Chapter 154: The Effect of the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique

Chapter 154: The Effect of the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique

Jiang Ning stepped out of the house and into the courtyard, gazing up at the sky.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, a grayish hue with the morning sun yet to rise.

The air was filled with moisture from the lake's surface.

Dewdrops now adorned the bamboo leaves in the courtyard.

The next moment, Jiang Ning leaped, swiftly vaulting over the wall.

With a few jumps, he reached a massive rock on the Chaos Beach.

The lake's surface was hazy, shrouded in mist, making visibility poor.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning nodded in satisfaction.

"No one around, perfect timing!"

Instantly, he stretched out his five fingers towards the lake's surface.

"Arise, clouds!"

In that instant, the two words he spoke seemed to echo from the heavens.

Above the lake, clouds surged and billowed.

If someone looked up at the sky, they would see, even higher in the sky, clouds rapidly gathering from all directions.

The clouds condensed into a thick gray mass, gradually darkening into a black cloud.

A moment later—

Crack!

A thunderbolt pierced the sky, startling roosters and dogs into a chorus of cries.

This thunderclap woke many residents around Luo Water from their slumber.

Crack!

Another thunderbolt tore through the sky as the clouds collided.

Some onlookers, seeing the distant dark clouds, gaped in awe.

Fishermen hurried out of their homes, gazing at the sky with a mix of astonishment and worry.

They were astonished because, after months without rain, the first cloudburst was descending upon Luo Water Lake.

Their worry stemmed from the fact that stormy weather was not conducive to fishing at sea.

In such conditions, a giant wave could easily sweep someone into the lake's depths, leading to a watery grave.

Even the best swimmers would struggle against such fierce weather.

How could human strength rival nature's might?

Meanwhile, Jiang Ning was aware that such a spectacle would draw attention.

After all, with thunderclaps echoing, anyone would notice the anomaly above the lake.

Gazing at the rolling black clouds overhead, Jiang Ning was secretly amazed.

This was his first attempt, and it had already impressed him with the power of this technique.

Initially, he thought it would be challenging to execute the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique.

But after this trial, he realized that it seemed as natural to him as an innate ability, a talent.

Executing the technique required only a small expenditure of his spiritual power to manipulate the clouds' gathering.

From his physical state, it appeared that using the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique left him feeling slightly dazed and lethargic, a decline from his previously energized state.

Aside from this, there were no other adverse effects.

At this moment, the clouds above had fully converged into a solid mass.

As the clouds collided, thunder rumbled intermittently, and lightning flashed across the sky.

No one could have guessed that this menacing weather was caused by a mere Eighth Stage Divine Strength Realm junior.

Jiang Ning gazed upwards.

The gathered clouds were fully visible, covering approximately half the area of Luo Water County's town.

"A bit small, but it'll do!" Jiang Ning nodded.

His initial intention in testing the Cloud and Rain Summoning Technique was to create an environment conducive to his recovery.

In the water, he could receive a comprehensive boost to his physical state.

And in the heavy rain, his water manipulation abilities would be further enhanced.

The rain served as an extension of his senses.

On land, his water manipulation technique was less effective, lacking the element of surprise it had underwater.

But in the downpour, things were different.

The falling rain became a weapon in his hands.

The next moment—

As Jiang Ning's mind shifted, a torrential rain poured down, striking the lake's surface and creating ripples.

The once calm lake now churned with growing waves due to the unexpected downpour.

Feeling the rain on his body, enhancing his physical state.

"Not bad!"

"About thirty percent of the effect I get in the water!"

Jiang Ning nodded in satisfaction, feeling the impact of the thirty percent effectiveness on his body.

And in the rain, his water manipulation skills were at its peak.

With a thought, the rain around him condensed into thin water needles, swirling around him like spirit fish.

Go!

Jiang Ning waved his hand, and the dense water needles shot towards the nearby rocks like a downpour.

Clack, clack, clack—

The rocks shattered, instantly turning into a pockmarked surface full of pits and craters.

Not bad!

Jiang Ning nodded in satisfaction.

He was pleased with the impact of the water needles.

Being able to shatter the surface of the rocks meant that the water needles he manipulated with his Water Proficiency could injure Martial Artists of the Small Accomplishment in Tempering the Skin.

This seemed useless at first glance.

After all, the Small Accomplishment in Tempering the Skin only granted skin as tough as rocks.

There was also the Great Accomplishment in Tempering the Skin, where the skin was as sturdy as bronze.

Not to mention Martial Artists of the Eighth Stage and above, or even those of the Seventh Stage, whose physiques would be even stronger.

However, the human body had many weak points.

Even with an exceptionally strong physique, one would not fear the strike of a blade.

But the eyes, ears, and other orifices did not possess such strength.

Attacking these weak points would yield unexpected results.

After Jiang Ning left Chaos Beach, the clouds and rain that had enveloped the sky dissipated just as quickly as they had arrived.

In an instant, the clouds vanished, leaving the sky clear and bright.

This sight amazed the residents around him.

Returning to his courtyard, Jiang Ning shook the wine flask.

Thud, thud, thud—

He heard the sound of the black stones inside the flask colliding with its walls.

Then, he opened the flask and peered inside.

The next moment, a flash of delight appeared in his eyes.

In the wine, he spotted several points of silver starlight.

It was as if dazzling starlight had fallen into the wine, creating a mesmerizing sight that seemed incredibly mysterious.

"Could this black stone truly be the source of the Heavenly Materials I refined yesterday?"

This thought crossed his mind.

Jiang Ning picked up the flask and poured a mouthful of wine into his mouth.

Glug—

As the wine flowed down his throat, he instantly felt the burning sensation of the strong liquor, dispelling the cold and filling his body with warmth.

【Water Proficiency Experience +1】

"Indeed! This black stone is my most valuable find from yesterday!"

Jiang Ning's expression brightened as he saw this prompt.

The appearance of this prompt confirmed his earlier speculation.

Immediately, he excitedly went to the ancient well in his courtyard.

He retrieved the White Dragon Fish meat from the well.

With a single slice, he cut off a full ten pounds of meat, then carefully returned the remaining flesh of the White Dragon Fish to the well.

Although the White Dragon Fish was a Spirit Fish with special properties, it would not spoil or rot even if left indoors.

However, the outdoor temperature during the day was too high. Storing it in the well would undoubtedly preserve its freshness.

Carrying the ten pounds of White Dragon Fish meat, Jiang Ning headed towards his room.

This ten pounds of White Dragon Fish meat would be his breakfast for the day.

【Water Proficiency Experience +1】

【Water Proficiency Experience +1】

【Water Proficiency Experience +1】

【.】

Jiang Ning devoured the White Dragon Fish meat and drank the strong wine, watching as his Water Proficiency Experience continued to rise.

"Ahh!"

Jiang Ning felt increasingly refreshed with every bite.

The delicious fish meat paired perfectly with the fine wine.

Especially since, while enjoying this meal, his strength would also increase.

High noon arrived.

【Inner Core Nourishing Skill Experience +1】

【Inner Core Nourishing Skill Experience +1】

【Inner Core Nourishing Skill Experience +1】

【.】

Jiang Ning continuously inhaled and exhaled the essence of the sun, and his Inner Core Nourishing Skill experience continued to grow.

A long time later—

Hu—

He slowly opened his eyes and gently exhaled a breath of turbid air.

【Skill】: Inner Core Nourishing Skill (Proficiency: 1555/2000)



"Just over four hundred more experience points, and the Inner Core Nourishing Skill will break through to the Small Accomplishment."

"At my current rate, it will take about ten more days!"

"After ten days, when the Inner Core Nourishing Skill reaches the Small Accomplishment, I will grasp the Inner Breath!"

"The Inner Breath, normally speaking, is the symbol of a Fifth Stage Internal Fortitude Realm expert!"

This thought made Jiang Ning's heart stir with excitement.

Mastering the Inner Breath would undoubtedly elevate his strength to a whole new level.

The Inner Breath was truly an extraordinary power.

It was only at noon that Jiang Ning decided to go out.

And at this moment, his strength had soared to three thousand pounds.

Throughout the morning, he had been breathing in and out, taking the Strength Enhancing Pills, and then using the Furnace Transformation Secret Technique.

The effects of the ten pounds of White Dragon Fish meat, three Strength Enhancing Pills, and the Panther Embryo Transformation Body Pill had combined to increase his strength by over a hundred pounds.

His strength had thus broken through the three-thousand-pound barrier, continuing to grow stronger.

Half an hour later—

He returned to the Weapon Smithy.

Led by a young servant, Jiang Ning arrived at the backyard of the Weapon Smithy.

Clang, clang, clang—

The large hammer thundered, and the small hammer rained down.

