Chapter 160 – Dragon Has Nine Sons, Each Different; Strange Beast Pulao, Fate…

‘Shanhai Scripture Mastery’ – this is a special ability that Mountain and Sea Walkers can only unlock after achieving 25% compatibility with their Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beasts.

It is a unique method of manifesting the characteristics of the Mythical Beasts.

The specific manifestation is Yan Lei currently transforming his Mythical Beast – Kui Bull – into a special type of Magic Treasure or Magical Artifact.

Generally, ordinary Mountain and Sea Walkers can only summon their Mythical Beasts.

Having them assist in battle in a manner similar to spirit pets.

This stage is also referred to as ‘Mountain and Sea Walkers’.

This describes how Walkers at this stage cannot unleash the special potential of their Mythical Beasts and can only fight through summoning.

The reason Yan Lei remains a ‘Mountain and Sea Walker’ rather than a ‘Shanhai Scripture Master’ after unlocking ‘Shanhai Scripture Mastery’.

Is primarily because his cultivation hasn’t reached the minimum requirement of Golden Core Stage for a Scripture Master.

Once his cultivation reaches Golden Core Stage, he can become the seventh Scripture Master of Linjiang Shanhai Bureau at any time.

This is why Zhong Yaojun’s attitude toward Yan Lei differs from that toward ordinary Mountain and Sea Walkers.

Because in Zhong Yaojun’s view, if Yan Lei would just put in a bit more effort and ambition.

Then his future as a Shanhai Scripture Master in Linjiang would be practically guaranteed.

After all, he has already fulfilled one of the two most difficult conditions to become a Shanhai Scripture Master.

He only needs to fulfill one more to become a Scripture Master.

And if he can become a Scripture Master, it would undoubtedly be a great boon for Linjiang Shanhai Bureau.

Because for each additional Scripture Master in Linjiang Shanhai Bureau, their voice and allocated resources within Qingzhou would increase accordingly.

Where there are people, there is Jianghu, and Shanhai Bureau is no exception.

Returning to the main point, the fact that Yan Lei was forced to use his ‘Shanhai Scripture Mastery’ ability.

Shows how much pressure Lu Chen’s Ink Dragon is putting on him.

Whether it’s the special ink mist that can suppress cultivators’ Spiritual Power and Concepts.

Or the massive dragon body and terrifying attack power.

All make Yan Lei feel extremely challenged.

Without using ‘Shanhai Scripture Mastery’, he feels he might not even be able to defeat Lu Chen’s Ink Dragon.

After all, the compatibility between Lu Chen’s Dragon Transformation Sword Intent and his Third Realm Spiritual Treasure – Ink Dragon Sword is simply too high.

So high that their combination produces a qualitative transformation that ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators simply cannot handle.

If Lu Chen’s Sword Intent and Third Realm Spiritual Treasure transformed Ink Dragon made Yan Lei experience the might of Spiritual Treasures.

Then the ‘Five Thunder Heavenly Tribulation’ that Lu Chen is currently executing using his Azure Lotus Eyes is making Yan Lei understand the power of spells.

In today’s Immortal Alliance, those capable of personally executing thunder techniques comparable to Heavenly Tribulation.

Besides this special Mountain and Sea Walker himself, only the long-lived Family from Xuanzhou – the Chu Clan of Shenxiao.

Among other Sects, Families, or even other Shanhai Bureaus, Yan Lei has never heard of anyone who can rely on their own power to execute thunder techniques comparable to Heavenly Tribulation.

But Lu Chen’s surname is Lu, not Chu.

This suggests he probably hasn’t learned the Chu Clan of Shenxiao’s thunder techniques. So where did he learn these thunder techniques?

Could it be that he comprehended them himself?

That would be truly terrifying!In the blink of an eye, countless thoughts flashed through Yan Lei’s mind.

But the current situation left him no time to ponder.

Because his ‘Five Thunder Heavenly Tribulation’ had already collided with Lu Chen’s ‘Heavenly Tribulation Thunder’.

Boom!

Accompanied by intense light and deafening roar.

A massive thunder mushroom cloud erupted from the empty ground between them.

The explosive force was so powerful that it blasted a huge crater nearly a hundred meters in diameter into the earth.

