🏛️ The New Thunder Palace
Three days after Jin Neo-mu's defeat, Thunder Palace had transformed beyond recognition. The oppressive atmosphere that had dominated for sixty years was gone, replaced by a sense of renewal that seemed to energize everyone within its walls.
Elder Brain Lightning-cloud, now officially confirmed as interim palace master, had called for a formal meeting in the Grand Lightning Hall—the same chamber where Lei Jinyun's memorial service had taken place, but now it felt completely different.
"The disciples voted unanimously," Brain Lightning-cloud announced as he welcomed Jinho and the Bloodflame Sect delegation. "I am to serve as palace master until proper elections can be held next spring."
The hall was filled with Thunder Palace disciples, but unlike the hostile atmosphere of their arrival, these faces showed respect, gratitude, and even admiration.
🤝 Official Reconciliation
"Jinho-nim," Brain Lightning-cloud began formally, "Thunder Palace owes you a debt that can never be fully repaid. You not only avenged our dear Lei Jinyun, but you freed us from six decades of tyranny."
A young disciple stepped forward—one of Lei Jinyun's former training partners. "We all knew something was wrong with Master Jin Neo-mu's story about Lei Jinyun's death. But we were too afraid to speak up."
"And now we know why," another added. "Jin Neo-mu had been planning Lei Jinyun's death for years. We feel ashamed that we couldn't protect our brother."
Jinho shook his head. "Lei Jinyun wouldn't want you to feel guilt. He'd want you to honor his memory by building a better Thunder Palace."
「Well said,」 Thunder Lightning King approved. 「A true leader focuses on the future, not past regrets.」
đź“ś The Formal Agreement
Brain Lightning-cloud presented an official scroll sealed with Thunder Palace's lightning-bolt emblem.
"We propose a formal alliance agreement with three main provisions," he announced.
Article 1: Mutual Non-Aggression Treaty Thunder Palace will never again act with hostility toward Jinho or his allies Jinho's group pledges not to take hostile action against Thunder Palace Both parties agree to resolve any future disputes through dialogue Article 2: Information Sharing Pact All information regarding Supreme Demon God and related phenomena will be shared freely Thunder Palace will provide support during emergencies involving dimensional threats Jinho's group will warn Thunder Palace of any approaching dangers Article 3: Lei Jinyun Memorial Project Thunder Palace will construct a permanent memorial hall dedicated to Lei Jinyun Annual memorial ceremonies will be held with Jinho as honored guest Lei Jinyun's story will be taught to all future Thunder Palace disciples as an example of true friendship and loyalty
"This is... more generous than I expected," Jinho admitted, reading through the detailed terms.
Bloodfire nodded approvingly. "These are the terms of equals, not conqueror and conquered. Very diplomatic."
đź’ Heartfelt Words
After the formal signing ceremony, Brain Lightning-cloud's demeanor became more personal.
"Jinho-nim, I must confess something. Many of us suspected Jin Neo-mu was hiding the truth about Lei Jinyun's death. But we were afraid—afraid of his power, afraid of being cast out, afraid of making things worse."
His voice carried genuine remorse. "When we saw how you fought for Lei Jinyun's honor, risking everything for a friend who was already gone... it showed us what true loyalty looks like."
An elderly instructor stepped forward. "Lei Jinyun often spoke of you during his time here. He said you were the most loyal friend anyone could ask for. We thought it was just youthful exaggeration, but..."
"But seeing you avenge him proved every word was true," Brain Lightning-cloud finished.
🌟 Thunder Palace's New Direction
"We want to rebuild Thunder Palace according to the principles Lei Jinyun believed in," Brain Lightning-cloud declared. "Honor, loyalty, and protecting the innocent. Will you help guide us?"
Jinho was touched but realistic. "I'm honored by your trust, but I have my own mission to complete. However, whenever you need advice or assistance with threats beyond your capabilities, I'll come."
「A wise answer,」 Blood Heavenly Emperor approved. 「You're establishing yourself as a reliable ally without becoming responsible for their daily governance.」
⚡ Practical Benefits
The agreement brought immediate practical advantages:
Thunder Palace Support Network:
Access to Thunder Palace's extensive intelligence network Safe haven and resupply point for future missions Backup combat support for major threats Historical archives and research assistance
Information Sharing Benefits:
Reports of dimensional anomalies across the martial world Tracking of Supreme Demon God fragment activities Early warning system for large-scale threats
"This alliance could prove invaluable," Bloodfire noted privately. "Thunder Palace has connections throughout the eastern regions."
🚨 Growing Threats
However, their new friendship also brought sobering intelligence.
"Since Jin Neo-mu's defeat, we've received disturbing reports," Brain Lightning-cloud shared. "Spatial distortions are increasing across multiple regions. Time flows inconsistently in some areas. And there have been sightings of beings that don't seem to belong to this dimension."
"It's the acceleration signs from the Thunder Scripture," Jinho realized.
「The dimensional barriers are weakening faster than expected,」 Thunder Lightning King observed grimly.
"Which makes our mission more urgent than ever," Jinho concluded.
đź“ť Scene Conclusion
As the formal ceremonies concluded, Jinho felt a mix of satisfaction and determination. They had successfully transformed an enemy stronghold into a valuable ally, gained access to crucial historical information, and significantly improved his personal capabilities.
But the intelligence about accelerating dimensional instability cast a shadow over their achievements.
"Where will you go next?" Brain Lightning-cloud asked as they prepared to depart.
Jinho looked toward the western mountains, where dark clouds were gathering despite the clear weather elsewhere.
"To find the most dangerous opponent yet," he said quietly. "Someone who's been pulling strings from the shadows all along."
「Dark Shadow Army's descendant,」 Blood Heavenly Emperor said grimly.
「The time for hiding is over,」 Thunder Lightning King agreed.
Brain Lightning-cloud clasped Jinho's shoulder. "Whatever you face, remember that Thunder Palace stands with you now. Lei Jinyun's friends are our friends, and his enemies are our enemies."
As their airship departed Thunder Palace, Jinho could see the construction crews already beginning work on Lei Jinyun's memorial hall. It was a fitting end to their time here—honoring the past while building toward a better future.
But ahead lay challenges that would test everything they had learned and all the power they had gained.
The real difficult opponents were waiting.