Yu Yuanchen and his group returned to Dragon City from the Star Dou Great Forest in silence, concealing their tracks and remaining exceptionally cautious throughout the journey. Having learned from the previous ambush, they walked on thin ice during this return trip; fortunately, no further waves were stirred, and they arrived safely.
Back at the family, the news that Yu Yuanchen had successfully absorbed the 32,000-Year Purple Lightning Dragon Soul Ring, promoted to a Soul King, and gained a domain-type soul skill was kept within a small circle of the highest-ranking elders and listed as the family's top secret. Yu Boxuan strictly ordered the information to be sealed, especially the existence of the "Purple Lightning Domain."
Yu Yuanchen also entered a semi-secluded state once again. On one hand, he worked to stabilize his level 53 soul power and familiarize himself with his surging strength and the preliminary control of the "Purple Lightning Domain." On the other hand, he continued to deepen his application of the "Thunder Dragon Claw," integrating his newly acquired power with his previous soul skills and Bloodline Power. He discovered that absorbing the Purple Lightning Dragon had kept his bloodline in a state of slow, active purification, making it much more robust. His use of the Thunder Dragon Claw became increasingly intuitive, and he even attempted to construct a dragon claw on his left hand. However, because his bloodline was still slowly purifying, he dared not stimulate it too aggressively, resulting in slow progress that would have to wait for his cultivation level to improve. Consequently, his strength experienced another leap in a short period; although his surface soul power level was only that of a Soul King, his true combat power had already reached a shocking level.
Within the family, morale was greatly boosted by Yu Yuanchen's breakthrough, and the atmosphere of cultivation among the younger generation became even more intense. Externally, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family maintained a tough but restrained posture, keeping the friction with the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family within a controllable range, as if everything were developing in a direction favorable to the Yu Family.
However, deadly undercurrents often lurk beneath calm waters.
About two months after Yu Yuanchen returned to the family, an urgent piece of intelligence, written in a special cipher, was delivered to the desk of the Patriarch, Yu Boxuan, by the family's Shadow Guards with the highest priority.
When Yu Boxuan finished deciphering the content of the intelligence, the complexion of this Tyrant Dragon Douluo, who had weathered many storms, instantly became incomparably grave, even carrying a trace of undisguised shock and anger!
"The Long family... Long Ye... he actually succeeded?!" Yu Boxuan's knuckles turned slightly white from the force with which he gripped the intelligence.
The intelligence revealed that Long Ye, the elder of the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family who had been in seclusion for nearly twenty years attempting to break through the bottleneck of a Titled Douluo, had successfully crossed the level 90 threshold a month ago, unbeknownst to anyone, becoming the third Titled Douluo of the Long family!
What was even more alarming was that the Long family had strictly sealed this information, and there was not a whisper of it in the outside world. If it hadn't been for the fact that the Yu family's Shadow Guards had coincidentally detected an extremely brief but unusually astonishing energy explosion in the core zone of the Long family, followed by the discovery that the Long family had secretly mobilized a batch of rare resources to stabilize the realm, they would likely still be kept in the dark.
"What a Long family! What patience!" Cold light flickered in Yu Boxuan's eyes. He instantly understood the Long family's intention—they wanted to use this newly promoted Titled Douluo as a surprise force to deliver a fatal blow to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family at a critical moment!
Originally, the comparison of top-tier combat power on the surface between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Black Flame Demon Flood Dragon Family was Yu Boxuan (level 96) and another elder, Yu Qingtian (level 94), against the Long family head, Long Xiao (level 95), and another elder, Long Sha (level 94). Relying on his level 96 Super Douluo cultivation, Yu Boxuan was enough to suppress anyone on the other side, and he could even face two people for a short time without being defeated, maintaining a delicate balance.
But now, the Long family had an extra newly promoted level 91 Titled Douluo, Long Ye!
The scales had tipped!
Yu Boxuan quickly summoned all the core elders, including Yu Qingtian and Yu Yuanchen's father, Yu Mingfeng, to inform them of this earth-shattering news.
Inside the secret chamber, the atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing.
