The manor's underground palace was very deep. Everyone followed the stairs downwards, and the temperature grew colder.
After walking for two minutes, they finally reached the lowest level.
It was a vast space, with two statues erected in the center.
Zhang Lan flipped the light switch. Under the cold glow of the incandescent bulbs, Wu Tian saw that the statues were of a man and a woman.
The man was heroic and majestic, while the woman was enchantingly beautiful. Between the two statues, a dark iron greatsword stood quietly, its edge glinting with a cold sheen.
This scene stunned Wu Tian.
He couldn't help but ask, "My heavens, you have such a place down here? It's truly incredible."
Even Chen Yi widened her beautiful eyes and said in surprise, "Even I didn't know our family had such a place. Mom, what is this for?"
Zhang Lan explained, "This is the most important place in our Hua Sect. As you can see from the statues in front, one is Lord Thunder God, and the other is the founder of our Hua Sect."
"You may not know this, but Lord Thunder God and our Hua Sect's founder were husband and wife."
"And our Hua Sect has a very long history; even some hidden spiritual sects cannot compare to our Hua Sect's history."
"The two of them built this underground palace during their lives, and the palace preserves the sword that Lord Thunder God used to wield."
"That sword is called the Ben Lei Sword, and it is said to be forged from meteorite iron. If used in conjunction with the 'Swift Thunder Swordplay,' its power would be extraordinary."
"Lord Thunder God once said that he would leave this sword to his successor."
"And now that you, Sect Leader Wu, have mastered the 'Heavenly Thunder Divine Tome,' this Ben Lei Sword naturally belongs to you."
Hearing Zhang Lan's words, Wu Tian felt a buzzing in his head.
He slowly walked forward and looked at the Ben Lei Sword.
As soon as his X-ray vision activated, information about the Ben Lei Sword was immediately revealed to him.
This was actually a Heavenly Grade Spirit Artifact!
Wu Tian's body trembled with excitement.
He felt how wondrous life was. He had just obtained the Qian Jun Tower, and now he was getting another such treasure.
He couldn't help but ask Zhang Lan, "Sect Leader Zhang, can I really take this sword?"
"This is something your Hua Sect has guarded for generations. Handing it over to me like this, isn't it... inappropriate?"
Zhang Lan shook her head and smiled, "There's nothing inappropriate about it, because it rightfully belongs to you."
"Moreover, this sword is of no use to us. Keeping it here would only lead to it being buried and forgotten."
"So, don't feel any pressure. Take what you should take. Rest assured, we will have no objections."
Hearing Zhang Lan's words, Wu Tian said nothing more.
He nodded and said, "In that case, I thank you, Sect Leader Zhang."
With that, Wu Tian stepped forward and grasped the hilt of the Ben Lei Sword.
Instantly, a wondrous sensation surged through his body.
He subconsciously looked up at the statue of the Thunder God.
In a trance, he saw the statue come alive. The god-like man nodded to him, as if acknowledging his identity.
A surge of emotion immediately filled his heart. He stored the Ben Lei Sword into his ring, then took a step back and bowed solemnly three times to the statue.
This was something he had to do. Since he had learned the 'Heavenly Thunder Divine Tome' and obtained the Ben Lei Sword, he was undoubtedly the successor of the Thunder God.
This master-disciple禮 (lǐ, etiquette/respect) was essential.
Afterward, Wu Tian returned to Zhang Lan.
He said, "Sect Leader Zhang, since Lord Thunder God has such a close relationship with the Hua Sect, then as his successor, I am, in a sense, also a part of the Hua Sect."
"From now on, if the Hua Sect faces any danger, you can tell me, and I will do my utmost to help."
Zhang Lan smiled and nodded, "With your words, Sect Leader Wu, then this Ben Lei Sword has not been given to the wrong person."
"Since Sect Leader Wu has this intention, then our Hua Sect naturally cannot accept it without reciprocation."
"In the future, if Sect Leader Wu needs any help, our Hua Sect will also fully support you."
"Although our Hua Sect's combat power is not great, I believe our foundation and status can still help Sect Leader Wu."
Wu Tian did not refuse this. He said, "No problem. I will arrange for people from the Ba Shan Sect to come over. If I cannot arrive immediately in the future, the disciples of the Ba Shan Sect can hold the line for me for a while."
Zhang Lan chuckled and said, "Then I thank Sect Leader Wu for your trouble. Oh, and there's one more thing I wanted to discuss with you."
"My two daughters, when are you planning to take them away?"
"What?" Wu Tian was stunned by her words.
He asked in surprise, "No, Sect Leader Zhang, what do you mean by that? I don't quite understand."
Zhang Lan smiled and said, "Sect Leader Wu, you mustn't be confused about such matters."
"Didn't I say before that I'm willing to give my two daughters to you? So, Sect Leader Wu, please don't refuse."
Chen Yi and Chen Meng heard this, and their pretty faces immediately turned red.
But they already liked Wu Tian, so not only did they not resist, they felt a sense of anticipation.
After his initial surprise, Wu Tian quickly said, "No way, Sect Leader Zhang! I thought you said that to scare them. It turns out it's true?"
Zhang Lan nodded and said, "Of course it's true. What's wrong? Does Sect Leader Wu not fancy my two daughters?"
Wu Tian quickly shook his head and said, "No, no! Both of them are peerless beauties. To have even one of them would be a life without regret. How could I not fancy them?"
"I just feel I'm not worthy. I'm just an ordinary person. How can I possibly deserve this?"
Zhang Lan couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, saying, "Sect Leader Wu, you are too modest. You are so outstanding at such a young age, how can you call yourself ordinary?"
"I genuinely like you. Among people of the same age, there should be no one more outstanding than you in this world. Why be so humble?"
Wu Tian was so nervous that he started to sweat.
He wasn't being humble at all. Even though he was now extraordinary, in his heart, he still saw himself as just a humble village doctor.
Therefore, accepting these two celestial beauties was indeed a great pressure for him.
After much thought, he decided it was best to stay true to his original intentions.
So he said, "Sect Leader Zhang, I appreciate your kindness, but I have important matters to attend to at the moment and cannot focus on romantic relationships. Please forgive me!"