Chapter 14: Undercurrents and Sudden Changes, Hidden Dragon Leaves the Abyss
Yu Yuanchen and his party quietly returned to Dragon City from the Star Dou Great Forest, hiding their tracks and being extremely cautious along the way. Having learned from the previous ambush, this return journey was like walking on thin ice; fortunately, no further incidents occurred, and they arrived safely.
Upon returning to the Family, the news of Yu Yuanchen successfully absorbing a thirty-two-thousand-year Purple Lightning Dragon Soul Ring, promoting to Soul King, and obtaining a Domain-type Soul skills only spread within a small circle of the highest-level clan elders and was classified as the Family's top secret. Yu Boxuan strictly ordered the blockade of this information, especially the existence of the "Purple Lightning Domain."
Yu Yuanchen also re-entered a state of semi-seclusion. On one hand, he stabilized his Rank fifty-three Soul Power, familiarizing himself with his surging strength and preliminary control over the "Purple Lightning Domain"; on the other hand, he continued to deepen his use of the "Thunder Dragon Claw" and practiced the Fusion of his newly acquired power with his previous Martial Soul Abilities and Qi-blood power. He found that absorbing the Purple Lightning Dragon had made his Bloodline, which had been slowly purifying and remained in an active state, much more robust. His use of the Thunder Dragon Claw became increasingly fluid, and he was even attempting to construct a dragon claw on his left hand. However, since his Bloodline was still slowly purifying, he didn't dare to stimulate it too much, resulting in slower progress, so he could only take it slow as his Cultivation improved. His strength thus welcomed another leap in a short period. Although his surface Rank was only a Soul King, his true combat power had already reached a terrifying level.
Inside the Family, morale was greatly boosted by Yu Yuanchen's Breakthrough, and the trend of Cultivation among the younger generation became even stronger. Externally, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan continued to maintain a tough but restrained posture, keeping frictions with the Black Flame Flood Dragon Clan within controllable limits, as if everything was developing in a direction favorable to the Yu Family.
However, beneath the calm surface, deadly undercurrents were often hidden.
About two months after Yu Yuanchen's return to the Family, an urgent piece of intelligence written in a special code was delivered to Clan Chief Yu Boxuan's desk with the highest priority by the Family's secret guards.
When Yu Boxuan finished deciphering the intelligence, this storm-weathered Tyrant Dragon Douluo's expression instantly became incredibly solemn, even carrying a hint of hard-to-conceal shock and anger!
"The Long Family... Long Ye... he actually succeeded?!" Yu Boxuan's hand holding the intelligence tightened until his knuckles turned slightly white from the force.
The intelligence showed that Long Ye, a clan elder of the Black Flame Flood Dragon Clan who had been in seclusion for nearly twenty years trying to hit the Titled Douluo Bottleneck, had fortunately succeeded in breaking through the Rank ninety mark a month ago without anyone knowing, becoming the Long Family's third Titled Douluo!
Even more alarming was that the Long Family had strictly sealed off this news, and there was no word of it outside. If the Yu Family's secret guards hadn't happened to detect an extremely brief but extraordinarily startling energy eruption in the Long Family's core area by chance and subsequently discovered that the Long Family had secretly mobilized a batch of rare resources to stabilize the Realm, they might still be in the dark.
"What a Long Family! What endurance!" Cold light flickered in Yu Boxuan's eyes. He instantly understood the Long Family's intention—they wanted to use this new Titled Douluo as a hidden trump card to deal a fatal blow to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan at a critical moment!
Originally, the comparison of top-tier combat power on the surface between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Black Flame Flood Dragon Clan was Yu Boxuan (Rank ninety-six) and another clan elder, Super Douluo (Rank ninety-four), against the Long Family head Long Xiao (Rank ninety-five) and another clan elder Long Sha (Rank ninety-four). Yu Boxuan, with his Rank ninety-six Super Douluo Cultivation, was enough to suppress any one of them, and would not lose even against two for a short time, maintaining a delicate balance.
But now, the Long Family had an additional new Rank ninety-one Titled Douluo, Long Ye!
The scales had tilted!
Yu Boxuan quickly summoned all the core clan elders, including Super Douluo and Yu Yuanchen's father Yu Mingfeng, to report this shocking news.
Inside the secret room, the atmosphere instantly dropped to the freezing point.
