Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

Water Moon Sword Palace.

outside the temple.

"Greetings, Marquis of Dongling!"

"Greetings, Marquis of Dongling!"

The two sword-wielding women who had been waiting at the entrance immediately bowed and greeted Jiang Ning upon his arrival.

“It should be the King of Luoshui, not the Marquis of Dongling!” Xiao Emei, who had arrived early, said.

Then, she bowed gracefully to Jiang Ning.

"Greetings, King of Luoshui!"

Jiang Ning nodded: "You don't need to come all the way to see me, I just came to pay my respects!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Emei glanced into the hall.

She also knew Jiang Ning's purpose in coming here; it was because of the goddess statue in the hall.

“Your Highness has come from afar, why not rest in the palace for a couple of days, so that I may do my best to be a good host! The scenery at Shuiyue Lake is also quite beautiful, and this is a time of clear skies and gentle breezes. There will be a light rain in the next couple of days.” Xiao Emei’s gaze fell on Jiang Ning as she spoke.

"No need!" Jiang Ning shook his head. "I'm very busy right now, I have a lot to do!"

"Then I will see Your Highness off!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Emei said no more and followed Jiang Ning's suggestion.

Jiang Ning nodded.

After a while.

At the foot of the mountain, beside the dock.

"Palace Master, please stay here!" Jiang Ning said.

"Your Highness, please be careful on your journey!" Xiao Emei said.

Jiang Ning nodded without saying anything more.

He then turned to look at Lin Qingyi.

Her loose hair had now been gathered up with a wooden hairpin.

Compared to her appearance in the interior of Moon Lake that resembled a woman from the Moon Palace, she now possessed a more down-to-earth, human touch.

"Let's go."

As he finished speaking, he placed his hand on Lin Qingyi's shoulder.

The next moment.
A long, black and white rainbow shot into the sky, piercing the clouds above the Water Moon Sword Palace.
In an instant, it disappeared from Xiao Emei's sight, leaving only a clear black and white trace in the vast sky.

"Such speed!!" Xiao Emei murmured softly as she watched this scene.

It only lasted a moment.

The black and white rainbow streaked across the sky, crossed the city's protective array, and landed in the city.

"He's back again!" In a small courtyard in the west of the city, an old man with gray hair looked up at the lingering trail in the sky above the capital and murmured to himself.

Inside the palace.

In the Imperial Garden.

The morning sun of spring shines through the sparse clouds and falls into the garden.

The flowers in the garden are vying for attention, creating a beautiful scene of spring sunshine.

The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and butterflies fluttered about.

Ji Minghao, dressed in a bright yellow casual outfit, stood with his hands behind his back.

Shen Xiao stood three steps behind him, dressed in a black martial robe, with the sword at his waist still attached.

At this moment, Ji Minghao stopped, put his hands behind his back, looked up, and stared at the black and white rainbow light that had just disappeared in the sky, his expression solemn.

“That rainbow light means that King Luoshui has returned,” Ji Minghao said slowly, his voice calm.

Shen Xiao nodded slightly: "Yes. Judging from the direction, that King of Luoshui should have just returned from the south!"

"The South!" Ji Minghao murmured, his eyes filled with contemplation.

Shen Xiao behind him remained silent.

He could sense that with Ji Minghao's ascension to the throne, there had been a significant change compared to when he was a prince.

He felt that Ji Minghao now was becoming more and more similar to Emperor Changning when he first ascended the throne.

Thinking of Emperor Changning, he couldn't help but look in the direction of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Although a new emperor has been enthroned, he knows that Emperor Changning has not yet died, and he also feels that Emperor Changning did not die so easily.

Because he had served as a general for many years, he knew more about Emperor Changning than most people.

Among Emperor Changning's concubines, there was one he felt was somewhat unfathomable, and he had a vague sense of unease about her.

"Brother Jiang is truly remarkable these days!" Ji Minghao's praise brought Shen Xiao's scattered thoughts back to reality.

"Indeed impressive!" Shen Xiao nodded, then continued, "The second best in the world, with six people tied for the title in this era, in my opinion, in another year or two, given the Luo Shui King's martial arts skills and rate of progress, he will be the only one to become the second best in the world! Once that person passes away peacefully, the Luo Shui King will become the best in the world!"

"The best in the world?" Ji Minghao murmured.

"Yes!" Shen Xiao nodded and continued, "My guess about him is only slightly off, not too high! The Prince of Luoshui's progress might be even faster!"

"Father-in-law, do you really think Brother Jiang has a chance to reach the legendary realm and be on par with that person?" Ji Minghao asked, his gaze fixed on the fading rainbow trail in the sky.

