Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 177: Reunion of brothers Li Xuan and Li Ming

Ye Chifeng was indeed worthy of being the rising star of the Ye Clan in Jinzhou, renowned for their Confucian swordsmanship. His scholarly aura nurtured a righteous sword qi, forming a remarkably solid foundation.

The Ye Clan’s family technique, the Yixing Sword, seemed to allow him to anticipate his opponent’s moves, adapting rapidly in battle. Even though he had miscalculated and failed to discern Lei Jun’s invisible magnetic force in time, Ye Chifeng quickly drew back his sword qi for protection.

Unfortunately for him, Lei Jun had continuously refined his techniques, targeting his adversaries’ strengths. This strike was far stronger than any of the previous ones. As the Upper Qing Golden Bamboo descended toward Ye Chifeng's head, a flicker of flame at the tip danced like a candlelight.

In an instant, that tiny flame exploded above Ye Chifeng’s head, transforming into an intense and boundless thunderfire. The chain explosion shattered the sword qi hastily gathered for his protection. The compressed Ding Fire Yin Thunder burst at close range, forcing open Ye Chifeng’s defenses.

Then, without hesitation, the Upper Qing Golden Bamboo struck his head squarely.

“Bang!”

Blood splattered as the genius of the Ye Clan had his head split open. His body swayed twice before falling backward.

Lei Jun exhaled a long breath, the colors black and white intertwining as they emerged. Although the battle had been brief, it was far more intense and perilous than his previous confrontation with Jiang Daoist and the Yellow Heaven Sect disciples at Dayu Ridge.

Ye Qi was one thing.

But Ye Chifeng had been concealed at the side, and Lei Jun had failed to detect him in advance. This Confucian scholar had not only used a spiritual treasure to obscure his presence but had also maintained a serene mindset, untainted by external influences.

It was as though he did not exist, his presence detached from the world, quietly following behind Ye Qi and the others.

When Li Xuan had appeared earlier, Ye Chifeng had shown no interest, leaving all interaction to Ye Qi.

If not for Lei Jun’s own well-hidden position and sudden ambush that took out Ye Qi in one blow—leaving Ye Chifeng momentarily caught off guard—he would not have stood idly by as Ye Qi and the others met their fate.

At that point, Lei Jun would have faced an open pincer attack, with Ye Chifeng supporting Ye Qi from the shadows.

When Ye Chifeng had suddenly emerged, attempting to assassinate Lei Jun with a sword thrust, his killing intent finally became apparent. At that exact moment, the spiritual treasure concealing him also released its accumulated energy, suppressing Lei Jun’s spirit.

For a fleeting instant, Lei Jun’s mind blanked.

Though the Breath-Taking Flag had an inherent spirit to protect its master, it still reacted a moment too late.

However, Ye Chifeng had not anticipated that Lei Jun had a Tianshi Seal hidden deep within his soul. The seal jolted him awake immediately.

Had it been any other Middle Heaven cultivator in Lei Jun’s position, they likely would have perished.

Even Lei Jun himself couldn’t help but acknowledge that Ye Chifeng, being a Confucian swordsman rather than a martial arts expert, lacked the speed of body-refining or weapon-wielding cultivators of this level. With such a spiritual treasure aiding him to strike from concealment, he could have spilled blood within five paces.

“This thing...” Lei Jun muttered, removing the bone chain wrapped around Ye Chifeng’s arm.

【Teng Snake Bone】.

The name surfaced in his mind instinctively.

It seemed the Fourth-Grade Opportunity foretold by his Upper-Moderate Omen referred to this item. A small risk, to be handled with care. No lingering repercussions.

Lei Jun pocketed the bone chain without examining it further. As he stowed away the Upper Qing Golden Bamboo, he unleashed the Yin Thunders of Ji Earth and Gui Water to cleanse the surrounding area.

In the process, he disposed of most of the remaining Ye Clan members' corpses. Then, without delay, he left the forest.

Although he had already crossed Jinque Creek and was not far from Mount Longhu's main peak, the area both inside and outside the mountain was teeming with powerful figures—some in the open, others hidden.

These individuals’ attention was undoubtedly focused on the fierce struggle atop the main peak, but Lei Jun exercised caution and did not linger.

He followed the current downstream, heading toward the lower reaches of Jinque Creek, continuing his pursuit of Li Xuan and his companions.

As events unfolded, Lei Jun’s caution proved warranted. Before long, someone approached the vicinity of the Jinque Creek crossing.

