Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

Chapter 731 Marquis of Dongling, Inspector of the Nine Provinces!

Bactrian Palace.

Side hall.

"It's because of Junior Brother Jin Chan!" Ming Xin looked at Jiang Ning, her expression changing slightly.

"Does Master Mingxin have any other insights?" Jiang Ning asked.

Upon hearing this, Mingxin clasped his hands together in prayer.

"Benefactor Jiang has a karmic connection with Buddhism!"

"That's not meant to be!" Jiang Ning quickly shook his head and refused.

He thought it was a joke, and he had no intention of becoming a monk.

Although he is no longer obsessed with women, it doesn't mean he doesn't like them.

Beautiful women are one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

“It seems that Benefactor Jiang has excessive desires!” Mingxin said.

“If a person has no desires, how is he any different from a mountain, rock, grass, or tree?” Jiang Ning said, then added, “If Master Mingxin had no desires, he should be chanting sutras and eating vegetarian food in the temple every day. Why would he need to practice martial arts so diligently!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the side hall fell silent.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ning picked up his tea and continued drinking, waiting for news from the Taiji Hall.

Only a moment passed.

"Announce the newly appointed martial arts champion, Jiang Ning, to enter the palace!"

"Announce Mingxin, the second-ranked scholar in the Imperial Martial Arts Examination, to enter the palace!"

"Announcing Wan Jianyi, the newly appointed martial arts third-ranked scholar, into the palace!"

Upon hearing the sound, Jiang Ning immediately stood up.

Upon seeing this, Mingxin, who had been silently reciting scriptures, opened his eyes and got up to follow.

Wan Jianyi also stood up.

Tai Chi Hall.

All the officials looked toward the entrance of the main hall.

next moment.

Jiang Ning, dressed in a red robe with gold thread, appeared in everyone's sight.

"What a fine new martial arts champion!" Immediately, someone from the military officer column among the officials praised.

"General Shen is right. This newly appointed martial arts champion is indeed extraordinary, with a majestic appearance and a natural talent!"

"This man is destined for military service. In this chaotic world, with barbarian invasions from the north, demonic strife from the south, the Yellow Heaven Rebellion within, and rampant religious cults, he will surely achieve unparalleled feats! He will sweep across the land, pacify the eight directions, and create a new heaven!!"

The military officer was generous with his praise.

Upon hearing this, all the officials immediately turned to look at the person who had spoken.

Some people immediately understood: it was Lin Beiyuan, the Zhaoyi General of the Beicang King's faction.

On the nine-tiered steps, the man on the dragon throne also looked at the military officer, his gaze slightly lowered, his face calm.

Then, he fixed his gaze on Jiang Ning at the entrance of the Taiji Hall.

Sweep across the six directions, pacify the eight directions, and create a new world!
These ten words echoed in his mind, reminding him of that transcendent being.

With a pair of iron fists, the ancestors of the Ji clan fought to create a bright and prosperous world, and established a golden age that lasted for more than eight hundred years.

However, it also held sway over the Ji clan for over eight hundred years.

Apart from the first ancestor, every new emperor who ascends the throne afterward needs that person's attitude.

It requires that person's non-denial attitude. Once that person shakes their head in denial, no matter how orthodox or how powerful the maternal lineage is, it can only take a back seat.

He was able to sit on the dragon throne for eighty-three years, thanks to that person who did not shake his head in denial.

But the gratitude in his heart had long since vanished, leaving only deep apprehension.

To decide the legitimacy of the world with a single word is tantamount to divine will!

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Jiang Ning bowed.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Mingxin clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect.

"Greetings, Human Emperor!" Wan Jianyi bowed.

The three voices immediately pulled the man on the dragon throne back to his senses.

He looked at the three people below the steps and then nodded slightly.

"Yesterday, in the martial arts examination, three talented individuals outshone all others and should be role models for all martial artists in the world!" Emperor Changning's deep voice echoed in the hall. "Today, in accordance with ancestral rules, I hereby bestow upon you titles and rewards!"

His gaze first fell on Wan Jianyi, and he said, "Wan Jianyi!"

Wan Jian stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your subject is here!"