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiao shook his head: "Your Majesty, in the past eight hundred years, only he has reached this level at such a young age. Only he has achieved what he has today! If it weren't for the limitations of the times, the King of Luoshui would already be a true immortal! This is enough to demonstrate his talent, potential, comprehension, and the strength of his immortal roots! However, in terms of martial arts, as for whether he can be compared with that Martial Saint, I dare not make a definitive judgment. But I believe that if there is anyone in the world who can do it, then it is none other than the King of Luoshui."

Upon hearing this, Ji Minghao nodded: "Father-in-law is right. Brother Jiang is truly unparalleled throughout history. My ascension to the throne and succession to the imperial line is also due to his assistance! It is indeed a great fortune!"

As he spoke, he looked into the distance, towards the direction of Luoshui County, his thoughts drifting far away.

"Who could have imagined that Brother Jiang, back in that remote little town, would have come this far in such a short time! It's unbelievable every time I think about it! And it's fortunate that I met Brother Jiang back then, otherwise, all my schemes would have come to nothing!"

Hearing this, Shen Xiao nodded in agreement.

He still feels lingering fear when he thinks about Chengqian Hall that day.

If it weren't for Jiang Ning's arrival, which drew the intervention of the Martial Saint, who in the Great Xia Imperial Palace could have reversed the will of that peerless king?

Just then, Ji Minghao suddenly spoke up again: "Father-in-law, do you think my reward to Brother Jiang is satisfactory?"

Shen Xiao pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "There is no such thing as qualified or unqualified! That King Luoshui is now at the Nascent Soul Immortal realm in the Immortal Dao realm. In ancient times, he would have been a true immortal. In this era, he would be ranked second in the world. What he seeks is beyond the reach of ordinary power."

"Does Father-in-law mean that the rewards I've given Brother Jiang aren't enough to win him over?" Ji Minghao asked.

Shen Xiao shook his head: "The Prince of Luoshui has rendered meritorious service to His Majesty in supporting the emperor, and His Majesty's reward is also very generous. The Prince of Luoshui is granted a fiefdom of four prefectures, which is hereditary and can be passed down indefinitely. There is no higher fiefdom that can be granted. However, in my opinion, a person like the Prince of Luoshui is probably no longer seeking worldly fame and fortune, nor is he concerned with the court."

He paused for a moment, then added, "The fact that the Prince of Luoshui hasn't taken over the fiefdom bestowed upon him by the Emperor these past few days is enough to tell the whole story."

Upon hearing these words, Ji Minghao remained silent for a moment.

"Father-in-law, what do you think will become of me, the Prince of Luoshui, in the future?" Ji Minghao suddenly asked.

Shen Xiao felt a chill run down his spine, instantly realizing that this young new emperor was considering something far-reaching.

Just like the Changning Emperor who ascended the throne back then.

He pondered for a moment, then said, "The Prince of Luoshui is a decisive and shrewd man, unlike any other. With his strength and achievements, he is now unshakeable in the court. If he behaves himself, he will be a pillar of the Great Xia Dynasty; if he…" Shen Xiao did not continue.

"Does the General mean that if he doesn't behave, my throne will be unstable?" Ji Minghao frowned.

"I did not mean that!" Shen Xiao shook his head and continued, "I was just saying that the Prince of Luoshui now has the ability to influence the court and the throne! He can push His Majesty to the throne, and he can also push others to the throne. Fortunately, His Majesty has the Seventeenth Princess as his emotional link, and His Majesty had a close relationship with her in his early years and has a certain affection for her. In addition, there are no princes in the court, so His Majesty does not need to worry about this matter."

Upon hearing this...

Ji Minghao nodded calmly: "I've remembered what my father-in-law said!"

But when Shen Xiao's gaze met Ji Minghao's eyes, he felt a chill run down his spine.

In Ji Minghao's eyes, he saw a certain depth and vigilance befitting an emperor.

Just then.

Tap tap tap— A series of light footsteps came from ahead.

Following the sound of footsteps, the two saw a middle-aged woman dressed in elegant palace attire turn past a flowerbed and appear in their line of sight, accompanied by two palace maids.

The woman had a dignified appearance, and her eyes revealed a transcendent and otherworldly air.

Judging from her appearance, she was about forty years old, but she still had a charming appearance and her skin was very good, extremely delicate, like that of a baby.

It is clearly very well maintained.

Upon seeing this person, Shen Xiao felt a sudden chill run down his spine.

He recognized the concubine; she was the one among Emperor Changning's many concubines whom he had never been able to understand and who he vaguely felt had an extraordinary background.

He had secretly speculated many times that this concubine might come from some blessed land and possess a hidden inheritance, but she had never made it public.

The concubine walked closer, looked at Ji Minghao, and nodded slightly.

"Minghao."

Ji Minghao stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty." He continued respectfully, "Your Majesty usually stays in the deep palace. What brings you to the Imperial Garden today?"

