Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

King's capital.

The residence of the Marquis of Dongling.

Listening to Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming's reports, Jiang Ning frowned slightly, pondering to himself.

His intuition told him that something was amiss.

If a bandit who had become an outlaw had the power to plunder his possessions, he would not have ended up as an outlaw in the first place.

"Tell me in detail, you two!" Jiang Ning's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming, speaking calmly.

Chen Canghai's expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice, "My lord, the convoy was being transported by Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge. The convoy was attacked at Jiuchong Mountain. Xie Xiaojiu and the others were no match for them, and even invoking your name, my lord, was of no use. But what's strange is that the other party did not kill them."

Jing Wuming added, "My lord, after learning of this, Brother Chen and I also went to Jiuchong Mountain, but we were still no match for them, so we had to return to the capital to report to you."

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Jiang Ning's eyes.

"Even the two of you are no match for him?"

Chen Canghai nodded in agreement.

Jiang Ning couldn't help but chuckle.

"If there were truly such powerful bandits in this world, it would be utterly absurd."

Then, his gaze turned slightly cold: "Ninefold Mountain! It seems that someone is deliberately using the guise of bandits to come after me, intercept my resources, and intend to lure me to Ninefold Mountain."

Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes. Chen Canghai said in a low voice, "Your Excellency is wise! When Brother Jing and I went to Jiuchong Mountain, the other party never showed his true face, always wearing a black veil."

"His strength is unfathomable!"

"Even with my best efforts, I couldn't uncover his true nature!"

"I dare say that the person who calls himself the Lord of the Nine Heavens Mountain must be a peak first-grade martial arts expert."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning pondered for a moment.

"A top-tier martial arts expert! Looking across the nine provinces and thirty-six prefectures, any one of them is a name that can be called out."

"Such a powerful figure is content to live in the wilderness and engage in plundering; there must be a hidden story behind it. Since this matter has come against me, I want to see who is behind it all."

He then glanced at the two men and could see that their breathing was uneven and not smooth, indicating that they were injured.

"You two go down and rest to heal your wounds. I have my own plans for this matter."

"It's Lord Marquis!" the two replied, bowing their heads.

“Oh, right!” Jiang Ning said again.

The two men were about to bow and retreat when they stopped.

"Where are Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge recuperating now, and how badly are they injured?" Jiang Ning asked again.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the two are now in Guangning Prefecture!" Chen Canghai said.

Jiang Ning nodded.

Seeing that Jiang Ning had no further questions, the two bowed and withdrew.

As the two left, Jiang Ning stood alone beneath the ancient pine tree, a gentle breeze rippling across the lake.

He was deep in thought.

In his view, this matter was undoubtedly aimed directly at him.

Moreover, the other party made no attempt to conceal their intentions.

A top-tier martial arts expert, he became an outlaw and called himself the Lord of Ninefold Mountain.

It would be ridiculous to actually believe that.

Now there is only one thing on his mind.

That is, whether or not I should go.

Lord of Nine-fold Mountain
He pondered to himself.

Then, his gaze narrowed slightly.

"Since they're coming for me and trying to seize my resources, how can I not go!"

"In this world today, how many are my match?"

"Unless the Lord of the Nine Heavens Mountain is Ji Xuan!"

Thinking of this possibility, he couldn't help but smile wryly and shake his head.

Now that they've faced off against Ji Xuan...

How could he not try to understand Ji Xuan?

Because he understood Ji Xuan, he knew that Ji Xuan would never do such a thing.

Given Ji Xuan's assertive personality, if he were to emerge from seclusion and seek revenge, he would simply come to him directly, rather than taking such a roundabout approach to lure him out.

He had made up his mind.

He then summoned Lüyi and asked her to convey a message to Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming: rest well today and go to Jiuchong Mountain with him tomorrow.

Jiuchong Mountain is located 180 miles outside Shangjing County. It is very close to Shangjing County, and it wouldn't take them long to travel from the capital to Shangjing County.

After letting Lüyi finish explaining the matter, he left the capital.

In less than half an hour.

He had arrived at the city gate of Guangning Prefecture.

Standing in front of the city gate, he swept his divine sense across the entire city of Guangning in an instant, and he also found the figures of Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge.

The two are currently recuperating at the Inspector's Office in Guangning City.

The next moment, he set off again, heading towards the city's inspector's office.

Inside the manor, Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge were recuperating from their injuries.

Upon seeing Jiang Ning's sudden appearance, both of them were startled and struggled to get up and pay their respects.

"No need for formalities." Jiang Ning raised his hand in a gesture of apology, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

Xie Xiaojiu's face was pale, and her left arm was wrapped in thick bandages with faint traces of blood seeping out.

Feng Jiuge was weak and listless, her internal organs were clearly shaken, but her spirits were still good.

Upon seeing Jiang Ning arrive in person, both of them showed a look of shame in their eyes.

"My lord, I am incompetent!" Xie Xiaojiu said in a low voice.

