Chapter 381: Martial Arts Crash Course

Small Dispute Peak, martial arts arena.

Unlike Ning Zhuo and Hanzhou were sparring.

Hanzhou's fighting style was completely different from Lin Shanshan's. He fought with wide, sweeping movements, his offensive stance occupying the vast majority of his actions, with very little defense, unless his own vital points were involved.

Once Hanzhou launched an attack, his offensive was continuous and unending, as if a freezing wind and snow were sweeping across the sky.

Unlike Ning Zhuo gritted his teeth to hold on, seemingly falling back into the situation he had faced during his initial sparring with Lin Shanshan—only able to defend, with no power to counterattack.

Seeing that Unlike Ning Zhuo's defensive posture was full and extremely tight, Hanzhou could not help but feel surprised in his heart.

"How much time has passed? Unlike Ning Zhuo has actually made such huge progress in martial arts!"

His perception was much deeper than that of an ordinary person.

Because not long ago, it was he who had taken the initiative to challenge Unlike Ning Zhuo. During that battle, he and Unlike Ning Zhuo had engaged in close-quarters combat.

After not many rounds, Unlike Ning Zhuo's defensive stance had already collapsed, and he was pursued by Hanzhou. If not for a spirit talisman saving the situation, Unlike Ning Zhuo would have long since lost to him.

But now, Hanzhou had already unleashed his full offensive tide, yet he still hadn't made Unlike Ning Zhuo unable to parry.

Don't look at Unlike Ning Zhuo's disheveled appearance; his defense was indeed tight, forcing Hanzhou to adopt other methods in an attempt to break the stalemate.

"Be careful, I'm going to use martial arts." Hanzhou called out in a low voice, giving a warning first.

The next moment, a layer of white frost covered the surface of his fists, and the air temperature plummeted.

Martial Art—Frostbite Fist.

Bitter cold qi also dissipated along with it.

Unlike Ning Zhuo did not dare to take it head-on; he tapped his toes lightly, his figure agile, and he kept jumping backward.

Hanzhou followed closely.

Unlike Ning Zhuo focused mainly on dodging; every dodge and shift was smooth and flowing, without any hesitation, reflecting his solid basic skills.

Martial Art—Old Cold Legs.

Hanzhou's leg strength was sharp, striking out with the sound of howling cold wind.

Unlike Ning Zhuo struggled to parry, remaining in an absolutely inferior position.

Long defense leads to mistakes; Unlike Ning Zhuo revealed a flaw.

Hanzhou's eyes lit up, seizing the opportunity, he suddenly exerted force, a fist carrying biting cold qi pressing straight toward Unlike Ning Zhuo's face.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's gaze condensed, his feet stepped lightly, attempting to dodge sideways.

He avoided most of it, but was still struck on the shoulder by Hanzhou's fist.

Unlike Ning Zhuo stumbled back, his defensive stance finally collapsing at this moment.

Hanzhou, however, withdrew his hand, stood his ground, and stopped attacking.

"Impressive, impressive!" Unlike Ning Zhuo clutched his shoulder; the pain from the strike was only secondary, his mood was extremely pleasant, and he sincerely praised Hanzhou.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's previous sparring with Lin Shanshan had seen diminishing returns, and his insights regarding martial arts and combat had become fewer and fewer.

But now, he had changed to sparring with someone else, and his former state had returned. Although this sparring session was not long, Unlike Ning Zhuo had gained a lot, with many insights that needed to be reviewed, memorized, and actively absorbed immediately.

"Brother Hanzhou, sparring with you is truly the right choice. I have learned a lot, thank you! Thank you!" Unlike Ning Zhuo thanked him sincerely.

Hanzhou's gaze flickered. He harbored other motives; the more times and the longer Unlike Ning Zhuo sparred with him, the easier it would be for Unlike Ning Zhuo to be converted.

The Foundation Establishment Stage, after all, was not the Golden Core Stage; cultivation techniques could still be changed!

Hanzhou thought for a moment, indicating that Unlike Ning Zhuo's progress was great, bringing him a completely different feeling compared to the previous battle.