The newcomer, with a trim beard and a refined, scholarly demeanor, carried a sword at his waist and exuded an elegant air. He was none other than a senior elder of the Suzhou Chu Clan, a cultivator of the Upper Heaven Realm.

Blocked by Mount Longhu’s defensive formation, the elder was unable to breach the massive altar encompassing the main peak and had to remain outside.

At this moment, however, his focus was not on the external happenings. The key to determining the future direction of Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion lay in the outcome of the ongoing clash between the Grand Elders atop the main peak.

Nevertheless, he sensed something amiss and decided to inspect the Jinque Creek crossing.

Although Lei Jun had done a cursory cleanup, the Chu Clan elder, with his Seven-Heaven cultivation, quickly discerned the remnants of a significant battle.

Many had died, most of them struck down by Daoist thunder arts.

What was peculiar was that the deceased appeared to be Confucian cultivators.

Were they from the Fang Clan of Jingxiang? The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou? Or perhaps even the Suzhou Chu Clan?

The Chu Clan elder pondered. The Chu Clan was divided over the Tianshi Mansion's internal conflict, as Chu Guolao’s attention was occupied with the chaos in Wuyue and the Eastern Sea.

Thus, the Chu Clan had little energy to intervene in Mount Longhu's infighting, sending only this elder to support the Tianshi Mansion’s Supreme Elder, Li Song, who had long-standing ties with the Chu Clan.

However, upon closer inspection, the elder deduced that the slain Confucians likely hailed from the Ye Clan of Jinzhou.

It was unsurprising that the Li Clan had sought external allies, but how deeply the Ye Clan was involved remained to be seen...

“Boom!”

A violet thunderbolt streaked across the sky, emanating from Mount Longhu's main peak with unparalleled dominance.

The Chu Clan elder instinctively braced himself.

The thunder was not directed at him but stemmed from the increasingly intense battle between Tang Xiaotang, wielding the Tianshi Sword, and Li Hongyu, clad in the Tianshi Robe.

Under the radiance of nine-colored light, streaks of purple thunder transformed into sword lights, carving massive fissures into the surrounding mountains beyond the main peak.

Lei Jun, navigating the mountain terrain, carefully concealed his presence while remaining vigilant against the sudden descent of these thunderous sword lights, which resembled divine retribution.

Suddenly, he slowed his pace, sensing figures ahead.

They were disciples of the Tianshi Mansion, but not from the Li Clan like Li Xuan and his kin. Among them were familiar faces.

Shangguan Hong was present, looking disheveled alongside several other disciples. They were engaged in a heated discussion:

“Was that man really Chen Yi, who once served under Elder Yao?”

“It must be him... the traitor.”

“Does anyone here know him well enough to confirm?”

Shangguan Hong, who had remained silent, sighed. “Yes, it’s Chen Yi. We were initiated into the Mansion the same year.”

The group fell silent, the atmosphere turning somber.

After a long pause, someone spoke, their tone ambiguous: “He killed Junior Nephew Fenghe...”

It wasn’t particularly angry or joyful—just a complex mix of emotions.

Shangguan Hong and the others wore equally conflicted expressions.

Hearing this, Lei Jun raised an eyebrow.

The “Junior Nephew Fenghe” they mentioned was likely referring to Li Fenghe, Lin Shan’s disciple and Li Ziyang’s only grandson.

Originally intended to apprentice under the Young Tianshi, Li Zhengxuan, Li Fenghe had eventually joined Shangguan Ning’s lineage, becoming Lin Shan’s personal disciple.

In recent years, he had kept a low profile, only to now die at the hands of Chen Yi?

As Lei Jun gazed at the flowing Jinque Creek, he couldn’t help but shake his head in amazement.

Six years ago, Chen Yi had exposed his practice of the Blood River Secret Arts at the creek’s edge, killing several Tianshi Mansion disciples before fleeing.

And now, six years later, he had returned amidst the chaos at Mount Longhu, even managing to kill Li Fenghe, the last hope of the Li Clan’s direct line?

“Junior Brother Shangguan!”

A gust of wind heralded a new arrival.

A woman clad in a crimson Daoist robe, her demeanor regal and her features exquisite, approached.

Shangguan Hong and the others quickly saluted. “Senior Sister Zhang.”

It was Zhang Jingzhen.

Her gaze swept across the area. “I just received word—Junior Nephew Fenghe has been harmed?”

Shangguan Hong nodded. “Yes. Some younger disciples patrolling outside the mountain happened upon Chen Yi. The traitor attacked, killing Junior Nephew Fenghe and others.”

