17: Chaotic Thunder Eyes, suppressing the pride of heaven with a single hand!

Deep within the Purple Heaven Ruins, inside an ancient palace that had partially collapsed.

Lu Qingxuan sat cross-legged on a relatively intact Green Jade Kneeling Mat. His Aura was deep and condensed, and the Chaos Core Essence, colored like Chaos, surged endlessly within his body like a tide, emitting the faint sound of a tsunami.

He was not in a hurry to leave the ruins. The outside world must be in an uproar right now due to the Black Fiend Cult Master being crippled and the Purple Heaven Dao Seed appearing, drawing countless eyes to this location. Going out now would be asking for trouble. It was better to use the ancient Purple Heaven Dao Rhyme remaining in the ruins and the relatively enclosed environment to thoroughly digest his gains and solidify his Foundation.

His Divine Soul sank into his body.

The Nine Revolutions Chaos Golden Core had not increased much in size compared to before, but its color was deeper, and Chaos Qi flowed around its surface, seemingly depicting the scene of creation. Inside the Core, the Core Essence, which was previously like liquid mercury, had now truly transformed into a vast, boundless, and turbulent ocean. Every circulation of the Core Essence brought with it an overwhelming sense of power.

The effect of the quality enhancement of the [Nine Revolutions Chaos Golden Core (Gold)] was incredibly significant. Although he was still in the Early Golden Core stage, the richness of his Core Essence was enough to rival or even surpass an ordinary Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator! This was the crushing advantage brought by the supreme Foundation.

The greatest gain, undoubtedly, was the Origin of the [Nascent Soul Dao Foundation] that he had stripped away.

Although it couldn't be equipped directly, the benefits derived from its analysis were comprehensive. The [Life Essence] had been slowly absorbed by his [Primary Desolate Ancient Sacred Body], making his vital Qi and blood more vigorous, subtly increasing his Physical Body strength, and advancing toward a deeper level of the Sacred Body. Furthermore, the comprehension of the [Evil Qi Law (Elementary)] complemented the newly merged [Shadow Evil Slaughter (Purple)] trait, elevating his understanding and application of Evil Qi to a new level.

With a thought, a wisp of gray-black Qi flowed out from his fingertip. This Qi was not pure energy; it carried the Concept of Law, symbolizing erosion, defilement, and the incitement of negative emotions. The surrounding light seemed to be swallowed by this wisp of Qi, becoming dim.

"The power of Law is indeed profound. Even at the Elementary level, it has already touched the threshold of Heaven and Earth rules," Lu Qingxuan mused. This gave him a more intuitive understanding of the power of higher Realms.

Immediately, his attention fell upon the bronze fragment that had caused all the changes.

The bronze fragment currently lay quietly inside his System storage space (a basic function included with the System). A little of the rust on its surface seemed to have flaked off, revealing more profound, complex, and incomprehensible patterns. These patterns twisted and turned; staring at them for too long gave one a dizzy sensation, as if their Divine Soul was about to be sucked in.

[Item: bronze fragment (Bound)]

[Trait: Dao Pattern Seal (Gold) (Unsealing Progress: 1%)]

[Description: Suspected fragment of an artifact containing the supreme rule of "Suppression." It has been initially activated by absorbing Dao Patterns of the same Origin (from the core of the Black Fiend Cult Master's Cultivation Technique?). Currently, it can weakly invoke the power of "Suppression," having a certain suppressive effect on energy, Divine Soul, and even low-level Laws. Unsealing progress increases by absorbing rules of the same Origin or special energy.]

"Suppression rule..." Lu Qingxuan's eyes flickered. This item's background was likely greater than he imagined. Did the core of the Black Fiend Cult Master's Cultivation Technique actually contain a trace of the same rule as this fragment? Was it a coincidence, or was the Black Fiend Cult somehow related to the Origin of this fragment?

He tried to communicate with the fragment using his Divine Sense, and immediately felt a heavy, ancient, supreme Concept, as if it could stabilize the earth, water, fire, and wind, and suppress the eternal azure sky. Although he could only draw upon a trace of it, this trace of "Suppression" power, if used correctly, would be enough to turn the tide of battle at a crucial moment!

"It seems I'll need to 'look after' the Black Fiend Cult more often in the future." Lu Qingxuan slightly curved his lips, listing this fragment as one of his highest priority exploration targets.

After sorting out his main gains, he began optimizing his trait combinations.

First, he performed a large-scale Fusion of the redundant low-level traits. The System interface flashed continuously, and a large number of white and green traits were thrown into the Fusion vortex.

