Chapter 363: Thunder Law

"Thunder Lord…"

Yu Yu Chanzi's pupils shrank, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He turned again to the statue of Zhenwu Huaguang Dadi, as if sensing something, gave Li Yan a long, solemn look, then bowed deeply and withdrew.

Of course, no one else could see this scene.

They only saw Yu Yu Chanzi approach the Golden Hall amid lightning, glance a few times, then quickly return.

Wang Wang Daoxuan hurried forward, anxious, "Master…"

"Relax."

Yu Yu Chanzi raised a hand to cut him off, his expression calm: "This Li layman also has great fortune—he has surely gained some insight. Wait patiently; no need to fret."

With that, he turned and left with several elders.

Seeing Wang Wang Daoxuan still worried, the old Daoist spoke: "Friend, rest assured—our Abbot's cultivation transcends creation; he has penetrated countless mysteries of the world. The young layman inside is certainly unharmed…"

On the other side, Yu Yu Chanzi returned to the main hall with the elders.

"Abbot."

As soon as they entered, one elder asked: "What happened to cause this anomaly in the Thunder Hall?"

They had dealt with Yu Yu Chanzi daily and knew well that every move he made carried deep meaning.

What had just occurred seemed ordinary, yet clearly something was amiss.

The Thunderfire Refining Hall was the first mystery of Mount Wudang; such a major disturbance demanded explanation—could not be dismissed with a mere word.

Yu Yu Chanzi did not answer directly. Instead, he took three incense sticks, bowed several times before the Zhenwu Huaguang Dadi statue, placed them reverently in the censer, then turned and said: "This matter likely has deeper causes—I myself do not fully understand it. But since it occurred before Zhenwu Huaguang Dadi's statue, we need not probe further…"

These words sounded vague and confusing.

Yet all the elders' expressions changed slightly.

One of them, lost in thought, said gravely: "This hasn't been seen in a long time—should we…"

"No need to meddle."

Yu Yu Chanzi glanced at the storm-churning sky beyond the hall and shook his head: "The mysteries of heaven and earth—we can only glimpse a corner. To tamper blindly with causes and effects invites unpredictable fortune or disaster."

"Just keep watch on this man. If needed, lend aid—cultivate a good connection."

As he spoke, he gazed at the mountains and rivers beneath the heavy rain, sighing: "This transformation of the human realm may prove fiercer than we imagined."

"Yu Yuan, send word to the capital: this year's New Year, I shall go personally to pray for His Majesty's blessings…"

"Yes, Abbot!"

All elders bowed in unison, their hearts filled with shock.

The current Emperor had summoned the Abbot thrice, yet he had always declined under the excuse of seclusion for cultivation—that had been the established strategy.

Entering the capital would mean accepting the title of State Preceptor.

Since the time of Emperor Taixuan of Great Da Xuan, Mount Wudang's Zhenwu Palace had enjoyed imperial favor, receiving vast sums to build temples, nearly annually granted imperial edicts of enshrinement.

There were reasons for this.

First, the lingering incense debt to Master Master Sanfeng, who had intervened during the decisive battle against the Golden Yurt Khanate, suppressing their shamanic high priest.

Second, to suppress other Da Xuan sects.

The Grand Da Xuan Orthodox Church was never a solid block—its factions were deeply entangled, especially the Zhang family of Longhu Mountain, who claimed to be the Prime Minister's Immortal Mansion and the Daoist Court of All Under Heaven.

It was Longhu Mountain's Celestial Master's Mansion that led the overthrow of the Song.

Later, when Emperor Taixuan of Great Da Xuan seized the throne, though the Great Da Xuan's decay and military defeats played a role, he also relied on the support of many factions.

The army was his greatest ally—when he gave the order, countless regional forces responded, much like Emperor Taizu of Song being draped in a yellow robe.

Other allies included Master Master Sanfeng and other Immortals, as well as the Maitreya Sect.

Because of this, both the Kong family of Qufu and Longhu Mountain's Celestial Master's Mansion initially stood opposed, even sending assassins to kill him.

Though later, seeing the unification of Shenzhou, they finally bowed their heads, relations between them and the Great Da Xuan court only eased after Emperor Gaozong's death.

There was no choice—these two families' status was unshakable; no matter who ruled or what banner flew, they remained unmoved.

Precisely because of these tensions, though the Great Da Xuan court outwardly favored them with annual gifts, it secretly suppressed them.

Today's Kong family still held prestige among scholars, with descendants inheriting the title of Duke Yansheng, yet talent had withered, and regional schools had risen in their place.

Ironically, when outsiders spoke of Qilu Confucianism, they more often named Lu Lu Hongyuan, the director of Mingde Martial Arts Hall and one of the Ten Grand Masters.

But Longhu Mountain's Celestial Master's Mansion was different.

