After quite some time, the so-called 'gentle' punishment from Li Mei and Xin Yu finally came to an end. As expected by all, not a single scratch could be found on Xiao Hua's body—only the new robe he had just changed into was torn, forcing him to replace it once again.
Once Xiao Hua finished changing, the trio made their way back to the Silvershroud Canopy Tree. However, the atmosphere there had shifted. Ming Cheng was staring at Xiao Hua with a look of helpless exasperation, while Little Fairy Doctor's group wore faint, knowing smiles.
"Is there a problem, Ming Cheng?" Li Mei asked lightly, her delicate brows arching with elegance as she turned her gaze toward him.
"Nothing," Ming Cheng replied, shaking his head with a sigh and waving his hand dismissively. "Just lamenting how reckless one can be in their youth…"
Taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts, Ming Cheng soon regained his usual calm. He turned to Xiao Hua and said, "You must be wondering how we've suddenly grown stronger."
Xiao Hua nodded. "That's right."
From his senses, all three had clearly reached the six-star Dou Zun level. This left him puzzled—he distinctly remembered that three months ago, the two of them were only at two-star Dou Zun. How had such a leap occurred in so short a time?
"It's because of this place we discovered three months ago, while wandering aimlessly," Ming Cheng explained in a calm tone. "As you may recall, there were rumors claiming this mountain range was once a battlefield between two ancient clans. We found that those rumors… were true."
"It is true?!" Xiao Hua and the others widened their eyes in shock, their gazes swiftly sweeping across the surroundings with growing curiosity.
"Unfortunately," Ming Cheng continued with a hint of disappointment, "most of the treasures had already been claimed by the other ancient clan. What remains above ground is practically barren."
"However," he added, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "there are always remnants that escape even the most watchful eyes. This place is one such exception—or more precisely, the within the lake. The treasure there has remained hidden, shielded by the tree's presence."
"And this treasure is directly related to you, little brother," Li Mei interjected, turning her lovely face toward Xiao Hua with a meaningful gaze.
"…Don't tell me—?!" Xiao Hua paused, momentarily confused. But as he glanced around and took in their surroundings, a thought flashed through his mind.
"That's right," Ming Cheng confirmed with a smile. "Beneath this place lies a Lightning Pool—one brimming with clusters of Black Demon Lightning!"
Xiao Hua's expression lit up, and a surge of excitement welled within him. However, he quickly drew in a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the thrill in his heart, allowing calm to return to his mind.
As clarity settled in, a glimmer of understanding flickered in Xiao Hua's eyes.
While this place was indeed abundant in pure energy, it alone wasn't sufficient to push their cultivation forward significantly. However, the refinement and absorption of Black Demon Lightning… that could truly allow them to break past their limits.
'They were truly ruthless toward themselves…' Xiao Hua murmured inwardly.
Black Demon Lightning was something even Ban Sheng experts would not dare to endure lightly—let alone a mere two-star Dou Zun. Only a fool would seek death so recklessly.
Yet Xiao Hua understood why his elder brother and sisters dared to take the risk—and survived. Their confidence didn't stem solely from their extraordinary Dou Qi Method, but also from the Heavenly Lightnings and fragments of Celestial Ancient Frost within their bodies.
That was why they were able to absorb and refine the Black Demon Lightning multiple times, even if it seemed reckless to others. It was also due to these treasures that allowed them to remain unaffected by the intense lightning suppression permeating the forest.
"But doesn't that mean I'm the only one benefiting from this?" Xiao Hua scratched his head, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "What about the others…?"
"Don't worry," Xin Yu said with a light smile, reassuring him. "While waiting for you, we discovered plenty of treasures scattered around the area. There's more than enough to go around."
Ming Cheng nodded in agreement, his expression calm as his gaze swept over the group. "I'll guide you to the Thunder Pool, while Li Mei and Xin Yu will lead Little Fairy Doctor and the others to gather their own opportunities."
…
Splash!
Two figures plunged into the lake formed entirely of lightning. With terrifying speed, they transformed into streaks of light and shot downward, diving deeper into the crackling depths.
"Xiao Hua, we should be nearing the Lightning Pool…" After descending about fifty meters, one of the figures finally spoke. It was Ming Cheng's voice, calm yet edged with focus, as he turned to the figure keeping pace beside him.
"Aye." Xiao Hua gave a slight nod, a flicker of anticipation stirring within his chest.
