Chapter 477

Chapter 477: Thunder Spirit Beast

Ye Yun had never seen real Thunder Wood before. Even ancient texts contained only vague descriptions without clear explanations about this treasure’s true nature.

When Jun Ruolan detected Thunder Wood’s aura ahead and darted forward, Ye Yun followed without hesitation. Though uncertain of her motives, their current goals aligned—acquiring Thunder Wood wouldn’t conflict with pursuing the seed of the mysteries of thunder.

The purple flame flickered briefly within the thunderstorm before vanishing completely. All around stretched an endless sea of lightning, devoid of any violet glow.

"Who knew Thunder Wood would be this elusive?" Jun Ruolan muttered, brows knitting as disappointment flashed in her eyes.

Ye Yun stayed silent. They’d been mere three zhang from capturing the purple flame manifestation earlier when it disappeared. Refusing to give up, he instinctively channeled the Lightning Element Law ingrained in his bones. To his surprise, his Thunder Spirit Qi-enhanced spirit perception flowed effortlessly through the Sea of Thunder, resonating with surrounding lightning and even discerning variations in each bolt’s intensity.

His perception rippled outward, covering dozens of zhang before being blocked by the thunder’s overwhelming power.

"Just as records say!" Jun Ruolan scowled, scanning their surroundings. "In such fierce thunder, perception barely extends four zhang. How can we track Thunder Wood?"

"Precious things rarely come easy." Ye Yun kept his voice even. "We’ve seen its traces. Patience will bring opportunities."

"Your Thunder Spirit Qi cultivation has progressed," Jun Ruolan pressed. "What’s your perception range now?"

"Three to four zhang clearly. Beyond that, impressions blur." Ye Yun pretended to strain his senses.

"According to ancient texts, even partial comprehension of Lightning Element Law grants thirty zhang range." Her tone sharpened.

Ye Yun met her gaze impassively. "I told you—I’ve only mastered Thunder Spirit Qi, not the Law itself."

Jun Ruolan’s lips curved. "Even basic Thunder Spirit Qi should grant ten zhang perception. Your three-zhang claim seems… modest."

A hard glint entered Ye Yun’s eyes. "Believe what you will. Our priority remains finding Thunder Wood to dismantle this formation. I need it to complete my Master’s trial."

"Trial?"

"Didn’t I mention?" Ye Yun feigned surprise. "I’m now Tian Yunzi’s disciple under Divine Grace Palace’s Absolute Heart Peak. Securing Thunder Wood proves my worth in this initiation test."

Jun Ruolan’s eyes widened. "Tian Yunzi? The master who’s accepted only three disciples in a century chose you?"

Ye Yun shrugged. "From body refinement stage to Foundation Establishment’s peak in years, plus Thunder Spirit Qi mastery—wouldn’t the Great Qin Empire consider that talent?"

After prolonged scrutiny, Jun Ruolan conceded with a nod. "True enough. Rumor mentioned your dabbling in Ice Spirit Qi too. Any progress?"

"Barely a wisp compared to thunder."

Several breaths passed before she spoke again. "Help me obtain the thunder seed, and I’ll grant you an opportunity no young cultivator in the empire could refuse."

Ye Yun chuckled coldly. "Free opportunities don’t exist. A hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones and Thunder Wood suffice as payment. What hidden price tags your ‘gift’?"

"All terms come after securing the seed." Jun Ruolan’s voice turned solemn. "The chance depends on your luck. Succeed, and we’ll discuss my requirements."

"Later then." Ye Yun waved dismissively. "First things first—"

His words cut off as he stiffened, eyes snapping leftward.

Jun Ruolan caught his micro-expression instantly. "Your perception clearly surpasses mine. You’ve found it!"

"Seven-eight zhang left. Underground."

"Underground?" She recoiled. "Impossible! Millennia of Divine Thunder strikes have compacted this earth beyond spiritual penetration!"

As doubt surfaced in Ye Yun’s own eyes, realization struck.

"Move!"

He tackled Jun Ruolan down just as a colossal claw materialized where they’d stood, shredding air with blue lightning. Only when the attack whizzed overhead did Jun Ruolan comprehend—a thunder beast had ambushed them.

"Ye Yun!" She hissed, then froze—his hand had pressed against her chest during their fall.

Before she could react, Ye Yun sprang away, gaze locked ahead where thunder parted to reveal a three-zhang-tall beast. Lightning coursed through its stony hide like glowing veins. Its small head bore familiar purple-flame eyes, while tree-trunk legs ended in crackling claws larger than its skull.

"Thunder Spirit Beast? They truly exist here?" Jun Ruolan breathed, joining him.

"Explain."

"Millennial thunder incarnate." She eyed the beast warily. "Those eyes—recognize them?"

"Thunder Wood’s essence."

"Exactly. What texts call Thunder Wood sometimes manifests as Thunder Eyes during metamorphosis."

The beast stood motionless, purple gaze pinning them.

"That strike matched a sixth-level Golden Core expert’s power." Ye Yun assessed.

"Minimum seventh-level cultivation when manifested." Jun Ruolan paled. "We can’t win conventionally."

Ye Yun’s lips quirked upward. This thunder-saturated environment amplified his abilities beyond normal limits. His focus shifted to the creature’s core.

"Where’s its power source?"

Jun Ruolan started before answering slowly, "Its heart contains the seed of the mysteries of thunder."

Understanding flashed through Ye Yun’s eyes. The prize wasn’t just in the beast’s eyes—it pulsed within its chest.