"Three Titled..." Clan elder Super Douluo, an old man with a simple face and an aura as heavy as a mountain, furrowed his brows deeply. "If Long Xiao and Long Sha entangle me and the Clan Chief at any cost, although Long Ye is only Rank ninety-one, if he is willing to pay any price and risk injury, it is entirely possible for him to... kill Yuanchen in a short time!"
These words were like a giant boulder pressing on everyone's hearts. The gap between a Titled Douluo and a Soul King was like a natural chasm. No matter how high Yu Yuanchen's talent was or that he possessed a Domain, there was almost no possibility of survival before a Titled Douluo who was determined to kill him. No matter how strong a Domain was, it still required Soul Power to support; under an absolute strength gap, it was difficult to compensate.
"They will certainly choose to do so!" another clan elder's voice was heavy. "The potential Yuanchen has shown is too terrifying; the Long Family will never allow him to grow up. Before, two failed ambushes, now that they have an absolute advantage, they will inevitably eradicate Yuanchen at all costs! They might even... use this as an Opportunity to start an all-out war!"
Yu Boxuan's face was as dark as water. How could he not know the stakes? The Long Family was holding back, waiting for the best time to strike—a moment that could ensure nothing would go wrong, eliminate Yu Yuanchen in one go, and severely damage or even destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"Clan Chief, the top priority is to ensure Yuanchen's safety!" Yu Mingfeng said urgently; as a father, he was currently burning with anxiety.
"Correct!" Super Douluo also nodded. "Yuanchen absolutely cannot stay in Dragon City! Since the Long Family can hide the news of the Breakthrough, they must have placed countless eyes inside and outside our Dragon City. As long as Yuanchen is still in the city, he is in constant danger."
Yu Boxuan slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over every core elder present, finally settling on Yu Yuanchen, who had remained silent.
"Chener, do you understand the current situation?" Yu Boxuan asked in a deep voice.
Yu Yuanchen looked up, his eyes clear and calm, without a hint of panic: "Grandson understands. The Long Family's new Titled Douluo has broken the balance. My existence is a thorn in their side, a needle in their flesh, and they must want to get rid of me. Staying in the Family is not only dangerous for myself but could also become the fuse for the Long Family to launch an all-out attack, putting the Family in a passive position."
His analysis was calm and thorough, making the elders present nod secretly. This child not only had extraordinary talent but also a terrifyingly steady Heart-Nature.
"Then how do you think we should respond?" Yu Boxuan continued to ask.
"I believe we should temporarily avoid their sharp edge," Yu Yuanchen answered without hesitation. "Leave Dragon City and go out for training."
"Oh? Aren't you afraid the Long Family will send people to hunt you down?" a clan elder asked.
"I am, but staying in Dragon City is even more dangerous," Yu Yuanchen said. "Going out for training, the world is vast; it won't be easy for the Long Family to find me on the boundless continent. But staying in Dragon City, the target is clear, like a turtle in a jar. Besides, I truly need real training to solidify my Foundation and increase my experience. Staying under the Family's wings forever, it's hard to become a true powerhouse."
He paused, a sharp light flashing in his eyes: "Moreover, I am not without the power to protect myself. Within the Martial Soul Emperor Realm, I have no fear. Even if I encounter a Soul Saint and cannot win, relying on my Domain and Thunder Dragon Claw, I have some confidence in stalling or escaping. As long as I don't face a Titled Douluo head-on, I have the confidence to survive."
This A few words carried the confidence of a youth, yet was also based on a clear understanding of his own strength.
Yu Boxuan gazed at his grandson for a long time, a flash of complexity in his eyes—pride, worry, and even more so, determination.
"Good!" He finally slapped the table heavily. "In that case, we will do as you say!"
He looked around at everyone and gave the order: "From now on, the Family will enter the highest state of alert, but keep it relaxed on the outside and tight on the inside; we must not let the Long Family perceive that we already know about Long Ye's Breakthrough. The matter of Yuanchen leaving the clan is classified as top secret; except for those present, not a word is to be revealed to anyone else!"
"Yes!" The clan elders accepted the order solemnly.
"Yuanchen, prepare yourself. In three days, leave the city under the cover of night." Yu Boxuan looked at Yu Yuanchen, his tone solemn. "On this trip, you must go incognito, you cannot easily use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, and even more so, you cannot expose the 'Purple Lightning Domain'! Your training route, the Family will plan several for you, but how exactly you travel will be your own decision. Remember, staying alive is the most important thing! Your safety concerns the Family's future!"