Shen Xiao, standing to the side, also bowed and said, "Your subject Shen Xiao greets Your Majesty."

The concubine nodded slightly to Shen Xiao, saying, "General, there's no need for such formalities."

Then he looked at Ji Minghao and said, "It's too stuffy in the palace, and the weather is nice today, so I came out for a walk!"

Looking at the concubine in front of him, Shen Xiao's mind raced.

Then, he turned to Ji Minghao and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty, I have just remembered that I still have military affairs to attend to, so I will take my leave now and not disturb Your Majesty any longer!"

Ji Minghao nodded: "General, please do as you please."

Shen Xiao bowed to the concubine again, then turned and left.

After leaving the Imperial Garden, he couldn't help but look back one last time.

The concubine was seen talking quietly with Ji Minghao. The sound came on the wind, but the voices were faint and indistinct.

Just then.

Through the shadows of the flowers and trees, the concubine seemed to notice something and suddenly turned to look at Shen Xiao.

Upon seeing this, Shen Xiao nodded to the late emperor's concubine, revealing a kind smile, then withdrew his gaze and strode out of the palace.

the other side.

In front of the Dongling Marquis's residence.

dong dong dong-

Jiang Ning lightly tapped his fingertips on the gate of the Marquis's mansion, the sound carrying far and wide.

A moment later, a series of hurried footsteps came from the front yard behind the door.

"Who is it!" A clear voice came through the wall and the crack in the door, reaching Jiang Ning's ears.

He knew from the sound that it was Lüyi.

“It’s me!” Jiang Ning said calmly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the footsteps in the front yard became even more hurried.

Then.

bang-

The sound of the bolt falling could be heard.

squeak-

As the bearings of the gate turned, the gate slowly opened a crack.

A beautiful face was visible through the gap.

Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her chin was slightly pointed, and her face was slender, yet it also had a touch of girlish plumpness.

"Your Highness... no, Young Master! You're back!" Green Ripple's voice revealed her joy.

Then she exerted force with both hands, and the taut muscle lines could be seen on her slender forearms.

With a forceful pull, the door swung open.

"Sister Lin!" She looked at Lin Qingyi next to Jiang Ning and greeted her first.

"Sister Lüyi!" Lin Qingyi, dressed in a white fairy dress, greeted Lüyi with a faint smile.

Jiang Ning stepped over the threshold and sniffed the air slightly.

Then he smiled.

"Didn't I come back just in time! Just in time for dinner?" Jiang Ning said with a smile.

"Young Master, you've come back just in time!" Green Rhyme smiled sincerely, then continued, "Today, Sister Wanwan steamed three large baskets of meat buns soaked in broth, and also made noodles!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning's eyes lit up.

"Does this mean we can still have braised beef noodles today?"

As he spoke, his pace quickened involuntarily.

"Young master, wait for me!" Green Rhyme behind him looked at Jiang Ning's steps, her voice anxious, and she closed the door even faster.

He quickly closed the door and caught up with Jiang Ning, continuing, "Today we don't have braised beef, but we have the braised dragon meat that you brought back earlier!"

slid --

Upon hearing the words "dragon meat," Lüyi's mouth immediately began to water uncontrollably.

She swallowed hard and said regretfully, "It's a pity that I can't eat too much of that dragon meat; I can only take one slice."

Seeing this scene, Lin Qingyi couldn't help but smile faintly.

She stroked her belly with her palm, her expression relaxed.

At this moment, Jiang Ning's eyes shone even brighter.

If braised beef suits his taste, then braised pork belly is absolutely divine.

Add to that the poached egg soaked in broth, and just thinking about it made his mouth water.

Their pace quickened by two steps.

Then.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard outside the kitchen, he saw Liu Wanwan walking towards him carrying a steamer basket. Steam was rising from the basket, and the aroma of the food indicated that it contained large meat buns filled with soup.

“Sister-in-law!” Jiang Ning said.

"Sister Wanwan!" Lüyi greeted her.

"Good morning, Sister Liu!" Lin Qingyi greeted softly.

"Yes, Aning! Aning is back!!" Liu Wanwan's face lit up with joy.

Then Liu Wanwan looked at Lin Qingyi and asked, "Qingyi, have you finished your seclusion?"

Lin Qingyi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

At this moment, Jiang Ning stepped forward.

"Sister-in-law, let me do it!"

As he spoke, he casually took the steamer of buns from Liu Wanwan's hands.

"A-Ning, quickly take the girl in green to the front hall and wait!" Liu Wanwan said, then continued, "You don't need to worry about the noodles and buns later!"

"Sister-in-law, remember to fry a few eggs and some braised pork belly," Jiang Ning said.

"Don't worry!" Liu Wanwan looked at Jiang Ning and smiled kindly, "How could your sister-in-law forget your preferences!" (End of Chapter)