I have a martial arts panel.

Chapter 134 Qinggu County, gray ability

Xu Ning saw Gray White rubbing its head against her clothes and felt a strange sense of warmth.

The way Gray White rushed over just now made Xu Ning realize that Gray White had been thinking about her all these past three months.

"Grey, I'm going on a sect mission. You'll come with me."

Xu Ning rubbed his gray head.

Upon hearing this, Gray climbed out of Xu Ning's arms and nestled on Xu Ning's shoulder.

It was only then that Xu Ning noticed that Hui Bai seemed to have gained weight.

It used to be able to squeeze into its own clothes, but now it can't.

"Looks like the food is pretty good..."

Xu Ning flicked his gray forehead again.

"Let's go to Qinggu County."

Xu Ning headed directly southwest.

Xu Ning did not ride a horse this time.

Xu Ning is now a Void Realm Martial Master at the Yuan Realm, and his speed is even faster than a steed with demonic beast blood.

Unless he tames a flying beast in the Void Realm, traveling on his own is the fastest way for Xu Ning.

However, while it's possible to capture and kill flying demonic beasts in the Void Realm, taming them or forming a demonic beast partnership requires special methods.

There have been precedents for beast companions like Gray-White who naturally became acquainted with Xu Ning, but such relationships are extremely rare.

Xu Ning sped along the road.

With Xu Ning's current strength, it would only take him a few days to reach Qinggu County.

Now that he has advanced to the Void Realm, he no longer needs to consume food; he can obtain all his bodily needs by relying on free-floating spiritual energy.

"What's wrong? It's grayish-white?"

After speeding for a while, Xu Ning noticed that Gray White kept sniffing him, its expression full of confusion.

"Are you surprised by my improved abilities?"

Xu Ning quickly realized what was happening.

After all, when he parted ways with Gray White, he was only at the mortal realm. It's normal for Gray White to have doubts about his significant improvement over three months.

"Speaking of which, what level of demonic beast is Gray-White...?"

When Gray-White is in its normal form, Xu Ning can't even sense its power fluctuations.

"Let's see what level it is next time the gray-white preys on something..."

……

Six days passed quickly.

Xu Ning arrived outside Qinggu County.

This sect mission is to assist the Ling family of Qinggu County in eliminating a group of bandits outside Qinggu County.

According to the mission description, the group of thieves appeared suddenly a few months ago, and there were experts in the Void Realm among them.

Since their appearance, that gang of thieves has been causing trouble in Qinggu County.

They led their troops into the city several times, plundering supplies and people, and forcing the Ling family to relinquish their resources.

Like the Ling family of Qinggu County and the Feng, Xiao, and Ye families of Chunlin County, the Ling family of Qinggu County were subordinates of the Yuelan Sect, responsible for managing mortal affairs.

However, in Chunlin County, there were three separate families, while in Qinggu County, the Ling family was the only dominant family.

The Ling family couldn't handle the gang of thieves, so they had no choice but to report it to the authorities.

When the report was submitted, the Ling family suspected that these people might be enemies of other forces, or down-on-their-luck sects that had fallen on hard times and ended up here.

In Jifeng Prefecture, war is a constant threat, and many small sects are forced to wander after losing their base.

Xu Ning entered Qinggu County City.

"This place doesn't feel like Chunlin County at all..."

Walking down the street, there was a considerable population and shops lining the streets.

But everyone looked tired and listless.

Xu Ning suspected that this was caused by the repeated harassment of Qinggu County by the bandits outside the city, leaving the residents of the city living under the shadow of environmental instability every day.

Xu Ning asked for directions on the street and found the Ling family mansion.

"Who are you? Do you wish to enter the mansion?"

When Xu Ning arrived at the Ling family's gate, a guard asked him questions.

The guards saw that Xu Ning carried two swords and had an extraordinary demeanor, clearly indicating that he was not an ordinary martial artist, so they were very polite to him.

"I am a disciple of the Yuelan Sect."

Xu Ning immediately took out his waist token and showed it to the guard.

Upon hearing this, the guard perked up: "Please wait a moment, I will go and report to the master of the family right away."

A short while later, Xu Ning saw a group of more than a dozen people walk out of the Ling family's house and come to greet him.

The leader, who looked to be over sixty years old, was wearing a gray robe and greeted Xu Ning with a big smile.

"True Qi Realm..."

Xu Ning sensed that Ling Xuzong's aura was that of a genuine True Qi Realm cultivator.

The True Qi Realm is nothing special within the Yue Lan Sect, but it is extremely rare outside the sect.

"Ling Xuzong, head of the Ling family, greets young friend."

Ling Xuzong was very polite.

"I am Xu Ning, an inner disciple of the Yue Lan Sect."

As he spoke, Xu Ning once again revealed his waist tag.

After confirming Xu Ning's identity, Ling Xuzong's smile widened.

"So it's Brother Xu, please."

