Chapter 414: Simply Outrageous!

For a moment, the onlookers were filled with shock and doubt.

Ning Zhuo had comprehended the technique mid-battle, learning the "Water Strike Three Thousand" from Linghu Jiu.

Yet his "Water Strike Three Thousand" was not conventional; it moved like a dragon or python, weaving continuously to perform combined strikes, forming three massive, overwhelming blows.

Shen Lingshu, unaware of the truth, lost all composure. Her eyes widened, and her heart was shaken: "I have heard of his peerless comprehension, and today I have seen it with my own eyes. Is this the Child of Tribulation? Truly extraordinary!"

Zhu Xuanji also remarked: "Ning Zhuo's comprehension is actually this powerful? No wonder he has made such progress in Wood Path techniques! He is worthy of being chosen by the Three Sects' Shangren."

Ning Jiufan, Lin Bufan, and Lin Shanshan, however, knew the truth.

This was because Ning Zhuo had informed those around him that he had received further guidance from the Five Elements God Lord under the Spirit Hidden Willow, which had elevated his realm.

Not only Sun Lingtong and Ning Jiufan, but even Linghu Jiu had not been kept in the dark.

Since Linghu Jiu knew, Lin Bufan and Lin Shanshan naturally understood as well.

Lin Bufan even stopped stroking his beard, his eyes flashing with intensity: "That brat Ning Zhuo, to what level has his Five Elements realm been elevated?"

"To be able to do this, to learn it after seeing it once... he must be at least at the Grandmaster level."

Reaching the Grandmaster realm means mastering the essential principles. Any Grandmaster-level cultivator can follow these essential principles to create various techniques and cultivation methods.

A Grandmaster is one who founds a sect or school.

Ning Zhuo's mid-battle comprehension was essentially because he had already mastered the essence of the Water Path. Seeing Linghu Jiu perform the "Water Strike Three Thousand" was like seeing a specific application of the Water Path.

He simply followed the principles to imitate this application method; it was like looking down from a high vantage point, so naturally, his success rate in imitation was extremely high.

Ning Jiufan grinned, letting out a silent laugh.

Ning Zhuo's astonishing performance brought glory to him, the ancestor of the Ning family.

"Ning Zhuo... he is reliable!"

"Grandmaster-level Five Elements realm... even I feel envious. I have cultivated until now and never reached this level, yet this brat Ning Zhuo achieved it after just a few days, through a stroke of luck."

"Where is the justice in that!"

Lin Shanshan also realized: "I understand now."

"Big Head Ning is able to discern any Five Elements technique because his Five Elements realm is too profound."

"He has mastered the principles from the inside out, so for application methods, he only needs to imitate them once or twice to be able to perform them."

"Big Brother's Wood Path and Water Path techniques—as long as he is given a little time to experiment, after a few tries, he will be able to perform them perfectly."

"Doesn't that mean he can understand any Five Elements technique diagram at a glance?"

"Doesn't that mean all the Five Elements techniques in the world could be learned by him in an instant?"

"Heavens, how old is Ning Zhuo?!"

Even with Lin Shanshan's grace, she felt intense envy, and even jealousy, at this moment.

She couldn't help but feel angry, feeling as if she had lived her life in vain, wasting so many days. But then she thought, even if she studied diligently, she couldn't reach Ning Zhuo's level.

Because the guidance of the Five Elements God Lord, the Spirit Hidden Willow, and so on, were all peerless opportunities that ordinary people could never replicate!

Realizing this, Lin Shanshan felt even angrier: "Why didn't I encounter such good things?"

Linghu Jiu was the first to recover.

He was both surprised and delighted, praising him repeatedly: "Brother Ning Zhuo, what a great realm!"

Ning Zhuo quickly said: "Brother, you flatter me. Little brother merely received the help of the sages; it is not due to my own efforts, and it is truly hard to speak of."

Who would have thought that the next moment, the laughter of the Five Elements God Lord would come: "Hahaha, what is there to be embarrassed about? Kid, you are just too humble."

"You must know that ordinary people receiving my guidance would never be able to skyrocket their Five Elements realm by this much."

