Chapter 965: The Descent of the Thunder God

Hong Chen was enveloped in a layer of a lightning grid, with silver snakes shooting out everywhere. Perhaps due to the secret technique, his body had become much more robust, resembling a silver tower, exuding a daunting aura. The surge in his momentum finally came to a halt after a while. Hong Chen’s gaze was fixed on Xiao Yan, and with a cold sneer, he clenched his hand, summoning a black iron hammer encircled by lightning. This iron hammer, known as the Celestial Lightning Hammer, was a treasure of the Wind Lightning Pavilion. It was forged entirely from lightning rock, providing some enhancement to one’s qi when used by those practicing lightning-based techniques. Coupled with its inherent heaviness, the hammer could be wielded with great power. Ordinary experts would hesitate to engage it head-on. Holding the Celestial Lightning Hammer, Hong Chen’s eyes were even sharper. He waved it casually, producing a sharp sonic boom. The force of the sonic boom created several pits on the hard ground. “Come again!” Sensing the surging power within him, Hong Chen stared at Xiao Yan with a cold gaze and roared.

Looking at the fully armed Hong Chen, Xiao Yan’s brows furrowed slightly. After using the secret technique, the former’s strength had almost reached the level of a nine-star Imperial King. Clearly, this secret technique was quite effective. Moreover, from their previous encounter, Xiao Yan sensed that the method Hong Chen practiced must be a Tier 2 technique. Otherwise, after receiving a direct hit from Xiao Yan’s Eight Extremes Collapse, he would have retreated more than just a few meters. Whether it was his technique, skill, or weapon, each was top-notch, making his combat strength astonishing. With such power, he could even challenge opponents higher than his level. Not only peers, but even those at the peak of the Imperial King class might have a tough time against him. No wonder he was so arrogant. Today, if someone else among the younger generation encountered Hong Chen, they would have struggled to match him unless they had some special trump card. However, unfortunately for Hong Chen, Xiao Yan was not included in the “someone else” category. For others, challenging opponents of higher levels might be extremely difficult, but for Xiao Yan, who once crippled a profoundly powerful earth demon old ghost, it was merely par for the course. Hong Chen could challenge higher levels, but Xiao Yan could surpass classes! The words “challenge higher levels” and “surpass classes” might seem similar, but they represented two very different concepts and vastly different realms and strengths.

The attention of the entire audience was focused on the battle as Hong Chen’s sudden surge in strength left many amazed. The Wind Lightning Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as a top-tier power in the Central Plains. A single secret technique could enhance one’s strength so profoundly. Amidst their astonishment, some turned their gazes towards Xiao Yan. No one would underestimate this young man after witnessing his earlier performance. Someone who could force Hong Chen to use a secret technique was clearly no ordinary person. It seemed the outcome of the battle between the Hong and Han families was uncertain.

“Incredible, such a young man has already reached this level. He should be well-known, yet I’ve never heard of Xiao Yan in the northern region or even the entire Central Plains,” Hong Li mused, his brows furrowing as he watched Hong Chen perform the Lightning God’s Descent.

The gray-robed elder beside him also shook his head, equally unfamiliar with the name Xiao Yan.

“The Central Plains is vast, filled with hidden talents. It’s normal not to know every name. Don’t worry; since Hong Chen used the Lightning God’s Descent, the victor should be clear soon. In his current state, combined with his technique, skill, and the Celestial Lightning Hammer, even a peak Imperial King would find it difficult to defeat him.”

Listening to this, Hong Li nodded. Xiao Yan indeed had forced Hong Chen to use a secret technique, but that was probably all he could do…

Under the countless eyes watching, Xiao Yan smiled and gripped his hand. The gigantic Heavy Black Ruler appeared, and as he planted it on the ground, it looked like a shield, heavy and impenetrable. Even Hong Chen’s Celestial Lightning Hammer paled in comparison.

Seeing Xiao Yan draw out a heavy ruler, Hong Chen’s eyes flickered with surprise, followed by a colder sneer. After using the Lightning God’s Descent, his strength increased significantly. If his opponent relied on agility, it would be a bit troublesome, but facing a heavy weapon, he was confident he could easily overwhelm him!

