Invincible Beyond Heavens: Cultivating With A Broken EXP System

“In the end… he still did not surpass Senior Brother Li Yunxiao.”

Li Yunxiao had endured ten days within the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool, while Li Yun had only lasted nine. At first glance, the difference was clear. Even though Liu Qinghai and Duan Yingying had expected this outcome, they still could not hide the disappointment in their hearts when they saw the result.

“Lasting nine days in the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool is already an extraordinary achievement,” they said, trying to console themselves.

However, just as they were sighing, a sudden change occurred.

Whoosh.

The Heavenly Lightning Record Stele trembled, and Li Yun’s name, wrapped in a brilliant silver glow, shot upward like a streak of light.

In an instant, before anyone could react, his name had already risen to the very top, surpassing Li Yunxiao and claiming first place.

“What?”

“Junior Brother Li Yun has taken first place?”

“He only lasted nine days, while Senior Brother Li Yunxiao lasted ten. How can nine days surpass ten? What is happening? Is there something wrong with the stele?”

Shock spread across the faces of all the Heaven Mandate Peak disciples. One after another, they rubbed their eyes in disbelief, thinking they must have seen it wrong.

Yet no matter how many times they looked, the result did not change.

Li Yun’s name stood at the very top, replacing the position once held by Li Yunxiao, the greatest genius Heaven Mandate Peak had ever produced.

Duan Yingying and Liu Qinghai turned toward the Heaven Mandate Peak Head, their expressions filled with confusion.

“Head… what is going on?”

The Heaven Mandate Peak Head fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the Heavenly Lightning Record Stele as he carefully considered the situation. Then he spoke slowly, his voice calm yet certain.

“If I am not mistaken, the reason Li Yun only remained in the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool for nine days is not because he reached his limit, but because he has absorbed all of the heavenly thunder energy in the third area.”

“What? He absorbed all of it?”

Liu Qinghai and Duan Yingying were stunned. Their eyes widened as they struggled to process what they had just heard.

In that instant, everything became clear.

Li Yun’s nine-day result had surpassed Li Yunxiao’s ten-day record not because he endured longer, but because his achievement was fundamentally different. Li Yunxiao had resisted the power of the thunder pool for ten days, while Li Yun had gone far beyond endurance and completely absorbed the energy of the most dangerous region within it.

The difference between the two was no longer comparable.

A quiet gasp escaped both Liu Qinghai and Duan Yingying.

“Junior Brother Li Yun is truly extraordinary,” they said, unable to hide their amazement.

They had both experienced the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool themselves. Even without entering the third area, they understood how terrifying it must be. For ordinary martial artists, survival within that region was already an impossible challenge, yet Li Yun had done more than survive. He had devoured everything within it.

“Since Junior Brother Li Yun has claimed first place on the Heavenly Lightning Record Stele, he should now have the right to inherit our peak’s supreme art, the Heavenly Lightning Codex. I wonder if he will be able to comprehend it,” one of the disciples said.

“If Senior Brother Li Yunxiao was able to comprehend it back then, then Junior Brother Li Yun, whose achievement has surpassed his, should have no problem doing the same.”

“Our Heaven Mandate Peak’s supreme art may finally reappear.”

For many years, no disciple of Heaven Mandate Peak had successfully comprehended the Heavenly Lightning Codex. This had become a lingering humiliation, often mocked by the other peaks.

Now, Li Yun’s rise brought with it a chance to restore that lost honor.

Every disciple present felt a surge of anticipation.

They all looked toward the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool, hoping that Li Yun would succeed and bring glory back to their peak.

“Li Yun… do not disappoint me,” the Heaven Mandate Peak Head murmured softly, his eyes filled with expectation.

…

Inside the third area of the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool, everything had fallen into complete stillness.

“There is no more heavenly thunder energy left here. Staying any longer is pointless. But where is the place where the Heavenly Lightning Codex is hidden?”

Li Yun slowly scanned his surroundings. The once chaotic region was now completely empty, devoid of any trace of lightning.

Just as he was looking around, an indifferent voice suddenly echoed in his ears.

“Congratulations. You have passed the test of the third area of the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool. According to the rules I left behind, you have earned the opportunity to comprehend the supreme art known as the Heavenly Lightning Codex.”

Li Yun’s expression changed instantly. He spun around and looked into the distance.

“Who is there?”

Not far from him, within the void, stood an old man who had appeared without a sound. He wore silver robes, and a mark shaped like lightning rested between his brows. His face carried a gentle and benevolent expression.

Yet, despite that calm appearance, Li Yun could clearly sense the terrifying power hidden within him. The aura surrounding the old man was so overwhelming that Li Yun felt as if a single breath from him would be enough to crush him completely.

Compared to this person, someone like Xiao Fanyun seemed insignificant, not even worth mentioning.

This was undoubtedly a figure of unimaginable strength.

“Who are you?” Li Yun asked, his voice calm but his vigilance at its peak.

The silver-robed old man seemed to notice his caution and smiled faintly.

“There is no need to be nervous. I am the Heavenly Thunder Hermit, the first head of Heaven Mandate Peak.”

Li Yun’s eyes widened slightly in realization.

He had seen the portraits of past peak heads within the Heaven Mandate Hall. The moment he heard the name and observed the old man’s appearance, he immediately recognized him.

“Disciple Li Yun greets Head Tianlei.”

He quickly cupped his hands and bowed respectfully.

The Heavenly Thunder Hermit was the most legendary figure in the history of Heaven Mandate Peak. He was the founder who had established the peak and laid the foundation for its former glory. Among all the past heads, only his Heavenly Lightning Codex had been recognized as the ultimate art of the peak, which spoke volumes about his status.

Facing such a figure, Li Yun naturally maintained the utmost respect.

“This is only a spiritual remnant of mine. There is no need to be so formal.”

The Heavenly Thunder Hermit smiled gently, his tone calm and composed.

“This Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool was created by me. When I established it, I left behind a rule. Any disciple of Heaven Mandate Peak who can claim first place in the third area will be granted the opportunity to inherit my ultimate art, the Heavenly Lightning Codex.”

He paused briefly before continuing, his gaze settling on Li Yun.

“Do you wish to accept this inheritance?”

“I am willing.”

Li Yun answered without hesitation.

His purpose for entering the Heavenly Spirit Thunder Pool had always been twofold. He wanted to strengthen himself, and he also sought the Heavenly Lightning Codex. Now that the opportunity stood right before him, there was no reason for him to refuse.

“Take it.”

The Heavenly Thunder Hermit raised his hand slightly. A beam of light emerged from his sleeve and drifted toward Li Yun before settling into his palm.

Li Yun lowered his gaze and saw a small, silver object resting in his hand. It was shaped like a delicate wheel, no larger than his palm, and it resembled a finely crafted piece of art.

The surface of the wheel was covered in countless intricate runes, each one radiating a mysterious and profound aura.