Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

Chaosheng Pavilion.

Located in the southeast of Guangning Prefecture, it is backed by the vast Manglong Mountains and faces the mouth of the Nutao River.

The name "Yahai" comes from the fact that the area is surrounded by land on all sides and has a vast expanse of water.

For hundreds of years, Chaosheng Pavilion has been built along the river and against the mountain. Although it is not as illustrious as Duxianmen, it has taken deep root in the southeast corner of the country due to its accumulation over hundreds of years.

The buildings in the pavilion are mostly constructed of black stones quarried from the coastal cliffs, with upturned eaves resembling dragons exploring the sea.

Because it is constantly exposed to the river wind and moisture, it has a damp and chilly feel.

The Nutao River makes a sharp turn at the foot of the pavilion, and the river water crashes against the mountain wall, stirring up white waves several meters high, with a roar that never stops day and night.

Chaosheng Pavilion is built on a cliff in the river bay, overlooking the deep water and connecting with the clouds and mist above.

In terms of influence in Guangning Prefecture.

The ranks of Chaosheng Pavilion are only below those of Duxian Gate.

In reality, if it weren't for the upheaval thirty years ago, Chaosheng Pavilion would now be able to radiate influence to several surrounding prefectures, rather than being limited to Guangning Prefecture.

Sixty years ago, Chen Canghai emerged from Chaosheng Pavilion.

Black Dragon King Chen Canghai.

On a night sixty years ago, he entered the realm of oneness amidst the tides of the sea and became known as the Black Dragon King.

His Black Dragon Swallowing Whale Technique is incredibly powerful; he once broke a tsunami with his palm strike.

If Chen Canghai, the Black Dragon King, were alive today, the influence of Chaosheng Pavilion would have already reached a new level.

This is also a regret among all the disciples of Chaosheng Pavilion.

Unfortunately, Black Dragon King Chen Canghai was defeated by his nemesis Xiao Lie in a battle in the East China Sea thirty years ago.

If Chen Canghai had not encountered this calamity, Chaosheng Pavilion would now have a martial arts master at the peak of the Unity Realm.

It is now the end of the Si hour (9-11 AM).

The sun hangs high in the sky, the air is clear and bright, and the vast blue sky is as if it has been washed clean.

The Nutao River flows eastward on its own, surging endlessly, its roar deafening.

At the top of the cliff, on a black stone platform that juts outward, stand two people.

Leading the group was an old man in a black robe, with gray hair tied up with a simple wooden hairpin. His face was gaunt with deep-set eyes, but his eyes shone with a terrifying light, like the eyes of a dragon lurking in the darkness.

He stood with his hands behind his back, letting the river wind whip his robes around, yet his figure remained as steady as a rock beneath his feet.

This person was none other than Chen Canghai, the Black Dragon King, who had been living in seclusion for thirty years and only reappeared a few days ago.

Half a step behind him stood a middle-aged scholar-like man, bowing respectfully.

The man was pale and beardless, his gaze solemn as he looked at the banners fluttering ten miles away.

This person is Chen Wang, the current owner of Chaosheng Pavilion, and also Chen Canghai's nephew.

"Uncle, will Jiang Ning come?" Chen Wang asked, his voice trembling in the sea breeze as he looked at the banners fluttering ten miles away.

Chen Canghai did not turn around, his tone calm: "If he doesn't come in two more days, it means he's afraid. At that time, I will take action and make these soldiers retreat."

"Yes, Uncle!" Chen Wang bowed his head.

Ten miles away.

Eight hundred elite garrison soldiers were stationed here.

Banners and flags fluttered and jingled loudly.

"Greetings, Lord Marquis!" Liu Teng, the garrison commander, stepped out of the tent and bowed deeply upon seeing Jiang Ning.

"Has there been any activity from Chaosheng Pavilion these days?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Reporting to Your Excellency!" Liu Teng bowed: "Two days ago, due to the appearance of Black Dragon King Chen Canghai, I led my troops to retreat ten miles and stationed here. Since then, Chaosheng Pavilion has remained silent."

Jiang Ning nodded.

“But…” Liu Teng added, his face showing hesitation.

"Just what?" Jiang Ning asked.

Liu Teng said, "This morning, the Black Dragon King Chen Canghai sent someone to inform me that he would give me two more days. If you do not come to see him, he will make his move."

Jiang Ning nodded.

"Is Your Excellency here today to see this Chen Canghai?" Liu Teng asked again.

"Let's go meet him!" Jiang Ning's gaze passed over the continuous camps and green mountains, landing on the cluster of buildings built against the mountainside on the distant cliff.

Upon hearing this, Liu Teng's expression became even more respectful.

However, a look of worry appeared on his face.

"My lord, Chen Canghai was once a peak figure in the First Grade Unity Realm. Although his realm has fallen, his physical strength has not changed much. After lying dormant for thirty years, even if this Black Dragon King has not returned to the First Grade, his strength is beyond what a Second Grade Grandmaster can describe."

