: I Don't Like Fighting, I Like Resolving Conflicts

Author: Gu Zhenren

Date: 2025-09-13

Fire Heart Temple!

This was one of the techniques from the Five Viscera Spirit Art that Ning Zhuo employed to resolve the turmoil in Gongsun Yan's divine sea.

The various anger and irritability in his divine sea were all caused by heart fire, tinged with the essence of the fire element.

The Fire Heart Temple involved transforming the heart into a divine shrine, allowing Ning Zhuo's divine consciousness to inhabit the statue, enhancing his control over the fire element and making him its master!

Elevating oneself above the fire element and manipulating it at will meant placing personal will above the principles of heaven and earth. No wonder the Five Elements Divine Lord incurred the disdain of the world with this technique. His attempts to pass it on had always failed, almost impossible to disseminate until he met Ning Zhuo.

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

Now, applying it to Gongsun Yan, he naturally gained full control over everything related to the fire element in Gongsun Yan's body.

All the anger, irritability, and such were swept away by Ning Zhuo using the Five Elements Life and Death Fan, drawing them into his own Fire Heart Temple.

There, they were fiercely suppressed by the statue within the temple, unable to stir even a ripple.

Compared to Gongsun Yan, Ning Zhuo far surpassed him in soul, divine sea, and spirit. It was hard to imagine such a vast gap between two Foundation Establishment-level cultivators.

This was part of Ning Zhuo's treatment plan, but when he reached this stage, a small unexpected event occurred.

Talent—True Self!

Ning Zhuo's third talent suddenly activated, its mysterious power instantly sweeping through the Fire Heart Temple and obliterating all the anger, irritability, and such.

Ning Zhuo was inwardly astonished, then filled with joy.

He had originally planned to suppress these foreign emotions first and then use other methods to dissipate them. Unexpectedly, his third talent was triggered, instantly resolving this internal threat.

After a moment of thought, Ning Zhuo figured it out: "This anger, irritability, and such belong to Gongsun Yan—they’re from someone else, not me."

"So, under the emphasis of the True Self talent, all these foreign elements were eliminated because they don’t belong to me; they’re external influences on me!"

"Does that mean if external methods that affect the mind are used on me, the True Self talent will activate, greatly reducing or even nullifying their effects?"

For Ning Zhuo, this was undoubtedly a pleasant little surprise.

Although he had acquired this talent by chance, he didn’t know much about the True Self talent.

Of course, he wanted to learn more, but he hadn’t had the time.

For him, there were many more important matters. When he led the Qingjiao Army back from the underworld to the mortal realm, he faced numerous urgent issues that required his attention.

For instance, quickly establishing a new way of interacting with the White Paper City Lord to maintain the Qingjiao Army’s position in the Yin Tide Black Marsh.

Or, seizing the time to hurry to the Myriad Forms Sect to participate in the Feiyun Conference.

Or, secretly infiltrating the Shuyu Studio to retrieve Meng Yaoyin’s belongings, providing a solid material foundation for the healing of the Buddhist Physician, Meng Yaoyin.

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

Upon mastering his second innate spell, his first choice was naturally to refine his innate magical instrument, as this path would lead to a noticeable increase in strength.

Studying talents, however, wasn’t the same. Ning Zhuo truly didn’t know much about the True Self talent. The benefits here weren’t obvious, so it wasn’t a priority.

"My mysterious talent was previously cautioned by the Five Elements Divine Lord, so I’ll set it aside for now."

"But the True Self talent and Early Wisdom talent can be studied. It’s just not the right time now."

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

The divine ability Ning Zhuo mastered, Life Thread Suspension, has played a huge role in various aspects of his cultivation and battles.

"Speaking of which, I also have a second divine ability, Stone-Cast Earth Treasure, but it hasn’t had much use."

That couldn’t be helped.

The latter is clearly a method for management.

Although Stone-Cast Earth Treasure can qualitatively transform target items, the process is too slow to be of use in combat.

It can be seen as a more powerful, comprehensive, and portable version of the Shuyu Studio.

Seeing Gongsun Yan’s burning gaze fixed on the Five Elements Life and Death Fan in his hand, Ning Zhuo smiled slightly. "Do you want it?"

Gongsun Yan was so eager that he instinctively nodded.

As soon as he did, he regretted it, shuddering as he realized Ning Zhuo had him firmly in his grasp.

Ning Zhuo gently waved the fan. "But I can’t give it to you."

This was his innate magical instrument, engraved with the runic marks of his innate spells.

If it fell into someone else’s hands, they could study these runic marks to gain a deeper understanding of Ning Zhuo’s innate spells and even decipher part of the Five Elements Qi Rhythm Art.

Innate spells are the essence of a cultivation method; understanding them means understanding the nature of the method itself.

Rejected, Gongsun Yan swallowed hard, feeling that Ning Zhuo’s smile was full of mockery.

