Chapter 414: Simply outrageous!

For a moment, everyone watching the battle was filled with shock and doubt.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had gained enlightenment in the heat of battle, learning the spell "Water Strike Three Thousand" from Linghu Jiu.

Yet his "Water Strike Three Thousand" was not the conventional version; instead, it moved like a dragon or a python, weaving continuously to perform a coordinated strike, forming three massive waves of impact.

Shen Lingshu, unaware of the truth, lost his composed and calm demeanor. His eyes widened, and his heart was shaken: "The rumors of his peerless comprehension—I have finally seen it with my own eyes today. Is this the Child of Tribulation? Truly extraordinary!"

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

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

This was because Unlike Ning Zhuo had informed those around him of the fact that he had received further guidance from the Five Elements God Lord beneath the Spirit Hidden Willow, and that his realm had been elevated.

It wasn't just Sun Lingtong and Ning Jiufan; even Linghu Jiu had not been kept in the dark.

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

Lin Bufan's hand, which had been stroking his beard, froze, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "That brat Unlike Ning Zhuo, to what level has his Five Elements realm actually been elevated?"

"To be able to achieve this level, learning it after just one look... he is at least at the Grandmaster level."

Reaching the Grandmaster realm meant one had grasped the essential principles. Any cultivator at the Grandmaster level could follow these essential principles to create all sorts of spells and cultivation techniques.

A Grandmaster is one who founds a sect.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's enlightenment in the heat of battle at this moment was essentially because he had long since grasped the essential principles of the Water element; seeing Linghu Jiu perform the "Water Strike Three Thousand" technique was like seeing a specific application of the Water element.

He followed the principles and imitated this method of application; 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.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's astonishing performance brought great honor to him, the ancestor of the Ning family.

"Unlike Ning Zhuo... he is reliable after all!"

"A Grandmaster-level Five Elements realm... even I feel envious. I haven't reached this level even after cultivating until now, yet that brat Unlike Ning Zhuo achieved it after just a few days, through a stroke of luck."

"Where is the justice in that!"

Lin Lin Shanshan also realized: "I understand now."

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

"He masters it from the inside out; he already grasps the principles, so for the application methods, he only needs to imitate them once or twice to replicate them."

"As long as he is given a little time to practice and correct his mistakes, he will be able to perform Big Brother's Wood and Water element spells just like the real thing after a few tries."

"Doesn't that mean he could understand any Five Elements enlightenment diagram at a single glance?"

"Doesn't that mean he could learn all the Five Elements spells in the world in an instant?"

"Heavens, how old is Unlike Ning Zhuo even?!"

Even with Lin Lin Shanshan's broad-mindedness, 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 too many days. But then she thought, even if she practiced diligently, she could never reach Unlike 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 Lin Shanshan felt even angrier: "Why didn't I encounter such good fortune?"

Linghu Jiu was the first to accept it.

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

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

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

"You must know that ordinary people receiving my guidance could never elevate their Five Elements realm by this much."

"Your comprehension is rare, and you have the assistance of immortal aptitude. In 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's expressions varied.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's heart skipped a beat: "Immortal aptitude? Is my second aptitude—no, my original aptitude—top-grade?" 【440】 Zhu Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu were not surprised, both thinking that as the Child of Tribulation, it was natural for him to have such achievements. If he couldn't reach this in the future, how could he face the great tribulation of the struggle between Buddha and Demon?

Zhu Zhu Xuanji and Shen Lingshu were neither surprised; both thought that as a dignified Son of Tribulation, it was only natural for him to have such achievements. If he could not reach this level in the future, how could he possibly handle the great tribulation of the struggle between Buddha and Demon?

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

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

Lin Bufan fell into deep thought. Unlike Ning Zhuo's future achievements would be so immense, possessing immortal aptitude, and he was only sixteen this year, with his Five Elements realm—at least the Water element—reaching the Grandmaster level. Having received such guidance from the Five Elements God Lord, his future 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 aptitude; he is lazy and straightforward by nature. Even if he inherits my Myriad Medicine Gate in the future, I fear he will only be able to maintain the status quo."

"By comparison, that little brat Unlike Ning Zhuo is ambitious, possesses brilliant methods, has a silver tongue, and is decisive and ruthless when he strikes."

"Kidnapping Lin Shanshan, while it made me furious, if I put aside personal feelings and look back, his strike was fast, accurate, and ruthless. If it were me, I would have done the same."

"If... if I were to marry Lin 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 Lin Shanshan.

Lin Lin Shanshan's expression was also complex, her face showing 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 Unlike Ning Zhuo, Lin Bufan felt a mix of emotions, and he decisively rejected his previous idea: "No, with Lin Shanshan's temperament and methods, if she were to marry Unlike Ning Zhuo, I fear she would be eaten until not even her bones remained."

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

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

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

But just as he had said to everyone in the reception hall before—people change.

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

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

Water element—Clear Water Surrounding.

Unlike Ning Zhuo laughed, having successfully imitated it again, mastering a new spell.

With clear, jade-like water flowing around him, 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 painstakingly modified also became something Unlike Ning Zhuo could utilize.

Regarding the geographical advantage, both benefited equally.

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

He laughed aloud: "Brother, can you imitate the next spell as well?"

Wind-element spell—Wind Wave Turbulence!

A gale swept through, forming turbulent waves that clashed with "Water Strike Three Thousand," crushing the Water-element attack.

