Wanhua Tower, Second Floor.
Jiang Ning said, "Manager Han, I also need to replace my long blade."
Han Hongmei replied, "For that, Master Jiang, it would be best to visit the weapon forge in the northern district of the outer city. In Luoshui County, the best-quality weapons are found there."
"Thank you for the advice, Manager Han!" Jiang Ning cupped his hands in gratitude and then added, "There's one more thing I need."
Han Hongmei said, "Please go ahead, Master Jiang."
Jiang Ning continued, "I've heard that Wanhua Tower also sells various types of information. I'd like to purchase a report on the notable events and happenings around Luoshui Lake."
Hearing this, Han Hongmei smiled. "No problem. I'll have the report on Luoshui Lake prepared for you shortly."
A moment later, in the VIP room on the first floor.
"Master Jiang, please inspect these. Here are the three Ox Demon Strength Fruits," Han Hongmei said, pushing a brocade box toward Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning opened the box and took a look.
Inside the box were three black-and-green fruits, each about the size of an egg, wrapped in a thin film.
This film was Wanhua Tower's method of preserving spirit fruits. In this sealed state, the fruits could remain fresh for several months, a truly remarkable feat.
Jiang Ning nodded. "Everything looks good."
Han Hongmei then took a small booklet from the tray held by Xiao Lü.
"Master Jiang, this is the compiled information you requested."
Jiang Ning flipped through the booklet briefly.
After a dozen or so breaths, he nodded again. "Excellent. It's very detailed."
Han Hongmei smiled. "As for the fifty packages of Golden Body Elixir you ordered, due to their weight, I've arranged for a carriage to deliver them directly to your residence. I'll need your address later."
"No problem," Jiang Ning nodded, then added, "Manager Han, could you calculate the total cost of my purchases today?"
"Of course," Han Hongmei nodded.
She then continued, "Master Jiang, you purchased three Ox Demon Strength Fruits at eight hundred taels each, totaling two thousand four hundred taels.
"The Golden Body Elixir packages cost fifty taels each, and you ordered fifty, totaling two thousand five hundred taels.
"As for the report on Luoshui Lake, I've decided to offer it as a complimentary gift.
"So, your total expenditure today comes to four thousand nine hundred taels. However, since you hold a VIP card, all purchases are discounted by 20%, bringing the total to three thousand nine hundred twenty taels.
"I'll round it down to three thousand nine hundred taels."
At this point, Han Hongmei handed Jiang Ning a hundred-tael silver note.
"Master Jiang, this is the remaining balance from your earlier sale. Please keep it safe."
Jiang Ning accepted the silver note and stored it away, then cupped his hands. "A pleasure doing business with you."
Han Hongmei smiled. "The pleasure is mine. I wish you great progress in your martial arts, Master Jiang."
A short while later, Jiang Ning rode home in a Wanhua Tower carriage.
Beside him were the fifty neatly bundled packages of Golden Body Elixir.
Looking at the packages and smelling the herbal aroma filling the carriage, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"With these supplementary medicines, my efficiency in tempering my skin and membranes should improve significantly.
"If they work well, I'll purchase more once I've used these up.
"Right now, I still have nineteen hundred taels in silver notes. After buying a suitable long blade today, I should still have some left."
As these thoughts ran through his mind, he opened the brocade box resting on his lap.
Inside were the three Ox Demon Strength Fruits, each wrapped in a transparent film.
"According to Manager Han, if one's skin tempering has reached the toughness of ox hides, they can barely withstand the effects of two Ox Demon Strength Fruits.
"I've already achieved minor success in skin tempering, with skin as tough as stone. Handling three fruits shouldn't be a problem."
With this in mind, Jiang Ning took one of the fruits from the box, peeled off the film, and took a bite.
Instantly, the juice burst in his mouth.
"A bit bitter, a bit salty. The taste isn't great," he thought to himself.
In just two bites, he finished the egg-sized fruit.
Moments later, as the fruit began to digest in his stomach, Jiang Ning felt waves of pain spreading from his abdomen throughout his body.
The pain didn't come from his internal organs but from every muscle in his body.
As the medicinal effects spread, his muscles began to tighten, accompanied by sharp, cramping pains.
After closing his eyes and focusing for a short while, Jiang Ning opened them again and murmured, "The effects are indeed impressive. I can feel my muscles being tempered by the medicinal energy.
"I wonder how long this tempering process will last?"
He then sat upright in the carriage, circulating his blood and internal energy to assist in absorbing the fruit's medicinal properties.
As he did so, his body temperature gradually rose, his skin turned red, and his body felt like a furnace.
