The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2696 - 2671: The Complete Divine Thunder Art!

"Aren’t you afraid that I’ll depart from Black Water City immediately after acquiring three copies of the Darkwater Divine Thunder Technique?" Lin Bai inquired with a frosty tone.

"Naturally, I am apprehensive!" Madam Yang responded with a soft, musical laugh. "That is precisely why I intend to forge an agreement with you!"

Lin Bai’s brow furrowed as he scrutinized Madam Yang.

Madam Yang lounged languidly on the plush divan, her exquisite, jade-like form stretched out in a posture of utter relaxation.

As she reclined, her silken skirt gracefully slipped down her limbs, unveiling a generous expanse of alabaster skin that sent a burning sensation through any beholder.

Madam Yang’s voice was a mere whisper as she probed, "Your desperate pursuit of the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ must stem from a profound necessity, is that not so?"

"Do you, by chance, possess knowledge regarding the origins of the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’?"

Madam Yang let out another soft, melodious chuckle.

Lin Bai remained conspicuously silent, his gaze fixed intently upon Madam Yang.

Madam Yang continued her hushed explanation, "Permit me to impart a small piece of information: the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ is, in fact, comprised of five volumes!"

Lin Bai’s voice cut in, sharp and definitive, "Incorrect."

A flicker of surprise crossed Madam Yang’s face as she turned her attention back to Lin Bai, her voice a soft query, "In what way is my statement incorrect?"

Lin Bai’s reply was measured and calm, "It is not the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ that possesses five volumes; rather, it is the ’Five Elements Divine Thunder Scripture’ that is divided into five distinct volumes!"

Madam Yang’s eyes widened in astonishment, Fixed upon Lin Bai. "You are aware of this?"

Lin Bai elaborated in a hushed tone, "The ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ is derived from the ultimate technique of the ancient sect known as the Five Elements Sect. Specifically, it is the second chapter of their foundational text, the ’Scripture of Five Elements,’ which is titled the ’Five Elements Divine Thunder Scripture’!"

"The ’Five Elements Divine Thunder Scripture’ is indeed separated into five volumes, and the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ constitutes but one of these volumes!"

"Since the unfortunate dissolution of the ancient Five Elements Sect, the sect’s profound scriptures were scattered across the realm. As the ages have turned, retrieving all the scattered texts of the ’Scripture of Five Elements’ has become an endeavor bordering on impossibility!"

"To encounter the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’ in this place is truly a remarkable turn of events, I must confess!" Lin Bai concluded, his voice steady.

Madam Yang’s voice dropped to a whisper once more, "Your knowledge of the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill’s’ origins is indeed impressive. However, do you happen to know the current whereabouts of the other volumes of this Divine Thunder Skill?"

Upon hearing her question, Lin Bai’s gaze snapped towards Madam Yang, surprise etched on his features. He spoke with a cold edge, "Madam Yang, your inquiry suggests you possess knowledge of the other volumes’ locations?"

Madam Yang offered a subtle smile. "While I do not know the precise location of all five volumes, I am aware of the whereabouts of one additional volume!"

Lin Bai pressed further, his voice tinged with a newfound intensity. "So, Madam Yang, in addition to possessing the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill,’ you are also privy to the location of another volume? Pray tell, where is it?"

Madam Yang let out a soft, throaty chuckle. "This, Lin Bai, is the very crux of the agreement I wish to propose. Once you have concluded three matches, irrespective of the outcome, I shall reveal to you the precise location of that aforementioned volume of the Divine Thunder Skill!"

"What do you say to this arrangement?"

Madam Yang inquired, her eyes twinkling.

Lin Bai considered her proposal carefully for a moment before responding with his characteristic cold demeanor, "And what guarantee do I have that Madam Yang will not deceive me?"

Madam Yang gently shook her head. "I assure you, deception is not my intention. However, I must offer a word of caution: although I am aware of this volume’s location, its acquisition will present formidable challenges for you."

"The sheer difficulty involved might render my revelation ultimately futile!"

"I shall tell you where it is, but whether you can actually obtain it will depend entirely on your own capabilities."

Lin Bai remained in contemplation for a long while, processing the implications of Madam Yang’s words. He sensed no deceit in her tone, no hint of a lie.

He mused internally, "Could she genuinely possess knowledge of the other Divine Thunder Skills’ locations?"

After a period of intense deliberation, Lin Bai’s thoughts coalesced. "If her knowledge proves true, this would be an exceptionally advantageous turn of events. Acquiring three volumes of the Divine Thunder Skill simultaneously would undoubtedly lead to a tremendous surge in my power!"

"Furthermore, simply competing in three matches within the Fighting Arena does not strike me as an insurmountable task!"

"Madam Yang also stipulated that after these three bouts, regardless of whether I emerge victorious or defeated, she is bound to disclose the location of that particular volume."

"This proposed bargain appears exceedingly favorable!"

Lin Bai meticulously weighed the potential benefits against the inherent risks.

After a brief pause, Lin Bai finally spoke, his decision made. "Very well, I accept your terms. You shall provide me with all the copies of the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skills’ presently in your possession, and in return, I shall engage in three matches for you within the Fighting Arena."

"Upon the completion of these three contests, regardless of their outcome, you are obligated to reveal the location of that specific volume of the Divine Thunder Skill to me!"

A radiant smile spread across Madam Yang’s face upon hearing Lin Bai’s agreement. "A deal it is!"

With a flourish, Madam Yang retrieved a beautifully ornate Treasure Box from her Storage Bag and presented it to Lin Bai.

Lin Bai accepted the Treasure Box and, upon examining its contents, confirmed the presence of two additional copies of the ’Black Water Divine Thunder Skill.’

Clutching the Treasure Box, Lin Bai bowed with clasped fists and made his exit from the Fighting Arena.

As Lin Bai departed, Madam Yang’s lips curved into a chilling smile.

Once Lin Bai was gone, the four effeminate youths clustered around Madam Yang, their voices laced with worry. "Madam, did you truly make a promise to the Sword Demon?"

"What if the Sword Demon slacks off in the upcoming three matches, or worse, neglects the martial arts competition entirely?"

"Indeed, Madam, if the Sword Demon merely goes through the motions in the next trio of matches, won't we face a substantial loss?"

Madam Yang shot the four youths an irate glare, retorting coldly, "You all possess such short-sighted perspectives!"

"Who exactly is the Sword Demon?"

"He is someone capable of dominating the Fighting Arena, a warrior who could vanquish the Undefeated General!"

"Such an individual must either be a supreme martial artist or a prodigy from a prominent family sect!"

"But irrespective of their origin, they all share a singular commonality!"

"That is, they are not people who yield easily!"

Madam Yang stated with an air of composure.

"Rest assured, even without our direct pressure, the Sword Demon will be driven to win every martial arts contest. Such bouts serve as invaluable cultivation opportunities for cultivators like him!"

Madam Yang elaborated.

"My current concern lies in... precisely what kind of opponents I should pit against him for the subsequent three matches?"

Madam Yang mused, a hint of vexation coloring her tone.

...

Upon returning to the Tang Family residence, Lin Bai immediately sequestered himself within the Secret Chamber. He retrieved the two remaining copies of the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' and committed all the cultivation techniques detailed therein to memory!

Naturally, these two Divine Thunder Skills also contained associated divine power martial techniques!

The one Lin Bai recognized most readily was undoubtedly the 'Annihilation of Ten Directions.' This divine power skill appeared within the third scroll of the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill,' a technique he had once witnessed Tang Yuezhi execute!

Lin Bai's initial step was to enter secluded cultivation to meticulously grasp the entirety of the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill.' Only after achieving mastery of the skill itself would he delve into the martial techniques and divine powers recorded within!

"The martial techniques and divine powers contained within the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill' were conceptualized by various cultivators who harnessed the might of the Black Water Divine Thunder!"

"As for the 'Thunderstorm Fist' that I have been practicing, it is currently only at the seventh level, far from reaching the Great Accomplishment stage. Thus, there is no immediate need to pursue other fist techniques!"

"However, recalling Tang Yuezhi's demonstration of the 'Annihilation of Ten Directions' that day, its sheer power was truly astonishing. This particular martial technique divine power is certainly worth cultivating!"

Lin Bai surveyed the complete 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill.' It encompassed nearly fifty distinct martial techniques and divine powers. Among them, 'Thunderstorm Fist' and 'Annihilation of Ten Directions' stood out as particularly potent abilities!

These fifty martial techniques and divine powers included a wide array of offensive skills: fist techniques, palm strikes, sword arts, blade work, and various other martial disciplines. Each represented a divine power comprehended by previous practitioners of the 'Black Water Divine Thunder Skill,' their effectiveness varying significantly.