Chapter 13: Defying the Heavens

Chapter 13: Defying the Heavens

For a week, Xuan Yu's days fell into a peaceful rhythm. He spent his time with Ming Yue, eating meals together, sharing stories, and cultivating in serene companionship. Their bond grew stronger, and the garden became their sanctuary—a place where Xuan Yu could cultivate and regain his strength.

By the end of the week, Xuan Yu felt the familiar surge of power within him. He broke through to the 9th level of the Elementary Spirit Realm. The breakthrough filled him with elation, but instead of aiming for the Profound Spirit Realm, a bold idea took root in his mind.

"Why not compress my spiritual Qi further? Continue to accumulate it until my meridians and dantian can't hold anymore," he thought.

He shared his plan with Ming Yue over dinner. Her eyes widened in concern, but she nodded in understanding. "I won't go to the Medicine Hall tomorrow," she said. "I'll stay and support you."

The next day, Xuan Yu prepared himself for the arduous task ahead. He entered his room and sat cross-legged, focusing on his breathing and circulating his Primordial Ascension Technique. Hours passed as he drew in more spiritual energy, compressing it into his dantian and meridians. His body vibrated with power, teetering on the edge of breaking into the forbidden 10th level of the Elementary Spirit Realm.

As the critical moment approached, the sky outside began to darken ominously. White lightning crackled across the sky, and the heavens seemed to rumble with anger.

At Dao Harmony Peak, the three Matriarchs—Yu Yan, Yin Mei, and Ye Ling—sensed the disturbance. They exchanged worried glances before taking to the sky, flying swiftly towards the source of the heavenly phenomenon.

Ming Yue, who had been meditating nearby, felt the immense surge of power emanating from Xuan Yu. She released her own cultivation, revealing her 8th level Sovereign Spirit Realm power, and began to create a protective barrier around the house.

The three Matriarchs arrived at Ming Yue's residence, their faces set with determination. They saw Ming Yue reinforcing the barrier, her expression strained.

Yu Yan spoke first, her voice urgent. "Who invoked the White Lightning Heavenly Punishment?"

Yin Mei pointed towards Xuan Yu, who was deep in meditation. "Is it him?"

Ming Yue nodded, her voice tight with urgency. "Yes, it's him. I'll explain later, but for now, we need to block the punishment."

Without hesitation, the three Matriarchs joined Ming Yue in strengthening the barrier. The sky grew darker, and the air crackled with tension.

Suddenly, a deafening boom echoed across the sky. Xuan Yu's aura surged, and he opened his eyes just as a white lightning strike descended upon him. The barrier shuddered under the impact, cracks appearing but holding firm.

A second lightning bolt, tinged with a reddish hue and shaped like a serpent, struck next. The barrier groaned under the assault, large cracks spiderwebbing across its surface. Ming Yue and the Matriarchs poured their Qi into mending the barrier, but the strain was immense.

As if the heavens were growing angrier, a third lightning bolt, deep red and in the form of an eastern dragon, came crashing down. The barrier shattered into pieces, and a brilliant flash of light forced mortals and lower realm cultivators to shield their eyes. But for the top experts in the 6th level of the Sovereign Spirit Realm and above, the sight was unbelievable.

They saw the heavenly lightning split in the middle as if something was cutting it. The top experts realized they had to reconsider their stance towards Dao Harmony Palace—maintaining peace seemed the only wise choice.

When Xuan Yu saw the lightning descending, he stood up and unsheathed his sword. Ming Yue and the Matriarchs couldn't believe their eyes. Tears welled up in Ming Yue's eyes as a thought flashed in her mind that she'll lose him.

Then, they heard a calm, serene voice. "Myriad Severing Sword Art, First Form: Splitting the Heavens and Earth." A wave of Qi emerged from Xuan Yu's sword in the form of a crescent moon, leaving behind a glittering trail. As it touched the dragon-shaped lightning, the bolt began to split into two as if it were tofu.

The sword, unable to withstand the technique, began to shatter. Suddenly, an immense suction emanated from Xuan Yu's small world, drawing in all the lightning like water.

Ming Yue rushed towards Xuan Yu, tears streaming down her face. She hugged him tightly, her sobs muffled against his chest. Xuan Yu held her gently, whispering, "I'm fine, Ming Yue. I'm fine."

Ming Yue continued to hug him, her body trembling with relief. After a while, she let go, her face still wet with tears. Xuan Yu looked at her and, without thinking, sealed her lips with his in a deep, tender kiss.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The garden, the shattered barrier, and the remnants of the heavenly punishment all faded into the background. It was just Xuan Yu and Ming Yue, sharing a profound connection that transcended words.

When they finally parted, Ming Yue looked into Xuan Yu's eyes, her cheeks flushed. "Don't do anything dangerous like that again," she whispered. "I thought I lost you."

Xuan Yu smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I can't promise, but I will return back to you alive."

Ming Yue pouted, hearing his answer.

Seeing her like this, Xuan found her irresistibly cute and kissed her again.

The kiss caught Ming Yue off-guard, but she didn't reject it instead tried to copy Xuan Yu's movement and return the kiss properly.

While Xuan Yu and Ming Yue were immersed into each other, the matriarchs stood there dumbfounded watching them.

Xuan Yu and Ming Yue then heard some coughing sounds and found all the three Matriarchs were looking at them with mischievous smile. Ming Yue's face immediately turned red and she hid behind Xuan Yu and buried her face into his face. Xuan Yu just laughed gently seeing her antics.

Yu Yan then said, " Ara~ Ara~ Ming Yue, won't you face us take our blessings for your marriage ?"

"We aren't married yet.", replied Ming Yue.

" So you are going to marry him?", asked Ye Ling.

Ming Yue said, " Of course I will," then while looking towards Xuan Yu she asked, " Right?"

Xuan Yu chuckled and said, " Of course, My darling.". Hearing him call her darling, Ming Yue immediately blushed.

He then said, " Thank You all of you for protecting me."

All the women said, " You don't need to, it's fine."

Yin Mei looks towards Xuan Yu then said, " You got a lot of explaining to do."

Xuan Yu nodded, still holding Ming Yue's hand. "I understand. There is much to discuss, but for now, let us take a moment to recover. And talk about it tomorrow."

The Matriarchs agreed, giving Xuan Yu and Ming Yue a moment of respite.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Xuan Yu felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had defied the heavens and survived. Now, it was time to forge a new path, not just for himself, but for those he cared about.

Together, they walked back to the house, ready to face whatever the future held, with their newly established relationship.