'The marriage annulment has proceeded just as Brother Xiao Hua predicted.' Xun Er was calm, her expression untouched by even a ripple of emotion. She had anticipated this outcome and showed little interest in the matter.
Crack–!
The sharp sound of shattering glass reverberated through the hall. All eyes turned toward the source, where the jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand had crumbled into a fine powder.
Of all those present, it was Xiao Zhan who appeared the most shaken. He had not expected her to continue speaking despite his earlier warnings.
Now that the words had been spoken, the hall fell into a tense silence. Everyone quietly processed the situation, their minds turning to how best to navigate the conversation from here.
The elders of the Xiao Clan, however, had a more immediate concern: what compensation the Misty Cloud Sect would offer to preserve their relationship and prevent tensions from escalating.
"Clan Head Xiao," Yun Yun began, her tone composed and unwavering, "I understand this request imposes on your clan, so I have prepared compensation as a gesture of goodwill."
With a graceful wave of her soft, pale hand, a flicker of light shimmered around her finger. In an instant, several exquisitely carved jade boxes of various colors appeared, neatly stacked in the center of the room.
"I have brought two fourth-tier Fire Spirit Pills, three fifth-tier Dou Spirit Pills, two sixth-tier Fighting Spirit Pills, and three Xuan Class Qi Methods suitable for those who practice fire or wind Dou Qi."
"Fighting Spirit Pills?!"
The elders were stunned to hear that the Misty Cloud Sect was offering Fighting Spirit Pills—and not just one, but two of them!
The Fighting Spirit Pill was a treasure coveted by Dou Wangs. Its potent effect allowed a Dou Wang to increase their strength by an entire star upon consumption. However, there was a strict limitation: each individual could consume only one Fighting Spirit Pill in their lifetime.
Even with this restriction, the pill remained one of the most sought-after treasures among the strong. Many cultivators were willing to pay exorbitant prices to obtain one, making it a rare and priceless commodity.
Yun Yun carefully opened the jade box, releasing a wave of strange, enchanting fragrances that immediately filled the room. Everyone who inhaled the aroma felt an invigorating sense of refreshment.
The elders of the Xiao Clan held their breath, their throats tightening involuntarily as they gulped down their saliva. It was unmistakable—these were indeed Fighting Spirit Pills. Two of them, no less!
Although the Xiao Clan wasn't particularly greedy for fifth-tier medicinal pills, sixth-tier pills were another matter entirely, especially the Fighting Spirit Pill.
Even with Xiao Hua occasionally bestowing such sixth-tier pills, their quantity was limited, and the want he sent typically benefited only Dou Huang experts. For Dou Wangs, these medicinal pills rarely provided significant help.
Thus, the Fighting Spirit Pills held exceptional importance to the Xiao Clan elders. The majority of them had recently broken through to the Dou Wang class, making these pills invaluable resources for further advancement.
It was little wonder that the elders lost their composure when Yun Yun presented two such rare and precious pills.
The elders shifted their gazes toward Xiao Zhan, awaiting his response. In their eyes, the compensation offered was more than sufficient for him to preserve his dignity and reputation.
Moreover, with only nine elders present at the meeting, the scale of embarrassment Xiao Zhan might suffer was minimal. None among them would dare spread word of this matter, as Xiao Hua had sternly warned against stirring discord or jeopardizing the harmony of the clan.
Ultimately, the decision rested with the highest authorities: Clan Head Xiao Zhan, the two Grand Elders, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang, and Xun Er, who stood as the representative of Supreme Elder Xiao Hua.
Xiao Zhan's expression remained gloomy. His gaze briefly fell on Xiao Yan, who, having already been informed of the situation, gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. That simple gesture told Xiao Zhan that his son did not harbor any resentment over the matter.
Though Xiao Yan felt some discomfort, he understood that Yun Yun had been both reasonable and generous in her approach.
The private nature of the negotiation, conducted discreetly and away from the prying eyes of the entire Xiao Clan, further demonstrated the Misty Cloud Sect's efforts to protect the dignity of both father and son.
Xiao Zhan could not, in good conscience, create a scene or complain simply to shield his pride. To do so would make them appear unreasonable and arrogant, damaging the clan's reputation more than any perceived slight ever could.
Xiao Zhan let out a heavy sigh, his gaze settling on Yun Yun. His expression was grim and uneasy, casting a heavy tension over the room.
Bang–!
Just as he was about to voice his agreement, a deafening boom of thunder erupted, shaking the very foundations of the Xiao Clan's residence.
