A person sacrifices himself to become a saint in a chaotic world of martial arts.

Su Bai's gaze darted back and forth between the three books, his breathing unconsciously becoming slightly rapid.

Each of these three techniques has its own strengths, and they are all weaknesses that he urgently needs to make up for at this moment, which makes his heart feel warm.

His fingertips rubbed against the rough paper, the slightly astringent touch feeling as if it carried the weight of martial arts, making him wish he could take it all into his arms.

Unfortunately, one can only choose one to learn.

Suddenly, Su Bai's heart skipped a beat. He looked up at Ning Yuechan, his tone tentative and cautious: "Lord Ning, may I... skim through each book to make a better choice?"

Ning Yuechan did not reply immediately upon hearing this. Her gaze fell on Su Bai's face, a mischievous smile flashing in her eyes, as if she had already seen through his schemes. Her gaze was not harsh, but it made Su Bai involuntarily lower his head, his ears burning slightly.

"No." Ning Yuechan's voice was calm, but there was no room for negotiation. "You may only flip through the first three pages before making your selection."

"Yes...sir." Su Bai sighed inwardly; his plan had failed.

When Ning Yuechan flatly rejected him, he suddenly remembered something—though rare in this world, people with photographic memories do exist. Although Ning Yuechan was unaware that he possessed a system, she would naturally be wary of such trickery.

With that thought in mind, Su Bai completely abandoned his little schemes and focused his attention back on the three manuals in his hand.

These three manuals are all classified as intermediate-level martial arts.

No, to be precise, the Golden Bell Cover is actually a top-level martial art, but it is just too difficult to master.

Apart from the person who created the technique, most practitioners in later generations, even if they dedicate their entire lives to it, can only cultivate it to the level of superior martial arts, and very few can actually reach that level.

Therefore, although this technique is renowned, it is not highly valued by ordinary martial artists.

As for the "Thirteen Styles of Gale," it is a sharp and fast sword technique. Although it is much stronger than the "Zhenyue Sword Technique" that he is currently learning, it is still inferior to the potential of the "Golden Bell Cover."

Choosing this option doesn't seem like a good deal.

"Flying on Grass" is quite practical and can effectively make up for Su Bai's shortcomings in movement speed.

It is of great use whether for attacking, traveling, or escaping.

In other words, he had to choose between "Golden Bell Cover" and "Grass on the Grass".

Su Bai remained silent for a moment, his knuckles unconsciously tightening and loosening.

After a long while, he finally raised his head, his gaze resolute:

"My lord, I choose the Golden Bell Shield."

Upon hearing this, Ning Yuechan raised her delicate eyebrows slightly.

She originally thought Su Bai would prefer "Flying on Grass" - after all, the difficulty of cultivating "Golden Bell Cover" is well known.

However, possessing a skill in lightness and agility can greatly compensate for Su Bai's shortcomings.

However, it didn't matter to her which book she chose.

She nodded, her tone flat: "Alright, the 'Golden Bell Cover' is yours."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir!" Su Bai bowed quickly, his voice filled with gratitude. "This humble servant will diligently study and never fail to live up to your expectations!"

At the same time, he was secretly delighted.

Fortunately... I hadn't rushed to buy "offerings" beforehand.

If it weren't for this chance encounter with Wang Yun today, which led to my arrival at the General Headquarters...

If he had upgraded other techniques first, wouldn't he have missed out on the Golden Bell Cover Technique?

This time, he will pour all his "sacrifices" into this "Golden Bell Cover" in one go.

"Alright, go down now. Remember to cultivate diligently." Ning Yuechan waved her hand slightly, her gaze already returning to the documents spread out on the desk.

Having completed this casual arrangement with Su Bai, she prepared to set him aside for the time being.

From now on, you only need to ask a few questions about the progress when you occasionally think of it.

"Yes, this humble servant takes his leave!" Su Bai clasped his hands in a deep bow, then turned and left the room, closing the door behind him with light and steady steps.

Watching Su Bai's figure disappear behind the door, Ning Yuechan unconsciously stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist and shook her head almost imperceptibly.

She still felt a pang of regret—she wondered if Su Bai had recently obtained some miraculous elixir or had some other fortuitous opportunity to improve his cultivation level so rapidly.

Unfortunately... he's just too old.

Having wasted so many years of time building his foundation, it's uncertain whether he'll be able to break through to the True Qi Realm in the future.

Even if a breakthrough is achieved, its potential is probably already exhausted.

It should be understood that in the vast world of martial arts, only by entering the True Qi Realm can one be considered to have truly entered the inner sanctum.

Those below the True Qi Realm are nothing more than henchmen and pawns who can be replaced at any time.

Of course, if Su Bai truly proves himself, he will at least be able to cultivate to the fifth or sixth realm of martial arts in the future.

At that time, it would be possible to work out a way to transfer him to another county and secure him a position as a chief inspector; that wouldn't be difficult.

This arrangement adds a useful piece to the Ning family's overall strategy.

"Brother Wang, what are you still doing here?"

As soon as he reached the corner on the second floor, Su Bai saw Wang Yun still standing there, seemingly waiting. He quickly quickened his pace and greeted him with a smile.

Upon seeing him, Wang Yun immediately broke into a smile and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Su, good news! The Chief Constable has instructed you to go see him again immediately after you leave."

After saying that, he gave a wink to someone above him.

Su Bai was taken aback upon hearing this, a look of bewilderment on his face: "Lord Wang, didn't I just come from the Chief Constable's office?"

Wang Yun shook his head, his sallow face beaming with an even wider smile. He patted Su Bai's arm and said, "I don't know about that. Anyway, it's the Chief Constable's order that you go up to the third floor to see him after you come out. This time, I'll show you the way."

Su Bai's heart stirred, and then he suddenly realized.

The person I'm about to meet is probably the real Chief Emissary—Lord Wei Zhiyao.

Sure enough, Wang Yun led him to a spacious side room on the other side of the third floor and knocked on the door to announce his arrival.

A deep, steady male voice came from inside the door: "Come in."

Pushing open the door, one sees Wei Zhiyao sitting upright behind a large mahogany desk, holding a scroll of documents in his hand.

The room was simply and solemnly furnished, with a plaque that read "Clear Observation" hanging on the wall, and bookshelves on both sides neatly filled with files.

A pot of orchids by the window quietly sprouted green leaves, adding a touch of elegance to the room.

"This humble servant, Su Bai, greets Lord Wei!" Su Bai immediately cupped his hands and bowed in greeting.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhiyao immediately put down the document and stood up.

He walked around the desk and went straight to Su Bai. He then reached out his hands and gently supported Su Bai's arms to stop him from bowing further.

"Haha, Constable Su, no need for such formalities!" Wei Zhiyao laughed heartily, his eyes radiating warmth.

"You single-handedly defeated two martial arts masters at the first level, truly bringing glory to our Zhenfu Division. Our division desperately needs young people like you who dare to fight and possess genuine skills!"

Su Bai felt a little uncomfortable with his friendly gesture, so he could only lower his head slightly and reply, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Wei. This is my duty, and I dare not take credit for it."

"Hmm, not arrogant or impatient, very good!" Wei Zhiyao nodded in satisfaction, stroking his short beard with approval in his eyes.

"However, our Garrison Command has always been clear about rewards and punishments. Merit is rewarded, that is the rule. As for the specific reward... Constable Su, please wait a few days."