On this day, Jiang Ning did nothing but practice the sword.
At one point, Wang Jin came by.
Seeing Jiang Ning practicing the sword, he shook his head and left.
Wang Jin believed that Jiang Ning had fallen into a mental trap, focusing too much on the sword technique.
Although mid-tier martial arts were impressive, Wang Jin thought that such advanced techniques were far beyond Jiang Ning's current capabilities.
Spending time on them would be futile and a waste of effort.
Even with a photographic memory and extraordinary comprehension, it wouldn't help.
Mastering the basics of the Canglang Sword Technique required not only a strong foundation and an early understanding of the mysteries of force but also a powerful physique and exceptional comprehension.
Mastering force and using it effortlessly was a matter of martial skill. Even many ninth-rank martial artists had not grasped the profound power of force.
Many people, due to insufficient comprehension, failed to master force, which led to them being stuck at the ninth rank, even with ample martial resources.
To advance to the eighth rank, one needed to internally refine their muscles and significantly increase their strength, which was impossible without mastering force.
Let alone skip the simpler path of mastering force through low-tier martial arts and directly tackle the more difficult path of mastering force through mid-tier martial arts.
In Wang Jin's view, Jiang Ning had been practicing martial arts for too short a time and was still far from reaching this level.
However, he didn't plan to enlighten Jiang Ning.
In his opinion, it was normal for young people to be ambitious, especially geniuses.
When he was young, he had been much like Jiang Ning.
So he understood that without hitting a wall, Jiang Ning wouldn't turn back.
A thousand words of advice were not as effective as one lesson from experience.
How to teach a disciple was something he had experience with.
Tailoring teaching to the individual was his philosophy and principle.
Therefore, Wang Jin only glanced a few times before choosing to leave.
Jiang Ning, on the other hand, didn't notice this.
Because he was obsessively practicing the sword.
Without strength and a trump card, he felt insecure.
Once the Canglang Sword Technique advanced further, his sword skills would improve, and most importantly, he would truly master the Ninefold Force and be able to unleash two levels of force.
Later, while recovering his stamina, Jiang Ning would flip through the books he carried with him, grinding experience points for the Literacy skill.
As for the wild ginseng, he didn't hold back or skimp.
Wild ginseng was a cultivation resource, and its true value lay in being absorbed into his body and utilized to the fullest.
In just one day, during his frenzied sword practice, he had consumed half a wild ginseng in the morning and another half at noon. By evening, only eight and a half roots remained.
This meant that in a single day, he had consumed a wild ginseng worth about thirteen to fifteen taels of silver on the market equivalent to a year's worth of food for a family of three.
At this moment, the phrase "poor scholars, rich martial artists" was vividly demonstrated.
However, despite the high cost, the gains were substantial.
With the support of the wild ginseng's effects, he practiced the sword technique like a man possessed for an entire day.
And the growth in sword technique experience points did not disappoint his efforts.
[Skill]: Canglang Sword Technique (Beginner 43/100)
The Canglang Sword Technique's experience points were nearly halfway. At this rate, he could advance this mid-tier martial art to the proficient level tomorrow, allowing him to unleash two levels of force.
Mastering a mid-tier martial art from not even beginner level to proficient in two days would be shocking to anyone.
With such a trump card, Jiang Ning felt confident that he could take down Xu Yunfeng with a single strike.
Jiang Ning believed he might achieve even more exaggerated feats.
After all, in terms of explosive power in martial arts, one plus one was greater than one.
Just like in his previous life, an ordinary person could lift a hundred-pound barbell with one arm.
The human record was lifting a barbell of over three hundred pounds with one arm.
But if the two were to fight bare-handed, the difference would be like one person being able to take on ten.
In the evening, a carriage stopped in front of the martial arts school's gate.
"Old Zheng, wait a moment. I'll go in and fetch a junior brother," Cheng Ran's voice came from inside the carriage.
Then, he lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down.
A moment later.
"Junior Brother Jiang!"
Cheng Ran rushed into Jiang Ning's courtyard and called out loudly.
"Senior Brother Cheng!" Jiang Ning pushed open the door and walked out, looking fresh and clean.
Having just finished practicing the sword and feeling exhausted, he had taken a bath.
He hadn't forgotten about the banquet tonight.
Seeing Jiang Ning, Cheng Ran smiled. "It seems Junior Brother Jiang is all prepared!"
Jiang Ning smiled. "Since I'm attending the banquet with Senior Brother Cheng, I can't go smelling of sweat."
"Shall we set off now?" Cheng Ran asked.
"Wait a moment!" Jiang Ning said, turning back into the house.
When he reappeared, he was holding the Ebony Longsword.
Seeing the entirely black scabbard and hilt in Jiang Ning's hand, Cheng Ran's eyes showed surprise.
"Where did you get this sword, Junior Brother Jiang?"
Jiang Ning replied, "I asked Master Wang for it, to use for self-defense when going out."
Hearing this, Cheng Ran immediately understood.
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Junior Brother Jiang, you're being too cautious! With me by your side, even if we run into Xu Yunfeng, he wouldn't dare cause trouble!"
"I have a master following me, not to mention he's just a mere constable, at best at the peak of vital energy. In terms of strength, he might not even match me!"
Jiang Ning smiled. "It's not that I don't trust Senior Brother Cheng, but having a weapon in hand always makes me feel more secure."
"Suit yourself," Cheng Ran said indifferently.
Suddenly, Cheng Ran seemed to remember something and glanced at the sword in Jiang Ning's hand.
"Junior Brother Jiang, may I take a look at the sword?"
"Of course, Senior Brother!" Jiang Ning tossed the Ebony Longsword to Cheng Ran.
Cheng Ran quickly caught it.
Clang
He gripped the hilt with his right hand and drew the sword. The cold glint of the blade reflected in his pupils, exuding a chilling aura.
"This is a good sword!" Cheng Ran praised. "Judging by the texture, it's made of nearly hundred-fold refined iron."
Jiang Ning nodded. "Senior Brother is right. Master Wang told me the same."
Hum
Cheng Ran sheathed the sword, the blade and scabbard producing a clear, melodious sound.
As he handed the sword back to Jiang Ning, he couldn't help but recall a few days ago.
A few days ago, Xiao Peng had proudly shown off the weapon Master Wang had given him for practicing sword techniques.
From what he remembered, that sword seemed identical to the one Jiang Ning now held.
Thinking of this, Cheng Ran couldn't help but entertain a wild thought.
Could it be that Junior Brother Jiang had already become Master Wang's true disciple?
This... this couldn't be possible, could it?
The next moment, Cheng Ran laughed at himself inwardly.
I must be overthinking it!
Junior Brother Jiang has only been practicing martial arts for a short time. How could he have already passed Master Wang's test and become his true disciple?
But Junior Brother Jiang has indeed gained Master Wang's favor, which is why he was given this sword for self-defense.
After all, Master Wang couldn't be unaware of the difficulties Junior Brother Jiang is currently facing.
Thankfully, my aunt married into the Xie family, and with the Xie family's support, I dared to befriend Junior Brother Jiang.
I wonder if Junior Brother Jiang can overcome this crisis.
Forget it!
No matter what!
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