"Grandson will keep Grandfather's teachings in mind!" Yu Yuanchen gave a deep bow.
"Mingfeng," Yu Boxuan looked at Yu Mingfeng again, "personally prepare the gear for Chener. It must be comprehensive, but not attract attention."
"Don't worry, Father!" Yu Mingfeng nodded heavily.
For the next three days, everything seemed normal on the surface of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but in secret, preparations for Yu Yuanchen's departure were being made intensely.
Yu Mingfeng prepared a large number of gold coins, healing Medicinal Pills, detoxification potions, disguise items, and several low-Rank spirit tools with various effects (high-Rank spirit tools were too conspicuous) for his son. At the same time, he also compiled the information collected by the Family regarding various forces, dangerous places, and local customs on the continent into a book and gave it to Yu Yuanchen.
Yu Boxuan personally planned several training routes for Yu Yuanchen—some leading to the bitter cold lands in the north of the Heaven Dou Empire, some pointing to the borders of the Star Luo Empire, and some deep into famous Soul Beast habitats and ancient ruins. Each route avoided areas where the Long Family's influence was significant as much as possible and marked locations where Opportunities and dangers might exist.
The night before the departure, Yu Boxuan called Yu Yuanchen to his quiet room.
"Chener, this departure from home will be full of hardships and dangers. Grandfather can no longer protect you fully; everything will depend on yourself." Yu Boxuan looked at his grandson, who was about to travel far, his eyes full of earnest exhortation. "The continent is vast, and many talented and extraordinary people emerge. You must not be arrogant because of your talent. Know that there is always someone better, and there are heavens beyond the heavens."
"Grandson understands," Yu Yuanchen replied respectfully.
"Keep this jade pendant well." Yu Boxuan took out a warm white jade pendant carved with a miniature Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and handed it to Yu Yuanchen. "This is a Family token. Injecting Soul Power can trigger a defensive barrier equivalent to my full-strength strike, but it can only last for three breaths and can only be used once a year. Do not use it unless it is a life-or-death moment."
Yu Yuanchen took it solemnly, feeling the majestic energy contained within the jade pendant, knowing this was a life-saving talisman given to him by his grandfather.
"In addition, regarding your Martial Soul and Qi-blood power..." Yu Boxuan He pondered. "Try to use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul as little as possible while outside. If you must use it, end the battle quickly and leave no survivors. The Qi-blood power is a new secret of our clan and should not be easily shown to others. You can disguise yourself as an ordinary attack system or agility-attack system lightning-attribute Soul Master, or even... consider practicing some basic applications of other attributes to confuse others."
"Grandson has noted it down."
Yu Boxuan patted Yu Yuanchen's shoulder. A thousand words finally turned into a sigh: "Go, child. A young eagle must eventually soar alone. You don't need to worry about the Family here; as long as I and your Grandpa Super Douluo are still here, the Long Family won't be able to turn the sky upside down! We will wait for you... to return after completing your studies!"
Yu Yuanchen's nose felt slightly sour. He bowed deeply again, suppressing all his reluctance and concern in his heart.
On the third day, the night was dark, the moon hidden and stars sparse.
An inconspicuous side door of Dragon City quietly opened, and a figure wearing ordinary grey martial arts attire and a bamboo hat blended into the night like a ghost, without attracting anyone's attention. He looked back at the Family estate that resembled a coiled dragon in the night, his gaze firm, then turned and walked with steady steps, quickly disappearing into the vast darkness.
Shortly after Yu Yuanchen left, Yu Boxuan personally took charge and activated several decoys set up by the Family, creating the illusion that Yuanchen was still in seclusion within the Family to deceive any potential spies.
The hidden dragon finally left the abyss.
Carrying the expectations of the Family and potential murderous intent, he stepped onto the vast and unknown continent. Was the road ahead full of thorns or infinite opportunities? No one knew. But what was certain was that this youth, carrying the Thunder God Power, the Purple Lightning Domain, and the True Dragon Claw, would surely leave his own thunderous legendary mark on this continent! The tide of the era had already quietly turned because of him. A storm sweeping across the continent was slowly brewing in the distance. And Yu Yuanchen's training path was precisely the prelude to the opening of this storm.