The Thunder Valley Realm crackled with perpetual electrical storms, its mountainous landscape split by gorges where concentrated lightning qi had carved channels through solid rock over countless centuries. Thunder-blessed cultivators demonstrated flight techniques that rode natural lightning currents between floating peaks, while storm formations powered cities that existed within permanent electrical maelstroms.
Wei Liang observed the realm's storm-based architecture with growing predatory interest, his Constellation Devourer body automatically analyzing the ambient electrical qi patterns for optimal absorption strategies. The realm's foundational energy carried thunder essence that suggested unique high-value harvesting opportunities.
Lightning cultivation specialized to storm integration, he noted as they approached the central city of Eternal Thunder. Thunder techniques that operate through electrical principle mastery rather than simple energy manipulation. Valuable additions to my stellar constellation's elemental balance.
Zhang Wuji consulted his research materials about Thunder Valley cultivation traditions while carefully shielding his notes from the constant electrical discharge. "According to ancient records, this realm's masters achieve constitutional integration with pure lightning that grants instantaneous movement across dimensional barriers. Their techniques transcend normal spatial limitations."
Dimensional lightning techniques, Wei Liang thought with cosmic satisfaction. Storm mastery that operates through space-time manipulation rather than simple electrical control. Perfect complement to my void walker abilities for enhanced spatial domination.
Their entry into Eternal Thunder attracted immediate attention from local cultivators whose storm-enhanced senses detected Wei Liang's unusual energy signature creating interference patterns in the city's electrical formations. His Constellation Devourer aura interacted with ambient lightning qi in ways that made precise power assessment impossible.
Curious observers maintaining respectful distance, Wei Liang noted as their passage through the city's crystal-conductor streets drew cautious attention. They recognize predatory presence but lack sufficient courage for direct confrontation. Fear serves conquest preparation excellently.
The city's most prestigious establishment was the Storm Crown Pavilion, where thunder-blessed cuisine provided cultivation benefits through controlled electrical qi absorption. Zhang Wuji had identified it as the primary gathering place for the realm's cultivation elite, their private chambers offering discrete meeting spaces for sensitive business transactions.
Ideal target concentration, Wei Liang concluded. Wealthy storm cultivators gathering in confined spaces for leisurely dining. The Storm Crown Pavilion will provide excellent demonstration opportunities.
However, their approach to the pavilion was intercepted by a young man whose presence created visible lightning patterns in the surrounding atmosphere. His cultivation signature carried the distinctive characteristics of legendary bloodline inheritance enhanced by storm integration techniques that defied normal electrical principles.
"Halt, strangers," the young man announced, his voice accompanied by controlled thunder that emphasized his words without causing structural damage. "I am Lei Zhenyu, heir to the Lightning Emperor's legacy. Your presence creates disturbance patterns in our realm's electrical harmony. State your business in Thunder Valley territory."
Lei Zhenyu, Wei Liang identified immediately, his predatory instincts recognizing another chosen one whose power carried existential threat potential. Lightning Emperor bloodline suggests storm mastery that has achieved legendary status. High-value target for constellation expansion.
Lei Zhenyu's appearance embodied idealized storm characteristics—hair that moved with electrical current patterns, skin with subtle lightning-scar tracery that pulsed with inner power, eyes that reflected the depth of storm systems spanning realms. His cultivation had clearly progressed beyond normal mortal limitations into semi-divine territory.
Perfect encounter opportunity, Wei Liang realized. Rather than hunting through the pavilion's dining crowds, the primary target has presented himself directly for engagement.
"We seek knowledge about advanced storm cultivation techniques," Wei Liang replied politely, offering a respectful bow. "Scholar Zhang specializes in ancient electrical principle research, while I'm interested in practical applications of thunder integration methods."
Lei Zhenyu's expression showed professional interest mixed with obvious caution, his storm-enhanced perception detecting cosmic undertones in Wei Liang's cultivation that suggested power beyond normal categories.
"Your energy signature creates interesting interference with our realm's lightning formations," Lei Zhenyu observed diplomatically. "The Lightning Emperor's legacy includes knowledge about cultivation methods that operate outside traditional frameworks. Perhaps we could exchange insights about storm principle applications?"
He's offering voluntary knowledge sharing while probing for threat assessment, Wei Liang recognized. Intelligent approach that provides information gathering opportunities without immediate commitment to confrontation.
"An exchange of storm mastery knowledge sounds mutually beneficial," Wei Liang agreed, his cosmic smile carrying predatory undertones that Lei Zhenyu interpreted as scholarly enthusiasm.