Everyone in the meeting hall leapt to their feet, their faces etched with shock. Without hesitation, they rushed outside, following the source of the thunderous sound.
Their eyes turned toward the mountain at the rear of the residence, where an astonishing sight unfolded. Dark clouds swirled chaotically, enveloping the entire peak in a foreboding shroud. From within the roiling mass of darkness, the ominous rumble of thunder echoed unceasingly.
Occasionally, bolts of lightning streaked through the clouds, each one displaying six distinct hues: gold, blue, purple, orange, green, and red. The dazzling array of colors lit up the mountain in bursts, each flash more brilliant than the last.
"It's coming from the back mountain…"
"What's going on over there?"
"Could there be something hidden on the mountain causing this commotion?"
The elders murmured among themselves, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and confusion. They had spent decades in the Xiao Clan and were well aware that there should be nothing significant on the mountain to cause such a phenomenon.
"If something is stirring…" Xiao Zhan muttered under his breath, his voice trailing off as his gaze shifted toward a particular figure.
His eyes landed on a young girl standing among them, a faint smile playing on her lips as she stared intently at the mountain.
Naturally, the others in the hall followed his line of sight, their focus sharpening on her. The curiosity in their eyes deepened.
Xun Er felt the curious gazes directed at her and giggled softly. She turned her head back to the mountain, her voice low and calm as she murmured, "Why do you think Brother Xiao Hua is absent?"
Her words caused a ripple of realization among those gathered in the hall. It was immediately clear to everyone that the commotion was undoubtedly connected to Xiao Hua. Though the tension in their bodies eased slightly, curiosity began to brew. What could he be doing to create such a remarkable spectacle?
"Do you want to take a look?" Xun Er asked, her tone light and inviting.
"Can we?"
The unexpected response came not from Xiao Zhan or the others but from Yun Yun. She, too, was intrigued and eager to see what the genius of the Xiao Clan had done to trigger such an extraordinary phenomenon.
"I doubt he would mind," Xun Er replied with a gentle smile before turning her gaze to Xiao Yan. Her expression softened as she asked, "Aren't you curious about how the genius of the Xiao Clan has achieved such heights?"
Xiao Yan blinked in surprise, caught off guard that Xun Er was addressing him directly. Yet, her question struck a chord. His own curiosity was undeniable, and he nodded despite the confusion swirling in his mind.
"Clan Head, bring Xiao Yan with you to the back mountain," Xun Er said to Xiao Zhan, her tone carrying a subtle authority.
Without waiting for further discussion, golden-colored Dou Qi wings unfolded gracefully behind her. Her body rose lightly into the air as she turned to Yun Yun, who gave a small nod. In response, green-colored wings of Dou Qi spread from Yun Yun's back.
Before anyone could react, Xun Er transformed into a streak of golden light. Her figure shot forward at astonishing speed, heading directly toward the mountain. Her movements were so swift that even Yun Yun, despite her own exceptional abilities, doubted she could keep pace with Xun Er at her full speed.
'I guess even the fiancée of Xiao Hua cannot be ordinary...' Yun Yun sighed inwardly.
"Yanran, let's go."
Clearing her thoughts, Yun Yun shook her head and returned her focus to the moment. She glanced at Nalan Yanran and extended a hand toward her.
Understanding Nalan Yanran's curiosity about Xiao Hua, Yun Yun felt this might be an invaluable experience for her disciple. Observing the extraordinary feats of someone like Xiao Hua could provide valuable insight, especially after Xun Er's earlier remarks about the reasons behind his meteoric rise.
"Okay, Master," Nalan Yanran replied softly, grasping Yun Yun's hand tightly.
Xiao Yan watched the pair silently, a flicker of complex emotions crossing his face. He never would have imagined, upon first meeting Nalan Yanran, that she would turn out to be his fiancée—albeit a former one.
Shaking off the thoughts, Xiao Yan turned toward his father. His body seemed to hum with restless energy, the excitement of witnessing Xiao Hua's actions growing too strong to contain.
"Let's go, Father. I'm curious about this…" he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Xiao Zhan frowned slightly, his paternal instincts immediately kicking in. After a moment of hesitation, he let out a weary sigh. It was clear to him that no amount of persuasion would keep his son from seeing this through. Resigning himself to the situation, Xiao Zhan turned his thoughts to ensuring his son's safety.
"Yan'er," Xiao Zhan said sternly, his tone laced with concern, "if it gets dangerous, I'll send you back immediately."
As Yun Yun and the others departed, Gu He and several elders of the Xiao Clan exchanged glances before deciding to follow. Their curiosity was piqued, especially since the matter was connected to Xiao Hua—a figure whose actions always seemed to draw attention.
