Chapter 351: Just What Is His Background?

"Wind Release: Wind Blade!" Sharp wind blades flew toward the Anbu ninja, shredding trees to pieces wherever they passed, sending branches and leaves flying everywhere.

The Anbu ninja hurriedly performed their ninjutsu to defend. For a moment, the forest flickered with the light of various ninjutsu, explosions ringing out without pause. The surrounding trees were reduced to utter wreckage, broken branches and leaves scattered across the ground, and the sharp smell of gunpowder hung in the air.

"Just what is this guy's background?" one Anbu ninja thought in shock—he had never faced such a troublesome opponent.

Xiang Lian also felt the pressure; these Anbu ninja were far stronger than he had imagined. His breathing grew rapid, sweat soaking through his back. Just as he was beginning to falter, his gaze suddenly fell on the ninjutsu manual in his arms.

"Could it be…" Something stirred in Xiang Lian's heart. He suddenly recalled a key section—393—from the manual. He drew a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began to focus his spirit in comprehension.

Meanwhile, the battle continued. The Anbu ninja seized the moment Xiang Lian was distracted and launched a fierce assault. Streams of ninjutsu hurtled toward him, blasting huge craters into the ground around him.

"Not good!" Alarm shot through Xiang Lian's heart as he sensed a powerful force bearing down on him. He dodged desperately, but a Fire Release still struck his shoulder.

"Ah!" Xiang Lian let out a pained scream. His shoulder was scorched, blood streaming down. He dropped to one knee, face pale, great beads of sweat rolling from his forehead.

"Hmph, let's see how long you can last." An Anbu ninja sneered, closing in on Xiang Lian step by step.

At that critical instant, Xiang Lian suddenly opened his eyes, a strange light flashing within them.

"I understand!" he roared. A powerful aura suddenly erupted from his body. He rapidly formed hand seals—these seals utterly different from before, brimming with a mysterious power.

"Secret Technique: All-Creation Heaven Pull!" As Xiang Lian's voice fell, the surrounding air seemed twisted by an invisible force. The Anbu ninja felt only a powerful suction bearing down on them, their bodies flying toward Xiang Lian against their will.

"Wh-what ninjutsu is this?" the Anbu ninja cried out in terror, struggling desperately but unable to break free of the pull.

Xiang Lian seized the chance to attack. His figure darted swiftly among the Anbu ninja, the kunai in his hand slashing ceaselessly. Every strike was accompanied by an Anbu ninja's scream of agony.

"Retreat!" Seeing the tide turn against them, one Anbu ninja shouted at once. The others reacted in turn, rapidly forming seals and vanishing into the forest with smoke bombs.

Xiang Lian watched the direction in which the Anbu ninja had vanished and exhaled in relief. His body went limp, nearly collapsing to the ground. His shoulder was still bleeding, the pain draining the color further from his face.

"Phew… finally shaken them off, for now." Xiang Lian gasped for breath. He knew his narrow victory this time was pure luck. He had to raise his strength as soon as possible, or next time he wouldn't be so fortunate.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office in Konoha, Tsunade listened to the Anbu ninja's report with a grave expression.

"What? He actually comprehended such a powerful ninjutsu?" Tsunade said in surprise, a trace of worry showing in her eyes.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. That Xiang Lian's strength is unfathomable; this time we…" The Anbu ninja lowered his head, speaking with a hint of guilt..