He snorted coldly, wanting to appear strong, but ended up saying, "What must I do to obtain this treasure?"

Don’t blame him for being so humble; the Five Elements Life and Death Fan was simply too helpful to Gongsun Yan!

The talent Melting Heart was something many envied but couldn’t obtain. For Gongsun Yan, however, it was also a heavy burden.

Tortured by heart fire, he had lost count of how many times he’d suffered from qi deviation. Throughout his cultivation, he had devoted immense energy and time to managing it.

Yet, even on his own, he couldn’t handle this flaw.

That’s why he had to rely on the Lin family and their Thunderstruck Wood: Spring Growth to alleviate the side effects of heart fire.

But that only provided relief, far from being as targeted as the Five Elements Life and Death Fan!

Ning Zhuo sighed, sensing the desperation of someone long afflicted by illness for a cure. His smile faded as he spoke candidly to Gongsun Yan. "This is my innate magical instrument; I truly cannot part with it."

Gongsun Yan was taken aback, then showed understanding. "I see. You want me to pledge allegiance to you!"

Ning Zhuo: ?!

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

His secret infiltration this time was to deal with the trouble brought by Lin Jinglong, merely to privately display his strength. He hadn’t considered poaching.

Seeing Ning Zhuo silent, Gongsun Yan thought he had guessed right.

This was quite common for him.

Ever since he revealed his Melting Heart talent and focused on artifact forging, he had been highly sought after. Many individuals and factions had approached him, wanting him to join them.

Gongsun Yan said, "I signed a contract with the Lin family. Although I can terminate it anytime, there’s a hefty penalty for breach."

Ning Zhuo: ?!

Seeing Ning Zhuo still silent, Gongsun Yan added, "It’s fine, I’ll pay the penalty myself. But I’m short on funds now, so I’ll have to use artifacts or even magical treasures I forge in the future to cover it."

"You can pay it first for me."

Ning Zhuo: ?!

Gongsun Yan frowned. "Do you want to tear up the contract directly?"

"That’s not impossible, since it’s not a high-level contract..."

"But is that good for you?"

"The Lin family is very influential. Offending such a major force recklessly isn’t conducive to cultivation. Who knows, we might run into Lin family cultivators someday."

"Besides, you’ve just arrived. If you arbitrarily break others’ contracts, such behavior goes against the righteous path. How will others view you?"

"It won’t leave a good impression and will raise more suspicions. That’s not helpful for you to establish yourself firmly in the Myriad Forms Sect."

Ning Zhuo looked at Gongsun Yan, somewhat speechless.

He had miscalculated Gongsun Yan’s temperament and his desperate desire for a cure!

But it wasn’t Ning Zhuo’s fault; after all, his information on Gongsun Yan only came from Shen Xi’s flying letters.

Ning Zhuo hadn’t expected that a mere demonstration of goodwill and strength would lead to... him not even speaking, and Gongsun Yan swiftly completing his own transition in his self-directed responses.

Ning Zhuo waved his mechanical fan. "If Fellow Daoist Gongsun wishes to join, I’d be very welcoming."

"Please allow me..." Gongsun Yan exerted a bit of force, struggling slightly.

Sun Lingtong, who was restraining him from behind, relaxed her grip accordingly.

Gongsun Yan knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and bowed his head to Ning Zhuo. "Gongsun Yan pays respects to the young master!"

"Very well, very well." Ning Zhuo smiled and immediately helped Gongsun Yan to his feet.

A short while later.

Gongsun Yan arrived at Lin Jinglong’s cave dwelling and expressed his intention to visit to the guard.

Gongsun Yan held a high position and was treated with respect by the Lin family, so he was promptly granted an audience with Lin Jinglong.

Lin Jinglong smiled as he looked at Gongsun Yan, inviting him to sit and have tea. "Brother Gongsun, whatever you need, just say the word. If I can help, I’ll spare no effort."

Gongsun Yan nodded. "I do need your help, Young Master Lin."

Lin Jinglong quickly waved his hand. "Brother Gongsun, just call me Jinglong. We’re not outside. It’s just the two of us here. How can I assist you?"

Gongsun Yan took out a Ghost Path Golden Core. "This should be enough to cover the compensation for breaking my contract with the Lin family."

Lin Jinglong: ...

After a moment of silence, Lin Jinglong reacted, his face showing surprise and doubt as he instinctively stood up.

He stared at Gongsun Yan. "Brother Gongsun, have I done something wrong? Why are you leaving me?"

Gongsun Yan told the truth. "I’ve just found someone more worthy to follow."

"Who is it?" Lin Jinglong pressed, then his gaze fixed on the Ghost Path Golden Core, suddenly recalling the one Shen Xi had shown to Situ Xing.

"Could it be?!" Lin Jinglong felt a strong sense of unease, mixed with a sliver of hopeful anticipation, as he intently watched Gongsun Yan.