However, not all the elders chose to leave. A few remained behind to calm the anxious clan members, who had been frightened by the thunderous commotion. Their presence helped to restore order, offering reassurance and maintaining stability amidst the chaos.
...
With swift pace, Xiao Yan and the three quickly caught up to Xun Er. They descended to where she stood, their gazes instinctively following hers, fixated on the spot she was observing with unshakable focus.
Not long after, Gu He and his group arrived. Unlike Xiao Yan and the others, they maintained a respectful distance from Xun Er, choosing to silently observe the same location from afar.
"Master Xiao Hua…?"
"Is he cultivating?"
While Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran could barely make out anything, Yun Yun and Xiao Zhan, with their superior cultivation levels, could see far more clearly. Their eyes widened in shock as they peered into the forest. Slowly, the faint outline of a young man came into view, sitting in a serene yet imposing posture.
They quickly realized that Xiao Hua was cultivating, and what stunned them even more was the sight of the swirling dark clouds directly above him. These clouds, brimming with terrifying lightning energy in six distinct colors, were clearly centered on Xiao Hua's position.
"Cultivating? Father, did you say Cousin Xiao Hua is cultivating?" Xiao Yan asked in disbelief, his voice tinged with shock and awe. He could hardly fathom that such a chaotic phenomenon could arise from cultivation alone.
"Master, what kind of Qi Method is he using to create such an incredible scene?" Nalan Yanran asked Yun Yun eagerly. Her eyes shone with curiosity as she instinctively understood that the techniques Xiao Hua was employing were far beyond ordinary.
Xiao Zhan nodded solemnly in response to his son's question, still mesmerized by the spectacle before him. Xiao Yan was left speechless, his amazement only deepening as the scene unfolded.
Yun Yun, meanwhile, was silent, her gaze locked onto the distant figure of Xiao Hua, her thoughts racing as she considered the sheer power behind such a Qi Method.
"I'm not certain, but to cause such a scene, I doubt that Qi Method is merely Xuan-Class…" Yun Yun replied, her gaze unwavering from Xiao Hua's figure as she addressed Nalan Yanran's question.
Before she could say more, Yun Yun turned toward Xun Er, intending to inquire further. However, her words were cut short as a deafening, deep rumble erupted from the heavens.
Bang—!
Their heads snapped upward, and their expressions froze in shock. Bolts of lightning, each radiating a distinct and vibrant color—golden, blue, purple, orange, and red—danced chaotically within the dense dark clouds. Suddenly, the intensity of the spectacle surged.
A massive bolt of lightning, as thick as a man's thigh, tore through the sky, piercing the clouds and unleashing a terrifying wave of destructive energy. The sheer power radiating from it carried an overwhelming sense of dread and the chilling presence of death itself.
The sky roared with thunder, its deep, reverberating rumbles shaking the heavens, while the earth groaned ferociously beneath their feet. The space trembled violently as the energy of heaven and earth spiraled into chaos, becoming an uncontrollable maelstrom of violence and destruction.
"This is bad! If this continues, the clan will be destroyed!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed, instinctively stepping in front of Xiao Yan to shield him from the violent storm.
"We have to do something!" the First Elder shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
Yet, despite their cries, no one dared to act. The sheer ferocity of the tempest rendered them powerless, their bodies struggling merely to remain upright against the onslaught of roaring winds and chaotic energy. Stopping the storm seemed like an impossible dream.
As panic and unease engulfed the group, five figures abruptly appeared in the sky, standing near the eye of the storm. They remained a short distance from where Xun Er and the others were gathered, their presence commanding and enigmatic amidst the chaos.
"Seal the space!"
At the command of one of the five figures, their hands moved swiftly, forming intricate seals. Ripples spread across the space in front of them, fluctuating violently before converging into a solidified barrier.
The barrier enveloped the area where Xiao Hua was cultivating, effectively containing the tempest. The ferocious storm, once poised to wreak havoc, was restrained, its destructive force no longer threatening to spread beyond the sealed space.
As the chaos subsided, Xiao Yan and the others collectively exhaled in relief, their tense shoulders relaxing.
Gu He raised his head, his gaze narrowing as he studied the five figures calmly restraining the storm. "Aren't they the people Master Xiao Hua brought with him?"
"Moreover," he added, his voice tinged with disbelief, "all of them are Dou Zong experts…"
His words stunned the group. They instinctively raised their heads, their eyes locking onto the five figures hovering in the sky. None of them possessed Dou Qi Wings, a clear indicator that they weren't flying through external means. Instead, they were standing in mid-air—a feat achievable only by those who had reached the Dou Zong class.
