Wanhua Tower.
After leaving the VIP room, Han Hongmei led Jiang Ning to the second floor, where the rare treasures were stored.
"Master Jiang, may I ask what kind of rare treasure you are looking to purchase?" Han Hongmei inquired as they walked along the second-floor corridor.
Jiang Ning replied, "Anything that can strengthen my blood, enhance my muscles and bones, and is easy to absorb. Most importantly, it should significantly boost the strength of a martial artist at the ninth rank."
Han Hongmei listened attentively and nodded slightly.
"I understand now!"
She then added, "Based on your requirements, Master Jiang, I assume you have already reached the ninth rank in martial arts?"
"That's correct!" Jiang Ning acknowledged frankly.
"Master Jiang, you are truly exceptional to have reached this level in just a few months!" Han Hongmei couldn't help but praise him.
"You flatter me, Manager Han," Jiang Ning responded modestly.
Han Hongmei smiled and continued, "Are you familiar with the Divine Strength Realm, the eighth rank in martial arts?"
Jiang Ning shook his head slightly. "Not particularly. I only have a superficial understanding."
Han Hongmei said, "Then allow me to explain the Divine Strength Realm to you."
"Thank you, Manager Han, for enlightening me," Jiang Ning suddenly stopped and cupped his hands in gratitude.
Han Hongmei smiled and continued, "Let's walk and talk. The reason I mention the Divine Strength Realm is related to what I will recommend to you later."
Jiang Ning now wore an expression of focused attention.
Seeing this, Han Hongmei began to explain, "The eighth rank in martial arts is known as the Divine Strength Realm.
"This stage primarily involves tempering all the muscles in the body.
"This process requires the use of internal force, supported by blood and energy.
"Once you begin, your muscles will transform, enabling you to unleash even greater strength.
"However, the transformation of muscles alone places a significant burden on the body. If the skin and membranes are not strong enough and have not been tempered, the rapid muscle transformation can tear the body apart, potentially leading to death.
"This is why one must first temper the skin, then the muscles, and finally the bones and tendons. The order of these four external stages is not arbitrary.
"However, this does not mean that one must strictly follow this sequence.
"It is simply that during ancient times, the Martial Ancestor established this order, and it has since become the standard practice for tempering the body.
"Moreover, this method is the most orthodox and stable, ensuring no unexpected issues arise."
When Han Hongmei paused here, Jiang Ning spoke up.
"Manager Han, why are you telling me all this today?"
Han Hongmei replied, "Since you mentioned that you have reached the ninth rank in martial arts, the rare treasures you need should primarily enhance the speed of tempering your skin and membranes, as well as increase your strength.
"From what I understand, a high-ranking official will arrive in Luoshui County from Guangning Prefecture tomorrow. This individual will become the future head of the newly established Imperial Inspection Bureau in Luoshui County.
"Given that you are already at the ninth rank in martial arts, and assuming you have no better options, you would likely choose to join this new imperial institution, the Imperial Inspection Bureau, which oversees the nine provinces."
At this point, Han Hongmei stopped walking and looked at Jiang Ning with a meaningful gaze, as if asking if her assumption was correct.
Meeting her gaze, Jiang Ning nodded slightly. "Manager Han is correct. I do indeed have the intention to join the Imperial Inspection Bureau."
Han Hongmei smiled and said, "In that case, improving your strength in a short period is of utmost importance!
"After all, the Imperial Inspection Bureau is a newly established enforcement agency with significant authority. Once you join, you will inevitably face conflicts and battles. The importance of strength cannot be overstated.
"Moreover, in such an imperial institution, strength is undoubtedly a key factor in determining one's status."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning fully understood.
Han Hongmei's words had a purpose, likely related to what she would recommend next.
Jiang Ning then said, "Manager Han, please feel free to share your recommendations."
The next moment, Han Hongmei nodded and took a box from a nearby counter.
"Master Jiang, please take a look. This box contains three Ox Demon Strength Fruits. These are spirit fruits that greatly enhance muscle strength and are particularly beneficial for those in the Divine Strength Realm. One fruit can increase your strength by a hundred pounds, and three can increase it by three hundred pounds.
"Normally, only those at the eighth rank in martial arts, the Divine Strength Realm, are qualified to consume such spirit fruits.
"Depending on their progress in muscle tempering, the effects vary.
"If one has not yet begun tempering their muscles, they can achieve the theoretical maximum: one fruit increases strength by a hundred pounds, and three by three hundred pounds.
"Master Jiang, since you are at the ninth rank in martial arts and have already tempered your muscles to the point where your skin is as tough as ox hide, consuming one fruit should be fine. Your skin's toughness should be able to withstand the effects of one Ox Demon Strength Fruit. Two fruits might also be manageable.
"With this, your strength would increase by two hundred pounds, significantly boosting your power. This would greatly aid you in joining the Imperial Inspection Bureau."
At this moment, Jiang Ning's eyes lit up upon hearing Han Hongmei's explanation.
One fruit increases strength by a hundred pounds, and three by three hundred pounds. If he could refine all three, his strength would increase by three hundred pounds a nearly 30% boost.
There was no doubt that his power would greatly improve.
Jiang Ning immediately said, "If the effects of the Ox Demon Strength Fruit are as you described, Manager Han, then I'll take them!"
