If they hadn't experienced it firsthand, they wouldn't have believed it possible.

But as video after video flooded the internet, the tide of skepticism began to shift. One person could fake a story, but it was impossible to claim that all eight million residents of Fengcheng were colluding in some elaborate hoax.

Eyewitnesses, videos, and the sheer weight of evidence overwhelmed even the staunchest doubters.

"Did Fengcheng really endure such a catastrophic thunderstorm?"

"Inexplicable. Not even science can account for so much lightning. Where did it all come from?"

"Could it be… someone was really transcending tribulation? Is that why there was so much lightning?"

"They say someone caught a figure in the sky on camera. Was that person the one facing the calamity?"

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Curiosity swept through the online masses like wildfire. This wasn't some random natural phenomenon. There had to be a deeper reason, something hidden beneath the surface of what everyone assumed to be reality.

But just as the buzz reached fever pitch, the government stepped in to quell the uproar.

"Don't spread rumors or give in to baseless speculation. There is no such thing as transcending tribulation," a statement declared. "This was nothing more than a rare meteorological event—a super lightning storm caused by unusual atmospheric conditions. A once-in-a-century natural phenomenon."

To bolster their claim, a renowned expert emerged with charts, data, and scientific jargon. His voice rang with authority. "It's a rare weather anomaly, not a celestial event. Spreading such unscientific theories only fuels panic."

The explanation, however, failed to convince the public.

"Super lightning storm? My ass. Why haven't we heard of anything like this before? Not in textbooks, not in history—this so-called expert is spewing nonsense."

"Who's the real expert here, you or me? Just because you've never read about it doesn't mean it's impossible," the scientist shot back, steadfast in his stance. "I assure you, this is nothing more than an unusual weather pattern."

As the debates raged on, another official stepped forward with an announcement. "We acknowledge the severe damage caused by this rare storm. The government will bear the costs to compensate affected residents of Fengcheng."

This statement, viewed by some as an attempt at damage control, was swiftly followed by coordinated efforts to suppress the story.

A mysterious agency worked behind the scenes to remove the thunderstorm incident from trending lists, drowning it out with unrelated celebrity gossip. Soon, discussions shifted to scandals and drama involving public figures, drawing attention away from Fengcheng.

The chaos and questions surrounding the lightning disaster faded into the background, swept aside by the noise of everyday distractions. After a flurry of denials, compensations, and misdirections, the storm of speculation quieted.