Chapter 410: The Divine Mountain

Located in the western part of the Blade, it only takes three to four days to travel from Xifeng Holy Sanctuary to Hegvis. However, Old Wang took his sweet time, spending an extra day in Westwind Town using celebration as an excuse with friends from Ice Spirit and Fire God Mountain. Then, leisurely boarding the latest train on the second day, by the time the mag-rail train entered the Hegvis Plateau, it was already the morning of the fifth day.

The sky was overcast, and across the vast open plains, clusters of ironwoods could be seen everywhere—though always at least several miles away from the mag-rail tracks.

Jokes aside, these ironwood groves were essentially lightning rods. Even in broad daylight, bright white lightning could be seen streaking down from the sky, drawn by the trees, before crashing violently to the ground. The electrical energy then rapidly conducted between the ironwoods, transforming the entire grove into a shimmering sea of lightning in an instant.

This terrifying spectacle left even Winnie and the others dumbstruck from miles away, while Wu Di and Fantasi felt their scalps crawl. If the mag-rail tracks had been built any closer, the train would likely be struck by lightning over a dozen times a day...

Boom!

Another thunderbolt split the sky, this time striking an open patch of land closer to the mag-rail tracks. Instantly, a large boulder shattered, leaving the ground charred black.

*"Thunder City..."* Winnie muttered, her lips pursed. Faced with such overwhelming natural power, even she—tough as she was—couldn’t help but feel uneasy. After all, most girls feared thunder. "I’m already starting to hate this shithole!"

And she wasn’t the only one. Many avoided this terrifying place altogether. The Ice Spirit and Fire God Mountain groups hadn’t come along, though not solely because of the lightning storms—they each had personal matters to attend to. Additionally, the next stop, Darkmoon Isle, wasn’t welcoming to outsiders, so they had all agreed to wait for Rose at the Zenith Holy Sanctuary instead.

Beside her, Fantasi nodded vigorously. Though his shattered jaw had been treated and medicated, it still hadn’t fully healed. These past few days, he’d avoided speaking as much as possible and couldn’t eat solid food—chewing anything would be excruciating. He’d been living off watery gruel.

Old Wang laughed heartily. "Then let’s make sure we blow through the match quickly once we get on stage! We’ll wrap it up in minutes and leave without delay!"

The mag-rail train soon arrived at the station outside Hegvis City. Old Wang had expected, as with previous Holy Sanctuaries, that Sakuman would send one or two people to guide them. But the moment they stepped out of the station, they were met with a wall of people—easily over a thousand—already gathered and waiting.

Among them were reporters from Holy Sanctuary's Light, nobles who appeared quite distinguished, and plenty of flashy rich types. But the majority were Holy Sanctuary disciples clad in Sakuman’s attire. At the forefront stood the Lightning Shaman Gule, whom they’d met in Dragon City, along with his full team. Leading them, however, was a stern-faced middle-aged mentor, whispering to Gule.

Like Gule, this mentor had blue skin—the most distinctive trait of the Vis Clan. Born of thunder, destined to perish by thunder, their blue skin served as the perfect vessel for lightning. Though few in number, each was a master of thunder, hailed as the only Lightning Shamans capable of rivaling the Dragon-Elephant Tribe of the Eight Tribes!

Old Wang and the others were momentarily stunned. If this was Sakuman’s idea of a "welcome" for Rose, Old Wang wouldn’t believe it even if beaten to death. What was the meaning of this?

The Holy Sanctuary's Light reporters spotted Wang Feng and his group first, and soon everyone else noticed. The blue-skinned mentor ceased his conversation with Gule and strode toward Wang Feng, getting right to it: "I am Reik Miller, representing Sakuman Holy Sanctuary in overseeing this challenge match against Rose. Do you need rest?"

"We’ll rest after the fight," Old Wang replied with a grin, glancing at the silent Gule trailing behind Reik Miller. The Vis Clan really did look like they were cast from the same mold—like Smurfs. "What, are we fighting here? Don’t tell me you guys don’t even have a proper arena?"

Behind him, Winnie burst into laughter. Even Kela and the still-bandaged Fantasi looked eager. After a month of travel and battles, Rose’s team was in a completely different state compared to when they’d first set out. Having already defeated Xifeng, even facing the fifth-ranked Holy Sanctuary and this intimidating crowd of over a thousand, not a trace of fear flickered in their eyes—only calm confidence.

"Naturally, we have an arena. But you won’t be needing it." Reik Miller smiled faintly. "Sakuman has already selected the perfect arena for you. That is where the match will take place."

They’d guessed beforehand that the later matches might not go smoothly—the Holy Sanctuary higher-ups would surely pull something to ensure victory. So this so-called "perfect arena" likely had some trick to it. No one was surprised.