Zhang Jingzhen frowned slightly. “Was Chen Yi targeting Junior Nephew Fenghe from the start?”

Although Chen Yi had been labeled a traitor, Shangguan Hong gave an objective account of the events:

“They say he was trying to sneak up the mountain but was discovered. When Brother Lin Shan pursued him, Chen Yi retaliated, injuring Junior Nephew Fenghe and others during his escape.”

Lei Jun listened quietly, deep in thought.

After years apart, it seemed Chen Yi’s methods remained as focused as ever. Though more ruthless than before, he rarely acted out of pure emotion.

His return to Mount Longhu during its internal strife was clearly not for revenge.

At least, revenge wasn’t his primary goal.

It seemed more like he was searching for something.

But after being exposed, his primary objective likely failed, leading him to lash out and kill Li Fenghe and the others during his retreat.

Was this bad luck for Chen Yi, or for Li Fenghe?

What could Chen Yi be seeking at Mount Longhu?

“What’s Chen Yi’s current status?” Zhang Jingzhen asked.

Shangguan Hong replied, “Brother Lin Shan is pursuing him. The situation is unclear. Also... Li Xuan has gone after him as well.”

He hesitated briefly, but Lei Jun caught the mention of Li Xuan.

Zhang Jingzhen glanced eastward. “Surely Brother Lin Shan alone is capable of taking down Chen Yi?”

Shangguan Hong quickly added, “Senior Sister Zhang, Chen Yi has already reached the Fourth Heaven!”

Zhang Jingzhen’s eyes flickered with surprise. “The Fourth Heaven? Chen Yi?”

She knew more than most. Chen Yi had joined the Demon Suppression Guard after fleeing, quickly advancing to the Third Heaven Altar Realm.

But it had only been six years since his escape.

To reach the Fourth Heaven and the Middle Heaven Realm so quickly?

That kind of speed was almost unheard of, even in the Tianshi Mansion. Only Lei Jun had advanced faster.

How had Chen Yi achieved it?

Even with the recent revival of spiritual energy, making cultivation easier, such a pace was beyond reason.

Moreover...

“He only had access to the first two volumes of the True Canon of the Dao of Righteousness. How could he possibly overcome the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Third and Fourth Heavens?” Zhang Jingzhen frowned.

Chen Yi had fled before completing his initiation, never receiving advanced talismanic scriptures or higher Daoist texts.

Under normal circumstances, reaching the Third Heaven would already be his peak.

If he had attempted to cultivate another tradition, it would have been almost impossible. Even in the unlikely event he succeeded in rebuilding his foundation, there was no way he could have ascended so rapidly to the Fourth Heaven.

“Had that been the case, Brother Lin Shan wouldn’t have had to give chase—he would’ve taken him down on the spot.”

Shangguan Hong smiled wryly. “Exactly. Chen Yi’s unexpected strength allowed him to escape, forcing Brother Lin Shan to pursue him.”

His smile faded, and his tone grew serious. “They say Chen Yi’s current methods resemble the Blood River lineage of the Southern Wasteland Witch Sect, but they also retain many intricacies of our Daoist Talisman Branch. It’s truly bizarre!”

Lei Jun listened silently, his first thought being...

Other people’s lives sure are exciting—always full of sparks and thunder.

After being expelled from a decaying sect, has the wheel of fate finally begun turning for the young prodigy, setting him on a path uniquely his own—a fusion of righteousness and wickedness?

Lei Jun shook his head repeatedly, pulling his wandering thoughts back to the present.

If Chen Yi’s cultivation had ties to the Blood River lineage, it would somewhat explain his rapid advancement. This path of the Southern Wasteland Witch Sect relies on battle to sustain cultivation. The more one fights and survives, the faster one progresses.

From Wuyue to the lowliest Blood River disciples, this principle applies universally. Chen Yi’s position in the Demon Suppression Guard surely exposed him to both his own bloodshed and that of others.

During the Western Region Demon Crisis, the Demon Suppression Guard accompanied the late Emperor Zhang Qilong. For Chen Yi to have survived that ordeal and continued cultivating along the Blood River lineage, his progress could not have been slow.

Yet what had been a peripheral skill for Chen Yi in the past—Blood River secret arts—now seemed to have become one of his main focuses.

Which left one crucial question:

How had Chen Yi managed to transition from the Daoist Talisman Branch to the Blood River lineage?

Even if he hadn’t completely switched over, he was now dual-cultivating both traditions.

