Never Fear Challenges!

Without further words, the two moved almost simultaneously.

Hong’s figure became a streak of light, crossing nearly half the training room in an instant. His twin spears thrust at Thor from an inconceivable angle. His movements were elegant and precise, every step seemingly calculated with exacting precision, without a single unnecessary motion.

Thor reacted swiftly, sweeping his Thunder Battleblade sideways. The lightning along the blade abruptly intensified, colliding with the light blades in a burst of dazzling blue-white sparks. His fighting style was utterly different from Hong’s—broad and powerful, every strike carrying the force of Thunderous Onslaught.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The sounds of repeated collisions echoed through the training room. Their weapons crossed in midair, weaving a beautiful yet dangerous tapestry of light and electricity.

After a brief warm-up, the two pulled apart. Neither had used their full strength; they were merely testing each other’s condition.

"Not bad," Thor said with a grin, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Looks like yesterday’s training didn’t affect your performance."

Hong merely nodded slightly, a rare trace of anticipation flashing through his eyes. "Shall we begin?"

"Of course!" Thor answered excitedly. "Let’s try that energy complementarity effect we discovered yesterday first."

Hong nodded in agreement, and the two immediately began adjusting their energy states.

Thor closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gradually relaxing every muscle in his body. He planted the Thunder Battleblade into the floor, raised both hands before his chest, and formed a complex seal. "Thunder Network, activate."

As his words fell, a web-like structure composed of countless tiny electric currents began forming around him. Rather than simply radiating outward, those currents flowed according to a specific pattern, forming miniature energy vortices at the network’s nodes. The entire network glowed blue, though certain nodes deepened or lightened in color, creating a peculiar energy gradient.

At the same time, Hong began releasing his own light-element energy. He crossed his hands before his chest, then slowly spread them apart. "Light Lattice, form."

Countless tiny points of light began appearing around him. They were not randomly distributed, but arranged according to a precise geometric structure, forming a lattice like the atomic arrangement within a crystal. Every point of light formed a sort of energy connection with those around it. The entire lattice shone with pure gold, though flashes of differently colored light occasionally flickered where the points connected.

The two energy fields met in the center of the training room, yet instead of repelling or clashing with each other, they seemed to find a point of resonance and gradually began to merge. The nodes of the Thunder Network corresponded with and connected to the light points of the Light Lattice, forming an even more complex and harmonious energy structure.

"Interesting." Thor opened his eyes, watching the phenomenon in surprise. "They really can merge naturally, and it’s even smoother than yesterday."

Hong nodded, thought glimmering in his eyes. "Energy shares the same essence. Guide it."

The two began actively guiding the fusion and flow of the energies. Thor controlled the electric currents in the Thunder Network, directing them along specific paths, while Hong adjusted the structure of the Light Lattice, making the points of light flicker in a particular rhythm.

Gradually, an entirely new form of energy began taking shape in the center of the training room—a vortex composed jointly of light and electricity. At its core was pure white energy. Spiraling outward from it were interwoven blue and gold bands of energy, constantly rotating and radiating powerful yet harmonious fluctuations.

The readings on the energy monitoring devices rose rapidly, yet remained within a stable range, indicating that the two had excellent control over this new energy form.

"This is incredible," Thor exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. "This fused energy feels completely different from pure lightning energy. It’s more flexible, more precise."

Hong nodded lightly as well. "The speed of light, the power of electricity."

That brief assessment perfectly summarized the fused energy’s traits. The speed and penetrative power of light had combined with electricity’s explosive force and destructive power, creating an entirely new energy form with the advantages of both.

"Let’s test its practical applications," Thor suggested, battle hunger gleaming in his eyes. "Let’s see what this energy can do in combat."

Hong agreed. The two temporarily disengaged their fused energy, returned to their positions, and prepared for a simulated battle to test this newly discovered energy form in actual combat.

Thor struck first. Raising his Thunder Battleblade, the lightning on its surface suddenly surged. "Thunderous Onslaught!"

