Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 94: Chapter 94: The Hope of Yaoguang Peak

The Seven Stars Sect was the overlord of Qingzhou, a first-rate power second only to the Holy Lands and Imperial Clans. It occupied a vast, sprawling territory suffused with rich Spiritual Energy.

Su Han and Ning Feifan followed Lei Ming into the Seven Stars Sect. As far as the eye could see, the sect grounds were a picture of peace and prosperity. Lush greenery thrived, with elegant pavilions and towers dotting the landscape. Flowing springs, cascading waterfalls, and soaring white cranes created a scene that was both vivid and natural. This, however, was merely the Outer Sect. As they continued onward, they soon flew into an area of rosy-tinted clouds and a thick, spiritual mist.

”What rich Spiritual Energy!” Ning Feifan took a deep breath, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him. The concentration of Spiritual Energy here was nearly five times that of the outside world, allowing one to achieve twice the results with half the effort in cultivation.

Su Han’s attention, however, was captured by seven peaks in the Inner Sect that towered high into the clouds. He observed that the seven Spirit Peaks were arranged in the pattern of The Big Dipper, though it was unclear if this formation was natural or the work of a powerful expert. These seven Spirit Peaks were the true core of the Inner Sect. Each one stood upon a node of a Spirit Vein, boasting a Spiritual Energy concentration ten times that of the outside world.

Looking around, some Spirit Peaks were shrouded in ethereal mists and flickering with radiant light. Others were brimming with vitality and covered in Spiritual Medicines. Still others, with their soaring white cranes and hanging waterfalls, resembled a pure land untouched by the mortal world. This filled Su Han and Ning Feifan with anticipation, making them wonder just how magnificent their destination, Yaoguang Peak, would be.

Soon, they arrived at Yaoguang Peak. Upon seeing its true state, however, Su Han and Ning Feifan were dumbfounded. There was no radiant light, no Spiritual Medicines, and no soaring white cranes. There were only withered vines, ancient trees, scattered rocks, and desolate ruins. At its summit stood a single, ancient palace, but it too was dilapidated and wore a dismal air.

This is Yaoguang Peak? One of the seven great Spirit Peaks?

Su Han and Ning Feifan looked at each other, feeling utterly duped.

Lei Ming led them straight into the palace on the peak. The interior was just as dilapidated as the outside and looked nothing like a residence fit for one of the sect’s ten Great Elders.

”Elder Lei, I have a small question... how many people are on Yaoguang Peak?” Ning Feifan swallowed hard and asked cautiously.

Lei Ming glanced at him and answered truthfully, ”Originally, just me. Now, with the two of you, there are three in total.”

Ning Feifan’s vision swam. I’ve boarded a pirate ship! To think this enormous Spirit Peak had only three occupants, and two of them—he and Su Han—had just arrived. That meant there hadn’t been a single disciple here before. Furthermore, Ning Feifan had carefully scouted the area and discovered that the Spiritual Energy on Yaoguang Peak was completely depleted. It was not only incomparable to the other Spirit Peaks but also far inferior to even the Outer Sect. It was less a Spirit Peak and more a barren mountain. No wonder no disciples were willing to come.

Ning Feifan desperately wanted to say that the Outer Sect seemed quite nice, but one look at Lei Ming’s fierce and foreboding expression made him swallow his words. He was filled with bitter regret.

”Even if I don’t tell you, you’ll find out from other sources, so I won’t hide it,” Lei Ming said, his straightforward nature compelling him to be honest. ”Yaoguang Peak was once the same as the other Spirit Peaks. The reason it has become what it is now is due to a battle that took place years ago. That battle destroyed the foundation of Yaoguang Peak, causing nearly all my disciples to be killed or injured and leading to its decline. As for me, I was afflicted with a deadly poison and have at most three years to live!”

Ning Feifan’s scalp went numb, and he had the urge to turn and flee. This isn’t a pirate ship; it’s a hopeless abyss with no future! It’s one thing for Yaoguang Peak to be barren, but Elder Lei only has three years left to live? Doesn’t that mean we’ll lose our backer in three years? A bitter taste filled his mouth. Unsure what to say, he could only look to Su Han to see his reaction.

Su Han’s expression, however, was perfectly calm, showing no signs of regret or hesitation despite the difficulties Elder Lei had described.

”Master, why did you choose me specifically?” Su Han asked, looking up to meet Elder Lei’s gaze.

Even with Yaoguang Peak in decline and Elder Lei having only three years left, he is still a Supreme Realm expert. Even a fraction of his resources would be an immense boon to any ordinary disciple. Logically, he shouldn’t have been without disciples before I came along. There must be another reason.

”Beneath Yaoguang Peak, a Demon Lord is suppressed. Ordinary disciples cannot withstand the overflowing Demonic Qi, and I don’t wish to accept just anyone,” Lei Ming dropped another bombshell, causing Ning Feifan’s jaw to drop and his face to turn deathly pale. ”As for why I chose you... firstly, you broke the records for the entry trials and possess high innate talent. Secondly, you wield a Demonic Blade, which gives you greater resistance to Demonic Qi than others. And thirdly, my time is short. I refuse to watch Yaoguang Peak wither away and hope to find someone to inherit my mantle.”

In speaking to Su Han, Lei Ming held nothing back, revealing his truest thoughts. This heart-to-heart talk dispelled many of Su Han’s doubts and concerns.

”I don’t expect you to restore Yaoguang Peak to its former glory, but I hope you can become the Star Son of Yaoguang Peak and one day inherit my position as Peak Master!”

The Seven Stars Sect had seven Spirit Peaks, and the head disciple of each peak was known as a Star Son. This position was the highest among disciples, granting great authority and exceptional benefits. For instance, Qian Yuan’s older brother, Qian Xuan, was the Star Son of Tianxuan Peak. There should have been seven Star Sons, but with Yaoguang Peak’s decline, its designated position had long been vacant. Before Su Han could become a Peak Master, he first had to become a Star Son—a title that was not easily earned.

”Although Yaoguang Peak now has only you two, the sect has three requirements to become a Star Son. First, you must reach the Phenomenon Realm. Second, you must be ranked in the top ten on the Green Cloud Ranking. And third, you must complete one Class A mission. Only by achieving all three can you inherit the title.

”With your innate talent, meeting these requirements is only a matter of time. I will support you with all my strength and pass on everything I know to you. My only request is that you protect Yaoguang Peak in my stead!” Lei Ming’s gaze burned with intensity as he stared at Su Han. These were his true feelings and his final wish.

Su Han fell silent. A barren peak, a dying master, a suppressed Demon Lord—the three conditions were abysmal. Becoming a Star Son and inheriting the position of Peak Master also meant facing immense pressure and danger. The pros and cons were not so easily weighed. Lei Ming did not rush him, giving Su Han ample time to consider. Nearby, Ning Feifan watched anxiously, awaiting his decision.

”I accept!” Su Han raised his head, his decision made.

The crisis facing Yaoguang Peak was immense, but Su Han had never been one to shy away from hardship. He also needed time and a safe place to grow stronger. If I leave Yaoguang Peak, Qin Wushuang will likely seize the first chance to move against me. Weighing the pros and cons, he ultimately decided to shoulder this heavy burden.

”Good!” A look of surprised joy spread across Lei Ming’s face. He let out a hearty laugh, filled with profound relief. There was hope for Yaoguang Peak once again.