Chapter 22: The Thunder Origin Technique

The power Bai Ling displayed and his future achievements were unquestionably extraordinary. At this moment, the three great families arrived, presenting lavish gifts while simultaneously betting on Bai Ling’s future. Should Bai Ling one day step into the legendary realm, a mere nod from him toward the three families would render all the currency they held insignificant.

The three families, as the three dominant forces of Liuyue City, possessed such vision and strategy that even Bai Ling had to admire them.

Bai Zhentian smiled, unfazed by the scene before him. His relationship with Ji Kun was well known, and now his nephew had revealed terrifying combat prowess—a future without limits.

Bai Zhentian said, “Oh, Xiao Li has returned. He doesn’t still harbor resentment for Ji Kun and me killing his father back then, does he?”

The eldest elder of the Xiao family’s expression changed drastically upon hearing this. He quickly waved his hand and said, “Impossible! Since the head of the family returned, he has been thinking about Brother Zhentian day and night. Moreover, the former head committed atrocious acts against innocent people and even plotted to kill Lord Ji; he deserved to die!” His tone was sincere, as if he bore deep grudges against the former head.

Bai Zhentian chuckled, “Then what about his youngest son? It seems he died five days ago. Xiao Li didn’t get angry or seek revenge at all?”

The eldest elder instantly stiffened, then smiled and said, “Xiao Kuangyun, relying on the family’s status, committed such despicable acts against women in Liuyue City. After the head of the family learned of this upon his return, he was furious and vowed to punish Xiao Kuangyun severely, sentencing him to spend the rest of his life in the family prison, never to disgrace the family again! Unexpectedly, the young woman beside Brother Ling inadvertently taught the head a lesson—an apt one! So he won’t ruin the family’s reputation further.” The elder’s tone brimmed with disdain for Xiao Kuangyun.

Bai Ling showed surprise and laughed lightly, “Third uncle, the current head of the Xiao family has quite the magnanimity!”

Three years ago, when Ji Kun took office, the three great families conspired to give him a harsh lesson, inciting chaos in Liuyue City—burning, looting, abducting famous women—throwing the city into turmoil.

Ji Kun and Bai Zhentian knew well it was the doing of the three families. Fortunately, they confronted the families directly and eliminated their heads, forcing the families to elect new leaders.

After Ji Kun assumed office, he issued a ban on killings. If the three families continued their old ways, they would have no reason to exist.

Over the past three years, the three families had reined themselves in so much that people praised them, their behavior completely unlike before.

“On a chosen day, Ling’er and I will pay our respects and apologize. For now, you may leave. Oh, and take all this mess away!” Bai Zhentian issued an order to expel the guests.

The three families stiffened but slowly departed.

Bai Ling watched them leave, his expression puzzled. “Xiao Kuangyun is Xiao Li’s youngest son. Despite the grief of losing his child, he doesn’t seek revenge and even sent lavish gifts, inviting third uncle to guide his cultivation. This somewhat resembles a banquet of treachery!”

Bai Zhentian and Xuan Ningyue exchanged glances, both astonished at Bai Ling’s sharp judgment.

The young man before them seemed to have undergone a qualitative change in five days—his intelligence and strength both greatly transformed.

Xuan Ningyue’s expression was complex as she softly looked at Bai Ling’s arm. In her mind echoed the moment Bai Ling defeated Ji Jiuer, bringing a radiant smile to her face.

At this moment, she felt a touch of gratitude toward Ji Jiuer for gifting her a different Bai Ling—more composed and confident than before.

Outside the Bai family residence, the elders of the Li and Ye families watched the eldest elder of the Xiao family, whose face was dark as iron.

Suddenly, the Xiao elder spat a thick mouthful of phlegm toward the Bai family gate, growling, “If this place weren’t so close to the city lord’s mansion, I would have slapped those three bastards dead just now. Bah!”

The elders of the Li and Ye families laughed heartily and quietly left. The Xiao elder remained, relieved himself after pulling down his pants, and then hurried after them.

Bai Zhentian frowned, while Xuan Ningyue’s eyes gleamed coldly.

“Ling’er, your cultivation should have reached the late first stage of the Initial Yuan Realm, yet you have not practiced any technique. Come with me!” Xuan Ningyue linked arms with Bai Ling, following Bai Zhentian.

One hour later, they stood atop the mountain behind Liuyue City.

It was autumn, the rainy season frequent.

White clouds silently approached in the sky.

Bai Zhentian gazed at the clusters of clouds, his pale hair fluttering in the wind. “This is the Thunder Yuan Technique. You have never practiced any technique before. Starting today, you will cultivate the Thunder Yuan Technique. It will temper your primordial veins and deepen your comprehension of the world’s elemental forces.”

“Thunder is born from the laws of heaven and earth. It possesses immense destructive power and profound mystery. When mastered to the late stage, one can command the forces of heaven and earth, transforming them into lightning to battle opponents.”

“The most crucial aspect is ‘enlightenment’!” Bai Zhentian pointed at Bai Ling’s brow. A vast torrent of information surged into Bai Ling’s mind.

Bai Ling closed his eyes. After fifteen minutes, he had memorized the entire technique.

At that moment, dark clouds gradually gathered atop the mountain, rolling and churning.

Suddenly, a crackling sound rang out—a bolt of lightning struck the thunder-strike black iron beside Bai Ling, exploding with a tremendous roar.

A smile spread across Bai Ling’s face—it was time to cultivate!

He sat cross-legged on the mountaintop, carefully sensing the aura of lightning elemental power generated by the strike.

Moments later, a flash of lightning flickered in Bai Ling’s eyes. He looked up at the sky, silently reciting the Thunder Yuan Technique.

Boom!

A lightning bolt struck just above Bai Ling’s head, vanishing instantly as its tail flowed into his body.

Bai Ling’s hair instantly stood on end from the electric shock. His expression stiffened as a tingling sensation spread through his body, causing him to tremble.

Below the mountain, Xuan Ningyue and Bai Zhentian stood watching.

Xuan Ningyue’s eyes fixed on the lightning tail entering Bai Ling’s body. Suddenly, a terrifying surge of primordial power burst from within her, enveloping Bai Zhentian. She asked coldly with concern, “Are you sure this technique won’t harm him?”

Bai Zhentian glared and snapped, “Rest assured! If I so much as harm a single hair on him, may I die a horrible death!”

Following Xuan Ningyue’s gaze, Bai Zhentian saw Bai Ling’s hair standing on end from the electricity. An embarrassed smile appeared on Bai Ling’s face.

At that moment, a figure dashed over at great speed—it was Ji Kun.

He glanced at Xuan Ningyue with a respectful expression, about to greet her, but Xuan Ningyue’s eyes turned icy. Following his gaze to the youth atop the mountain, she froze.

“Brother Kun, judging by your expression, you’re no longer heartbroken?” Bai Zhentian laughed.

Ji Kun laughed heartily, “What is destined will come. Love cannot be forced. Jiuer wrote from the Saint Yuan Fairy Palace that she is well and has resolved the grudges in her heart. She admits defeat but vows to train harder, leaving Bai Ling far behind!”

Bai Zhentian said, “That’s good. Ah, those two children...”

At this moment, Ji Kun shared news: “A lower-grade primordial vein has appeared in the mountain range east of Liuyue City!”

Primordial veins are ranked into upper, middle, and lower levels, followed by Earth, Heaven, and Emperor levels.

Xuan Ningyue’s face showed shock as she softly asked, “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. I received the first report and came to inform Your Majesty. Please decide!” Ji Kun said.