Han Hongmei continued, "One Ox Demon Strength Fruit costs eight hundred taels of silver. How many would you like?"
So expensive!
Hearing the price, Jiang Ning inwardly gasped.
He then asked, "How many do you have in stock?"
Han Hongmei shook her head. "I wouldn't recommend taking too many. As your muscles become more tempered, the effects of the fruit will diminish.
"The first fruit will increase your strength by a hundred pounds, and the second and third will have similar effects.
"However, continuing to consume more will not only strain your skin and membranes, which may not withstand the sudden increase in muscle strength, but the effects will also weaken over time.
"For example, for those at the Divine Strength Realm who have already achieved a strength of over two thousand pounds, the effects of one Ox Demon Strength Fruit would be minimal, perhaps increasing their strength by only a few pounds at most."
Jiang Ning said, "Then I'll take three!"
"Very well," Han Hongmei nodded, then added a word of caution. "Master Jiang, since your skin tempering progress is limited, if you feel your body cannot withstand the effects after consuming one or two fruits, do not continue.
"If you push yourself too hard, the expanding muscles could tear your skin and membranes, causing irreversible damage."
Jiang Ning replied, "I understand!"
Han Hongmei nodded and instructed a maid nearby, "Xiao Lü, please prepare three Ox Demon Strength Fruits."
"Yes, Manager!" The maid, Xiao Lü, who had been following them, bowed gracefully and quickly set to work.
Han Hongmei then asked, "Is there anything else you would like to purchase, Master Jiang?"
Jiang Ning thought for a moment and said, "I would also like to buy some medicinal aids for tempering the skin and membranes. The effects should be strong, penetrating deep into the skin layers, not just surface-level like grinding sand."
Today, Jiang Ning had come to Wanhua Tower to spend most of his wealth.
Earlier, he had sold his spoils of war, and the proceeds had exceeded his expectations, totaling four thousand taels of silver.
Combined with his previous savings, he now had a considerable fortune of five thousand eight hundred taels to spend today.
Although the Ox Demon Strength Fruits were expensive at eight hundred taels each, compared to his current wealth, the cost was manageable.
Three fruits would cost two thousand four hundred taels.
Moreover, he had a VIP token left by Shen Congyun, which entitled him to a 20% discount at Wanhua Tower.
After the discount, he would only spend one thousand nine hundred twenty taels.
This left him with nearly three thousand taels to spare.
Han Hongmei nodded slightly, understanding Jiang Ning's needs.
Jiang Ning had already achieved a significant level of skin tempering, reaching the toughness of ox hides.
Therefore, he found the effects of grinding sand insufficient and sought something more potent to aid in tempering his skin and membranes.
Wanhua Tower naturally had such items.
"Master Jiang, please follow me," Han Hongmei said.
A moment later, they arrived at another counter. Han Hongmei took out a card and handed it to Jiang Ning.
"Master Jiang, please take a look. This is the Golden Body Elixir package."
As Jiang Ning examined the card, Han Hongmei continued, "Before tempering your skin and membranes, place the Golden Body Elixir package in a wooden tub, boil it over high heat, and then add the package. Continue heating for half an hour to allow the medicinal properties to infuse into the water.
"Then let it cool for half an hour before reheating it over low heat.
"At this point, immerse yourself in the tub for half an hour, allowing the medicinal properties to penetrate deep into your skin.
"Then begin tempering your skin and membranes. This method will greatly enhance your efficiency, with one session equaling several ordinary sessions.
"However, the ingredients for the Golden Body Elixir are extremely expensive, making it a costly indulgence. Only the wealthy can afford it."
At this point, Han Hongmei looked at Jiang Ning with a hint of hesitation.
"Although you have made a considerable profit today, Master Jiang, your future expenses will also be significant. You should spend wisely."
Jiang Ning, having finished reading the description of the Golden Body Elixir, felt a surge of interest.
According to the card, the Golden Body Elixir not only used extremely expensive ingredients but also contained a key component: powdered demon blood.
From Jiang Ning's readings, he knew that in ancient times, after the decline of immortals and gods, demons briefly ruled the world.
Demons were naturally strong, with vigorous blood and energy.
Thus, their blood, when refined, greatly aided in body tempering.
The Golden Body Elixir's effectiveness in tempering the skin and membranes was largely due to this key ingredient.
Seeing this, Jiang Ning understood why the Golden Body Elixir was so valuable.
However, its effects were undoubtedly powerful.
Jiang Ning then asked, "Manager Han, how much does one package cost?"
Han Hongmei pointed to the side. "Master Jiang, the price is listed here. Each package costs fifty taels, and one package is needed for each medicinal bath.
"At a normal frequency of three baths per day, you would spend one hundred fifty taels daily on tempering your skin and membranes.
"In ten days, that would amount to one thousand five hundred taels. The silver you earned today would only cover a month's expenses.
"Tempering the skin and membranes is not a process that can be completed in just one or two months.
"This level of expenditure is too high for your current wealth and offers poor cost-effectiveness."
Jiang Ning shook his head. "Cost-effectiveness is not my concern. I urgently need to improve my strength. Manager Han, please prepare fifty packages of the Golden Body Elixir for me."
"Very well," Han Hongmei nodded. "Since you have made up your mind, Master Jiang, I have no objections."
She then asked, "Is there anything else you would like to purchase, Master Jiang?"
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 410+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader