Raiden raised both palms skyward, emanating an ethereal blue-white radiance as he summoned extraordinary ice powers to blanket the vast palace courtyard. The raging flames, previously unleashed by the legendary azure dragon's assault, now faced the challenge of rapidly creeping frost from his palms. Within seconds, ice dominated the entire grounds, extinguishing the once-fierce crimson flames and replacing them with piercing cold. The frozen expanse gleamed beneath the moonlight, reflecting its serene glow in the depths of night.
Almost simultaneously, the Empress arrived at the scene with her two attendants, accompanied by Lysandra and Calista. They observed the situation meticulously, nodding in satisfaction at Raiden's swift handling of the chaos.
"Speaking of which, does your lightning element possess unique characteristics that set it apart from others?" the Empress inquired, stepping closer to Raiden with profound curiosity. Her attendants, along with Lysandra and Calista, flanked her sides, awaiting his response with keen anticipation. "This is the first time I've witnessed lightning element so effortlessly disperse Anna's fire and wind attacks," she continued, expressing her wonderment.
Raiden didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at his mother, who gave him an approving nod. "My silver-blue lightning possesses five unique characteristics that distinguish it from ordinary lightning," he explained with infectious confidence, captivating everyone around him.
After a gentle clearing of his throat, Raiden continued his explanation, "One of its unique properties is the ability to absolutely disrupt the coherence of any form of energy: be it physical, chemical, magical, quantum, and spiritual essence."
All present were awestruck by the extraordinary capabilities of Raiden's lightning element. Even the Empress couldn't contain her admiration. "With such an advantage, you're practically invincible, even against the most destructive energy attacks," she remarked in amazement, expressing her deep admiration and respect for Raiden's abilities.
Still filled with curiosity, Lysandra asked Raiden to explain the remaining four unique properties of his silver-blue lightning element. Since the request came from his own mother, Raiden was more than happy to provide an explanation. He could sense the high level of trust his mother placed in the Empress.
However, just as Raiden was about to begin his explanation, the Empress raised her right hand, signaling him to stop. "Let's move to a more comfortable private space. We can enjoy tea or light snacks while listening to your explanation," she suggested in a gentle voice, offering Raiden a sweet smile.
Despite her face being covered by a white veil, Raiden could sense the goddess-level beauty possessed by the Empress, similar to his mother. However, due to the aura of authority radiating from this mature woman, Raiden didn't dare to act mischievous or perverted in her presence.
The Empress then turned her sharp gaze toward her daughter. "Xu'er, return to your chambers and reflect carefully on your actions," she commanded in a voice as cold as ice, even colder than the surrounding frost.
The crown princess shuddered in fear, nodding nervously at her mother's command. Cold sweat trickled down her back as she responded politely. "I understand, Mother. I shall take my leave," she said with a deep bow, then quickly fled with Ye Chen following behind her.
After her daughter vanished from sight, the Empress turned her attention to Raiden with a friendly expression. "Let us go," she requested in a voice as soft as silk.
Raiden nodded slightly and followed the Empress's lead, walking side by side with his mother and aunt. Secretly, Raiden used his ethereal vision to analyze the Empress's two adjutants. However, the results were futile; even their names appeared to be deliberately obscured with '***' characters. Raiden was tempted to use his full power but refrained, fearing detection.
The Empress, aware of Raiden's attempt, merely smiled faintly and continued leading the group toward her private chambers.
Meanwhile, Anna the Azure Dragon had returned to her habitat through the same portal she had arrived through earlier. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she fled from Raiden's perverted hands.
Soon after, they arrived in a peaceful and comfortable room, featuring high-end modern decor with touches of ancient Chinese interior design.
Raiden sat on a long sofa, flanked by his mother and aunt on either side. The Empress sat in a single-person sofa directly facing Raiden. Her two adjutants stood rigidly behind her.
An elegant mature servant then inquired about the desired orders from the Empress and her honored guests. Being quite hungry, Raiden ordered various high-calorie snacks in large quantities, along with a hot double espresso.
Having already had drinks earlier, the three women only ordered hot green tea without sugar.
"My, you do enjoy your snacks, don't you?" The Empress laughed lightly, teasing Raiden with her melodious voice. "Let's return to our main topic. Now, you can explain the unique properties of your silver-blue lightning element more comfortably," she said, inviting Raiden to continue his previously interrupted explanation.
Raiden nodded gently, a meaningful smile gracing his handsome features. "The second unique trait of my lightning element is its ability to transcend conventional space-time boundaries, enabling movement at superluminal speeds - faster than light itself," he explained with an air of confidence tempered by humility.
The Empress was stunned, her iris shimmering with intellectual fascination. "This phenomenon is truly remarkable. If that's the case, then the fundamental principles of classical physics, including the theory of relativity once thought absolute, become nothing more than obsolete concepts in the face of your lightning power," she expressed in a melodious tone that flowed like a symphony.
Raiden nodded again with conviction before continuing his explanation. "The third unique trait is even more astounding," he stated. "My lightning possesses the extraordinary ability to create its own medium independently, even in the vacuum of space devoid of conductive particles. More impressively, this blue-silver lightning can penetrate various materials, regardless of their resistance level or insulation capabilities."
"Truly a revolutionary breakthrough," Lysandra, Raiden's mother, interjected, her slender fingers tapping the crystal table in a steady rhythm. "With such capabilities, you possess complete control over electromagnetic field manipulation. Even the most advanced electronic systems would succumb to the interference of your extraordinary lightning."
Impressed by his mother's sharp analysis, Raiden continued his elaboration with growing enthusiasm. "The fourth unique trait grants me transformation abilities - converting my physical existence into pure lightning entity, either partially or completely."
"Ah, Elemental Embodiment," The Empress whispered in admiration, her voice carrying deep respect. "A rare gift bestowed upon only one in a million elemental magic users. Truly an invaluable blessing."
"And the final unique trait?" Lysandra inquired with undisguised curiosity, her eyes gleaming with anticipation for the final revelation.
Raiden took a moment to savor a warm spring roll before answering. "Absolute and unlimited control over the entire spectrum of particles composing my lightning - from electrons, various ions, ice and water particles, protons, to photons. All bow perfectly to the command of my will."
A captivating smile bloomed on the Empress's beautiful face. "Truly magnificent... the development potential of such power is virtually limitless," she spoke with a level of enthusiasm rarely seen from her usually composed and calm demeanor.
Calista, who had been observing the conversation attentively in silence, gave a meaningful nod. "With the capability to manipulate fundamental particles like that, pure plasma creation is just one of the infinite possibilities you could achieve," she said with an aunt's gentleness, her eyes glistening with unspeakable pride. "Auntie is very, very proud of you, dear. You have surpassed every expectation we ever imagined."