C18 Cold Laugh(2)

"Unfortunately, you're still nothing but trash in my eyes," Lin Shouchuan said with a look of contempt.

The so-called awakening of talent doesn't mean you're stuck as a python for life. In this world, each person's talent is unique and categorized into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level talents.

Moreover, each major realm of talent is further divided into ten minor levels, ranging from one-star to ten-stars. Thus, Li Tianmeng's python-strike talent has barely reached the two-star level, which poses no threat to Lin Shouchuan.

"Have you forgotten me already? Together, we may not be able to kill you, but we can certainly defend ourselves," said Zhang Tianmeng, gripping his battle saber tightly, poised for a stealth attack.

Lin Shouchuan waved his black arm without a trace of emotion. His clothes billowed as if caught in an invisible breeze, and his long, dark hair danced in the wind. Suddenly, a streak of blue lightning flashed across his forehead.

The speed of the lightning was astonishing, resembling a swift, blue nematode racing from Lin Shouchuan's forehead, coursing through his entire body, and finally slowing to a halt at the soles of his feet.

Now, Lin Shouchuan's body seemed to be entirely enveloped in blue lightning, which even emitted the rumbling sound of thunder.

"Sorry, I forgot to mention that my low-level talent has already advanced to three stars," Lin Shouchuan declared. As his voice faded, the entire area was engulfed in lightning, transforming the sky and the ground into a devilish inferno.

Moreover, as an outer sect disciple and the most promising talent, it was only logical for Lin Shouchuan to be the sole candidate to advance to the Inner Sect this year, with his talent having ascended to three stars.

The source of this lightning was, of course, inseparable from Lin Shouchuan's demonic beast mount. When Lin Shouchuan's talent first awakened at one star, he fought using his demonic beast. It was indeed his talent.

But once Lin Shouchuan's talent progressed to two stars, he could command his demonic beast to unleash lightning and harm enemies. And now, at three stars, Lin Shouchuan himself could radiate lightning.

In essence, whatever skills Lin Shouchuan's demonic beast possessed, he could wield them as well. Hence, the lightning emanating from his body was entirely consistent with his talent.

Lightning streaked across the sky, weaving a web that slowly descended upon Zhang Tianmeng and Lee Tianhu's heads. Lee Tianhu was the first to react, his innate talent akin to a python emerging from its lair.

A massive python lunged at the web-like lightning, its roar reverberating through the heavens. In a mere moment, the serpent's hide was effortlessly sliced open by the lightning, exposing the bones beneath.

Trapped within the lightning's grasp, the python was immobilized. Yet, its struggle had torn a small hole in the electric web, buying Lee Tianhu and Zhang Tianmeng some precious time.

Zhang Tianmeng clenched his battle blade with a death grip. He plunged it into the earth, unleashing a surge of energy that tore through the ground with the ferocity of a primordial beast.

The encroaching lightning met with a thunderous crack, and the ground itself was upheaved by the combined force of the lightning and the blade's energy. Zhang Tianmeng's complexion turned deathly pale as he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"I told you, the two of you together are still no match for me. It's time for you to die," Lin Shouchuan declared, no longer holding back. He stretched his hands above his head, seizing control of the lightning, intent on reducing their bodies to shreds.

Just then, the scent of roses began to permeate the area, a curious development as the lightning was about to completely envelop them both.

As if by an unseen force, a pair of colossal hands seemed to grasp the lightning, drawing it upwards. The trio looked up in astonishment to see a majestic Heavenly Crane hovering several hundred meters away.

The crane, larger than a household calf, flapped its wings vigorously. Its eyes shone with the luster of oil and gemstones, radiating an otherworldly glow.

Astride the Heavenly Crane's back were a white-haired elder and the stoic Wang Yufei. This Heavenly Crane was the elder's mount, and he had spared no effort in his quest to locate the trio.

Wang Yufei breathed a silent sigh of relief. It was fortunate that he had found the old man at such a critical juncture; otherwise, Zhang Tianmeng's fate would have been sealed. The elder was none other than the guardian of the Platform of Life and Death, known as Elder Liu.

Elder Liu held a small jade bottle in his hand, no larger than a palm, yet it was enveloped by a swirling white mist, causing even the air to ripple slightly.

The lightning, orderly and precise, streamed into the jade bottle. Witnessing this eerie spectacle, Lin Shouchai felt a chill in his heart. Despite his talent having reached the Three-star Lightning Sky level, the bottle in Elder Liu's grasp was clearly a low-level magical artifact, effortlessly capturing the lightning. With a mere breath from Elder Liu, the lightning dissipated into nothingness. The trio's gaze then settled on Lin Shouchai.

"Lin Shouchai, you have some nerve! To chase down Inner Sect disciples in broad daylight, what punishment do you think you deserve?" Elder Liu's voice boomed with authority and a hint of lethal intent.

Lin Shouchai, who had been standing with his chest puffed out and hands clasped behind his back, suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on him. His knees buckled, and he found himself kneeling on the ground, not daring to resist. He immediately began to kowtow and plead for mercy.

"Elder Liu, I beg for your forgiveness. I was momentarily blinded by rage because of these two youngsters. Now I realize my error and am ready to return and contemplate my actions."

Lin Shouchai knew the stakes. Returning to the sect might mean a mere half-month of reflection, but falling into Elder Liu's hands could lead to a far harsher punishment according to the sect's rules.

"Brother, we can't disregard the sect's rules. You're well aware that the sect prohibits using one's higher cultivation to pursue fellow disciples. Yet, you, with your superior strength and Three-star talent, chased down not one but two disciples. Isn't that a direct challenge to the sect's authority?" The speaker wasn't Elder Liu, but Wang Yufei, who wore a sly smile. Lin Shouchai was on the verge of madness. He had never imagined that he would suffer such a defeat at the hands of Wang Yufei, whom he considered worthless.

Clearly, Elder Liu's arrival was closely linked to Wang Yufei. Lin Shouchai clenched his teeth in fury, wishing he could transform into a monstrous beast and devour Wang Yufei whole, reducing him to ashes.

Wang Yufei remained unfazed by Lin Shouchai's hungry stare. With a sigh, Elder Liu suddenly thrust his hand forward, ripping through the air that was thick with white mist, creating a rift in the space.

From within, the muffled roar of a demon beast could be heard: "Lin Shouchai, considering this is your third transgression, you are mandated by the third rule of our sect to enter the Soul Sea. You will undergo training there for six months before you may return. As for your master, I will take it upon myself to explain the situation."

The decree to enter the Soul Sea struck Lin Shouchai like a thunderclap, sending shivers through his body. Despite being one of the four prodigies of the outer sect, Lin Shouchai was far from invincible.

The infamous Soul Sea was where the Sword Immortal Sect nurtured their demon beasts, and the most formidable among them had reached the intermediate level.