Chapter 1369: Thunder Breathing

Chapter 1369: Chapter 1369: Thunder Breathing

"You want me to teach you? I’ve only comprehended four techniques, how can I teach you?" Situ Maocai, walking ahead, chuckled self-deprecatingly when he heard Pei Yan’s question.

"Huh! But didn’t Elder Murong say that no one in the world today can fully use all eight techniques and twenty-four forms? How am I supposed to learn? Is even ordinary practice not allowed?" Pei Yan asked in confusion upon hearing this.

"Follow me! You’ll understand once we get there."

After hearing this, Pei Yan stopped asking questions and quietly followed behind Situ Maocai. The two walked into the depths of the courtyard and entered a teleportation array. After a flash of light, they found themselves inside the Infinite Thunder Sect.

Under the guidance of Situ Maocai, they moved unimpeded within the sect. Contrary to Pei Yan’s expectations, after leaving the teleportation array, Situ Maocai didn’t lead him deeper into the Infinite Thunder Sect, but instead hurriedly led him past the sect, under the curious gaze of surrounding disciples, out the side gate and towards the mountain range behind the sect. Walking along the mountain path, Pei Yan was filled with thoughts of learning the Thunder Observation Eight Techniques and paid little attention to the magnificent and beautiful scenery of the mountains until the sound of thunder approaching from afar caught his attention. Only then did he realize, looking ahead at the unhurried Situ Maocai leading the way, there was something mysterious.

"We’re almost there!" Sensing Pei Yan’s gaze, Situ Maocai didn’t explain and continued forward without looking back. Pei Yan had no choice but to follow steadily. As they walked along the winding mountain path, the thunder sounds in Pei Yan’s ears became increasingly clear. Initially faint and distant, as they approached the mountain peaks, the thunder roared like war drums before a battle, the constant deafening crashes of thunder echoed like drumsticks pounding in Pei Yan’s ears, quickening his heartbeat, making him feel his blood boil, and leaving him momentarily dizzy and unstable, almost losing his footing.

Walking ahead, Situ Maocai evidently anticipated Pei Yan’s reaction and did not step forward to comfort him. Instead, he slowed down, silently waiting in front. It wasn’t that Situ Maocai intended to embarrass Pei Yan, but if Pei Yan couldn’t pass this test, there was no need for him to learn the Thunder Observation Eight Techniques.

"Huff! Huff!" Pei Yan, resting a hand on a cliff wall to catch his breath, broke out in a cold sweat, inwardly cursing himself for forgetting past pains after healing. Having recently advanced, he lost his vigilance towards danger. He should have noticed the peculiarity of the thunder sounds when they first reached his ears, but he overlooked them until they significantly affected his body. This negligence could have dire consequences in combat.

Pei Yan, taking this as a warning, began to adjust his breathing to the rhythm of the thunderous sounds, realizing that these strange sounds were more than just noise. Even if he blocked his ears, they could penetrate and affect his spirit and qi blood. Only by synchronizing his internal energy flow and breathing with the thunder could he diminish the harm caused by these sounds.

With careful adjustment of his breathing, Pei Yan was pleasantly surprised to find that his internal thunder abilities became more active in response to the thunder breathing technique. This must be a sect secret realm used in conjunction with the heart method of the Infinite Thunder Sect. Thinking of this, Pei Yan looked ahead and saw Situ Maocai smiling at him.

"You can respond so quickly to the breathing of thunder; you are indeed destined to be connected with the Infinite Thunder Sect. I sensed the power in you that is suitable for practicing the thunder techniques long ago. Unfortunately, our sect’s heart method cannot be taught to outsiders, and you cannot join our sect. Otherwise, with the heart method, your strength could certainly improve further. But, it’s okay; the Thunder Observation Eight Techniques, a cultivation technique known for its body technique and strength, can be mastered with your strong foundation and understanding of the breathing technique." Situ Maocai remarked with regret, looking at Pei Yan.

For a moment, Pei Yan even felt the impulse to say he was willing to join the Infinite Thunder Sect, but he suppressed it. Truly joining the sect was not something to be rushed, and there were future opportunities to make significant contributions or rescue the sect from danger before making such a request.

With that thought, Pei Yan nodded to Situ Maocai, indicating he was ready to continue onward. Situ Maocai then led the way towards the mountain top. As they neared the summit, Pei Yan noticed the path ahead split into three branches, each guarded by an elder sitting cross-legged.

The elders showed no reaction to their arrival, the only exchange being a slight bow from Situ Maocai to the elder at the left path, which the elder acknowledged with a nod.

Although curious about the secrets hidden in the other two paths, Pei Yan restrained from asking, knowing it was sect business and not his place to inquire. He kept his mouth shut and followed Situ Maocai along the left path. After walking a while, Pei Yan realized the path no longer ascended but instead twisted and turned into another mountain path leading into the mountain’s heart.

After an unknown period of walking, they finally reached the end of the path. Situ Maocai pointed at a dark entrance, only wide enough for one person, inside the mountain, and smilingly said, "Here we are! Pei Xiaoyou, if you wish to learn the Thunder Observation Eight Techniques, enter this cave."

Looking at the nondescript, overgrown cave entrance and then at the sincere-looking Situ Maocai, Pei Yan understood he wasn’t joking. Though uncertain of the mysteries inside, having come this far, he couldn’t turn back now.

Resolved, Pei Yan was about to step into the cave when Situ Maocai’s hand stopped him. Perplexed, Pei Yan listened as Situ Maocai explained, "Before you go in, there are some matters I need to remind you of. Firstly, regarding the legacy of the cultivation technique. As per the agreement with Liu Xuanji, since this is a reward from His Majesty the Spirit Emperor, you may learn as much of the Thunder Observation Eight Techniques as you can; whatever you learn becomes yours. However, unlike other practices, you can only teach this unparalleled skill to your direct descendants. Beyond that, you cannot pass it to anyone else—not even friends or future disciples if you open your own school."

Back then, Liu Xuanji also set this rule, but out of appreciation for Ye Ruozai’s talent, they made an exception allowing the swordsmanship insights to be passed to him. Beyond that, anyone other than them learning the Hongjun Sword Furnace swordsmanship would become a target for elimination. This precaution was taken to ensure sect secrets weren’t widely leaked after being involuntarily shared. Pei Yan fully understood and agreed without hesitation.