157: Hammer of Heaven and Earth

Lu Sheng's gaze fell on the hammer, and then, following Wu Lin's words, he walked to the hammer's position, extended his hand, and grasped its handle.

However, when Lu Sheng exerted force, he found that the hammer's weight was incredibly terrifying.

His sudden effort failed to budge the hammer in the slightest!

This also made Lu Sheng somewhat surprised.

One had to know, with his current strength, he could easily lift things weighing several thousand catties.

But this hammer… Lu Sheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he got a bit stubborn, instantly putting all his strength into it.

His entire arm instantly bulged with veins, and the power of his Qi, Physical Body, and blood instantly erupted, intending to lift the hammer completely.

Terrifying power, carrying immense strength, slowly lifted the hammer.

He even had to use his other hand.

“The weight of this hammer…”

Lu Sheng's brow subtly arched, and he looked towards Wu Lin.

Wu Lin was still lying on the rattan chair, and he said indifferently, “This hammer was personally forged by me. It is roughly at the level of a Superior Treasure, differing from a Spiritual Artifact only by its spirituality!”

“Its weight is precisely 99,999 catties!”

“Even a Body Refining sixth-layer Martial Artist would find it difficult to lift. I must say, in terms of Body Refining, your physique is quite a bit stronger than other Martial Artists of the same Realm!”

Wu Lin said to Lu Sheng.

“My unique skill lies in the Dao of the hammer. To master my unique skill, you must first adapt to the hammer's weight. Only when you can lift the hammer as if it were light as a feather will you have just barely entered the threshold of my unique skill!”

“Now… practice!”

Saying this, Wu Lin closed his eyes, as if he wouldn't inquire about anything further.

Lu Sheng looked at the hammer in his hand, his gaze subtly flickering.

This hammer… was actually a Superior Treasure?

One had to know, even his Dragon Slayer Sword was only a Low Grade Treasure Artifact.

The difference between the two was quite significant.

Generally speaking, a Superior Treasure, even a Martial Artist in the Qi Refining stage, might not possess one. Yet, this Wu Lin could casually forge a Superior Treasure.

His forging ability was simply terrifying!

No wonder he dared to hang the title of number one divine smith in his blacksmith shop.

He did have some substance.

Thoughts gently drifted through Lu Sheng's mind, and then he looked at the hammer in his hand, blinked subtly, and began practicing lifting.

Just as Wu Lin said, his unique skill lay in the Dao of the hammer. If he didn't even have the strength to lift the hammer, then trying to learn Wu Lin's unique skill would be a joke.

It was fortunate that Lu Sheng possessed the Five Elements Saint Body and had experienced the amplification of 128 times gravity; otherwise, even if Lu Sheng had broken through to the sixth layer of Body Refining, he might not have been able to lift this hammer.

Lu Sheng took a deep breath and began slowly lifting.

However, the hammer's weight was still there, and even though his Physical Body and Qi and blood cultivation had improved, adapting to this thing was not simple.

After only a dozen or so repetitions, Lu Sheng felt as if all his strength had been exhausted.

He collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.

Wu Lin subtly opened his eyelids and said indifferently, “Five minutes rest, then continue!”

After speaking, he closed his eyes again.

Lu Sheng's mouth twitched slightly. Good heavens, he was truly training him to death!

However, after resting for five minutes, Lu Sheng still diligently continued his practice.

By the end of the day, Lu Sheng's total rest time was less than an hour.

All the remaining time was spent on practicing lifting.

After this training, Lu Sheng's entire arm trembled uncontrollably, and his clothes had been soaked countless times.

Even with Lu Sheng's current cultivation, facing such training was almost too much for him.

Returning to his dormitory, Lu Sheng didn't even have the strength to continue cultivating. He lay on his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, Mo Qing appeared in Lu Sheng's room early, directly waking the sleeping Lu Sheng. Without giving Lu Sheng any chance to delay, he dragged Lu Sheng to the cave and began practicing.

For a time, even Lu Sheng found it hard to bear.

However, this high-intensity training also had great benefits. Practicing lifting, seemingly a very simple action, was refining Lu Sheng's Physical Body with every lift.

Furthermore, within the cave, the power of the flames was extremely rich, and the power of the stars, aided by the sun, was also incredibly abundant.

Under the nourishment of these two energies, and with the hammer weighing a full 99,999 catties, Lu Sheng's Physical Body also rapidly improved.

Soon, a week passed.

Lu Sheng's Physical Body strength had also greatly increased. Although he hadn't yet reached the Middle Stage of the Body Refining sixth layer, he was very close to this step, only lacking a Breakthrough opportunity.

And during this week, Lu Sheng had also gradually adapted to the hammer's weight.

Now, he could continuously hold the hammer for an entire day.

Although he still couldn't swing it casually, he could easily lift it without any discomfort.

Lu Sheng stood in the cave, constantly lifting and lowering the hammer.

Each lift and lower stimulated Lu Sheng's flesh and blood.

Suddenly, Lu Sheng's body trembled slightly, as if someone had paused him. He actually suspended the hammer in mid-air, and his entire being became like a statue.

Motionless.

On the rattan chair, Wu Lin slowly raised his eyelids, glanced at Lu Sheng, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.

“Has he finally comprehended it?”

As Wu Lin's voice fell, Lu Sheng's body suddenly moved.

He began to swing the hammer in his hand. The hammer, which originally weighed a full 99,999 catties, was swung with extreme ease in Lu Sheng's hands.

It was as if it had become a part of Lu Sheng's body.

He could easily hammer from various complex angles, just like his own arm.

Gradually, Lu Sheng opened his eyes, and a look of joy appeared.

“This is…”

“This is 'lifting heavy as light'!”

Wu Lin slowly sat up straight, smiling as he spoke.

“To use the hammer as if it were a part of your own body means you have reached the Realm of 'lifting heavy as light.' Although it's just the beginning, it's enough to learn my unique skill!”

Saying this, Wu Lin stood up and picked up another hammer from the side.

That hammer, which looked even heavier than the one in Lu Sheng's hand, was swung with ease in Wu Lin's hand, as if it were a small toy.

Wu Lin walked to the purple fire furnace and took out a silver metal from the purple fire.

Wu Lin stood in front of the silver metal, and his entire Aura instantly underwent an earth-shattering change.

If the previous Wu Lin looked merely like a dignified old man, the current Wu Lin's entire body was filled with an extremely volatile energy.

It was as if a destructive power capable of shattering heaven and earth resided in his hand.

Like a God of War!

Just by looking at Wu Lin's back, Lu Sheng's entire body broke out in goosebumps.

“This…”

Lu Sheng stared blankly at Wu Lin's back. This was the first time Lu Sheng had seen Wu Lin's Aura when he made a move.

“Hmph!”

Suddenly, Wu Lin let out a low grunt. The mottled hammer in his hand was raised high by Wu Lin, and he smashed it fiercely onto the silver metal in front of him.

The hammer seemed to be filled with an unparalleled power, and pure force instantly unleashed.

Thud!!

In an instant, a dull thud suddenly exploded throughout the entire cave.

The entire cave shook violently with this dull thud, and even the entire mountain trembled crazily because of it.

On the rock walls, hideous cracks instantly appeared, and that silver metal was instantly melted by this extreme force.

Turning into a silver liquid.

Melting Materials directly with force!!

Lu Sheng's eyes instantly constricted as he watched this scene.

What kind of terrifying power was this?

It's important to know that ordinary strength can only pulverize metal, which is already quite impressive. Yet, Wu Lin managed to melt the metal purely with his own strength!

These two completely different sensations represent a significant gap!

To pulverize metal, one only needs to exceed the critical point of the metal's tolerance, and it will naturally happen.

However, to melt metal, the strength required, and even the control over that strength, is quite extraordinary!

For a moment, Lu Sheng stared at the silvery molten metal, completely engrossed.

"Did you see it?"

Wu Lin turned around, looked at Lu Sheng, and said in a deep voice.

"What did you see in that hammer strike of mine just now?"

Lu Sheng regained his senses, and in his mind, Wu Lin's movements just now flashed frame by frame.

After a moment, he spoke with a hint of hesitation: "Senior's strength seems to be controlled extremely well. Not only did it exceed the critical point of this material, but also..."

Lu Sheng's voice paused: "It also produced different types of power!"

As soon as he said this, a look of appreciation appeared on Wu Lin's face, and he couldn't help but nod.

"You've seen through it quite clearly!"

"For all Body Refining Martial Artists, ultimate strength is everything. But wanting to unleash that ultimate strength is not so easy!"

"A powerful Martial Artist—perhaps you only see his terrifying destructive power when he punches, but within that strength, there are things most people cannot see."

Wu Lin explained, looking at Lu Sheng: "Tell me, what kind of power did you see in my hammer strike just now!"

Lu Sheng closed his eyes, and the scene of Wu Lin striking the hammer just now reappeared in his mind.

That lightning-fast hammer strike played out slowly in Lu Sheng's mind.

Suddenly, it froze at the exact moment the hammer was about to land on the metal.

Upon that iron hammer, Lu Sheng clearly saw countless energies mixed within it.

It was as if electric arcs were leaping, sparks were bursting forth, and there was even a hint of earthy yellow energy carrying a sense of heaviness, as well as an extremely gentle blue energy... various energies overlaid, unleashing that ultimate hammer strike.

Lu Sheng slowly opened his eyes and recounted all the energies he had seen.

Upon hearing this, the look of appreciation on Wu Lin's face grew even stronger.

He put down the hammer in his hand and said with a smile: "My unique skill is called 'Heaven and Earth Hammer'!"

"Though the name is a bit simple, when this hammer strikes, it is enough to make Heaven and Earth change color. I have also used this killing move to slay many alien demons of the same Realm!"

