Chapter 1832 - 170: Persuading for Benefits! (2)

"The Northern Barbarian army has long been able to sweep in and turn the north into a living hell, and now the timing is right. Ji Minghao has just ascended to the throne, the court’s foundation is unstable, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Northern Barbarians!"

Upon hearing these words, the Beicang King and Prince Zhenbei exchanged a glance.

After their eyes met, Prince Zhenbei gave a deep bow to Jiang Ning: "The prince’s insight is sharp. This analysis has made things clear for Brother Xu. In that case, what does the prince intend to do?"

"That depends on your thoughts!" Jiang Ning said.

Once he finished speaking, he calmly looked at Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen and Beicang King, waiting for their response.

"What does the prince mean by this?" asked the Beicang King.

"I just arrived and overheard your conversation." Jiang Ning replied.

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen and the Beicang King’s faces changed noticeably.

Earlier, the two had privately discussed abandoning the city; even though it was a secret meeting in the council hall, they knew what kind of person Jiang Ning was.

With his Primordial Spirit power enveloping the area, nothing within a few miles could escape his perception, especially not the conversation between two peak First-grade martial artists.

"Please don’t blame us, prince. What Brother Xu and I said before were merely words of frustration without real intent to abandon the city," the Beicang King quickly explained, sounding somewhat nervous.

He realized that, based on those words alone, Jiang Ning, holding the Sacred Mandate, could rightfully take them down this instant.

Against Jiang Ning’s current strength, he had not a shred of power to resist.

He had witnessed Jiang Ning suppress Xu Zhen firsthand just moments ago.

He also knew Xu Zhen’s strength, being equally a peak First-grade, their abilities were closely matched.

Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen also clasped his hands in salute: "What the Beicang King said truly reflects our worries. If no aid comes from the court, we plan to fight to the death rather than simply abandoning. With King Luoshui here, how dare we entertain such thoughts again? We’re determined to fight to the end! As long as I, Xu Zhen, have been granted the title of Prince Zhenbei, I cannot afford to let Great Xia’s northern front be lost. My reputation is at stake!"

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded: "If that’s the case, are the two of you willing to do your utmost to cooperate?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen and Beicang King both bowed in salute to Jiang Ning.

"The major affairs here will be decided by the prince. We both are willing to follow your orders."

Jiang Ning heard this and nodded calmly: "That’s good then. However, there is one matter for which I require both of you to cooperate fully."

Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen and Beicang King exchanged a glance and clasped their hands: "Please speak, prince; in anything we can possibly do, we will not decline."

Jiang Ning slowly spoke: "The North Barbarian State Preceptor, King Zhuanlun, has now received the aura blessing from that Great Snow Mountain God, making his strength far surpass before. Observing from a distance, the aura he emits is already beyond that of the ordinary second under heaven. If before the five were tied for second under heaven, each with their strengths, then now King Zhuanlun may truly be a unique existence."

Hearing these words, Prince Zhenbei and Beicang King both looked tense.

Jiang Ning continued: "To be honest with you, I currently have no absolute confidence facing King Zhuanlun. If I act rashly, the victory is uncertain, and if I fail, not only will I be at risk, but Celestial Palace City will also be in peril."

Upon saying this, the faces of Prince Zhenbei and Beicang King changed dramatically.

Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen said gravely: "Are you saying, prince... even your strength doesn’t guarantee victory?"

Jiang Ning nodded, with a tranquil demeanor: "On the path of Martial Arts, each step is a world apart. At our level, even the slightest difference can mean a great gap. With King Zhuanlun having received the Great Snow Mountain God’s gift, his strength is far beyond the past. While I am confident in myself, ensuring victory requires further advancement."

His gaze swept over the two, and he spoke calmly: "I have a cultivation technique that has reached a bottleneck, needing just a bit more to break through. If I can make this breakthrough, I will have absolute confidence facing King Zhuanlun!"

"However, this final breakthrough requires adequate accumulation. And this accumulation cannot be done without Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures."

"I need a large amount of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to assist in cultivation and accelerate the breakthrough of my technique."

Upon saying this, Jiang Ning’s gaze fell on the two: "Thus, I need both of you to cooperate fully, sending all the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures you can gather in the city to me. Once I achieve the breakthrough and my strength grows, the crisis in Celestial Palace City will be resolved!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen and Beicang King were momentarily stunned, then displayed a touch of embarrassment.

Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen hesitated for a moment and clasped his hands: "To be honest, prince, while I have presided over the Northern Land for decades and have some treasures in my mansion, most of those Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are ordinary things suitable for martial artists below Fifth Grade. The prince has already reached the second under heaven level, and ordinary Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are mere drops in the ocean and of no use. As for those truly helpful to the prince at such a level, there isn’t any in my mansion."

Beicang King also nodded in agreement: "Prince, my Beicang Royal Mansion is the same. Although Celestial Palace City is the city closest to the Northern Barbarian Grassland and serves as a transit point for goods from there, over the years, only a few Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures entering from the Northern Barbarian Grassland could truly benefit the prince. At present, one might not find many in the entire Celestial Palace City."

With that, both displayed a look of difficulty and embarrassment.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning merely chuckled softly and waved his hand: "Do not worry. The Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures I refer to do not necessarily have to be those rare and precious treasures. As long as they contain the essence of heaven and earth, even ordinary Spirit Grass, Spirit Fruit, or aged ginseng, Lingzhi, Vermilion Fruit, Polygonum multiflorum, or similar items will do. The more, the better, without concern for type."

Prince Zhenbei Xu Zhen was taken aback: "Are you saying, prince... these things are useful for you too?"

Jiang Ning nodded: "Unlike ordinary people, others may choose quality in cultivation—the higher, the better. My cultivation prefers quantity—the more, the better."

Hearing this, Prince Zhenbei and Beicang King exchanged a glance.

A hint of realization appeared in their eyes.

Jiang Ning’s words had resolved part of their confusion.

Confusion as to why Jiang Ning advanced at such an astonishing pace.

Now the two somewhat understood.

With even ordinary Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures offering help, this implies that martial arts progression, aided by divine intervention, can be remarkably rapid.

In the next moment.

Prince Zhenbei clasped his hands: "If the prince needs only ordinary Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, that simplifies things. Although I lack top-grade Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, after decades, I’ve accumulated plenty of common herbs and Spirit Fruit. I’ll have them tallied and promptly delivered to the prince."

Beicang King also nodded: "The same goes for my mansion. Furthermore, the city’s major families, merchants, and military officials surely have reserves as well. I’ll immediately issue orders for them to send all attainable Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to the prince’s residence."

"Now, with the Northern Barbarian army besieging the city, if they are wise, holding onto these lifeless objects would only lead to their burial alongside them!"

"Good!" Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

Then he reminded them: "Do not spread the news of my arrival for now. When the Northern Barbarian army can no longer hold back, I will reveal myself."

"Yes, prince!" Beicang King bowed in salute.

"Understood!" Prince Zhenbei responded.

Afterward, the two took their leave from Jiang Ning, to make arrangements for what he required.

As the two departed, Jiang Ning was left alone in the council hall.

Watching their receding figures, a subtle smile appeared on his face.

"Celestial Palace City, as the transit station for goods from the Northern Barbarian Grassland, must contain numerous Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. This move is sure to significantly boost my Source Points."

"Coming to Celestial Palace City for a visit; saving their lives and taking some benefits is only fair!"