Mastery of Thunder Arts

Nether Abyss Mine Valley, third level.

At the convergence of three spirit veins.

Li Yuan sat cross-legged atop a rock terrace, circulating the Nascent Infant Origin Return Method. The Spirit Ore Essence Gathering equipment trait remained active, raising his absorption efficiency for the spirit qi within the spirit vein environment by fifty percent over normal.

The permanent conversion timer continued advancing.

Besides Li Yuan, there were two other cultivators on duty on the mine valley's third level.

One was at Nascent Soul Early Stage, and the other at Late Golden Core Stage.

During a break from cultivation one day, Li Yuan encountered the Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator on duty at the entrance to the third-level passage.

The male cultivator looked to be around fifty. He wore the standard robes of the Mingyuan Sect and had a composed expression.

"Fellow Daoist, are you cultivating in the mine valley as well?" the man greeted him.

"I accepted a patrol assignment, so I'm taking the opportunity to cultivate at the spirit vein convergence for a while," Li Yuan said.

The male cultivator nodded and casually said, "There have been quite a few more high-level missions in the sect's mission hall lately, while things have become quieter over here in the mine valley.

"I heard the higher-ups are preparing for some major operation."

"What major operation?"

The male cultivator answered casually.

"A war in the lower realm."

Li Yuan's gaze narrowed slightly.

"There aren't many concrete details, but the rumors have been circulating for some time." The male cultivator leaned against the passage wall, his tone relaxed. "Apparently, they're preparing to wage war against forces from other sects in a lower realm."

"It happens every now and then. No matter how fiercely they fight in the lower realms, it won't affect the upper