Ling Xuzong was several decades older than Xu Ning, but he still addressed him as "brother": "I have already instructed the servants to prepare a luncheon to welcome you."

"No need, Patriarch Ling."

Xu Ning declined, saying, "I'd like to find out about the thieves outside first."

Seeing how much Xu Ning cared, Ling Xuzong was overjoyed.

The sooner we resolve the troubles outside the city, the better.

"Please come with me to the study, Brother Xu."

Ling Xuzong personally led the way for Xu Ning.

After arriving at the study, Ling Xuzong told Xu Ning everything that had happened since the forces outside the city appeared.

After learning everything, Xu Ning speculated that the group of thieves were more likely from a fallen sect that was on the run.

"Brother Xu, our Ling family has suffered greatly at the hands of those bandits. Not only have we lost resources, but two of our Void Realm martial artists have also been injured. If you hadn't come today, those bandits might have come knocking on our door in a few days and wiped our Ling family out."

Ling Xuzong's tone was full of bitterness.

"Patriarch Ling, how many Void Realm Martial Masters does the Ling family have, and what are their strengths?"

Xu Ning inquired.

"Don't laugh at me, Brother Xu... My family has three Void Realm Martial Masters. I am a True Qi Realm Martial Master, and the other two are Body Forging Realm Martial Masters. However, apart from me, the other two Body Forging Realm Martial Masters are seriously injured. One has temporarily lost the ability to move, and the other is unconscious. Only I still have the strength to fight against the enemy."

Ling Xuzong answered truthfully.

"I see..."

Xu Ning then asked, "Since a Void Realm martial artist was injured, does that mean you two have fought before?"

"Yes."

Ling Xuzong said, "We've clashed with that group of thieves a few times. But at first, it was all probing. It wasn't until last month that we truly fought to the death, and as a result, two of my Ling family's Void Realm Martial Masters suffered heavy losses."

"Among that group of thieves, there are at least five Void Realm Martial Masters, and the strongest of them may be a Yuan Realm expert."

Ling Xuzong's tone was somewhat probing.

"so……"

Xu Ning nodded upon hearing this.

If Ling Xuzong's intelligence is accurate, then Xu Ning believes the enemy's strength is not that great.

Seeing that Xu Ning's expression remained unchanged after hearing about the thief's strength, Ling Xuzong felt relieved.

This shows that this inner disciple named Xu Ning is very confident in his own strength.

"Patriarch Ling, do you know the exact location of those thieves?"

Xu Ning asked again.

"I know the general area."

Ling Xuzong replied.

"In that case, I will rest for one night and set off tomorrow to wipe them out."

Xu Ning's words immediately shocked Ling Xuzong.

In Ling Xuzong's view, Xu Ning was a very decisive person and would wipe them out tomorrow.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Xu!"

Ling Xuzong was quite excited.

After saying this, Ling Xuzong stood up, took out an exquisite wooden box from under the desk, and presented it to Xu Ning.

"This is……"

Xu Ning opened the wooden box and found ten Pure Source Pills inside.

"Brother Xu has traveled a long way to help my Ling family. Please accept this small token of our appreciation."

Ling Xuzong said with a smile.

"Thank you very much."

Xu Ning didn't refuse and accepted it directly.

……

outside the city.

A desolate mountain.

A knock-off was built here.

Inside the mountain village, figures were constantly busy.

However, upon closer inspection, it can be found that there are two groups of people within the same mountain stronghold.

One of them was casually dressed and had a bandit-like air about him. He was responsible for odd jobs and hard labor in the mountain stronghold.

Another group, dressed in the same clothes but with strict discipline, directed the work of the other group.

"Deacon Ding."

Inside a house in the mountain stronghold, a middle-aged man walked in.

He respectfully addressed the bald old man seated above him, saying, "News has come from within the county town that people from the Yue Lan Sect have arrived at the Ling family."

"The people from the Yue Lan Sect have arrived?"

The bald old man, referred to as Deacon Ding, frowned deeply: "The Ling family has indeed sought help from the Yuelan Sect..."

"Steward Ding, the people from the Yue Lan Sect have arrived. What should we do?"

The middle-aged man asked.

"How many people from the Yue Lan Sect have come?"

Deacon Ding pressed for an answer.

"There's only one, and he's a young man."

The middle-aged man replied.

"Just one? And a young person at that?"

Deacon Ding seemed to breathe a sigh of relief: "It's probably a young disciple of the Yuelan Sect... That's easy to handle. If we encounter them again in the future, we can just deal with them directly."

"You want to kill the people from the Yuelan Sect?"

A hint of fear appeared in the middle-aged man's eyes, clearly showing his apprehension towards the Yue Lan Sect.

"It's true that the Yue Lan Sect is a behemoth, but we're not staying here permanently. We'll just plunder the Ling family, then leave and escape the Yue Lan Sect's territory."

Deacon Ding said, "After we reunite with the young sect leader, we will rebuild the sect elsewhere and completely escape the suffering of wandering."