"Moreover, this place is near the coast and has abundant moisture, making it an ideal place to unleash the Black Dragon Devouring Whale Technique. However, since Your Excellency is currently unwell and unable to exert your full strength, Your Excellency, perhaps you should reconsider?"

Jiang Ning waved his hand, his expression calm and composed.

"It's alright! I have my reasons for coming here. You should stay here and keep your troops in check. If I disagree with Chen Canghai and we end up fighting, no matter the outcome, you must not move without my orders, and especially not join the battle. The power of a first-rank official is beyond human capability."

"Yes! Your humble servant will obey the Marquis's orders!" Liu Teng replied solemnly.

Jiang Ning said no more and strode toward Chaosheng Pavilion.

Jing Wuming followed closely behind, half a step behind, his expression solemn as he looked in the direction of Chaosheng Pavilion.

As the only person in this area who had ever fought against Chen Canghai, the Black Dragon King, he still felt lingering fear towards Chen Canghai.

Although his injuries had healed, the domineering, insidious, and ruthless force he had possessed that day still lingered deep in his memory.

The ten-mile journey was over in the blink of an eye.

The Nutao River makes a bend here, its current becoming even more turbulent and turbulent, the roar of it crashing against the cliffs deafening.

The path leading to Chaosheng Pavilion is a steep, winding stone staircase carved into the mountainside, leading straight to the top of the cliff.

at the same time.

At the top of the cliff.

The old man in the black robe with gray hair looked towards the entrance of the cliff.

"He's here!"

"Who's here?" Chen Wang was taken aback, then instantly realized: "Uncle, is it the Marquis of Dongling?"

“It’s him!” Chen Canghai nodded.

"Your nephew should go down and inform the servants that they must not clash with this Marquis of Dongling, nor obstruct his progress," Chen Wang said hastily.

"No need!" Chen Canghai said calmly, "As long as he doesn't want to, your disciples won't dare to stop him."

Chaosheng Pavilion.

With Jiangning ahead, we climbed the steps with ease.

Jing Wuming followed closely behind, his nerves on edge.

The two arrived at the middle section of the cliff.

"Who goes there!" The eight Chaosheng Pavilion disciples guarding the mountain gate immediately drew their swords and stepped forward upon seeing the two.

next moment.

An invisible aura spread out.

The eight people immediately stopped in their tracks, their pupils contracting as they looked at Jiang Ning, whose forehead was covered in sweat.

Then he watched Jiang Ning brush past him, watched Jiang Ning and Jing Wuming enter the mountain gate, until they disappeared from sight at a corner.

Until Jiang Ning's figure disappeared.

call--

call--

The eight of them then began to gasp for breath.

Only then did they realize that they hadn't been breathing at all, but had been holding their breath.

The eight people looked at each other, clearly seeing the lingering fear in each other's eyes.

"Who is this person?" someone asked, swallowing hard and speaking in a hoarse voice.

"I don't know him!" someone shook their head without thinking. "Could it be him?" someone else said.

"Who is he?" someone asked.

"Marquis of Dongling, Jiang Ning! Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture! The youngest martial arts champion in the Great Xia Dynasty! The first in eight hundred years!" one of them said.

“That’s probably him!” The other person still had lingering fear in their eyes.

Then the group looked at each other.

"Did he come to Chaosheng Pavilion to pay respects to our grandmaster?" one of them asked, his expression filled with pride.

Since learning that their ancestor, the Black Dragon King, who was famous throughout several states, was still alive, they felt a great sense of honor.

Back then, he was a true first-grade martial arts peak expert, ranking in the Unity Realm.

Although they did not understand what the Unity Realm was, they knew a great deal about the First Grade.

He was a figure who stood at the very top of the pyramid, encompassing all thirty-six prefectures of the nine provinces.

Such a figure would be a pillar of strength in any sect.

Its mere existence can exert an influence that extends from one sect to several prefectures.

They also knew that their grandmaster had suffered a calamity thirty years ago, losing his first-rank prestige and falling to the second-rank Grandmaster.

However, such a person, even if he is a second-rank Grandmaster, cannot be measured by the mere title of Grandmaster.

They were already aware that the Immortal Crossing Sect had suffered a great calamity, with its mountain gates trampled and its courtyard destroyed, and they were filled with anxiety and fear.

But with the sudden emergence of this grandmaster, my heart was no longer filled with fear, but with unparalleled peace and confidence.

In their view, the Marquis of Dongling was like the sun shining brightly in the sky, with unparalleled talent throughout history.

However, he was too young and failed to reach the first rank. Moreover, due to his excessive popularity, he was cursed and was already crippled.

In their eyes, Jiang Ning was completely incomparable to their master.

the other side.

Jiang Ning and Jing Wuming strolled through the staggered buildings of Chaosheng Pavilion.

Many eyes fell on him, some curious, some doubtful, and some probing.

"Who is this person? What an imposing presence!"

"I've heard that this man is none other than the renowned Marquis of Dongling!"

"The Marquis of Dongling? This man is the Marquis of Dongling?!"

