It was after noon that day.

Snow continued to fall gently and steadily, without pause.

Jiang Ning heard the sound of footsteps pressing on the snow again.

Soon after, Qinghe, dressed in a green fur cloak, once more appeared before him.

She approached Jiang Ning, lifted the hat from her head, revealing a smooth forehead.

"Marquis, someone is visiting!" Qinghe said.

"Who is it?" Jiang Ning asked.

"It’s Wan Jianyi, the Martial Examination’s second-place winner, and he’s brought several disciples from the Sword Pavilion! Would you like to see them, Marquis?" Qinghe asked again.

The image of a proud and unyielding man from the Martial Examination appeared in Jiang Ning’s mind at once.

"Let him in!" he said.

Although he hadn’t gone outside these days, people came to visit him daily.

And these visitors were not ones he could easily refuse.

Like Martial King Xiang Yuan, like the various princes and princesses, like important figures from the Inspection Office.

He now is not only the newly crowned Martial Champion, but also the recently bestowed Dongling Marquis, and one of the Nine States Patrol Envoys as the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy.

Had Qinghe not helped turn away many visitors on her own, he would have even less peace.

...

The main hall of the front courtyard.

Jiang Ning arrived at the entrance to the hall, immediately seeing Wan Jianyi and a man and woman accompanying him.

He was very familiar with the woman—it was Li Qing.

She was his guide back at Canglang Martial Arts Hall.

Later, she traveled far away, entered Bashu County, and joined the Sword Pavilion.

In Jiang Ning’s view, it must be said that this was a wise choice.

Luoshui County is merely a regular county in Dongling County, and Canglang Martial Arts Hall is just ordinary.

Whereas the Sword Pavilion in Bashu County is not only unique in status within Bashu County, but also a leading force worldwide.

"Greetings, Marquis!" Upon seeing Jiang Ning’s appearance, Wan Jianyi stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands, and offered his respects.

The arrogance once showed on his face was gone.

The repeated thrashings from earlier days had revealed the truth to him.

Although he was first on the Heavenly List, that was only on the surface.

In true strength, he was not yet comparable to Mingxin of Vajra Temple, let alone Jiang Ning.

The first person since the stabilization of the realm.

Even famously called a destined genius, upon seeing Jiang Ning at this moment, he felt like an ephemeral creature facing the vast sky.

This trip to the Royal Capital made him truly understand that there are always greater people beyond oneself.

"Sit!" Jiang Ning said.

"Thank you for your kindness, Marquis! But there’s no need to sit!" Wan Jianyi spoke, continuing, "I came today to bid farewell to the Marquis!"

"Farewell? Are you going back to Bashu Sword Pavilion?" Jiang Ning asked.

"I’ll return first, to handle some matters, escort fellow disciples back to the sect, then come to fulfill my duties again." Wan Jianyi said.

"Come back to the Royal Capital after the New Year?" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes, Marquis!" Wan Jianyi responded, continuing, "Now there are just over twenty days until the New Year, it should be about the time once I return to Bashu County! After the New Year, I will come again to fulfill my duties."

Jiang Ning nodded and glanced at Li Qing.

At that moment, Li Qing’s eyes avoided his.

"If that is the case, then it may not be convenient to keep you!"

"Marquis, then... farewell!" Wan Jianyi heard Jiang Ning’s meaning and immediately cupped his hands to bid farewell.

Jiang Ning nodded, watching Wan Jianyi leave.

As Li Qing passed by Jiang Ning, her steps suddenly paused, and she quietly whispered, "After my three years of training, I will return to Luoshui County!"

Leaving these words, she quickened her pace and followed after.

Watching the silhouettes of the three disappear, he shook his head and also left the front hall.

To him now, nothing is more important than the practice of martial skills and cultivation.

The situation is dire, fraught with crisis.

Shen Mengyun’s visit in the morning also revealed more things to him.

Perhaps it won’t be long before Emperor Ning, who has been in power for eighty-three years, will pass away from the throne.

At that time, the princes will engage in rivalries, the struggle for succession becoming the internal disaster.

The uprising of the Yellow Heaven Sect already covers three prefectures and one county, under the leadership of the Yellow Heaven Taoist, showing a tendency to sweep across the Thirty-Six Prefectures of the Nine States, this as the external threat.

In the face of internal disaster and external threat, the situation deteriorates, proving even more disadvantageous for him.

...

Afternoon.

Qinghe appeared before him once more.

"Marquis, this time it is the Eighth Prince visiting."

"It’s him, then let’s meet!" Jiang Ning nodded.

A moment later, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned to his courtyard.

As for Ji Minghao, he was escorted out.

"I must return to Dongling before anything else, there are too many visitors here! And according to the previous agreement with Lv Yi and Zhong Ling, I also need to return for a visit!" A thought flashed through his mind, and he made the decision.

Determined to set out the next morning, returning to Dongling.

Even here at the State Preceptor Mansion, he found that visitors continue to arrive daily.

Such complicated trivial matters greatly disrupt his martial practice and cultivation.

And in Dongling City, at his home, only Lv Yi and Zhong Ling remain looking after that home.

"It’s time to go back!" His thoughts became even firmer.

Then he continued his cultivation practice state.

...

The next day.

a.m. to 9 a.m.

At the entrance of the State Preceptor Mansion.

"Eat well, I’ll return to the Royal Capital after the New Year!" Jiang Ning patted Little Dumpling’s head, saying.

"Uncle, pinky swear!" Little Dumpling extended her small finger to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning chuckled softly, ruffling her hair, spreading it softly, then extended his little finger to pinky swear with her.

"Uncle, does waiting for the New Year mean we won’t see you for a month?" Little Dumpling looked up at Jiang Ning, her expression a bit sorrowful.

"Of course not!" Jiang Ning said, "It’s only about twenty days, and if I have time in between, I’ll come to see Little Dumpling!"