“The opponent’s strength far exceeded expectations. It’s not your fault. It’s good that you two are alright.” Jiang Ning interrupted him, walked to the bedside, and placed his hand on Xie Xiaojiu’s shoulder: “Tell me the details of what happened that day.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a surge of vitality erupted from Xie Xiaojiu's body.

Her pale face quickly turned rosy.

At this moment, Feng Jiuge took a deep breath and slowly said, "That day, when the caravan reached the Ninefold Mountain area, everything was calm. Suddenly, a gust of wind with flying sand and stones swept by, and a group of seven people appeared in front of the caravan. They were all dressed in black tight-fitting clothes and their faces were covered with black cloths. They then asked us to leave our things and leave obediently."

"I refused at the time, but a dark shadow swept past. Neither Xie Xiaojiu nor I could react before we were injured, as were the people escorting the convoy."

"Sensing the strength of the other party, I invoked the title of Marquis."

"But the other party stated bluntly that he had robbed the Marquis's belongings!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

What Feng Jiuge said was exactly the same as what Chen Canghai had just said.

From Feng Jiuge's narration, it's clear that those people were also after him.

Moreover, their strength is extraordinary.

Xie Xiaojiu's brows relaxed at this moment, and he continued, "That person called himself the Lord of Ninefold Mountain. His voice was hoarse and strange, as if he were disguising himself. He was burly and moved like a mountain collapsing and thunder. He is the most powerful being I have ever seen. I suspect that the Lord of Ninefold Mountain is a second-grade Grandmaster."

Jiang Ning shook his head: "It's not second rank, it's first rank."

"A first-rank official!!" Feng Jiuge was stunned, her eyes widening: "How is this possible?! How could a first-rank official become a bandit?"

“They’re obviously after me,” Jiang Ning said.

"My lord, you must not fall into the trap. That Lord of Ninefold Mountain is after you. There must be a net waiting for you on Ninefold Mountain," Feng Jiuge hurriedly advised.

Jiang Ning shook his head: "I definitely have to go to Ninefold Mountain! Those resources are related to my next cultivation, and I also want to find out who is targeting me!" As he spoke, he raised his hand from Xie Xiaojiu's shoulder and walked to Feng Jiuge.

His palm landed on Feng Jiuge's chest.

"My Lord!!" Feng Jiuge's face immediately flushed slightly.

Jiang Ning also felt a heavy weight, as if he were about to fall.

"Stay focused and don't get distracted!" Jiang Ning said.

next moment.

A surge of vitality erupted from Feng Jiuge's body, and her previously listless expression instantly brightened, her face gradually changing.

After a dozen or so breaths.

Jiang Ning withdrew his hand.

"If you two rest patiently for a few more days, you'll fully recover."

"Thank you, Lord Marquis!" the two said gratefully.

"Take good care of yourself." Jiang Ning got up from the bed where he was sitting. "I will handle the matter of Jiuchong Mountain."

"My lord, you must be careful!" Xie Xiaojiu said.

"Don't worry!" Jiang Ning smiled at Xie Xiaojiu: "Since the other party didn't try to kill you twice, it's obvious they don't want to be my real enemy. That's why I want to go to Jiuchong Mountain."

Then he looked outside.

Several footsteps could be heard.

next moment.

Shen Wenyuan and Ye Zhengqi appeared before him.

He walked out on his own initiative.

"Brother Shen, Brother Ye!" Jiang Ning greeted the two with a cupped hand.

"I just heard from my men that the Marquis of Dongling has appeared at the Inspectorate. I didn't quite believe it at first, but I didn't expect Brother Jiang to actually return." Shen Wenyuan greeted him with a smile.

Ye Zhengqi returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Jiang Ning said, "I just heard about what happened at Jiuchong Mountain, so I went back to Guangning City to treat Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge's injuries."

As they were talking.

The interior behind.

Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge also got out of bed.

The moment the two appeared in front of Shen Wenyuan and Ye Zhengqi.

A look of surprise flashed across their eyes.

Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge returned with their team, both of them seriously injured. They knew this, so they arranged for them to recuperate at the Inspector's Mansion.

This morning, the two of them also visited Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge.

After all, these two are from Jiangning, so it's only right and proper for them to visit them.

They clearly remembered that when they visited Feng Jiuge and Xie Xiaojiu that morning, the two were still quite badly injured, with traces of true essence remaining, and it would take a while for them to recover.

It takes time to slowly wear away the residual true meaning, and then stimulate the body's self-healing ability to recover.

But looking at the two of them now, their injuries have almost completely healed, and the remaining minor wounds will soon be completely healed thanks to the strong vitality of martial artists.

"Brother Jiang is even more unfathomable!" The thought flashed through Shen Wenyuan's mind.

Ye Zhengqi also showed surprise. As the inspector of Guangning Prefecture, he was well-informed and knew that the injuries left by the true essence of martial arts were the most difficult to remove and could only be cured by painstaking effort.

The two people in front of me were breathing steadily and had rosy complexions. If it weren't for the bandages still on, it would be almost impossible to tell that they had just recovered from serious injuries.

"Brother Jiang, what kind of skill do you possess? In such a short time, you've managed to heal the two of them by seventy or eighty percent!" Ye Zhengqi exclaimed in amazement.

