Chapter 296: Breaking the Formation with a Divine Fist

Chapter 296: Breaking the Formation with a Divine Fist

Just as Chu Ning continued on his journey, in a room within the island, an elderly man with silver hair looked ahead with doubtful eyes, his face aged and weathered.

Every change in the formation was captured by his keen gaze.

When he saw Chu Ning choosing to venture into the region of thunderous might amidst the raging wind and lightning, the silver-haired elder snorted coldly in his heart.

Although both the wind and thunder were incredibly powerful in this layer of the formation, the thunder was undeniably stronger.

This was due to a thunder-attributed treasure he had obtained when setting up the formation.

However, what truly left the silver-haired elder bewildered was that this young cultivator with an ordinary appearance had chosen to withdraw his protective barrier.

What came next astonished him even more. The young man seemed to treat the thunderous might as if it were nothing, venturing forward without any visible means of defense.

He had already traversed nearly a hundred feet.

"Could it be that this man possesses a treasure that repels thunder?" the silver-haired elder wondered.

Just as he was thinking this, he saw Chu Ning finally come to a halt.

The expression on his face had finally returned to something more normal.

But before the elder could even catch his breath, he saw that Chu Ning had started moving again, albeit at a slower pace than before, but with steady and firm steps.

It was as if the thunderous might had no effect on him at all.

What puzzled the silver-haired elder even more was that when he carefully sensed the fluctuations of the formation, he vaguely felt that the thunderous might that fell onto the young man seemed to disappear, as if it had been absorbed by him.

"Who exactly is this person? I've never heard of his name, yet he is so peculiar," the silver-haired elder wondered, his face filled with astonishment as he stared intently, not even blinking.

At this moment, Chu Ning had ventured deep into the heart of the thunder zone.

The electric arcs were no longer as dense as before, but they were much thicker. They were now roughly the size of an infant's arm.

With each arc of electricity that struck, Chu Ning had to pause and activate the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique to barely refine and withstand the thunderous force.

Each time he stopped to endure an arc, there would be no subsequent arc. But as soon as he took the next step, another arc would strike down.

Chu Ning had tried to use the Divine Wind Escape or the Thunderstep, but he found that no matter how fast he moved, the electric arcs would always hit him accurately.

The farther he leaped, the stronger the amplification of the thunderous might became.

He decided not to bother with trying to be clever and simply continued walking forward, allowing his body to gradually adapt.

As he walked, he simultaneously refined his body using the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique and absorbed the thunderous might into his body.

"It seems that the thunderous might within my body has reached its limit..."

After enduring another thunder strike, Chu Ning paused and did not continue forward.

His eyes flickered slightly, and he once again activated the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique, but this time, he combined it with the movements of the technique.

Instantly, Chu Ning felt the thunderous might that fell upon him from above being swiftly refined and absorbed.

"As expected, the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique is indeed more effective when practiced with the accompanying movements!"

After practicing the technique several times on the spot, Chu Ning had consumed about ten percent of the thunderous might within his body.

Without hesitation, Chu Ning took another step forward.

This time, even before the thunderous might could strike, Chu Ning had already begun practicing the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique.

As expected, the thunderous might was refined even faster.

However, after practicing the complete set of the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique, the accumulated thunderous might within him did not increase.

With each attempt, Chu Ning became more adept at refining his body using the thunderous might.

Back on the island, the silver-haired elder stared with widened eyes.

When Chu Ning had only been circulating the Nine-Origin Body Refining Technique internally earlier, the elder couldn't discern anything unusual.

But now, with Chu Ning's current method of cultivation, the elder, with his vast knowledge and experience, could easily see what he was doing.

"Is this man trying to cultivate using the thunderous might of my formation?

What kind of technique is this? Could it be a thunder-attributed technique?

No, I clearly saw him using earth and fire-attributed spells earlier."

The silver-haired elder realized that the more he saw of this young man, the more enigmatic he became.