[Fusing 'Basic Sword Art (White)' 10, 'Gale Step (Green)' 5... Consuming 200 Mental Energy, obtaining new trait: Wind-Chasing Sword Step (Blue)]

[Fusing 'Iron Bone Technique (White)' 8, 'Tortoise Breath Technique (Green)' 3... Consuming 180 Mental Energy, obtaining new trait: Tortoise and Crane Longevity (Blue)] (Slightly increases lifespan and recovery power)

[Fusing...]

After this round of operations, the trait panel was much tidier, with several useful blue traits replacing some low-level traits that had overlapping or useless effects.

Next, his gaze fell upon the newly acquired [Shadow Evil Slaughter (Purple)] and the previously owned [Five Elements Minor Evasion (Gold)] and [Phantom Shadow Void Breaking Escape (Gold)].

"System, deduce the possibility of fusing [Shadow Evil Slaughter (Purple)] and [Phantom Shadow Void Breaking Escape (Gold)]."

[Deducing... Requires 800 Mental Energy and a large amount of Core Essence... Deduction successful!]

[Obtained brand new Gold rarity trait: Shadow Void Evasion (Gold)]

[Shadow Void Evasion (Gold): Fuses the Concepts of shadow and evil slaughter with the ability to break the Void Realm. Evasion speed greatly increases, allowing one to temporarily merge into the shadows of the Void Realm, traverse short-distance spatial rifts, and emit Evil Qi during evasion to interfere with tracking. Possesses extremely strong concealment.]

"Good!" Lu Qingxuan's spirits lifted. This undoubtedly raised his life-saving and surprise attack capabilities to another level.

Next, he turned his attention to the wisp of Purple Heaven Dao Rhyme and the Evil Qi Law he had just comprehended.

"System, analyze the conflict and coexistence possibilities between [Purple Heaven Dao Rhyme] and [Evil Qi Law (Elementary)]."

[Analyzing... Purple Heaven Dao Rhyme contains Pure Yang Thunder and Vast Righteous Qi, which fundamentally conflict with Yin Evil Evil Qi. However, the Great Dao has fifty, Heaven derives forty-nine, and one is escaped. The Host can attempt to use Chaos Core Essence as a bridge and the power of 'Suppression' as a constraint to build balance... Deduction requires 1,500 Mental Energy...]

"Deduce!" Lu Qingxuan did not hesitate. He felt that if successful, this would be an extremely powerful trump card.

[Deducing... Deduction successful!]

[Obtained special status/skill prototype: Chaos Thunder Fiend!]

[Chaos Thunder Fiend: Uses the power of Chaos to govern Zixiao Thunder and Yin Nether Evil Qi, forming a composite power that possesses both the destructive force of thunder and the corrosive nature of Evil Qi. Its power far exceeds that of a single attribute. Currently a prototype, requiring extensive practice and energy infusion for stable use.]

A realization surged in his heart. Lu Qingxuan attempted to mobilize a trace of Chaos Core Essence. His left hand was wreathed in a wisp of purple electric snake, and his right hand manifested gray-black Evil Qi. He then slowly brought them closer in front of his chest. The moment they touched, a fierce energy conflict erupted, but under the forceful governance of the Chaos Core Essence and the constraint of a subtle, almost undetectable "Suppression" Concept, they ultimately did not explode. Instead, they barely merged into a strange energy beam that was gray-purple, with electric light and Evil Qi flickering across its surface!

This energy beam was extremely unstable, yet it emitted a terrifying Aura of destruction!

"Success!" Joy flashed in Lu Qingxuan's eyes, and he cautiously dispersed this wisp of "Chaos Thunder Fiend." Although it was only a prototype, consumed massive energy, and was difficult to control, its potential was limitless!

Just as he was immersed in the pleasure of his rapidly increasing strength, suddenly—

Boom!

The entire Purple Heaven Ruins violently shook! An Aura far more magnificent, domineering, and carrying the majesty of Heaven's might than that of the Black Fiend Cult Master previously, shot up into the sky from a certain direction in the ruins!

Immediately afterward, a voice full of authority and greed, like a clap of thunder, resounded throughout the ruins space:

"The Aura of the Purple Heaven Dao Seed! It is indeed here! Hahaha, this Opportunity rightfully belongs to this Young Lord!"

"Ants inside the ruins, listen up! I am Lei Zhentian, the Young Lord of the Heavenly Thunder Sect! You have ten breaths to hand over the Purple Heaven Dao Seed and kneel to welcome this Young Lord's arrival, otherwise—I will show no mercy!"

The sound waves rolled, carrying powerful Divine Sense pressure. Many Cultivators still exploring the ruins were shaken, their Qi and blood churning, their faces filled with shock.

"The Heavenly Thunder Sect? Is that the behemoth that dominates the Eastern Region, with power comparable to the Grand Void Holy Land?"

"Lei Zhentian! It is said he is a rare genius of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, appearing once every century. He possesses the Thunder Spirit Body and is already a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator at a young age, with fighting strength comparable to an ordinary Nascent Soul!"

"He came too! This is trouble!"

"The Purple Heaven Dao Seed? That phenomenon just now was indeed the Dao Seed appearing!"

Exclamations and discussions rose from all corners of the ruins.

The side hall where Lu Qingxuan was located also felt the impact of this pressure, but the Chaos Qi around his body circulated automatically, easily dissolving the pressure into nothingness.

He slowly opened his eyes. There was neither joy nor sorrow in them, only a hint of coldness.

"Heavenly Thunder Sect... Lei Zhentian... Late Golden Core Stage... Thunder Spirit Body..." he muttered softly. His System vision was already activated, and he looked toward the direction from which the Aura originated.

Although the distance was vast, relying on the System's powerful detection ability and his own rapidly growing Divine Sense, he still "saw" the scene:

At the edge of the core area of the ruins, atop a relatively intact tall tower, a young man wearing a luxurious purple lightning-patterned robe stood with his hands behind his back. He was tall and handsome, yet carried an arrogant, overbearing air. Purple lightning wrapped around his body, crackling and popping, making him look like a Thunder God descending to the mortal world. Above his head, several traits shone brightly:

[Thunder Spirit Body (Gold)]

[Late Golden Core Stage (Realm)]

[Heavenly Thunder Righteous Method (Gold)]

[Thunder Control Technique (Purple)]

[Arrogant and Conceited (Blue)] (Negative Trait)

[Luck Endowment (Purple)]

Behind him were two elderly men with deep Auras and sharp eyes, both clearly Peak Golden Core Cultivators, serving as Dao Protectors.

"Another person delivering traits to my doorstep." Lu Qingxuan curled his lips into an arc. He was very interested in the [Thunder Spirit Body (Gold)] and the [Heavenly Thunder Righteous Method (Gold)].

However, he did not plan to act immediately. Su Linger had already obtained the Dao Seed, and the Purple Heaven Sect members were nearby. It was a good time to see how they would handle it, and also... to let this so-called "Heavenly Thunder Sect Young Lord" be arrogant for a little longer. The higher one stands, the harder they fall... Near the Zixiao Dao Altar, Su Mu, Su Linger, and the others looked solemn.

"Father, it's someone from the Heavenly Thunder Sect..." Su Linger felt the powerful thunderous might. Even though her cultivation had just improved due to receiving the Legacy, she still felt palpitations under such pressure.

Su Mu's expression was grave: "The Heavenly Thunder Sect is immensely powerful, far beyond the Black Fiend Cult. And this Lei Zhentian is notoriously overbearing... It seems this matter won't end peacefully."

He took a deep breath and responded loudly, his voice spreading with the help of the remaining Formation power: "So it is Young Lord Lei of the Heavenly Thunder Sect. The Purple Heaven Dao Seed has already chosen its master; it is my daughter's Opportunity, and I cannot comply. Although my Purple Heaven Sect is weak, we still possess the Ancestral Master's spirit, and there is no reason for us to kneel in welcome!"

"Oh?" Lei Zhentian, atop the tall tower, raised an eyebrow, a flash of ferocity in his eyes. "A mere dilapidated School dares to defy this Young Lord? You don't know what's good for you!"

He couldn't be bothered with further nonsense. He pointed his joined fingers like a sword, aiming a strike towards Su Mu and the others!

"Boom-crack!"

A bolt of purple ferocious thunder, as thick as a water bucket, tore through the sky like a Thunder Dragon, carrying a destructive Aura as it violently struck down! The power of this strike had already reached the Peak of the Golden Core Realm; ordinary Late Golden Core Stage Cultivators would not dare to take it head-on!

Su Mu's expression changed drastically. He fully activated the Purple Heaven Sect's Cultivation Technique, raising a purple light barrier to try and resist. Su Linger also gritted her teeth, drawing upon the faint thunder power she had just gained to assist.

However, the gap in cultivation and Foundation between the two sides was too great!

The purple ferocious thunder struck the light barrier. After only a moment of stalemate, the barrier shattered with a crash! Su Mu let out a muffled groan, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth as he staggered backward. Su Linger was even more affected, her Qi and blood churning from the residual thunder force, her pretty face turning pale.

"Sect Head!"

"Senior Sister!"

The Purple Heaven Sect members exclaimed, despair rising in their hearts. They had just escaped the wolf's den only to enter the tiger's lair!