Gongsun Yan nodded, saying words that made Lin Jinglong’s vision darken. "Young Master Lin, you’ve probably guessed. That’s right, the one who recruited me is Young Master Ning Zhuo."

Lin Jinglong found it unbelievable!

Shen Xi had guessed correctly: in Lin Jinglong’s original plan, one of the subordinates to deal with Ning Zhuo was Gongsun Yan.

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

Was this right?

You’re supposed to be opponents!

"Good move, Ning Zhuo, is it? Really good move!" Lin Jinglong gritted his teeth, furious.

This was like slapping him in the face.

Having his subordinate suddenly defect—how would others view him, Lin Jinglong? Even the entire Lin family would be implicated and greatly underestimated—if an opponent can poach so easily, your Lin family can’t retain talent!

Lin Jinglong looked at Gongsun Yan, forcibly suppressing his anger, and asked, "Brother Gongsun, what offer did Ning Zhuo make to win you over? Our Lin family isn’t poor, and we’ve never treated you poorly."

Gongsun Yan shook his head. "I’d rather not go into details. As for treatment, I’ve forged many fine artifacts for the Lin family, fully fulfilling the contract. I haven’t treated the Lin family poorly either."

Lin Jinglong had to grit his teeth. "That’s true, but Brother Gongsun..."

He 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 challenge."

Lin Jinglong read the letter and grew even angrier. "Fine, fine. I was just about to settle accounts with you, and you come to me first, challenging me to a secret duel. Hah, do you think I, a proud son of the Lin family, am so easy to bully?"

Yes, exactly that easy to bully.

Lin Jinglong, fueled by anger, repeatedly used wood-element spells, but none could get close to Ning Zhuo.

The wind from the Five Elements Life and Death Fan covered the entire training ground.

Lin Jinglong summoned Yi Wood to generate thunder, striking at Ning Zhuo, but to no avail.

A defensive magical treasure flew out from Ning Zhuo, easily blocking the attack.

The quality of the defensive treasure made Lin Jinglong’s heart sink. After futile attempts, he was forced into the farthest corner of the training ground by the Five Elements Life and Death Fan.

Just as Lin Jinglong was about to be defeated, Ning Zhuo closed his mechanical fan and smiled at him. "Fellow Daoist Lin Fangyu, how about we call this a draw?"

Lin Jinglong gritted his teeth and sneered. "Fine."

He then took out the contract and handed it to Ning Zhuo on the spot, in full view of Gongsun Yan outside the arena.

This was also the pretext for Ning Zhuo’s challenge.

Ning Zhuo called Gongsun Yan over and handed the contract to him. After verifying it, Gongsun Yan didn’t hesitate and immediately burned it.

Since he had already paid the penalty, he suffered no backlash.

"Farewell." Lin Jinglong didn’t want to stay a moment longer.

"Wait." Ning Zhuo stopped him, his expression sincere. "Brother Lin, your family’s technique is indeed extraordinary. The spring thunder you unleashed was incredibly fast. Fortunately, I happen to have a defensive treasure."

Lin Jinglong nodded reluctantly. "That’s true."

What Ning Zhuo displayed was either the Five Elements Life and Death Fan or a defensive treasure, making Lin Jinglong marvel at his wealth while subtly lowering his estimation of Ning Zhuo’s personal combat prowess.

Ning Zhuo immediately proposed hosting a banquet for Lin Jinglong to continue their exchange, hoping to turn enemies into friends.

The idea of turning enemies into friends struck a chord with Lin Jinglong.

As a scion of a great family, he had received extensive education from a young age, his perspective surpassing his peers, embodying the magnanimity of a major clan.

To this day, Lin Jinglong still didn’t know what high price Ning Zhuo had offered to poach from his family.

"Very well." Lin Jinglong forced a smile and accepted Ning Zhuo’s invitation.

Soon after.

At Yu Heye’s cave dwelling, both Lin Jinglong and Ning Zhuo were 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 further, he quickly adopted an attitude of humble seeking.

By the time Shen Xi and Su Lingkou were invited to the banquet, they saw Ning Zhuo and the others toasting and chatting happily.

The cousins exchanged glances—why did this scene feel so familiar?

Ning Zhuo greeted them proactively. "Brother Shen, you’re here. Please, take a seat."

"I don’t like fighting; I like resolving conflicts."

"I invited you both today to help resolve your disagreements. Let’s communicate and progress together."

Before Shen Xi could respond, Lin Jinglong nodded. "Absolutely, absolutely."

Su Lingkou showed caution, worried that Lin Jinglong and Ning Zhuo had secretly reached some agreement. "What about the ranking of our peaks?"

Ning Zhuo: "Isn’t it simple? How about rock-paper-scissors?"

Su Lingkou sneered. "How can it be so casual?"

But Lin Jinglong clapped and laughed. "Brother Ning, what a great suggestion!"

Shen Xi caught on. "Indeed, a great suggestion."

Su Lingkou: ?!

(End of )