[Congratulations host! You have received the cultivation technique 'Thundering Qilin'. Would you like to absorb this technique?]

"Yes," Tianyu confirmed.

Tianyu felt a surge of excitement as he accepted the new cultivation technique, 'Thundering Qilin.' His mind was ready to absorb this wealth of knowledge, having become accustomed to this unique sensation.

[Congratulations, Host, for choosing your cultivation path. Special reward: The system will adjust the Host's body to perfectly assimilate to the lightning cultivation path,] Sophia chimed.

Suddenly, intense pain surged through Tianyu's body as if a bolt of lightning had taken residence within him. This electrifying force coursed through his veins, enhancing blood flow, clearing meridians, and transforming his internal structure. It purified his blood before settling in his lower abdomen, forming his dantian.

The ordeal felt like an eternity, the excruciating pain unimaginable. But when it was over, Tianyu's body felt utterly transformed. It was akin to the sensation he experienced when he first ascended that morning, yet different. His body exuded comfort and readiness.

He inhaled deeply, which gave a strange sensation. The air that he inhaled felt different. After his ascension he noticed this also, however, he hadn't been able to explain. Now, he had a much better idea after learning about Qi Cultivation from the technique book. Inhaling deeply, like he had been to calm his nerves, was a form of meditation. He had developed this habit from his previous life when he felt stressed out or needed to 'reset' his mind and clear his head.

With meditation being the basis of Qu Cultivation, this was unknowingly making his spirit and Qi revolve, which is why the air felt strange. Since realizing this, the reason that it now feels different from this morning is that he is now a lightning cultivator. The feeling of each of his deep breaths came with an almost static feeling. Like the air is vibrating.

Tianyu understood that this was just the beginning of his journey into lightning cultivation, and he looked forward to exploring these sensations more deeply.

Next, he redeemed his mount token, expecting to receive a creature. However, something unexpected occurred.

A bright red flash illuminated the clearing, and the Sky Piercer Halberd summoned itself. A gust of wind swirled around, carrying a deep, gruff laughter.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

[Due to the interference from your soul weapon, the host has summoned a linked mount,] Sophia explained.

Tianyu's confusion grew. "A linked mount?"

In the distance, a powerful whinny echoed, and the sound of galloping hooves drew nearer. Emerging from the treeline was a colossal horse, its crimson coat gleaming in the sunlight. It had a long, fiery-red mane, black hooves that pounded the earth like thunder, and a tail that matched its fiery mane. Its crimson eyes locked onto Tianyu.

Tianyu couldn't believe his eyes. This horse was none other than the legendary Red Hare, known as the fastest and most powerful horse in history. It had been the prized steed of the famous warlord, Lu Bu.

"Is this what it meant by a linked mount?" Tianyu wondered aloud.

Approaching Red Hare cautiously, he extended his hand and gently stroked her head. The magnificent steed didn't resist; she recognized Tianyu as her new owner and detected the aura of her former master, Lu Bu.

After spending some time petting and admiring Red Hare, Tianyu decided it was time to return home. He needed to make arrangements for Red Hare's accommodation in the courtyard and ensure her well-being. He also needed to focus on his cultivation and step-by-step mastery of his new lightning technique.

Upon returning home with Red Hare, Tianyu was met with an unexpected sight. A man stood at the gate of his courtyard, and as Tianyu approached, he recognized him as the butler from the Qin Family.

The butler, with an air of condescension, addressed Tianyu. "You and your mother are to return to the family immediately," he commanded, as though Tianyu were a servant and he the master.

Tianyu's expression soured, and he retorted, "Family? My only family is here."

The butler's eyes bore a cold, unrelenting gaze as he responded, "This is a direct order from the family head."

"Your family head, not mine," Tianyu shot back as he walked past the butler and headed into his home.

The butler, in a thinly veiled threat, warned, "You know what will happen if you refuse."

Ignoring the provocation, Tianyu entered his courtyard, leading Red Hare with him. The butler, sneering, turned and walked away.

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Inside the courtyard, Tianyu guided Red Hare to the shade of the oak tree. He told her to stay there and that he would return soon. Red Hare seemed to understand and contentedly began grazing on the grass.

With a smile on his face, Tianyu re-entered the house and informed his mother about Red Hare's arrival. He spun a tale of finding her on the forest's edge, where she took a liking to him and followed him home. He assured his mother that he would take care of the horse himself.

Though his story sounded peculiar, Qin Li Mei chose not to pry. She understood that everyone had their secrets, and as long as her son was happy and healthy, that was all that mattered to her.

Tianyu also mentioned the Qin Family butler's visit and how he had already sent him away. His mother couldn't help but wear a worried expression at the mention of the Qin Family stirring up trouble again.

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Back at the Qin Family Manor, the butler had returned and immediately reported to the family head. He expressed his outrage at Tianyu's actions.

"That scoundrel Qin Tianyu is too much!" he exclaimed with disdain. "Not only did he directly refuse an order from the family head, but he also besmirched the Qin Family's honor and reputation!"

The room erupted with voices of indignation. "He did what?" "Unbelievable!"

Seeing the effect his report had, the butler smirked.

"The boy is stubborn and foolish!" declared a deep voice, resonating through the room. "Just like his father," the same voice chuckled, casting a glance at Qin Zhao Ren.

"Zhao Ren," the family head addressed him. "How do you suggest we deal with this situation?"

Setting down his cup, Qin Zhao Ren opened his eyes and replied calmly, "It's simple. Go after his weak spot."

"Which is?" the family head inquired.

"Qin Li Mei," Qin Zhao Ren confirmed. "Once you convince Qin Li Mei to return to the family, Tianyu will follow. He would have no choice."