How could such a practice allow him to overcome the formidable Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Third and Fourth Heavens?

Zhang Jingzhen shared Lei Jun’s doubts but seemed to have caught a glimmer of inspiration.

Earlier, she’d sensed the presence of the other half of the Heavenly Seal Diagram she’d been painstakingly searching for, only to lose the connection when Chen Yi fled.

Her efforts at the Xianming Spring in the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven had been misdirected.

Now, however, she was reconsidering: could the missing half of the Heavenly Seal Diagram be with Chen Yi?

If so, his escape would explain why the resonance had faded once again.

Zhang Jingzhen’s thoughts crystallized.

If Chen Yi’s return to Mount Longhu wasn’t driven by revenge, what was his purpose?

She suddenly recalled an event from over a decade ago:

During the Initiation Ceremony that year, Chen Yi had striven to become a Tianshi direct disciple like her but had failed. His conflict with Tang Xiaotang had even stemmed from that time.

Could Chen Yi’s goal back then have extended beyond becoming a direct disciple to gaining access to the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven?

Did he already know that half of the Heavenly Seal Diagram was hidden in the Xianming Spring?

This possibility shocked Zhang Jingzhen, though she betrayed no emotion. She merely instructed Shangguan Hong and the others: “The situation is volatile. Stay vigilant and keep yourselves safe.”

Shangguan Hong and the others nodded in agreement.

Zhang Jingzhen headed east.

From the shadows, Lei Jun followed suit, noting that Zhang Jingzhen’s interest in Chen Yi seemed focused more on him personally than on the death of Li Fenghe.

Still, Lei Jun had no intention of intervening.

Prioritize your objectives.

Chen Yi’s sudden appearance and Li Fenghe’s death were unexpected but wouldn’t deter Lei Jun from his primary goal: tracking down Li Xuan.

Lei Jun scouted carefully. The Li Clan disciples had scattered, and for the moment, Li Xuan’s exact location was unknown.

He began tailing one of the Li Clan disciples, patiently observing until the disciple contacted Li Xuan via a Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman.

Despite the disruption to the spiritual energy caused by the ongoing battle, fragmented messages came through, conveying Li Xuan’s orders:

“Surround the Sword Valley to the east…”

The so-called Sword Valley didn’t exist on Mount Longhu’s maps. It was a temporary formation created by the resurgence of the Tianshi Sword, which had seemingly torn through the earth like an awakening earth dragon.

The Tianshi Sword’s appearance had disrupted the region’s spiritual veins, leaving behind a chaotic, deep valley where spiritual energy swirled turbulently.

Chen Yi, seeking to escape the pursuit of Lin Shan and Li Xuan, appeared to be attempting to slip away through this chaos.

Unfazed, Lei Jun entered the Sword Valley. The chaotic spiritual energy significantly reduced everyone’s sensory abilities.

Lei Jun ambushed the Li Clan disciple he’d been following, looting two more Thousand-Mile Transmission Talismans. Rather than activating them, he began meticulously studying their properties.

Employing the Two-Element Magnetic Force Incantation, he suspended the talismans in his palm. After some time, he sensed a faint connection and moved deeper into the valley.

Eventually, Lei Jun stopped, his instincts telling him that someone carrying a compatible talisman was approaching.

Using a Spirit Sight Mirror to aid his vision in the dimly lit valley, he spotted two cautious Li Clan disciples navigating the cliffs and crevices.

Instead of acting, Lei Jun shadowed them.

One of the disciples eventually used a Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman to contact Li Xuan. The fragmented message conveyed another command:

“Chen Yi is untraceable… Switch focus to Lin Shan… Find him within half an hour. If not, exit the valley and resume the search for Lei Jun.”

Though emotionless, Li Xuan’s voice had regained its usual calm and severity.

Earlier, he might have reacted impulsively to Li Fenghe’s death. Now, he was calculating as ever.

Li Xuan’s initial reluctance to eliminate Lin Shan wasn’t due to compassion but concern over potential repercussions. In the valley’s secrecy, however, the fallout could be pinned on Chen Yi.

Yet Lei Jun couldn’t help but feel a grim satisfaction that he still ranked higher on Li Xuan’s priority list than Lin Shan.

As the valley’s environment afforded an opportunity to deal with Lin Shan, Li Xuan would pursue it. Otherwise, his top target upon leaving would still be Lei Jun.

A kind of twisted mutual pursuit, Lei Jun mused, remaining composed.

