Chapter 29: Three Qing Thunder Methods, Purple Heavenly Lightning

The divine ability that Zi Yun had optimized—created through the fusion of various divine techniques and the Great Dao of Hiddenness—was now imparted to Xuan Qing.

As he received the divine ability, Xuan Qing’s expression subtly shifted, his understanding deepening. “I see… So this is the divine ability—Covering the Sky and Covering the Earth. It is somewhat troublesome to cultivate, especially if one seeks to master it completely. It is not simple.”

“Every divine ability has levels,” Zi Yun transmitted telepathically. “Much like sword techniques, there is an introductory stage, a minor completion, and a stage of perfection. However, because Master can comprehend the Great Dao of Hiddenness through me, your cultivation will be accelerated.”

“I understand,” Xuan Qing replied inwardly, silently contemplating the divine ability.

“Master,” Zi Yun continued, “I suggest focusing on divine abilities compatible with the ten Great Daos branded within me. That way, I can optimize and enhance them, accelerating both your comprehension and progress. Most of your prior movement techniques are unrelated to these branded Daos, so I cannot improve them.”

Xuan Qing was already aware of this and replied calmly, “Do not worry. I understand.”

While communicating inwardly with Zi Yun, Xuan Qing glanced toward Tong Tian, his thoughts turning inward.

“Little Xuan Qing,” Tong Tian said casually, “I’ve already taught you several concealment-type divine abilities. That should be enough for you to cultivate.”

Xuan Qing nodded. “Senior Uncle, I have memorized them all. I shall take my time to comprehend and cultivate them. That said, does Senior Uncle have any Thunder-type divine abilities?”

“Thunder techniques? Of course, I do!” Tong Tian laughed. “So you’re finally willing to cultivate an offensive art. Thunder is a destructive Dao. When refined, it becomes a fearsome force. During the Great Flood, there once was a great cultivator who specialized in Thunder—his lightning arts devastated the demonic sects. Though he ultimately perished, his thunder techniques were widely spread across the realm.”

Tong Tian stroked his beard, looking relieved. “I acquired many of those methods and, with the inheritance of the Thunder Dao, created the Shangqing Thunder Method

. Using the Qi of Heaven and Earth, it condenses the essence of Shangqing into divine lightning. Your master also used this foundation to create the Taiqing Thunder Method, and your Second Uncle Yuanshi created the Jade Qing Thunder Method.”

Xuan Qing quietly pondered. “Senior Uncle… since all three methods originate from the same Thunder inheritance, can they be fused?”

“Naturally they can,” Tong Tian replied. “But there are some restrictions. That is why we did not attempt to merge them.”

“Restrictions? What kind?”

“It’s not something I can reveal to you now. In time, as your cultivation deepens, you will understand. I’ll only say this—this matter is connected to the decapitation of the three corpses. Speaking more would hinder your future path. Come. I shall teach you the Thunder Laws. Cultivate them well, and attempt to fuse them yourself.”

“Understood, Senior Uncle.”

Tong Tian continued, “The Taiqing Thunder Method is a form of heavenly thunder, one of the Three Pure Ones. It communicates with Heaven and Earth through the Yuan Shen, forming divine intent and condensing celestial thunder. This is the essence of the Taiqing Divine Thunder…”

As Tong Tian transmitted the Thunder Laws, Zi Yun listened as well.

“Analyzing Dao patterns… Comparing against branded Thunder Dao… Minor discrepancies found—commencing inscription… Thunder method analysis complete. Fusion and optimization are possible. Proceed with optimization?”

“Proceed,” Xuan Qing instructed. “Optimize it toward killing and speed. Name the new method Violet Sky Thunder Method.”

With Zi Yun’s branded Thunder Dao as the foundation, fusing the Three Qing Thunder Methods was not difficult. Once integrated, the new divine ability would bear the name of Violet Sky.

As the optimization commenced, Xuan Qing’s spiritual power surged into Zi Yun’s form. Indeed, Zi Yun’s capacity to recreate and evolve techniques depended on this energy, drawn from Xuan Qing himself.

After a long while, Zi Yun transmitted back, “Optimization complete. Based on the Thunder Great Dao and the fusion of the Three Qing Thunder Methods, the divine ability Violet Sky Thunder Law has been created. It is exceedingly difficult to cultivate and immensely powerful. When fully mastered, it can release Purple Heavenly Thunder—peerless in its destructive might. Aside from its killing power, the lightning can also be used for flight and other applications.”

As Zi Yun imparted the Violet Sky Thunder Law to Xuan Qing, he realized it was more than just a technique. It included both cultivation methods and practical applications.

The cultivation method outlined how to create and merge various divine thunderbolts into the ultimate Purple Heavenly Thunderbolt. The application method explained how to utilize this thunder for combat, flight, and more.

Indeed, all divine abilities included these two components—but the stronger the ability, the more intricate both cultivation and execution became.

Time flowed ceaselessly. In the blink of an eye, thousands of years had passed.

During these years, Xuan Qing diligently cultivated divine power and the Nine Revolutions Xuan Gong.

In the Flood Realm, time was abundant. Thus, Xuan Qing cultivated patiently, refining both body and spirit.

Through the Nine Revolutions Xuan Gong, he replenished and refined his physical form, gradually transitioning from the third to the fourth revolution.

Many divine abilities were successfully cultivated. He had made moderate progress with the Thunder Law, now able to release the Three Qing Divine Thunders with ease. However, the Violet Heavenly Divine Thunder remained elusive—difficult to fully master.

In contrast, Covering the Sky and Covering the Earth progressed rapidly. As a non-offensive divine ability, it was simpler to cultivate. Supported by Zi Yun’s enlightenment and the Great Dao of Hiddenness, comprehension came swiftly.