The Five Elements Heart Shrine!

This was Ning Zhuo’s move, employing one of the Five Viscera Spirit God Arts to resolve the trouble in Gongsun Yan’s spiritual sea.

All the anger and agitation in Gongsun Yan’s spiritual sea originated from the heart fire, bearing the elemental characteristic of Fire. The Five Elements Heart Shrine transformed the heart into a shrine, allowing Ning Zhuo’s divine sense to inhabit a statue within it, thereby increasing his control over the element of Fire and making him its master!

To place oneself above the element of Fire and manipulate it at will is to place one’s personal will above the principles of heaven and earth. It’s no wonder the Five Elements God Lord earned the enmity of heaven and earth because of this cultivation method. As a result, his attempts to pass down his cultivation method were always futile, almost impossible to propagate, until he met Ning Zhuo.

When Ning Zhuo used this divine art, he gained complete control over the Fire element within his own body.

Now, using it on Gongsun Yan, he naturally gained complete control over all things related to the Fire element within Gongsun Yan.

All the anger, agitation, and other emotions were swept away directly by Ning Zhuo using the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction, absorbed into his own Five Elements Heart Shrine.

Then, they were severely suppressed by the statue within the Heart Shrine, unable to cause even a ripple.

Compared to Gongsun Yan, Ning Zhuo’s soul, spiritual sea, and mental faculties were far superior. It was hard to imagine such a huge gap between two cultivators of the same Foundation Establishment level.

This was originally part of Ning Zhuo’s treatment plan, but a small accident occurred when Ning Zhuo reached this stage of manipulation.

Innate Talent — The True Self!

Ning Zhuo’s third innate talent was suddenly triggered. A mysterious power instantly swept through the Five Elements Heart Shrine, annihilating all anger, agitation, and other emotions!

Ning Zhuo was secretly surprised, then a wave of joy surged within him.

He had originally intended to suppress them first, then use other methods to eliminate these external emotions. He hadn’t expected to trigger his third innate talent, which instantly resolved this internal hidden danger.

Ning Zhuo thought for a moment and immediately understood some things: “These angers and agitations are all Gongsun Yan’s, they are external, not mine.”

“So, under the emphasis of the True Self innate talent, these external elements were all eliminated. This is because they are not mine; they are external influences on me!”

“Does this mean that if various external means of influencing the mind are applied to me, they will directly trigger the True Self innate talent, greatly reducing their effectiveness, or even rendering them completely ineffective?”

This was undoubtedly a small, unexpected surprise for Ning Zhuo.

Although Ning Zhuo had acquired this innate talent, it was by accident, and he truly didn’t know much about the True Self innate talent.

Of course, he wanted to know more, but didn’t he lack the time?

For him, there were many more important matters. When he led the Qingjiao Army back from the Underworld to the Yang Realm, he was faced with a series of urgent matters that required his immediate attention.

For example, quickly reaching a new modus vivendi with the Baizhi City Lord to maintain the Qingjiao Army’s position in the Yinchao Heishi Swamp.

Another example was to seize time and quickly rush to the Wanxiang Sect to participate in the Feiyun Grand Assembly.

And yet another was to secretly infiltrate the Shuyuzhai to retrieve Meng Yaoyin’s various relics from before her death, providing the most solid material foundation for the healing of the Buddhist Doctor, Meng Yaoyin.

After accomplishing these, Ning Zhuo also found an opportunity to advance his Qihai cultivation by one level.

After mastering his second Natal Spell, his first choice was naturally to refine a Natal Artifact. After all, this path would lead to a significant increase in strength.

However, researching innate talents was not the same. Ning Zhuo truly didn’t know much about the True Self innate talent. The benefits here were not obvious, so it was naturally not something to prioritize.

“My mysterious innate talent, which the Five Elements God Lord warned me about before, I’ll just skip for now.”

“But the True Self innate talent and the Early Wisdom innate talent can both be researched. It’s just that the timing isn’t right now.”

If innate talents are developed properly, they can transform into divine abilities, greatly increasing their power.

The divine ability, “Human Life Hanging by a Thread,” which Ning Zhuo mastered, played a huge role in all aspects of his cultivation and combat.

