Yu Yuanchen and his group quietly returned to Dragon City from the Star Dou Great Forest, concealing their tracks and proceeding with extreme caution. Having learned from the previous ambush, they treaded on thin ice throughout the journey home. Fortunately, no further disturbances arose, and they arrived safely.
After returning to the clan, news that Yu Yuanchen had successfully absorbed the 32,000-year Purple Lightning Dragon Soul Ring, advanced to Soul King, and obtained a domain-type Soul Skill spread only among a small circle of senior clan elders. It was classified as the clan's highest secret. Yu Boxuan strictly ordered the information sealed, especially the existence of the "Purple Lightning Domain."
Yu Yuanchen entered a semi-secluded cultivation state once more. On one hand, he stabilized his Level 53 Soul Power, familiarized himself with his surging strength, and gained preliminary control over the Purple Lightning Domain. On the other, he continued refining his use of the Thunder Dragon Claw, practicing the integration of his newly gained power with his previous Soul Skills and Bloodline Power. He discovered that absorbing the Purple Lightning Dragon had greatly strengthened his bloodline, which was still slowly purifying and remained highly active. His use of the Thunder Dragon Claw became increasingly effortless. He even tried to form a dragon claw with his left hand, but because his bloodline was still gradually purifying, he did not dare stimulate it too aggressively. His progress was therefore slow, and he could only advance bit by bit alongside his cultivation. As a result, his strength entered another period of rapid growth. Though his apparent Soul Power Level was merely that of a Soul King, his true combat power had already reached an astounding level.
Within the clan, Yu Yuanchen's latest breakthrough greatly boosted morale, and the younger generation cultivated with even greater fervor. Externally, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan continued to maintain a forceful yet restrained stance, keeping its conflicts with the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family within manageable limits. It seemed as though everything was developing in the Yu Family's favor.
Yet beneath calm waters often lurked deadly undercurrents.
About two months after Yu Yuanchen returned to the clan, an urgent piece of intelligence written in special cipher was delivered to Patriarch Yu Boxuan's desk by the clan's Shadow Guards with the highest priority.
When Yu Boxuan deciphered its contents, the battle-hardened Tyrant Dragon Douluo's expression instantly turned incomparably grim, carrying even a trace of barely concealed shock and fury!
"Long Family... Long Ye... He actually succeeded?!" Yu Boxuan gripped the report so tightly that his knuckles turned faintly white.
The intelligence showed that Long Ye, an elder of the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family who had secluded himself for nearly twenty years in an attempt to break through to the Titled Douluo threshold, had, unbeknownst to anyone, luckily broken through the great rank 90 barrier a month earlier and become the Long Family's third Titled Douluo!
Even more alarming was that the Long Family had kept this news under absolute secrecy, with no rumors leaking outside. Had the Yu Family's Shadow Guards not coincidentally detected an extremely brief yet astonishing eruption of energy within the Long Family's Core Zone, followed by the secret mobilization of rare resources to stabilize a new realm, they would likely still have remained completely in the dark.
"What a Long Family! What patience!" Cold light flickered in Yu Boxuan's eyes. He instantly understood the Long Family's intentions—they wanted to use this newly advanced Titled Douluo as a surprise force, delivering a fatal blow to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan at a critical moment!
Originally, the overt comparison of top-level strength between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family was Yu Boxuan, rank 96, and another elder, Yu Qingtian, rank 94, against Long Family Patriarch Long Xiao, rank 95, and another elder, Long Sha, rank 94. With his rank 96 Super Douluo cultivation, Yu Boxuan could suppress either opponent alone. Even if he faced both for a short time, he would not be defeated, maintaining a delicate balance.
But now, the Long Family had gained Long Ye, a newly advanced rank 91 Titled Douluo!
The scales had tipped!
Yu Boxuan swiftly summoned all the core clan elders, including Yu Qingtian and Yu Yuanchen's father, Yu Mingfeng, and informed them of this earth-shattering news.
The atmosphere in the secret chamber instantly dropped to freezing point.
"Three Titled Douluos..." Elder Yu Qingtian, an old man with an ancient face and an aura as steady as a mountain, frowned deeply. "If Long Xiao and Long Sha disregard the cost and hold the Patriarch and me back, then Long Ye, though only rank 91, could completely... kill Yuanchen in a short time if he were willing to pay the price and risk injury!"
His words weighed on everyone's hearts like a massive boulder. The gap between a Titled Douluo and a Soul King was like an impassable chasm. No matter how gifted Yu Yuanchen was or how powerful his domain, he would have almost no chance of survival against a Titled Douluo determined to kill him. No matter how strong a domain was, it still required Soul Power to sustain it. Before an absolute disparity in strength, it was difficult to bridge the gap.
"They will definitely choose that course!" Another elder spoke heavily. "The potential Yuanchen has displayed is simply too terrifying. The Long Family will never allow him to grow. Their previous two assassination attempts failed, but now that they possess an absolute advantage, they will certainly do everything in their power to eliminate him! They may even... use this as an opportunity to launch an All-out War!"
Yu Boxuan's face darkened like still water. How could he not understand the stakes? The Long Family had endured in silence precisely because they were seeking the best moment to strike—an opportunity that would guarantee success, eliminate Yu Yuanchen in one stroke, and severely cripple or even destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"Patriarch, the most urgent matter is ensuring Yuanchen's safety!" Yu Mingfeng said anxiously. As a father, he was nearly consumed by worry.
"Exactly!" Yu Qingtian nodded. "Yuanchen absolutely cannot remain in Dragon City! Since the Long Family could conceal the news of this breakthrough, they must also have planted countless spies within and around Dragon City. As long as Yuanchen remains in the city, he will be in constant danger."
Yu Boxuan slowly rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping across every elder present before finally settling on the silent Yu Yuanchen.
"Chen'er, do you understand the current situation?" Yu Boxuan asked in a deep voice.
Yu Yuanchen raised his head, his eyes clear and calm, without the slightest trace of panic. "Your grandson understands. The Long Family has gained another Titled Douluo, breaking the balance. My existence is a thorn in their eyes and flesh, and they will not rest until I am dead. If I remain in the clan, not only will I be in danger, but I may become the fuse that prompts the Long Family to launch a full-scale attack, placing the clan in a passive position."
His analysis was cool and thorough, causing the elders present to nod inwardly. This child not only possessed extraordinary talent, but his temperament was frighteningly composed as well.
"Then what do you think we should do?" Yu Boxuan continued.
"Your grandson believes we should avoid their edge for now," Yu Yuanchen answered without hesitation. "I should leave Dragon City and undergo training elsewhere."
"Oh? Aren't you afraid that the Long Family will send people to hunt you down?" an elder asked.
"I am afraid, but remaining in Dragon City is even more dangerous," Yu Yuanchen said. "If I travel abroad, the world is vast. It will not be easy for the Long Family to find me across the boundless continent. But if I remain in Dragon City, I will be an obvious target, like a turtle in a jar. Besides, I truly need real training to solidify my foundation and broaden my horizons. If I remain forever beneath the clan's protection, I will never become a true powerhouse."
He paused, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes. "Moreover, I am not without the means to protect myself. Within the Soul Emperor realm, I fear no one. Even if I encounter a Soul Sage, if I cannot defeat him, I still have some confidence in stalling or escaping with the domain and Thunder Dragon Claw. As long as I do not directly encounter a Titled Douluo, I am confident I can survive."
These words carried the confidence of youth, but they were also founded on a clear understanding of his own strength.
Yu Boxuan stared at his grandson for a long while. A complicated light flashed in his eyes—pride, worry, and above all, resolve.
"Good!" In the end, he struck the table heavily. "Then we shall do as you say!"
He looked around at the others and issued his orders. "From this moment on, the clan will enter its highest state of alert. However, maintain a relaxed exterior while tightening security within. We must not let the Long Family discover that we already know of Long Ye's breakthrough. Yuanchen's departure from the clan is to be treated as top secret. Other than those present, no one else may learn a single word of it!"
"Yes!" The elders solemnly accepted their orders.
"Yuanchen, make your preparations. In three days, leave the city under cover of night." Yu Boxuan looked at Yu Yuanchen, his tone grave. "On this journey, you must conceal your identity. Do not easily use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, and under no circumstances reveal the Purple Lightning Domain! The clan will plan several training routes for you, but how you travel them will be up to your own judgment. Remember, staying alive is what matters most! Your safety concerns the clan's future!"
"Your grandson will remember Grandfather's teachings!" Yu Yuanchen gave a deep bow.
"Mingfeng," Yu Boxuan said, turning to Yu Mingfeng, "personally prepare Chen'er's traveling supplies. Make them comprehensive, but do not draw attention."
"Rest assured, Father!" Yu Mingfeng nodded heavily.
Over the next three days, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan appeared unchanged on the surface, but in secret, preparations for Yu Yuanchen's departure proceeded at a furious pace.
Yu Mingfeng prepared a large amount of Gold Soul Coins, Healing Pills, antidotes, disguise supplies, and several low-grade Soul Tools with different functions for his son. High-grade Soul Tools would have been too conspicuous. At the same time, he compiled the clan's collected information on the continent's various factions, Dangerous Places, and local customs and traditions into books and handed them to Yu Yuanchen.
Yu Boxuan personally planned several training routes for Yu Yuanchen. Some led toward the bitterly cold northern lands of the Heaven Dou Empire, some pointed toward the border of the Star Luo Empire, while others went deep into famous Soul Beast habitats and the sites of ancient ruins. Every route avoided, as much as possible, regions heavily influenced by the Long Family, and marked locations where opportunities and dangers might exist.
On the night before his departure, Yu Boxuan summoned Yu Yuanchen to his private chamber.
"Chen'er, once you leave home, the road ahead will be perilous. Your grandfather can no longer protect you in every way. You must rely on yourself for everything." Yu Boxuan looked at the grandson about to depart on a long journey, his eyes filled with earnest instructions. "The continent is vast, and extraordinary people abound. Never become arrogant because of your talent. There is always someone stronger, and always a higher sky."
"Your grandson understands," Yu Yuanchen replied respectfully.
"Keep this Jade Pendant safe." Yu Boxuan took out a warm white jade pendant carved with a miniature Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and handed it to Yu Yuanchen. "This is a clan token. By infusing it with Soul Power, you can activate a defensive barrier equal to one of my full-force attacks. However, it can only last three breaths and may only be used once a year. Do not use it unless your life is in danger."
Yu Yuanchen solemnly accepted it. Feeling the vast energy contained within the jade pendant, he knew it was a life-saving safeguard from his grandfather.
"Also, regarding your Martial Soul and Bloodline Power..." Yu Boxuan pondered for a moment. "Use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul as little as possible outside. If you must use it, end the fight quickly and leave no survivors. Bloodline Power is an emerging secret of our clan, so it must be shown even less easily. You can disguise yourself as an ordinary lightning-attribute Power Attack System or Agility Attack System Soul Master. You might even... consider learning some basic applications of other attributes to confuse others."
"Your grandson will remember."
Yu Boxuan patted Yu Yuanchen's shoulder. Though he had countless words to say, they ultimately became a sigh. "Go, child. A young eagle must eventually soar alone. You need not worry about the clan. As long as Grandfather Qingtian and I remain, the Long Family will not be able to turn the heavens upside down! We will wait for you... to return after completing your training!"
Yu Yuanchen's nose stung slightly. He bowed deeply once again, burying all his reluctance and concern deep within his heart.
On the third day, the night was dark, the moon hidden, and the stars sparse.
A discreet side gate of Dragon City quietly opened. A figure dressed in ordinary gray training clothes and wearing a bamboo hat slipped into the night like a ghost, drawing no one's attention. He looked back once at the clan residence, which lay in the darkness like a coiled giant dragon. His gaze was resolute. Then he turned, his steps steady, and soon vanished into the boundless darkness.
Not long after Yu Yuanchen left, Yu Boxuan personally took command and activated several deceptive formations arranged by the clan, creating the illusion that Yu Yuanchen was still cultivating in seclusion within the clan to mislead any spies who might be watching.
The Hidden Dragon had finally left the abyss.
Carrying the clan's hopes and the looming threat of death, he stepped onto the vast and unknown continent. Would the road ahead be strewn with thorns, or filled with endless opportunities? No one knew. But one thing was certain: this youth who possessed Thunder God Power, the Purple Lightning Domain, and True Dragon Claw would leave behind a legendary mark of Thunderous Might upon this continent! The tides of the era had quietly shifted because of him. A storm destined to sweep across the continent was slowly brewing in the distance. And Yu Yuanchen's road of training was the prelude to that storm's beginning.
Before you continue