https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-259-Starfire-s-Teaching-Battle-in-the-Nine-Heavens/13686790/
Chapter 258: Single-Handed Battle Against Wang Yin
Inside the makeshift operating room, the bearded doctor worked alongside several other physicians, simultaneously treating Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen. While they transferred Bai Zhenzhen’s Jiaolong Lingqi into Zhang Yu’s body and reattached her original spinal column, Zhang Yu—despite having swallowed a massive dose of painkillers—remained mentally alert. He felt every surgical instrument glide across his flesh, all while absorbing the telepathic teachings of the Xinghuo Immortal.
According to the Xinghuo Immortal, time was running out. The next ninety minutes were critical—Zhang Yu had to seize every second to learn.
"With the Jiaolong Lingqi now inside you," the Xinghuo Immortal’s voice echoed in his mind, "your Physical Strength Level will rise by 1.0 grade. It’s a significant step toward closing the gap between you and Wang Yin in raw physical power."
"Add to that the Longwei Spell stored within your Lingqi, which can suppress his cultivation techniques—preventing him from unleashing the most devastating moves of Qingshi Haoquan: the Heaven-Devouring and Spirit Surge stances."
"But even with all that, you still won’t defeat him."
"His Skin Spirit Armor was harvested from a cultivator at 20th-grade Physical Strength—crafted through ninety-nine painstaking processes, each one refined over eight thousand one hundred steps. And layered beneath it is the Youming Blood Shadow Shield, forged from the souls of tens of thousands of mortals. Breaking through that defense is nearly impossible."
"Even if you manage to wound him, his Spirit Root will instantly heal the damage."
"That root is called Riyue Linggen—a Celestial Spirit Root beyond reach in the First Layer."
"Though he’s severed its connection to his body by discarding his cultivation, for a man like him, acquiring another Celestial Spirit Root is no problem."
"The Riyue Linggen converts Martial Energy into vital essence to heal injuries, and vice versa—transforming vital essence back into Martial Energy to replenish his reserves. As long as his Martial Energy regenerates, his wounds will vanish instantly."
"So even if you manage to pierce the shield and his skin, the injury would be trivial—his body would recover in an instant."
Zhang Yu’s brows furrowed tighter with every word. He’d thought the armor was the main obstacle—but now he learned there was even something like a Riyue Linggen beneath it.
Zhang Yu asked, voice tight, "So... does that mean I can’t beat him?"
The Xinghuo Immortal smiled faintly. "Of course there’s a way."
With that, he extended a finger and tapped Zhang Yu’s forehead.
In an instant, Zhang Yu felt a meteor strike his consciousness. It spiraled within his mind before settling.
He stared, stunned. Floating before him in his inner world was a golden brick.
He blinked. "What is this?"
"This," said the Xinghuo Immortal, "is the artifact Deng Bingding mentioned he’d lend you."
"Known as the Hurt Soul Brick, it is a weapon designed specifically to attack the soul."
"If you can strike Wang Yin with it, shattering his spirit, you’ll win the battle instantly. He’ll have no choice but to retreat to the upper layers for spiritual healing."
"But if you use it directly, he’ll block it with his Youming Blood Shadow Shield and that First Layer skin. He’ll grow cautious—then your chance will vanish."
"So you must first break through both layers of defense. Then, strike him with the Hurt Soul Brick when he least expects it. That’s how you win."
Zhang Yu felt his mind spinning. It was like going in circles—he still had to break through the same two defenses.
The Xinghuo Immortal seemed to sense his thoughts. "The solution lies within you."
"You’ve mastered the Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin—a Pre-Military Grade Technique capable of storing immense force within your spirit energy. Any martial art you wield will gain multiplied power under it."
"But up until now, you’ve only used brute force. You haven’t unlocked its true potential."
"You can strike multiple times in one motion, stacking layers of power. Why limit yourself to just one kind of force?"
"Different forces, when layered and interacting, produce effects far stronger and more complex than any single force alone."
"Think of it—would a man be more dangerous if he only used straight punches… or if he combined punches, palms, and grappling techniques?"
Zhang Yu’s mind exploded with insight. Images, ideas, combinations flooded in.