"But you lack relevant martial arts; otherwise, you would be able to contend with my Frostbite Fist and Old Cold Legs."

"Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, the cultivation technique you practice focuses on the lower dantian, which is already at a great disadvantage in close-quarters combat."

"I suggest you practice some martial arts. Although some martial arts are only techniques, not cultivation methods, they can also mobilize and utilize your physique and energy well."

Unlike Ning Zhuo said "Oh," and asked: "I wonder, Brother Hanzhou, what good suggestions do you have? I am all ears!"

Hanzhou immediately said: "If Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo doesn't mind, I am willing to teach you Frostbite Fist, Old Cold Legs, and other martial arts."

Unlike Ning Zhuo immediately frowned: "Is that appropriate?"

"Appropriate, it is simply too appropriate!" Hanzhou laughed secretly in his heart, "Once you learn these martial arts, you will be more inclined to specialize in bitter cold cultivation techniques. If I can eventually convert you, wouldn't that be a great merit?"

On the surface, Hanzhou said: "Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, being able to comprehend the true meaning of bitter cold shows that you have a natural affinity for the Bitter Cold Scripture. This is fate."

"You and I can be considered to have become friends through fighting; teaching a few martial arts, which are not the foundation of the cultivation technique, is nothing."

"In fact, even the Bitter Cold Scripture is not impossible to teach. Back then, I was just a beggar, and I also received the scripture from others in a ruined temple in the snow, leading me onto the path of cultivation."

"I teach you relevant martial arts, just as others taught me the entire Bitter Cold Scripture back then. It is planting a good cause to reap a good fruit."

Unlike Ning Zhuo realized: "Hearing these words from you, Brother, it further confirms some of my guesses. The Bitter Cold Scripture is indeed a Buddhist scripture, right?"

Hanzhou hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded: "That is exactly so."

"However, please, Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, do not spread it lightly, so as to avoid revealing my foundation."

"The Bitter Cold Scripture comes from the Lesser Vehicle Buddhism, emphasizing self-salvation. As the saying goes, the sea of suffering is boundless; only by experiencing the tempering of bitter cold can one forge a precious body and will for cultivation."

"The Bitter Cold Scripture is about transforming the various sufferings and poverty in one's life path into the resources for cultivation!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo nodded: "In that case, I ask Brother Hanzhou to teach me the relevant martial arts."

Hanzhou, however, smiled slightly: "I have a method that can allow you, Fellow Daoist, to achieve success quickly."

Unlike Ning Zhuo's expression changed, and he immediately inquired.

Hanzhou then took out a small bowl from his storage belt, which contained water filled to eighty percent.

"Back then, that expert taught me the Bitter Cold Scripture using this very item."

"This bowl of water is refined from bitter water and contains many true meanings of the Bitter Cold Scripture. Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo only needs to drink a small sip to instantly penetrate the various barriers of the relevant martial arts and master them thoroughly."

"Ordinary people find it difficult to use this method. This is because this bowl of bitter water is extremely difficult to swallow; the extreme bitterness can even cause one to fall into extreme depression, feeling that life and the world are gray and defeated, leading one to commit suicide."

"But I see that since you, Fellow Daoist Unlike Ning Zhuo, can contend with the bitter cold qi in our sparring and comprehend some of the profound meanings of the Bitter Cold Scripture, it is clear that your comprehension is superb and you have a natural affinity for this Buddhist scripture."

"Would you like to give it a try, Fellow Daoist?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo looked at the water in the bowl, seeing it present a deep black-blue color, with a faint, cold light flickering on the surface.

Standing relatively close, Unlike Ning Zhuo could clearly perceive that this bowl of water emitted a bone-chilling coldness, as if it could freeze a person's soul.

"Bitter water, I have heard of it long ago; this is a treasure of water-element sin." Unlike Ning Zhuo sighed.

In the Fire Persimmon Immortal City, he had witnessed the Supreme Goodness Like Water, which was a treasure of water-element merit.

Now he had seen bitter water; it stood in opposition to the Supreme Goodness Like Water and was a treasure of sin.