“Speaking of which, I have a second divine ability, ‘Stone-Cast Earth Treasure,’ but it doesn’t have much use.”

There was nothing he could do about it.

The latter was clearly a means for management.

Although the effect of Stone-Cast Earth Treasure could qualitatively change the target item, the entire process was too slow and could not be demonstrated in combat.

It could be seen as a more powerful, comprehensive, and portable Shuyuting.

Ning Zhuo saw Gongsun Yan’s burning gaze fixed on the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction in his hand and couldn’t help but smile slightly: “Do you want it?”

Gongsun Yan was truly too eager and nodded subconsciously.

As soon as he made this gesture, he regretted it, startled, knowing that he had been severely manipulated by Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo gently fanned himself: “I cannot give this to you.”

This was a Natal Artifact, engraved with the talismanic imprint of his Natal Spell.

If it fell into the hands of others, they could study this talismanic imprint, gaining a deeper understanding of Ning Zhuo’s Natal Spell, and thereby comprehending a part of the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Art.

The Natal Spell is the essence of a cultivation method; understanding the Natal Spell is understanding the essence of a cultivation method.

Gongsun Yan was rejected, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and he immediately felt a hint of mockery in Ning Zhuo’s smile.

He snorted, trying to appear strong, but ended up saying: “How can I obtain this treasure?”

Don’t blame him for being so humble; the main reason was that the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction was truly too helpful to Gongsun Yan!

The Innate Talent “Melting Heart” was something ordinary people envied and couldn’t obtain for Gongsun Yan. But for Gongsun Yan, it was also a heavy burden.

He had suffered countless times from heart fire and cultivation deviation, and a great deal of his energy and time throughout his cultivation process was invested in this.

But relying solely on Gongsun Yan himself, he still couldn’t properly deal with this drawback.

Therefore, he had to rely on the Lin family, relying on the Lin family’s “Thunderstruck Wood · Springborn,” to alleviate the after-effects of the heart fire.

But it only alleviated it, far from being as effective as the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction!

Ning Zhuo sighed, sensing the longing of a long-suffering person for self-healing. The smile on his face receded a little, and he honestly said to Gongsun Yan: “This is my Natal Artifact, and I truly cannot transfer it.”

Gongsun Yan paused, then showed an understanding expression: “I understand. You want me to pledge allegiance to you!”

Ning Zhuo: ?!

Although he had some information about Gongsun Yan, it was all from Shen Xi’s flying letter.

His secret infiltration this time was to resolve the trouble caused by Lin Jinglong. He only intended to privately display his strength and had not considered poaching.

Gongsun Yan saw Ning Zhuo’s silence and thought he had guessed his thoughts.

This was quite common for Gongsun Yan.

Because he had exposed his innate talent, “Melting Heart,” and his main cultivation was in artifact refining, he had always been widely sought after. Many individuals and forces had approached him, wanting him to join them.

Gongsun Yan said, “I signed a contract with the Lin family. Although I have personal freedom and can terminate it at any time, it stipulates a hefty penalty for breach of contract.”

Ning Zhuo: ?!

Gongsun Yan saw Ning Zhuo not speaking: “It’s fine, I’ll pay the penalty. It’s just that I’m short on money right now, so I can only use artifacts, or even magic treasures, that I’ll create in the future as collateral.”

“You can pay me first.”

Ning Zhuo: ?!

Gongsun Yan immediately frowned: “You still want to tear up the contract directly?”

“It’s not impossible, after all, it’s not a high-grade contract.”

“But is doing so good for you?”

“The Lin family is very powerful. Offending such a major force casually is not conducive to cultivation. You never know what might happen in the future; we might run into Lin family cultivators someday.”

“Furthermore, Young Master, you are new here. If you casually destroy others’ contracts, such behavior goes against the righteous path. How would others view you, Young Master?”

“They wouldn’t have a good impression of you, and it would create more suspicion. This is very detrimental to you, Young Master, in establishing a foothold in the Wanxiang Sect.”

Ning Zhuo looked at Gongsun Yan, somewhat speechless.

