That thunderclap shocked the entire Yun Manor.

Inside the Inner Mountains, Yun Li had been quick to notice and calmed everyone down. But the Outer Mountains were trouble. Many servants and slaves rushed over, surrounding Chen Changsheng’s courtyard tightly.

“Heavenly Thunder punishment! Could there be an Evil Spirit inside this courtyard?”

“Stop! Stop there!”

“The Master gave a strict order earlier—no one is to approach.”

“Just surround it first!”

Yun Li immediately brought people over from the Inner Mountains.

Inside the house in the courtyard,

Mo Yu opened his eyes and looked at Chen Changsheng.

He saw Chen Changsheng still reading, so he spoke up to warn, “Many people have gathered outside.”

Chen Changsheng pulled his thoughts back from the book.

“Perhaps the commotion earlier was too loud…”

Mo Yu had naturally heard the thunder too, though he hadn’t paid it much mind.

“I should go out and explain.”

Chen Changsheng stood and walked toward the door. Midway, he heard knocking.

Knock knock…

“Mr. Chen?”

It was Yun Li’s voice.

Chen Changsheng stepped forward to open the door and saw Yun Li with several cultivators behind him.

“Master, regarding that commotion just now…”

Chen Changsheng said, “It’s nothing serious, just a big noise. In the middle of the night like this, everyone should get back to rest.”

Hearing this, Yun Li sighed in relief. “This humble one will have them withdraw at once.”

After giving orders, he entered the courtyard alone.

Chen Changsheng invited him to sit.

Yun Li took the chance to ask carefully, “Master, that Heavenly Thunder punishment… did an Evil Spirit truly draw it forth?”

Chen Changsheng replied, “In a way, yes. You saw him during the day.”

Yun Li paused. “That cultivator from the Azure Phoenix Palace?”

“Mn.”

Chen Changsheng continued, “He was indeed once a cultivator of the Azure Phoenix Palace. Sadly, his mind was crooked. He thought borrowing the Evil Hand could make him soar to the heavens instantly. After I exposed him, he escaped through the window. Then he happened to meet the Heavenly Thunder… and his soul was destroyed.”

“I see…” Yun Li suddenly paused mid-sentence. “But Master, aren’t the Heavenly Secrets in disarray? Then why…”

Chen Changsheng asked, “Have you heard of the Arcane Spells in the Cultivation World that invite divine beings?”

“Naturally, I have.”

“The principle behind such spells lies in communicating with Heaven and Earth first, then summoning the divine. Though the method itself is fixed, people are flexible. With slight adjustments, one can align their very thoughts with Heaven and Earth.”

Yun Li was stunned. “Such a thing exists!?”

“Then… does that mean you can communicate with the Heavenly Dao, Mr. Chen?”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “Heaven’s Momentum can serve as a medium, but the Heavenly Dao itself never sends any reply.”

“Is that so…” Yun Li felt it was a pity.

Still, it gave him some insight.

He asked, “So… the way some cultivators borrow the power of Heaven and Earth… is it also through this method?”

“Correct.” Chen Changsheng said, “Actually, most cultivators today act by borrowing from Heaven and Earth. Those who can resonate with Heaven and Earth are usually those whose ways align with the righteous path of Heaven. The stronger the alignment, the greater the power they channel. This, however, depends on a cultivator’s own Dao Heart.”

A spark of joy ignited in Yun Li’s heart. “So that’s how it is…”

He looked at Mr. Chen. “Master, since you understand the Divine Decree… doesn’t that mean you resonate exceptionally well with Heaven and Earth?”

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment, unsure how to answer.

To say he conformed to the Heavenly Dao?

But it seemed he held little respect for this world’s Heavenly Dao.

Compared to that, Chen Changsheng trusted himself far more. He didn’t believe in things like the Will of Heaven either.

You could say he was disrespectful.

Yet, strangely, even for decrees like “Seal Heaven and Earth,” Heaven and Earth would lend him their help.

This question had puzzled Chen Changsheng all along.

Later on, he’d had some guesses—maybe his past life had some relationship with Heaven and Earth? That seemed an explanation.

But slowly, Chen Changsheng found that implausible.

Even now, he didn’t truly understand how Heaven and Earth viewed him.

Seeing Mr. Chen fall silent, Yun Li called out, “Mr. Chen?”

Chen Changsheng snapped back to the present. “What did you ask earlier?”

“Just then…” Yun Li hesitated, stopping midway. “…Nothing.”

“It’s late. Master, please rest well. This humble one will not disturb you further.”

Seeing this, Chen Changsheng nodded. “You should rest early too.”

“Alright.”

Yun Li bid farewell to his master.

Afterward, he went to see the family head and explained the cause and effect of the Heavenly Thunder incident.

Only then did everyone feel at ease.

Everyone knew Evil Spirits were hard to guard against. If one appeared within Yun Manor, who knew what chaos it might cause.

As the Yun Manor gradually calmed, the night slowly passed.

By dawn, casual chatter sprang up in various parts of the Outer Mountains, all about the previous night’s thunder.

“What kind of person do you think actually lives in that yard? He even summoned a Lightning Tribulation!”

“Don’t speak recklessly! The Inner Sect steward said it was an invading Evil Spirit last night, already vanquished.”

“Probably killed by whoever lives in that yard.”

“Was it the Thunder Technique?”

“Heavenly Thunder punishment and Thunder Technique are not the same.”

“Anyway, don’t overthink it. Let’s not pry too much into this.”

Though rules were strict throughout Yun Manor, both mountain and foot, they couldn’t stop people’s curiosity. They couldn’t help asking a few idle questions.

Some said the person in the yard was a cultivator dressed in a Blue Robe, looking exceptionally dashing and elegant. Gradually, Chen Changsheng’s image took shape in the Yun Manor servants’ minds.

They thought, perhaps if they encountered him someday, if he fancied them, he might give some pointers.

Meanwhile, Chen Changsheng was woken by the noisy antics of the Tabby Cat Lihua.

Lihua was full of energy, often digging in the courtyard soil. What was once a smooth yard was now pitted with holes big and small, looking rather unsightly. Later, Mo Yu, guessing Chen Changsheng wouldn’t like it, painstakingly filled each one in.

Lihua could remain this carefree probably because Mo Yu always had its back.

After waking, Chen Changsheng intended to place the flowers from his sleeve in the courtyard.

He had a feeling he would leave today.

For this reason, he specifically called Yun Li over and mentioned the matter.

“Master, you’re leaving!?” Yun Li asked.

Chen Changsheng nodded. “To visit a friend. I will return in three years. I plan to leave something behind in the courtyard. I would ask the Young Master to watch over it. I will also leave a Seal (Restriction Spell) behind.”

Though curious, Yun Li didn’t pry further.

“Then… when will you leave, Master?”

“By noon.”

Yun Li thought for a moment. “Would you permit this humble one to accompany you?”

Chen Changsheng laughed lightly, “Better not. I am not going to a pleasant place.”

“I see…” Yun Li didn’t push it. “Then, in some time, I shall take a walk in the Mortal World.”

“That is actually a fine idea.”

Chen Changsheng said, “The Mortal World is a wonderful place. It is not as unworthy as the Cultivation World makes it out to be.”