Before the group could fully process this revelation, Yun Yun's voice broke the silence. "More importantly, what is happening?"
Her question pulled everyone's attention back to the sky. Their heads tilted upward, eyes widening as they focused on the dark clouds still churning violently above the five figures. The lightning within crackled and roared, its colors swirling in a mesmerizing yet menacing dance.
As they continued watching the violent dark thunderclouds swirling above, each bolt of six-colored lightning crackling with unrestrained energy, the clouds suddenly began to shrink. An unusual suction force surged outward, pulling at the surrounding air as though devouring everything nearby.
The six distinct thunderbolts of golden, blue, purple, orange, green, and red hues gradually merged, fusing into a single, colossal thunderbolt. It shimmered ominously with all six colors swirling within, emanating a terrifyingly destructive aura.
The merging process caused a commotion among those on the mountain. Even the expressions of the five figures hovering in the sky turned grave. The oppressive might radiating from the heavens was beyond anything they had anticipated. If this thunderbolt were to descend uncontrollably, it would likely leave a massive crater in its wake, obliterating the surrounding landscape.
"Brother Ming Cheng, this lightning is too terrifying. Should we intervene?" Mei Ling's voice trembled slightly, her gaze fixed on the monstrous lightning above.
Ming Cheng furrowed his brows deeply as he scrutinized the phenomenon in the sky. "Mei Ling… the formation of this spatial barrier has amplified the tribulation. By containing its energy, we've inadvertently provoked it further."
His voice carried a hint of regret as he shook his head and sighed. "While our intention was to prevent collateral damage, it seems our actions have made the tribulation far more intense for our little brother…"
"This…" Mei Ling opened her mouth to respond but swallowed her words, biting her lip in frustration.
The sentiment was shared by the others. Li Mei and the remaining figures all clenched their fists tightly, their inability to help gnawing at them. None of them had foreseen this outcome. Even Xiao Hua, who had meticulously planned for this, hadn't expected such an escalation.
Standing amidst the storm's center, Xiao Hua stared at the churning thunderclouds, a bitter smile forming on his face. The oppressive energy pressing down on him felt like an impending judgment. He clenched his fists and exhaled softly, steeling his resolve.
"Looks like this will hurt more than I anticipated…" Xiao Hua muttered to himself, his eyes filled with determination as he braced for the inevitable.
The energy within the mountain grew increasingly volatile as the gathering lightning surged with unparalleled ferocity. A terrifying thunderous might blanketed the sky, and the oppressive pressure caused the Dou Qi within one's body to stagnate, as though forcibly restrained.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Amidst deafening thunderclaps, the six thunderbolts of distinct colors—golden, blue, purple, orange, green, and red—finally fused completely. The merged lightning coalesced into a singular, six-colored form that radiated an indescribable, destructive aura. From this amalgamation emerged a massive six-colored lightning dragon, brimming with overwhelming ferocity and raw destructive power.
The six-colored lightning dragon roared as it soared through the thunderclouds, its massive form crackling with untamed energy. Abruptly, it halted mid-flight, its piercing gaze locking onto Xiao Hua below. A low, menacing growl reverberated across the mountain before the dragon surged downward without warning, charging at terrifying speed directly toward him.
As the dragon descended, Ming Cheng and the others' expressions darkened, their solemnity deepening. Without hesitation, they focused their efforts on strengthening the spatial barrier, ensuring the devastating power of the lightning would not extend beyond its confines and cause harm to others.
"AGGHHH!!!"
A blood-curdling scream tore from Xiao Hua's lips as the lightning dragon violently surged into his body. Its rampaging energy tore through him, ripping apart his organs, shattering his bones, and rupturing his veins. The excruciating agony was indescribable, far beyond the pain of his previous tribulations.
"This pain… it's not just a hundredfold worse than before… it's at least three hundredfold!" Xiao Hua gasped, his voice trembling as he gritted his teeth. His entire body quivered under the unbearable torment, enduring what no ordinary man could withstand.
Yet, the lightning showed no mercy. Bolts continued to descend relentlessly, crashing into Xiao Hua with unrelenting fury. A massive pillar of lightning energy, three meters thick, erupted around him, shooting into the heavens and connecting sky to earth. The sheer intensity of the light and power made the air itself tremble, leaving all who witnessed the scene frozen in awe and horror.
"Why is the lightning ruthlessly and relentlessly striking him?"
