Chapter 162: The Peak Realm
Chapter 162: The Peak Realm
Inside the thousand-year-old Wenbi Tower, the sound of thunder echoed continuously, each floor unique.
On the first and second floors, the thunder started softly, climaxing with a roar that was tolerable yet fascinating, luring countless scholars over the centuries.
From the third to the seventh floor, the thunder changed abruptly. It was no longer gradual but relentless, each level more fearsome than the last. Many who forced their way up never returned, turning to lifeless bones.
Above the seventh floor, the thunder transformed once more. Not only was its power different on each level, every step amplified the roaring blasts around Mu Feng’s ears. They struck without warning!
“The Dao follows the natural way. The world only knows resistance, not how to yield. How pitiful… how lamentable!”
Just as Mu Feng hesitated, an aged voice drifted faintly from above.
It was soft, almost lost in the thunder. A sigh echoed, and silence returned—leaving him wondering if it was an illusion.
Follow the flow?
Mu Feng’s heart stirred. Instead of gathering blood energy for a Blood Armor, he gritted his teeth and dropped his guard. He allowed the terrifying thunder to penetrate his body.
Boom!
The moment his defenses fell, thunder roared beside his ear. His mind jolted violently. His blood churned like stormy waves. His heart, lungs, and organs cramped like they were being crushed. Pressure swelled inside, threatening to burst him open. Blood seeped through his skin, ready to spray out under the terrible force!
“Thunder Sound Bone Tempering! Bone Tempering Thunder Sound!”
At this crucial moment, Mu Feng roared. He activated the art of Thunder Sound Bone Tempering, using his abdomen like lungs to forcibly steady his raging blood energy.
Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle…
Before the echo faded, his belly heaved violently, calming the storm inside. Guided by the terrifying thunder, he pushed every bone and sinew into rhythmic vibration—tempering them.
Thunder Sound Bone Tempering was the most basic technique at Mu Manor. Most disciples abandoned it upon reaching Mortal Realm. But Mu Feng was different. Even while mastering Blood Refining Art and other Wumen Divine Arts, he kept practicing this foundational skill. He hammered his body endlessly, perfecting the simplest of methods.
There are no useless arts—only useless practitioners!
Quickly, after enduring the initial agony, Mu Feng locked down his blood energy and spirit. Tossing back his head, he howled defiantly. Instead of retreating, he charged forward! One more step. Up!
Boom! BOOM!
The thunder deafened him. His robes were stained crimson. Yet he pushed on, using Thunder Sound Bone Tempering to shield against the sonic onslaught. Step by step, he fought his way to the eighth floor. Under the pressure, his skin wept blood and released wisps of dark vapor.
This vapor was no illusion. It was foul impurities buried deep in his blood, bones, and marrow. Torn free, they surfaced—then vanished, scorched away by the endless thunder. In the depths of his veins, hidden from ordinary sight and spirit sense, a stubborn Seal loosened. Fiery blood essence and powerful Yang Energy poured in, further sharpening his bones and muscles.
Compared to the seventh floor, few traces remained here. Skeletons littered the floor. Among them glinted precious treasures. Mu Feng snatched them all, stuffing them into his Breeze Ring without looking. He pressed on, determined to reach the ninth floor.
That strange sigh fueled his curiosity about the tower.
Whoosh!
Half a rung onto the final stairway, a gale blasted his face like knives. Thunder detonated overhead. Mu Feng felt light—drifting like a leaf in a hurricane’s eye. It yanked at him, threatening to shred him to pieces. His bones, once tempered to perfection, fractured under the sonic assault. Not even Thunder Sound Bone Tempering could shield him from such force!
“Hmm? A mere Mortal Realm scholar, yet he arrived? Impressive… truly impressive. But he remains weak. Remember child: yielding is only the beginning. To ascend further, one must achieve the Unity of Heaven and Man—merge with the cosmos as one!”
The old voice returned as Mu Feng froze mid-step.
Unity of Heaven and Man?
The words sparked insight. Mu Feng drove power from his Ancestral Sorcerer’s Essence Blood, refining Thunder Sound Bone Tempering to its peak. His insides no longer gurgled. They thundered!
Gurgle turned to roar!
His blood roiled. His bones drummed violently. Faster and louder they vibrated. Soon, dull explosions echoed within him, perfectly syncing with the tower’s thunder.
When thunder boomed above, his core rumbled in response. When the outer thunder faded, his inner fire settled before igniting anew. Soon, the overlapping sounds blended into one. No longer could Mu Feng tell which was sky—which was self.
Thunder was like air: everywhere, unstoppable. Best counter? Not resistance… not armor. Instead: become the thunder. Align the waves inside and out. Seek harmony… resonance!
Unity of Heaven and Man!
Beneath the cosmic roar, Mu Feng entered a dreamlike state. His Spiritual Soul shook—not wildly, but with strength. It grew as he climbed. One step, then another. When his foot touched the ninth floor…
BANG!
His soul burst free!
Suspended inches above his skull, it floated beneath the crackling sky.
Souls embody Yin. Heavenly thunder radiates pure Yang. When lightning strikes a soul, cultivators call it Heavenly Tribulation.
No Elite Realm expert dared manifest their soul here—not amid such thunder. Mu Feng, blood-covered and broken, just had!
Lightning crashed. His hovering soul shuddered violently… but held. Though tossed like a boat in a maelstrom, it clung fiercely to existence.
Mortal Realm Peak!
Battered by the endless thunder atop Wenbi Tower, Mu Feng shattered his limits! He broke through Late Mortal Realm—into Mortal Realm Peak!
As his soul floated amid tribulation, he felt one with the stairs, the ancient tower… the soil, the horizon. For an instant, his mind stretched across earth and sky. He became the universe—an ageless, infinite force.
With an outstretched hand, he felt he could pluck stars or grip the firmament. Behind him, an immense phantom materialized: eight arms, facing all directions. Its face blurred—yet its cold, emotionless eyes watched the world below with icy clarity.