Seeing the shift in his expression, the Xinghuo Immortal smiled. "I’ve already mapped the weak points in his Youming Blood Shadow Shield and Skin Spirit Armor. Now, I’ll teach you how to exploit them..."
When the surgery concluded, Zhang Yu had already learned how to fight Wang Yin.
The Xinghuo Immortal whispered, "The strategy is set. Now, focus on refining your Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin. Every bit of progress increases your odds. Also, use this time to adapt to the Jiaolong Lingqi."
Zhang Yu glanced at Bai Zhenzhen, still unconscious. He took a deep breath and began cultivating.
But before he started, a thought struck him.
He turned to the doctors. "Give me medicine."
One blinked. "What kind?"
"Any kind. The stronger the poison, the better."
After swallowing a barrage of experimental drugs, Zhang Yu felt his Martial Energy and vital essence surge. Only then did he begin practicing Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin.
The technique consisted of only three movements, and Zhang Yu could complete a full cycle in roughly ten seconds. With urgency driving him, he no longer cared about form or proper energy flow—only speed. He wanted to repeat it as many times as possible before the battle began.
During the practice, the Jiaolong Lingqi activated, drawing energy from his tendons and amplifying his strength—raising his Physical Strength Level by one full grade.
Every punch and kick now carried explosive force, and his body gradually adapted to the pressure of the Spirit Armor.
But the armor was also draining his Martial Energy. Without the Qi Hai Linggen’s support, he’d have exhausted his reserves in under ten minutes.
Yet with each furious repetition, the Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin climbed in level.
From 5… to 6… then 7… 8…
Each increase brought floods of new cultivation memories. Zhang Yu absorbed them all, silently digesting, pushing forward at breakneck speed—unconcerned with the quality of each repetition.
…
"Time’s up."
Wang Yin’s messenger arrived.
Zhang Yu paused. "Any more medicine?"
Several staff members hurried over. "Mr. Zhang! Let us equip you with protective gear!"
Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered. Deng Bingding’s funds? To boost my odds?
The team began wrapping Zhang Yu in a series of promotional posters—advertising materials, one after another, spiraling around his body.
Zhang Yu smirked. "This is the protection?"
The staff explained, "These are Battle Posters, specially designed for combat between elites. The ad company reinforced them against fire, cold, acid, and punctures. Worn like armor, they perform better than standard combat suits."
"Damn… a poster’s tougher than a combat suit?" Zhang Yu rolled his eyes. "Put extra layers on my chest. And don’t forget my inner thighs."
More staff arrived with a script.
"Mr. Zhang, these are the lines you’ll deliver when you step into the arena."
Zhang Yu glanced at the drugs and the contract. His eyes narrowed. "This live broadcast… is it trending?"
The staff nodded eagerly. "Luzhou Group took the initiative. The live stream is now number one!"
"Here’s the Advertising Contract. Sign if everything’s clear."
Zhang Yu signed swiftly. He watched as millions flowed into his account—millions in seconds.
This money’s too easy to earn.
With all preparations complete, Zhang Yu began walking toward the battlefield.
Behind him, the Xinghuo Immortal’s gaze darkened.
"That boy’s movements were sloppy—full of errors. After an hour, he shows no real progress. Is he too nervous? Or hasn’t the Jiaolong Lingqi fully synced with him?"
Zhang Yu glanced at the Feather Scroll. His Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin had reached Level 11.
The power surged through him. Not only could he now store eleven strikes of force within his spirit energy, each in its own void—his technique had also unlocked the Level 10 effect.
"After Level 10, not only can you store your own power—but each void can also absorb and store the force of your opponent’s attacks."
And now, with the frantic training, he finally noticed the change in his Cannibal Cow Serenity Heart Technique.
As he walked toward the battlefield, he focused on the vision of the broken cow.
The white beast’s back was now stained with blood—letters forming words, a fragment of a mantra.
"What does this mean?"
He studied it again and again—still couldn’t decipher it.
Then, from ahead, came the cries of agony.
Wang Yin stood surrounded by a swarm of blood-colored spirits.
"In the last ninety minutes," he said calmly, "I used my profits to purchase another ten thousand mortal souls."
"They’re useless, ignorant, untrained. Their only value is their spirit."