However, the silver-haired elder soon snorted coldly in his heart again.

When Chu Ning had broken through the formation's restrictions earlier, the elder could naturally tell that Chu Ning had some understanding of formations.

"This person must have come into contact with some ancient formation techniques and has a profound grasp of them.

However, the next two formation restrictions are my own unique creations.

Not only do they integrate the legacies of multiple formation traditions, but they also incorporate the earth veins of this island. Breaking through these ancient formation restrictions may not be so easy."

At this moment, Chu Ning had reached the end of the thunder zone.

"The end of the thunder zone is indeed where the formation is broken. I presume the same is true for the end of the wind zone," Chu Ning thought to himself as he carefully sensed the formation restriction before him.

Soon, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

He could tell that the formation restriction here integrated multiple restrictions, and even with his Formation Spirit Body, he couldn't decipher and find a way to break it in a short time.

After trying over ten different methods that combined his knowledge of formations, Chu Ning eventually stopped and said, "What now? Do you still think you can break my formation and enter?"

Perhaps Chu Ning's performance had indeed surprised the silver-haired elder, Di Yan.

Standing within the formation, he couldn't help but taunt Chu Ning.

Hearing this, Chu Ning smiled faintly and replied, "Perhaps Fellow Daoist didn't hear me clearly earlier. I said that I have some knowledge of formations and that I've also learned a secret technique that is particularly effective for breaking formations.

Hearing this, the silver-haired elder, Di Yan, was taken aback.

"A secret art for breaking formations? Could it be some kind of talisman or treasure for dispelling formations?" Di Yan wondered, as he knew of certain unique talismans and treasures that could aid in dismantling formations.

Nevertheless, what left him bewildered was that Chu Ning showed no signs of retrieving any talismans or treasures. Instead, he clenched his fists and unleashed a series of fist shadows toward the formation restriction ahead of him.

"Does he intend to shatter my formation restriction with mere punches?" Di Yan scoffed, finding the notion laughable. "Attempting to break my formation with mere spells is sheer folly!"

As Di Yan thought this, Chu Ning's fist shadows landed on the formation restriction, causing it to tremble slightly.

This unexpected development left Di Yan astonished.

Golden Armored Divine Shadow Fist!

Chu Ning was utilizing the top-tier spell he had acquired from the Iron Lion, and had spent years perfecting.

While this technique may not have been the most powerful in Chu Ning's arsenal in terms of raw destructive power, it was still formidable. His flying sword and Void Finger techniques possessed greater lethality. And when the Golden Armored Divine Shadow Fist was infused with Metal-attribute qi, it could rival those techniques.

However, Chu Ning had not forgotten about his innate talent as a Metal-attribute spirit body.

Using metal-attributed spells, attack power against formations doubles!

At this moment, the Golden Armored Divine Shadow Fist that Chu Ning unleashed did not incorporate the Metal-attribute qi.

Observing the trembling formation, Chu Ning shook his head slightly.

Without the amplification of Metal-attribute qi, even with the doubled power of the Golden Armored Divine Shadow Fist, the attack seemed insufficient.

With this in mind, Chu Ning immediately channeled his Metal-attribute qi, infusing it into his fists.

In the next moment, he unleashed another series of fist shadows!

These fist shadows were incredibly solid, and faint traces of golden auras could be seen swirling around them.

As soon as these fists landed on the formation restriction, the restriction began to violently fluctuate!

Under Chu Ning's spiritual sense, the formation restriction visibly weakened at a rapid pace!

"It's working!" Chu Ning smiled slightly.

Without hesitation, he continued to unleash a rapid succession of punches!

Within moments, a basin-sized gap appeared in the formation.

Chu Ning relentlessly continued his assault, widening the gap until it was large enough for a person to pass through.

He then stepped through the gap, leaving the thunder zone and entering the next area.

Behind him, the formation restriction automatically repaired itself, returning to its original state.

Despite this, Di Yan was left stunned, his jaw nearly dropping in disbelief.

