Healing, Reflection, and a Temporary Parting

In the inn courtyard of Stone Spring Town, dim lamplight stretched the shadows of three utterly exhausted figures. When Yu Yuanchen, Tang Chen, and Qian Daoliu returned while supporting one another, their bedraggled appearance gave the innkeeper quite a fright. If not for their extraordinary bearing and generous spending, he would have almost taken them for Desperados from somewhere.

Back in Yu Yuanchen's room, the three of them relaxed almost at once. Tang Chen collapsed directly into a chair, baring his teeth as he sucked in cold breaths. The burns and sword wounds on his body were not deep, but there were quite a few of them. In particular, the internal shock from forcibly enduring Qian Daoliu's Holy Light Judgment and Yu Yuanchen's Lightning Pool Burial Annihilation, as well as the wound from being pierced by Thunder Dragon Shatters Void at the end, would all require time to recover from.

Qian Daoliu was in somewhat better condition, but his Soul Power was exhausted and his mind weary. The spot at the root of his light wings where Tang Chen's stone had struck still ached faintly, while the Danzhong Acupoint in his chest, hit by Yu Yuanchen's elbow, had left his breathing sluggish. His peerlessly handsome face had lost some color and gained a trace of weakness.

Yu Yuanchen had suffered the greatest expenditure of the three, and his injuries were the most varied. His Soul Power had been completely drained, the waves of pain caused by excessive Spiritual Power depletion had yet to subside, and the strain on his Meridians from forcibly compressing and unleashing Lightning Pool Burial Annihilation, along with the Hidden Injuries from resisting the backlash of the domain and enduring repeated collisions, made him feel as if his entire body had fallen apart. Even lifting a finger felt difficult.

"Damn... that was intense..." Tang Chen panted heavily, tugging at his torn collar to reveal bruised and mottled flesh beneath. "Brother Qian, that Holy Light Judgment of yours nearly shook my organs out of place! And Brother Yuanchen, what the hell was that Thunder Pool that came out of the ground? Too underhanded! My tongue still isn't listening to me properly from being numbed."

Qian Daoliu leaned gracefully against the back of his chair. Even in such a sorry state, he retained his basic composure. Hearing that, he smiled faintly. "Brother Tang's Clear Sky Formation was also quite ingenious. If not for Brother Tang's flying stone, Qian would not have ended up in such a state." As he spoke, Qian Daoliu gave Tang Chen a lingering glance. "As for Brother Yuanchen's Thunder Pool... it was indeed unforgettable. To transform the power of a domain in such a manner was truly an inspired idea, and its might was genuinely terrifying." He looked at Yu Yuanchen, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and curiosity.

Yu Yuanchen forced a smile, his voice hoarse. "You two overpraise me. It was only a desperate measure. Brother Tang's strength is unmatched. If not for that final moment... cough, cough." He paused and glanced at Tang Chen, recalling that precise and viciously timed stone strike. He could not help laughing. "If not for Brother Tang's quick wit, I fear I would have already fallen beneath Brother Qian's sword. Brother Qian's command of his domain and grasp of the battle situation have taught me a great deal as well."

The three looked at each other, recalling that dramatic ending, and could not help laughing. Yet the laughter tugged at their wounds, quickly turning into a chorus of grimaces and sharp breaths.

After the joking came serious business. The three knew that they were in terrible condition and did not dare be careless. Forcing themselves to focus, they each took out the Healing Pills they carried, swallowed them, and began to regulate their breathing.

Yu Yuanchen swallowed a Dragon Blood Returning Yuan Pill made from his family's secret recipe. A warm, gentle current immediately spread through him, nourishing his depleted Meridians and damaged internal organs. He carefully guided the faint trace of newly regenerated Soul Power within his body, circulating it slowly. At the same time, he used his Spiritual Power to examine himself internally and repair his Sea of Consciousness, which had dimmed from excessive depletion. The Purple Gold Scale at his chest grew faintly warm, emitting gentle, pure dragon aura that complemented the medicinal power and accelerated the recovery of his Bloodline Power and the healing of his body. He discovered that after this extreme battle, his slight control over the Thunder God Power seemed to have become more natural. Although the total amount had not increased, it circulated more smoothly and had become more compatible with his Soul Power and Qi and Blood.

Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu also swallowed their own secret medicines and began treating their injuries.

For a time, the room fell silent. Only the long and steady breaths of the three men could be heard, along with the faint energy fluctuations caused by circulating Soul Power.

This session of regulating their breathing lasted an entire day and night.

It was not until noon on the following day that the three gradually awoke from deep cultivation. Though they still needed time to fully recover, their external wounds had basically stabilized, and their Soul Power had recovered to around thirty or forty percent. At least they could move without issue, and there was much more color in their faces.

The inn attendant brought them a lavish meal, which the three devoured like a whirlwind. After filling their stomachs, their spirits improved considerably.

"Wonderful! Even though we didn't settle who won, that fight was truly satisfying!" Tang Chen slapped the table, his voice booming and his mood clearly excellent. "It's been a long time since I've gone all out like that! You two really didn't disappoint me!"

Qian Daoliu elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth and smiled. "To fight with all our strength alongside Brother Tang and Brother Yu was also an honor for Qian. What I gained from this battle surpassed months of ordinary cultivation." He looked at Yu Yuanchen. "In particular, Brother Yu's use of Soul Skills and development of his domain truly broadened Qian's horizons. The penetrating power of that Thunder Dragon Shatters Void did not seem to come from a simple Soul Skill alone. Did it also incorporate spiritual intent?"

Yu Yuanchen silently praised Qian Daoliu's sharp eye and nodded in acknowledgment. "Brother Qian is perceptive. This move was inspired by my Fourth Soul Skill. I attempted to highly condense Spiritual Power and merge it into Thunder Power, developing it as a means of breaking through defenses. It still has many shortcomings."

"A Self-Created Soul Skill?" Tang Chen's eyes widened as he clicked his tongue in amazement. "Incredible! I'm still figuring out how to use the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer more smoothly! Brother Yuanchen, you're only a Soul King, yet you've already begun creating your own Soul Skills? And one this tricky at that!" Though straightforward by nature, he understood the difficulty and significance of Self-Created Soul Skills. The way he looked at Yu Yuanchen carried even more respect.

Qian Daoliu was moved as well. Self-Created Soul Skills were often better suited to their creator and possessed immense growth potential. For Yu Yuanchen to create such a powerful Soul Skill at the Cultivation Level of a Soul King was truly astonishing, both in talent and comprehension.

Taking this battle as their starting point, the three began exchanging insights into cultivation. They set aside the differences between their sects and discussed only the Martial Way and the principles of Soul Power.

Tang Chen shared his understanding of controlling strength: how to turn the weight of the Clear Sky Hammer into unstoppable momentum, how to contain the strongest bursts of power within the simplest moves, and some of the secrets of his Clear Sky Formation—an initial application of gravity and Soul Power fields. Though it was not a complete domain, it had already taken shape and could produce remarkable effects at critical moments.

Qian Daoliu explained several characteristics of the Angel Domain: how to use sacred aura to cleanse negative conditions and suppress opponents, how to employ the power of light for judgment and protection, and some of his unique insights into combining aerial Soul Skills with close-range sword techniques. His Combat Method was elegant and efficient, full of wisdom and calculation.

Yu Yuanchen also candidly shared some of his understanding of the Thunder God Power, including how he had attempted to initially merge Spiritual Power into Thunder Power, as well as the two directions for developing the Purple Lightning Domain—control and eruption. He also spoke of certain techniques he had developed and the bottlenecks he had encountered.

All three were peerless Geniuses of their era. As their thoughts collided, astonishing sparks often flew. Many difficult points that had long puzzled them suddenly became clear through a few words from another or an interpretation from a different perspective. At times, they argued until their faces reddened. At times, they fell into deep thought. At other times, they clapped their hands and laughed. This exchange benefited all three no less than their previous exhilarating battle.

Time passed swiftly amid their fervent discussions, and another three days went by in the blink of an eye. Their injuries had healed almost completely, and their Soul Power had largely recovered.

That evening, the three gathered in the small courtyard once more, but the atmosphere was more solemn than before.

"My brothers," Tang Chen spoke first, his voice as forthright as ever but carrying a faint, nearly imperceptible wistfulness, "being able to meet you two on this trip through the Savage Beast Hills has been my good fortune! The fights were satisfying, and the talks were just as satisfying! But no feast lasts forever. I've been away from home for too long, and there are matters in the sect that need handling. It's time for me to return."

Qian Daoliu nodded slightly. A trace of melancholy appeared in his golden eyes before turning into a gentle smile. "Brother Tang is right. This journey has brought great rewards, but they must be given time to settle. Spirit Hall also has duties awaiting me. I cannot stay away for long."

Yu Yuanchen understood in his heart that this unexpected meeting and companionship was finally coming to an end. He had also gained tremendously—not only in strength, but in finding two friends and rivals to whom he could entrust his back. He cupped his hands and said, "Meeting and befriending you two brothers has also been Yuan Chen's good fortune. My family has matters awaiting me as well, and I must continue on my path of training."

The three looked at each other. Everything that needed to be said was understood without words.

Tang Chen suddenly grinned, battle intent reigniting in his eyes. "It'd be too boring to just part ways like this! How about we make an agreement?"

Qian Daoliu raised a brow. "What does Brother Tang have in mind?"

"Five years!" Tang Chen raised his fan-sized hand and spread all five fingers. "Let's set a term of five years! Five years from now, no matter where we are or what our Cultivation Levels may be, we'll find a place and have another proper fight! Let's see who improves the most in those five years! What do you say?"

A Gleam of Light flashed through Yu Yuanchen's eyes, and he agreed without hesitation. "Good! For this Five Year Agreement, I, Yu Yuanchen, will certainly be there!"

Qian Daoliu also smiled and nodded, though his tone carried unquestionable confidence. "How could Qian possibly miss such an occasion? Five years from now, I will surely witness the even greater methods of you two brothers."

"Haha! Then it's settled!" Tang Chen was delighted and extended his fist. Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu exchanged a smile and extended theirs as well. Three fists representing Hidden Dragon, Clear Sky, and Angel collided heavily in the air!

It was a simple agreement, yet it carried the faith and friendship of three young supreme talents.

The next morning, outside Stone Spring Town, the three clasped their hands in farewell.

Tang Chen carried the restored Clear Sky Hammer over his shoulder and strode toward the northeast. His back view was heroic, and his voice rang like a great bell. "Take care, my brothers! We'll meet again in five years!"

Qian Daoliu spread his six wings, which radiated holy brilliance beneath the morning light. He gave Yu Yuanchen a slight nod. "Brother Yu, take care. I look forward to seeing your thunder again in five years, with even greater might." With that, his wings beat once, and he transformed into a golden streak of light that shot into the sky and vanished into the clouds.

Yu Yuanchen stood where he was, watching the directions in which the two had departed, his heart filled with emotion. The experiences of these few short months had been more brilliant than the previous decade of his life. He tightened the plain gray martial outfit around himself, put on his bamboo hat, turned toward another direction, and set off once more on his solitary path of training with steady steps.

Stone Spring Town returned to its usual tranquility, as though nothing had happened. Yet no one knew that here, three future powerhouses who would stand at the peak of the continent had made a Five Year Agreement that would shake an era.

Hidden Dragon continued to conceal itself, honing its claws and fangs; Clear Sky returned to its mountain gate, tempering its edge; Angel soared through the heavens, scattering Holy Light.

Their paths had already crossed, only to temporarily diverge, so that at some future moment, they could erupt with even more dazzling brilliance.

Yu Yuanchen's figure gradually receded into the distance, merging with the vast land. His legend had only just begun. And the Wind and Clouds of the continent would soon quietly shift because of these three young men who had gone their separate ways, and the forces behind them.