Chapter 86: The Core Region

A flurry of incantations flowed swiftly from Ouyang Luo’s hands, each one weaving a surge of true energy that gathered before him in successive waves. Only when the ninth surge coalesced did the mighty Ninefold Torrent Qi Technique fully form. At last, Ouyang Luo thrust his hands forward, unleashing a tremendous rush of true energy barreling toward Yang Xiao.

His opponent’s method of gathering true energy was indeed extraordinary, easily several times more potent than before, Yang Xiao mused inwardly. Still, he dared not hesitate. With equal resolve, he threw another punch toward Ouyang Luo.

Having sparred with Ouyang Luo earlier, Yang Xiao now manipulated the surrounding lightning with even greater ease. Marked by the lightning sigil, he moved through this thunderous realm as though in his element—agile and unrestrained. Had they been outside this lightning-scorched wasteland, Ouyang Luo’s Ninefold Torrent Qi Technique might have given Yang Xiao pause. But here, surrounded by lightning, Yang Xiao could fully unleash his strength. This was why he dared confront Ouyang Luo’s true energy head-on.

Explosions burst in rapid succession as Yang Xiao’s true energy, fused with the power of lightning, forcefully resisted Ouyang Luo’s assault. The ceaseless lightning from all around gathered to Yang Xiao’s form, inexhaustible, and with ever-increasing power behind him, he utterly shattered Ouyang Luo’s attack.

What is happening? This man is no ordinary foe—he can command the lightning of the wasteland itself. I’ve never seen such a monster. It seems I have met a truly troublesome opponent today, Ouyang Luo thought, dismayed. He regretted stopping Yang Xiao. This was no man to be easily dealt with as he’d previously assumed. In fact, with mastery over the lightning, Yang Xiao could pose a significant threat.

But things had gone too far for regret. Ouyang Luo could only brace himself. Fortunately, his cultivation was not weak; even if he could not win, he believed he could at least preserve his life.

“Well done, young man. Your skills are indeed extraordinary. Take this sword strike of mine!” Ouyang Luo declared, swinging his hand as a misty green blade shot toward Yang Xiao at lightning speed, appearing before him in a blink.

Yang Xiao was unruffled. He sidestepped the sword shadow with a slight movement, and with two swift fingers, caught it between them. The sword shadow revealed its true form—a delicate green sword of exquisite craftsmanship, pulsing with formidable spiritual power, clearly a high-grade spiritual artifact.

Though clamped between Yang Xiao’s fingers, the little sword struggled fiercely. But with a twist, Yang Xiao subdued it instantly and tossed it into his storage pouch, claiming it as his own.

What’s this? The Azure Light Sword is a treasure of immense power—how could he take it so easily? Now Ouyang Luo was even more alarmed. This opponent was truly formidable. He knew the sword’s speed, flexibility, and sharpness far surpassed ordinary spiritual tools. Yet in the instant it was unleashed, Yang Xiao had seized it. Ouyang Luo’s apprehension only deepened, and for the first time ever, he felt the urge to retreat before someone whose cultivation was lower than his own.

Thinking of fleeing, are you? It won’t be that easy. If you want to leave, you must first hand over the lightning crystals you’ve acquired. Otherwise, I won’t mind ensuring you remain here forever, Yang Xiao threatened, having already guessed Ouyang Luo’s intentions.

“How dare you threaten me? Do you really think you can kill me? Your strength is impressive, but I doubt you can keep me here,” Ouyang Luo snapped. Though he’d considered fleeing, Yang Xiao’s words only stoked his anger. How could he bow so easily now?

“Very well, then I’ll show you if I have the ability.” With that, Yang Xiao struck again, his fist gathering the surrounding lightning from every direction, which surged toward Ouyang Luo, enveloping him entirely.

Ouyang Luo summoned his true energy in a desperate defense. But Yang Xiao’s assault was relentless, and soon Ouyang Luo began to falter.

If this went on, it would only be a matter of time before Yang Xiao crushed him to death.

“Spare me! I do have a considerable number of lightning crystals—take them all, just please let me live!” Knowing he was outmatched, Ouyang Luo pleaded for mercy.

“You seize others’ treasures for yourself, and you think I’ll let you off so easily? Besides, if I let you go, who’s to say you won’t cause me trouble in the future?” Yang Xiao replied.

“It was greed, nothing more. I’ll never rob again. Besides, in my clan only the patriarch is stronger than I, and even he is not your equal. So if you let me go, I dare not seek revenge. In fact, I am willing to serve you in the future, if only you spare me,” Ouyang Luo begged desperately.

In truth, whether Ouyang Luo would rob others again was of little concern to Yang Xiao. His worry was that Ouyang Luo’s clan might seek retribution. But seeing Ouyang Luo’s assurances, he relaxed a little. Besides, most of what Ouyang Luo said was likely true; the Ouyang family, while notable, was not one of the great clans, and their number of cultivators capable of condensing true energy must be limited. They would not lightly make enemies of others with such power.

“You’re a smooth talker. Fine—hand over the lightning crystals and I’ll let you go,” Yang Xiao said.

Obediently, Ouyang Luo tossed him a storage pouch. Yang Xiao checked the contents; there was indeed a substantial amount of lightning crystals, which pleased him greatly.

Ouyang Luo offered more flattering words before Yang Xiao finally waved him away.

This time, Ouyang Luo had tried to steal a chicken and lost the rice instead—utterly unlucky. Yang Xiao, on the other hand, had reaped a tidy profit.

With the number of lightning crystals he’d obtained, he could easily refine a treasure. Still, Yang Xiao had no intention of leaving just yet. Since he’d come to this Lightning Wasteland, he intended to venture to its very heart, where even greater rewards might await.

After securing all the lightning crystals, Yang Xiao sped toward the center of the Lightning Wasteland.