Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

This was his past pursuit.

Yet up to now, he has not taken this step.

Because this step is exceedingly difficult.

Especially when cultivating both martial and immortal arts, the difficulty is multiplied.

Moreover, considering the world, there aren’t many Heaven and Earth origin rules that can achieve superior Immortal Foundation.

The foundation he chose is also based on Yin Yang.

It is precisely because of this that he is willing to undertake this journey.

Even without Xia Xuanyan’s personal invitation, he was also prepared to visit the Royal Capital.

To see why such a young Jiang Ning could surpass those who came before and achieve superior Immortal Foundation ahead of him.

At this moment, Master Ku Hai lowered his eyes: "I dare not presume to instruct. This old monk has practiced for centuries, meditating and worshipping Buddha, gaining little, yet the Heaven and Earth Great Path are endless. Hearing Dongling Marquis based on Yin Yang, accomplished superior Immortal Foundation, further attained the power of Taiyin and Taiyang, with mysterious divine skills, able to confront Benefactor Ji Xuan head-on without losing. In my heart, indeed bears some thoughts of verifying Daoist Skills."

As his words fell, Ku Hai’s voice paused, then continued: "Today, coinciding with the grand ceremony, it is inappropriate to engage in combat. Yet, sparring along the path of Daoism, verifying what we’ve learned is a delightful event. I wonder if Dongling Marquis could grant some guidance, limited to three moves, so this old mountain monk might witness the supreme wonders achieved by Primordial Spirit Immortals of superior Immortal Foundation?"

These words caused the audience to be astonished!

The atmosphere in the square suddenly seemed to freeze.

Civil and military officials looked at Jiang Ning, their expressions varied, with shock and worry... Various emotions were readily apparent.

They all knew, though Master Ku Hai spoke politely, the words "grant guidance" coming from this contemporary elite have significant weight.

This is not merely simple sparring, but a probing between the world’s second strongest and Jiang Ning, the "newly ascended number two."

They immediately understood why Master Ku Hai from Vajra Temple and Qingxu Temple Master appeared today at the coronation of Great Xia’s new ruler.

Everything was due to the circulating rumors outside these days.

The world’s second strongest, revered by six people.

Dongling Marquis Jiang Ning is already one of the six.

At the same time.

Jin Chan, standing behind Ku Hai, looked at Jiang Ning with complex emotions.

Scenes from the past flashed rapidly in his mind.

Finally, transformed into a soft sigh in his mouth, followed by a slight closing of his eyes.

At that moment, he realized, his heart was no longer calm.

Elsewhere, Ji Minghao’s brows furrowed beneath his crown tassels, he looked at Jiang Ning with a hint of worry in his eyes.

He knew Jiang Ning’s strength was extraordinary, especially since he personally witnessed Jiang Ning confronting Ji Xuan.

But he also knew, at that time, Ji Xuan had not yet fully exerted his own power and was suppressed by the appearing Martial Saint.

So he clearly understood, although Jiang Ning’s strength is formidable, it is not yet sufficient to truly enter the rank of the world’s second strongest.

At most, he can approach that echelon.

After all, he is the only verified Primordial Spirit Immortal in nearly a century.

Moreover, an accomplished Immortal of superior Immortal Foundation.

At the same time, Shen Xiao, Su Qingying, and others also had solemn expressions.

Su Qingying subconsciously moved half a step forward, seemingly ready to act at any moment.

Jiang Ning raised his hand and lightly patted her shoulder, signaling her to be at ease.

At this moment, Shen Xiao was also looking at Jiang Ning, curious about Jiang Ning’s choice.

Facing Ku Hai, the world’s second strongest challenger, although he’s the Great General, he had no solution.

Elsewhere.

Qingxu Temple Master stood smilingly, also observing Jiang Ning’s reaction, not in a hurry.

A short exchange had occurred between him and Ku Hai just moments ago.

Under the gaze of numerous observers, Jiang Ning remained calm.

He cast his gaze over Ku Hai, then over the two disciples behind him, Jin Chan and Burning Lamp.

His gaze lingered briefly on Burning Lamp.

Then, he scanned the entire venue.

His eyes eventually returned to Ku Hai.

After a moment of consideration, he had already thought things through.

Simultaneously, he could sense that the old monk harbored no killing intent towards him, not even evident malice, but rather excitement and anticipation!

It was as if a climber at the summit suddenly glimpsed another figure through the clouds, possibly alongside or even higher than himself, eagerly wishing to verify the other’s true stature.