"What kind of cultivation technique does this man practice, and what kind of secret art does he wield?

This fist technique seems to be metal-attributed, but why does it possess such destructive power?

Even a peak late-stage Golden Core cultivator would be unable to achieve this.

How can this man unleash attacks comparable to those of a Nascent Soul cultivator?"

As these thoughts raced through Di Yan's mind, he couldn't help but be astonished.

He was unaware that Chu Ning's attack was indeed comparable to that of a typical late-stage Golden Core cultivator at their peak.

However, when compared to a Nascent Soul cultivator, it would naturally fall short. It was only with the amplification of his Metal-attribute spirit body talent that he was able to achieve such results.

Although Di Yan was perplexed, he remained silent, careful not to give away his thoughts to Chu Ning, lest he gain an advantage within the formation.

However, at this moment, Chu Ning, who had just entered the next formation, couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

"An illusion formation, with the added effect of spiritual attacks?"

Chu Ning understood why Di Yan had placed this formation after the wind and thunder zones.

After all, for most cultivators and demonic beasts, illusions and spiritual attacks were incredibly difficult to guard against.

Ordinary cultivators might have unknowingly stepped into the illusion formation as they transitioned from the previous layer.

But for Chu Ning, who possessed the Illusion God Technique and the Spirit Suppressing Technique, this illusion formation was utterly ineffective.

He lifted his head, his gaze piercing through the mist, directly toward the treehouse on the island, and the silver-haired elder standing in front of it.

He offered a faint smile in the elder's direction and then calmly walked through the mist, exiting through the most obvious path and approaching the elder.

"This..."

Di Yan stared at Chu Ning, his aged face reflecting a myriad of emotions.

After witnessing Chu Ning's performance in breaking the previous formation, he had a hunch that this illusion formation might also be susceptible to being dismantled by Chu Ning.

However, when he saw Chu Ning effortlessly walk out of the illusion formation without the slightest hesitation, he couldn't help but feel as if he were witnessing something preternatural.

As Di Yan stood there, his face a mask of shock and disbelief, Chu Ning approached him, cupped his fists in a polite gesture, and introduced himself.

"My name is Chu Ning. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Di."

Di Yan stared at Chu Ning for a long while, and only after confirming that this young man was indeed a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator did he finally sigh.

"The younger generation is full of talent. It seems that I, Di Yan, have been living in seclusion on this Cloud Concealment Island for too long, oblivious to the advancements of the cultivation world."

The already aged late-stage Golden Core cultivator seemed to carry an additional air of desolation.

Chu Ning glanced at him and, with his keen perception, immediately noticed the peculiar aura emanating from Di Yan's body. It was as if his lifespan were nearing its end.

"This aura seems to be the opposite of the Jade Bone aura that I refined before."

Previously, when Wu Rongfeng had given him the jade slip, it had stated that this person had at most a decade of lifespan left.

But now, it seemed that even that estimation was too generous.

The elderly man before him gave Chu Ning the feeling that he could pass away at any moment.

"Are you Chu Ning? Where are you from?"

Just then, Di Yan suddenly asked.

Chu Ning nodded slightly and replied, "I am from Ice Cloud Immortal City."

"Ice Cloud Immortal City?" Di Yan glanced at Chu Ning. "Several decades ago, I used to frequent that place often, yet I've never seen a Golden Core cultivator with such abilities."

"Why are you able to absorb the thunderous might? And what kind of fist technique did you use to break the formation?"

After asking, Di Yan quickly added, as if afraid that Chu Ning wouldn't answer, "You don't need to be too concerned. I am at the end of my lifespan and could sit and pass away at any moment.

I could tell the method you used to break the restriction earlier, and it's not a legacy from the Northern Cold Region.

Instead, it resembles some of the formation breaking techniques from the ancient tomes I've seen from the Celestial Curtain Continent.

Even if I knew you weren't from the Northern Cold Region, I wouldn't tell anyone else.