"Three Titled Douluos..." Elder Yu Qingtian, an old man with a simple face and an aura as steady as a mountain, furrowed his brows. "If Long Xiao and Long Sha spare no cost to entangle me and the Patriarch, even though Long Ye is only level 91, if he is willing to pay the price and risk injury, it is entirely possible for him to... kill Chen'er in a short time!"
These words weighed on everyone's heart like a giant stone. The gap between a Titled Douluo and a Soul King was like a chasm. Even if Yu Yuanchen was highly gifted and possessed a domain, he had almost no chance of survival in front of a Titled Douluo who was determined to kill him. No matter how strong a domain was, it required soul power to support it, and it was difficult to compensate for such an absolute gap in strength.
"They will certainly choose to do so!" another elder said with a heavy voice. "The potential Chen'er has shown is too terrifying; the Long family will never allow him to grow up. Having failed twice before, now that they have an absolute advantage, they will inevitably spare no cost to eradicate Chen'er! They might even... use this as an opportunity to start an all-out war!"
Yu Boxuan's face was as gloomy as water. How could he not know the stakes? The Long family was lying in wait, looking for the best timing to strike—an opportunity to ensure success, eliminate Yu Yuanchen in one fell swoop, and severely damage or even destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.
"Patriarch, the top priority is to ensure Chen'er's safety!" Yu Mingfeng said urgently. As a father, he was burning with anxiety at this moment.
"Exactly!" Yu Qingtian also nodded. "Chen'er must not stay in Dragon City! Since the Long family could hide the news of the breakthrough, they must have also laid countless eyes and ears inside and outside our Dragon City. As long as Chen'er is still in the city, he is in constant danger."
Yu Boxuan slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over every elder present, finally settling on Yu Yuanchen, who had been silent all along.
"Chen'er, do you understand the current situation?" Yu Boxuan asked in a deep voice.
Yu Yuanchen raised his head, his eyes clear and calm, without any panic. "Grandfather, I understand. The Long family's new Titled Douluo has broken the balance. My existence is a thorn in their side, and they are determined to get rid of me. Staying in the family is not only dangerous for me, but it may 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 was not only gifted but also possessed a terrifyingly steady temperament.
"Then how do you think we should respond?" Yu Boxuan continued to ask.
"I believe we should temporarily avoid the edge," Yu Yuanchen replied without hesitation. "Leave Dragon City and go out for training."
"Oh? Are you not afraid that the Long family will send people to hunt you down?" an elder asked.
"I am, but staying in Dragon City is more dangerous," Yu Yuanchen said. "Going out for training, the world is vast; it will not be easy for the Long family to find me on the vast continent. Staying in Dragon City makes me a clear target, like a turtle in a jar. Besides, I do need real training to solidify my foundation and broaden my horizons. Staying under the family's wings, I can never 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 Soul Emperor realm, I have no fear. Even if I encounter a Soul Sage, if I cannot win, I have some confidence in maneuvering or escaping by relying on my domain and the Thunder Dragon Claw. As long as I don't encounter a Titled Douluo head-on, I have the confidence to survive."
These words carried the self-confidence of a youth, but they were also based on a clear understanding of his own strength.
Yu Boxuan stared at his grandson for a long time, a complex look flashing in his eyes—pride, worry, and determination.
"Good!" He finally slapped the table heavily. "In that case, we shall follow your words!"
He looked around at everyone and gave the order: "From this moment on, the family will enter the highest state of alert, but keep it loose on the outside and tight on the inside; do not let the Long family realize that we already know about Long Ye's breakthrough. Chen'er's departure is classified as top secret; apart from those present, no one else is to be told!"
"Yes!" The elders responded solemnly.
"Chen'er, prepare yourself. Three days from now, leave the city under the cover of night." Yu Boxuan looked at Yu Yuanchen, his tone grave. "On this trip, you must hide your identity, do not easily use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, and even less should you expose the 'Purple Lightning Domain'! The family will plan several training routes for you, but you will decide how to travel specifically. Remember, staying alive is the most important thing! Your safety concerns the future of the family!"