The sound of hammering filled the air with an extremely rhythmic beat.

At this moment, the furnace fire was blazing, and even in the open-air forge, Jiang Ning could feel waves of heat approaching from the front.

Just then, Yang Kai approached while wiping his hands with a dark towel.

"Shopkeeper Yang, how are you?" Jiang Ning greeted with a bow.

Yang Kai quickly placed the towel on his shoulder and returned the bow.

"Jiang Ning, how have you been?"

Then, he asked, "May I ask why you've come to my forge today? Is there something important?"

Jiang Ning nodded, "I have a business proposal I'd like to discuss with you. Are you interested?"

Yang Kai nodded eagerly, "Of course, I'm interested in your business."

Jiang Ning said, "Do you need iron ore?"

"Iron ore?" At these words, Yang Kai's expression turned to one of surprise.

But he quickly nodded, "Yes, of course! How could I not need it? Did you find an iron mine? If it's iron ore, that's not easy to handle!"

"Iron mines are not allowed for private ownership. All mines within the Xia Empire are under imperial control."

"That's true, but now, a big shot from the Inspection Office has arrived in Luo Water County. This is not an easy matter!"

As he finished his sentence, Yang Kai shook his head and sighed.

"It's not a mine." Jiang Ning clarified.

"Not a mine?" Yang Kai's expression turned to surprise, and he couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.

If it's not a mine, how much iron ore could there be?

Thinking of this, Yang Kai patted his chest and said, "Then, no matter how much ore you have, I'll buy it at market price!"

"You said it!" Jiang Ning smiled.

"Of course!" Yang Kai was unconcerned.

After some time, a light boat came to a stop on the lake's surface.

"Jiang Ning, your skills are amazing!" Yang Kai exclaimed as he rode in the boat.

He felt that under Jiang Ning's control, the boat seemed to have a different kind of magic. With a gentle paddle, Jiang Ning launched the boat like an arrow from a bow.

This was so unreasonable!

Facing Yang Kai's exclamation, Jiang Ning smiled but didn't continue the topic. Instead, he changed the subject.

"Shopkeeper Yang, the iron ore I mentioned is just below us!"

Then, he asked, "Shall we go down and take a look?"

"Of course!" Yang Kai nodded, "Iron ore is strictly controlled, and I've been struggling to obtain it. Since you've made this discovery, I'll take it."

"Then let's go!" Jiang Ning said.

"Just like this?" Yang Kai's expression turned to surprise.

"What else?"

"How can we dive without this?" Yang Kai took out a deflated fish bladder from his waist.

Huff!

Huff!

Huff!

Jiang Ning exhaled into the fish bladder, mouthful by mouthful.

In an instant, the small bladder expanded to the size of a basketball.

"Jiang Ning, are you not prepared?" Yang Kai asked, seeing Jiang Ning's unmoved expression.

"I don't need this. I have good water proficiency and can hold my breath for a long time."

"Then, let's go!" Jiang Ning said again.

Plop!

With the sound of entering the water, Jiang Ning disappeared from the lake's surface.

Yang Kai, seeing this, immediately jumped into the lake as well.

After a moment, both of them continued to dive deeper.

Following behind Jiang Ning, Yang Kai became increasingly amazed.

They were diving to a considerable depth.

For safety, Yang Kai had already used the fish bladder to breathe once.

But he found that Jiang Ning, without breathing once, still swam with ease.

Compared to Yang Kai, Jiang Ning clearly seemed more relaxed.

"What incredible lung capacity!" Yang Kai exclaimed in his mind.

After a short while, Jiang Ning spoke, "We're almost there."

Even underwater, his voice was exceptionally clear, and through the medium of water, his words reached Yang Kai's ears distinctly.

Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Yang Kai focused his eyes downward.

But at this moment, the two had already entered the deep waters of Luo Water Lake, where the light was dim. Even with Yang Kai's effort to widen his eyes, he could only see darkness below.

"Is there really a sunken ship here? And one carrying iron ore?" Yang Kai wondered in his mind.

But he didn't voice his thoughts. Instead, he continued to silently follow Jiang Ning.

After several breaths, they dove several more zhang in depth.

It was then that Yang Kai saw the outline of the sunken ship up close.

At the sight of the ship, he couldn't help but turn his head to look at Jiang Ning.

"What kind of eyesight is this?!" Yang Kai exclaimed in his mind.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end