"Your comprehension is rare, and you have the assistance of Immortal Talent. Given time, you will surely be able to sweep across the world, or at the very least, dominate a region!"

Hearing the Five Elements God Lord's evaluation, everyone had different expressions.

Ning Zhuo's heart skipped a beat: "Immortal Talent? My second talent, no, my original talent, is it of the supreme grade?"

Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu were not surprised, both thinking that as the Child of Tribulation, he naturally should have such achievements. If he couldn't reach this in the future, how could he handle the great tribulation of the struggle between Buddha and Demon?

Ning Jiufan was overjoyed: "Ning Zhuo's future is promising; my Ning family has produced a dragon. Future prosperity is just around the corner!"

The expressions of Lin Shanshan and Lin Bufan were much more complex.

Lin Bufan fell into deep thought. Ning Zhuo's future achievements would be so great, possessing Immortal Talent, and now at only sixteen, his Five Elements realm had reached the Grandmaster level, at least in the Water Path. Having received such guidance from the Five Elements God Lord, in time, his achievements would surely surpass his own!

Since such a person is not an enemy, how should one face him?

"My eldest disciple Linghu Jiu only has superior talent; he is lazy and straightforward by nature. Even if he inherits my Ten Thousand Medicines Gate in the future, I fear he will only be able to maintain the status quo."

"In comparison, this little brat Ning Zhuo is ambitious, highly skilled, eloquent, and acts with decisive ruthlessness."

"Kidnapping Shanshan, although it made me furious, setting aside personal feelings and thinking back, his actions were fast, accurate, and ruthless. If it were me, I would have done the same."

"If... if I married Shanshan to him, what would happen?"

Suddenly, a bold idea popped into Lin Bufan's mind.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but shift his gaze to Lin Shanshan.

Lin Shanshan's expression was also complex; her face held both joy and resentment.

Her thoughts surged, her eyes shining: "This stinky Big Head, the first time I saw him, I felt he was extraordinary. My judgment was indeed correct!"

Seeing his beloved daughter staring intently at Ning Zhuo, Lin Bufan felt a mix of emotions and firmly denied his previous thought: "No, with Shanshan's temperament and methods, if she really married Ning Zhuo, I fear she would be eaten until not even her bones remained."

"This kid Ning Zhuo is thick-skinned and black-hearted; he is definitely not a good match for Shanshan."

"On the contrary, Jiu'er is straightforward and generous, and has deep feelings for Shanshan; he will definitely not treat Shanshan poorly in the future."

Lin Bufan married, had a daughter, and took in many disciples for the sake of his own power and cultivation.

But as he said to everyone in the reception hall earlier—people change.

After spending time together, as Lin Bufan invested his energy into Lin Shanshan, Linghu Jiu, and others, his heart as a father and master gradually changed him.

He hoped more for Lin Shanshan's future to be stable.

Water Path—Azure Water Encirclement.

Ning Zhuo laughed, having successfully imitated and mastered a new technique.

Surrounded by jade-like water currents, he stepped on the water surface and performed "Water Strike Three Thousand," forcing Linghu Jiu to retreat repeatedly.

The battlefield environment that Linghu Jiu had worked hard to modify also became something Ning Zhuo could utilize.

Regarding geographical advantage, both benefited equally.

Linghu Jiu took a deep breath and immediately came up with a new tactic.

He laughed aloud: "Brother, can you imitate the next technique?"

Wind Path technique—Wind Wave Agitation!

A wild wind swept across, forming oscillating wind waves that clashed with the "Water Strike Three Thousand," crushing the Water Path attack.

Wind Path technique—Wind Lingering Storm!

Linghu Jiu charged again; wherever he went, the wind was extremely sharp, and the high-spirited water currents fell powerlessly one after another, collapsing into nothing.

Ning Zhuo gritted his teeth, but he couldn't see through it.

Wind Path, Lightning Path, Ice Path, Magnetic Path, etc., although closely related to the Five Elements, strictly speaking, are not within the Five Elements.

Wind Path technique—A Generation of Wind and Flow.

Eight Directions Sword Art—Upper Direction Sword.

