At the entrance of the Canglang Martial Arts School.
Jiang Ning and Wang Jin stepped out of the school gates and saw Shen Congyun, Cao Rong, and Lin Qingyi standing there.
Wang Jin first glanced at Cao Rong with a serious expression, then greeted Shen Congyun and Lin Qingyi.
Jiang Ning also bowed to the two.
At this moment, Shen Congyun's gaze swept over Jiang Ning before he nodded at Wang Jin.
Lin Qingyi, however, was different. Her eyes were fixed on Jiang Ning, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
"He's quite good-looking!"
"But Shen Congyun isn't like me his preferences are completely normal. It's impossible that he'd risk punishment just for that."
"Still, he doesn't seem particularly special either."
"Starting martial arts at this age is too late! He's only achieved minor success in cultivating his vitality, and it will take quite some time before he can enter the ninth rank of martial arts."
"With such a performance, how is he worth Shen Congyun's attention?"
At this moment, Lin Qingyi was filled with confusion and doubt.
Even after seeing Jiang Ning in person, she still couldn't understand why Shen Congyun would go to such lengths for him.
On the other side, Shen Congyun spoke calmly to Cao Rong, "Brother Cao, since we're all here today, how about giving me some face and letting this matter go? Spare the boy's life, alright?"
Hearing this, Cao Rong took a deep look at Jiang Ning.
Then he smiled and said, "Since Brother Shen has spoken, I'll make sure my third brother investigates this thoroughly."
"If this boy is connected to Brother Shen, then his elder brother surely isn't the type to collude with the Heretic God Cult. It must be a mistake in the investigation, and they've arrested the wrong person!"
"Right, third brother?"
When Cao Rong said this last sentence, he turned to Cao Bin, who was standing beside him.
At this moment, Cao Bin, having had his injuries treated by Shen Congyun's internal breath and taken a powerful healing pill, was in much better condition.
Hearing his elder brother's words, he quickly nodded.
"Elder Brother is right. It must be a mistake in the investigation. Jiang Li has always been an upright and honest person. He couldn't possibly be involved in such things."
Then he patted his chest and said to Shen Congyun, "Deputy Leader Shen, rest assured. I'll release him immediately and have the matter thoroughly investigated. Jiang Li will receive justice."
"Once the investigation is complete, if it turns out to be a mistake, I'll personally go to apologize."
Seeing Cao Rong and Cao Bin's attitude, Shen Congyun nodded slightly.
"With your words, I'm reassured."
Then he smiled at Jiang Ning and said, "Come with me?"
Jiang Ning quickly followed him.
At this moment, Cao Rong watched the two leave, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.
The next moment, he turned to Cao Bin and said, "Clean up and come back with me."
"Yes, Elder Brother!" Cao Bin replied respectfully.
Then, Cao Rong looked at Wang Jin and said, "Master Wang, my apologies for today's trouble."
He cupped his hands slightly toward Wang Jin, then turned and left.
Cao Bin quickly instructed Xu Yunfeng to take everyone back, then hurried to follow Cao Rong.
After walking some distance from the Canglang Martial Arts School, Cao Bin, who was following behind, spoke up.
"Elder Brother, are we going to release Jiang Li and his family?"
"Release them!" Cao Rong said coldly. "Shen Congyun has spoken. We must give him this face."
"But..." Cao Bin hesitated, then said, "But Wanhua Tower isn't allowed to interfere in local power struggles. As the deputy leader here, Shen Congyun will be punished by Wanhua Tower's headquarters for his actions today. Should we give up?"
Cao Rong suddenly stopped and turned to look at Cao Bin, his gaze as cold as ice.
"I said to release them! Didn't you hear me?!"
Seeing Cao Rong's expression, Cao Bin shivered and immediately backed down.
"Yes, Elder Brother!"
On the other side, Shen Congyun led Jiang Ning to a quiet lakeside.
Under Shen Congyun's gaze, Lin Qingyi stood at a distance, seemingly admiring the scenery, but in reality, giving the two enough space to talk.
"Do you know why I helped you?" Shen Congyun stood by the lake, his back to Jiang Ning.
"I don't know," Jiang Ning replied, then bowed respectfully. "But regardless of the reason, I must thank you for your great kindness today."
After saying this, Jiang Ning bowed deeply to Shen Congyun.
Shen Congyun turned around and nodded slightly.
Then he said, "You've practiced the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique, haven't you?"
Hearing this, Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded.
"You're right, Senior. I started practicing the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique a few days ago."
"Have you reached the beginner level?" Shen Congyun asked again.
Jiang Ning nodded again. "I have."
"How long did it take you to reach the beginner level?" Shen Congyun pressed.
Hearing Shen Congyun's series of questions, Jiang Ning began to understand something.
