Sky City.
As the sunset fell, the sky was quickly swallowed by darkness.
At this moment.
Jiang Ning suddenly stopped his actions and listened intently.
"So the Marquis has returned!"
A smile appeared on his face.
After bidding farewell to Zhou Sheng during the day, he returned alone to the Marquis Mansion in Sky City.
The follow-up cleanup on Zhi Xuan Mountain wasnât needed in such a situation.
Therefore, he chose to return to Sky City first and cultivate alone in the Marquis Mansion.
He didnât choose to return to Dongling City, also because of Zhou Shengâs request.
This surprise attack annihilated Zhi Xuan Mountain, and although Yun Shanhe, the Second Grade Grandmaster of Title Level, was missed, it was still a great achievement.
He was third in merit, so he couldnât be absent from the celebration banquet.
Regarding Zhou Shengâs request, Jiang Ning felt helpless but had to participate.
After all, Zhou Shengâs face couldnât easily be ignored.
Moreover, Zhou Sheng didnât embezzle his merit and had prepared him an outfit worth a thousand gold tael in advance.
Only someone from the Imperial Family, a royal relative, could have access to the tribute fabrics.
How could he ignore Zhou Shengâs gesture?
After realizing it was Zhou Shengâs return causing the commotion, he adjusted his mindset.
Exhaleââ
Accompanied by a long exhale.
He once again assumed the stance corresponding to the Vajra Immortal Body.
Just a few breaths.
He felt every inch of flesh beneath his skin was burning, sensing as if billions of ants were crawling beneath.
In an instant, his muscular upper body gathered beads of sweat that rolled down.
[Vajra Immortal Body Experience Value +1]
[Vajra Immortal Body Experience Value +1]
[Vajra Immortal Body Experience Value +1]
[...]
It had been a long time since he had focused on increasing the Experience Value for this cultivation technique, now realizing that the prompt frequency was higher than before.
This indicated that, compared to before, he could acquire more Experience Value in the same amount of time.
This also indicated that his efficiency had improved.
After an hour.
Footsteps came from outside the courtyard, the sound growing closer.
The sky was dim now, and night enveloped the earth.
A moment later.
Two figures appeared in Jiang Ningâs sight.
He still grit his teeth.
His Qi-Blood incessantly flushed every inch of his skin, bringing feelings of numbness and pain, like being tortured.
Large beads of sweat rolled down his body and then dripped.
A few breaths later.
[Vajra Immortal Body Experience Value +1]
Seeing this prompt appear.
Exhaleââ
He finally sighed with relief, stopping his actions.
"Marquis, Zhong Mansion Envoy!" Jiang Ning spoke.
"Who wouldâve thought youâd return early just to practice in the mansion?" Zhou Sheng looked at the sweat still rolling off Jiang Ningâs body, amazed.
Upon hearing, Jiang Ning said.
"Feeling anxious in my heart!"
"Why?" Zhou Sheng looked at Jiang Ning, showing confusion.
Jiang Ning shook his head and said, "Master of Zhi Xuan Mountain Yun Shanhe is still alive; if he learns of my identity in the future, heâll undoubtedly come for me!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Sheng was momentarily stunned.
He seemed to understand a bit.
Then with a smile: "You need not worry about that! The silver mask crafted by my mansionâs artisans is made of Silver Star Sand."
"This special material emits a special field that can isolate most prying eyes, including spiritual power, Divine Sense, and certain Pupil Skills."
"With that mask on, even if the ancestor of Xuanyuan Blessed Land were to spy on you secretly, heâd likely not see through the maskâs concealment."
"Moreover, with me at the Five Mountains Prefecture, even if Yun Shanhe were to leave Xuanyuan Blessed Land one day, he wouldnât have the mind to come here for you."
"Rest assured on that!"
The last words were Zhou Shengâs assurance to Jiang Ning.
"Of course, I believe the Marquis!" Jiang Ning said.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Sheng smiled.
"Remember to attend the celebration banquet at six moments past 7 p.m.; tonight youâre one of the protagonists! Donât forget! Iâll have the maids from the mansion come over later."
"Rest assured, Marquis, Iâll be punctual!" Jiang Ning responded.
"Good!" Zhou Sheng said.
At this moment.
Zhong Yue came before Jiang Ning and then bowed towards him.
"Unacceptable!!" Seeing this, Jiang Ning quickly stepped forward, instantly supporting Zhong Yue.
In an instant.
Zhong Yue found that no matter how much power he exerted, his body wouldnât budge an inch.
"So strong!"
He was astonished in his heart.
Though he knew during the dayâs battle that Jiang Ningâs strength was formidable.
But seeing and experiencing firsthand were entirely different.
Feeling firsthand Jiang Ningâs power, as immovable as a mountain or sea, he understood that Jiang Ningâs strength had vastly surpassed him.
The physical and strength gap was that immense.
He couldnât imagine how terrifying it would be if Jiang Ning used that dayâs unfathomable swordsmanship!
"Why does the Zhong Mansion Envoy do this?" Jiang Ning asked.
Upon hearing, he was lifted by Jiang Ningâs strength.
He felt a bit bitter and then said, "Zhong Ling still needs your care for a while longer!"
Seeing the expression on Zhong Yueâs face.
"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.
"Thank you very much!" Zhong Yue immediately expressed heartfelt gratitude.
At this moment, Zhou Sheng said on the side: "Words of thanks are useless! Remember to toast Jiang Patrol Envoy a few more times at the banquet!"
"The Marquis is right!" Upon hearing Zhou Shengâs words, Zhong Yue promptly nodded in agreement.
"Lord Jiang, Elder Zhong and I wonât disturb your practice any longer! Remember to keep your appointment later! Six moments past 7 p.m., the celebration banquet starts on time, and you can wear your mask!" Zhou Sheng said to Jiang Ning.
"No problem!" Jiang Ning responded.
Then, Zhou Sheng and Zhong Yue left.