Thoughts flashed in his mind, and he smiled, "Master, you exaggerate."

His voice rang clear, spreading across the square.

Then he continued, "To spar with a master like Ku Hai is my honor as a junior. However, today’s occasion is the Holy Emperor’s coronation and the imperial wedding, engaging in combat here may disturb the festivities and is not apropos for receiving guests."

He paused, "Why not relocate to another place? On the eastern side of the Imperial Palace, there is a martial arts arena, quite spacious, suitable for the duel without disturbing the ceremony."

"Dongling Marquis considers comprehensively, I have no objections," Master Ku Hai said.

Qingxu Temple Master also nodded slightly.

Ji Minghao observed and realized the battle was inevitable, so he spoke in a solemn tone: "If so, let’s follow Dongling Marquis’ suggestion. Minister Xie, guide the audience to the East Martial Arts Arena. The rest of the officials, the ceremony continues, the banquet will wait."

Minister of the Ministry of Rites Xie Xun hurriedly bowed and took the lead in guiding the way.

Jiang Ning saluted Ji Minghao and Shen Mengyun with a hand gesture, then nodded slightly to Su Qingying, Shen Xiao, Xiang Yuan, Xiao Wuque, and others.

Then he followed Xie Xun, with Master Ku Hai, Qingxu Temple Master and his disciples, walking towards the eastern side of the Imperial Palace.

This movement subtly shifted the atmosphere in the square.

Some officials felt their curiosity stirred, longing to follow and witness this epic duel, but restrained by the unfinished ceremony, with the Holy Emperor before them, they had to suppress their impulses.

Ji Minghao took a deep breath and returned to his dragon throne, signaling for the ceremony to continue.

The sound of ceremonial music followed.

"Holy Emperor, this old official suddenly has a stomach ache, requesting to use the latrine!" Xiang Yuan suddenly stood up, clutching his stomach, showing a painful expression.

He didn’t wait for Ji Minghao to respond, exclaiming pain as he rushed out of Chengtian Hall.

"Holy Emperor, my old ailment acts up, need to return home and lie down peacefully!" an elderly official stood up.

"Holy Emperor, I..."

Seeing this, Ji Minghao couldn’t help but smile wryly.

These were all veteran officials, genuine ministers within the court.

Especially someone like Xiang Yuan, unbound even by decorum.

High rank, high title, strong power.

He could only nod slightly.

Seeing this, Xiao Wuque also stood up, saluting Ji Minghao, then withdrew.

Su Qingying did the same.

...

With everyone leaving, the banquet instantly felt much quieter.

Elsewhere.

Jiang Ning and a group including Master Ku Hai, Qingxu Temple Master were guided by Minister Xie Xun, passing through layers of palace halls, soon arriving at the martial arts arena on the eastern side of the Imperial Palace.

This area is vast, its grounds paved with solid Green Steel Rock, incredibly hard, surrounded by eighteen coiled dragon stone columns, engraving with reinforcing array patterns, capable of enduring the aftermath of elite confrontations. At this moment, the field was empty, only the wind blowing through the stone columns’ moaning added to the atmosphere of slaughter.

The group settled into place.

Xie Xun wisely retreated to the side, standing with Jin Chan and Burning Lamp, gazing nervously into the arena.

Although there weren’t many spectators today, both of them knew that after this battle, its results would quickly spread across the world.

Master Ku Hai slowly walked to the center of the field, standing ten feet apart from Jiang Ning.

His lean figure, though not tall in the spacious arena, yet his deep and vast, stable as a divine mountain aura seemed to become the center of the world.

He clasped his hands together and nodded slightly at Jiang Ning: "Dongling Marquis, please."

Qingxu Temple Master floated down beside him, his grey robe fluttering, resembling an Immortal, spectating from the sidelines.

His gaze was clear, keenly interested in observing this rare confrontation.

Then, he turned his head and found Martial King Xiang Yuan had already appeared beside him.

Accompanied by Su Qingying, her white dress surpassing snow, followed by Xiao Wuque, the blind elder from Observatory, Shen Xiao...

In the mere space of a breath, the area beside him filled with powerful individuals.

Each one, their aura was exceptionally strong.

Jiang Ning saw this scene beside him and smiled helplessly.

"The nature of observing from the sidelines, indeed it’s universal!" He inwardly shook his head.

Then he looked at the Jingang Temple Abbot before him, Master Ku Hai, the world’s second strongest!