"

"Luckily, this old Daoist is quick-witted!"

The yellow-robed Daoist slowly closed the temple doors.

...

That night.

Star-picking Tower.

The tower stands nine stories high.

It is located at the highest point in Dongling City.

Thus giving rise to the saying of a tower a hundred feet high, where stars can be picked by hand.

7 p.m.

Jiang Ning arrived slightly earlier than the appointed time.

Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong had helped him a lot during this time, so it wouldn't be polite to arrive just on time.

Clack, clack, clack—

As the sound of gears turning filled his ears, he carried two jars of liquor in his hand.

This liquor was brewed and diluted from the Emperor's Liquid.

A moment later.

Descending from the lift platform, he ascended to the ninth floor.

Inside the private room, only Bai Luoyu leaned against the window, gazing outside.

"Brother Bai!" Jiang Ning called out.

On the table were arranged a few dishes of dried fruits and some tea.

Hearing the voice behind him, Bai Luoyu turned his head.

"Brother Jiang!" He smiled, "Why did you arrive so early?"

Jiang Ning raised his hands, the jars of liquor gently swayed, producing a faint sound.

"I came early to prepare some good liquor for you two!"

Bai Luoyu's eyes lit up immediately, and he smiled, "Brother Jiang, this is so intriguing!"

Jiang Ning chuckled, placing the two jars of liquor on the table, he grabbed a dried fruit and tossed it into his mouth.

"Brother Bai, do you know how many people will come later?"

"Not many, just you, me, and the Residence Master, three in total."

"Three people?"

"Why, does Brother Jiang want more people to come? That's simple!" Bai Luoyu said.

"No need! Fewer people are better, more relaxed!" Jiang Ning grabbed another dried fruit and tossed it into his mouth.

"That's true!" Bai Luoyu nodded and added, "Besides, I don't want to share Brother Jiang's good liquor with others either!"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning smiled.

With a wave of his five fingers, a porcelain wine bottle appeared in his hand.

"Since Brother Bai likes it, I shall gift you a bottle."

As he spoke, Jiang Ning tossed the white porcelain bottle over.

At home today, he had specially prepared some of this liquor as a gift.

Including the gift for Wang Shouyi, the County Governor Wang, which was also good liquor infused with Emperor's Liquid.

Bai Luoyu caught the bottle that Jiang Ning tossed from afar, then unplugged the cork, taking a deep sniff.

He then took a direct gulp, closing his eyes.

A breath later.

Jiang Ning noticed Bai Luoyu's body shudder slightly, and a mist rose above his head.

Bai Luoyu opened his eyes.

"This liquor has an ordinary aroma! But its taste is superb! It seems to cleanse the soul, allowing one to feel the softness and beauty of moonlight!"

Jiang Ning said, "Is Brother Bai satisfied with this liquor?"

"Satisfied!" Bai Luoyu nodded.

His gaze swept over the wine in the bottle, seeing countless silver threads swirling, resembling a million silver stars twinkling, with specks of golden light emerging, and he was extremely satisfied.

He re-corked the bottle and stored it away.

"Brother Jiang, are you available tomorrow?"

"Of course!" Jiang Ning nodded, then asked, "Is there something Brother Bai needs from me?"

Bai Luoyu chuckled and shook his head, "A few days ago, at the Ten Thousand Treasure Pavilion's auction, I acquired a remarkable item, a relic from the Ancient Times, and I specially invite Brother Jiang to come to my residence tomorrow for a look."

Auction?

Jiang Ning was slightly stunned.

He immediately recalled that before his imprisonment, Bai Luoyu had extended an invitation to him.

Inviting him to attend the upcoming auction at the Ten Thousand Treasure Pavilion.

At the time, he hadn't taken it to heart.

Because, to him, the extraordinary martial arts manuals and rare martial arts treasure medicines that others were eager for, he didn't value much.

There weren't many things in this world that truly captivated him.

At that time, he agreed to attend the Ten Thousand Treasure Pavilion's annual auction upon Bai Luoyu's invitation and to broaden his horizons.

But due to being imprisoned in the county prison, he completely missed out on the auction that Bai Luoyu had mentioned.

Afterward.

He nodded.

"Alright! Tomorrow, I'll visit Brother Bai's residence to see the treasure you've mentioned!"

...

Shortly after.

Zhao Yulong arrived as arranged.

The three of them chatted and laughed with great delight.

The two bottles of liquor Jiang Ning brought were also completely finished by the trio.

Before leaving, Jiang Ning also presented a bottle of good liquor to Zhao Yulong as a token of gratitude.

He knew that his smooth release from prison was greatly influenced by Zhao Yulong.

After all, Zhao Yulong was a Grandmaster, a Great Xia Grandmaster.

He was also the Residence Master of the Dongling County Inspection Office, holding the position of Fifth Grade officer.

The aid from Zhao Yulong was undoubtedly significant.

He was very grateful for Zhao Yulong's help as well.

...

On the deserted streets.

A cool breeze blew, and Jiang Ning felt the heat in his body dissipate slightly.

Afterward, his body vibrated, and the mild intoxication instantly vanished.

He sniffed, his nose twitching slightly.

"The moisture in the air seems... heavier!"

He looked up at the night sky, clearly feeling the humidity in the air was thicker than before.

Was it because of the deep night in the mountains?

The thought flitted through his mind, but had no clue, so Jiang Ning didn't dwell on it.

Thereafter.

His figure moved, his steps seemingly slow yet swift, like the wind gliding past.

[Skill]: Wind and Thunder Steps (Break Limit once 677/2000) (Trait: Wind Breathing)

After a glance at the panel, he closed it immediately.

Continuing to perform the Wind and Thunder Steps, he headed home.