"Ants are just ants." Lei Zhentian sneered dismissively. "I'll ask one last time: hand it over, or not?"

The two Peak Golden Core elders behind him also released their pressure at the opportune moment, pressing down on the Purple Heaven Sect members like two massive mountains.

Just at this suffocating moment of despair—

"Where did this wild dog come from, barking wildly and disturbing the peace?"

A voice, calm yet tinged with coldness, was not loud but clearly reached everyone present, especially Lei Zhentian's ears.

The smile on Lei Zhentian's face froze. He sharply turned his head, looking toward the source of the voice.

At the top of a half-collapsed palace in the distance, a figure in a green robe had appeared sometime unseen. He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture straight and tall. No powerful Aura emanated from him, yet he possessed a profound, mountain-like composure. Sunlight fell, coating him with a faint golden edge, obscuring his exact features, but his eyes were visible—calm as an ancient deep pool, watching him indifferently.

It was Lu Qingxuan!

"Who are you?" Lei Zhentian narrowed his eyes, a trace of shock and doubt flashing in his heart. How had he failed to notice when this person appeared?

"The one who will take your life." Lu Qingxuan took a step, his figure like a ghost, instantly traversing hundreds of yards and appearing in the air between the Purple Heaven Sect members and Lei Zhentian.

"How audacious!" Lei Zhentian laughed in extreme anger. "A hidden coward dares to be insolent in front of this Young Lord? Since you seek death, this Young Lord will grant your wish!"

He held nothing back. His Late Golden Core Stage cultivation fully erupted, the [Thunder Spirit Body (Gold)] shone brightly, and the thunder around his body transformed into a magnificent armor of lightning!

"Heavenly Thunder Secret Art: Nine Heavens Thunder Punishment!"

He formed hand seals, drawing upon the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. Nine purple thunder spheres, the size of millstones, instantly condensed above his head. Each sphere contained terrifying energy capable of destroying mountains! The nine spheres pulled at each other, lightning interweaving to form a thunder domain covering half the sky, crashing down towards Lu Qingxuan!

This strike had already touched a trace of the Nascent Soul Realm threshold! Its power was several times stronger than the ferocious thunderbolt from before!

Everyone below paled, and Su Linger nervously clenched the corner of her robe.

Facing this earth-shattering Thunder Punishment, Lu Qingxuan merely raised his right hand slowly.

He did not use any flamboyant trait abilities. Instead, he gathered the vast, ocean-like Chaos Core Essence within his body, combined with the Physical Body strength of the [Primary Desolate Ancient Sacred Body], and the Concept of the "Chaos Thunder Fiend" prototype he had just comprehended, all into this single palm.

His palm became crystal clear like jade, and inside it, Chaos seemed to be opening up, thunder was born and extinguished, and Evil Qi circulated.

Then, he gently pressed down on the descending Nine Heavens Thunder Punishment.

Buzz—!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, nor was there rampant energy turbulence.

Under everyone's disbelieving gaze, the Nine Heavens Thunder Punishment, which was enough to make Peak Golden Core Cultivators suffer defeat, instantly met its nemesis upon contact with that crystalline palm. The violent thunder light rapidly dimmed, disintegrated, and dispersed!

The nine destructive thunder spheres were annihilated one after another with soft pops, as if squeezed by an invisible giant hand, unable even to struggle. They transformed into the purest lightning Spiritual Qi, which was quietly swallowed and absorbed by the Chaos Qi flowing in Lu Qingxuan's palm!

With one hand, he suppressed the Nine Heavens Thunder Punishment!

Silence reigned between heaven and earth.

The arrogance and Killing Intent on Lei Zhentian's face completely solidified, replaced by boundless shock and disbelief: "No... impossible! You... what kind of monster are you?!"

The pupils of the two Peak Golden Core Dao Protectors behind him also contracted sharply, their faces showing solemnity and even terror for the first time.

Lu Qingxuan slowly withdrew his hand, feeling the trace of pure lightning power assimilated by the Chaos Core Essence in his palm, and nodded slightly. The power of Chaos was indeed capable of encompassing, governing, and even devouring all Laws.

He raised his eyes and looked at the pale-faced Lei Zhentian. A ripple finally appeared in those calm eyes—it was the interest of seeing high-quality "trait material."

"Your Thunder Spirit Body is good."

"Now, it is mine."

Before his words finished, Chaos Qi and purple electric light suddenly converged in Lu Qingxuan's eyes. A terrifying thunderous might, superior to the [Thunder Spirit Body], mixed with the will of Chaos and Suppression, erupted violently!

The [Chaos Thunder Eye] showed its initial sharpness!