Old Wang chuckled. "And where might that be?"

"Just over ten miles from here lies Mount Markru, the most renowned peak in Thunder City." Reik Miller pointed eastward, his tone indifferent. "Your arena is at its summit—Lightning Peak! Each side will select six members to ascend. We’ll await the results at the mountain’s base."

At this, while Fantasi and the others remained unfazed, Winnie’s expression twisted in outrage. "Bullshit, Sakuman, have you no shame?! That’s an arena? Who the fuck besides your Lightning Shamans can even get up there? Hell, even among your own, I doubt any Tiger Peak could make it to Lightning Peak!"

"No need for concern on your part," Reik Miller replied smoothly. "The rules are simple: once both teams set foot on Lightning Peak, the match begins. But if you withdraw early, turn back, or halt on the Lightning Trail, it will be considered forfeiture. If all five forfeit, Sakuman wins by default."

Silence fell, the crowd gobsmacked.

"Winnie, what does this mean? What kind of place is the Lightning Trail? Is it dangerous?" Kela asked, bewildered. They’d studied Sakuman’s team members but had never heard of Lightning Peak. Fantasi and Wu Di also stared wide-eyed.

"Dangerous? That’s an understatement! The Lightning Trail is a path up Mount Markru leading to Lightning Peak, lined with ironwoods that gather relentless lightning. The higher you go, the worse it gets!" Winnie hissed through gritted teeth. "For non-Lightning Shamans like us, it’s a death wish. Even among Sakuman’s own Lightning Shamans, I doubt any Tiger Peak could make it halfway before being zapped to a crisp! This isn’t a match—it’s forcing us to forfeit! In a contest of lightning resistance, Sakuman’s people will always outmatch us!"

The Lightning Trail was a trial meant for Lightning Shamans. How could a group of non-lightning practitioners hope to compete with Thunder City’s finest?

Winnie wasn’t the only one cursing—even the reporters and Sakuman disciples behind Reik Miller were gobsmacked. What they’d expected to be a clash of titans had turned into...

"Mr. Reik Miller!" a Holy Sanctuary's Light reporter called out urgently. "Are you serious? Facing Rose Holy Sanctuary’s challenge, Sakuman has chosen to...?"

"Mr. Reik Miller, I believe this is an unfair contest. Is this your personal decision or the will of the Sakuman Holy Sanctuary?"

"Mr. Reik Miller, does the Sakuman Holy Sanctuary believe it cannot defeat Rose and is deliberately making things difficult?"

The voices of the reporters behind them rose one after another. Clearly, Sakuman's decision had taken everyone by surprise.

Gule stood silently nearby, frowning without a word, while Reik Miller merely smiled faintly. "A challenge is a challenge, and the rules are the rules. The format is provided by the challenged party—it's just a venue. Our disciples will certainly not carry any lightning-resistant equipment, which is obviously fair for both sides. The location we’ve chosen is right there. To be honest, the Path of Thunder has always been regarded as Sakuman’s pilgrimage route. Disciples who undergo its trials gain many benefits. By generously allowing Rose’s challengers to enter this sacred path and seize opportunities, how can you say we’re bullying them?"

"Fair? You’re not even that old, yet you’ve got some nerve!" Winnie’s face flushed red with anger. "What kind of joke is this? Why don’t you just find two chefs to compete with us in cooking instead?"

Reik Miller’s composure was impeccable. Even when scolded by Winnie, he remained unruffled, speaking calmly. "If Rose Holy Sanctuary lacks even the courage to reach the venue, they may naturally choose to withdraw. This will be considered a failed challenge. The Holy City has already issued a directive—the decree to disband Rose Holy Sanctuary will be sent to Aurora City immediately!"

Using the Holy City to pressure them—this was outright shamelessness. The crowd erupted in uproar. Just as Winnie was about to retort, Wang Feng raised his hand and said calmly, "We’ll take the Path of Thunder."

These words struck like a thunderbolt. The reporters and the rest of the Old Wang Squad gaped in shock. Winnie stared at Wang Feng in disbelief. A group of non-lightning mages competing with the people of Thunder City in traversing the Path of Thunder? Was Wang Feng out of his mind?

Everyone knew Wang Feng’s silver tongue was legendary. For him not to deploy his legendary eloquence now was nothing short of miraculous.

Gule’s expression turned solemn as he spoke earnestly, "Wang Feng, let me make this clear—the Path of Thunder is extremely difficult. Even for lightning mages, it’s perilous!"

His words trailed off abruptly. Gule himself realized that Rose had no way out. Surrendering meant disbandment. He knew all too well that the Holy City had already prepared a slew of justifications, just waiting for Rose to argue so they could make the whole affair sound even more righteous.

"Gule, you were at Dragon City too. You should know better." Wang Feng grinned at him. Back in Dragon City, when Ye Dun and his group had targeted Rose, Gule had remained silent. Even then, Wang Feng had sensed that this bald man had a sense of justice. And now, for him to advise them—it showed he had a good heart. "What’s the state of our League of Blades now? If no one is willing to wake these ignorant people, then we of Rose will!"

Wake… the ignorant people?

Gule froze slightly, feeling an unexpected surge of emotion—both inspiration and melancholy. Among the capable younger generation of the League of Blades, many yearned to prove themselves but were constrained by politics or allegiances. Truthfully, Gule envied Wang Feng—living freely, with teammates and mentors who charged forward fearlessly alongside him.

Like back in Dragon City, when he and Ye Dun’s group of five had ambushed the Dark Priest. Sure, it got results—but what did it matter even if the sneak attack succeeded? If it had been a life-or-death battle, he wouldn’t have minded the method. But the goal had merely been fame.

Such an approach would inevitably slow one’s progress in cultivation. And with a weakened mindset, the effects might not show at Tiger Peak, but what about Ghost level? Or Ghost Peak? How could someone without an indomitable heart ever break through the limits of cultivation?

Once a person harbors fear and complacency, once they begin to crave power and vanity, they can never reach the pinnacle of martial arts.

For Gule, who pursued the pinnacle of thunder magic, this was utterly unacceptable. Yet whether it was his family elders or his peers, they were all like this! He felt utterly isolated, for no one around him shared his ideals. If not for the fact that he was Sakuman’s top expert and prodigy, his aspirations would likely invite endless ridicule—let alone companionship.

Now, watching Winnie grit her teeth in anger yet remain silent, seeing the unwavering trust in Kela and the others’ eyes as they followed their captain, Gule suddenly felt envy.

"Well, that was quick." Reik Miller smiled. Though opposition and argument would have fit their script better, this straightforward acceptance wasn’t bad either—at least it spared him, the moderator, much trouble. Who would’ve thought this Wang Feng would be so accommodating? "Do you need some time to rest and prepare?"

"Hahaha! No need—lead the way!" Wang Feng waved his hand grandly, brimming with vigor. "What’s the big deal about a Path of Thunder? As they say, if I don’t enter hell, who will? Even if thousands stand in my way, I shall march forward!"

Reik Miller’s smile stiffened slightly. He had hoped for a more cautious, petty reaction—anything but this heroic defiance, which would put Sakuman at a disadvantage in public opinion.

Sure enough, the reporters behind him lit up at Wang Feng’s dramatic declaration, their eyes wide with excitement as they scribbled furiously. Especially those from the League of Blades’ Holy Path—they’d been singing Rose’s praises all this while. Who knew how saintly they’d paint Wang Feng in this moment?

"Choose your team!" Reik Miller cut to the chase, not wanting to give Wang Feng any more chances to grandstand.

Sakuman’s lineup had long been decided: Captain Gule, Vice-Captain Akjin, and three pure lightning mages—Katdo, Hankle, and Sikin.

Just one look at this roster made it clear why Sakuman’s higher-ups had resorted to such underhanded tactics against Rose. Their original vice-captain had been Wickel, ranked sixteenth in the Holy Sanctuary—a formidable Thunder Battlemage. Unfortunately, he’d fallen in Dragon City, slain by Long Feixue… Two other core members had also been lost, both ranked within the top fifty. This cobbled-together Sakuman squad likely retained less than 70% of their former strength. Aside from Akjin, the other three lightning mages were clearly former reserves—nowhere near Sakuman’s original main roster.

With such strength, they might even be inferior to the fully intact Xifeng Holy Sanctuary. Against Rose, they stood almost no chance!

The reporters, well-versed in Sakuman’s affairs, scribbled incessantly at the sight of this lineup.

Wang Feng’s selection was straightforward: himself, Kela, Ah Xi, Winnie, and Mapeier. Though Wu Di appeared fine on the surface, his injuries from the last match hadn’t fully healed—his strength was less than half of normal. Moreover, unlike Kela, who had awakened omnidirectional spell resistance, the Golden Behemoth was purely physical in combat, with little resistance to spells.

With both sides’ teams decided, under Reik Miller’s lead, the group—along with the reporters and Sakuman disciples—headed east in a massive entourage of over a thousand people. Mount Marklu…

Ancient legends tell that in ancient times, the Thunder God Hegvis transcended the dragon-level boundary here and ascended to godhood. Speaking of which, the Vis Clan is legit badass—they aren’t entirely human in the conventional sense. They are more similar to the Eight Tribes, possessing an ancient and noble bloodline. Their ancestor, the Thunder God Hegvis, was one of the peerless experts who stood atop this world even in antiquity.