"Better to let their souls shine in my hands than rot in the First Layer..."
Zhang Yu paused, looking around.
He saw countless cameras—on every side, pointed at the battlefield. The live stream was broadcasting from dozens of locations.
He realized: "Broadcasting to the First Layer boosts his prestige. It promotes the trade of souls—helps push forward the next phase."
"And streaming to the Second Layer? It’s not just for promotion. It’s to show the upper layers the market’s potential. To gain support for transforming the First Layer."
"Or… maybe it’s to showcase me—to prove I’m a viable product?"
He noticed the reactions of the Luzhou Group staff every time a camera swept over them.
Some flinched, ducking aside. "Don’t film me! What if someone above sees me?"
Others leaned into the lens, grinning. "It’s just selling the body. The upper layers offer Lingbi. As long as the price is fair—profit’s guaranteed!"
Wang Yin continued, "Mortals are easy to raise—no cultivation needed, no spiritual resources. Our group has decided to implement spiritual farming techniques in the First Layer. We’ll build human farms—mass-produced, scalable."
"We’ll drive down the price of mortals to zero."
Zhang Yu listened, cold. Then, without hesitation, he drank a bottle of medicine and spoke into the air:
"Bailing Pharmaceutical—Every Medicine, Every Miracle. Your Personal Health Guardian…"
…
Meanwhile, Yu Xinghan watched the stream, furious. "What the hell—still reciting ads after five minutes? How much is this guy making?"
Then—something changed.
Yu Xinghan’s eyes narrowed. "Finally… it’s starting."
…
Zhang Yu stepped forward. His pace quickened—then turned into a sprint.
He surged toward Wang Yin, still speaking his ad.
"You haven’t finished? Who cares?"
"I don’t have time to wait!"
The Jiaolong Lingqi on his back writhed like a dragon stretching its body. His muscles exploded with power. His speed surged.
A trail of white spirit energy flared behind him, carving a path across the battlefield.
Zhang Yu, now a blazing white dragon, lunged forward—mouth open, jaws wide, ready to devour.
At the same time, he roared.
The Longwei Spell within the Jiaolong Lingqi ignited—sweeping across a hundred-meter radius.
Wang Yin, prepared, didn’t activate his cultivation technique.
His mind was jarred—briefly stunned—but no dizziness followed, no loss of control.
He had spirit armor capable of resisting the Longwei Spell—but after self-destructing his cultivation, bearing the Skin Spirit Armor was already his limit. He couldn’t carry another.
So he chose to forgo his cultivation.
"I can’t use Tiantian Shi or Lingyong Shi," he mused, "so I can’t monopolize Spirit Energy. But Qingshi Haoquan doesn’t need a cultivation technique to be powerful."
He bent his right arm, forming a fist. Martial Energy surged into his fist.
Qingshi Haoquan—Bengdi Stance!
A thunderous explosion erupted as the punch struck. Spirit Energy detonated.
Then, like a chain reaction, the surrounding Spirit Energy exploded in turn—raining down on Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu growled.
He unleashed the Overload of the Martial Dao Holy Embryo.
He triggered the ‘Chan’ release of Chunqiu Wujin Chan.
And the potent drugs still coursing through his veins added to the storm.
The Jiaolong Lingqi pulsed at his spine, channeling all force from his body.
In that instant, Zhang Yu reached a peak state unlike any before.
His palms flew out—punches, open palms, blocks, twists—all executed with the fluidity of Wuxiang Yun'gang, effortlessly weaving through Wang Yin’s attack.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Each strike repelled the Spirit Energy blasts.
Zhang Yu exhaled, calm.
"Without his cultivation technique, his punches are weaker. Much weaker."
He tore through the barrage, charging forward like a wild dragon—closing the distance.
Their eyes met through the Youming Blood Shadow Shield.
The clash of wills sparked in the air—silent, yet thunderous.
Jiuxiao Yun Kongjin—11 Strikes!
On the other side, Wang Yin sneered inwardly.
"Without a cultivation technique, Qingshi Haoquan’s long-range damage drops drastically. Distance is key—only up close can I unleash its full power."
He formed a fist with both hands. His Martial Energy roared.
Qingshi Haoquan—Qiantian Stance!
(End of Chapter)
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