Chapter 168: Fellow Enthusiasts

Zheng Fa gazed at this disciple of the Heaven River Sect.

Only up close did he realize the man was very tall; Zheng Fa's own height, if converted to modern measurements, was about one meter eighty-five, yet it barely reached the other's eye level.

Perhaps because of this, when he wore his crane-feather cloak, his figure appeared elongated, exuding an air of immortal grace.

But Zheng Fa hadn't forgotten the muscular, brute-like image the man had shown when summoning heavenly lightning…

He felt a flicker of caution—this man had been a bit mad before.

The other seemed to read Zheng Fa's expression, paused, as if recalling something, then curled his fingers into a peculiar gesture before him: "Disciple Yan Wushuang of the Heaven River Sect, greetings, Dao Brother."

Zheng Fa bowed in return: "Zheng Fa of the Nine Mountains Sect, greetings, Elder Yan."

He found the other's bowing posture unusual and felt curious.

Yan Wushuang looked down at his hands, frowned slightly, and said: "This gesture was fashionable in our Ancestor's era; nowadays, in the Xuanwei Realm… only our Heaven River Sect still uses it."

Again with the cosplay of the Heaven River Ancestor?

Zheng Fa felt speechless.

Why did it feel like the Heaven River Sect spent every day gnawing on its own ancestral bones?

As if sensing his thoughts, Yan Wushuang smiled: "For tens of thousands of years, our Heaven River Sect's dream has been to produce another Heaven River Ancestor."

"…"

Zheng Fa slowly nodded—he could understand that.

"But I won't follow my Ancestor's path," Yan Wushuang said suddenly, looking at Zheng Fa. "My Ancestor's Dao was the Sword Dao. My Dao is the Thunder Dao!"

"Your ambition to surpass your predecessors fills me with admiration."

Zheng Fa asked himself: if he had a Heaven River Ancestor like this, he'd probably try the Sword Dao too.

This man abandoned the Sword Dao to pursue the Thunder Dao—never mind anything else.

Zheng Fa admired his resolve.

Moreover, judging by the Heaven River Sect's actions, this man's ideas likely bordered on heresy.

That made it even more remarkable.

"It's not ambition—just a personal interest."

Yan Wushuang waved his hand, humble in expression.

"Interest…"

Zheng Fa's mind suddenly recalled that phrase again:

"You like getting struck by lightning too?"

As if reading his thoughts, Yan Wushuang slapped his thigh and exclaimed:

"It's heavenly lightning body refinement!" he shouted. "Others feel only pain when struck by lightning, but since childhood, I've found it exhilarating!"

"The stronger the heavenly lightning, the more comfortable I feel!"

"My master saw I had this talent and guided me to choose a Thunder Dao cultivation method."

"…"

Zheng Fa turned his head in confusion.

Where was Tang Lingwumin?

What was the hospital number again for her medical checkup?

Big client!

Yan Wushuang's gaze toward Zheng Fa grew warmer.

"Though my fellow disciples in the Heaven River Sect are kind, none understand this interest of mine—some even say I'm insane."

…That actually made some sense.

"But I know my Dao is not lonely—here you are, again!"

Zheng Fa understood: this lunatic had labeled him a fellow lunatic!

"Dao Brother, I didn't…"

"Brother Zheng, those ordinary mortals don't understand us—but before me, don't hide it!"

"…I really didn't…"

"Your body refinement level won't fool my eyes," Yan Wushuang pointed to his own eyes, utterly confident: "You've already brought a supreme Thunder Dao body refinement technique to perfection!"

"…"

"Dao Brother, I heard your name in the marketplace—you've only been in the sect for less than a year?"

"Yes."

"That's it!" Yan Wushuang clapped his hands, voice firm: "There are those who cultivate Thunder Dao body refinement, but I've only ever seen one kind of person reach perfection within a year—no one else could endure such agony in so short a time. I've even heard of people driving themselves mad from overtraining. Of course, there are those who are cruel to themselves—but I see how fast you run, so you probably aren't one…"

Zheng Fa wasn't hearing this accusation of cowardice for the first time.

But he still wanted to explain.

"…Brother, I had another opportunity."

"Brother, I understand," Yan Wushuang patted Zheng Fa's shoulder gently. "This isn't something easily explained—it's hard to admit. You're not the first I've met who won't confess."

…There were others?

"Let me tell you—I've traveled far and wide and met several fellow enthusiasts… I've already planned to form a society, to help each other!"

"…"

"Having this interest isn't shameful!"

Yan Wushuang's eyes brimmed with encouragement.

…

Zheng Fa found it hard to explain his rapid progress in the Five Thunder Body Technique.

In truth, including his time in the modern world, he'd cultivated the Five Thunder Body Technique for nearly two years—if you accounted for the lack of spiritual energy in the modern world, during which he spent most of his time on this technique, the duration might even exceed two years.

But…

He couldn't explain this to Yan Wushuang.

"Dao Brother, weren't you chasing Chen Ting just now?"

He changed the subject.

"Chen Ting? Oh, you mean that Nine You Demon Sect member? Lost him." Yan Wushuang thought for a moment. "His treasure mirror isn't ordinary, and he has hidden tricks—I dared not be careless. Besides, I was really chasing the Heavenly Stele, not wasting time on such petty thieves."

"Where did you lose him?"

Zheng Fa's heart stirred, and he asked suddenly.

