When Chen Ren was still in the Maple Lane Guard Station, Xu Ning had learned a lot about flowers and plants, but after seeing these flowers and plants, Xu Ning felt like he was still lacking in his studies.
'This leaf looks so verdant…'
Xu Ning saw a flower pot beside the fence. The green vines in the flower pot were winding upwards along the pole. Xu Ning subconsciously touched it with his hand.
—
Discovered energy: 12 units——
Absorb?
Yes/No
—
'This… is this a spirit medicine?'
Suddenly, Xu Ning was prompted by the Martial Arts Panel. He was shocked.
'Senior Liu is so powerful…'
Xu Ning realized that the flowers and plants in this courtyard were not just for viewing purposes. They were probably all spirit herbs that he had never seen before.
Instantly, Xu Ning felt more desire to live in Yunying City.
A strong martial arts scene was required to build a strong martial artist.
Xu Ning looked away from the flowers and plants. He was afraid that he could not resist and absorb them.
Xu Ning walked to the pond.
He saw fish swimming inside. They occasionally surfaced, before diving back down into the water.
Xu Ning sat cross-legged, staring directly at the fish in the pond.
"Brother Xu likes fish?"
Wei Zicheng's voice suddenly came from behind Xu Ning.
Xu Ning turned his head subconsciously and saw Wei Zicheng also sitting cross-legged near the pond.
Xu Ning glanced around. "Why did you come outside alone?"
"Grandpa Liu and my brother are talking about the past, and I got bored so I came outside."
Wei Zicheng seemed to find something interesting. "Look at this fish."
Xu Ning looked at the pond.
The fish swimming in the pond seemed to have received some kind of instruction, as they swam to the surface and swirled in front of Wei Zicheng.
The fish had no intention to swim towards Xu Ning.
"Um…"
Xu Ning was puzzled.
Wei Zicheng was curious. She tentatively reached her hand towards the pond and swung it left and right.
The fish in the pond followed Wei Zicheng's hand movement.
"Does this fish only like women?"
Xu Ning smiled, but didn't particularly care.
Liu Yijian and Wei Binglin soon came outside.
"Grandpa Liu, I won't bother you anymore today."
Wei Binglin had obviously talked a lot with Liu Yijian, but he did not plan to bother him any longer.
"Brother Xu, Zicheng, what are you guys doing?"
After seeing Wei Zicheng playing in front of the pond, Wei Binglin leaned forward.
When Wei Binglin walked forward, the fish in the pond suddenly left Wei Zicheng's side and went towards Wei Binglin's feet.
But, none of the fish approached Xu Ning.
"So strange…"
Xu Ning was confused.
It seemed that the fish didn't like him.
"What?"
Liu Yijian walked over and looked at the pond. A strange look suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"Grandpa Liu, what's the matter with the fish in the pond?"
Wei Zicheng was puzzled.
"Nothing, these fish are not ordinary fish. They have some kind of consciousness. They were brought from Yunying City, so they prefer the people from Yunying City."
Liu Yijian said with a smile, but he kept looking at Xu Ning.
"So these fish aren't ordinary low-level demon beasts?"
Wei Binglin also found these fish interesting.
Liu Yijian didn't say anything else, instead, three white eggs the size of a rice grain appeared in his hand.
"You guys came all the way to see me, so I will give you a gift in return."
"These are Thousand Source Eggs?"
Wei Zicheng didn't care about the fish swimming in the pond any longer. He leaned in front of Liu Yijian and stared at the eggs in his hand.
"That's right."
Liu Yijian nodded.
"Thousand Source Eggs?"
Xu Ning looked at the eggs curiously. He had never heard of this kind of egg before.
"You all take one each."
Liu Yijian put two eggs into the hands of Wei Zicheng and Wei Binglin.
"Thank you, Grandpa Liu."
The two of them happily took the Thousand Source Eggs.
Obviously, this so-called Thousand Source Egg was a rare commodity, even in Yunying Ci City.
Liu Yijian gave the last Thousand Source Egg to Xu Ning.
"For me?"
Xu Ning was very surprised.
"Senior Liu, there's no reason for this. It would be inappropriate for me to accept this gift."
Xu Ning firmly refused.
Liu Yijian shook his head and smiled. "Accept it, consider it as a gift of friendship."
Xu Ning did not understand Liu Yijian.
"Gift of friendship?"
"Brother Xu, since he is offering it to you, just accept it."
Wei Binglin persuaded Xu Ning.
Xu Ning wanted to refuse, but Liu Yijian shoved the Thousand Source Egg into Xu Ning's hands.
"Um…"
After seeing Liu Yijian so persistent, Xu Ning agreed.
"Thank you sir."
Xu Ning thanked him.
Obviously, he was just here to lead the way, but he instead received a gift from Senior Liu for no apparent reason.
Xu Ning was still confused.
"Grandpa Liu, we'll head off now."
Although they only stayed here for a short time, Wei Binglin did not intend to stay for long, as they had already completed the purpose of their visit.
"Okay."
Liu Yijian nodded. He watched the group get on their horses and slowly ride away.
"Xu Ning…"
Liu Yijian said the name quietly.
'Spirit fish are sensitive by nature. They're only willing to get close to talented martial artists…'
'But Xu Ning, although he's only in the qi realm, he is quite talented. It doesn't make sense for the spirit fish to avoid him like this.'
Liu Yijian was puzzled, 'Xu Ning is special…'
To form a friendship with a person like this was definitely a good idea.
Liu Yijian had done this many times in the past, and later benefited from it.
If he was willing to plant trees, he would get to enjoy the shade.
Chapter 72: Upheaval
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
"Brother Wei, what is this Thousand Source Egg?"
After passing through the dangerous foggy area, Xu Ning asked.
"The Thousand Source Egg is a strange life form."
Wei Binglin said, "Once it hatches, it can become a kind of bug that can condense aura. It does not need to be fed, it instead absorbs aura. After the process of digestion and absorption, its body will discharge Aura Crystals."
"Aura Crystals?"
This was the first time Xu Ning had heard of this thing.
"That's right. After the Thousand Source Egg hatches, they will produce Aura Crystals every few days. Aura Crystals can be used for martial arts practice."
.
"Brother Xu, you of course know that normally, we need all kinds of spirit medicine and herbal medicine to nourish ourselves. However, over-reliance on medicine will form impurity deposits in the body."
"But Aura Crystals are different. They are formed from the direct absorption of aura by the Thousand Source Bugs, so it does not produce additional impurities."
Wei Zicheng explained to Xu Ning.
"It can be regarded as a spirit tonic without side effects…"
Xu Ning finally gained an understanding of the Thousand Source Bug and Aura Crystals.
'I wonder if Aura Crystals can be used as an energy source.'
Xu Ning was slightly worried.
After all, his sources of energy were either dan medicine or herbal medicine.
'I feel so grateful to receive a Thousand Source Egg because of these two.'
Xu Ning thanked Wei Binglin and Wei Zicheng.
"Brother Xu, you're welcome."
Wei Binglin said, "Grandpa Liu said he wants to become friends with you. I have heard from my grandpa that he has helped a lot of people when he was young. And later when he encounters any problems, those people he had helped will pull him out of his dilemma."
"So, Brother Xu, no need to thank us. As long as you remember Grandpa Liu's favor, then it's enough."
Xu Ning sighed after hearing this.
'After crossing into this world, there have been so many people helping me along the way.'
Guo Ye and Tao Yungang had helped him. Later on, Qu Dayou supported him. And now, Liu Yijian and the Wei family were helping him as well.
'My luck is pretty good.'
…
When they came out of Yunze Mountains and returned to Kangyun County, the sun had already set.
"Why are there so many people entering the city so late?"
Near the gates of the city, Xu Ning saw the Kangyun County City Gates were packed with people trying to get in.
However, at the gates of the city, there were a large number of city guards armed with weapons, preventing anyone from entering.
"What is going on?"
Xu Ning looked at those who were trying to enter the city. They all looked like refugees, carrying their luggages and holding their children.
"Brother Xu, what is this…"
Wei Binglin and Wei Zicheng were also puzzled, so they asked Xu Ning.
Xu Ning shook his head. "I don't know, something must have happened."
They went forward.