"You come from the Sword Pavilion, and your swordsmanship is superb. Yesterday on the training ground, your sword intent soared into the sky, and your sharpness was unmatched!" Emperor Changning nodded slightly and slowly spoke, "I bestow upon you the position of 'Imperial Sword Attendant,' leading the Imperial Guard Sword Guard and commanding the Imperial Sword Guard. From now on, you will be responsible for teaching swordsmanship within the Sword Guard!"

Upon hearing this, Wan Jianyi's expression turned solemn: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"

Upon hearing this, none of the ministers made a statement.

Such rewards are entirely reasonable and justified, without the slightest excess.

If it weren't for his less-than-satisfactory performance in the Wan Jian Yi Tournament...

Despite ranking first on the Heavenly Ranking, he only received the title of Martial Arts Third Scholar, and his rewards could have been even higher.

Then, Emperor Changning looked at Mingxin, a profound meaning flashing in his eyes:
"Enlightenment!"

Mingxin clasped his hands together and bowed slightly: "This humble monk is here."

"You are a highly accomplished disciple of the Vajra Temple, possessing unparalleled strength and power in Buddhist martial arts, and you also cultivate a Zen mind, achieving cultivation both internally and externally," Emperor Changning said in a calm tone.

Then he continued, "I hereby appoint you as the 'Protector of the Nation Zen Master,' and temporarily assign you to reside at the Great Xiangguo Temple, while also taking on the responsibility of preaching Buddhist scriptures in the Imperial City, and assisting the court in pacifying the people's hearts."

Mingxin lowered his eyes and softly chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Amitabha, this humble monk obeys the decree."

He was satisfied with this reward.

In the past, Vajra Temple never participated in martial arts examinations for fame and fortune. Now, as a Buddhist disciple, he took the initiative to participate in the martial arts test, which means he came with a mission.

The development of Jingang Temple has reached a point where it needs to be further advanced.

The current turbulent world situation and wavering public sentiment present an opportune moment for Vajra Temple to fully engage with the world.

Emperor Changning's bestowal of honors perfectly met the needs of the Vajra Temple.

Seeing Mingxin accept the order without hesitation, Emperor Changning's gaze lingered on Mingxin for a moment before landing on Jiang Ning's expression at the forefront.

At this moment, Jiang Ning was dressed in a red scholar's robe, with a golden-winged roc spreading its wings and soaring high embroidered on the chest with gold thread.

With the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, her natural beauty is innate.

The praise from General Zhaoyi Lin Beiyuan just now immediately came to mind.

The scene I witnessed yesterday resurfaced in my mind.

Bathed in heavenly lightning, he remained unharmed, possessing a perfect body, almost like a primordial being.

With a deep gaze, the entire Taiji Hall became unusually quiet.

Many civil and military officials were also very curious about the rewards bestowed upon Jiang Ning.

Since the Great Xia Dynasty established its rule over the world more than 800 years ago, he is the oldest among the martial arts champions.

“Jiang Ning!” Emperor Changning’s eyes were deep as he suddenly spoke.

"Your subject is here!" Jiang Ning stood with his hands clasped, his expression calm.

Emperor Changning tapped the dragon table lightly with his fingers hidden in his sleeve, his voice deep and resonant: "I observed you beating the drum at the drill ground yesterday, using your bare body to withstand the heavenly thunder without sustaining the slightest damage. Your muscles and bones resonated like gold and jade, and your blood and qi surged like a great river. Such a physique is unmatched by any other young person in the generation today!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the civil and military officials in the hall murmured in dismay.

They understood that this was the prelude to Emperor Changning's death.

If such praise is given, then the reward must be substantial.

The next moment, Emperor Changning's deep voice rang out once again.

"Jiang Ning is enfeoffed as the Marquis of Dongling, with the fiefdoms of Luoshui County, Baisha County, Shishan County, and Lushan County."

Upon hearing this, the entire room erupted in uproar.

Dongling County originally consisted of only four counties and numerous towns.

The fiefdom consisted of four counties, which meant that the entire Dongling Commandery belonged to Jiangning's fiefdom.

“Your Majesty, is such a reward too much?” An elderly minister stepped forward and bowed to Emperor Changning.

"What's so excessive?" Emperor Changning asked, his gaze slightly darkening.

