Jiang Ning sat cross-legged in a small courtyard in Luoshui County, reading a book about ancient spirits. A panel only he could see displayed his attributes: Name Jiang Ning, Source Energy 13.5, Skill Literacy Perfection 968/1000. Reading increased his literacy experience points, sharpening his mind and spirit. He had read through all the books at home and was nearing a breakthrough. His best friend in the household was his five-year-old niece Jiang Yuanyuan. His sister-in-law Liu Wanwan resented him for living as a dependent for more than ten years without contributing, especially as grain prices rose. Jiang Ning understood her feelings but had no means to move out. He recognized that Great Xia Dynasty was in its final years, with natural disasters, refugees, rebellions, and cults spreading. He believed only personal strength could ensure survival. His elder brother Jiang Li was a constable in the county yamen.Jiang Li offered to find a good teacher for Jiang Ning to learn martial arts, but Liu Wanwan objected due to the cost. Jiang Li insisted, saying he had savings. Jiang Ning tried to refuse, but Jiang Li stressed the importance of proper guidance. After a dispute, Jiang Li was called away to a yamen operation against the God-Worshipping Cult. That night, Jiang Li returned with his right hand crippled, tendons severed and bones shattered beyond cure. He had been injured in the same operation. Liu Wanwan was distraught but Jiang Li reassured her that the county magistrate would arrange severance and a logistics position.The next morning, Jiang Li told Jiang Ning he had paid the apprenticeship fee for the Canglang Martial Arts School, taught by the ranked martial artist Wang Jin. Despite Jiang Ning's objections about the cost, Jiang Li insisted and asked him to keep it secret from Liu Wanwan. Soon, a yamen colleague named Xu Yunfeng visited. He flattered Liu Wanwan and delivered a message: Head Constable Cao Bin invited Jiang Li to Bright Moon Tower that night, and instructed him to bring his wife. Xu Yunfeng hinted that Cao Bin desired Liu Wanwan, and if Jiang Li complied, he would keep his position and receive severance. If not, he would be forced out and become a commoner. Xu Yunfeng also threatened Jiang Ning and the children, implying that Jiang Li's family would be in danger if he refused. Xu Yunfeng left with a threatening smile.Jiang Ning now understood the gravity of the situation. His family was caught between the county magistrate and the powerful Cao family. He felt the urgent need to gain strength through martial arts to protect himself and his family in the chaotic times. His goal was to change his situation and repay his elder brother's devotion. The immediate conflict was the Cao family's threat to his sister-in-law and his brother's precarious position. Jiang Ning resolved to pursue martial arts not only for self-improvement but also to stand against the forces threatening his family. The story sets up Jiang Ning's starting point of poverty and dependency, his core opportunity of learning martial arts through his brother's sacrifice, and the growing conflicts with the God-Worshipping Cult and the local powerful families. His final aim, based on the extracted part, is to gain enough strength to overcome these threats and secure a future for himself and his family. The ending of the excerpt leaves the family facing an imminent threat from Head Constable Cao.