The Lightning Pool was said to be the heart of this lake—a place where boundless lightning energy converged. Rumor had it that the space within was highly unusual, radiating a natural suction force that drew in vast amounts of chaotic energy, eventually condensing them into countless bolts of thunder.
Though the true nature of the Lightning Pool remained unknown, one thing was clear—it was an invaluable cultivation ground for those who practiced lightning-based techniques.
What made it even more significant was the presence of multiple clusters of Black Demon Lightning—a rare and powerful force that Xiao Hua desperately needed to break through his current bottleneck. Naturally, this place held a strong allure not only for him, but also for Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu.
Had Wei Jie and Mei Ling been present, they too would have felt an irresistible pull toward this Lightning Pool.
While it was undoubtedly a perilous place unfit for casual entry, none of them were daunted by the danger. They had already encountered forces far more terrifying than what dwelled within this pool. Moreover, each of them harbored treasures that rendered even the fearsome Black Demon Lightning less threatening in their eyes.
A moment later, Xiao Hua noticed a faint flicker of silver light emerging near the bottom of the lake. A wild and violent energy had begun to stir there—vague at first, but growing clearer with each passing breath, as though something was beginning to awaken.
"Have we arrived…?"
Xiao Hua's heart stirred as he sensed the faintly familiar energy ahead. His gaze deepened as he stared at the growing silver luster, then shifted briefly to Ming Cheng.
The two exchanged a silent nod before accelerating forward. As they cut through the depths, muffled booms of thunder roared past their ears, growing louder with each breath. The silver radiance ahead rapidly intensified, and the sound of thunder rumbled beside Xiao Hua like the fury of an enraged sky.
At last, they came to a halt just a short distance above the lakebed.
"Hiss…"
Xiao Hua drew in a sharp breath, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him.
Sprawled out below was an enormous basin, nearly ten thousand feet wide. Yet, it held no ordinary water. Instead, the depths churned with countless clusters of Black Demon Lightning, each resembling a colossal, writhing dragon cloaked in darkness. They twisted and slithered slowly, exuding a terrifying pressure that seeped into the bones.
"I never imagined… another lake hidden within the lake," Xiao Hua murmured, his voice low and tinged with shock.
He couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and fear—yet beneath it all, a thrill of excitement coursed through his veins.
"As expected of a place once touched by the battles of ancient clans… this place is truly extraordinary," Xiao Hua murmured in awe, his gaze sweeping across the countless clusters of Black Demon Lightning.
"That's where I must correct you, little brother," Ming Cheng replied upon hearing his words. "This was not merely a battlefield—it was once the home of an ancient clan, before it was destroyed in that very conflict."
"Was the clan that attacked them the Lei Clan?" Xiao Hua asked, a flicker of curiosity flashing in his eyes. Since they were now making use of this clan's legacy, it seemed only right to learn more about its history.
"I understand why you'd think that, but no—it wasn't the Lei Clan," Ming Cheng said, shaking his head with a heavy sigh. "The true name of the fallen clan has long since been erased by the merciless passage of time. However, what I do know is that the clan responsible for its destruction perished a few hundred years later… and it was the Lei Clan who ultimately benefited from the aftermath."
Xiao Hua could only shake his head in silence. Truly, time shows no mercy. Power and glory meant nothing before its slow, inevitable erosion. No one, no matter how strong, could afford to believe they were untouchable forever.
"Anyway, is this amount enough for you to advance?" Ming Cheng asked, his gaze resting on Xiao Hua.
"It's more than enough," Xiao Hua replied with a smile. "In fact, I believe there will even be some excess… perhaps enough for Brother Ming Cheng and Sister Li Mei as well."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Ming Cheng replied with a teasing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You've yet to face the conditions required for your next breakthrough."
"Besides," he added with a faint smile, a trace of amusement in his eyes, "this next stage will push you toward the peak of 9-Star Dou Sheng—and elevate your soul to the Di State. Do you really think the requirements will be anything close to simple?"
"…Don't remind me," Xiao Hua sighed, rubbing his temple in mild frustration.
"Well then, I'll stand guard for you," Ming Cheng said, sensing Xiao Hua's gloom and choosing to shift the mood. "Begin whenever you're ready."
"If that's the case, I'll begin now," Xiao Hua said calmly, feeling a faint sense of relief knowing Ming Cheng would be guarding him. Even with his unique strength and exceptional constitution, he understood that breakthroughs rarely went according to plan. Thus, he chose to proceed with steady caution.
Taking a deep breath, he emptied his thoughts and sank into quiet focus.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the Black Demon Lightning Pool. The moment his body submerged into the churning sea of lightning, he reached out and pressed his hand against a single cluster of Black Demon Lightning.