He stealthily incapacitated the two disciples, confiscating more talismans to strengthen his connection to Li Xuan’s signal.

Advancing further into the valley, Lei Jun examined the Teng Snake Bone he had taken from Ye Chifeng.

The bone, though appearing modest in size, had clearly been refined by cultivators. Its original form would have been colossal.

The Teng Snake was neither a mere demon nor an ordinary spiritual entity. Legends described it as a being that could cultivate either spiritual energy or demonic qi. It was associated with earth, darkness, and fear.

Through a fortuitous encounter, Ye Chifeng had obtained and refined this bone, carrying it as a tool for stealth. On its own, Ye Chifeng’s techniques for calming the mind lacked any concealment properties. But with the Teng Snake Bone, he became almost undetectable to Middle Heaven cultivators.

Even Li Xuan and Lei Jun had initially failed to perceive him.

When Ye Chifeng attacked, the Teng Snake Bone’s latent energy erupted, briefly suppressing Lei Jun’s mind—a manifestation of its connection to fear and darkness.

As a weapon for ambushes and assassination, the Teng Snake Bone was unparalleled.

Lei Jun couldn’t help but feel conflicted about his prize.

A true gentleman like me would never stoop to such treacherous methods, he thought, shaking his head.

I’ll keep it only to prevent it from falling into the hands of villains. Yes, that’s it.

Currently, the Teng Snake Bone’s energy was depleted, likely from the earlier burst. It would require time to recover. Lei Jun stowed it away, unhurried.

Meanwhile, Lei Jun reflected on Li Xuan, who had reached the Dao Seal Realm of the Sixth Heaven in the Daoist Talisman Branch. His essence, qi, and spirit were refined to their peak, allowing his Dao Seal to command surrounding spiritual energy.

This cultivation stage was crucial, laying the groundwork for breaking into the Seventh Heaven. It also enabled Li Xuan to suppress the effectiveness of talismans wielded by lesser cultivators of the same lineage.

To confront Li Xuan directly would be unwise. With the Teng Snake Bone still recovering, Lei Jun abandoned any thoughts of a surprise attack.

In the chaos of the Sword Valley, close combat was risky. Li Xuan’s renowned sharp senses, combined with his powerful artifacts, made him a formidable foe.

But not opting for a sneak attack or close combat didn’t mean Lei Jun was out of options.

He steadied his mind and continued searching for Li Xuan.

Moments later, his connection through the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talismans grew stronger. With the combined resonance of several talismans, Lei Jun could now clearly distinguish whether the target approaching was Li Xuan or another Li Clan disciple.

His target was closing in.

Lei Jun raised the Spirit Sight Mirror to observe. The rugged terrain of the valley, with its jagged rocks, obstructed visibility but also concealed Lei Jun’s movements. If he kept the Spirit Sight Mirror trained on his target for too long, it might alert them.

Through the mirror, he caught a glimpse of a deep crimson Daoist robe flickering in and out of sight in the distance, heading in his direction.

Lei Jun nodded slightly and quietly retreated.

Having paid close attention to his surroundings earlier, he now released a small amount of Gui Water Yin Thunder to corrode a nearby section of rock. The thunder left the rock intact but destabilized its foundation. He also left several talismans in place before retreating further, putting as much distance between himself and the approaching figure as possible.

The crimson-robed figure drew nearer—it was Li Xuan.

His face was taut, his expression more somber and severe than usual. Though his eyes betrayed nothing out of the ordinary, the boundless mana coursing through his body was clearly ready to erupt.

The Tianshi Mansion’s Dragon and Tiger Spirits method manifested as a Wind Tiger leading the way and a Cloud Dragon guarding the rear, providing constant vigilance.

Despite the valley's complexities, Li Xuan remained on high alert.

As he moved forward, his steps slowed.

Li Xuan had detected something amiss ahead. He immediately commanded the Wind Tiger Spirit to scout the area.

Suddenly, an explosion of thunderfire engulfed the Wind Tiger in flames. However, the talismans’ power was weak.

Li Xuan frowned. Could it be Chen Yi rather than Lin Shan?

As doubts arose in Li Xuan’s mind, Lei Jun, standing far away atop a rocky outcrop, prepared his next move.

Both his hands were in position—his left hand held the Spirit Sight Mirror before his eyes, while his right hand extended outward, thumb and forefinger spread slightly apart as if measuring distance.

Between his fingers, faint arcs of electricity crackled. The immense power of his magnetic force gathered into a small, trembling Refined Metal Sword Pellet, hovering in mid-air.

