[Chen Ning]
[Noble Qi: 108]
[Substitute Puppet Technique (200/200) (Great Perfection)]
[Mountain-Collapsing Punch (100/200)]
[Mountain-Treading Step (50/200)]
[Demon-Suppressing Pagoda (0/2100)]
[Golden Word, Jade Rule, First Floor (0/200)]
After finishing the allocation of his Noble Qi, Chen Ning immediately checked his newly acquired Divine Ability—Golden Word, Jade Rule!
As he obtained this Divine Ability, a surge of information flooded into Chen Ning’s mind.
Golden Word, Jade Rule seemed to be an extremely famous Confucian technique, but its First Floor only allowed the use of four characters.
They were the four Rules: [Fire], [Lightning], [Ice], and [Sword].
These Rules could be spoken aloud or drawn on paper for others to use.
This convenient feature immediately made Chen Ning’s eyes light up.
Once drawn on paper, although the power of the Rule would decrease slightly, it became effortless to use. Even an ordinary person without any cultivation could unleash its power.
The Imperial Capital would be far more dangerous than Ning’an Village. He could draw some Rules to help Qing Yan protect herself.
After handling the Vine Demon’s affairs, Chen Ning bid farewell to Bi Xin and drove the carriage back home.
While Qing Yan handled the bags and luggage for their upcoming journey, Chen Ning focused on studying the Golden Word, Jade Rule and how to transcribe it onto paper.
...
Three days later, in the courtyard.
“Fire Rule.”
As a crimson Rule was thrown from Chen Ning’s hand, it transformed into a roaring fireball in the blink of an eye.
Boom!
A wooden target was instantly engulfed and quickly reduced to ashes in the blaze.
“It worked.”
Chen Ning let out a long breath of relief.
Over the past few days, he had categorized the drawn Rules into two types.
One type was for his own use, high-level Rules with immense power; the other type had slightly less power but could be easily used by anyone.
This second type of Rule could probably be used by an old lady in the village to kill wolves, tigers, or leopards without any trouble.
“Come here, I’ll teach you how to use them,” Chen Ning said, noticing Qing Yan’s curious gaze from the side.
“But with something so powerful, I’m worried I might not be able to learn it...”
Qing Yan seemed a bit lacking in confidence, but she was mostly filled with anticipation and excitement.
Chen Ning smiled and said, “Don’t worry, using these Rules doesn’t require any skill at all. Xiao Jiu, you demonstrate.”
Hearing his voice, Xiao Jiu immediately crawled out of his sleeve, bit down on an Ice Rule, and flung it forward.
The Ice Rule shattered instantly, transforming into several biting icicles that pierced toward the wooden target.
Thud thud thud...
The wooden target was instantly riddled with holes by the icicles.
If the opponent had been a person or a demon, they would have been turned into a hornet’s nest by now.
Xiao Jiu proudly wagged her tail in front of Chen Ning.
It was as if she were saying, “Since I performed so well today, surely I can get an extra meal tonight?”
“I want to try too!”
Seeing that even the limb-less Xiao Jiu could do it, Qing Yan hesitated for a moment before volunteering.
She picked up a Lightning Rule, took a few deep breaths, and threw it forcefully at the target.
Rumble!
Although the power seemed slightly smaller and failed to pierce through the wood, the Lightning Rule successfully transformed into a bolt of lightning, accurately hitting the bullseye.
“Did I succeed... Young Master?”
Qing Yan blinked her large, watery eyes.
“You did, but you can do better.”
Chen Ning smiled and said, “Your movements, posture, and even what you’re thinking can determine the power of the Rule to a certain extent. If you’re more precise, you can increase the power by a significant margin.”
As he spoke, Chen Ning picked up the last Sword Rule, leaned down, and held both Qing Yan’s hand and the Rule.
“Follow my posture this time; your movements should be much more standard than before.”
“Mhm... okay.”
Qing Yan nodded, her cheeks already flushing with a layer of crimson.
To adjust her posture, Chen Ning held Qing Yan’s hand from behind, almost pulling her into a half-embrace.
At such a close distance, Qing Yan could not only hear Chen Ning’s clear breathing but could even feel the warmth radiating from his body.
Under these circumstances, it was hard to even calm her mind!
Left with no choice, Qing Yan turned her embarrassment into strength and forcefully threw the Sword Rule from her hand.
Suddenly, a fierce wind began to howl.
The Sword Rule, flying through the air, abruptly erupted with a massive suction force, as if it wanted to pour all the spiritual energy in the courtyard into itself.
The Sword Rule shattered, and over a dozen life-sized sword blades, filled with power, emerged simultaneously.
Light radiated from the blades as they tore through the air toward the only three wooden targets remaining.
Boom!
A loud explosion rang out.
The three wooden targets were pierced simultaneously and crashed to the ground.
“I did it!”
