Chapter 562: Sword of the Celestial Court!

At the center of one of the thunderclouds, a battle had come to an end, and a life had been lost.

Just as Dongfang Yong had mentioned earlier, unless there was an old blood feud, deaths in these sorts of competitions were extraordinarily low.

The Grand Dao Celestial Realm was a web of complex social interactions, where relationships and connections mattered greatly. Combat was typically just for sparring, and normally, no one wished to kill and create enemies.

Unless, of course, sworn enemies met.

Yet at that moment, few cared about Dongfang Yong's demise.

For an instant, the focus of the entire Nine Thunders Arena was solely on Yun Xiao. The looks directed at him shifted from initial mockery and contempt to a gradual freeze, becoming rigid.

Many were visibly uncomfortable.

Some of the high ranking officials had realized something profound!

“This young one’s spirit is peculiar.”

“Yes, his spirit seems to act in tandem with his physical self, mirroring his techniques like a shadow, crafting an attack of both body and soul!”

To these celestial scholars deeply versed in the study of spirits, this was unthinkable.

Ordinary spirits had specific manifestations: leaving the body, showing form, attacking... They either clung to celestial weapons, amplified celestial power, or enhanced celestial spells.

To see a spirit that mimicked the owner's physical form, evolving soul-based attacks into celestial sword techniques, was unprecedented for them!

Some young prodigies failed to see the significance, thinking little of it. Yet, their elders, the ones with deeper knowledge, looked on with grave expressions at the youth in white as he left the arena, deep in thought.

“This Lu Yao, his spirit isn’t some Immemorial Thunder Seed, indeed it’s the most inconsequential true-self spirit.”

“But his self-spirit can sense and control the Thunder Immortal Formation, even mimic his own techniques!”

This was the objective conclusion reached amidst the deep contemplation of numerous powerful immortals.

If the onlookers below could reach this conclusion, so could the 100 Immortals gathered on the Celestial Thunder Platform, drawing them into deep discussion. They spoke, occasionally glancing at General Cao.

General Cao had long opened his eyes, his gaze charged slowly with electric currents, fixed on the youth in white armor. A slight smile played upon his lips. Subtle though it was, it was a sufficient response.

After all, Bo Hong next to him had already closed his mouth, his face ashen as if frosted over, looking more like a corpse.

"Cao Sheng."

Suddenly, from the highest point of the Celestial Thunder Platform, a deep, aged, and weighty voice echoed—a voice like an old bell, carrying the weight of years and a penetrating power that, even whispered, could stir the soul.

General Cao's face moved subtly. He quickly turned around, bowing respectfully towards the elevated figure, and said, "Supreme General, your humble servant is here."

The Supreme General sat on the second highest seat of the Celestial Thunder Platform, an elder clad in a platinum robe. His hair was white, not withered but glowing with a platinum luster. Platinum lightning snakes surged around him, encircling his entire body and partially veiling his face, revealing only a pair of bright golden eyes.

His nose was as prominent as an eagle's, and behind him, thunder intertwined as if forming a pair of wings.

In the Thunder Department, only one could be honored as Supreme General—the Rank 2 Heavenly Officer, the Nine Heavens Supreme Thunder General. He was one of the highest authorities within the Thunder Department, a figure of immense power and the right-hand man of the Nine Thunders Sovereign.

The Nine Thunders Sovereign was usually at the Divine Gateway. So, in the Thunder Department headquarters, the Nine Heavens Supreme Thunder General wielded enormous authority.

This position was the future that General Cao aspired to—a true high official of the Celestial Court!

Today, for the first time, the Supreme General spoke, and all the Immortals on the Celestial Thunder Platform fell silent, reverently turning their gaze to the elder surrounded by platinum lightning.

The Supreme General's tone was serene, as if he was merely chatting with Cao Sheng. He said, "This child's spirit has indeed done some things beyond ordinary belief."

"Yes." General Cao nodded.

"This kind of talent, how should one put it?" The Supreme General chuckled and shook his head. "It's hard to say. The upper limit could be very high, the lower limit could be quite low. It remains to be seen."

His words were ambiguous, and the crowd couldn't discern his exact meaning, but they continued to listen.

Bo Hong, however, breathed a sigh of relief.

Yun Xiao had performed notably, but the Supreme General had not directly praised him, which he could accept.

After hearing this, Cao Sheng nodded and said, "Although it's true that the one who can sense and command thunder with his spirit is him, his spirit is indeed the Immemorial Thunder Seed."

Here, Cao Sheng looked up seriously and added, "Nevertheless, the Thunder Department always welcomes any ambitious Arbiter. This child and I are fated, and no matter what, I will give him a chance to showcase his talents."

Those present were somewhat surprised by his words.

This was the Celestial Thunder Platform, where nearly all of the 100 top Immortals of the Thunder Department were gathered!

By saying this, Cao Sheng publicly declared his responsibility towards Yun Xiao.

From now on, Yun Xiao's honor and disgrace were linked to him.

"Such audacity, he's made his decision already, isn't he afraid the mystery box might reveal a pig?" Bo Hong thought with a cold smirk.

But then, the Supreme General broke into a genuine smile. He nodded towards Cao Sheng, expressing his thoughts, "To be honest, this child reminds me of someone—a miraculous being."

As the crowd absorbed his words, their thoughts turned backwards. When that terrifying figure emerged in their minds, every one of the 100 Immortals felt a shiver run through their hearts.

Cao Sheng took a deep breath and smiled, "It seems the Supreme General and I are on the same page."

"Indeed." The Supreme General gazed in the direction of the Divine Gateway, his voice carrying a profound depth, "Named ordinary, yet extraordinary, a prodigy of the generation, a sovereign of spirits!"

Following his lead, Cao Sheng continued with a smile, "The coincidence is, they both share the surname Lu."

None among the 100 Immortals was unaware of whom they spoke.

Many who had just been mocking Cao Sheng earlier bowed their heads in shame, their faces turning a shade of purplish-green.

This was especially true for Bo Hong! His heart twisted like a knife. For him, Yun Xiao was merely a minor character, a child.

Yet, because of his eagerness to ridicule Cao Sheng, he had lost a strategic piece in their rivalry on this Celestial Thunder Platform. While not a complete defeat, it was nonetheless devastating!

Just as he was struggling to accept his situation, the voice of the Supreme General resounded once again.

"Bo Hong."

Bo Hong responded respectfully, "Supreme General, your humble servant is present."

The gaze of the Supreme General pierced through space, stabbing into the eyes of Bo Hong.

This caused Bo Hong to squint in pain. He quickly bowed his head!

Only then did the Supreme General's voice slowly continue, "Nowadays, talents emerge in every department of the Celestial Court. The Thunder Department, once the sword of the Celestial Court and its foremost division, now languishes, leaving us all disgraced."

"Supreme General, this is my responsibility!" Bo Hong's voice trembled slightly.

"You oversee the heritage of the Thunder Department and so should cast aside your prejudices, offering opportunities to any youth," the Supreme General declared.

"I have failed in my duties, I am ashamed." Bo Hong's scalp tingled.

Being reprimanded in public was indeed a fatal blow! Word spread quickly: he had been chastised! All because of Yun Xiao, the Supreme General's rebuke had felt like a blow to the heads of nearly half the Thunder Department's influential circle.

"It's not a reprimand, merely a reminder to focus on the essentials of your duties," the Supreme General said. After finishing, he stood, stretched, and suddenly chuckled. "I'm getting old, I suppose. I tire more easily these days. I'll take my leave now."

"Safe journey, Supreme General!" the 100 Immortals hurriedly responded.

"Cao Sheng," the Supreme General beckoned.

General Cao quickly approached, bowing deeply.

"When your foster son faces his second round of combat, remember to call me."

"Yes!" Cao Sheng nodded, his eyes shining.

After the Supreme General departed, the tension seemed to dissipate among the crowd.

The Celestial Thunder Platform fell into a deep silence, undercurrents swirling dangerously below the surface.

"Excuse me." General Cao rose and strode away.

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"Jiang Taiping, General Cao summons you."

Jiang Taiping had already been ready, waiting outside the Summer Thunder Duke Palace. On his way there, the path before him was illuminated. He himself hadn’t anticipated that Lu Yao's battle would so greatly affect the destinies of such important figures!

Plainly put, it all boiled down to the words Immemorial Thunder Seed.

General Cao first showed a weakness, someone forcefully intervened, aiming to step on him, but Yun Xiao's astonishing performance caught that person’s foot in a trap, turning it a bruised purple.

Clearly, that person was Bo Hong.

"General Cao!" Jiang Taiping was a smooth operator. Upon entering the palace and seeing only General Cao seated at the top, he hurried to serve, smiling as he poured wine for the general.

"Congratulations, General Cao!" Jiang Taiping suppressed a laugh. "I hear Lightning Lord Bo Hong felt completely humiliated."

"Mhm." General Cao, having been through the earlier debacle, seemed much calmer now. Clearly, for someone of his stature, he understood well that pride often led to errors.

He and Bo Hong had both suffered from this truth.

"I have some doubts," General Cao suddenly said.

When Jiang Taiping noticed the solemnity in General Cao's demeanor, he quickly erased his smile and said, "Please, go on."

"Does my little sister know Lu Yao?" General Cao asked.

Jiang Taiping's eyes shifted as he speculated, "General, is this question prompted by the matchup sequence between Lu Yao and Dongfang Yong?"

"That match was arranged by her, which is why I'm asking you," General Cao replied.

Jiang Taiping thought for a moment, knowing he mustn't withhold anything from General Cao, and recounted all the events that had transpired within the walls of the Eight Symbols Guard Pavilion.

General Cao listened quietly. After hearing everything, he didn't say much but waved his hand, signaling Jiang Taiping to leave.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"General, do you intend to bring Lu Yao into your Cao Immortal manor" Jiang Taiping asked casually as he was leaving, assuming General Cao had summoned him to arrange a formal meeting between the foster father and son.

"He'll be under my mentorship, no more questions about it," General Cao said sternly.

"Yes," Jiang Taiping nodded, feeling slightly puzzled, then turned and left.

After his departure, from the shadows of the side hall, a woman emerged. She was dressed in a blue gown, her long hair cascading like blue electric snakes, making her appear quite petite next to General Cao.

Yet, in both face and figure, she was exceptionally striking, her beauty no less than Cao Shuo's but of a distinctly different kind.

This woman in the blue gown seemed like a blue lightning sprite. She floated over and sat on General Cao's lap, her arms wrapping around his neck.

The pair, much like a bear and a rabbit together, presented a striking contrast: his brawny arms were nearly as thick as her slender waist...

JustLivingJL's Thoughts

Yun Xiao: *Exists

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