The existence of bitter water itself was a symbol of sin; legend has it that it was condensed from countless tears of pain and regret.

Those who hold or come into contact with bitter water will be forced to face the deepest faults, grievances, bitterness, and pain in their hearts. Long-term possession will gradually erode the spirit, causing the cultivator to gradually fall into endless pain and regret.

After this erosion reaches a certain level, the cultivator will experience auditory hallucinations, constantly hearing whispers and weeping sounds in their ears, all of which are complaining to them.

This was absolutely a huge torture.

Unlike Ning Zhuo revealed a cautious expression.

Hanzhou comforted him: "Do not worry too much, Fellow Daoist; this bitter water has already been refined. With me overseeing it, it can allow you to gain insight into a portion of the true meaning of the Bitter Cold Scripture and instantly comprehend seven martial arts."

"Of course, there is a prerequisite for this."

"This prerequisite is that you need to contend with the sense of bitterness and gain insight from it, rather than having your emotions affected by the bitterness, your heart lake overwhelmed by the sorrow, and sinking into various negative emotions, unable to extricate yourself."

"If that happens, let alone comprehending any martial arts, even wanting to return to a normal state would require a huge price."

"The risks involved are very great."

Unlike Ning Zhuo only thought for a moment before smiling: "Since Brother Hanzhou is so frank, I trust you! Trying it out is fine."

"However, the martial arts arena is not a suitable place."

"Can I take some of this bitter water away?"

Hanzhou nodded: "Of course you can."

He immediately took action, poured out a small bottle, and handed it to Unlike Ning Zhuo.

After bidding farewell to Hanzhou, Unlike Ning Zhuo returned to his cave dwelling.

He first checked carefully with Sun Lingtong, confirming that the bitter water had indeed been refined and no longer posed a huge danger.

Unlike Ning Zhuo then asked Sun Lingtong to look after him, intending to taste this bitter water.

Sun Lingtong was very interested and told Unlike Ning Zhuo that he had never tasted it from childhood to adulthood, remembering to leave a little for him so he could also have a taste.

The two entered the spirit plant cabin together.

Inside the spirit plant cabin, the mysterious yellow soil had already shown signs of fading compared to before.

Although it was only a shallow layer, in reality, because the formation had folded the space, the thickness of the soil was much greater than what met the naked eye.

In the center of the cabin stood a Spirit Hidden Willow.

Crisp and pleasant wonderful sounds were circling, the spring breeze was blowing gently, and the willow branches of the Spirit Hidden Willow were swaying with the wind.

Unlike Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong both looked toward the Spirit Hidden Willow, observing carefully; the former frowned slightly, while the latter revealed a look of joy.

Sun Lingtong said: "Little brother, look, these withered willow branches have shown signs of improvement. Before, they were like completely dehydrated, but now they have become a bit fuller."

Unlike Ning Zhuo, however, sighed: "It seems that the consumption of the Spirit Hidden Willow is much greater than I imagined."

"We have already done our best to prepare the best treasure materials we could currently use, but the recovery speed of the Spirit Hidden Willow is not ideal."

Unlike Ning Zhuo lowered his head and looked at the soil near the roots of the Spirit Hidden Willow. He released his spiritual sense, penetrating into the soil, and saw that the Five-Colored Divine Sand and Three Treasures Spirit Soil that had been sprinkled earlier were almost exhausted, with only a very small residue left, less than one-tenth of the original total amount.

Previously, the Galaxy Spirit Liquid had been poured in advance, and the soil was moist, but now the soil was tending to be dry, and the spirit liquid had also been consumed!

Unlike Ning Zhuo immediately decided: "It seems that this Spirit Hidden Willow is not easy to support. We must continue to invest in order to maintain its vitality."

Sun Lingtong also frowned: "Regular means are probably not easy to handle. Lin Shanshan is the apple of the Nascent Soul Sect Master's eye, and yet she was grounded because of this matter."

"But I believe that there must be more spirit soil and divine sand in the Ten Thousand Medicine Sect, otherwise..." ===== CHAPTER 382 =====