"Move, all of you move out of the way!"
After seeing Xu Ning's Black Armored Guards uniform, the city guards immediately scolded those who wanted to squeeze into the city gates.
The city guards held up their spears and lined up together to make way for Xu Ning and the others.
Xu Ning quickly rode through the gap in the crowd.
He looked at the people on both sides, their eyes were filled with anxiety and fear.
"I'm Xu Ning, Lieutenant of Maple Lane Guard Station."
After entering the city, Xu Ning stepped off his horse, stood in front of the city guard leader, took out his paiza, and proved his identity to the leader.
"What happened here? Why are so many people trying to enter the city?"
Xu Ning asked the city guard leader.
When the city guard leader saw Xu Ning's status, he immediately replied, "Master Xu, these people are all here to escape."
"In the middle of last night, a rebellion broke out in Dingyun County. Two Black Armored Guards and city guards began to rebel. The rebels seemed to have won the battle with the help of external forces, and they took control of the entire Dingyun County."
"This really happen?"
Not only Xu Ning, but Wei Binglin and Wei Zicheng next to him were also surprised.
'A Black Armored Guards rebellion?'
In the history of the Black Armored Guards, this kind of thing has never happened before.
"With the help of external forces…"
Xu Ning noticed this key detail. "You said that the rebels had the help of external forces. What kind of external forces are they?"
"We don't know yet."
The city guard leader replied truthfully, "The rebellion in Dingyun County was told to us by someone who fled here at noon today, so we still don't know the specific details."
When Xu Ning heard the reply, he had a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Almost instinctively, Xu Ning thought of the Magic Faction forces that had appeared in the city recently.
"Maybe it's not a coincidence…"
Xu Ning realized the seriousness of the matter.
"Guys, there is an emergency. I have to go back to the guard station first!"
Xu Ning quickly said to Wei Binglin and Wei Zicheng.
"Brother Xu, go ahead."
Wei Binglin and Wei Zicheng also knew something major had happened.
They also wanted to go to Wei Changqing to see how things were going.
"I'll borrow this horse for now, I'll return it tomorrow!"
Xu Ning cupped his fists and bid farewell, then he went straight to Maple Lane.
Xu Ning saw that Kangyun County had completely changed.
Last night, Kangyun County still had a lively and bustling night scene.
But now, all of the shops on the road were closed, and all of the roadside stalls have disappeared.
Instead, he saw a large number of refugees who had nowhere to stay, roaming the streets with their families.
They were closely guarded by the city guards who were patrolling back and forth, as if they were suspects about to be reprimanded or even beaten by the city guards.
'These should be the first batch of refugees entering the city…'
They already entered the city before the Kangyun County Guards could react.
In order to ensure the stability of Kangyun County, the rest of the refugees who wanted to enter the city had no chance to enter.
'If the situation continues to deteriorate, these people will definitely be prosecuted, and maybe expelled from the city…'
Xu Ning knew very well that these refugees would disrupt Kangyun County's stability.
Ta! Ta! Ta!
The horse quickly galloped.
Soon after, Xu Ning reached Maple Lane.
"Master Lieutenant!"
"Master Lieutenant!"
"…"
Xu Ning saw that all of the city guards at the guard station in Maple Lane had been dispatched.
Everyone saluted Xu Ning.
All those who were still wandering in the streets without a place to stay were instructed to squat near the walls, without being allowed to move.
The entire Maple Lane was in lockdown.
"Old Feng!"
As soon as Xu Ning arrived at the guard station, he saw that Feng Sigua was about to go outside with a group of guards.
When Feng Sigua saw Xu Ning, he looked as if he had received a heart attack. "Master Xu, you are finally back!"
"Tell me what you know."
Xu Ning did not go back to the study. He directly asked Feng Sigua to explain the situation.
Feng Sigua summarized the rebellion in Dingyun County.
The information he had was also vague, similar to the previous city guard leader.
"After confirming the rebellion in Dingyun County, news came from above. They asked each guard station to control the refugees to prevent riots, and wait for instructions later. Since you weren't here, Master Tao took over as the leading voice."
"Okay, I understand."
Xu Ning also knew that there was no way to get more information. "You're dismissed."