At this point, Deacon Ding sighed.

Since the sect was destroyed, several groups of people scattered and fled. This group of people has been taking over the bandits' territory and surviving by plundering their resources.

"By the way, when will the young sect leader and the others arrive in Qinggu County?"

"I asked, Steward Ding."

"It might happen in the next day or the day after."

"That's what the middle-aged man said."

"So fast?"

A thoughtful look appeared in Deacon Ding's eyes.

He tapped his fingers on the armrest of the seat, and after a moment, a hint of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.

"In that case, let's rob the Ling family tonight."

Deacon Ding finally made the decision: "After acquiring the resources, we'll leave here as soon as the young sect leader arrives tomorrow or the day after."

"Go and arrange the manpower."

Deacon Ding waved his hand.

The middle-aged man clearly intended to dissuade him, but seeing Deacon Ding's firm attitude, he ultimately chose to comply.

……

late at night.

Xu Ning sat cross-legged in the room.

At this moment, Xu Ning had just absorbed the ten Pure Origin Pills given to him by Ling Xuzong.

Another 1000 units of energy have been acquired.

Xu Ning's current energy unit is 1250.

Before leaving the sect, Xu Ning consumed a total of 600 units of energy to upgrade both the Yue Shui Sword and the Ying Huo Sword to the second level. Therefore, he still had 200 units of energy left from the Pure Source Pills he had borrowed from Gu Qinghe.

In these ten days, the Thousand Source Worm expelled spiritual energy crystals five more times, contributing 50 units of energy.

With this latest 1000 units added, the remaining energy becomes 1250.

"1250 units of energy is just enough for me to upgrade both the Yue Shui Sword and the Ying Huo Sword to the third level at the same time."

Xu Ning didn't hesitate and immediately opened the martial arts panel.

-

Name: Xu Ning

Martial arts:

Dual Source Scripture of Cold and Flame (Third Level of Void Realm: Elemental Realm) +

Tidal Fist (4th Floor) +

Flame Breath Bone-Generating Meridian (Four Layers) +

Yue Shui Sword (Second Floor) +

Yinghuo Sword (Second Floor) +

Available energy: 1250 units

-

Then, Xu Ning clicked the "+" next to the Yue Shui Sword and the Ying Huo Sword respectively.

After consuming 1200 units of energy, the Yue Shui Sword and Ying Huo Sword were upgraded to the third level.

"Although both the Yue Shui Sword and the Ying Huo Sword are at the third level, the combined power of the two swords should be no less than my current fourth-level Tide Fist."

"Furthermore, if these two sword techniques are upgraded to the fourth level, I can even integrate my understanding and application of the Tide Fist with them. At that time, the power of these two sword techniques will reach an even higher level!"

Xu Ning thought to himself.

At this moment, Gray White came closer.

Bathed in moonlight, its grayish-white fur shone with a silvery sheen.

"Grey, you might not be my match now."

Xu Ning said with a smile.

Xu Ning has now figured out the strength of the gray-white creature; it should be a mid-level Void Realm demon beast.

Xu Ning still didn't understand the gray-white variety, let alone know its upper limit or what it would grow into in the future.

"Grey-white should only be a juvenile demon beast right now... If it's already at the mid-stage of the Void Realm in its juvenile stage, how strong would it be in its adult form? Above the Void Realm?"

Xu Ning was quite looking forward to Hui Bai's growth.

However, it may take decades or even longer to actually witness the grayish-white mature form.

Because the growth cycle of monsters is much longer than that of humans.

Just as Xu Ning was imagining the scene of growing up in gray, suddenly, the eyes of both the man and the beast sharpened simultaneously.

They all sensed the danger.

"A Void Realm martial artist from the Ling family is approaching!"

Xu Ning simply carried the two swords on the table on his back.

Grayish-white nestled on Xu Ning's shoulder, its eyes cold and indifferent.

"If I'm not mistaken, they should be bandits from outside the city."

Xu Ning went straight out to find Ling Xuzong.

"Sounds of fighting!"

Outside Lingxu Sect's courtyard, Xu Ning sensed that thieves were already fighting with Lingxu Sect members.

Xu Ning stepped over the courtyard wall and saw a black-clad Void Realm martial artist locked in combat with Ling Xuzong.

Both were True Qi Realm martial artists, and their fight left the entire courtyard in ruins.

Seeing this, Xu Ning was about to draw his sword and step forward to help.

However, the next moment, Xu Ning heard a low whimper coming from a gray throat on his shoulder.

Xu Ning subconsciously turned his head to look, and saw a silver glint appear in the gray-white pupils.

Then, with a loud bang, the True Qi Realm and Void Realm martial artist who was fighting Ling Xuzong suddenly had his head smashed into pieces like a watermelon hit by a heavy hammer.

"Is this Gray's ability?"

Xu Ning looked surprised.

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(End of this chapter)