Chapter 243

Chapter 243: Fifth Level of the Ascending to Heaven Realm

Zhang Yang lay on the ground, blood seeping from his seven orifices, writhing in pain.

The power of lightning was terrifying, so fierce and overwhelming that the sudden strike nearly shattered his dantian. The impact rocked his entire body as if he had been struck by an unimaginably powerful force. His mind blurred, his consciousness wavered, and his vision darkened, leaving him teetering on the brink of death.

However, the nearly invisible Holy Power’s forbidden laws, which had sealed his Nine Extremes True Essence, shattered under the impact. Only a trace of residual force remained, continuing to wound him.

Even then, he thought he was doomed.

For half an hour, he drifted in confusion.

Finally, clarity returned. Clutching his head in pain, he slowly sat up. It took him a moment to recall that he needed to save himself. Without hesitation, he retrieved the Sacred Life Water and drank it.

Its effects were remarkable, powerful yet devoid of side effects.

Like a clear spring, it cleansed the impurities within him, restoring order from chaos.

His dantian, though damaged, was healing.

If it had been anyone else, they would have likely become crippled. But Zhang Yang had already endured the Ascending to Heaven Calamity, reconstructing his body in the process. Moreover, Killing Thunder was his inherent power, safeguarding him from within. This protection prevented the external lightning from causing excessive damage—otherwise, his dantian would have been utterly destroyed.

His dantian healed.

The once-shattered Nine Extremes True Essence revealed its terrifying nature, not completely obliterated, but dispersed. Some of it flowed into his meridians, while some was blasted outside yet remained condensed. When he gathered it again, it returned—only slightly diminished.

The extraordinary resilience of the Nine Extremes True Essence astonished Zhang Yang.

He had thought he would drop several small realms.

Yet, he remained at the fourth level of the Ascending to Heaven Realm.

"Risk always implies opportunity."

"To achieve Slaughter Thunder Saint Power."

"To break the Holy Power’s forbidden laws and regain my freedom."

"This is a case of reaping two benefits from one effort… but it could become three!"

A smile spread across his face.

Without hesitation, he began cultivating.

The environment here far surpassed that of the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins. Wasting no time, he retrieved his Spirit Stones, sat cross-legged among them, and immersed himself fully in cultivation.

He didn’t know if it was due to his earlier actions, but he felt an even deeper connection to this type of lightning, allowing his cultivation speed to accelerate.

Back in the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins, he had been cultivating at the fourth level of the Ascending to Heaven Realm. If not for Qiu Yinong’s interference, he would have already pushed through to the fifth level in a single breakthrough.

Now, with that solid foundation, the superior environment, and the assistance of the Spirit Stones, he progressed rapidly.

Within an hour, his Nine Extremes True Essence surged wildly—like a fierce tiger awakening, roaring with might. The sound rumbled even amidst the Sea of Thunder.

"Breakthrough!"

He shouted, exerting all his power.

Instantly, the surrounding Spirit Stones dulled, their essence fully absorbed. Even wisps of nearly imperceptible Thunder Sea Essence flowed into him.

Boom!

The boundaries of his realm shattered.

He had broken through.

Fifth level of the Ascending to Heaven Realm!

This success filled him with exhilaration.

A true case of reaping three benefits in one go!

Most importantly, he had dismantled the Holy Power’s forbidden laws—a feat even those of the Great Boundless Realm feared attempting. Though external forces had played a role, this victory, combined with his successful breakthrough, filled him with pride.

Now, he commanded two unique Holy Powers—two forces that could work together in harmony. The newly awakened Slaughter Thunder Saint Power and the perfected Diamond Dragon Holy Power combined to unleash an unimaginable strength.

He surmised that with his Nine Extremes True Essence at the fifth level of the Ascending to Heaven Realm, he could unleash a single, unrestrained strike, draining all his reserves to deliver a truly world-shaking blow.

Stretching his limbs, he ceased cultivation.

The Green Sparrow Palace members were well aware of the dangers lurking in the Realm of Thunder. If he lingered too long, they might send search parties, particularly the female ones.

And that, he wanted to avoid.

"I’ll return tomorrow."

Energized, Zhang Yang designated this thunderous domain as his seclusion ground.

If fortune favored him, he would charge straight into the Opening the Sky Realm here. Others deemed it impossible. He knew better.

Whistling cheerfully, he sauntered out of the lightning-wreathed forbidden zone. Behind him, the storm currents gradually stilled.

Outside, Bing Yuyan awaited, her stunning face colder than midwinter.

"Oh… you’re here." Zhang Yang grinned.

The beauty advanced like a blizzard given form. "Do you even know your station? The Vast Forest’s fate hangs on you! Countless lives are jeopardized by your recklessness! This place is perilous! Assassins lurk everywhere! Wander off freely again and—" She choked, her cheeks flushing. "I couldn’t care less! Perish for all I care!"

Her goddess-like composure shattered as an angry spittle flew.

Zhang Yang wiped his face. "Practicing waterbending?"

Realizing her lapse, Bing Yuyan’s ears turned red. "What?! Never seen divine wrath?!"

"Mea culpa." He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Won’t happen again."

His rare submission momentarily soothed her—this infuriating man usually dominated their exchanges.

"Proper apologies require obedience!" She jabbed a finger at him. "No more excursions without my consent!"

"Understood."

"What were you doing?"

"Surviving."

Her eyes narrowed. Days ago, he had stormed off, berated her, and then, inexplicably, gifted her the Great Path Sacred Fruit.

"Explain. Now."

"Beyond your capabilities."

Her jaw clenched. She was nearing Sainthood through Prove the Path, and yet he deemed her inadequate?

His brief account left her speechless.

Holy Power’s forbidden laws? A sealed dantian?

This… this cretin had countered a saint’s curse alone?

Worse—the ambush had happened after he left the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins under her watch!

"Yilie?!" She unsheathed the Ice Spirit Holy Sword. "I’ll freeze his bones!"

Zhang Yang caught her arm as she moved toward the ancient teleportation array. "Patience. He deliberately targeted two-thirds of my strength. Expect his imminent arrival."

"He insults my guardianship!" Icicles formed in her hair. "My blade demands satisfaction!"

"Guardianship?" He smirked. "Try ‘master’ first."

"Reprobate!"

Their quarrel was interrupted when Green Sparrow Palace attendants arrived with an announcement:

"Yilie, Third Elder of Moonview Tower, requests an audience!"

Bing Yuyan’s sword vibrated with killing intent, but Zhang Yang stopped her. "Steady," he said. "Let’s hear our guest’s song before we join the dance."