"The essence of this unique skill is to fuse all the energy in one's body, and even mobilize the power of the surrounding Heaven and Earth, all together, and finally release it!"

"Achieving a truly strongest strike!"

"Once this killing move is unleashed, it's either death or no injury!"

Wu Lin stared at Lu Sheng.

"However, this unique skill has an extremely fatal flaw: if your cultivation is not enough to support the strongest move you unleash, after this killing move, you will be completely unable to move!"

"So, if you learn this move in the future, do not use this killing move unless absolutely necessary. Once you use it..."

Wu Lin paused: "You must have absolute certainty that you can kill the target!"

Lu Sheng nodded upon hearing this, but his mind was still constantly recalling Wu Lin's previous movements.

"Fusing all energy into one move..."

"One's own strength... the power of Heaven and Earth..."

Lu Sheng murmured, as if falling into a certain state. His eyes looked extremely unfocused, yet a profound fluctuation emanated from his body.

Wu Lin watched this scene, a smile appearing on his face.

"This fellow, Kong Yunchang, that old geezer, has found a good Disciple. Just a casual remark and he enters Epiphany. It seems this Peak path..."

"Perhaps there really is hope!"

Wu Lin took a deep look at Lu Sheng, then withdrew his gaze. His figure flickered, and he had already appeared on the mountain peak.

On the mountain peak, it seemed a figure was already waiting for him at this time.

The newcomer was dressed in a Zhongshan suit, a smile playing on his lips, giving off a feeling of basking in the spring breeze.

"Senior, does this young man still suit your taste?"

The middle-aged man in the Zhongshan suit said with a smile to Wu Lin.

If Lu Sheng were here, he would surely realize that this person was none other than Lin Xuan.

Wu Lin looked at Lin Xuan and smiled: "You, fellow, are quite a rare visitor. What? Does Tianxing Great Wall not need you anymore? You actually came to this old man's place!"

Lin Xuan smiled calmly: "Since its establishment, the Tianxing Great Wall has never allowed a single alien demon to enter my Great Xia Territory. It doesn't rely solely on me!"

"I came this time just to ask Senior..."

Lin Xuan's voice paused. He looked at Wu Lin, and a hint of profoundness appeared in his eyes.

"Are you prepared for exposure?"

As soon as these words were spoken, an extremely domineering Aura suddenly erupted from Wu Lin's body, so much so that the clouds above his head instantly shattered under this Aura.

That part of the sky instantly became clear and boundless.

Gradually, the Aura on Wu Lin's body slowly receded. He glanced at Lin Xuan and said indifferently.

"These demon brats are truly bold to dare provoke this old man!"

He slowly turned around, standing on the mountain peak, overlooking the entire Iron City. His deep eyes seemed capable of seeing every corner, every person in Iron City.

Everything in Iron City was fully reflected in his eyes.

"I've been here for so long, my body has rusted. Since that young fellow needs a 'proof of allegiance,' why not give it to him?"

"But these demon brats... I can't let them live!"

Lin Xuan stood behind Wu Lin, listening to Wu Lin's words, and a smile also appeared on his face.

"After this matter, which city does Senior plan to go to?"

Wu Lin pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his head and closed his eyes.

"Slay demons!"

In Lin Xuan's eyes, a faint light flickered.

"So... that's excellent!"

Lin Xuan lowered his head slightly, his face unclear.

Wu Lin turned his head, looked at Lin Xuan, and suddenly said with a smile: "Sometimes, this old man truly wonders if you are genuinely for Great Xia. Whether it's that young brat or you, you both are truly unfathomable!"

"What... is your true purpose?"

As Wu Lin spoke these words, his pair of ancient eyes suddenly became infinitely profound, as if they could completely see through a person.

Lin Xuan lowered his head, and a soft voice slowly sounded: "No matter the purpose, everything is for Great Xia."

"My stance will never change!"

"This is part of the process, and perhaps it might be hard for people to accept, but in my opinion... it's a necessity!"

Saying that, Lin Xuan slowly raised his head, met Wu Lin's profound eyes, and suddenly smiled.

"Great Xia has been weak for too long. It always needs some stimulation!"

"Without stimulation, how can a true shark be cultivated among a school of fish, isn't that right?"

Wu Lin took a deep look at Lin Xuan, and finally fell silent.

On the mountain peak, the two stood there, neither speaking, just quietly watching the sun slowly descend towards the foot of the mountain.

Time slowly passed between the two.

Until the fiery red glow ignited the clouds.

Wu Lin slowly opened his mouth, breaking the silence between them.

"What we believe in is always that old geezer. You are the person that old geezer chose. We believe in that old geezer's vision, but that doesn't mean we believe in you."

"But if I ever see you do anything that betrays Great Xia..."

Wu Lin slowly looked at Lin Xuan, and an intense sharpness instantly surged from his eyes.

"I will kill you without hesitation!"