Chapter 26  : Chapter 026: Ancient Elephant Thunder

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Yang Zhen and Princess Changyang arrived at an uninhabited place, where Princess Changyang quickly passed on the method of cultivation of body tempering to Yang Zhen.

“Though this cultivation method can be practiced amidst the thunderbolts, I would advise you not to attempt it lightly without reaching a certain level,” Princess Changyang warned Yang Zhen solemnly. Seeing Yang Zhen’s dismissive expression, she said somewhat irritably:

“Don’t take this lightly. Even though you are talented, this cultivation method is something my father had found in the Sinful Sea’s Thunder Pool; it’s only a fragment, but if cultivated improperly, it could be fatal.”

Yang Zhen immediately assumed a serious demeanor, nodding as he replied: “Don’t worry, I fear death the most and won’t risk my life.”

Princess Changyang nodded and said, “In that case, you should practice well. The True Essence of the Sinful Sea is rich which will double the efficacy of your practice. I look forward to seeing your progress.”

Yang Zhen glanced at the celestial phenomenon of the Sinful Sea and murmured to himself: ”1 wonder if it would be better to practice here. Should I try practicing inside the Lei Pool?”

Princess Changyang was startled and quickly said, “Don’t be reckless, this is not child’s play. Even those at the Golden Core Stage dare not tread lightly on the thunderous celestial phenomenon. There’s no difference between venturing into it at your current strength level and seeking your own death.” Yang Zhen laughed and said, “Don’t worry, with you caring so much for me, I won’t recklessly go in.”

“Who cares for you?!1‘ Princess Changyang glared at Yang Zhen, then sighed, “I’m beginning to doubt whether giving you the ancient Thunder Emperor’s Body fragment is a blessing or a curse.”

The Spiritual Level fragment of the body tempering method that Princess Changyang gave to Yang Zhen was called the Thunder Emperor’s Body. It was said that if practiced to perfection, one could move freely in a thunderstorm without being harmed by any ordinary heavenly thunderbolt.

Even though it was just a fragment, if it could be successfully cultivated, it would be enough to nearly double Yang Zhen’s constitution.

The Nether State Convention was still ongoing, there were still many treasures yet to be collected in these mountains, apart from the Sinful Sea. It was rumored that the Great Sects were watching the performances of the trialists participating in the convention. If a disciple could gain enlightenment from the ‘Monolith of Enlightenment,’ they might be directly accepted into a Great Sect.

Even though Yang Zhen was somewhat shameless, his performance in the following days was witnessed by all. Therefore, among the minor Sects or Rogue Practitioners, he was one of the most watched.

Of course, he was also the most troublesome one in everyone’s eyes.

When Yang Zhen and Princess Changyang returned to the Sinful Sea, the glances of most practitioners towards Yang Zhen held a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Not to mention that Princess Changyang certainly had given the fragment of the Spiritual Level body tempering method to Yang Zhen, just him being able to spend so much time alone with Princess Changyang was enough to send most men spiraling into utmost envy.

Everyone thought that Yang Zhen would seize the momentum and shine at the Nether State Convention, advancing his relationship with Princess Changyang while attempting to gain some insight in front of the ‘Monolith of Enlightenment’ in the hope of being accepted as a disciple by a Great Sect. However, Yang Zhen did something unexpected again — he chose to stay behind to practice the body tempering method instead of moving forward.

People like Zhang Zongjin scoffed repeatedly. Yang Zhen chose not to progress, obviously not wanting to lose face in front of various prodigies. No matter what tricks Yang Zhen pulled, along the path ahead, he would surely be crushed mercilessly.

Not to mention that Zhang Zongjin, as a disciple of a Great Sect, was vastly experienced and knowledgeable. He could distinguish the various heavenly treasures just by their aroma, and his gains along the way could be ten times or even more than that of ordinary Sect disciples.

Yang Zhen, being a disciple of a minor sect, had no advantage in such a competition. Not to mention the animosity he had stirred, it was uncertain whether he could even survive until reaching the ‘Monolith of Enlightenment.’ “Yang Zhen’s choice to stop and practice is actually smart. If he continued on with his current strength, he probably wouldn’t even know how he died.” “How would he not know? Between here and the ‘Monolith of Enlightenment,’ Yang Zhen might die ten times or even more. Without Princess Changyang’s protection, what tricks can he play?”

“That’s true. The Nether State Convention ends here for him, or rather, Yang Zhen’s Nether State Convention is already over.”

People were engaged in a heated discussion. Some felt pity for Yang Zhen, but most thought it was inevitable. Going further with Yang Zhen had no apparent advantage, and it could cost them their lives. It was better for him to stop and practice body-refining techniques.

The only path left for Yang Zhen now was to wait until he had made enough progress in his practice, then try his luck with the Comprehension Stone. But the likelihood of that was extremely low.

Yang Zhen was already lacking in time. Even if he did practice the body-refining techniques, there would be no significant results within such a short period. Moreover, he still had to rush to the Comprehension Stone to gain enlightenment, didn’t he?

When everyone proceeded deeper into the mountain range, the shock Yang Zhen had given them seemed to have been left behind.

In the crowd, Su Qingyu looked back at Yang Zhen, then glanced at Princess Changyang, seemingly thoughtful.

“So, Qingyu, you think that Yang Zhen still has a chance to catch up?” A young man next to her scoffed, looking at Yang Zhen, who had sat down, with disdain.

Su Qingyu shook her head, said nothing, and turned to follow the crowd deep into the mountains.

A flash of pleasure appeared in the young man’s eyes, and he quickly followed. “Finally made it through!”

Yang Zhen stood up, stretched and yawned lazily, smiling at the departing crowd. He turned his gaze back to the strange phenomenon in the sky and the Thunder Marsh.

“Ancient Elephant Thunder Refining Body, this cultivation method sounds incredible. I wonder if after practicing it, I can perform all my other martial skills at their full power.”

Yang Zhen murmur to himself and slowly walked towards the Thunder Marsh.

At the depth of the Ghost Grief, a young woman in a long black dress shivered, exclaiming, “This madman!”

If Yang Zhen were here, he would surely recognize this eerie-looking young woman as Zhen Ping’er, who had mistaken him for Duan Langcai.

A flash of anger shimmered in Zhen Ping’er’s eyes. She muttered to herself, “This bastard, he’s asking for death all by himself, saving me the trouble of doing it. What a lunatic! Even Golden Core Stage practitioners dare not step into the Thunder Marsh lightly. Isn’t he courting death by walking in like that!”

Of course, Yang Zhen had no idea that a pair of spiritual eyes were watching from a great distance. As soon as he stepped into the Thunder Marsh, he felt as if he were being bitten by millions of ants. His body was so numb and painful he could hardly stand it.

A terrifying wave of thunder essence surged into his body, almost tearing Yang Zhen apart in an instant, causing him to groan.

Yang Zhen dared not neglect and immediately activated the Ancient Elephant Thunder Refining Body. A unique True Essence instantly condensed in his meridians, creating a thundering sound within his body.

There was a sound like a roaring river rushing through his body. The movement of Yang Zhen’s True Essence caused a reaction in the external Thunder essence. The two resonated and began to merge crazily.

Bang!

The celestial phenomenon changed again. The thunder in the mid-air seemed to ignite, roiling wildly like thousands of Thunder Dragons rushing.

Zhen Ping’er, who was about to turn away and leave, suddenly shuddered and turned around, her eyes popping wide.

“How is this possible?”

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