"It's no exaggeration. So young, so poised, and so handsome—who else in the world could it be but him!"

“Indeed, this person is indeed the Marquis of Dongling. I saw him before at the Royal Capital Training Ground, where he achieved multiple top honors and became last year’s martial arts champion.”

"This man is quite handsome; no wonder he has captured the heart of the seventeenth princess of the royal family."

"I heard that this person came from a remote county and, in just a few years, has become famous throughout the country."

"Such a person, such a demeanor, could have strolled leisurely in our sect. It's a pity that the heavens are jealous of talent, and he was cursed and killed by a mysterious force."

"The tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. This person has reached this point, and this calamity is inevitable. It is his destiny!"

"."

Walking through Chaosheng Pavilion, the spiritual pressure emanated outwards, and no one stepped forward to stop Jiang Ning's progress.

Countless voices of conversation and discussion arose from all directions, but Jiang Ning paid no attention, only looking up at the higher place.

He could feel that, though separated by mountains and rocks, a deep, ocean-like gaze was cast down from the top of the cliff, locking onto him as if it were a physical object.

That was the gaze of Chen Canghai, the Black Dragon King.

A moment later.

The staggered buildings were left behind him, and Jing Wuming followed closely in his footsteps.

Go around a corner and climb onto a platform.

At the end of the stone steps, the view suddenly opened up.

The platform appears as if it were cut from a huge boulder, and then, after being weathered by wind, rain, and sun, it became exceptionally flat.

Beyond the edge ahead, the roar of the raging river could be heard.

The air was thick with moisture, and the booming sound of the waves crashing against the shore sounded distant and muffled because of the distance from the high altitude.

On the cliff stood an old man with gray hair and wearing a black robe.

The old man had a gaunt face, deep-set eyes, and a pair of eyes that shone with a terrifying light, like the eyes of a dragon lurking in the darkness.

With just one glance, Jiang Ning was able to identify the person in front of him.

Black Dragon King, Chen Canghai.

Because apart from Chen Canghai, no one in Chaosheng Pavilion could give him this feeling.

At this moment, Chen Canghai stood with his hands behind his back, his bright eyes looking at Jiang Ning. A sea breeze blew, and the leaves rustled at his feet, but Chen Canghai's black robe remained completely still.

"Chen Canghai," the gray-robed elder spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Jiang Ning," Jiang Ning said calmly, introducing himself in return.

"I've heard of the Marquis of Dongling's reputation for a long time, but I never expected to see him in person today. He truly lives up to his name!" Chen Canghai said calmly as he looked at Jiang Ning.

"I've heard of the Black Flood Dragon King's fame. Everyone thought he died in the East Sea thirty years ago, but I never expected him to still be alive today!" Jiang Ning said.

"I have roamed the world for many years, and although I was outmaneuvered by Xiao Lie, that brat Xiao Lie cannot take my life!" Chen Canghai said.

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Canghai looked at Jiang Ning.

"What is the purpose of the Marquis of Dongling's visit today?"

Jiang Ning said, "You said you wanted to see me, so I came!"

"Now that you, Lord Marquis, have met me, do you have a wise choice?" Chen Canghai asked, his hands behind his back.

Jiang Ning shook his head: "I'll give you two choices."

"Your Excellency may speak freely!" Chen Canghai said calmly.

"The first option is to resist to the bitter end, and the sect's centuries-old foundation will be buried in your hands!" Jiang Ning said, and continued, "The second option is to leave everything behind and lead your disciples out of Guangning Prefecture."

Upon hearing these words, Chen Canghai immediately revealed a cold smile.

"I'm very curious, where does Your Excellency get the confidence to offer these two options?"

The words fell.

He slowly took a step forward.

Boom—

The earth shook violently, and a powerful, overwhelming force swept in like a tsunami.

In an instant.

Standing behind Jiang Ning, he immediately took two steps back, his eyes filled with horror as he looked at Chen Canghai.

At this moment, Chen Canghai appeared to him as a black dragon that could devour the heavens and the earth.

Faced with such beings, he felt like a fish whose life could be swallowed at any moment, powerless to resist.

Then, his gaze was involuntarily drawn to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning's silhouette seemed imposing, standing firm and unmoved like a mountain in the face of the churning waves.

"Lord Marquis, you have quite the bearing. No wonder you were able to break into the gates of the Immortal Crossing Sect!" Chen Canghai looked at the composed Jiang Ning, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

He understood after only a preliminary probe.

Jiangning's strength lives up to its reputation, and may even surpass it.

At this moment, he also understood why the immortal grotto was willing to go to such lengths to use a curse to kill Jiang Ning.

Such exceptional talents should be allowed to grow.

Whether it can reach that point is uncertain, and no one dares to allow it to try.

Because if successful, he would become a martial saint who would dominate the world for over eight hundred years.

It's been more than eight hundred years, because Jiangning's growth trajectory was too rapid.

According to that Martial Saint's past, reaching that level requires a lifespan of nearly a thousand years. (End of Chapter)