Yun Yun was speechless as she watched Xiao Hua endure the unrelenting strikes of the lightning, his agonized screams echoing across the mountain. Her concern stemmed from gratitude—she didn't want someone like him, who had left such a profound impression on her, to fall in such a cruel manner.
Turning her head, she glanced at Xun Er, expecting to find worry etched across her face. To her astonishment, Xun Er's expression remained calm, serene even, as she watched the scene unfold. It was almost unbelievable. As Xiao Hua's fiancée, shouldn't Xun Er be panicking at the sight of him suffering so terribly?
"He wouldn't fall," Xun Er suddenly said, breaking the silence.
"Eh?"
Startled, Yun Yun stared at Xun Er, meeting her clear, unwavering eyes. There was no hesitation, no doubt—only unshakable confidence and faith. Yun Yun realized that Xun Er truly believed, without question, that Xiao Hua would not meet his end here.
Xun Er smiled faintly and turned her gaze back to Xiao Hua, her voice carrying a sense of pride. "This isn't the first time he's endured something like this."
"…Why does he have to be struck by lightning?" Yun Yun asked softly, her curiosity getting the better of her. She knew the question might overstep boundaries, but the sight of Xiao Hua undergoing such torment made it impossible for her not to ask.
The others, standing nearby, remained silent but listened intently to their conversation. Like Yun Yun, they were equally intrigued by Xiao Hua's circumstances and the mysterious trials he seemed to face.
Xun Er smiled wryly in her heart. She understood that now would be the perfect moment to give a motivational speech to move Xiao Yan's heart. Yet, she wasn't particularly adept at such things, and the one person who excelled at it was currently preoccupied with maintaining the barrier…
"To achieve such heights at his age, do you truly believe there wouldn't be a price to pay or pain to endure?" Xun Er's voice was steady and calm as she spoke. "Ever since he reached the Da Dou Shi realm, he has faced merciless tribulations each time he broke through to another level."
Her words, however, were a carefully crafted lie. In truth, Xiao Hua didn't face Heavenly Lightning every time he advanced in his cultivation. The tribulations only descended when he ascended to a major realm. But the conviction in her tone made the falsehood sound all the more believable.
That said, there was no denying the pain Xiao Hua had endured. She had witnessed four out of the six descents of Heavenly Lightning. Each time, her heart would tighten with anxiety, the sight of his suffering leaving a deep impression on her.
Yet, no matter how agonizing the trials, Xiao Hua never stopped moving forward on the path he had chosen. His resolve to endure, despite knowing the torment that awaited him, was something she deeply admired.
"Despite the torment he endures, he never falters," Xun Er continued, her gaze unwavering, her words carrying a quiet strength. "Yes, he is a genius, and his talent is extraordinary. But what truly sets him apart—what allows him to stand above all others—is his unbreakable determination. It is a will that never retreats, no matter how daunting the odds."
She paused for a moment before adding, "It is this very resolve that separates an ordinary genius from an unparalleled one."
Although her speech was aimed at inspiring Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran, it did not mean her confidence in Xiao Hua is fake.
Her unwavering faith stemmed from her love, admiration, and respect for him. She believed with all her heart that he would not fall here, nor would he fail. She had seen him triumph over these tribulations time and time again and understood better than anyone that Xiao Hua would endure this trial, no matter how insurmountable it seemed.
'He he. He is mine after all.' Xun Er thought proudly, her heart swelling with happiness. She had won his heart and, in turn, given him hers. She felt truly fortunate to have captured his affections before any other woman could claim him.
Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran listened intently, their hearts deeply affected by Xun Er's words. Each sentence resonated within them as they watched Xiao Hua continue to be struck by the lightning.
The memories of their childhood flashed in their minds. Once they discovered their talents, people had showered them with praise for being geniuses. But throughout their early years, they had been arrogant and selfish, allowing those praises to inflate their egos.
In contrast, Xiao Hua had always remained focused, steadfast in his pursuit. He never sought the title of genius, nor did he concern himself with the opinions of others. His eyes were set only on his path.
"I see…" Yun Yun murmured softly, her voice carrying a trace of hesitation. Questions lingered in her heart, urging her to understand the depths of Xiao Hua's unwavering determination. However, she chose not to speak them aloud. She could sense that Xun Er wasn't ready to offer more explanations, so she fell silent, watching intently.
Admiration and respect surged within Yun Yun's heart. She had dedicated her entire life to the pursuit of martial excellence, untouched by the notions of love and romance. Yet now, she found herself giving Xiao Hua a focus and attention she had never directed toward another before.