The instant he made contact, the black lightning stirred—awakened by his presence, as though provoked. Like a furious beast, it howled to life and ruthlessly slammed into Xiao Hua without warning.
"AAAHHH!!"
Bang!
A scream tore from Xiao Hua's throat, filled with such agony that it could make one's blood run cold. The violent surge of lightning crashed into his body like a rampaging thunderstorm.
Chi! Chi! Chi!
In that same moment, the Heavenly Judgment Lightning within his body responded. It awakened with a furious crackle, bursting forth with life. Crimson light erupted from within Xiao Hua's body as the Heavenly Judgment Lightning surged outward—greedy, wild, and entirely indifferent to his suffering.
Like a starving predator, it began to devour the Black Demon Lightning without restraint.
Meanwhile, just outside the boundary of the Lightning Pool, Ming Cheng observed the scene in silence, his gaze deep and solemn. Having experienced the process himself, he now fully grasped the torment Xiao Hua was enduring in order to advance his strength.
What was even more frightening—and astonishing—was that the pain he had suffered during that time paled in comparison to what Xiao Hua was enduring now. This was not simply pain, but an indescribable torment, the kind that could easily shatter a person's mind and plunge them into madness.
Whether it was his resilience, his tenacity, or the sheer willpower he displayed, Xiao Hua had already surpassed the realm of the younger generation. Even many seasoned powerhouses of the older generation would pale in comparison to such unwavering determination.
"I only hope the Gu Clan won't stir up trouble… and that they'll accept the relationship between Xun Er and Xiao Hua," Ming Cheng murmured, his eyes narrowing with a solemn glint.
Because if Xiao Hua could be this ruthless toward himself—what would he do to those he truly hated? Ming Cheng couldn't begin to imagine the devastation that would follow if Xiao Hua were ever pushed to the edge.
At that moment… even the heavens might not dare stand in his way.
Ming Cheng understood well that Xiao Hua would need to take occasional breaks between absorbing each cluster of Black Demon Lightning. This refinement process was not something that could be rushed—it would take an extraordinarily long time before Xiao Hua could even begin the ninth trial and attempt to advance to the nine-star Dou Zong realm.
'Fortunately, I already instructed Tian Huo Zun-zhe to consume the Phoenix's Elemental Core Pill. It'll be quite some time before things are settled on this end anyway…' Ming Cheng murmured inwardly, shaking his head with a faint sigh.
All of this preparation, however, was based on the assumption that Xiao Hua would succeed in overcoming the ninth trial of the Heavenly Judgment Lightning.
Yet in Ming Cheng's heart, there was not even a sliver of doubt. His faith in Xiao Hua is absolute and unshakeable.
Though Xiao Hua had once failed to overcome the Eighth Trial, Ming Cheng firmly believed that this time—he would succeed. No, not just succeed—he would overcome it completely, without suffering even a single failure. That was the unwavering trust he placed in his sworn little brother.
"Good luck, little brother," Ming Cheng whispered, his voice soft but resolute, wishing for Xiao Hua's relentless efforts to bear fruit.
...
Time here did not pass—it carved. Each bolt of lightning etched its mark deeper into flesh and spirit. After three months beneath its fury, the body still stood, but the man was no longer the same.
Throughout these three months, Xiao Hua had tirelessly absorbed Black Demon Lightning, allowing the Heavenly Judgment Lightning within him to devour each cluster without pause. By the second month, he had fulfilled the requirement of absorbing twelve clusters.
Then, just two days before the third month arrived, he began the Ninth Trial.
What followed was agony—an excruciating torment that pushed the limits of body and spirit. But in the end, he endured it all. He overcame the trial, and with that, stepped firmly into the realm of a full-fledged nine-star Dou Zong.
However, advancement did not bring peace.
Upon breaking through, Xiao Hua encountered an unexpected complication—one severe enough to make him return to the Lightning Pool.
According to the information he had obtained from Lady Azure, in order to complete his advancement—allowing his strength to bypass the Dou Zun and Ban Sheng realms—he required one hundred clusters of Black Demon Lightning, as well as a single strand of the Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning. Only then could his strength breakthrough directly into the 9-Star Dou Sheng and his soul ascend into the Di State Soul State.
It was this new, daunting path that now held him within the depths of the Lightning Pool.
As for the hundred clusters of Black Demon Lightning, that requirement was nearly fulfilled. Xiao Hua had already allowed the Heavenly Judgment Lightning to devour nearly all the Black Demon Lightning within the pool—a total of ninety-eight clusters.