However, their diplomatic conversation was interrupted when commotion erupted at the Storm Crown Pavilion's entrance. A group of young cultivators in elaborate thunder-pattern robes were demanding immediate seating despite the establishment's reservation requirements, their arrogant voices creating electrical discord in the surrounding atmosphere.
"Incompetent servants!" their leader declared, his storm bloodline aura pressing down on trembling staff members. "Do you not recognize the insignia of the Nine Heavens Thunder Sect? We are disciples of Master Dian Kuang, whose lightning techniques have achieved legendary status across multiple realms! This scheduling insult demands immediate correction!"
Nine Heavens Thunder Sect disciples, Wei Liang observed with predatory interest. Group targets whose combined techniques would provide efficient harvesting practice for mass absorption refinement.
Lei Zhenyu's expression showed embarrassment at the disciples' behavior, his Lightning Emperor heritage including diplomatic wisdom that recognized how arrogance reflected poorly on the realm's reputation.
"Those disciples lack proper understanding of storm principle harmony," Lei Zhenyu said quietly. "True lightning mastery requires balance rather than destructive display. However, their master Dian Kuang possesses genuine technique mastery despite his students' poor behavior."
Master Dian Kuang, Wei Liang noted the additional high-value target information. Nine Heavens Thunder Sect leader whose lightning techniques have achieved legendary recognition. Worth investigating for potential constellation addition.
The situation escalated when the pavilion's manager attempted to explain reservation policies to the demanding disciples, their storm techniques creating electrical surges that damaged the establishment's delicate formation arrays.
Perfect intervention opportunity, Wei Liang decided, rising with casual confidence. Demonstrating cosmic absorption capabilities against group targets will establish reputation while providing valuable technique samples.
"Young cultivators of the Nine Heavens Thunder Sect," Wei Liang said politely as he approached the commotion, "perhaps the Storm Crown Pavilion's scheduling difficulties could be resolved more quietly? Such an elegant establishment deserves consideration for atmospheric harmony."
The disciples' leader turned toward Wei Liang with immediate hostility, his storm bloodline techniques creating visible lightning manifestations as spiritual pressure increased. "Another insect presuming to lecture disciples of legendary thunder mastery? You dare interfere with Nine Heavens Thunder Sect business?"
Predictable response pattern, Wei Liang thought with cosmic amusement. Group arrogance that amplifies individual young master characteristics. Perfect for demonstration purposes.
"The Nine Heavens Thunder Sect's reputation for storm mastery is well established," Wei Liang replied smoothly. "However, perhaps such formidable lightning techniques could be demonstrated more appropriately? The pavilion's other patrons might appreciate peaceful dining experiences."
The casual dismissal sent all five disciples into coordinated fury, their storm bloodline techniques activating simultaneously as they prepared to demonstrate why questioning Nine Heavens Thunder Sect authority demanded severe consequences.
Nine Heavens Thunder Formation - Storm Dragon Manifestation!
The disciples' combined attack created an actual storm system within the pavilion's courtyard, their coordinated lightning techniques generating atmospheric effects that transformed local weather patterns. The formation was genuinely impressive, representing decades of coordinated training enhanced by bloodline inheritance techniques.
Wei Liang stood motionless in the center of the electrical maelstrom, his Constellation Devourer body automatically absorbing the lightning through gravitational feeding principles that treated storm energy as additional stellar fuel.
Constellation Devourer Technique - Stellar Absorption: Thunder Integration!
The disciples' storm formation was systematically consumed as Wei Liang's cosmic feeding field expanded, drawing their thunder bloodline techniques directly into his internal constellation. The Nine Heavens Thunder Sect's accumulated mastery began flowing like streams of liquid lightning into his growing stellar collection.
"Impossible!" the leader gasped as their coordinated formation dissolved into Wei Liang's absorption field. "Our storm techniques channel the power of nine heavens! Nothing can consume divine thunder itself!"
"Everything can be consumed," Wei Liang replied simply, his cosmic eyes reflecting new lightning-fire stars being born within his constellation. "Even divine thunder becomes fuel when properly harvested."
Lei Zhenyu watched the systematic consumption with growing alarm, his Lightning Emperor bloodline responding to the cosmic predator presence with instinctive recognition of existential threat.
Time to complete local harvesting and advance to the next realm, Wei Liang decided as the disciples' essence integrated into his stellar constellation. Thunder Valley has provided valuable lightning additions, but the universal conquest continues across dimensional barriers.