A thick bolt of lightning shot from the blade’s tip, aimed straight for Hong’s chest. This was one of Thor’s standard attacks, but unlike before, faint particles of light could be seen within the lightning. It was the result of his attempt to incorporate light-element traits into his lightning.

Hong did not defend directly. Instead, he chose a more proactive response. The Light Blade Twin Spears in his hands traced a peculiar path through the air. "Rhythm of Light: Electromagnetic Acceleration."

Countless tiny arrows of light shot from the spear tips. Yet unlike usual, weak electric currents coiled around them, creating an electromagnetic propulsion effect that greatly increased their speed and penetrative force.

The two attacks met in midair, but instead of canceling each other out, they fused in a wondrous fashion, forming an energy vortex that spread outward before being absorbed by the training room’s energy absorption devices.

"Interesting effect," Thor commented. "It seems our attacks are compatible on the energy level."

Hong nodded slightly, then offered an even bolder idea. "Attack the same target simultaneously."

Thor immediately understood. They needed to test the effect of the two energies acting upon one target at the same time.

At the center of the training room stood a training dummy made of special materials. It could withstand powerful energy attacks while recording the type and intensity of energy it received. Thor and Hong decided to use it as their target and test their fused energy attack.

"I’ll count to three, then we attack together," Thor proposed. "One, two, three!"

The instant he said "three," Thor released a bolt of lightning while Hong fired a beam of light. The two energies struck the training dummy almost simultaneously, and something remarkable happened—the energies did not simply stack. At the instant they touched the dummy, they fused into a new form of energy, creating a small energy explosion. A clear dent appeared on the dummy’s surface, its edges bearing scorch marks and traces of electrical burns.

The readings displayed by the energy monitors far exceeded expectations, showing that the power of this fused attack was vastly greater than the simple sum of the two energies.

"That’s astonishing!" Thor shouted in praise, excitement shining in his eyes. "This fused attack is even stronger than I imagined!"

A rare flicker of emotion appeared on Hong’s face. He was clearly surprised and satisfied by the result. "Energy catalysis effect," he assessed briefly. "They strengthen each other."

The two continued conducting tests, experimenting with different energy ratios and methods of release while recording every result. They discovered that the best offensive effect came when light-element and lightning-element energy fused at a specific ratio. The timing of their release was also crucial; releasing them nearly simultaneously created the strongest fusion effect.

After more than an hour of experimentation, the two had gained a deeper understanding of this new energy form. Next, they decided to attempt more complex applications.

"I was thinking," Thor said as he wiped sweat from the Thunder Battleblade, "if we can apply this fused energy to defense, would it have some special effect as well?"

Hong considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Worth trying."

They designed a new experiment. Thor would create a defensive barrier based on the Thunder Network, while Hong would attempt to integrate the Light Lattice into it, enhancing the barrier’s stability and reaction speed.

Thor stood at the center of the training room, raising both hands. "Thunder Network: Guardian Shield."

A hemispherical blue Energy Barrier formed around him, woven from countless tiny currents. Whenever energy touched the barrier, those currents swiftly converged at the point of contact, creating an energy backlash that either deflected or absorbed the attacking energy.

Hong stood beside Thor, forming hand seals. "Light Lattice: Reinforce."

Countless tiny points of light began merging into the Thunder Network’s structure, forming additional reinforcement points at the current nodes. The entire barrier changed from pure blue into a peculiar blend of blue and gold.

To test the reinforced barrier, they requested that the training room’s system fire a series of energy spheres at them. The energy spheres gradually increased in strength, from basic Level One Energy Bullets to Level Five Energy Bullets capable of injuring Cosmic-Level Martial Artists.

"Ready?" Thor asked. Sweat had already begun beading on his forehead; maintaining the Energy Barrier clearly required considerable concentration.

Hong nodded, his gaze focused. "Begin."

