Chapter 1648: Chapter 80: Clash of the Second Under Heaven, Change in the True Second

National Master Mansion.

A figure suddenly appeared at the entrance.

The visitor was none other than Jiang Ning.

He looked up at the towering walls of the National Master Mansion in front of him.

Previously there was no sign of anything unusual, but now it was clear that numerous invisible arrays enveloped the mansion ahead.

The arrays were intricately linked, quite marvelous indeed.

An innate sense told him that if these arrays were fully activated, they could pose a significant threat to him.

"Without yet achieving the Primordial Spirit, so many changes have occurred; this step was indeed the right one!" he mused to himself.

Since emerging from the Grotto Heaven of Yang Lake, he felt a difference in himself at every turn.

When viewing the world, it seemed as if he had adopted a different perspective, a completely new viewpoint.

Standing higher, he could see things that were different.

He understood these were brought about by his Divine Soul entering the Dao womb, having completed the Nine Mystic Transformation.

This, even though his Divine Soul had not completely broken free and achieved the realm of the Immortal.

Once accomplished, the changes would be even greater.

The next moment.

He ascended the steps in front of the National Master Mansion and lightly knocked with his knuckle.

Knock, knock, knock—

The sound of knocking resonated within the mansion.

Although he could now easily enter the National Master Mansion as he had initially entered the Royal Capital.

He chose not to act that way, instead standing at the door, waiting for a response.

Because such behavior here would be neither polite nor respectful.

After merely a moment.

Hurried and clear footsteps were heard approaching the door.

Clearer than any time before.

Just by listening to the sound, he sensed the wind disturbed by the figure’s hurried steps behind the door.

With the diffusion of the intangible air wave, the outline of a figure appeared in his mind.

Petite and thin, with a slender waist of a young maiden.

"It’s Qinghe!" Jiang Ning thought to himself.

Because there were two maidservants at the National Master Mansion.

Hong Mian was slightly taller and a few months older.

Qinghe was a bit shorter, with a slimmer physique.

The next moment.

"Who is it?" a crisp voice called from the entrance.

Most of the time, the National Master Mansion closed its doors to guests.

This was true even before Jiang Ning came by.

Su Qingying could stay indoors for years, not eating or drinking for extended periods.

"It’s me!" Jiang Ning replied.

"It’s the Marquis!!" The tone at the door suddenly became filled with excitement.

Then, he heard the footsteps grow quicker.

Soon after, the door latch was released.

The heavy doors of the National Master Mansion slowly opened.

Through the slowly widening crack in the door, he saw a delicate face.

Eyebrows like willow leaves, nose like fine jade, it was an exquisite face, with clear joy in her eyes—it was Qinghe.

"Marquis, you’ve returned!!" Qinghe exclaimed as she forcefully pushed open the door and stepped aside, "In the days you were gone, the mansion never had a moment of peace."

"Oh?" Jiang Ning stepped inside, casually closing the door behind him, "What happened?"

"The palace sent people over twice; one time to deliver an invitation, inviting the adults and the National Master Mansion to attend an imperial banquet. But you weren’t here, and the State Preceptor couldn’t be bothered. The other time was..." Qinghe paused, her expression turning a bit grave as she continued, "to invite the adults and State Preceptor to a council meeting about the suppression of the Yellow Heaven Sect. But again, you weren’t here, and the State Preceptor ignored it."

Jiang Ning nodded, stepping over the threshold.

"Besides these, nothing else happened?"

Qinghe shook her head, "Nothing else!"

"In the Royal Capital during the days I was away, has anything significant occurred?" Jiang Ning asked again.

Upon hearing this, Qinghe pondered for a moment, then shook her head, "No, it’s been quite usual."

Jiang Ning nodded again.

"By the way..." At this moment, Qinghe suddenly seemed surprised.

Jiang Ning looked over, curiosity in his eyes.

"Marquis, seven days ago, two people claiming to be your subordinates came to seek you, one named Chen Canghai and the other Jing Wuming," Qinghe said.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded, understanding in his heart.

Black Flood Dragon King Chen Canghai, Carefree Marquis Jing Wuming.

The two have arrived in the Royal Capital.

This also means that he now has resources in the Royal Capital.

One, a titled Second Grade Great Grandmaster, the other, Chen Canghai, who fell from the First Grade Unity Realm.

Either of these two would be considered a master in the Royal Capital.

Second Grade, if aligned with the Imperial Family, could easily earn the title of Marquis and gain fiefdom as a Martial Arts Strongman.

"Where are they now?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Marquis, they gave me an address at the time, telling me to notify them once you returned, and they would come to meet you!" Qinghe said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded, signifying he understood.

"They arrived in the Royal Capital seven days ago, so how long have I been away from the National Master Mansion, from the Royal Capital?" Jiang Ning asked again.

Upon hearing this, Qinghe gave Jiang Ning a slightly surprised look.

Then she replied, "Marquis, you’ve been away from the National Master Mansion for nine full days."

"Nine days, that long!" Jiang Ning thought with a bit of surprise, then nodded.

"Marquis, if there’s nothing else, the maid will now go out and inform your two subordinates," Qinghe said again.

"I would appreciate that, Miss Qinghe!" Jiang Ning said.

"You’re too kind, Marquis!" Qinghe replied, then turned and walked towards the door that had just been closed.

"Marquis, before, the State Preceptor said to tell you, you should find her once you returned," Qinghe added.

Jiang Ning nodded.

"You can seek the State Preceptor now, Marquis; she is currently in the bamboo house in the backyard," Qinghe gestured in the direction.

Jiang Ning nodded and then walked straight towards the bamboo house.