He had miscalculated Gongsun Yan’s temperament and his personal desire to be cured!

But Ning Zhuo couldn’t be blamed, as his information on Gongsun Yan only came from Shen Xi’s flying letter.

Ning Zhuo had not anticipated that with just a gesture of goodwill and a show of strength, before he even spoke, Gongsun Yan had already rapidly completed his own identity transformation through his self-answers.

Ning Zhuo shook his mechanical fan: “If Fellow Daoist Gongsun is willing to pledge allegiance, I would of course be very welcoming.”

“Please allow me—” Gongsun Yan exerted a little force and struggled.

Sun Lingtong, who was standing behind him and controlling him, loosened his grip accordingly.

Gongsun Yan knelt on one knee, cupped his fists, and bowed his head to Ning Zhuo: “Gongsun Yan greets Young Master!”

“No need, no need,” Ning Zhuo said with a smile, immediately helping Gongsun Yan to his feet.

A moment later.

Gongsun Yan arrived at Lin Jinglong’s cave abode and stated his intention to visit to the guarding cultivator.

Gongsun Yan held a high position and was highly respected by the Lin family, so he immediately received an audience with Lin Jinglong.

Lin Jinglong looked at Gongsun Yan with a smile, inviting him to sit down and have tea: “Brother Gongsun, what brings you here? Please speak freely. If I can help, I will spare no effort.”

Gongsun Yan nodded: “I do indeed need your help, Young Master Lin.”

Lin Jinglong quickly waved his hand: “Brother Gongsun can just call me Jinglong. This isn’t outside. It’s just the two of us here. How can I help you?”

Gongsun Yan took out a Ghost Dao Golden Core: “This item is enough to offset my compensation to the Lin family for breaking the contract.”

Lin Jinglong: —·

After a moment of silence, Lin Jinglong reacted, showing surprise and doubt, and subconsciously stood up.

He stared at Gongsun Yan: “Brother Gongsun, did I do something wrong? That makes you want to leave me?”

Gongsun Yan spoke frankly: “I just found someone more worthy of following.”

“Who is it?” Lin Jinglong pressed, then his gaze fixed on the Ghost Dao Golden Core, suddenly recalling the Ghost Dao Golden Core that Shen Xi had shown to Situ Xing.

“Could it be?!” Lin Jinglong was immediately filled with a strong sense of unease, yet with a glimmer of hopeful expectation, he gazed intently at Gongsun Yan.

Gongsun Yan nodded, uttering words that made Lin Jinglong’s vision go dark: “Young Master Lin must have already guessed. Yes, the one who recruited me is Young Master Ning Zhuo.”

Lin Jinglong felt it was inconceivable!

Shen Xi’s guess was correct; in Lin Jinglong’s original plan, one of the subordinates tasked with dealing with Ning Zhuo was Gongsun Yan.

Yet, before Lin Jinglong even met Ning Zhuo himself, one of his most capable subordinates had defected so readily?

Is this right?

You two are clearly opponents!

“What a tactic, Ning Zhuo, isn’t it? Truly a great tactic!” Lin Jinglong gritted his teeth, furious.

This was practically a blatant slap in the face.

His subordinate suddenly defected. How would outsiders view Lin Jinglong? Even the entire Lin family would be implicated and severely underestimated—easily having their corner dug out by their opponent, meaning the Lin family couldn’t retain talent!

Lin Jinglong looked at Gongsun Yan, forcing down his anger, and asked, “Brother Gongsun, what price did that Ning Zhuo offer to make you switch sides? My Lin family isn’t poor, and we’ve never treated you unfairly.”

Gongsun Yan shook his head: “I don’t wish to elaborate on the details. As for the issue of unfair treatment, I have also refined many exquisite artifacts for the Lin family and completely fulfilled the contract, so I have not treated the Lin family unfairly either.”

Lin Jinglong could only grit his teeth: “That is indeed true, but Brother Gongsun—”

Lin Jinglong was interrupted by Gongsun Yan’s action.

Gongsun Yan took out a flying letter and handed it to Lin Jinglong: “This is Young Master Ning Zhuo’s tactic.”