I'm only asking out of curiosity, as a dying man."

Hearing Di Yan's words, Chu Ning was indeed surprised, and he sincerely replied, "Fellow Daoist Di has a broad knowledge and sharp eyes. The technique I used to break the formation indeed originates from the Celestial Curtain Continent, from North River Country."

At this moment, Chu Ning was truly astonished.

He had obtained this technique from Shen Meng Shangren, and if he hadn't read the jade slip left behind by the latter, he wouldn't have known that the technique came from North River Country.

Yet, Di Yan had managed to recognize it after just a few glances, and his insight and experience were indeed extraordinary.

"As for my ability to absorb the thunderous might, it's mainly due to a body refinement technique I cultivate, which seems to allow me to temper my body with the thunderous might.

The fist technique I used to break the formation is called the Golden God Fist."

Chu Ning's words were a mix of truth and deception, with most of it being true, except for the name of the fist technique, which he made up on the spot.

He didn't mention the Golden Armored Divine Shadow Fist to Di Yan.

After all, he wasn't sure if Di Yan had heard of it, and his ability to break the formation was largely due to the amplification of his Metal Spirit body and Golden Core qi.

So, calling it the Golden God Fist didn't seem like a lie.

"Body refinement technique... Golden God Fist," Di Yan muttered, a complex expression in his eyes. "The path of cultivation is vast and boundless, and there are countless secret techniques and spells. While I have some understanding of formations, I've never come across such techniques."

Hearing Di Yan's words, Chu Ning sighed softly in his heart.

The silver-haired elder before him was quite different from the description on the jade slip, which mentioned a reclusive and temperamental person.

Instead, in just a short conversation, Chu Ning had already gained several insights from him.

It seemed that facing his impending death, Di Yan's mindset had also changed.

Di Yan seemed to sense this as well, and his expression turned cold as he glanced at Chu Ning and said, "You want the Star Core Sand? Where did you get this information from?"

Remembering Wu Rongfeng's words, Chu Ning replied, "I got this information from a loose cultivator from Ice Cloud Immortal City."

"Oh, a loose cultivator," Di Yan muttered, his expression flashing with a complex emotion.

He then turned and walked towards a wooden house.

"I may be a dying man, but I keep my promises. What I said earlier still stands. Follow me."

Hearing this, Chu Ning was delighted.

He immediately followed Di Yan towards the wooden house, but he remained vigilant, gathering his spiritual power and releasing his spiritual sense to guard against any tricks.

To Chu Ning's surprise, Di Yan led him into the wooden house and directly to a partially-formed formation that seemed to be in the process of being set up.

Di Yan casually picked up a jade box from among the many on the side and handed it to him.

"This is the Star Core Sand. Take it and leave."

Chu Ning took the box and carefully opened it. Inside, he saw about half a box of light golden granules, each about the size of a fingernail and perfectly shaped like five-pointed stars.

Just a glance was enough for Chu Ning to sense the dense metallic spiritual energy emanating from them.

"Indeed, Star Core Sand!"

Chu Ning closed the jade box and put it away in his storage bag. He then cupped his fists towards Di Yan and said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Di. I have some pills, demon beast cores, refining materials, and talismans here. Is there anything you'd like in exchange?"

Di Yan looked at Chu Ning and said, "I already said that if you could enter the formation, I would give you the Star Core Sand. You don't need to offer anything in return.

I have no use for those things of yours."

Hearing this, Chu Ning hesitated slightly, as the person before him seemed to be at the end of his lifespan.

He didn't want to owe such a person a favor.

"I was forced to break the formation earlier, and I am truly grateful for Fellow Daoist's generosity. I can't just take your things for nothing."

As he spoke, Chu Ning's gaze casually shifted towards a certain object next to the formation, and he exclaimed softly, "Oh?"

He then reached into his storage bag and took out a crystal stone.

"Oh?"

This time, it was Di Yan who was surprised.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end