Within the crater, numerous trees struck by the lightning turned charred black, becoming fallen thunder-struck wood emitting a strong burnt smell.

Moreover, the pit remained filled with lingering electric arcs, radiating an indescribable danger.

These weren’t ordinary lightning bolts but special thunder containing the power of Heavenly Tribulation.

Any single one of these residual arcs could easily annihilate an ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

From this, one could see the formidable strength of Lu Chen and Yan Lei’s thunder techniques.

By some unspoken agreement, after this brief exchange, neither Lu Chen nor Yan Lei rushed to continue their attack.

Instead, they looked at each other with curiosity.

Yan Lei was wondering where Lu Chen had learned such thunder techniques.

Similar thoughts crossed Lu Chen’s mind as well.

After a moment, Yan Lei couldn’t help but speak first.

“Do you know anyone from the Chu Clan of Shenxiao in Xuanzhou?”

Hearing Yan Lei’s words from nearby, Lu Chen pondered briefly before calmly shaking his head.

Seeing this response, Yan Lei immediately understood that Lu Chen hadn’t learned his thunder techniques from the Chu Clan of Shenxiao.

Therefore, he must have either obtained them through some special Opportunity or comprehended them himself.

Whichever it was, Yan Lei felt he could no longer hold back.

Because he could barely wield this ‘Heavenly Tribulation power’ only by relying on the strength of the Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast, Kui Bull.

Yet Lu Chen achieved this through his own power.

The difference in their mastery of thunder techniques was immediately apparent.

This feeling of being surpassed in his most skilled Domain.

Filled the proud Yan Lei with immense frustration while simultaneously igniting a fierce competitive spirit.

I can lose, but not in what I excel at most!

Moreover, he could tell that Lu Chen seemed capable of executing that thunder technique only once.

Because the thundercloud that had gathered above Lu Chen’s head had dissipated.

Thinking this, he looked seriously at Lu Chen nearby and said, “Your thunder technique is impressive—the most powerful I’ve seen among all my peers.”

“In this aspect, even the Chu Clan of Shenxiao might not surpass you.”

“But if this is all you can do, then this battle might be coming to an end…”

As he spoke, the Five Thunder Drums behind Yan Lei began gathering special thunder energy.

The highly concentrated thunder technique even transformed the drums into five massive lightning orbs.

An invisible pressure started radiating from Yan Lei’s body.

So intense was this pressure that the onlookers felt as if Yan Lei had descended like a thunder god, his Aura awe-inspiring.

Yet wielding this power seemed to place considerable strain on Yan Lei’s body.

Causing his expression to contort, the Meridians on his face to bulge, and copious sweat to stream down.Lu Chen watched this scene, his expression turning grave.

Because at this stage of the battle, the strength Yan Lei had displayed far exceeded his expectations.

He had initially believed that with the Third Realm Spiritual Treasure, the Ink Dragon Sword, and his own Dragon Transformation Sword Intent, he could easily defeat Yan Lei.

After all, Yan Lei was merely a cultivator at the fifth layer of the Foundation Establishment Stage.

But now it seemed that the Shanhai Bureau’s ability to firmly control the order of the entire Nine Provinces was not without reason.

The enhancement that the Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beasts provided to cultivators was truly terrifying.

No Mountain and Sea Walker could be underestimated.

Judging by the power Yan Lei was currently displaying,

even some weaker Golden Core Stage cultivators might not be his match.

If the average Agents within the Shanhai Bureau were all at Yan Lei’s level,

then the power the Shanhai Bureau possessed might be far greater than he had initially imagined.

However, if this was the extent of Yan Lei’s strength, then indeed, as Yan Lei had said, it was about time to end this battle.

On the field, as Yan Lei concentrated his thunder techniques to their limit,

a terrifying thunder sphere over ten meters in diameter quickly materialized above his head.

The highly condensed thunder sphere shone like a small sun, illuminating the entire arena.

Standing beneath this thunder sphere, Yan Lei’s face contorted with strain, yet his expression remained serious and focused.

“Be careful, young man.”

As the words fell, the massive thunder sphere above Yan Lei’s head shot directly toward Lu Chen.

Wherever the thunder sphere passed, the ground cracked and mountains crumbled, sending rubble flying everywhere.