Linghu Jiu held a sharp sword, looking dashing and unrestrained; the sword light was like water and wind, and he was actually able to use the technique to merge with his sword art, unleashing an offensive far exceeding the previous one—Upper Wind Sword!

Even with the Blood-Stained Tendon Demon Art, Azure Water Encirclement, and other defenses, Ning Zhuo did not dare to face its edge and retreated repeatedly.

Linghu Jiu took advantage of the momentum to pursue, the wild wind following his voice, blowing stronger and stronger.

Ning Zhuo secretly called it a disaster, realizing his previous move was a mistake. Linghu Jiu's offensive was smooth and unstoppable; the more it gained the upper hand, the stronger it became.

The best strategy was to suppress it when it was just budding and hadn't gained momentum yet.

At this very moment, relying solely on Ning Zhuo's techniques, it was truly difficult to stop it, only...

The next moment, Ning Zhuo decisively released his mechanical creations.

Floating mechanisms, some with arms, some with legs, up to thirty pieces.

Ning Zhuo's ten fingers spread slightly, moving frequently, sometimes pulling, sometimes stretching, sometimes curling.

The thirty mechanical creations were divided into three waves, charging at Linghu Jiu one after another.

The Upper Wind Sword slashed at the mechanical creations, immediately causing damage, but it wasn't serious. Ning Zhuo had used quite solid materials for them, all adopting Foundation Establishment-level materials.

Frost Fist.

Old Cold Leg.

Suffering Body!

Especially the last one, which made the damaged mechanisms become even more formidable.

Linghu Jiu was forced to turn from offense to defense; the long sword in his hand danced with brilliant sword light, firmly guarding all directions.

And around him, thirty mechanical fists and feet attacked in turns, one punch after another, cooperating tacitly to form a continuous offensive, leaving Linghu Jiu exhausted from defending.

Seeing the battle situation overturned again, the onlookers all had slight changes in their expressions.

Many people asked themselves, how did their Foundation Establishment level compare to Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu? Where would they have such endless means!

Ning Zhuo launched an offensive, decisively adding to the pressure.

While controlling the mechanical creations, he urged his techniques.

"Earth veins lurking, mysterious roots deep, vines entwining, all things imprisoned. Rise!"

Roots and vines appeared out of thin air, entangling Linghu Jiu; even if it was only for a few moments, it created a flaw, enough for the mechanical creations to punch and kick.

"Pine wind whistling, emerald waves surging, forest sea churning, overturning the earth. Swing!"

The emerald light was like a tide, washing Linghu Jiu over. The mechanical fists and feet followed like shadows, beating him continuously.

"Ancient trees towering, tree world vast, heaven and earth changing color, spirit roots descending. Arrive!"

The ancient tree forest appeared again, countless branches, leaves, and vine roots cooperated with the mechanical fists and feet, forcing Linghu Jiu into a corner.

Linghu Jiu's injuries became heavier and heavier; not only was he beaten black and blue, but his body was also covered with frost, his combat power declined significantly, and he was already on the verge of defeat!

Lin Bufan and Lin Shanshan's expressions changed slightly.

Ning Zhuo's combat power was definitely enough to reach the top of the Small Struggle Peak. Even the highest-ranked Lai Wuying and Zheng Xingchen would have difficulty blocking such an offensive tide.

Ning Jiufan stroked his beard and smiled.

Linghu Jiu let out a soft whistle, and at the critical moment of victory or defeat, he finally unleashed his trump card!

He waved his long sword, soft and fluttering.

The sword intent drifted out, illusory and ethereal, as if it were there and yet not, as if life were a dream, real yet unreal.

Lonely Sword Classic—River Moon Like a Dream.

Life is like a dream, a cup of wine poured to the river moon... Ning Zhuo saw an illusion in an instant; Linghu Jiu was sitting in a lonely boat, raising a cup to invite the moon shadow in the river.

By the time Ning Zhuo reacted, he had already been hit!

More than half of the thirty mechanical fists and feet fell apart, and countless roots and vines were on their last breath, unable to sprout.

Linghu Jiu broke the siege in one move.

He rushed toward Ning Zhuo, and halfway there, the long sword in his hand aimed directly at Ning Zhuo!