The medicinal energy of the Ox Demon Strength Fruit was rapidly absorbed.
The carriage moved steadily along the clean, wide streets of the inner city, the horse's hooves clattering as it pulled the carriage forward.
About an incense stick's worth of time later.
"Master Jiang, we've arrived at your residence," a voice called out.
Jiang Ning opened his eyes.
He then stepped out of the carriage, carrying the large bundle of medicine packages.
"Thank you," Jiang Ning said with a smile.
The coachman grinned. "I must ensure you return home safely, Master Jiang."
Jiang Ning smiled without responding and looked up to see Jiang Li waiting at the entrance.
"Brother, you're finally back!" Jiang Li called out as soon as he saw Jiang Ning.
"What's the matter? Why are you waiting for me at the door?" Jiang Ning asked, quickly climbing the dozen or so steps to the entrance.
Jiang Li replied, "Cheng Ran came to see you. He's been waiting in the main hall for nearly half an hour."
"Cheng Ran is here?" Jiang Ning was surprised.
He then handed the bundle of medicine packages to Jiang Li. "Brother, could you take these to my courtyard? I'll go see him now."
"Brother, what are these?" Jiang Li asked, looking at the packages with curiosity.
Jiang Ning explained, "These are medicinal packages for my baths. They'll greatly aid my martial arts training."
"I see!" Jiang Li nodded in understanding, then added, "Preparing the baths will require heating water and adding firewood. Since I'm free right now, I can help you with that."
Jiang Ning asked, "Has the county office not yet assigned you a position?"
Jiang Li shook his head awkwardly. "I met with Officer Feng earlier. He said that due to the high number of casualties among the constables in recent years, all the support positions are filled. There's no suitable position for me at the moment."
Jiang Ning frowned slightly.
He had known about this issue for some time.
Generally, constables who risked their lives for the county office were entitled to compensation if injured or killed.
If a constable was injured and could no longer perform their duties, they would be reassigned to a support role, such as guarding warehouses or archives, to ensure they could still make a living.
Without such guarantees, constables would be reluctant to risk their lives for the county office.
Previously, due to interference from the Cao family, Jiang Li had not received his compensation, nor had he been assigned a support position.
Later, after Jiang Ning's status improved, Officer Feng and Cao Bin visited to resolve the issue.
However, Jiang Li's support position still hadn't been finalized.
Jiang Ning knew that his brother, who was used to being active, felt extremely uncomfortable staying idle at home.
Having a position and an income would make him feel much more at ease.
Jiang Ning hadn't expected that even such a simple arrangement would take so long.
His thoughts raced, but he quickly smiled.
"Thank you for your help, brother. In about ten days, the Imperial Inspection Bureau will be established. Time is tight for me, so your assistance is greatly appreciated."
Jiang Li laughed. "Don't worry, brother. Focus on your training. I'll handle these chores for you."
Jiang Ning also smiled.
He then picked up Little Doubao, who had been playing in the courtyard, and placed her on his shoulders as he walked toward the main hall.
Sitting on Jiang Ning's shoulders, Little Doubao cheered, waving her arms and shouting, "Charge, charge, charge! Go, go, go!!"
A moment later, Jiang Ning reached the entrance to the main hall and set Little Doubao down.
He patted her head. "Yanyan, go play by yourself for now."
"Okay, Uncle!" Little Doubao pouted reluctantly but nodded obediently.
"Good girl," Jiang Ning said, ruffling her hair.
He then stepped into the main hall.
Inside, Cheng Ran was seated, snacking on melon seeds and sipping cold tea.
Hearing Jiang Ning's footsteps, he turned and stood up.
"Brother Jiang!" Cheng Ran greeted Jiang Ning and entered.
Jiang Ning smiled. "Brother Cheng, I apologize for keeping you waiting. What brings you here today?"
Cheng Ran replied, "Master Wang has informed us that there's an important announcement today, so he wants us to return to the martial arts school."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning said, "Should we head over now?"
Cheng Ran hesitated. "I'm not sure if we'll make it in time."
Jiang Ning said, "Whether we make it or not, we'll find out once we get there. It's not far anyway."
"Alright," Cheng Ran agreed.
The two then left the main hall and walked to the entrance of the residence.
"Master!" A dressed man greeted Cheng Ran as they stepped outside.
"Xiao Luo, you're just in time! What did the martial arts school say?" Cheng Ran asked eagerly.
"Master, the school's elder said that you and Master Jiang need to return to the school. The elder has something important to tell you both."
Hearing this, Cheng Ran nodded.
He then turned to Jiang Ning. "Brother Jiang, let's go."
"Let's go," Jiang Ning agreed.
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