Chapter 37

**Chapter 37: Yao Chen's Pride!**

Despite having only five-star fighter Dou Qi, Xiao Ning used the incomplete power of thunder to kill a third-level peak monster in seconds.

This achievement surprised him, but what thrilled him more was the potential of the Thunder Emperor's magic.

He knew that as his cultivation improved, he could unlock the true power of the Thunder Emperor's magic, making his thunder abilities even more formidable.

"What kind of power will the later stages of this magic bring?" Xiao Ning wondered excitedly, contemplating the future.

Ignoring the dead Black Rock Python, Xiao Ning activated his Purple Cloud Wings and took off into the sky, flying towards the Misty Valley like a large bird.

Meanwhile, at the Misty Valley, the sound of a rushing waterfall echoed through the small valley. Xiao Yan stood by the lake under the waterfall, staring at the ten huge wooden stakes positioned to bear the full impact of the waterfall. He frowned and asked Yao Lao beside him:

"Teacher, you don't expect me to train here, do you?"

"That's correct," Yao Lao replied with a slight smile, floating in the air.

"Teacher, this is too much," Xiao Yan said helplessly.

"Do you still want to catch up with your cousin?" Yao Lao rolled his eyes, lightly provoking Xiao Yan.

Determined, Xiao Yan clenched his fists.

The doubt he felt earlier vanished, replaced by resolve.

"If I train like this, will I be able to catch up with cousin Xiao Ning?"

Yao Lao stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Not necessarily, but if you don't push yourself, you'll never catch up."

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and looked at Yao Lao with determination. "Teacher, I want to practice!"

Yao Lao nodded with satisfaction, pleased with Xiao Yan's attitude.

"Alright, that's the spirit,hand me the Xuan Heavy Ruler!"

Yao Lao took the black, peculiar heavy ruler from Xiao Yan's back and explained, "I've told you before, earth-level fighting skills are not the same as Xuan-level skills.

To practice at this level, you must meet certain conditions."

Yao Lao floated up into the air, slowly ascending until he was above the center of the lake.

The aura emanating from him was terrifying, making the calm lake water boil as if it were a cauldron.

Holding the heavy ruler, Yao Lao raised it.

The patterns on the ruler ignited with fire, and he called out:

"Flame Dividing Wave Ruler!"

A surging wave of heat spread throughout the valley.

Xiao Yan shielded his eyes from the mist and stared in awe.

A massive red light surged up the waterfall, steam rising as the flow was cut off.

As Yao Lao descended, he looked at Xiao Yan's astonished face and smiled faintly. He touched Xiao Yan's forehead, transferring a wealth of information.

Seeing Xiao Yan's reaction, Yao Lao felt a surge of pride. "Humph, what are flying fighting skills compared to the earth-level ones? They're not the same at all."

Yao Lao imagined how Xiao Yan would astonish Xiao Ning later and felt a sense of satisfaction.

Outside the Misty Valley, Xiao Ning approached with a gentle smile.

He reduced his flying speed and landed slowly, enjoying the familiar surroundings.

After a demanding period in the Monster Mountain Range, he found solace in returning to the Misty Valley.

He entered the cave, replacing the old beast blood with fresh samples, and then hurried to the hut.

"Xiao Yixian, I'm back!" Xiao Ning called out, missing her after half a month.

However, there was no response.

Unease crept into his heart as he knocked on the wooden door, but no one answered.

He knocked again with the same result.

Frowning, Xiao Ning kicked the door open.

Inside, Xiao Yixian was unconscious, her face displaying unusual colors as if from poisoning. Xiao Ning's worry eased when he saw she was still alive.

However, the thick mists in the room caused him to retreat.

Despite his efforts, he inhaled some of the mist. As he tried to clear the toxins from his body, the thunder power within him activated, refining and dispersing the toxins.

Surprised, Xiao Ning realized, "The Thunder Emperor's magic can actually dispel poison?"

This revelation brought him some comfort, knowing he might be safe from future poison attacks.

Looking at the unconscious Xiao Yixian, Xiao Ning's expression softened into a gentle smile.