"Your Majesty, such an honor is beyond the reach of even a second-rank Grandmaster!" the old minister replied, bowing.

"The newly appointed top scholar is a second-rank Grandmaster!" Emperor Changning said calmly.

These words were like a boulder thrown into a lake, instantly creating ripples.

"Second-Rank Grandmaster!"

"A second-grade Grandmaster?!"

"A second-grade Grandmaster?!" Exclamations of surprise rang out in the hall.

At this moment, among the civil and military officials, those who were previously unaware of the inside story now looked at Jiang Ning with expressions of shock.

Such a young second-grade grandmaster completely shattered their understanding.

At this moment, they had no further objections to Emperor Ning's bestowal of honors.

"Congratulations, Marquis of Dongling!" Wan Jianyi said in a low voice, looking at Jiang Ning with a complicated expression.

Two days ago, the world viewed him as far superior to Jiang Ning.

Now, standing before Jiang Ning, he pales in comparison.

The newly crowned third-ranked martial arts scholar is not even in the same league as the Marquis.

"In addition, Marquis Jiang Ning of Dongling concurrently serves as the Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture, holding the rank of second grade."

These words immediately caused an uproar throughout the imperial court.

"Your Majesty, please rescind this decree!" A burly man stepped out from the ranks of the military officers and bowed to the man on the dragon throne.

"Minister Yang, give me a reason!" Emperor Changning said calmly.

"The Marquis of Dongling is the newly appointed martial arts champion. According to custom, he should be given an important position in our army! Your Majesty, one of the top three scholars should be assigned to our army!" the burly man said.

“Normally speaking, what Minister Yang said makes sense! However, the appointment of the Marquis of Dongling was Minister Xiao’s idea!” Emperor Changning said slowly.

Upon hearing this, all the officials immediately turned to look at Xiao Wuque, who had not attended court for a long time.

At this moment, Xiao Wuque said calmly, "The Marquis of Dongling originally belonged to the Inspectorate faction. He previously served as the Inspector of Dongling County. Some time ago, the Inspectors of Zeshan and Nan'an Prefectures were attacked and killed. Someone must take his place! Now there is no one in the court, and the two prefectures are adjacent to the place where the Yellow Heaven Sect uprising took place. If there is no Inspector to guard them, they will fall to the Yellow Heaven Sect like Xisha County, Baichuan Prefecture, Tongyi Prefecture and Jing'an Prefecture in Nan'an Prefecture."

“Lord Xiao, both the governors of Zeshan Prefecture and Nan’an Prefecture were first-rank cultivators, yet they were attacked and killed. If we then appoint the Marquis of Dongling to his post, wouldn’t that put him in a very difficult position?” the burly man said again.

"If the Marquis of Dongling is to take office, how could the Martial Saint's Mansion not make preparations!" Xiao Wuque said calmly.

"Your Majesty, please rescind your order!" Seeing that he could not persuade Xiao Wuque, the burly man immediately turned around and bowed to Emperor Changning on the nine-tiered steps.

"This is the decision of the Martial Saint's Mansion!" Emperor Changning said calmly.

Hearing the calm tone, Jiang Ning felt a chill run down his spine.

At that moment, he understood why Ji Mingya had said those things before.

Having a deep understanding of five thousand years of history from his previous life, he was well aware that Xiao Wuque's actions were a major taboo.

Although Emperor Changning spoke calmly at this moment, his inner world was already churning with turmoil.

This is the decision of the Martial Saint's Mansion!

This statement alone is enough to demonstrate how many overstepping acts the officials of the Martial Saint Palace have committed.

But he also understood that great power ultimately belongs to the individual.

With invincible military power, how could they possibly submit to imperial authority?

If neither side possesses overwhelming strength, conflict is inevitable.

At this moment, he already saw that when the Martial Saint's lifespan came to an end, the biggest blow to the Martial Saint's Mansion would not come from the various blessed lands and grotto-heavens.

And it could be this Emperor Changning.

Lost in thought, he was then brought back to his senses by the deep voice of Emperor Changning.

"There's no point in arguing with the Martial Saint's Mansion's decision. The matter of bestowing rewards today is settled!"

Upon hearing Emperor Changning's unquestionable voice, the burly man slowly bowed his head.