Qing Yan stood on her tiptoes in pleasant surprise, her eyes sparkling.
“Mhm, well done. With these Rules, you should be able to easily handle it even if you encounter a small demon alone.”
Chen Ning also gave an appreciative smile.
The only question was...
“But can a demon really unleash such great power using a Rule?”
Even though he had long known Qing Yan was a demon, the power she unleashed still exceeded Chen Ning’s expectations.
Was Qing Yan actually a fox demon with extraordinary talent? Or had he accidentally picked up a high-level Rule?
Having prepared everything needed for the road, he checked the carriage and the luggage once more and sighed.
“The preparations are mostly complete. It looks like we can move up the schedule and set off the day after tomorrow.”
“Mhm, I didn't expect to feel a sudden bit of reluctance about leaving Ning’an Village. But... as long as I’m by Young Master’s side, any place is a good place for me!”
Qing Yan said with a beaming smile full of anticipation, “There must be lots of delicious food in the Imperial Capital. More importantly, I want to see Young Master wearing official robes. For example, a scarlet robe for those above the fifth rank, a purple robe for those above the third rank... a yellow dragon robe might be even more handsome!”
“Shh, it’s fine to say that at home, but if an official hears you say that in the Imperial Capital, it’s a capital offense...”
Chen Ning quickly stopped Qing Yan with a helpless smile.
However, as someone who had experienced modern society, Chen Ning naturally didn't have the blind loyalty of pedantic scholars who believed ‘if the ruler wants the subject to die, the subject must die.’
If a ruler was incompetent and corrupt, he would be replaced.
If anyone dared to target his maid, whether they were a high official or the Emperor himself, he would beat them just the same!
“Understood, Young Master.”
Qing Yan gave a sweet smile and continued organizing the luggage for the road.
Even Xiao Jiu ran back and forth between the house and the courtyard, busily helping out.
The small courtyard soon became busy once again.
...
Night.
Qing Yan walked into the courtyard, just about to close the main gate.
At that moment, a large yellow dog suddenly emerged from the darkness.
“Miss, are you really planning to go to the Imperial Capital with that human? Do you know how lonely I’ll be if you leave?”
The yellow dog speaking human words was none other than Wang Cai.
Qing Yan’s attitude was very cold. “If you’re lonely, go find Auntie Wang who raised you. What does it have to do with me?”
“But I only have eyes for you, Miss! And it’s not just me; Lai Fu, Fu Gui, and Er Ha in the village will all feel lonely too!”
To make her stay, it huddled by Qing Yan’s legs, mimicking the way other dogs acted spoiled.
Qing Yan: “...”
A cold voice suddenly reached Wang Cai’s ears.
“If you dare lick my leg again, don't blame me for stepping on your dog head.”
“Please calm your anger, Miss! This... this was purely a subconscious action.”
Wang Cai trembled all over in fear and quickly took two steps back.
Thinking back to when he was also a famous great demon, he had almost forgotten how he had slowly turned into a ‘lick-dog.’
But Wang Cai didn't feel any regret, stating firmly, “Don't worry, Miss. Although I am a dog, my leg strength is definitely not inferior to a horse’s. In half a month, I will definitely meet you in the Imperial Capital!”
“Fine, as long as you don't disturb my dates with Young Master, go if you want.”
Hearing this, Qing Yan couldn't help but let out a soft, clear laugh.
Under the moonlight, this laugh was as clear and pleasant as a silver bell, making Wang Cai daze for a long moment.
“Any more and the Young Master will hear you. Finish this bone and get going.”
Qing Yan threw out a marrow bone.
“Woof!”
Wang Cai pounced, catching the bone perfectly in his mouth.
There were still some meat scraps on the bone, and the flavor was so fragrant that his tail wagged rapidly.
‘I feel like the Miss has become much gentler than before.’
Gnawing on the bone, Wang Cai couldn't help but feel a bit of warmth in his heart.
Although he was jealous of that fellow Chen Ning to the point of death, he had to admit that since the Miss had stayed by his side, she really seemed to have changed a lot...
But looking up, when he saw the bright moon gradually becoming full in the sky, Wang Cai froze for a moment.
He suddenly said solemnly, “But Miss, it’s the Blood Moon Night in five days. Have you thought of a countermeasure?”
“Countermeasure? I’ve never thought about it.”
Wang Cai was instantly shocked. “But on the Blood Moon Night, you should be right on the way to the Imperial Capital. What if you transform into your true form? Will you find a place to hide? Or...”
“I haven't thought about that either. But no matter what, I believe in Young Master.”
Qing Yan smiled faintly, her sweet expression seemingly containing unconditional trust.
“Woof?”
Wang Cai was stunned.
“Miss, it’s late at night; you can’t torture the dog like this!”
He suddenly felt that this world was somewhat unfriendly toward single dogs.
Rate on N.U.
