Chapter 468

Chapter 468: The Fifth Person

Boom!

The battle spear wrapped in seven-colored brilliance smashed against the final bolt of Divine Thunder. Unlike the expected outcome of the spear shattering, it merely trembled while holding the pillar-like thunderbolt suspended mid-air. Zhong Huali, who had managed half-step movements earlier, now strained to shift even an inch as he propped up the spear.

Boom!

Another explosion sound erupted. The battle spear finally gave way, its radiant colors scattering like spilled water. The weapon began breaking apart segment by segment.

Locked in stalemate with the Divine Thunder, the spear lost another section every two breaths.

"What grade is this battle spear? It’s blocking the final Divine Thunder—unbelievable!"

"Earlier, Su Xingyun’s Glazed Umbrella barely resisted the Divine Thunder despite being an Immortal artifact. Could this spear also be one?"

"Likely! The Glazed Umbrella’s defensive nature allowed partial survival, but offensive Immortal artifacts like this spear have weaker defenses. Its destruction by the final thunder makes sense."

"True, but the Purple Mansion Thunder isn’t crushing it instantly. Each two-breath interval breaks another segment. If he could move now, he’d reach the treasure area in moments."

"Can’t you see? He’s overexerting to control that spear. If released, the thunder would strike instantly—enough Purple Mansion Thunder power to reduce him to ashes."

"Still, the spear’s remarkable. Breaking segmentally under such force instead of dusting immediately proves its supreme quality."

Crack!

Metallic snaps echoed as spear fragments scattered. Zhong Huali clutched the last remaining piece. The Divine Thunder hovered above—one final break would bring it crashing onto his skull.

The Purple Mansion Thunder’s might was absolute. Even its weakest earlier strikes could obliterate a Foundation Establishment pinnacle cultivator like Zhong Huali.

Crack!

At the final snap, Zhong Huali released his grip. The last spear fragment dissolved into glittering dust within the thunder’s radiance.

The Purple Mansion Thunder descended—not upon his head, but his back. During the spear’s destruction, Zhong Huali had dipped his head slightly, redirecting the strike to his spine.

Boom!

Zhong Huali collapsed face-first. Acrid smoke rose from his charcoal-blackened form, features indistinguishable beneath the charring.

"Dead. How could a Foundation Establishment cultivator endure Divine Thunder? This was Purple Mansion Thunder!"

"Wasteful! Over a hundred extraordinary mystical weapons destroyed, plus that likely Immortal artifact spear. Appalling extravagance!"

"Which faction bred this idiot? Astounding foolishness."

"Exactly! With such treasures, I’d cultivate safely rather than enter Thunder Falls Valley."

The crowd buzzed with scornful pity. To them, Zhong Huali’s actions defied reason—wasting immense resources from his powerful backers only to die here.

Most present cultivators agreed: given similar resources, they’d never risk Thunder Falls Valley.

Headshakes and mocking laughter filled the air as spectators exchanged judgmental glances.

Ye Yun observed the coal-black figure from hundreds of zhang away, brow furrowed. As others said—why enter Thunder Falls Valley with such wealth?

The valley’s famed Thunder Wood lay in its core, possibly within the treasure zone. While useful for replenishing Thunder Spirit Qi or grasping Lightning Element Laws among Lightning Technique practitioners, true law comprehension relied on fate. Was pursuing elusive lightning principles worth such sacrifices?

Zhong Huali’s cultivation level was only at the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment stage. It was said he had become Tian Yunzi’s disciple two years ago. Could this all have been just to enter Thunder Falls Valley? What kind of mission was he carrying? It definitely couldn’t be merely about competing with Ye Yun to become Tian Yunzi’s official disciple – such an enormous cost wouldn’t make sense, and Ye Yun refused to believe this explanation.

Ye Yun stared at Zhong Huali’s charred body. No more thunder fell from the clear sky above, the space remaining serene and peaceful.

Suddenly, Ye Yun felt an intuition stirring within him. He vaguely sensed Zhong Huali hadn’t truly perished yet – perhaps the man still lived.

Yet if alive, the Purple Mansion Thunder should have detected his life force and struck again. Since no thunder descended, this meant the divine lightning no longer sensed any vitality from Zhong Huali. Still, Ye Yun couldn’t believe someone backed by major forces – possessing over a hundred extraordinary mystical weapons and what might be an Immortal artifact battle spear – would die so easily.

"Zhong Huali, what’s your true purpose for joining Divine Grace Palace?"

Ye Yun coldly observed the blackened corpse, a sharp glimmer flashing through his eyes.

As if energized by this gaze, the charred body suddenly twitched. To everyone’s astonishment, Zhong Huali began struggling to his feet.

The completely blackened figure now stood upright, only the whites of his eyes and teeth visible through the soot. The ridiculous sight should have provoked laughter.

Yet no one laughed. All witnesses stared in shocked disbelief – how could someone struck by Purple Mansion Thunder and reduced to charcoal still move?

Zhong Huali finally straightened completely. After glancing skyward with unreadable eyes, he took a deep breath and stepped into the distorted space before him.

Instantly, his scorched form warped and faded, vanishing through the spatial passage into the treasure area.

Dozens of Golden Core stage cultivators exchanged stunned looks. Where did this junior come from? How could someone bearing so many treasures survive the divine thunder’s strike? They’d clearly witnessed his death, yet here he’d revived and entered the treasure grounds!

Complete silence enveloped the area.

Determination flashed in Ye Yun’s eyes. Staring at the rippling space, he drew a deep breath and began walking forward. Five people had already entered the treasure area. With Zhong Huali’s successful entry, Ye Yun decided he couldn’t afford to wait any longer – unexpected changes might already be unfolding inside.

"My turn!"

Just as Ye Yun approached the calm sky-zone, two figures suddenly rushed past him into the space.

BOOM!

Twin bolts of Divine Thunder instantly struck the interlopers, hurling their charred, heavily injured bodies back out.

Ye Yun’s peripheral vision registered two sixth-level Golden Core cultivators – such reckless fools deserved their fate.

"Ye Yun! You’re here too!"

An unfamiliar-yet-familiar voice sounded behind him.

Turning, Ye Yun showed a faint smile. "Yun Tianxing. You came."

The newcomer in yellow robes had materialized silently, hands clasped behind his back. Lightning flickered in his eyes – Yun Tianxing of the Golden Sword Sect.

"Surprising. You’ve cultivated Thunder Spirit Qi too, and such pure energy at that." Yun Tianxing smiled slowly. "It seems the Thunder Falls Valley treasures should include your share."

"I should thank you, Brother Yun." Ye Yun grinned. "Without our encounter, I might never have comprehended Thunder Spirit Qi."

Yun Tianxing waved dismissively. "Your own fortune. Others would’ve provided similar opportunities."

An idea suddenly struck Ye Yun. "Shall we enter together? Let’s test this Purple Mansion Thunder’s true power."

After a pause, Yun Tianxing laughed. "Excellent proposal!"

Side by side, under the watchful eyes of dozens of Golden Core cultivators, they stepped into the thunder-guarded space.

The crowd gaped as two thunderbolts immediately shot down toward the daring pair’s heads!