Wind-element spell—Wind Lingering Storm!

Linghu Jiu charged over again; wherever he went, the wind was extremely fierce, and the surging water flow fell powerlessly one after another, collapsing into nothingness.

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

Wind, Lightning, Ice, Magnetic, and so on, while closely related to the Five Elements, strictly speaking, were not within the Five Elements.

Wind-element spell—A Generation of Wind.

Eight Directions Sword Art—Upper Wind 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 spell to fuse with his sword art, unleashing an attack far exceeding the previous one—Upper Wind Sword!

Even with the Blood-Stained Tendon Demon Art and Clear Water Surrounding protecting him, Unlike Ning Zhuo did not dare to face its edge and retreated repeatedly.

Linghu Jiu seized the opportunity to pursue, the gale following his voice, blowing stronger and stronger.

Unlike Ning Zhuo cursed inwardly, realizing his previous move was a mistake. Linghu Jiu's attack was like this—once it started smoothly, it would only get stronger the more it gained the upper hand.

The best strategy was to suppress it while it was still budding, before it could gain momentum.

At this very moment, relying solely on Unlike Ning Zhuo's spell methods, it was truly hard to stop it; the only way was...

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

Floating mechanisms, some with arms, some with legs, totaling thirty pieces.

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

The thirty mechanical creations 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 severe. Unlike 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 switch from offense to defense, his long sword dancing out brilliant sword light, firmly guarding all directions.

And around him, the thirty mechanical fists and legs, one punch here, one kick there, took turns attacking, cooperating tacitly to form a continuous offensive, leaving Linghu Jiu exhausted from defending.

Seeing the battle situation overturned again, everyone watching the battle had their expressions shift slightly.

Many asked themselves, how did they compare to Unlike Ning Zhuo and Linghu Jiu at the Foundation Establishment level? Where would they have such endless methods!

Unlike Ning Zhuo launched his offensive, decisively increasing the stakes.

While controlling the mechanical creations, he cast a spell.

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

Roots and vines emerged from 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 him.

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

The emerald brilliance was like a tide, washing Linghu Jiu over. The mechanical fists and legs followed like a shadow, beating him continuously.

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

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

Linghu Jiu's injuries were becoming increasingly severe; not only was he beaten black and blue, but he was also covered in frost, his combat power declining severely, already on the verge of defeat!

Lin Bufan and Lin Lin Shanshan's expressions changed slightly.

Unlike 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 find it hard to withstand such a wave of attacks.

Ning Jiufan stroked his beard and smiled.

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

He waved his long sword, floating and soft.

The sword intent drifted out, illusory and ethereal, as if it existed and yet didn't, as if life were but 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... Unlike Ning Zhuo saw an illusion in an instant: Linghu Jiu sitting in a lonely boat, raising a cup to invite the moon's shadow in the river.

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

Thirty mechanical fists and legs fell apart, countless roots and vines were on their last breath, unable to sprout.

With one move, Linghu Jiu broke the heavy siege.

He charged at Unlike Ning Zhuo, and halfway there, his long sword pointed straight at Unlike Ning Zhuo!

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

Seeing Linghu Jiu charging to assassinate him, Unlike Ning Zhuo naturally wouldn't wait in place.

He cast the Wood-element spell Fragrant Flower Lost Track, teleporting away instantly.

Who would have thought Linghu Jiu had planned it long ago; his posture hadn't changed in the slightest, and he followed up with a second move.

Lonely Sword Classic—Snow Clearing Lonely Boat!

He and the sword became one, like a boat traveling on a sea of snow, every move turning. Like a lonely boat on the river, fearing no waves!

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

Lonely and firm.

The illusion appeared before Unlike Ning Zhuo's eyes again; he saw cold snow drifting, Linghu Jiu fishing alone in a lonely boat on 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, locking directly onto Unlike Ning Zhuo!

In an instant, Unlike Ning Zhuo's pupils constricted, the alarm bell in his heart ringing wildly, feeling a strong threat.

"Yuan Dasheng, protect me!"

He slapped his belt, releasing a Golden Core-level mechanical ape.

Heavy-duty Blood Ape—Yuan Dasheng!

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

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

Wood element—Empty Bamboo Shadow.

Linghu Jiu's phantom was hugged, while his true body bypassed Yuan Yuan Dasheng and continued to charge at Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Lonely Sword Classic—End of the World Lonely Snow!

Linghu Jiu unleashed a sword, the sword light scattering, 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 Unlike Ning Zhuo's soul.

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

This was a Night Rain Demon Weapon!

Zhu Zhu Xuanji's expression changed abruptly.

This mechanical sickle had left a deep impression on him.

"Oh no! It's End of the World Lonely Snow!" Lin Lin Shanshan suddenly leaped down, intervening in the battle.

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

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

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

"This?!" Seeing Lin Lin Shanshan with her back to him, completely undefended, Unlike Ning Zhuo, who had already swung the Great Snake Sickle with all his might, 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 lingered for a long time.

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

The three froze.

Unlike 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 sheathed his long sword: "No, I lost."

The Five Elements God Lord appeared voluntarily, staring intently at the purple blade mark, moved: "What kind of method is this?"

As a Dharma body, he possessed combat power at the Void Refinement level; 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 went blank; from the moment Unlike Ning Zhuo swung the blade with all his might, he felt a power that could threaten him.

A mere early Foundation Establishment cultivator, actually able to threaten a Nascent Soul level!?

Simply outrageous!