Time flew like a galloping steed, whipping past in a blur—spring faded into autumn, blossoms bloomed and withered, and a full year quietly slipped away.
"No more, no more… I'm really drained dry this time…"
"If I'd known, I would never have bragged so much back then!"
At the cliff behind the Body Sect.
Lei Ming let out a bitter laugh, his massive body limp on the ground, lifeless and hollow as though completely emptied.
In front of him, thunder roared relentlessly. Countless violet-gold bolts of lightning converged into a vast Thunder Pool, birthing waves of destructive power. Everything around seemed on the verge of being devoured.
What was shocking was that within this terrifying Thunder Pool, a golden figure stood upright, like a golden-bodied arhat, unmoving despite the relentless lightning crashing down and coiling around him.
"Hiss… it's terrifying every time."
Lei Ming muttered in awe, though he had seen this scene at least a hundred times by now.
"As expected of Brother Jiang. It seems I've been the one holding him back."
Throughout the past year, Jiang Jue had come here daily to undergo thunder-body tempering, though later he came once every two days.
Not because Jiang Jue grew lazy—but because Lei Ming's stored thunder pulp was no longer enough.
Originally, Jiang Jue needed only three to four drops per session. But half a year ago, after breaking past the Leakless Golden Body's Baptism Realm into the Marrow-Washing Realm, the required quantity had increased five- to six-fold.
As a result, Lei Ming's thunder pulp supply was completely outpaced—and even the secret stash he'd saved for himself was drained…
"Boom!!! Boom!!!"
With a furious roar, the Thunder Pool surged into chaos, violet-gold lightning pouring wildly onto Jiang Jue's body.
"Refine!"
Jiang Jue's expression hardened. He let out a shout, black hair whipping in the wind, golden light radiating from his entire body.
In the next moment, the golden light converged across his form, forming terrifying vortexes at various points on his body, each with immense suction. Thunder was continuously devoured.
Thunder wailed as it was dragged mercilessly into the golden vortexes. The entire Thunder Pool collapsed rapidly.
In just ten minutes, the entire pool had been refined into Jiang Jue's body. Not a spark of lightning remained in the surroundings.
"Clang!"
Jiang Jue slowly opened his eyes—a streak of violet-gold lightning flashing in their depths. He curled the fingers of his right hand slightly, and a heavy metallic sound rang out.
"Today, I break through the Marrow-Washing Realm and enter the Reforging Realm."
His body trembled. Threads of blood-energy burst forth, spreading to his limbs and bones. His originally fair skin became even finer and purer, giving him an aura of returning to the origin.
This was the mark of the Reforging Realm—refining the acquired essence to replenish innate deficiencies.
Jiang Jue's gaze deepened as he looked over the mountains. A faint smile touched his lips, and a soaring, heroic feeling surged within him.
"Congratulations, Brother Jiang! Truly worthy of celebration!"
Lei Ming, who had been lying limp a moment ago, suddenly bolted upright and flashed to Jiang Jue's side.
"Lei Ming, why are you so happy today?"
Jiang Jue asked with a smile.
"Well, Brother Jiang, you broke through! As your junior, of course I'm happy."
"Are you happy because I broke through—or because I'm leaving?"
Jiang Jue patted Lei Ming's violet-gold body, implying exactly what he meant.
"Ahem… no, no! My loyalty to you is clear to Heaven and Earth! If I speak falsely—"
"If you speak falsely, may lightning strike you dead?"
The moment Jiang Jue added that line, Lei Ming froze, looking embarrassed as he quickly denied it.
"You even promised before that you'd always have enough thunder pulp for me."
Jiang Jue stretched lightly. His bones cracked crisply like frying beans.
"Brother Jiang, I normally tell the truth… but sometimes I may tell a little lie."
Lei Ming shook himself and whispered cautiously.
"All right. While I'm gone to obtain my spirit ring, focus on cultivating and accumulate as much thunder pulp as possible. Don't be lazy."
Jiang Jue said lightly. This year, Lei Ming had contributed immensely to his progress in the Leakless Golden Body.
"Yes, sir!"
Lei Ming stood at attention immediately.
A whole year! Finally, he could rest.
Throughout this year, he had finally understood why humans compared themselves to beasts of burden.
Because the ox moos, the horse neighs—only the ox-horse works endlessly!
"Mm."
Jiang Jue nodded. A vine lifted him gently and carried him across the cliff.
"Whew… finally sent that ancestor off. Time for me to cultivate properly and improve my own strength."
Lei Ming muttered to himself, then immediately began summoning storm clouds overhead—ready to freeload the heavens again.
…
On the back mountain, Lang Ya and Yu Tao had been waiting. When Jiang Jue's tempering finished, they approached.
"Let's go find Elder Jin, then proceed to obtain the spirit ring."
Jiang Jue said softly and walked forward.
"Yes!"
Lang Ya and Yu Tao answered in unison.
Walking behind him, Lang Ya's eyes flashed.
With his powerful spiritual sense, he could clearly feel the change in Jiang Jue. His aura was more restrained, his presence more unified—naturally complete.
"Tsk. The future looks brighter and brighter. Seems following this brother was the right decision."
Lang Ya glanced at Yu Tao beside him, relieved.
"Second Brother, why are you looking at me like that?"
Yu Tao scratched his head in confusion.
"Just thinking a fool has a fool's luck."
Lang Ya chuckled.
"Second Brother, actually, most of the time I'm extremely clever."
Yu Tao protested. Surprisingly, Lang Ya nodded in agreement this time.
Hearing the two brothers chatting behind him, Jiang Jue smiled slightly. Over the past year, their respect and trust in him had risen sharply.
And because they were sensible and disciplined, Jiang Jue held a favorable impression. Once he became Young Sect Master, he would ensure they received tangible benefits.
Both were Soul Douluo—Lang Ya at level 88, Yu Tao at level 86. When they eventually reached Titled Douluo, they would become two of his overt battle forces.
Follow Jiang Jue with loyalty and diligence, and the benefits would never be lacking.
If disloyal—there was always room in the Soul-Refining Banner.
Before long, the three arrived at Jin Peng's room.
"Little Jiang, what brings you here today?"
Sitting at the main seat, Jin Peng's eyes flickered with a trace of shock.
He, too, cultivated the Leakless Golden Body. He could clearly sense that Jiang Jue had already broken into the third level—something beyond all expectation.
"Could there truly be Heaven-favored people in this world…?"
(End of Chapter)