Lü Kui was one of the thirty-six great generals under Lightning Mother Zhu Peiniang, marshal of the Thunder Department.
His combat prowess was far beyond that of ordinary Thunder Department battle generals.
Even a cultivator like Xu Taiping, who knew little about Zhenwu's past, had heard plenty about the deeds of the Thirty-Six Thunder Department Generals.
Lü Kui's name, in particular, appeared frequently in such records.
The most famous of his deeds was splitting a mountain and diverting a flood to save the people of the mortal world.
In the eyes of those people, Lü Kui was a true deity.
Now that he was about to fight such a godlike figure, how could Xu Taiping remain calm?
Just then, a phantom image suddenly appeared on the suspended platform.
Its face was like azure jade, its eyes crimson gold, with faint flashes of lightning as they opened and closed.
His burly physique stood over three zhang tall, clad in black scale armor, with wind-riding shoes on his feet, a nine-section thunder whip coiled around his left arm, and the Thunder-Eyed Pearl resting in his right palm.
His mere presence there struck fear into people's hearts.
He was exactly as the records described.
Just then, Elder Wu suddenly turned to Xu Taiping with a smile and said:
"Little fellow, have you thought this through? If you fail this challenge, not only will you lose your chance at the Flame-Thunder Armor, you won't get the general-rank Thunder Sound Banner either."
"You'll have to wait at least ten years before challenging again."
"Thank you for the reminder, Elder Wu." Xu Taiping's expression was solemn. "I would still like to try."
Elder Wu, the Ranking Spirit, immediately grew serious.
"In that case, step onto the platform and begin your challenge."
Xu Taiping drew a deep