Lin Jinglong opened the letter and read it, his anger increasing: “Good, good, good, I was just about to settle accounts with you. But you came knocking on my door, inviting me to a secret sparring match. Hehehe, do you really think I, a proud son of the Lin family, am so easily bullied?”

Yes, that’s how easily he was bullied.

Lin Jinglong, fueled by anger, repeatedly cast Wood-element spells, but they couldn’t even get close to Ning Zhuo.

The wind from the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction covered the entire sparring arena.

Lin Jinglong summoned thunder from the Earth Wood, striking at Ning Zhuo, but it was all in vain.

Defensive magical treasures flew out from Ning Zhuo’s body, easily deflecting the attacks.

The quality of the defensive magical treasures sent a chill down Lin Jinglong’s spine. After fruitless attempts, he was further pressured by the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction, forced to the very corner of the sparring arena.

Just as Lin Jinglong was about to lose, Ning Zhuo closed his mechanical treasure fan and looked at Lin Jinglong with a smile: “Fellow Daoist Lin Jinglong, how about we call this battle a draw?”

Lin Jinglong gritted his teeth and sneered: “Alright.”

He then took out the contract and, in front of Gongsun Yan outside the arena, handed it directly to Ning Zhuo.

This was also Ning Zhuo’s pretext for challenging him.

Ning Zhuo then called Gongsun Yan over and immediately handed the contract to him. After examining it, Gongsun Yan, without hesitation, burned it.

Since he had already paid the penalty for breach of contract, he did not suffer any backlash.

“Farewell.” Lin Jinglong did not want to stay a moment longer.

“Wait a moment,” Ning Zhuo said, stopping him, with sincere expression on his face, “Brother Lin, your family’s cultivation method is indeed extraordinary. The spring thunder you unleashed was incredibly swift. Fortunately, I happened to possess a defensive artifact.”

Lin Jinglong reluctantly nodded: “That’s true.”

What Ning Zhuo displayed was either the Five Elements Fan of Creation and Destruction or a defensive artifact, which made Lin Jinglong marvel at his wealth, but also unconsciously lowered his evaluation of Ning Zhuo’s personal combat prowess.

Ning Zhuo immediately expressed his desire to host a banquet for Lin Jinglong to continue their exchange, hoping to turn an enemy into a friend.

The phrase “turn an enemy into a friend” immediately moved Lin Jinglong.

He was a son of a prominent family, had received much education since childhood, and possessed a broader perspective than his peers, with the demeanor of a great family.

To this day, Lin Jinglong still didn’t know how high a price Ning Zhuo had actually paid to poach his Lin family’s talent.

“Alright,” Lin Jinglong forced a smile and agreed to Ning Zhuo’s banquet.

Not long after.

At Yu Heya’s cave abode, Lin Jinglong and Ning Zhuo were both honored guests.

Ning Zhuo shared his views on the Wood element. After hearing the first three sentences, Lin Jinglong’s expression changed dramatically.

After listening for a while longer, he quickly adopted a humble and inquisitive attitude.

When Shen Xi and Su Lingkou were invited to join the banquet, they saw Ning Zhuo and the others conversing animatedly and enjoying themselves.

Cousins looked at each other. Why did this scene feel so familiar?

Ning Zhuo took the initiative to greet them: “Brother Shen has arrived, please take a seat quickly.”

“I don’t like conflict; I like resolving it.”

“This time, I invited the two of you to resolve your differences. Let’s all communicate and progress together.”

Before Shen Xi could respond, Lin Jinglong already nodded: “Indeed, indeed.”

Su Lingkou showed a wary expression, worried that Lin Jinglong and Ning Zhuo had already reached some kind of secret agreement: “Then what about the ranking of our peaks?”

Ning Zhuo: “That’s easy, how about we play rock-paper-scissors?”

Su Lingkou chuckled: “How can it be so casual?”

As a result, Lin Jinglong clapped his hands and laughed: “Brother Ning’s suggestion is excellent!”

Shen Xi came to his senses: “It truly is an excellent suggestion.”

Su Lingkou: ?!