“Boy, let me show you the Wind Lightning Pavilion’s Wind Lightning Hammer Technique. When you see our members in the future, best to keep your distance!” Grinning and revealing menacing teeth, Hong Chen stomped his foot, causing thunder to rumble. His body then shuddered slightly.

As Hong Chen’s body trembled, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed. This was a familiar scene… A smirk appeared on Xiao Yan’s lips, and without turning around, he fiercely swung the heavy ruler behind him.

The heavy ruler, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind, produced continuous sonic booms. As it reached Xiao Yan’s back, a black giant hammer suddenly appeared, blocked by the ruler.

**”Clang!”**

The clash produced a resonant metallic sound, sending both Xiao Yan and Hong Chen retreating swiftly, creating a safe distance between them.

“Good one, you actually saw through my Lightning Movement Shadow!”

Steadying himself, Hong Chen glanced at the dissipating shadow and was somewhat surprised. Xiao Yan’s swing was almost certain of his position, forcing him to appear.

*Looks like I need to finish this quickly. The Lightning God’s Descent has a time limit, and I’ll grow weak afterward,* Hong Chen thought, his eyes flashing with killing intent. With another stomp, he transformed into a lightning bolt, covering dozens of meters in a flash, appearing above Xiao Yan.

**”Thunder Shatter!”**

Blinding lightning burst forth from the Celestial Lightning Hammer, making Hong Chen look like he was wielding a massive bolt of lightning, awe-inspiring.

The massive lightning bolt paused before descending like a thunderbolt, aiming directly at Xiao Yan’s head, its brilliance overpowering the sun.

**”Six Directional Wandering Ruler!”**

Feeling the overwhelming lightning, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed. He swiftly waved the heavy ruler, creating an airtight wall of ruler shadows, with emerald flames rising from the defense.

**”Boom!”**

The ruler shadows’ defense formed just as the massive lightning hammer struck, dissipating instantly. However, countless ruler shadows rushed in to fill the gaps, weakening the hammer’s power. The lightning’s power was being rapidly neutralized.

“Lightning Shatter! Crush!” Seeing his attack countered, Hong Chen’s face darkened. With a roar, he hurled the Celestial Lightning Hammer, retreating swiftly.

**”Boom!”**

The hammer exploded, releasing a torrent of lightning, smashing into the ruler shadows. Under the relentless assault, the ruler shadows thinned, unable to replenish fast enough.

“Haha, how will you handle the unique Wind Lightning Force?” Hong Chen laughed, his body rotating as he landed, watching the silver lightning surrounding Xiao Yan.

“Hmph, mere Wind Lightning Force, why be so arrogant?”

As Hong Chen’s laughter faded, a cold sneer came from the lightning net, followed by a surge of emerald flames. Under their heat, the Wind Lightning Force vaporized, leaving the astonished crowd to watch as the violent lightning dissipated.

“Is that… a Heaven Fire?” The gray-robed elder from the Hong family opened his eyes in shock, watching the flame surge.

In the field, the figure enveloped in emerald flames slowly walked out, revealing a slender silhouette.

“Is this all you have? You’re overrated.”

The flames continued to surge over Xiao Yan’s body, a faint voice echoing.

Hong Chen’s face darkened. Gripping the Celestial Lightning Hammer, he realized the difficulty of his opponent. Even after using the Lightning God’s Descent, he hadn’t defeated Xiao Yan.

“If that’s all you have, then it’s my turn now.” Xiao Yan’s lips curled, and his hand seals changed. A low shout rang in his mind.

**”Heavenly Fire Transformation: Glass Transformation!”**

As the words fell, the flames on Xiao Yan’s body surged violently, retreating back into him. Simultaneously, his aura skyrocketed, quickly surpassing Hong Chen’s, causing shock to spread across the crowd.

On the Hong family’s seats, the gray-robed elder’s eyes widened in amazement. “Who is this boy, hiding so deeply? This time, Hong Chen is in real trouble…”