Witnessing this, Mu Xiaoye in the distance immediately showed a worried expression.

Although she had great confidence in Lu Chen’s abilities,

the power of Yan Lei’s thunder sphere had surpassed ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage techniques, reaching the genuine level of Golden Core Stage.

Thus, even with her unwavering faith in Lu Chen, she felt uncertain about whether he could withstand this colossal thunder sphere.

Most of the spectators shared this sentiment.

They all believed Lu Chen would likely be unable to withstand this attack.

Among them were the two Golden Core Stage cultivators, Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun.

To ensure Lu Chen wouldn’t be injured, Zhong Yaojun immediately summoned a mysterious small bell in his hand.

At the top of this bell crouched a dragon-like creature.

This was not a Magic Treasure, but Zhong Yaojun’s Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast… Pulao.

‘Among the nine sons of the dragon, each is unique.’

‘One is named Pulao, who loves to roar in life.’

[Name: Pulao]

[Rank: Seven Origins]

[Fate: Bell Feasts and Tripod Meals]

[Description: In the sea, there is a great fish called the whale. By the shore, there is a beast named Pulao. Pulao has always feared the whale. When the whale strikes Pulao, it roars loudly. To make bells sound louder, Pulao is often depicted on them, and they are struck with whale-shaped hammers.]

After summoning Pulao, Zhong Yaojun began gathering his power.

If he detected any sign that Lu Chen couldn’t withstand Yan Lei’s ‘Divine Ability: Five Thunders Strike,’ he would intervene decisively to ensure Lu Chen remained unharmed.

This was also the reason Yan Lei dared to go all out without fear of injuring Lu Chen.

With Zhong Yaojun, a Golden Core Stage Scripture Master, present, he was confident the situation would remain under control!

Facing Yan Lei’s terrifying thunder sphere, Lu Chen finally grew serious.

As the faint fragrance of lotuses spread across the arena, an azure profound-colored Spirit Sword silently flew out from behind Lu Chen and was grasped firmly in his hand.As the Spirit Sword was grasped, a unique Aura emanated from him.

Lu Chen held the hilt of the Shangqing Cloud Sword with one hand, positioning it vertically before him.

Then, with an expressionless face, he watched the massive thunderball about to strike and spoke calmly.

“Sword Domain… open.”

As the words fell, the Shangqing Cloud Sword in Lu Chen’s hand transformed into countless lotus petals, vanishing before him.

The next second, a giant lotus materialized out of thin air, covering an area of exactly one kilometer in radius.

Witnessing this scene, ordinary trial participants unfamiliar with the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain felt their hearts tremble, as if gripped by an unseen force.

Those who understood the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain wore expressions of shock.

Among them were Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun.

Zhong Yaojun, looking in Lu Chen’s direction, halted his hand mid-air.

He uttered in disbelief, “Harmony Realm? This kid is actually in the Harmony Realm? How did he cultivate? How could he possibly be in the Harmony Realm?!”

Not only was Zhong Yaojun stunned, but even Yu Tianqi beside him was equally astonished.

Because even he had no idea when Lu Chen had cultivated the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain.

After all, his impression of Lu Chen was still stuck months ago, during the Three-School Joint Exam, when Lu Chen had displayed the Sword Intent of Initial Dao.

Yet in just these few short months, Lu Chen had not only mastered multiple Sword Intents but had also achieved their Fusion, stepping into the Harmony Realm.

Although the Immortal Cultivation World often circulated the saying, “A single Epiphany leads to immediate Ascension,”

describing how the cultivation of the Dao could not be measured by ordinary logic,

most of the time, a Cultivator’s journey from Initial Dao to Harmony Realm was counted in years.

Advancing from Initial Dao to Harmony Realm in just a few months—

Yu Tianqi had never seen it, nor had he even heard of it!

No wonder, no wonder young Lu didn’t go to Shangqing Dao Academy.

He had already entered the Harmony Realm—who at Shangqing Dao Academy could teach him in the Sword Path? He might as well teach others!

With his Swordsmanship attainment, going to Shangqing Dao Academy wouldn’t be for learning but for a field trip!