Unfortunately, this bloodline remained sparse, with an extremely low birth rate, and their population never grew beyond a few thousand. Moreover, after Hegvis ascended to godhood, he reportedly vanished without leaving any blessings for his people. Though they were still forces to be reckoned with, they lacked the strength to compete for supremacy over the continent. After the rise of the League of Blades, the Hegvis Plateau was incorporated into its territory. Despite their small population of just a few thousand, their exceptional thunder magic aptitude earned them a seat in the Blade Council—proof of their might and heritage.

The group traveled east for about ten miles until they reached a lone mountain rising abruptly from the plains. It looked like a weird, giant bulge protruding from the flat earth, covered in dense thickets of ironwood trees resembling spiky bristles.

By now, they had reached the mountainside, where a flat clearing lay ahead. Stone steps with guardrails and caution tape marked the entrance to the so-called "Forbidden Zone" of the Thunder Path in Mount Makru.

The clouds here hung unusually low. Despite the mountain’s modest height, the halfway point already felt submerged in the clouds. Just a dozen meters above their heads, inky thunderheads boiled, rumbling with thunder and flashing with streaks of lightning. The electric currents in the forbidden zone’s ironwood trees crackled and sparked like chains, connecting in a web of energy.

The thick aura of thunder and the oppressive dark clouds radiated an overwhelming heavenly might, inspiring both awe and terror into the hearts of onlookers.

Winnie and Fatty couldn’t help but gulp nervously. Even Wu Di, bringing up the rear, showed signs of unease. Mapeier remained as composed as ever, seemingly unfazed as long as she was by Wang Feng’s side. In contrast, Kela appeared intrigued. With her all-around resistance to witchcraft, including strong immunity to thunder, the Thunder Path—rumored to be both a path of destruction and life—fascinated her. Those who could traverse it unaided were said to gain immense opportunities, and she was eager to test herself.

Most of the following crowd were Holy Sanctuary disciples from Sakuman, who had walked this path before. Since they only needed to reach the halfway point, they showed no fear. The journalists, however, suffered. The more timid among them had refused to climb beyond the mountain’s base, and by the time they reached the forbidden zone’s outskirts, the thunderclaps roared right beside their ears. Fewer than two or three out of ten dared to keep going, and even those who did trembled with terror.

As the group halted, Reik Miller waved his hand with a smile. The chains barring the Thunder Path retracted with a shivering clank, revealing stone steps that vanished into the storm clouds.

"This is the Thunder Path," Reik Miller announced. "Everyone, prepare yourselves."

Wang Feng led his team forward, while Gule, already in position, glanced at him and cautioned, "The Thunder Path is not only dense with thunder magic but also carries intense thunder pressure. Be careful—you must not only ascend but also conserve enough strength to descend. Otherwise, no one can save you."

Fatty and Winnie exchanged uneasy looks, with Winnie muttering, "Since when did you become the good guy?"

"Thanks," Wang Feng chuckled before addressing his team, "Brothers, don’t push yourselves too hard. For this battle, your captain will have your backs!"

Gule shot Wang Feng a look, while Reik Miller smirked. At least half the rumors about Wang Feng’s boastful nature seemed true. As a ghost-level thunder mage, Reik sensed no trace of thunder resistance from Wang Feng. The man was a bug-type—the least resistant to thunder’s might—yet he dared to spout such arrogance?

"Let’s not delay. Proceed!"

With a wave from Reik Miller, Wang Feng strode forward first, leading the way into the Thunder Path.

The Thunder Path consisted of five coiled stone turns.

The moment they stepped into the thunder zone, everyone except Kela—who remained unfazed—felt their shoulders suddenly grow heavy. An invisible, oppressive force descended from above, carrying a numbing sensation that stiffened their limbs and sent chills down their spines.

This was thunder pressure—the overwhelming heavenly might of thunder!

Just setting foot on the first step noticeably slowed their pace. The thunder pressure was clearly wearing on them, especially on Wang Feng, whose earlier bravado now seemed hollow. The Sakuman disciples watching from the mountainside couldn’t help but laugh.

"I bet at least two or three of them won’t make it past the first tier."

"Maybe they’ll all be forced back!"

"That beastwoman seems decent, though. Her thunder resistance looks pretty high—she barely reacted."

"Don’t joke. This is just the first tier. That beastwoman isn’t a thunder mage; if she makes it to the third tier, that’ll be her limit!"

"Senior Gule is so steady!"

Gule wasn’t the only one. Compared to Rose’s team, Sakuman’s five-member squad moved with far greater ease. The Thunder Path was divided into five segments, or "tiers," and the minimum requirement to become a Sakuman Holy Sanctuary disciple was reaching the second tier. Every Sakuman disciple had walked this path before, so they were well-prepared.