The jagged rocks of the valley obstructed Lei Jun’s view, and even with the Spirit Sight Mirror, he could only see about half of the crimson-robed figure.

However, the additional resonance from the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talismans allowed him to lock onto his target with precision.

Perhaps I’ve become quite the specialist in eliminating my fellow disciples, Lei Jun thought calmly.

From a distance, Li Xuan watched as the Wind Tiger Spirit emerged from the trap, but his sense of unease only grew stronger. Though his perception detected no enemies, a sudden realization struck him—he was being aimed at!

Why would a Confucian sharpshooter or a Daoist flying sword master target him here?

Before he could analyze further, his body instinctively moved to evade.

But in that instant, Lei Jun’s fingertips sparked, sending a surge of electricity ripping through the air. The small sword pellet vanished.

Far in the distance, a flash of fire erupted, followed by a delayed thunderous roar. Earth and rocks flew into the air, flames swirling and further obscuring Lei Jun’s view.

Even so, he saw that his attack had hit its mark.

Li Xuan, having just sensed the distant aim, had barely started to move when a dazzling light exploded before him.

A purple-tinged mana sword at his side, resembling a smaller version of the Tianshi Sword, lit up defensively, its aura fierce. It rose to shield its master, but the sheer speed of Lei Jun’s attack bypassed it effortlessly.

Li Xuan’s Dao Seal flashed within his Dao Palace, and layers of talismans materialized in quick succession. Yet before they could fully activate, the attack pierced through them all and struck Li Xuan directly.

Li Xuan's body jerked violently, flipping backward through the air before crashing to the ground in a dazed heap.

Pain radiated from his right side, where his shoulder was a mangled mess of blood and charred flesh. His right arm was gone, and his torso from shoulder to waist was scorched and bleeding.

Barely conscious, he summoned his mana sword for protection, the Cloud Dragon Spirit coiling around him to aid his escape.

Confucian sharpshooting? Or Daoist flying swords?

But the real question was—this attack wasn’t something a Middle Heaven cultivator could pull off!

A Sixth Heaven Confucian sharpshooter or Daoist artifact refiner might manage such an attack, but they would have given him more warning. Even in the chaotic Sword Valley, Li Xuan should have sensed some indication.

This level of attack could only come from a significant disparity in cultivation—a high-level ambush.

But who? And why?!

Far away, Lei Jun stood firm, exhaling deeply, the black-and-white energy of yin and yang swirling as he steadied his breathing.

Thanks to the immense spiritual energy supplied by the Breath-Taking Flag, he quickly replenished his strength.

Though his first strike had depleted a large portion of his mana, Lei Jun’s Sacred Body of Yin-Yang allowed him to recover rapidly.

He prepared for a second attack.

With his view even more obscured, Lei Jun nonetheless identified Li Xuan’s attempts to flee and adjusted his aim. Another Refined Metal Sword Pellet formed between his fingers.

This time, the strike was even more precise.

Lightning roared through the valley once more.

The second attack directly hit its target. Though Li Xuan’s mana sword tried to intercept, it was shattered on impact, sending the Cloud Dragon Spirit spiraling.

Already severely injured, Li Xuan was thrown violently to the ground, his soul nearly torn from his body.

In this moment of crisis, Li Xuan’s mind became eerily calm.

The attacker’s strikes were devastating but lacked the sustained ferocity of an Upper Heaven cultivator.

If it’s not an Upper Heaven master, then such attacks can’t last long.

Clinging to this thought, Li Xuan struggled to his feet and sought cover behind a rocky outcrop, hoping to obscure himself from view.

But the rocks were unstable, weakened by Lei Jun’s earlier thunder erosion. As the terrain collapsed, Li Xuan realized his peril too late.

Far away, Lei Jun locked onto the new position.

His third Refined Metal Sword Pellet hovered between his fingers, even as the energy provided by the Breath-Taking Flag began to wane.

Relying on his Sacred Body and profound control over the Five Elemental Creation Qi, Lei Jun replenished his mana once more.

“Time flies. It's been over a decade. Send my regards to Li Ming.”

With that, Lei Jun released his third strike.

The lightning shot through the valley, carving a path through the collapsing rubble and debris to strike its target with precision.

This time, the attack left no doubt.

The pellet pierced through Li Xuan’s head.

From a distance, there was no spray of blood—only the faint image of something scattering.

What remained was a headless corpse, its neck scorched black. Flames crept down the already mutilated body, consuming what little was left.