With this Sword Domain, instead of wasting time at Shangqing Dao Academy, it was better to go to Lihuo Dao Academy, that resource-rich institution, and use its vast resources to rapidly enhance his own cultivation!

After seeing Lu Chen unleash his Sword Domain, both Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun abandoned any thought of intervening.

Because with the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain present, Lu Chen couldn’t possibly be injured.

In fact, rather than worrying about Lu Chen’s safety, they should be more concerned about Yan Lei’s.

After all, this was a Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain—could Yan Lei… withstand it?

On the field, as Lu Chen activated his Righteous Azure Lotus Sword Domain,

a massive Spirit Sword, entirely composed of lotus petals, hovered above Lu Chen’s head.

Watching the approaching thunderball, Lu Chen slowly lowered his sword-finger.

The next second, the giant Spirit Sword above him descended in response, directly intercepting the massive thunderball between him and Yan Lei.

Boom!

Instantly, Yan Lei’s thunderball struck Lu Chen’s giant Spirit Sword, causing a tremendous explosion to erupt on the field.

The force of this explosion was even more terrifying than their previous clash of thunder techniques.

A wave of electricity, entirely composed of lightning, began to spread outward at an astonishing speed after the explosion.The trial participants who had already retreated over a hundred meters turned deathly pale at the sight before them.

They realized that with their current cultivation levels, this five-meter-high wave of electricity could easily claim their lives!

No wonder people often said when gods fight, mortals suffer.

Though Lu Chen and Yan Lei were engaged in combat, neither had intentionally targeted the surrounding spectators.

Yet even the residual waves of their battle had reached life-threatening intensity.

Some spectacles truly weren’t meant for ordinary eyes!

Fortunately, besides these trial participants, Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun—both Golden Core Stage cultivators—were present.

“Stabilize.”

As a steady voice echoed through the air, an invisible bell enveloped the trial participants.

This protective barrier shielded them from the aftermath of Lu Chen and Yan Lei’s clash, ensuring their survival.

When the terrifying electric surge finally subsided, everyone curiously turned their attention to the arena, eager to witness the outcome.

They saw Lu Chen had moved from his original position, now standing atop the thirty-meter-tall Spirit Sword, looking down upon Yan Lei below.

Floating around Lu Chen were lotus-shaped Sword Qi, shimmering like countless stars.

Observing these Sword Qi, Yan Lei below let out a bitter laugh before raising both hands in surrender.

“I… admit defeat.”

Though reluctant to concede, Yan Lei understood as he gazed up at Lu Chen standing atop the Spirit Sword that continuing the battle was meaningless.

Even if he persisted, he stood no chance against Lu Chen who had mastered the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain.

Despite possessing the aid of Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beasts, despite his extraordinary talent and high compatibility with his mythical beast that allowed him to master the ‘Mountain and Sea Scripture’ ability early—all these advantages paled before the Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain.

After all, his powers were ultimately external reinforcements, while Lu Chen’s Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain was his own innate strength.

Moreover, having fought to this extent, his Spiritual Power was nearly depleted, making it difficult to sustain his ‘Mountain and Sea Scripture’ ability.

If he couldn’t defeat Lu Chen even with Mountain and Sea Scripture, what hope remained without it?

Under these circumstances, what choice did he have but to surrender?

Should he stubbornly persist until beaten half-dead by Lu Chen before admitting defeat?

What would be the point…

This was merely a trial, not a life-or-death battle.

With a monthly salary of just a hundred thousand, why would he risk his life?

As Yan Lei conceded, Lu Chen naturally didn’t press his advantage.

Dispersing his Sword Domain, he landed directly before Yan Lei and politely said, “Thank you for going easy on me.”

To this, Yan Lei could only awkwardly scratch his cheek.

What ‘going easy’? He had been completely dominated from start to finish.

Being thoroughly beaten by a teenager under twenty who hadn’t even obtained a Mountain and Sea Mythical Beast was somewhat embarrassing.

At least his defeat wasn’t unjustified.

With Lu Chen’s Dao Integration Realm Sword Domain, unless a Golden Core Stage Scripture Master intervened, what ordinary Mountain and Sea Walker could possibly be his match?

Was losing to such a monster shameful?

Not at all!