Jiang Ning smiled slightly, offering no explanation, and said, "These are just some healing techniques, nothing to mention. But regarding the matter of Ninefold Mountain, since you two are here, I need to discuss it with you in detail."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenyuan's expression turned serious, and he raised his hand to lead the way: "Brother Jiang, please come to the study to discuss this in detail."

The three moved to the study of the inspector's office and dismissed those around them.

Shen Wenyuan personally poured tea and said in a deep voice, "I have also investigated the Ninefold Mountain robbery. There are many strange things about this matter. Although Ninefold Mountain is a strategic location and has always been plagued by bandits, they are mostly a motley crew. They can rob merchants and travelers, but how could they have such martial arts masters? And how could they dare to attack the Marquis's escort caravan? Moreover, according to Xie Xiaojiu and the other two, the Ninefold Mountain Master is extremely skilled in martial arts, and his six subordinates are also no ordinary people. How could such a lineup be formed by ordinary mountain bandits?"

Ye Zhengqi interjected, "What's even stranger is that they only robbed people of their valuables, without taking any lives. They even held back against Xie and Feng. This is clearly a warning, not an ordinary robbery. Brother Jiang, this must be some important figure luring you into a trap."

Jiang Ning picked up his teacup and took a sip: "I understand the matter. But since the person in the shadows wants to see me, how can I refuse?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenyuan frowned: "Brother Jiang, do not act rashly. The other party has set this trap to lure you there. Jiuchong Mountain must be a den of dragons and tigers. Although you are extremely strong, you can't fight against many opponents, especially since the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light."

Jiang Ning shook his head: "I've thought this through! I definitely have to go to Ninefold Mountain! Not for anything else, but to get back the cultivation resources that belong to me."

He then put down his tea and looked at the two of them.

"I will depart tomorrow. You two need not worry, Jiuchongshan. Since I have chosen to go, I must be confident. However, I still need you two to keep a close eye on Guangning Prefecture. Especially the border defense of Zeshan Prefecture, the Huangtian Sect is stirring. Now that it is spring and the ice and snow are melting, we must not let our guard down. If there are any changes, be sure to inform me, and I will rush back as fast as I can."

Shen Wenyuan and Ye Zhengqi exchanged a glance, knowing that his mind was made up, so they stopped trying to persuade him.

Shen Wenyuan clasped his hands and said, "Brother Jiang, rest assured, we will do our best to defend the borders of Guangning Prefecture and Zeshan Prefecture. You must be careful on your journey. If needed, the troops of Guangning Prefecture can be mobilized at any time."

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Shen!" Jiang Ning then shook his head: "Guangning Prefecture is too far from Jiuchong Mountain, and we can't use our troops! In front of such powerful figures, numbers are meaningless! I can go there lightly this time."

After a brief conversation, Jiang Ning reminded the two to be wary of the Huangtian Sect, then left the study and returned to Xie Xiaojiu and Feng Jiuge's residence. He carefully instructed them to rest and recuperate, and left behind a few strands of pure blood essence to help them consolidate their recovery.

He then left Guangning City and returned to the capital.

The next morning, as dawn was breaking.

In front of the Dongling Marquis's mansion, Jiang Ning stood dressed in a black outfit, carrying nothing but the increasingly warm imperial envoy token hanging from his waist.

Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming were already waiting at the door. Their injuries had been greatly improved thanks to Jiang Ning's life-saving treatment last night, and they were breathing heavily.

"My lord, the carriage is ready," Jing Wuming said.

"No need," Jiang Ning waved his hand. "This trip is not for sightseeing; we should return quickly."

The next moment, he took a step forward, covering several meters.

Upon seeing this, the two quickly followed Jiang Ning's footsteps.

In just a moment, the three of them were outside the gates of the capital city.

After leaving the capital, Jiang Ning's speed increased even further.

Chen Canghai and Jing Wuming followed closely behind.

Compared to Chen Canghai's relaxed following, Jing Wuming struggled considerably.

Before even leaving Shangjing County, Jing Wuming was already drenched in sweat.

He looked at the calm and collected figure ahead, his heart sinking even deeper.

Many days ago, he had heard that Jiang Ning had been cursed by the immortals.

Like the curse that struck Emperor Changning.

Now, with Emperor Changning's fate unknown, the affairs of state have long been handed over to Princess Xuan, who stands shoulder to shoulder with him.

But in recent days, he had not seen any signs of being cursed or terminally ill in Jiang Ning.

He is in better condition than he was a few days ago.

Occasionally, he could even feel immense pressure from Jiang Ning.

Compared to Jing Wuming, Chen Canghai was no less shocked.

He kept up with the pace of the others at a fairly leisurely pace.

But he knew that this was the speed at which Jiang Ning was taking care of them.

He could clearly sense that the current speed was far from Jiangning's limit.

Furthermore, when Jiang Ning treated their injuries yesterday, he heard Jiang Ning say that he had just gone to Guangning Prefecture.

The distance between Guangning Prefecture and the capital is vast, separated by countless mountains and rivers—a distance of tens of thousands of miles. (End of Chapter)