At this moment, the battlefield was deep water surrounding ancient trees, and Ning Zhuo was hidden in the tree canopy.

Seeing Linghu Jiu stabbing over, Ning Zhuo naturally wouldn't wait in place.

He performed the Wood Path technique "Fragrant Flower Lost Track," teleporting away instantly.

Who would have thought that Linghu Jiu had planned it long ago; his posture hadn't changed at all, and he took advantage of the situation to perform the second move.

Lonely Sword Classic—Snow Clearing Lonely Boat!

He merged with the sword, like a boat traveling in a sea of snow, every move turning. Like a lonely boat on the river, fearless of waves!

Fishing alone in the cold river, the heart is like a lonely boat...

Lonely and firm.

Illusions appeared before Ning Zhuo's eyes again; he saw cold snow drifting, Linghu Jiu fishing alone in a lonely boat in the river, occasionally taking a sip of cold wine from a gourd.

When he opened his eyes to look, he saw a sharp sword light magnifying before his eyes.

Linghu Jiu's sword move ignored the teleportation and locked onto Ning Zhuo directly!

In an instant, Ning Zhuo's pupils constricted, his heart's alarm bells rang wildly, and he felt a strong threat.

"Dasheng, protect me!"

He patted his belt and released a Golden Core-level mechanical ape.

Heavy-Duty Blood Ape · Dasheng!

Yuan Dasheng's body was burly, like a city gate, directly blocking Linghu Jiu's path forward.

Linghu Jiu's sword move hit Yuan Dasheng's body, creating a shallow sword mark. Yuan Dasheng howled, shook his arms, and bravely rushed toward Linghu Jiu, wanting to hug him.

Wood Path—Empty Bamboo Shadow.

Linghu Jiu's phantom was hugged, and his true body bypassed Yuan Dasheng, continuing to rush toward Ning Zhuo.

Lonely Sword Classic—Lonely Snow at the End of the World!

Linghu Jiu unleashed a sword, the sword light scattered, turning into drifting white snow, ethereal and boundless, lonely and bone-chilling.

Loneliness and coldness, and even the despair of a heart like dead ashes filled Ning Zhuo's soul.

Ning Zhuo snorted coldly; forced into a desperate situation, he resolutely took out the Great Snake Sickle!

This was a Night Rain Demon Weapon!

Zhu Xuanji's expression changed suddenly.

This mechanical sickle had left a deep impression on him.

"Disaster! It's Lonely Snow at the End of the World!" Lin Shanshan suddenly jumped down and intervened in the battle.

"Big Brother's move hasn't been practiced to maturity, he can't control it freely, but this move is extremely powerful and will endanger Ning Zhuo's life!"

Holding intense worry, Lin Shanshan, in her urgency, didn't think much and landed between Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu, trying her best to stop them.

"Little Junior Sister!" Linghu Jiu was shocked and hurriedly changed his move.

"This?!" Seeing Lin Shanshan with her back to him, completely defenseless, Ning Zhuo had already swung the Great Snake Sickle with all his might and could only deflect the direction with all his strength.

Boom!

A purple sickle-shaped blade light flew out, shooting into an empty space on the battlefield, leaving a purple blade mark that remained for a long time.

Linghu Jiu's sword light bypassed Lin Shanshan and stopped at Ning Zhuo's throat, turning back into a sharp sword.

The three of them froze.

Ning Zhuo stared at the sword tip under his chin, his voice dry: "I lost."

Linghu Jiu, however, looked at the purple blade mark that still hadn't dissipated, a look of shock in his eyes, and slowly put away his long sword: "No, I lost."

The Five Elements God Lord appeared voluntarily; he stared intently at the purple blade mark, moved: "What kind of means is this?"

As a Dharma body, he possessed Void Refinement-level combat power; the purple blade mark was like a tiny raindrop to him, not worth mentioning. What moved him was the essence contained within the purple blade mark!

Lin Bufan's expression also became dull; from the moment Ning Zhuo swung his blade with all his might, he felt a power that could threaten him.

A mere Foundation Establishment early stage, actually able to threaten the Nascent Soul level!?

Simply outrageous!