Within the Array-in-Array, everyone's expressions varied greatly.
Lin Shanshan was quite regretful; she realized she had seriously underestimated Linghu Jiu!
"Eldest senior brother has already mastered the swordsmanship of Endless Snow, able to wield it expertly and freely."
She also found that she had greatly underestimated Ning Zhuo.
"Even if I hadn't intervened, with the power of Ning Zhuo's recent strike, he could have won with a single move."
"I was just being overzealous!"
"Miss Lin," Ning Zhuo's call made Lin Shanshan's heart tremble.
She turned to look back, only to see Ning Zhuo giving her a sincere smile, his eyes filled with gratitude, "Miss Lin, thank you for your assistance!"
"Linghu brother and I were merely sparring, but I grew anxious and failed to think it through, leading me to strike too hard."
"It was thanks to Miss Lin stepping in timely that I did not make a serious mistake."
A few comforting words warmed Lin Shanshan's heart.
Linghu Jiu slowly sheathed his sword, smiling, "I am merely a reflection of my original self, a Dharma Body formed by the Reflected Wall. Younger brother, you need not be concerned."
Yet Ning Zhuo shook his head, his eyes clear as Ruoshui, "Brother, I have always treated you as if you were the original body."
"If not, wouldn't that be disrespectful to you?"
"I know you must be concerned that I am but flesh and blood, hence you never struck too hard. Why would I then fight without restraint? That would just be taking advantage of you."
"I prefer our spar to be fair."
Linghu Jiu burst into hearty laughter, "My good brother, oh my good brother."
Lin Shanshan clapped her hands, also smiling, "This spar should be considered a draw, yes, I think this result is most satisfactory."
Casual laughter seemed to dissolve many of the grievances she had held in her heart before.
Lin Bufan:...
"Shanshan, Jiu'er still lacks training."
"Certainly Ning Zhuo wasn't deliberately seeking a draw?"
Lin Bufan's gaze toward Ning Zhuo had subtly changed.
Before, he looked down from the height of seniority, but having witnessed the scythe's slash, he began to regard Ning Zhuo with increased respect.
"Ning Zhuo actually possesses Immortal Aptitude! And with such temperament, it's hard to imagine what heights he could reach in the future."
The Five Elements God Master was still studying the purple sword mark.
The Lonely Sword Lord appeared.
His eyes were as profound as autumn water, carrying a hint of desolation, as if he had seen through the world's splendor. His skin was slightly pale, as if weathered by years of wind, frost, rain, and snow.
Adorned in a cyan robe, simple and elegant as water, with a tall and upright figure, he now cradled a sheathed sword, exuding an aura that evoked a slight sense of sorrow and solitude.
"This is an external way," he said indifferently, then turned his gaze to Ning Zhuo.
Though his tone and look were calm, Ning Zhuo felt as if he was exposed beneath his gaze, seen thoroughly as if standing amidst ice and snow.
The Lonely Sword Lord inquired, "Young friend Ning Zhuo, could you tell me the origin of the scythe in your hand? Does it come from the Night Rain Dynasty?"
Ning Zhuo hurriedly bowed, saying with respect, "Sword Lord, your Dharma Eye is as penetrative as a torch; it is indeed a Demon Weapon from the Night Rain Dynasty."
The Blood Slaughter Dynasty, the Forbidden Dynasty, and the Night Rain Dynasty represent three significant historical periods.
The Five Elements God Master looked up and sighed, "Alas, my original body has passed away, and this Dharma Body is confined within the Luminous Mirror. If I could traverse the world, meeting all heroes, what a gratifying experience it would be!"
The Lonely Sword Lord also nodded slightly, expressing his yearning, "The waves before push on the waves behind. If I could once again challenge the world with my sword, even in defeat, it would be joyous."
During his time, he was one of the world's top warriors, having traveled alone with his sword to challenge heroes of all paths.
Zhu Xuanji spoke up, "The scythe in Ning Zhuo's hand is no ordinary Night Rain Demon Weapon; it's quite special."
"Esteemed predecessors, I am quite curious."
"The Luminous Mirror originates after the Emperor Wu Era, having witnessed the subsequent two great dynasties, the three Emperor Dynasties, countless Kingdom Dynasties."
"However, I don't know if you are aware of these events that followed..."
The Five Elements God Master was about to explain when another Dharma Body manifested.
His eyebrows were thick like ink, his gaze profound, his hands long and powerful, with distinct knuckles.
On his robe were embroidered patterns of a writing brush and green grass.
His movement was as graceful as a light breeze swaying willows, carrying an innate elegance.
Upon seeing him, Lin Bufan immediately bowed, "Divine Master Grass Saint, I am finally graced with your presence again!"
It was the reflection of Grass Saint Zhang Huaixu.
Zhang Huaixu glanced at Lin Bufan, his gaze sweeping around before pausing momentarily on the purple sword mark.
"The Jingyu Immortal Princess is aware of your intentions and invites you inside for a discussion," said Zhang Huaixu.
Lin Bufan immediately showed an excited expression, "For Jingyu Immortal Princess to grant us an audience is truly a fortuitous blessing."
Zhang Huaixu shook his head lightly, "Any junior with exceptional talent may be summoned by the Immortal Princess. Today is a good day; first Linghu Jiu, then Ning Zhuo, Zhu Xuanji, Sun Lingtong. Please, follow me."
Lin Bufan's expression turned a shade darker.
Zhang Huaixu's meaning was clear; you are all here basking in the light of Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo.
Zhu Xuanji's expression remained unchanged.
Ning Jiufan and Ning Zhuo felt a tightness in their chests, knowing that their secrets were already exposed in the eyes of Jingyu Immortal Princess.
Lin Shanshan looked around, asking, "Who is Sun Lingtong?"
Ning Zhuo chuckled awkwardly, "Miss Lin, allow me to explain it to you afterward."
Lin Shanshan huffed, sending a telepathic message, "You big fool, just how many things are you still hiding from me?"
Zhang Huaixu led the way forward.
Ning Zhuo silently thanked Zhang Huaixu in his heart and said to Lin Shanshan, "Miss Lin, the Luminous Mirror is of utmost importance right now."
Lin Shanshan's attention was immediately captivated.