Chapter 96

Chapter 96: The Lineage of the Thunder God

“Here we go, Lacy. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

The theater was brightly lit, with an audience seating area that could accommodate about 500 people arranged in a tiered semicircle facing the stage. There were also individual viewing rooms on the second floor, reserved for some esteemed guests. The walls inside the theater were covered with velvet wallpaper to prevent echoes, and the audience seats were made entirely of solid wood, cleaned daily. After all, those who came to watch operas were either wealthy or noble, and they had high standards for such things.

“Next up is the Fenghua Opera Troupe’s performance of ‘The Lineage of the Thunder God,'” the host briefly introduced the story background and the Fenghua Opera Troupe, and then the opera performance began.

The staff had already set up the backdrop for the opera backstage, and several actors dressed in various costumes stepped onto the stage. At this moment, the band behind the curtain started playing. As the music played, an old voice began to recount the ancient legend.

[After the one-armed hero who saved the world passed away]

[In the place where the chaotic evil deity was sealed, a town was built]

[He took on the task of guarding the barrier himself]

[And became the firm cornerstone of lasting peace]

At this point, several men dressed in ethnic-style clothing stepped onto the stage. They were robust, some holding guns, some swords, others bows, with lightning emblems on their arms.

[On their right arm, they bear the proud emblem of Thunder (proof)]

[Their names are]

[The People of the Thunder God]

[The Mystery of Inheritance]

[The Path Traced by the Youth]

[The Lineage of the Thunder God]

It was now Lacy’s turn to sing. She took a deep breath, and her clear and moving voice echoed from backstage. The audience present were unconsciously immersed in the melodious song, their thoughts seemingly transported back to that legendary era.

“Weak ones band together”

“Seeking scapegoats”

“A childhood devoid of love”

“Painful like scorching stones”

At this moment, a golden-haired ‘youth’ appeared on stage. He had a resolute expression, holding a sword in one hand, with a lightning emblem on his arm.

“Bit his lip alone”

“Hugging his knees, silently enduring”

“As long as one endures, storms will pass”

“Even if it’s a storm”

The golden-haired youth swung his longsword and fought the monster, but it didn’t go smoothly. Finally, he defeated the monster, but he was exhausted. At this point, a white-robed maiden with an iris flower headdress stepped onto the stage.

“But where is the true power of this shining emblem (mark)?”

“The small hand extended by the maiden”

“To me, it seems so vast.”

Lacy finished singing this line, temporarily put down her music sheet, and looked at the old man reciting the narration opposite her. It was his turn now. The old man’s passionate voice echoed.

【In the palm of the silent history,】

【The story of the youth and the young lady who met there.】

The music slowly rose.

【A decade feels like a fleeting lightning flash,】

【Time passes in an instant,】

【And now, black history begins to spin anew.】

The golden-haired youth was comforted and encouraged by the white-dressed young lady. He also fell in love with her, but his status was lowly.

【Gazing up at the distant sky,】

【My heart burns with anxiety,】

【Only her lovely smile appears in my mind,】

【This affection does not deserve her,】

【Even though I have long known it.】

The young lady was moved by the youth’s sincerity, and they became lovers, but she still could not marry him.

【Beautiful you, why,】

【Are you the daughter of the tribal chief?】

【You can only marry the strongest in the tribe,】

【Such a marriage is】

【An unshakeable rule.】

The singing paused for a moment, then resumed, but much faster. The song was filled with urgency and worry for the future.

【Ah,】

【Without the lightning (strength) in this arm,】

【Can I not protect you?】

【This will is absolutely not inferior to anyone,】

【These shouted words】

【Dissipate in the wind, turning into nothing…】

At this point, the singing stopped. The young men who had previously held swords, bows, and guns returned to the stage, gathering together to demonstrate their martial skills.

【The deadline is approaching,】

【The tribal chief’s daughter’s wedding is set for when she turns sixteen this year,】

【Her birthday is coming soon,】

【The warriors of the tribe rush to compete,】

【The deadline is approaching,】

【An evil aura covers the entire town,】

【Dark clouds shroud the sky,】

【Announcing the arrival of “the third storm.”】

Several villains dressed in black robes and wearing evil masks appeared. The accompanying music shifted from its previous style, becoming urgent, foreshadowing that the climax of the story was about to arrive.

【”Oh… What is that…!”】

【I see those figures in black robes…】

【The apostles mentioned in the prophecy,】

【Those people have entered the deepest seal,】

【Unsealing the seal of the evil deity…!】

【Now, the bloodline of Lord Thunder God has thinned,】

The weak lightning in our hands flickered…

Ah, how terrifying!

Such overwhelming power that shakes the sky and earth…

It’s coming… It’s coming this way…!”

A black smoke rose, and the lights flickered. A tall actor with a powerful presence appeared, his face smeared with red paint. His expression was fierce, with black wings adorning his back, and he wore pitch-black armor, his steps heavy.

The roar that shatters the earth,

The claws that tear through the sky,

The six pairs of wings burning like raging flames,

The dark eyes that only needed a glance,

And valiant warriors fell one after another…

Young men bearing the lightning badge were unable to withstand him, falling one by one. At this point, only the golden-haired youth and the white-dressed maiden remained on the field.

“Oh…”

“Before the gods,”

“Humans are such weak and powerless beings…”

“At the moment when everyone was engulfed in deep despair,”

“A dazzling light pierced through the body of the youth who lacked lightning (power)…”

At this moment, the golden-haired youth’s eyes began to emit a faint blue glow, and tiny sparks of lightning appeared on his body.

“Awaken…”

“The one who possesses the brave right arm…”

“The one who inherits the direct lightning (power)…”

“I once sealed the dark god,”

“Now, if I release that lightning (power) again,”

“Perhaps my entire body will be evaporated,”

“Are you prepared?”

“…Then awaken now! Sword of Thunder God!”

The opera reached its climax. Lacy took a deep breath as a dozen maidens rose to sing in unison. The stirring and moving voices and music echoed throughout the hall!

“One person cannot bear the lightning (power),

But if two people, there would be no problem, I believe!”

—

“The lightning that breaks through the black clouds,”

“The boy and girl who met that day.”

—

“Now… The two badges (marks) overlap,”

“Weaving a splendid future…”

The youth and maiden clasped their hands together. The youth held the Sword of Lightning, and a strong beam of light flashed as the enemy slowly fell.

The stage curtain slowly descended, but the soft singing could still be heard behind the scenes. In the gentle narrative song, the opera came to an end.

“Things passed down,”

“Things not passed down,”

“The wings bore the lightning that broke through the black clouds,”

“The white raven spread its wings and flew away.”

(End of Chapter)