He pondered for less than a second before deciding to be honest.
"It took about a week," Jiang Ning replied.
A week?
Hearing this answer, Shen Congyun's pupils contracted, and a look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.
The next moment, he hid his expression and returned to his calm demeanor.
"A week is quite impressive," Shen Congyun nodded slightly. Then he continued, "Do you know why I helped you?"
Jiang Ning said, "I have some guesses, but I'm not sure if they're accurate. It probably has something to do with the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique you mentioned."
Hearing this, Shen Congyun smiled.
"You're quite sharp."
Then Shen Congyun continued, "The Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique is a secret technique I gave to Wang Jin two months ago. Wang Jin is one of the rare natural spiritual talents, perfectly suited for practicing this technique."
As he spoke, Shen Congyun looked at Jiang Ning.
"I never expected that by chance, I'd discover another natural spiritual talent you."
Hearing Shen Congyun's words, Jiang Ning was even more shocked.
A secret technique?
The Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique is a secret technique?
And what is a natural spiritual talent?
He suddenly remembered the conversation he had overheard when his previous self was attacked by the Heretic God Cult followers. The term "natural spiritual talent" had been mentioned.
At this moment, Shen Congyun looked at Jiang Ning's thoughtful expression and smiled.
"I can see you have many questions. Feel free to ask."
Jiang Ning snapped out of his thoughts.
"Senior, is the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique really a secret technique?"
Shen Congyun nodded slightly. "Yes, it is. It's a secret technique derived from the cultivation methods of ancient immortals and deities. Only natural spiritual talents can learn it."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.
He began to understand.
So that's why!
No wonder the experience points required to level up the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique are ten times higher than other skills.
It seems that secret techniques require significantly more experience points to advance.
Then he asked, "Senior, what is a natural spiritual talent?"
Shen Congyun explained, "You can think of it as an innate talent, a gift from birth. In ancient times, only natural spiritual talents could embark on the path to becoming immortals or deities."
"Because the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique is special, only natural spiritual talents can learn it."
"That's why I helped you."
"Your talent in martial arts is decent. You might be proud of reaching minor success in cultivating your vitality in half a month, but in the grand scheme of the Great Xia Empire, it's just above average."
"What makes you special is your high spiritual talent, which allowed you to reach the beginner level in the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique in just a week."
"I see potential in your future, so I decided to help you."
Jiang Ning cupped his hands. "Thank you for explaining, Senior. I understand now."
Shen Congyun said, "Helping you today wasn't without purpose."
"Senior, please speak. If there's anything I can do, I'll do my best," Jiang Ning replied.
Shen Congyun smiled. "What I want is a favor from you. You owe me a favor."
Jiang Ning said, "After your great kindness today, I owe you not just one favor, but ten, or even more. It's my honor."
Shen Congyun said, "I only need one favor from you in the future."
He continued, "You are more suited to practice the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique than me or Wang Jin. With your high spiritual talent, you will surely master this technique. One day, I may need your help. I hope you'll remember what you said today."
Jiang Ning cupped his hands. "If Senior ever needs anything in the future, just say the word. I'll do my best."
Hearing this, Shen Congyun smiled.
Then he took out a few golden sheets of paper from his robe.
"These contain the follow-up cultivation methods for the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique, but only up to the major success level."
"As for the technique's perfection level, I don't have that."
"However, reaching major success in the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique will allow you to achieve internal strengthening, thunderous internal organs, and internal breath like steel."
"This will expand your future potential."
"I hope you won't disappoint my expectations."
Looking at the golden sheets of paper handed to him, Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned, but he quickly took them.
"Senior, rest assured. I'll work even harder."
Shen Congyun said, "Take them back, memorize them, and study them. Once you've memorized everything, come to Wanhua Tower to find me. You must come by tomorrow at the latest. I have some things and items to give you."
"Remember! Come as soon as possible. If you're late, you might not see me for a long time."
Jiang Ning carefully tucked the golden sheets of paper into his clothes.
"Senior, rest assured. I'll memorize them as quickly as possible."
Shen Congyun added, "From today onward, you can walk out with peace of mind. You don't need to worry about the Cao family anymore. Since I've spoken today, Cao Rong will give me this face."
Jiang Ning cupped his hands again. "Thank you for today, Senior. I also thank you on behalf of my elder brother."
Shen Congyun smiled, then turned and left.
As he walked away, his voice echoed in Jiang Ning's ears.
"Remember, memorize the follow-up cultivation methods for the Internal Elixir Cultivation Technique, then come to Wanhua Tower to find me as soon as possible!"
Hearing this, Jiang Ning's eyes widened in surprise.
Is this the sound transmission technique?
No wonder Senior Shen, a figure of such stature, could confidently say that the Cao family would give him this face.
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