Yan Wushuang glanced at him, then laughed: "Others hear me mention this and immediately ask about the Heavenly Stele. Clearly, Sister Zhang means a great deal to you."

Zheng Fa smiled, offering no denial.

After Yan Wushuang pointed out a direction, Zheng Fa hesitated, then asked: "What exactly is the Heavenly Stele? Why do you say you're chasing it?"

The Heavenly Stele was the root cause of the Lei Chi's commotion.

But in the jade cylinder, Master Pang had been vague about it—likely because he didn't know either.

In the Xuanwei Realm, the Heaven River Sect clearly had the deepest knowledge of the Heavenly Stele.

"The Heavenly Stele?" Yan Wushuang thought, then answered frankly: "It's… another realm."

Another realm?

Zheng Fa's eyes widened.

There was another world?

"Do you know where the word 'realm' in Xuanwei Realm comes from?"

"Could it be the Heaven River Ancestor?" Zheng Fa suddenly understood.

"Exactly," Yan Wushuang explained. "Within the Sword Dao Heavenly Stele lies a small realm with unique rules. Our Ancestor realized that beyond our Xuanwei Realm, other worlds must exist—that's why he dared to break open heaven and earth, shattering the boundaries of the cosmos."

"…"

"Unique rules?"

"That's a Heaven River Sect secret," Yan Wushuang said outright. Though it was a refusal, it somehow felt more sincere.

"I can only say the rules within the Thunder Dao Heavenly Stele likely relate to one's mastery of Thunder Dao," Yan Wushuang said. "But I haven't found the Thunder Dao Heavenly Stele yet—or rather, it hasn't reached its true time of emergence. Our Ancestor once said the Heavenly Stele has its own spirit and moves about. I'm not the only one searching."

"Thank you, Brother, for your explanation!"

Zheng Fa's expression was deeply grateful—

Even if the man's warmth toward him felt strange.

But he had answered truthfully.

Zheng Fa truly appreciated it.

"What's there to thank for? These are just trivial bits of gossip—you'll hear them eventually," Yan Wushuang stood up, his tone grand: "We're fellow enthusiasts!"

"…"

…

In a corner of the Lei Chi.

Chen Ting quietly healed his wounds.

This spot was not only hidden, but the surrounding heavenly lightning was extremely violent.

Had he not possessed his treasure mirror, he couldn't have withstood it.

Yet here, the thunder was gentle.

Healing here was not only safe but also deeply concealed.

He dared not leave.

I've made too many enemies.

Not to mention that madman from Tianhe Sect.

Disciples of the Great Freedom Demon Cult are also searching for me—had I not come to Lei Chi, I'd have suspected even Nascent Soul cultivators were chasing me.

But this place isn't absolutely safe.

Occasionally, cultivators pass by not far away, and some of their attire looks familiar—they're disciples of Jiushan Sect.

Fortunately, likely because the heavenly thunder around me is too fierce, no one comes this way.

After several days like this, he grew slightly more at ease and focused on healing his wounds.

……

That day, movement came from afar—it seemed some people were flying swiftly.

He had no wish to pay attention, but the disturbance grew closer.

He opened his eyes and saw a familiar face—Zheng Fa!

Zheng Fa wasn't alone; many Jiushan Sect disciples were with him, speaking among themselves.

"Young Master Zheng, this is the only area we haven't searched yet."

Zheng Fa studied the violent heavenly thunder and nodded—he understood why no other disciples had searched here.

"You all stay here. I'll go in and take a look."

It seemed the other Jiushan Sect disciples were assigned to search easier terrain, while Zheng Fa was tasked with locations beyond ordinary reach.

Chen Ting watched as Zheng Fa, enduring heavenly thunder even he could barely withstand, stepped steadily toward his position.

He had no intention of fleeing—even wounded, he was now a late-stage Golden Core cultivator; facing a Qi Refining Zheng Fa, he felt no need to hide.

Looking at Zheng Fa, Chen Ting knew this group was searching for him.

A coldness crept into his eyes.

One reason was, of course, that Zheng Fa had fled so quickly back then, leaving him battered by the Tianhe Sect madman.

Especially seeing Zheng Fa endure each bolt of heavenly thunder with his bare body, he kept seeing that madman again.

A phantom pain flared across his body…

His hatred deepened.

The other reason was his scorn for Zheng Fa's recklessness.

It was understandable—Zheng Fa had been heavily favored since entering Jiushan Sect; some arrogance from a genius was natural.

But to be this careless outside Jiushan Sect? It was nothing short of inviting death.

All he needed to do was strike or subdue Zheng Fa while unprepared, and he could escape Jiushan Sect's pursuit.

Gradually, Zheng Fa drew nearer.

He could even hear Zheng Fa's weary breathing.

Chen Ting's mind shifted—the circular mirror flew from his dantian, aiming to shine upon Zheng Fa…

Hum!

Chen Ting watched helplessly as his magic treasure was struck down by a seal.

That seal… it's familiar!

Chen Ting slowly turned his head and saw True Person Hei glaring at him.

He snapped his head back toward Zheng Fa, who smiled sweetly.

Who the hell brings a Nascent Soul along on a mission?

Where's your genius arrogance?

……

Looking at Chen Ting's silence, Zheng Fa spoke directly: "I have one question: you claimed you had news of Zhang Shijie—is it true?"

"…She's sealed away." Chen Ting fell silent a moment, then delivered a message that darkened Zheng Fa's expression: "Or rather, she sealed herself to escape the Great Freedom Demon Cult's pursuit."