Feng Sigua left, and Xu Ning entered the guard station.
The guard station was empty, except for a few city guards standing at the entrance.
Tao Qingping, Song Weiyi and others had gone out to maintain order.
'This sudden rebellion is likely related to the Magic Faction…'
Xu Ning was under tremendous pressure.
Xu Ning now had an urgent desire for strength.
The more chaotic the situation, the stronger he had to be.
Chapter 73: Pneumatic Realm, Gale Knife Technique
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Xu Ning quickly walked back to his study.
After closing the door, Xu Ning took out the spirit medicine he had obtained in his trip to Yunze Mountains.
In addition to the two spirit medicines he picked up when he entered the mountains, he also encountered two more spirit medicines when he left the mountains.
Xu Ning absorbed the four spirit medicines, obtaining 22 units of energy in total.
Combined with the remaining 4 units from before, Xu Ning now had 26 units of energy.
'It takes 45 units of energy to reach the pneumatic realm…'
Xu Ning thought in his heart, 'In a few days, I will get three Qi Dans and one Qinglu Dan. They are enough to raise my strength to the mortal realm fifth stage pneumatic realm.'
'Also, it seems like I should buy more spirit medicine with the silver taels I've saved up…'
Xu Ning had saved up his previous monthly salaries and subsidies.. He initially wanted to use it to improve his quality of life.
But now, the situation was getting worse, so Xu Ning decided to improve his strength first.
Xu Ning currently had 1000 taels of silver in his hands, most of which were given to him from Qu Dayou.
If he used this to buy more Swallowtail Flowers, he would gain another dozen or so units of energy.
Moreover, Xu Ning was now an official lieutenant, and his monthly salary had increased from 50 taels to 150 taels. Combined with the 200 taels per month for all newcomers, Xu Ning had quite a lot of money to buy spirit medicine.
Although the stores for purchasing medicinal materials in the city had already closed, Xu Ning felt that this would not last for long.
As long as the Black Armored Guards rebellion in Dingyun County does not spread, the current state of emergency in the county would subside.
…
This was not what Xu Ning had expected.
The next day, more accurate news came from Dingyun County.
The Black Armored Guards who rebelled in Dingyun County had completely seized control of Dingyun County.
They also cooperated with horse bandits and even people of unknown origin, as reinforcements to their combat team.
Dingyun County even sent some cavalry to harass Qiuyun County, in hopes of taking control over Qiuyun County.
After this news spread to Kangyun County, it immediately caused panic.
It was because Qiuyun County was between Dingyun County and Kangyun County.
If Qiuyun County was captured as well, then Kangyun County would definitely be the next target.
The older generation thought back to the horrors of war from 30 years ago.
In order to deal with the possible crisis, all of the refugees who entered the city, except for the children, were sent to build defensive structures for Kangyun County.
This approach not only stabilized the city, but also provided the refugees a way to sustain themselves.
Through this, the county temporarily restored stability.
However, because of the impending gloom that hovered over the county, Kangyun County did not have the same vitality as before.
…
A few days had passed, and now it was the end of the month. Xu Ning once again received his portion of Qi Dans and Qinglu Dans.
After obtaining the Qinglu Dan, Xu Ning found a medicinal shop and replaced the Qinglu Dan with two Swallowtail Flowers. He also bought four extra Swallowtail Flowers with his taels of silver.
This provided Xu Ning with an additional 33 units of energy.
But now, Xu Ning had only 200 taels of silver left in his hands.
—
Name: Xu Ning
Martial Arts:
Spring Breeze Tactic (Mortal realm fourth stage: qi realm) +
Source Breath Bodybuilding Tactic (Perfection Realm)
Gale Knife Technique (Intermediate) +
Light Feather Bow Technique (elementary) +
Available energy: 59 units
—
'59 units of energy…'
After looking at his martial arts panel, Xu Ning felt satisfied.
This was the first time he was able to save so much energy.
Right now, war might break out at any time, and his own strength was the greatest guarantee of his survival.
Xu Ning looked at the "+" next to the Spring Breeze Tactic.
—
Consume 45 units of energy to advance the Spring Breeze Tactic?
Yes/No
—
"Yes."