Located in the south of Shenzhou, surrounded by numerous law sects tied to the Miao and Baiyue border peoples, it was both the ancestral seat of Daoism and the southern stronghold of Da Xuan sects—must be firmly held, not moved lightly.

Thus, the Great Da Xuan court greatly elevated the Zhenwu Palace, even raising the divine status of Zhenwu Huaguang Dadi in state sacrifices, to suppress Longhu Mountain's influence.

This tactic was obvious to all.

Yu Yu Chanzi's repeated refusals were precisely to avoid straining relations and bringing disaster upon Mount Wudang.

Appearing in the capital was, in truth, a declaration of complete allegiance to the court.

Hence, the seven elders of Mount Wudang were stunned.

This sudden change of stance.

What had Yu Yu Chanzi seen inside the Golden Hall…

…………

BOOM!

Within the Shen-cultivation space, Li Yan's hair stood on end.

Since the thunder had formed countless human figures, the situation had instantly changed.

Previously, the thunder, drawn by the sea of yin energy, had merely raged within the sea, inadvertently helping him carve out his Shen-cultivation space.

But now that these figures had appeared, the thunder gained sentience.

Each bolt of lightning, like a sword, slashed through the sky and struck directly atop Luofeng Mountain—the three-tiered divine palace nearly formed instantly collapsed.

Had Li Yan not possessed the Great Luo Divine Body, he would already be gravely wounded and unconscious.

"Damn it, why are you striking me?!"

He was now furious beyond measure.

This situation was clearly abnormal.

Only ancient demons received such treatment.

Had he violated some taboo?

At this point, only two choices remained.

One: immediately halt cultivation and seek another chance to rebuild.

Two: find a way to endure the pressure and complete it anyway.

Without hesitation, Li Yan chose the latter.

The path of cultivation is like rowing upstream—this seemed like a step back, but in truth, it severed the road ahead.

At the same time, a flash of insight struck Li Yan's mind.

BOOM!

As soon as the newly built divine palace shattered again, Li Yan focused all his spirit, using the thunder's momentum to envelop the first two tiers.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Sounds of clashing blades rang out; streams of white qi flowed from the metal pillars, forming the roof and outer supports of the palace.

White Emperor's Fortune: Primordial Geng Metal Qi!

These substances had great use—just a trace could enhance weapon power—but Li Yan had absorbed too much, causing it to stagnate within the palace, impossible to activate.

Later, he simply used it for structural support.

Precisely because of this, the two-tiered palace had withstood the thunder and fire.

The earlier Thunderfire Refining Hall had given him the inspiration.

As the five-colored qi swirled, the third tier of the divine palace reappeared—but the primordial Geng metal qi was drawn outward, absorbing invisible metal qi to form a three-tiered metallic palace.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Three more consecutive bolts of thunder.

The three-tiered palace, like the Thunderfire Refining Hall, suddenly blazed with golden light, illuminating all around, as if a lighthouse had appeared atop Luofeng Mountain.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Thunder continued to strike, yet the three-tiered palace stood firm.

Then, the five-colored qi began to settle.

The corridors inside the palace turned red; the ground, ceiling murals, pavilions, even the lotus seat beneath the divine statue—all gained color, becoming vivid and alive. The three-tiered divine tower was finally complete.

"Hahahaha…"

Li Yan felt immense joy, smiling up at the sky.

BOOM!

But before he could rejoice, even more violent thunder crashed down, engulfing the entire divine tower, shaking his soul, swelling his ears, and roaring in his mind.

Then, a strange voice sounded in his ears.

At first faint, then gradually clear—as if someone whispered: "The Nine Heavens' Supreme Court, the Supreme Jade Pure King. Manifesting to fill the ten directions, expounding the Dao while seated upon nine phoenixes…"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's expression changed instantly.

He had heard this scripture before—Wang Wang Daoxuan had recited it.

It was the Thunder Ancestor's Precious Declaration, the Supreme Devotion Prayer!

A Precious Declaration, also called a Gaozhang, was originally the divine will transmitted by Daoist immortals and deities; later, it became ornate prose praising the gods.

Why had he suddenly heard this?

Li Yan's heart tightened.

He knew he had likely awakened his second divine ability: the Heavenly Ear, allowing him to understand the speech of immortals, gods, ghosts, and demons.

!.

This was naturally a tremendous blessing.

But hearing the Thunder Ancestor's Sacred Chant while being struck by lightning? That was a dire problem!

Boom boom boom!

Thunder continued to fall without pause.

Li Yan gritted his teeth and once again formed the hand seals.

No matter what had happened or why he had suddenly been struck by lightning, it was too late to turn back—he must continue his cultivation.

Hum hum hum!

As he formed the seals, the three-layer Divine Palace trembled again.

This tremor came from the ground.

Outside, Luofeng Mountain, amid the vast Yin Sea, rose another ten zhang and grew even larger.

