Chutian looked up at the sky. His 50th Emperor Bone had formed, but the third level of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths' Peerless Technique was still struggling to advance to the fourth level. So, he decided to take a gamble and use the thunderstorm as a means to force a breakthrough.
He took out numerous fourth-level Spirit Crystals from the system space and started frantically channeling the Emperor Bone Sword Technique. Only this technique could withstand the power of the thunderstorm. Chutian didn't want to risk being struck by lightning while using the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths' Peerless Technique, as that could be deadly.
As the thunderstorm approached, Chutian saw that the incoming lightning bolt was as thick as a thigh. It was evident that being struck by it would obliterate a person. When the lightning struck him, the pain was excruciating, and Chutian's body felt like it was about to split apart.
His skin showed visible cracks, and lightning streaks could be seen within them. Despite his regenerative abilities, the pain was unbearable. A deafening scream echoed as Chutian endured the pain. Observing from below, other talented martial artists couldn't fathom how he could withstand such agony.
As the thunderstorm continued, Chutian's body was covered in cracks, and the lightning within them was too powerful for an ordinary martial artist to endure. Some onlookers began to wonder if Chutian was facing certain death during this celestial ordeal.
However, Chutian's Emperor Bone Sword Technique suddenly absorbed the lightning from the cracks in his skin. After a few minutes, all the lightning entered his body and began refining every bone and meridian within him. While his skin had already regenerated, the pain from the bone and meridian refinement was even more excruciating.
Another scream pierced the air, even more agonizing than before. The onlookers shuddered, realizing how painful it must be to endure a lightning strike.
However, Chutian felt something change within him. His Nine Heavens and Ten Earths' Peerless Technique finally broke through to the fourth level. His body began to gradually recover, and astonishingly, his Emperor Bones advanced to the 52nd bone with the help of the lightning.
Despite the ongoing thunderstorm, Chutian sensed an even more formidable wave of thunder about to strike. He recalled the ancient legend of the Dragon Gate and had a bold idea: to transform into a dragon to resist the upcoming thunder.
To the astonishment of all onlookers, a golden light enveloped Chutian, and a dragon claw emerged from the light. With a roar, Chutian, in the form of a dragon, burst forth from the golden aura.
The spectators were astounded. "Did I go blind, or did he turn into a dragon after being struck by lightning? What kind of martial art is this? It's so powerful!" Some even felt envious.
"This guy must have inherited the legacy of ancient martial artists; otherwise, he wouldn't be using thunderstorms to advance," someone whispered.
"Boss, should we gather some people? The lightning strikes from the sky will definitely consume a lot of spiritual energy, and if we strike now..." one of the mercenaries suggested quietly.
This proposal, though made in a low voice, was heard by others in the crowd, and the atmosphere became tense. It was evident that many had considered taking advantage of Chutian's weakened state.
One older B-level mercenary, who had casually walked away, responded with a smile, "You guys go ahead; I'll just watch." He then disappeared into the forest shadows.
Unaware of the discussions among the onlookers, Chutian focused on harnessing the power of the thunderstorm. Thunderbolts continued to strike him, causing his dragon scales to explode. However, Chutian felt a different kind of exhilaration this time, not just from his bones but also from his blood. It was as if the lightning had ignited something within him.
With each strike, Chutian's Emperor Bones continuously advanced. His defense had reached a new level, and he could sense that the power of his 108 Thunder Swords had also increased.
Seeing the thunderclouds dissipating, Chutian descended from his dragon form and was surprised to find over 40 mercenaries surrounding him, each holding a weapon with a murderous intent. They had witnessed Chutian emerging unscathed from the thunderstorm and wanted to know the secrets of his martial art.
Chutian smiled slightly, ready to test his sword skills, as the Six Sword Techniques had been mastered for so long, yet he had never used them before. The mercenaries who dared to pry into his martial art secrets were unlikely to leave unscathed.
With that, Chutian drew Xuan Yuan Yuan's Snowscale Sword from his system space.