All of them cultivated lightning techniques, giving them higher resistance to wind and thunder forces. Their cultivation methods also subtly harmonized with this environment, and their morale was high.
However, Wind Thunder Cliff's dangers far exceeded their estimates.
The gale winds were no ordinary mountain winds—they contained "Essence of Xun Wind" from the ninth heaven. Not only was the force extraordinary, but it could also erode spiritual energy barriers.
And the heavenly lightning struck without any pattern, its power unpredictable. Even Yu family members wouldn't fare well if struck directly.
Shortly after they began climbing, a mid Foundation Establishment cultivator had his spiritual barrier worn down too quickly by the Xun Wind. Caught off guard, he was grazed by a sudden golden thunderbolt. With a scream, his body charred black as he plummeted off the cliff, leaving no remains.
Yu Zhenting didn't even furrow his brow. He bellowed: "Steady and methodical! Channel your lightning techniques, draw the lightning to temper your bodies! Those who endure will surely advance their cultivation!"
Hearing this, the Yu family disciples gritted their teeth and persevered, climbing while circulating their techniques, attempting to guide some of the heavenly lightning's power to temper themselves. Though risky, the method was effective—several disciples showed signs of their auras strengthening as they resisted the wind and thunder.
But the cost was enormous. People continuously lost their grip and fell, or were struck by overly violent lightning and grievously wounded, requiring rescue by companions. The team's numbers dwindled rapidly.
Midway up, on a protruding platform, they discovered the remains of lightning-struck wood. At its center had formed a fist-sized "Thunder Core," glowing with purple light and wreathed in lightning! This object contained extremely pure and vast thunder essence—for lightning cultivators, it was a priceless treasure!
"A thousand-year Thunder Core!" Yu Zhenting's eyes blazed with intensity. "Retrieve it quickly!"
However, around the Thunder Core, a small natural thunder domain had formed. Countless fine golden lightning serpents wove into a net, violently attacking anyone who approached. Two Yu family disciples attempted to break through and were both struck and repelled.
Yu Zhenting snorted coldly: "Useless! Watch this old one!" He strode forward, his Zixiao lightning blazing brilliantly around him, actually drawing the surrounding heavenly lightning and serpents to strike at him! He brought his palms together, compressing the violent thunder between them into an incomparably condensed purple lightning spear, thrusting it fiercely at the thunder domain's core!
"Break!"
The lightning spear and thunder domain collided violently, exploding into blinding light and deafening thunder. The domain was forcibly torn open, though the backlash made Yu Zhenting's form waver, his face paling slightly. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed through the air and drew the purple Thunder Core into his hand.
As the Thunder Core touched his palm, vast and pure lightning power surged through him. Yu Zhenting's face showed delight: "Excellent! With this treasure's aid, this old one's lightning techniques can reach new heights! You all have contributed as well—rewards await when we return!"
Having obtained this valuable treasure, Yu family morale soared, though they had already lost nearly ten people.
Yu Zhenting showed no concern. In his view, the sacrifice of the weak was the necessary price for the strong to advance.
Continuing upward, the wind and thunder grew ever more violent.
On a nearly vertical cliff face, they encountered a mixed assault of "Golden Sha Gale Wind" and "Gengjin Divine Thunder." This attack was supremely sharp, specifically designed to break defenses. Even the Yu family's lightning shields struggled immensely. People were continuously torn apart by the gale wind or pierced through by the Gengjin Divine Thunder, screaming as they fell.
When the team finally scrambled to the top of Wind Thunder Cliff in wretched condition, fewer than twenty remained from the original thirty-plus. Everyone was wounded, their spiritual energy greatly depleted. Though Yu Zhenting had obtained the Thunder Core, forcibly breaking the thunder domain had caused him some internal injuries, his aura no longer as powerful as at the start.
The cliff top was a stone platform polished mirror-smooth by wind and thunder. At its center stood a solitary charred stone pillar. Atop the pillar was thrust a broken sword—ancient in design, entirely dark gold, with fine lightning flickering around it.
Only half the blade remained, but the piercing sword intent and residual thunder might it emanated made even Yu Zhenting's heart tremble.
"Is this... the remnants of an ancient lightning cultivator's artifact?" Yu Zhenting's gaze burned with desire. If he could claim this sword remnant and extract its ancient thunder patterns and sword intent, the benefit to the Yu family's lightning techniques would be immeasurable!
He was about to approach when the broken sword seemed to sense someone drawing near. It trembled violently, and an invisible yet supremely sharp thunder sword intent erupted, sweeping in all directions!
"Careful!" Yu Zhenting's expression changed drastically as he raised his lightning barrier to full power.
Several Yu family disciples who had been closer and already badly wounded were swept by this sword intent. Their spiritual barriers shattered like paper. Without even time to scream, they fell backward, their life force extinguished! Their souls had been directly annihilated by the thunder sword intent!
Yu Zhenting was also forced into continuous retreat, his lightning barrier dimming, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He stared at the broken sword with a mixture of alarm and fury, greed and wariness intertwined in his eyes.
Though the treasure was fine, claiming it would likely require an even greater price.
At the top of Wind Thunder Cliff, a standoff ensued. The Yu family members surrounded the broken sword, catching their breath, treating wounds, while also watching for other forces that might reach the summit—and for the unruly broken sword itself.
Three paths, three different encounters, reflecting the styles and costs of different powers.
The Qin family's cold exploitation, the Bai family's unity and fortune, the Yu family's dominance and sacrifice. And Buzhou Mountain remained silent. In the clouds above, even more severe trials, more tempting treasures, and inevitably more brutal struggles awaited these battered climbers.
– Marinien
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