"Yes!"

The burly man retreated back into the ranks of the military officers.

Emperor Changning spoke again: "Is there anything else important to report?"

His Highness and his officials fell silent.

"Since there is nothing to report, then the court is adjourned. I am also tired!" Emperor Changning waved his hand and then stood up.

The next moment, he remembered something and looked at the row of civil officials on the stage.

"The Ministry of Rites will make arrangements to ensure that the top scholar rides a horse through Chang'an, in accordance with ancestral tradition!"

"Your humble servant obeys!" From the ranks of civil officials, a man with a slender face, delicate features, and a beard reaching his abdomen stepped forward and bowed to Emperor Changning on the nine-tiered steps.

"Farewell, Emperor!"

"Farewell, Emperor!"

"."

At this moment, all the civil and military officials raised their voices, cupped their hands, and bowed as they saw Emperor Changning off.

Go behind the scenes.

Emperor Changning's expression immediately changed, his originally rosy face turning ashen.

He took a deep breath and continued forward.

In the Tai Chi Hall.

Congratulations, Marquis of Dongling!

"Greetings, Marquis of Dongling!"

"."

At this moment, civil and military officials came to Jiang Ning to offer their congratulations and then announced their names.

Even those high-ranking officials still wore smiles.

He was granted the title of Marquis, and his fiefdom was a prefecture.

At the same time, he also served as the governor of Zeshan Prefecture in the powerful and influential Inspectorate.

This is not just a second-rank official, but also someone with supreme power of life and death over a whole prefecture.

They understood that Jiang Ning, having reached this stage at such a young age, would undoubtedly become one of the highest peaks in the world, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Only on that high peak beneath the sky.

Faced with such power, even the emperor on the throne would treat them with respect and equality, let alone the officials below him.

Faced with the flattery of the civil and military officials, Jiang Ning returned the greetings one by one.

Instead of feeling elated, I felt a tightness in my chest.

Just as the military officer just mentioned, both the governors of Zeshan Prefecture and Nan'an Prefecture, who were both first-rank cultivators, were attacked and killed.

If he were to assume the position of governor of Zeshan, the risks he would face would be much greater.

While a promotion is a good thing, the added danger makes it a bad thing.

In his view, official positions were merely an addition to one's power.

It's not worth taking greater risks for a promotion.

After a while.

After the civil and military officials dispersed, Xiao Wuque walked over.

"Very worried?"

“Some!” Jiang Ning nodded.

"Are you worried that you might encounter the same kind of attack?" Xiao Wuque asked.

Jiang Ning nodded without any attempt to hide his agreement.

“I knew it!” Xiao Wuque said, “But now that the Martial Saint’s Mansion has no suitable experts, now that you have been appointed Marquis of Dongling, you will inevitably step into the limelight and into the sight of the world’s strongest people.”

"There is no one else in Zeshan Prefecture who can fill the position of Inspector of the Nine Provinces except you!"

"But don't worry, I'm not sending you to your death to take up the post of Inspector of Kyushu."

While talking.

Xiao Wuque raised his hand, and a yellow talisman appeared in his hand.

"What is this?" Jiang Ning asked, puzzled.

"It comes from a special talisman paper made by the Dao Ancestor. In times of crisis, the power of the talisman paper is activated, which will cause spacetime to reflect, allowing you to instantly return to your prime and intact state. The energy from the subsequent burning of the talisman paper is enough to keep you unharmed for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea," Xiao Wuque said.

"How do I use it?" Jiang Ning asked, taking the yellow talisman.

"Drip your blood, let the talisman record your aura, and then stick it on your forehead!" Xiao Wuque said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning immediately placed his hand on the yellow talisman.

next moment.

A drop of golden blood fell onto the yellow talisman paper.

As the golden blood gradually spread and disappeared.

Looking at the golden blood on the talisman, Xiao Wuque, who was standing to the side, understood as well.

There was absolutely no doubt about it; he really did come this far!
The teacher's arrangement was enough to save his life!
He must also grow up quickly under pressure and crisis.

If they do not grow up quickly, the danger will be unavoidable if Emperor Ning and their teacher both encounter misfortune.

(End of this chapter)