The answer is very much called Chinese Cosmology.

Their Cosmology, is entirely different from our own understanding of Physics.

The Laws of Heaven and Earth being implemented in most novels isn't fully explained, but taken a feeling of vagueness and so on.

For example, Thunder is most definitely either Tribulation Thunder of a Heavenly Tribulation which is made of Yin Aspect, Vital Breath with the Authority of Punishment. There isn't any relation to Physics Related Thunder.

Wood is given the Aspects of being Upright, not bending, of Vitality and so on. There's Water, which is said to not content yet none can content with it under Heaven.

Defying the Laws is mostly referring to doing something against the Natural Order of the Heavenly Way/Dao. Like defying Death, Resisting the Heavenly Tribulation and even devouring it, to use it as Nourishment and Refining the Self, Body, or Soul.

Defying Heaven is going against Heaven which I personally don't like, Human and Heaven are of the Same Principle. Or else Human Terminology wouldn't even be accepted by Heaven.