Luofeng Mountain was the foundation of his cultivation.

The higher and larger the mountain, the more stable the foundation.

As the summit of Luofeng Mountain expanded, Yin-Yang and Five Elements qi gathered once more, enveloping the three-layer Divine Palace.

The thunder above seemed enraged.

The human-shaped figures formed by lightning above multiplied; each lightning strike now carried a streak of fire.

This was Gang fire—only the most potent thunder arts summoned it.

The cloud of Yin-Yang and Five Elements qi nearly shattered again.

Fortunately, Li Yan had experience.

He once again drew forth the primordial Geng Metal qi, forming a framework and outline first, then allowing the Yin-Yang and Five Elements qi to contract and fill within.

When the Five Elements cloud dispersed, a larger palace appeared.

It was an ancient-style palace, square in structure, with the three-layer Divine Palace enclosed within, vertically connected, forming a vast divine shrine placed at the palace's center.

Li Yan's three spirit manifestations now merged into one, seated within the shrine, resembling the statues of great temples.

Above the palace's main gate, clearly inscribed, were the words: The Palace of Gan Si Master Lian Wan Lü.

This was the marvel of the Luofeng Scripture.

Building the Six Heavenly Palaces did not mean adding a new structure—it fused the three Divine Palaces into one, far more stable than ordinary methods.

Of course, its benefits extended beyond this.

Li Yan's spirit manifestation opened its eyes and surveyed its surroundings.

The Palace of Gan Si Master Lian Wan Lü—he had entered it before, when he received the inheritance, he had seen the palace built by his master, Cold Altar You Shi.

Compared to his, it was crude.

Outside, thunder still roared.

Li Yan dared not delay—he continued forming the hand seals.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

A chain with hooked claws shot from his hand like a long dragon, soaring and twisting through the hall.

It was the Soul-Grabbing Chain.

This Yin Bureau divine ability, inherited from his master, was not cultivated by him directly—it was a seed.

Indeed, as the chain whirled, chains appeared on the pillars, floor, and ceiling of the Palace of Gan Si Master Lian Wan Lü.

These chains were tiny, like countless writhing snakes, converging from all directions toward the Soul-Grabbing Chain.

The chain's length rapidly increased.

At six meters, it split into two!

Like two coiling dragons, they chased and entwined each other within the hall.

Li Yan saw this and finally confirmed it.

The Yin Bureau divine abilities contained within Luofeng Mountain's Six Heavenly Palaces remained unchanged; having learned the Soul-Grabbing Chain, building the Palace of Gan Si Master Lian Wan Lü merely strengthened this ability.

It seemed the next Yin Bureau ability could only be revealed after constructing the next Heavenly Palace.

The condensation of the Yin Bureau ability meant this construction had succeeded completely.

Li Yan quickly formed the hand seals, preparing to end his cultivation.

But at that moment, something terrifying happened.

As the new Soul-Grabbing Chain solidified, the lightning outside seemed drawn in, twisting in midair into an electric dragon, veering sharply and surging into the hall.

Crack!

A deafening boom—the Soul-Grabbing Chain was struck.

Li Yan's vision went black; his spirit nearly scattered.

Before he could react, more thunder surged in, all striking the Soul-Grabbing Chain.

Li Yan's spirit trembled violently; he nearly lost consciousness.

Within the Thunder-Forged Palace, his physical body spat blood, staining his robes, while streaks of lightning were absorbed by the palace, then surged from the murals into his body…

What was happening?!

Li Yan was horrified—but there was no time to think. He could only repeatedly activate the Great Luo Body, barely holding onto clarity.

His vision was entirely drowned in lightning.

The thunder pouring into the hall was entirely absorbed by the Soul-Grabbing Chain; unnoticed, lightning patterns appeared in every corner of the hall, and the two Soul-Grabbing Chains transformed into two lightning dragons!

Within the Thunder-Forged Palace, Li Yan's physical body still sat in meditation.

His robes were charred.

With crackling sounds, the two Soul-Grabbing Chains surged forth—not as intangible forms, but as twisted, luminous lightning, coiling around his body like divine sashes…

…………

Outside the Golden Palace, all waited.

The old Daoist's face was now grim.

This storm was fiercer than any before—even the ridge beasts atop the palace showed signs of melting.

Repairs would surely be needed afterward.

What was that boy doing inside?

Had he already died?

Another incense stick passed; the thunder finally ceased, the dark clouds thinned considerably, leaving only heavy rain drumming down.

"Quick, go rescue him!"

The old Daoist shouted and rushed forward.

But at that moment, the palace door creaked open.

Li Yan, blackened and charred, staggered out of the Golden Palace.

His eyes were dazed; where his bare feet touched the ground, electric arcs sizzled…

"Thunder Art opportunity!"

One Daoist, seeing this, filled with envy.

(End of Chapter)