Chapter 28: Wang Jin’s Study

Jiang Ning understood why Wang Jin didn't believe he could meet the requirements to join the Inspection Bureau within three months. It was a reasonable doubt, given how little time he had been practicing martial arts. 

What could three months achieve? 

Looking at the test for Wang Jin's true disciples mastering any one of the Five Animal Forms within six months to become a true disciple it was clear how difficult martial arts truly were. 

His elder brother had been practicing martial arts for many years and had only reached the level of great mastery of Qi and Blood, with it circulating through his limbs. 

To meet the requirements to join the Inspection Bureau, one had to attain a martial rank and be under thirty years old. 

In Luoshui County, anyone who could achieve this was either a martial genius or someone from a wealthy or influential family who had used their resources to build their strength. 

Jiang Ning smiled, his expression filled with confidence. "Master, don't worry! The day I achieve major mastery in the Five Animal Forms won't be long in coming!" 

"Good! That's the kind of confidence you should have!" Wang Jin praised again. 

He then glanced up at the moon. "It's getting late. These old bones of mine can't keep up with young people like you. I'm going to rest. You shouldn't practice anymore tonight. You've overexerted yourself just now. Go back to your room, rest well, and regain your energy for tomorrow's training." 

Jiang Ning nodded. "I understand, Master." 

Then, he added, "Master, I have a favor to ask." 

"Stop beating around the bush. Just say it!" Wang Jin said. 

"I'd like to borrow some books from your study. It's still early, and I can read for a while. Also, during breaks from training or when I'm resting, I can read to broaden my knowledge," Jiang Ning said. 

"You're pushing yourself?" Wang Jin was surprised. His intention had been for Jiang Ning to rest early tonight. 

He never expected Jiang Ning to want to borrow books and read instead. 

Jiang Ning scratched his head. "A child from a poor family has no choice but to push hard. If I don't strive, how can I change my fate? Besides, Master, you know that the reason I asked to stay at the martial hall long-term is that someone outside wants to harm me. Next spring, I also want to take the imperial exams and earn a scholarly title. Only then can I truly find peace." 

"You need a scholarly title to find peace?" Wang Jin asked, puzzled. "Is the pressure coming from someone with an official position?" 

Jiang Ning replied, "Not exactly an official, but someone with similar influence." 

"I see," Wang Jin nodded slightly but didn't press further. Then he said, "It's rare to have such ambition. Being well-versed in both martial and literary arts is indeed important. True strength doesn't come from physical power alone, nor intelligence alone, but from the combination of both. Truly strong martial artists are never illiterate." 

Jiang Ning nodded in agreement. "Master, I completely agree with you!" 

Wang Jin nodded again. "With such ambition, how can I not support you? From now on, you can enter my study anytime. Go to Aunt Sun later and get a key." 

"Thank you, Master!" Jiang Ning said earnestly, clasping his hands in salute. 

Knock, knock, knock 

The sound of knocking echoed. 

"Coming! Coming!" 

A series of heavy footsteps approached, growing louder in Jiang Ning's ears. 

Creak 

As the courtyard door opened, Aunt Sun's somewhat burly figure appeared. 

"I knew it was you, kid!" Aunt Sun said. 

Jiang Ning smiled. "Elder Sister, sorry to disturb you so late!" 

"Ah, it's no disturbance! I wasn't asleep yet!" Aunt Sun waved her hand, then asked, "What brings you here at this hour instead of training? Is something wrong?" 

Jiang Ning explained, "I overexerted myself today and don't have any wild ginseng to replenish my energy. I can't train anymore, so I spoke to the master. He agreed to let me borrow some books from his study and told me to come to you for the key." 

"I see!" Aunt Sun nodded in understanding. "Wait here. I'll get you a key to the study." 

"Thank you!" Jiang Ning nodded repeatedly. 

A short while later. 

Aunt Sun hurried back to Jiang Ning. 

"Here's the key! Don't lose it!" 

"Don't worry, Elder Sister!" Jiang Ning smiled as he took the key from Aunt Sun. 

Then he added, "Oh, Elder Sister." 

"What is it?" 

Jiang Ning said, "The master told me that starting tomorrow, I can have a bowl of medicinal soup morning, noon, and evening." 

"That's great, kid! I didn't expect Master Wang to value you so much, giving you the same treatment as a true disciple! Even Xiao Peng, who became a true disciple today, only gets that much!" Aunt Sun said happily, giving Jiang Ning a hearty pat on the back. 

Then she continued, "I was worried when I heard you didn't have any wild ginseng to replenish your energy after training. After all, you're the hardest-working kid I've seen in the martial hall all these years." 

Jiang Ning smiled but said nothing. 

He had heard many times that he was diligent. 

But with the status panel, every bit of effort brought tangible rewards. He could see his progress bit by bit and feel his physique improving steadily. Who wouldn't work hard under such circumstances? 

People often lack diligence and perseverance because they can't see the results of their efforts or feel that their hard work isn't paying off. 

Especially when they hit a bottleneck working hard for a week, a month, or even a year without making any progress how many people can keep going? 

After bidding farewell to Aunt Sun, Jiang Ning quickly made his way to the study. 

The collection of books in Wang Jin's martial hall was undoubtedly much larger than what he had at home. Moreover, there might even be martial arts manuals and secret techniques. Thanks to his recent performance, his standing in Wang Jin's eyes had improved, and he had gained access to the study. This filled him with anticipation. 

When he arrived at the study. 

He unlocked the door and stepped inside. 

After lighting the candle, the layout of the study came into view. 

On three sides of the room stood large bookshelves, each neatly filled with books. 

Jiang Ning walked over to the bookshelf on the right. At a glance, he saw numerous medical and pharmacological books. 

As the saying goes, medicine and martial arts are inseparable. 

Martial arts involve the mysteries of the human body. Those who create martial arts techniques must possess vast knowledge and a deep understanding of the human body's secrets. 

The same goes for medicinal herbs. 

The path of martial arts is closely intertwined with various medicinal herbs and cannot be separated. 

Without the aid of medicinal supplements, a person's martial arts achievements would inevitably be greatly limited, and their progress would slow significantly. 

It's worth noting that the golden age for learning martial arts begins at around fifteen, when the bones and body have matured and lasts until around thirty-five, which is the peak golden age for progress and improvement. 

For martial artists, starting around the age of forty, their abilities begin to decline, and their Qi and Blood gradually weaken. 

At that point, not only is it difficult to make progress in martial arts, but even maintaining one's current level of strength becomes a challenge. 

Unless one reaches a profound level of martial arts, strengthening the internal organs and prolonging the body's functions, it's hard to extend the golden age for martial arts improvement. 

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Jiang Ning's eyes quickly scanned the titles of the books on the shelves as he moved forward.