Chapter Eighty-Five: The Ouyang Family

After finding the first thunder crystal, Yang Xiao continued his search unabated. Since he moved freely through the Lightning Fields of the wasteland, he managed to locate several more thunder crystals. These crystals could fetch a considerable amount of spirit stones, yet they were still insufficient to aid in the forging of a treasure. Thus, Yang Xiao resolved to delve deeper into the Lightning Fields, hoping to gather enough thunder crystals to refine the Dragon-Serpent Sword once more. If successful, perhaps the sword would be elevated to a higher tier, greatly enhancing his own strength.

As he ventured further, Yang Xiao encountered other cultivators along the way, most of whom possessed weaker cultivation than himself. Upon seeing him, they would quickly keep their distance, afraid he might rob them of their valuables. But Yang Xiao was not that kind of person; he disdained the petty acts that only lesser men would commit.

Though Yang Xiao would never rob others, the cultivators in the Lightning Fields were a chaotic lot, and some among them were indeed scoundrels who specialized in plundering their peers. During his search for thunder crystals, Yang Xiao crossed paths with a troublesome cultivator—a man approaching middle age, who, relying on his superior cultivation, schemed to prey upon others.

This man's name was Ouyang Luo, a core member of the Ouyang clan near the Lightning Fields. His cultivation was impressive, having reached the fourth tier of the Condensing Qi realm. Among all the cultivators entering the Lightning Fields, few exceeded the fourth tier of Condensing Qi, so Ouyang Luo set his sights on robbing seekers of thunder crystals to acquire treasures for himself.

In the course of his exploits, Ouyang Luo happened upon Yang Xiao. Noticing Yang Xiao’s lower cultivation, he decided to extort him as well.

“Stop right there! Hand over all your thunder crystals and I’ll let you go today. Otherwise, you’ll die here in the Lightning Fields,” Ouyang Luo shouted at Yang Xiao.

“What bad luck, running into a robber. But if you think you can take my thunder crystals, you’re sorely mistaken,” Yang Xiao replied calmly.

Seeing Yang Xiao unafraid, Ouyang Luo suspected he might have some background, so he probed, “Are you a disciple of one of the Five Sects? Or perhaps from a prominent clan? Regardless, most of the area around the Lightning Fields falls under the jurisdiction of the Ouyang clan. On our turf, you must pay a price to obtain treasures like thunder crystals.”

“You’re from the Ouyang clan? So what? As far as I know, though the clan owns part of the outskirts, the Lightning Fields themselves belong to no one. In normal times, few cultivators come here, but recently people discovered the existence of thunder crystals, prompting expeditions. Even so, the Lightning Fields are unrelated to your clan, so you’d best not treat them as private property. Blocking my way is a foolish move; I advise you to step aside,” Yang Xiao replied.

“I am Ouyang Luo of the Ouyang clan. Judging by your tone, you must have an unusual background, otherwise you wouldn’t dare defy me. But no matter how distinguished your origins, since you refuse to reveal them and my cultivation far surpasses yours, I needn’t waste words with you. Here in the Lightning Fields, strength is all that matters. Do you think you can leave without handing over your thunder crystals?” Ouyang Luo sneered.

“If you won’t move, then let’s spar. Since advancing to Condensing Qi, I haven’t fought another cultivator of this realm. You’ll make a good target; let’s see how much my abilities have improved,” Yang Xiao said.

“How arrogant! You’re clearly beneath me in cultivation, yet boast so shamelessly. Even if you are from a major sect or clan, do you think the gap in strength can be bridged so easily? If you seek death, I’ll oblige you.” With these words, Ouyang Luo raised his palm and struck toward Yang Xiao. His body remained unmoving, for battles between Condensing Qi cultivators were usually fought from a distance with true energy. Compared to disciples in the Spiritual Awareness realm, who often relied on physical attacks, these methods were far more direct and powerful.

A surge of formidable true energy swept toward Yang Xiao, demonstrating Ouyang Luo’s mastery of the technique. The energy unleashed under his robust cultivation was indeed remarkable.

“A Condensing Qi fourth-tier cultivator’s attack is truly formidable,” Yang Xiao remarked, but he countered with a punch toward the air, releasing a wave of true energy from his fist. This energy was imbued with the power of thunder, blending with the Lightning Fields’ own electric force. The strike’s power was in no way inferior to Ouyang Luo’s attack.

The two torrents of true energy collided before Yang Xiao and Ouyang Luo, erupting in a thunderous explosion that even altered the gloomy sky.

“What a remarkable technique. No wonder you dared to defy me; you truly possess extraordinary skill,” Ouyang Luo now regarded Yang Xiao with newfound respect. “However, my cultivation is higher, and I can suppress you. Your attack was powerful, but it must have cost you dearly. I doubt you can endure long. Let’s see how many of my strikes you can withstand.”

With that, Ouyang Luo launched several more attacks, but each was fended off by Yang Xiao. Yang Xiao remained composed, showing no sign of excessive depletion.

This astonished Ouyang Luo even more. Despite Yang Xiao’s lower cultivation, his reserves of spiritual power rivaled Ouyang Luo’s. Thus, conventional attacks would not suffice to defeat Yang Xiao.

“Impressive, but you’ve forced me to this point. If I don’t use my clan’s secret technique, I won’t be able to defeat you. Allow me to show you the might of our most powerful skill, the ‘Ninefold Torrent Grand Qi Technique’,” Ouyang Luo said coldly, then began to gather energy for a stronger assault.

Yang Xiao, intrigued by the clan’s secret skill, did not attack first. Instead, he readied himself, eager to witness the mysteries behind Ouyang Luo’s coming strike.