Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint-Chapter 1423 - 254: Dongling Marquis, Nine States Patrol Envoy!
Great Xia Imperial Palace.
Side hall.
"It’s because of Brother Jin Chan!" Mingxin looked at Jiang Ning, his gaze slightly changed.
"Does Master Mingxin have any insights?" Jiang Ning asked.
Upon hearing this, Mingxin put his hands together.
"Jiang Benefactor has a connection with my Buddha!"
"There is no connection!" Jiang Ning hurriedly shook his head and refused.
In his view, it was simply a joke, as he had no intention of becoming a monk.
Although he was not obsessed with women now, it did not mean he did not appreciate them.
Beautiful women were indeed one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
"It seems Jiang Benefactor’s desires are too excessive!" Mingxin said.
"Without desires, what difference is there between a person and rocks or plants?" Jiang Ning spoke, then continued, "If Master Mingxin had no desires, he should be in the temple reciting scriptures and eating vegetarian meals every day, rather than painstakingly cultivating martial arts!"
After these words, the side hall instantly fell silent.
At this time, Jiang Ning also picked up his tea and continued to drink, quietly waiting for news from the Taiji Hall.
It was only a moment later.
"Summon the new Martial Champion Jiang Ning to the hall!"
"Summon the new Martial Examination second-place Mingxin to the hall!"
"Summon the new Martial Examination third-place Wan Jianyi to the hall!"
Upon hearing the voice, Jiang Ning immediately stood up.
Seeing this, Mingxin, who was silently reciting scriptures, also opened his eyes and rose to follow.
Wan Jianyi also rose accordingly.
...
Taiji Hall.
The officials all looked toward the entrance of the grand hall.
The next moment.
Jiang Ning, dressed in a red robe with golden threads, appeared in everyone’s sight.
"What a fine new Martial Champion!" Among the officials, someone in the line of military officers spoke in praise.
"General Shen speaks rightly; this new Martial Champion indeed possesses extraordinary poise, majestic appearance, and dragon-like demeanor, naturally exceptional!"
"This person should join the ranks, in this chaotic world, with barbarians invading from the north, Demon Country causing trouble in the south, Yellow Heaven rebellion internally, and disciples rampant, he will undoubtedly achieve unparalleled feats! Sweep the Six Harmonies, stabilize the eight directions, and recreate a new era!!"
Some military officers did not hold back their admiration.
Hearing this, the officials all looked toward the person who spoke.
Someone immediately understood; it was General Zhao Yi of Beicang King’s faction, Lin Beiyuan.
The man on the dragon throne, atop the nine steps, also glanced at the military officer, his eyes slightly darkened, his face calm.
Then, he fixed his gaze on Jiang Ning at the entrance of the Taiji Hall.
Sweep the Six Harmonies, stabilize the eight directions, recreate a new era!
These ten words echoed in his mind, reminding him of that esteemed existence.
With iron fists, creating a bright and clear world, forging over eight hundred years of flourishing.
But also pressing on the Ji Clan for over eight hundred years.
Aside from the first generation ancestor, every new emperor who ascended thereafter needed the approval of that existence.
Needed that existence not to deny their legitimacy, for if he did, regardless of the orthodoxy or maternal faction’s power, they could only be relegated.
He could sit on this dragon seat for eighty-three years, benefitting from that existence not denying him.
But the gratitude in his heart had long vanished, leaving only deep apprehension.
One word determining the kingdom’s legitimacy, akin to divine mandate!
"Salute to my emperor!" Jiang Ning clasped his hands.
"Salute to the Holy Emperor!" Mingxin put his hands together and bowed.
"Salute to the Human Emperor!" Wan Jianyi saluted.
The three voices instantly pulled the man’s thoughts back.
He looked at the three below the steps, then slightly nodded.
"Yesterday’s Martial Arts Examination, the three talents overwhelmed the heroes, becoming the leading figures for martial artists of the world!" Changning Emperor’s voice was resonant, echoing in the hall, "Today I shall follow the ancestral order and grant you awards!"
His gaze first fell on Wan Jianyi, and said, "Wan Jianyi!"
Wan Jianyi stepped forward and saluted with clasped hands: "Minister is here!"
"You hail from Sword Pavilion, possessing exceptional swordsmanship, yesterday on the training ground, your Sword Intent soared, unparalleled in sharpness!" Changning Emperor slightly nodded, spoke slowly, "I bestow upon you the position of ’Imperial Sword Attendant’, leading the Forbidden Army Sword Guard, overseeing the inner palace Sword Guard, and henceforth, the swordsmanship teachings within the Sword Guard Army will be under your responsibility!"
Wan Jianyi, upon hearing this, looked solemn: "Minister, thanks for the Holy Emperor’s grace!"
The officials, upon hearing this, showed no reaction.
Such awards were appropriate, not excessive at all.
Were it not for Wan Jianyi’s somewhat unimpressive performance in the examination.
Being ranked first on the Heavenly List, yet only achieving third place in the Martial Examination, the awards could have gone further than they had.
Subsequently, Changning Emperor looked to Mingxin, a trace of deep meaning in his eyes:
"Mingxin!"
Mingxin put his hands together, slightly bowed: "This humble monk is here."
"You are a distinguished disciple of Vajra Temple, your Buddhist martial arts are formidable, and you also cultivate a meditative mind, mastering both inside and out." Changning Emperor’s tone was calm.
Then continue, "I appoint you ’National Protector Zen Master’, temporarily residing at Great Xiangguo Temple, also tasked with leading the Buddhist teachings in the Imperial City, assisting the court in soothing the people’s hearts."
Mingxin lowered his gaze, quietly reciting a Buddhist chant: "Amitabha, humble monk accepts the decree."
He was satisfied with the award.
Normally Vajra Temple did not partake in such Martial Examinations for worldly fame and fortune, yet now, as the son of Buddha, he proactively participated in the martial test, fulfilling a mission.
Vajra Temple, developed to this stage, needed further advancement.
Now, with the world in turmoil, people’s hearts unsettled, it was the opportunity for Vajra Temple to enter the world significantly.
Changning Emperor’s bestowal was precisely in line with Vajra Temple’s needs.
Seeing Mingxin accept the duty calmly, Changning Emperor’s gaze lingered on Mingxin for a moment, then fell onto the foremost Jiang Ning’s expression.
At this moment, Jiang Ning wore a bright red champion’s robe, his chest embroidered with a soaring Golden-winged Dapeng in golden thread.
Dragon-like demeanor, naturally exceptional.
His mind instantly recalled General Zhao Yi Lin Beiyuan’s praise.
His mind also recalled the scene he witnessed yesterday.
Bathing in heavenly thunder, unharmed, a perfect physique, akin to an Innate Spirit.
With deep contemplation, the entire Taiji Hall suddenly became extremely quiet.