In fact, Yan Lei suddenly realized:

If Lu Chen was already this terrifying without having obtained a Mountain and Sea Mythical Beast…Once he obtained a compatible Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast, Yan Lei dared not imagine how powerful he would become.

Perhaps by then, even the Scripture Master would find it no easy task to subdue Lu Chen.

Fear—the boy’s potential was truly terrifying.

Where did such a monster even come from?!

What Yan Lei could envision, others could as well.

Not long after Lu Chen dispersed his Sword Domain, Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun approached him.

Yu Tianqi looked at Lu Chen with a complex expression, as if seeing him for the first time.

“Little Lu, when did you step into the Harmony Realm?”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen thought for a moment and replied, “Shortly after the Black Lotus Sect incident.”

Yu Tianqi showed a look of sudden understanding.

Reasonable. That made perfect sense.

Though life-and-death situations held great terror, they also contained great Opportunities.

While the Black Lotus Sect crisis had posed immense danger to Lu Chen, it had also ignited his potential.

Moreover, Yu Tianqi knew that Lu Chen had consumed the Black Lotus Sect’s Dao Fruit.

With the Dao Fruit’s enhancement, it was no longer so hard to comprehend Lu Chen advancing from the Entry Realm to the Harmony Realm within a few months.

After all, the Dao Fruit was a product of the great Dao, capable of turning decay into magic!

However, Yu Tianqi didn’t attribute all of Lu Chen’s current achievements solely to the Dao Fruit.

Lu Chen wasn’t the first Cultivator in the Immortal Alliance’s history to have consumed a Dao Fruit.

But he was the only one to reach the Harmony Realm while still at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Lu Chen’s accomplishments today were undoubtedly tied to his own terrifying Sword Path talent.

The Black Lotus Sect’s Dao Fruit likely only served as a catalyst.

Thinking this, Yu Tianqi patted Lu Chen’s shoulder with satisfaction.

“Alright, you and Little Yezi go rest over there for now. This trial should end soon.”

Lu Chen nodded and walked directly toward where Mu Xiaoye was, settling down to rest.

Meanwhile, Zhong Yaojun watched his retreating figure with an intensely complicated gaze.

After a moment, Zhong Yaojun couldn’t help but say, “Old Yu, this kid’s future achievements… are boundless.”

“Reaching the Harmony Realm at the Foundation Establishment Stage—such a thing is unheard of, unseen.”

Hearing this, Yu Tianqi lifted his chin proudly. “Of course. Just look at who taught Little Lu.”

Zhong Yaojun shot him a disdainful glance and said irritably, “You? Don’t flatter yourself, you old fool. Do you even know Harmony Realm Swordsmanship? Aren’t you ashamed spouting such nonsense?”

“You can fool your buddies all you want—we’ll have a laugh and move on—but Old Yu, don’t you start fooling yourself.”

Yu Tianqi stubbornly retorted, “Hah, you’re just jealous, Old Zhong. Go ask Little Lu if you don’t believe me! Ask him if I, Old Yu, contributed to his achievements today. Go on, ask him!”

Hearing Yu Tianqi’s forceful tone, Zhong Yaojun fell silent.

Wait, did you really teach that monster?

Is that for real?

Though reluctant to admit it, Zhong Yaojun’s subconscious indeed believed that Lu Chen’s current accomplishments stemmed not only from his own efforts and fearsome talent but also from guidance by a master.According to the information he had seen, Yu Tianqi was very likely the expert standing behind Lu Chen.

However, what Zhong Yaojun couldn’t imagine was that a certain old codger was currently just spouting nonsense, without a single word of truth coming from his mouth.

If he really swallowed his pride and went to ask Lu Chen, he might just get an answer beyond his expectations.

But Yu Tianqi dared to say this precisely because he was certain Zhong Yaojun wouldn’t actually go ask Lu Chen such questions.

After all, opportunities to show off in front of old friends didn’t come often.

Yu Tianqi felt this lie of his was absolutely worth it!

Brothers share hearts, but I play mind games with my brother.

Old Zhong, oh Old Zhong, don’t blame me for being shameless – blame Little Lu for making me look so damn good!

Who told you, old fool, to keep mocking me for not knowing how to teach disciples?

Finally got my chance, didn’t I? Hahaha!

(End of Chapter)