The training room’s system began firing Energy Bullets. The initial Level One and Level Two Energy Bullets were easily deflected, leaving no marks on the barrier at all. Level Three Energy Bullets struck the barrier and caused ripples of energy, but the barrier quickly regained stability.

The true test came with the Level Four and Level Five Energy Bullets. These high-energy attacks were sufficient to severely damage ordinary Energy Barriers.

When the first Level Four Energy Bullet struck the barrier, the entire shield shook violently. Yet reinforced by the Light Lattice, the currents swiftly reorganized, dispersing the impact across the barrier’s entire surface before successfully deflecting it.

"That’s unbelievable!" Thor exclaimed, sounding somewhat strained. "My Thunder Barrier could previously block only Level Three Energy Bullets at most, but now it can withstand Level Four!"

But the true challenge was the Level Five Energy Bullet. When the system fired the enormous red sphere of energy, both men tensed. It slammed toward the barrier at astonishing speed, erupting in a blinding flash and an ear-splitting roar.

The barrier shook violently, and several cracks appeared across it. Yet under the Light Lattice’s restorative effect, those cracks were quickly filled. The currents of the Thunder Network became even more active, producing a special oscillation effect that reflected part of the Energy Bullet’s impact back at it.

The Energy Bullet was ultimately deflected, though its power had diminished greatly, and it soon dissipated into the air.

Although the barrier had successfully blocked the attack, it had consumed a great deal of energy and grown much dimmer. Thor and Hong stopped their energy output and let out long breaths together. The defense had clearly drained a considerable amount of their strength.

"Though it takes a lot out of us, it definitely works," Thor said, his face bright with the joy of success. "Our defensive power has risen by at least two levels!"

Hong nodded, a rare trace of satisfaction appearing in his expression. "Light’s restoration, electricity’s rebound. The complementary effect is obvious."

The two rested for a while and recovered some of their strength before deciding to carry out one final experiment—attempting to create an entirely new fusion skill that perfectly combined the traits of light and electricity.

"I have an idea," Thor said excitedly. "My God of Thunder Descent mainly draws upon the power of thunder and lightning between heaven and earth, while your Judgment of Light condenses the essence of the laws of light. If we can combine them—"

A flash of surprise crossed Hong’s eyes. He was clearly taken aback by the bold idea, but he soon nodded. "We can try, but we need precise control. If the energy becomes chaotic, the consequences will be severe."

They both understood that this was a risky attempt. Fusing two powerful forms of law energy could not only cause energy chaos if mishandled, but could also injure them. Yet as peak Martial Artists, they never feared challenges.

For safety, they informed the training room’s management system and requested that the energy absorption devices be set to their highest level. They also activated the emergency barrier in case the energy went out of control.

Once everything was ready, the two stood back-to-back at the center of the training room and began mobilizing their respective law energies.

Thor closed his eyes and formed a complex seal with his hands. "Ninefold Thunder Domain, Sixth Layer, activate."

A deafening peal of thunder exploded above the training room. A blue energy field formed around Thor, currents surging through it with piercing crackles. This was the highest level of Thunder Domain that Thor could control steadily. Beyond it was the Seventh Layer he had used in battle against Windwalker Moding.

At the same time, Hong began gathering his light-element energy. "Light Intent, unfold."

Countless tiny points of light formed around him, gradually condensing into a golden energy field. These points were not merely suspended in the air, but flowed according to a specific pattern, creating complex yet harmonious energy fluctuations.

"Let’s begin merging them," Thor suggested, his voice somewhat tense from the gathered energy. "I’ll try extending the boundary of my Thunder Domain toward your Light Intent. You do the same."

Hong nodded, and the two cautiously guided their energy fields toward each other.

At first, the two energy fields produced some chaos at their point of contact. The energy fluctuations became unstable, and the training room’s energy monitors emitted a faint alarm. But both were Martial Artists with extremely strong control, and they quickly adjusted the method and intensity of their energy output.