Xu Ning felt quite distressed after spending 45 units of energy.
But soon after, his feeling of distress disappeared.
Xu Ning felt the internal qi in his body slowly accumulating.
It was like a barren land that was revitalized.
'There is also an increase in my physical strength, but it is not too obvious…'
Xu Ning noticed all of the changes in his body.
'Poof!'
Xu Ning activated the qi in his body and turned it into force.
Xu Ning then slammed his palm on the corner of the table.
The corner of the table suddenly broke into small wooden pieces, completely breaking apart.
'The power of pneumatic realm force is so lethal!'
Xu Ning didn't expect this.
He didn't use all of his strength at all. If he slashed at a person with a knife, he would turn their flesh into minced meat.
This terrifying power gave Xu Ning more confidence.
'I still have 14 units of energy…'
Xu Ning looked at his Martial Arts Panel.
—
Name: Xu Ning
Martial Arts:
Spring Breeze Tactic (Mortal realm fifth stage: Pneumatic Realm) +
Source Breath Bodybuilding Tactic (Perfection Realm)
Gale Knife Technique (Intermediate) +
Light Feather Bow Technique (elementary) +
Available energy: 14 units
—
"Consume 14 units of energy to advance the Gale Knife Technique to the perfection realm?"
Xu Ning had already mastered an external skill to the perfection realm. According to Qu Dayou, mastering an external skill while between the mortal realm fourth stage and the mortal realm sixth stage could ensure that he would survive when fighting against a higher level opponent.
If he mastered the two external skills, he might be able to compete with a warrior in the mortal realm sixth stage internal qi realm.
And right now, he needed immediate combat power.
"Advance!"
—
Consume 12 units of energy to advance the Gale Knife Technique?
Yes/No
—
"Yes!"
This was the first external skill Xu Ning had learned after entering this world, and now he had finally advanced it to the perfection realm.
Xu Ning now had a perfect understanding of the Gale Knife Technique.
Xu Ning had no knife in his hand, but he waved his arm and sliced the air.
Xu Ning could feel the air tearing apart.
This was not an illusion. Xu Ning really felt like he had cut open a vacuum in the air.
'When I leveled up my Source Breath Bodybuilding Tactic, I was able to activate my hardened skin. After leveling up the Gale Knife Technique, I seemed to have improved my perception of air flow, or rather my perception of wind?'
Xu Ning was currently inside his house.
He pushed open the door. It was still night time.
Xu Ning closed his eyes and a trace of wind appeared in his mind.
'Butterflies…'
Xu Ning said to himself.
When he opened his eyes, he saw a butterfly in the yard nearly ten meters away from him, with its wings flapping silently.
Xu Ning smiled.
His perception of airflow greatly enhanced his sensitivity to wind.
If someone wanted to sneak an attack on him in the future, he definitely would be able to react in advance.
'This is so practical!'
Xu Ning was overjoyed.
In one night, Xu Ning's strength had increased by an entire magnitude.
However, although he felt less anxious, the situation was still worrying.
'I wonder when the rebels in Dingyun County will start a war, and if the Magic Faction is behind them…'
These were all questions he did not know the answer to.
'The news of the Black Armored Guards rebellion in Dingyun County must have reached Yunying City. I wonder if the higher ups in Yunying City will send troops to help?'
Nothing was clear at the moment.
'The situation is complicated. I wonder if it will impact the Tao Village?'
Xu Ning was worried about his family.
"Tao Village has gone through wars previously, so they must have a way to survive through wars."
Xu Ning thought in his heart, 'It may not be safe to bring my sister and her family to the county. After all, there is still the risk of being affected by the war, and there are also unstable factors from the city's Magic Faction…'
After contemplating, Xu Ning decided not to bring his family here for now.
If the Tao Village was affected in the future, it would not be too late to rescue them.
"I'll rest early today…"
The excitement from his promotion had disappeared.
Tomorrow morning, there would be a meeting with all the lieutenants in the county city.
Xu Ning guessed that the topic of the meeting would be the arrangements for the war preparations, or the announcement of the results from the previous interrogation of the Magic Faction warriors.
With that in mind, Xu Ning returned to his room.