Chapter 498

Chapter 498: Exit the Valley

In the sky, the raging thunderstorm suddenly found its outlet, rushing toward a single direction.

A mass of light and shadow appeared in the sky, absorbing countless thunderous bolts. It trembled violently before exploding outward in all directions.

Ye Yun and the others felt the world shake briefly, plunging into nothingness. Their vision darkened, their hearing vanished—all six senses severed.

When light returned, they found themselves at Thunder Falls Valley’s entrance. Flickering lightning lingered, slowly dissipating.

“Ye Yun, I didn’t expect you to survive.”

Jue Chen’s voice dripped with icy hatred.

Beside him stood Su Xingyun and Ying Wujun, faces blank. Their trip to Thunder Falls Valley had been fruitless—no Thunder Wood, no seed of the mysteries of thunder.

Nearby, Zhang Yao stood rigid, pale and awkward. He must have clashed with Jue Chen earlier. The other Flying Star Sect disciple was gone, replaced by the boy Qian Cheng.

Ye Yun ignored them. Even Zhang Yao’s claim of owing him a life meant little. With two Thunder Woods and the seed of the mysteries of thunder absorbed, he focused on mastering the Thundercloud Lightning Sword’s fourth form—the Sword of the Thunder God—once they left.

“Ye Yun, you’re here.”

Zeng Xuan’s voice carried relief. Shen Mo, small and thin, rushed over.

“Brother Ye!” Shen Mo’s eyes shone. Born into the Great Qin Empire’s royal family, his late awakening of the Royal Dragon Aura had left him overlooked, even exiled to the Jin Kingdom. Now, after revealing his aura in the valley, his life would change.

Ye Yun patted his head. “After this, things won’t be the same between us.”

Shen Mo shook his head. “You’ll always be my brother.”

Ye Yun laughed, knowing Shen Mo’s newfound status would distance them. Turning to Zeng Xuan, he said, “Thank you for protecting him.”

Zeng Xuan waved silently.

“What about me?” Yun Tianxing of the Golden Sword Sect approached, holding a blue flower glowing with icy light. “You wanted this.”

“Ice Spirit Herb?” Ye Yun took it, storing it in his Thunder Sound Metamorphosis ring. “Did your trip here help?”

Yun Tianxing smiled. “The Thunder Spirit Transformation Pill aided my Lightning Technique training. I’ve gained much—reaching peak Golden Core soon, then attempting the pill has broken and they’re reborn.”

Ye Yun grinned. “Congratulations.”

“We’re brothers,” Yun Tianxing said. “Call on me anytime.”

“Likewise,” Ye Yun replied. They laughed, camaraderie sealed.

Yun Tianxing frowned at Tongtong. “Her eyes… I saw them in my mind after leaving earlier.”

Tongtong huffed. “I don’t know you! Stop flirting!”

Yun Tianxing blinked. “Why would I flirt with a child?”

Ye Yun chuckled. “This is Tongtong. Her eyes are special.”

“Strange,” Yun Tianxing muttered. “I glimpsed them when I looked back.”

Tongtong turned away, ignoring him.

Jun Ruolan spoke coolly from nearby: “Her knowledge could aid your cultivation. Even the pill has broken and they’re reborn would benefit from her help.”

Yun Tianxing stared, but Tongtong tilted her chin up, tiny yet haughty.

“Enough,” Ye Yun said. “The exit’s opening. Let’s go.”

As the valley’s lightning faded, the entrance roared open. Their journey ended—Thunder Falls Valley behind them at last.