"Grandson will remember Grandfather's teachings!" Yu Yuanchen bowed deeply.
"Mingfeng," Yu Boxuan looked at Yu Mingfeng again, "you personally prepare the luggage for Chen'er. It must be comprehensive, but it must not attract attention."
"Father, rest assured!" Yu Mingfeng nodded heavily.
For the next three days, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family appeared normal on the surface, but behind the scenes, they were busy preparing for Yu Yuanchen's departure.
Yu Mingfeng prepared a large amount of Gold Soul Coins, Healing Pills, detoxifying agents, disguises, and several low-level Soul Tools with various functions for his son (high-level Soul Tools were too conspicuous). At the same time, he also compiled the information collected by the family about the various forces, dangerous places, and local customs and traditions of the continent into a book and handed it to Yu Yuanchen.
Yu Boxuan personally planned several training routes for Yu Yuanchen, some leading to the bitter cold regions in the north of the Heaven Dou Empire, some pointing to the borders of the Star Luo Empire, and others going deep into some famous soul beast gathering areas and the locations of ancient ruins. Each route avoided areas where the Long family had significant influence as much as possible and marked locations where opportunities and dangers might exist.
On the eve of his departure, Yu Boxuan called Yu Yuanchen to his quiet room.
"Chen'er, this time you are leaving home, the road ahead is treacherous. Grandfather can no longer protect you; everything depends on yourself." Yu Boxuan looked at his grandson who was about to travel far, his eyes full of earnest exhortations. "The continent is vast, and talented people emerge in large numbers. Do not be proud because of your talent. You must know that there is always someone better, and there is always a heaven beyond the heaven."
"Grandson understands," Yu Yuanchen replied respectfully.
"Keep this jade pendant." 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 it can only be used once a year. Do not use it unless it is a life-and-death situation."
Yu Yuanchen took it solemnly, feeling the vast energy contained in the jade pendant, knowing that this was a life-saving charm given to him by his grandfather.
"In addition, regarding your Martial Soul and Bloodline Power..." Yu Boxuan pondered, "Try to use the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul as little as possible when you are outside. If you have to use it, you must finish the battle quickly and leave no survivors. Bloodline Power is a new secret of our family, and it must not be easily shown to others. You can disguise yourself as an ordinary Power Attack System or Agility Attack System lightning-attribute Soul Master, or even... consider practicing some superficial applications of other attributes to confuse people."
"Grandson has noted it down."
Yu Boxuan patted Yu Yuanchen on the shoulder. A thousand words ultimately dissolved into a single sigh: "Go, child. A fledgling eagle must eventually soar alone. You need not worry about the family; as long as Grandfather Qingtian and I are here, the Long Family will not be turned upside down! We will wait for you... to return in triumph!"
Yu Yuanchen felt a prickle of soreness in his nose. He bowed deeply once more, burying all his reluctance and attachment deep within his heart.
On the third day, the night was deep, with the moon hidden and stars sparse.
A nondescript side gate of Dragon City opened quietly. A figure dressed in simple gray martial attire and wearing a bamboo hat merged into the night like a ghost, without attracting anyone's attention. He glanced back at the family estate, which coiled in the darkness like a giant dragon. His gaze was Firm, and then he turned, his steps steady, quickly disappearing into the vast darkness.
Not long after Yu Yuanchen left, Yu Boxuan personally took charge and activated several decoys set up by the family, creating the illusion that Yu Yuanchen was still in seclusion within the estate to mislead any potential spies.
The Hidden Dragon had finally left the abyss.
Carrying the expectations of his family and the threat of potential killers, he stepped into the vast and unknown continent. Was the road ahead filled with thorns or infinite opportunities? No one knew. But one thing was certain: this youth, bearing the Thunder God Power, the Purple Lightning Domain, and the True Dragon Claw, would surely leave his own mark of Thunderous Might on this continent! The tides of the era had already quietly shifted because of him. A storm destined to sweep across the continent was slowly brewing in the distance. And Yu Yuanchen's path of Training was precisely the prelude to the opening of this storm.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan