In Thunder Valley, natural traps are everywhere.
The local specialty, Thunder Branches, exists in both stable and unstable states, and there is no visible difference between them.
Encountering an unstable Thunder Branch means that even the slightest movement could trigger the explosive thunder power within, leading to a more dangerous chain reaction.
Fortunately, with the guidance of the Saintess and careful progress, Tang Xin and the others did not encounter too much trouble and soon arrived by Thunder River.
Countless Thunder Branches grew densely along the already dried riverbed, appearing from a distance like a golden river.
“What a natural wonder,” the Saintess commented, “it’s quite spectacular.”
“Get down quickly,” Tang Xin complained about the person on his back, “you’ve been bothering me the whole way…”
Upon reaching Thunder River, there was no indication that their task was complete, clearly lacking some key information.
The three walked along the riverbank for a while and soon discovered some traces.
On the riverbed, there were large areas marked by the aftermath of exploded Thunder Branches, indicating that someone had used a considerable amount of true energy here.
“It’s sword energy,” Xu Lexian confirmed after careful observation, “the one who triggered the Thunder Branches must be your friend.”
【Main quest completed, reward: Meow Meow Fist · Lightning Effect Version】
【Meow Meow Fist · Lightning Effect Version: An improved version of Meow Meow Fist, with a 50% increase in power, 100% increase in punch speed, and an electric light effect that can disrupt the enemy’s line of sight.】
Wow, with both sound and visual interference combined, the enemies are going to be in for a tough time…
“In addition to the sword energy, there are several other traces of true energy,” Xu Lexian continued, “from the evidence at the scene, the battle must have been one-sided.”
Following the traces left by the fight, the three continued their search and discovered new clues.
“Another team?”
The group that kidnapped Su Ling had gathered with others at the other end of Thunder River, then concealed their tracks and disappeared among the Thunder Branches.
Did they really need so many people just to capture a sword cultivator? Su Ling wasn’t even famous in the Qingzhou cultivation world yet, not even as well-known as the chief of Xuanling Sect.
“Senior sister, senior sister,” at that moment, Shui Qiu suddenly called out, “the jade token Master gave me is reacting!”
She jogged over, holding a glowing green jade token in her hand.
This special spiritual tool allows high-level cultivators to sense the presence of a target within a certain range and communicate through spiritual sound.
Xuan Miao, unable to rest easy about her disciple, had given Shui Qiu one before they set off.
Tang Xin and the Saintess gathered around as the blue-eyed girl infused true energy into the jade token.
“Tang Xin~Tang Xin~ I know you’re definitely there~”
The voice coming from the jade token was neither Elder Xuan Miao nor any other elder sent to carry out the mission.
Instead, it was… Su Ling’s master, Elder Linghua.
“Stop the nonsense,” Tang Xin said, his mouth twitching, “I’m right here.”
“I knew you would be with Shui Qiu,” Linghua’s voice continued, “where are you now?”
“Thunder River,” the senior sister of Xuanling Sect replied, “by the way, we’re being chased, so please hurry over for support, Elder Linghua.”
“Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m currently far from Thunder Valley, and it’s taking all my strength just to barely sense the presence of the Xuanling Sect’s jade token…”
“Then why did you contact us?!”
“I sensed the general location of Su Ling not long ago,” Elder Seven said. “It seems she’s in the Graveyard Plain. If you cross the entire Thunder Valley, you can reach there quickly.”
She paused for a moment before continuing.
“I knew I wasn’t wrong. She must have been tricked into Thunder Valley, knocked out, and then taken to the Graveyard Plain. It’s a chaotic place where anyone can disappear without a trace after a few hands are involved. Tang Xin, hurry and save her!”
“Hey,” Tang Xin shouted, “didn’t I say we’re being hunted? You’re not going to save your own disciple?”
“I will, I will,” Elder Linghua replied dismissively. “I’m a bit busy here, but I’ll head over as soon as I can. I heard from the sect that you’re with Shui Qiu and that girl Xu Lexian, right? You’ll be fine, I believe in you!”
“I swear…”
“Beep beep beep—”
The jade token fell silent.
What the hell, does she think Su Ling is safe? You just say you’ll go save her?
【Generating options…】
【Option One: “What a load of crap!”】
【Success probability: 100%, Reward: a Demon Slayer Blade, Triggering plot: “Irreparable Rift (Linghua’s favorability drops to -100)”]
【Option Two: Delay for a bit, first find a way to meet up with the reinforcements, then consider the rescue.】
【Success probability: 100%, Reward: a Clear Feather Sword, Triggering plot: “Strangers After Parting (Linghua’s favorability drops to 0)”]
【Option Three: Set off for the Graveyard Plain.】
【Success probability: 100%, Reward: a Lightning Rod, Triggering plot: “I’ve always thought this kid looked pleasing (Linghua’s favorability +1)”.】
What’s this, even Linghua’s favorability needs to be adjusted? Not letting anyone off the hook, huh?
“The Graveyard Plain,” Xu Lexian pondered, “I remember it’s the most chaotic gathering place for loose cultivators in Qingzhou, right? Fugitives, wanted criminals, and all sorts of wrongdoers love to hide there.”
“We…”
Shui Qiu looked at her senior sister.
“How soon can the reinforcements from Sacred Immortal Mountain arrive?”
Tang Xin turned to Xu Lexian.
“Under normal circumstances, they should have arrived by now,” the Saintess shook her head. “If they haven’t, it means something must have gone wrong at some point… But you just used the jade token to inform Elder Linghua of the situation, so she’ll probably relay this message to the sect.”
In other words, the reinforcements would likely arrive slower than expected.
“In that case, staying in Thunder Valley isn’t safe either,” Tang Xin said solemnly. “It would be better to blend into the Graveyard Plain; that way, we can hide our tracks more effectively.”
“Alright,” Xu Lexian said without a hint of worry. “I’ve never been to a place like that in my life. If I can buy some special items, maybe I can fully restore my strength!”
Although the pursuers were numerous, none posed an insurmountable threat. If the Saintess could fully recover, they wouldn’t have to worry too much about that danger.
【Main quest triggered】
【Using the Thunder Rod, harness the power of the Thunder River to elevate one’s cultivation to the Golden Core stage.】
【Mission Reward: Technique “Summon: Thunder”】
Forced breakthrough? At a time like this?
Is there no pursuit behind me? Can’t I break through in a safe environment? They really want the protagonist to breakthrough in the heat of battle, huh?
【Conspiracy Strategy: Have the Saintess protect me, earning 1,500 points.】
“What’s wrong?” Xu Lexian asked as she noticed Tang Xin’s expression change three times in an instant. “Are you disappointed because you can’t enjoy the sensation of swaying back and forth while I carry you?”
“I didn’t do that… I have some bad news.”
Tang Xin said, scratching her face.
“I’m about to breakthrough…”
