"Lei Chen, bring Lei Qi and Lei Dong to the Inner Realm," Lei Ying ordered calmly before turning to leave. His voice echoed through the hall, deep and commanding, like distant thunder.
Even within the Dou Di Clans, there existed a strict hierarchy. The Outer Realm was governed by the strongest Semi-Saint elders, while the majority were peak Dou Zuns. Those who broke through to Dou Sheng would enter the Inner Realm, where they spent most of their lives in seclusion, rarely involving themselves in worldly affairs.
Each ancient clan followed this structure — the Outer Realm handled daily matters, while the Inner Realm dealt only with issues that concerned the clan's very survival. Unless something truly monumental occurred, the Dou Shengs remained undisturbed.
Today, however, was an exception. The emergence of two prodigies with high-ranking bloodlines had shaken the entire Thunder Clan.
As Lei Ying's summons spread, the Grand Elders and Inner Realm Elders — all who were not in seclusion — quickly gathered in the Thunder Clan's main hall.
Before long, over a hundred figures filled the vast chamber — some white-haired and venerable, others appearing middle-aged but emanating an oppressive aura. In truth, every one of them had lived for over a century.
Not all were Dou Shengs; many were Half-Saints, but each commanded immense respect.
"Clan Leader," a middle-aged man asked solemnly, "what matter is so urgent that you've summoned us all?"
Lei Ying's gaze swept across the hall, the faint spark of joy visible in his eyes."During the bloodline awakening of our younger generation today, two of them displayed bloodlines exceeding the sixth rank."
"!!!"
A collective gasp swept through the hall.
Sixth-rank bloodlines at their first awakening? That meant both youths possessed the potential to reach Dou Sheng in the future!
For a Dou Di Clan, each new Dou Sheng was a symbol of power — living proof of the clan's continued dominance. After all, since the disappearance of the Dou Emperors, strength alone defined survival.
"One of them," Lei Ying continued, his tone filled with pride, "has even reached the advanced seventh rank. When he reaches adulthood, he may well awaken the legendary divine bloodline. Elders… you now understand why I've called you here."
The hall fell silent. Shock turned into excitement.
Great Elder Lei Jin — a late-stage Seven-Star Dou Sheng — rose to his feet, eyes gleaming. "This is a blessing from the heavens upon our Thunder Clan!"
Lei Ying nodded. "Precisely. That is why I've decided to open the Thunder Clan's Inheritance Grounds and send these two inside to cultivate."
A murmur spread among the elders. Even among the Eight Ancient Clans, internal competition was fierce. Unity existed only when facing an outside threat; otherwise, power struggles were commonplace. Only in certain clans, like the Soul Clan, did a single will reign supreme — the Soul Emperor's word was law.
"I support this decision," said Lei Jin without hesitation.
As one of the strongest combatants in the Thunder Clan, Lei Jin's words carried weight. He was not inferior even to the Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan or the Four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan — perhaps only outnumbered.
With both the Clan Leader and Great Elder in agreement, no one dared oppose the proposal.
Shortly afterward, Lei Chen arrived, escorting Lei Qi and Lei Dong into the hall.
Lei Qi gazed around quietly. The atmosphere was heavy with power — every figure present was a pillar of the clan, the true elite. Lei Dong, on the other hand, was stunned. He had heard of the Inner Realm before, but never imagined he would be allowed in so soon.
Lei Chen gave a respectful bow. "Clan Leader, the two have arrived."
Lei Qi and Lei Dong immediately followed suit. "Greetings, Clan Leader!"
Among the gathered elders, Lei Dong spotted his father — a two-star Dou Sheng — watching with pride.
Lei Ying's deep voice resonated again. "Lei Qi, Lei Dong — your talents have brought great hope to our Thunder Clan. Therefore, I have decided to open the Thunder Realm, the inheritance ground of our ancestors. You will cultivate there for ten years. When you emerge, your achievements will depend on your own efforts."
The Thunder Clan valued directness over politics — they spoke with their fists, not their tongues. Even someone as sharp as Lei Qi had long been shaped by this culture.
"The clan's Thunder Realm?" Lei Qi asked curiously.
Lei Dong answered before anyone else could. "It's a realm forged by our ancestor, the Thunder Emperor. Within lies an ocean of lightning energy — a paradise for thunder cultivators. But… It's also dangerous. Countless opportunities lie hidden there, but only those who dare face the storm can seize them."
Indeed, the Thunder Realm wasn't merely a place of training; it housed the techniques, battle arts, and secret inheritances left by the Thunder Emperor himself.
Anyone fortunate enough to gain enlightenment within would far surpass their peers.
Upon hearing this, Lei Qi fell silent for a moment — half amazed, half exasperated.A ten-year closed-door training session in a perilous lightning domain?So much for the "time traveler advantage."
Still, he knew he had no right to refuse.
After giving them a few final instructions, Lei Ying personally led the two to the clan's Technique Pavilion — a sacred vault filled with countless thunder-attributed arts.
Now that both had reached the Dou Zhe realm, they were finally qualified to cultivate genuine techniques.
Before the bloodline awakened, even a Dou Di Clan descendant was no different from an ordinary mortal. Even the famed Gu Xun'er had not reached the Dou Zhe level until her teenage years.
But Lei Qi and Lei Dong? They had achieved it at just eight years old.
Lei Qi clenched his fists, a spark of pride flashing in his eyes. As a time traveler… how could I possibly lose to a native?
Lei Dong, standing beside him, simply smiled. Perhaps it wasn't about pride for him — maybe it was just pure rivalry.