Yet he had deliberately refrained from consuming them all.
He feared that doing so might sever the spiritual root of the Stormcoil Mountain Range, disrupting its natural balance. Thus, he chose to leave over eighty clusters untouched, ensuring the land would not be completely stripped of its foundation.
But the true obstacle… was the Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning.
While Black Demon Lightning could still be found and consumed with enough effort, the Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning was an entirely different matter.
This legendary lightning only descended upon the world under a singular, rare circumstance: the moment an alchemist successfully refined a Tier 9 Golden Pill.
Even in the golden age of the ancient era, such an event was nearly unheard of.
In fact, the Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning had not appeared on the Dou Qi Continent for thousands of years. That meant—for millennia—no Tier 9 Golden Pill had been successfully refined.
Even Xiao Hua, who had at least a thirty percent success rate in refining a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill—a rank above the Tier 9 Treasure Pill, yet still one tier below the Golden Pill—had absolutely zero chance of refining a Tier 9 Golden Pill at his current level.
'If I recall correctly… there is one place that contains the Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning…'
As Xiao Hua felt troubled by the seemingly insurmountable requirement, a memory suddenly surfaced—something he had read in the novel.
There was a place—the Void Lightning Pool—an empty space near Eastern Dragon Island, where countless thunderbolts naturally gathered. And among them… the elusive Nine Mysterious Golden Lightning dwell in there.
"That means… I'll have to trouble Zi Yan for this," Xiao Hua muttered, shaking his head with a helpless sigh and a faint smile. But that also meant sending Zi Yan to the Ancient Void Dragon Clan of the Eastern Island.
The problem, however, was that he had no method of contacting them. Worse still, he couldn't be certain that whoever responded would be from Eastern Island. If dragons from other branches arrived instead, they would likely seize the chance to kill Zi Yan and absorb her bloodline without hesitation.
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Xiao Hua exhaled slowly and pushed the matter to the back of his mind. It wasn't something he could act upon recklessly.
Besides, he wasn't ready to part with the little dragon girl just yet—the one who brought lightness to his heart and made him smile with her innocence and carefree joy.
"For now… let's settle the debts owed to Brother Ming Cheng, Sister Li Mei, and Sister Xin Yu."
A sharp killing intent surged within his heart as his thoughts shifted. He clearly recalled what Xin Yu had said—the true reason behind the Wind-Lightning Pavilion's attack on Ming Cheng.
Apparently, in the eyes of the Central Plains, Ming Cheng's Emperor Thunder—a fusion of six refined sparks from different Heavenly Lightnings—had already begun to rival the legendary Heavenly Flames in might. It was now being hailed as one of the most powerful lightning forces in Dou Qi Continent.
Driven by envy and a desire to prove the superiority of their lightning techniques, Lei Zun-zhe had personally challenged Ming Cheng. He had sought to show that their Wind-Lightning was unmatched.
But the outcome was humiliating for him—defeated in less than ten exchanges.
Even the Pavilion's proudest techniques—the Three Thousand Lightning Movement, and their treasured Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body—proved useless. Ming Cheng's speed was faster, his might more tyrannical, and his thunder far more refined.
Unable to accept the humiliation, Lei Zun-zhe resorted to low-class means. Using his connections, rallying allies and forming a coalition to bring Ming Cheng down. Jealousy turned to greed, and Lei Zun-zhe's covetous gaze fell upon the Emperor Thunder itself.
Under the weight of their combined attacks, Ming Cheng suffered a grievous injury—he lost an arm.
Fortunately, Wei Jie and Mei Ling had managed to refine a Phoenix Breath Pill in time. Thanks to their efforts, Ming Cheng's arm was restored and wounds healed. Otherwise, he would've met Xiao Hua without an arm!
"Since you dared to make Brother Ming Cheng lose an arm… I'll make sure you'll never lift your head high again, Lei Zun-zhe," Xiao Hua said coldly.
A dense, chilling killing intent surged from his body, causing the surrounding air to grow heavy and cold—as though even the heavens held their breath.
To Xiao Hua, his sworn brothers and sisters, his beloved women, and those bound to him by blood or sect… were untouchable. Anyone who dared harm them—he would repay without hesitation or mercy.
And soon, the entire Central Plains would be thrown into shock, disbelief, and chaos.
For when word spread that a nine-star Dou Zong had defeated a Dou Zun expert—something unheard of in this era—no one would dare ignore his name ever again.
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