Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 92: Chapter 92: A Duel of Life and Death One Month Later

A figure arrived in a flash, appearing between Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang. Instantly, the clouds churned, sweeping across heaven and earth as the figure simultaneously blocked both of their attacks.

The newcomer was an old man with white hair and a white beard, clad in a star-adorned robe. His eyes were as deep and profound as the starry sky, giving him an unfathomable air. An indescribable aura radiated from him, as effortless as clouds gathering and dispersing, yet as oppressive as dark clouds looming over a city. His power was beyond words.

This was none other than the current Sect Master of the Seven Stars Sect: Mu Qingyun.

Mu Qingyun’s strength was immense. As a powerhouse at the Supreme Realm Ninth Layer, he easily halted the Supreme-level battle between Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang.

”As elders of my Seven Stars Sect, resorting to blows over a simple disagreement? What kind of example are you setting!”

At Mu Qingyun’s reprimand, Qin Wushuang immediately retracted the Heavenly Gang Wind Domain and Qinggang Sword. Though filled with indignation, Lei Ming could only grit his teeth and obediently withdraw his Destruction Thunder Domain and Myriad Laws Thunder Spear.

”Sect Master, you know I don’t have many years left to live. Yaoguang Peak is already lacking talent, and once I die, I’m afraid some vile people will set their sights on it. That’s why I must find a few good prospects in the time I have left. I’ve taken a liking to this Su Han, and I’ll have words with anyone who tries to stop me from taking him as my disciple!”

Lei Ming was no simple brute. He might have seemed reckless, but there was a certain craftiness to his blunt approach. Just as he had dealt with Qin Wushuang, he now employed a different tactic with Mu Qingyun. He first played the victim, then stated his demands, using his limited lifespan as leverage to act shamelessly.

Lei Ming was quite proficient in this routine, and it always gave Mu Qingyun a massive headache. Lei Ming was a longtime elder of the Seven Stars Sect and had even been inflicted with a deadly poison—shortening his lifespan—all for the sake of the sect. For these reasons, Mu Qingyun found it truly difficult to refuse him outright.

”Putting aside my personal grudge against him, Su Han cannot be recruited into the sect,” Qin Wushuang said, his attitude firm. ”He committed murder in public. He is simply too cruel and ruthless to be one of us.”

He loathed Su Han to the bone. If Su Han joined Yaoguang Peak, he would have Lei Ming’s protection, making it extremely difficult for Qin Wushuang to kill him. He would never allow such a thing to happen.

”Sect Master, I beg you to uphold justice for my brother! They were only sparring, but Su Han cruelly murdered him! When I tried to reason with him, he launched a sneak attack and severed my arm. A villain this vicious and treacherous cannot be allowed to live!” Qian Yuan came to his senses, scrambling to kowtow before Mu Qingyun as he sobbed.

”Hmph. He died because he was the inferior one. Is your brother the only one allowed to issue challenges, but no one is allowed to kill him?” Lei Ming snorted coldly, resolute in his decision to take Su Han as his disciple.

Mu Qingyun’s brow furrowed deeply. With both Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang unwilling to give in, the situation had become extremely tricky. He looked down, his gaze falling upon Su Han as he contemplated a solution. If this matter wasn’t handled properly, it could, at best, cause unrest. At worst, it could provoke a feud between Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang, which would be a tremendous loss for the Seven Stars Sect.

”Lei Ming, must you accept him?” Mu Qingyun asked gravely after a moment of thought.

”I am determined to have Su Han. Anyone who objects is my sworn enemy!” Lei Ming’s attitude was unyielding, his aura flaring as if he were ready for battle.

Mu Qingyun said nothing, instead turning to Qin Wushuang. ”And you, Qin Wushuang? Are you determined to refuse his entry into the sect?”

Qin Wushuang gave a slight nod, a sharp light glinting in his eyes. His stance was clear.

”Yes!”

It was the first time in the history of the Seven Stars Sect that Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang had been so diametrically opposed over a mere junior in the Heavenly Human Realm.

Mu Qingyun’s gaze swept over Su Han and Qian Yuan before he finally came to a decision. ”I have a proposal. I’d like you both to hear it.”

”Since Lei Ming insists on taking him as a disciple, we shall allow him to join Yaoguang Peak. However, the Sect’s Great Competition is in one month. We will schedule a life-and-death duel for that time. Su Han and Qian Yuan will fight. The winner lives, the loser dies. What do you think?”

Mu Qingyun had no particular feelings about Su Han, but Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang were both pillars of the Seven Stars Sect. He had to resolve this properly, and his proposal was a compromise.

Upon hearing Mu Qingyun’s proposal for a life-and-death duel in one month, Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang fell silent, while a shocked uproar erupted from everyone else. No one had expected a minor entry-level assessment to not only draw out the Sect Master and elders but also result in a life-and-death duel. It was simply too exciting!

To be honest, however, this life-and-death duel seemed rather unfair to Su Han. Although Qian Yuan had lost an arm, he was still at the Third Layer of the Phenomenon Realm. Su Han, in contrast, was only at the Fourth Layer of the Heavenly Human Realm, a gap of nearly an entire Great Realm. In one month, Su Han might grow stronger, but so would Qian Yuan. The disparity would remain, and it would be incredibly difficult to overcome.

Lei Ming and Qin Wushuang’s silence was due to them both calculating the odds of victory in such a duel. Neither wanted to pay such a steep price only to end up with nothing.

”Su Han, I will leave the decision to you!” Lei Ming looked up, his blazing eyes fixed on Su Han.

At that moment, countless gazes converged on Su Han. Everyone wanted to know if he would accept this seemingly unfair duel of life and death.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Su Han struggled to his feet. He met Lei Ming’s gaze, ignored Qin Wushuang’s killing intent, and a firm, resonant voice came from his lips.

”I accept!”

Qian Yuan was strong, and the duel was indeed unfair. But when have I ever been afraid? To treat life and death with indifference and fight anyone who crosses me—that is my nature. Besides, I believe in myself. One month is enough time to improve significantly.

I have already secured Qian Xing’s corpse. By using the Devouring Heaven Demonic Art on his Stellar Monarch Body and then visiting the Prison Divine Palace to devour the corresponding gods and demons, I will gain their inherited memories and surely become much stronger. Moreover, Qian Yuan previously injured Fairy Sister Yun Xian. I never intended to let him off the hook anyway. In that case, an official life-and-death duel is exactly what I need.

”Since the Sect Master has spoken, I agree as well!”

With Su Han’s consent, Qin Wushuang no longer hesitated and nodded in agreement. After all, Qian Yuan holds the advantage. I’m confident I can make him even stronger within the month. When he publicly executes Su Han then, no one will be able to say a word!

”Since it has been decided, let it be so. You may all disperse!” Mu Qingyun nodded, bringing the farce to a close.

”Lowly peasant, I’ll let you live for one more month. In one month, I will personally take your head to appease my brother’s spirit in the heavens!” Qian Yuan snarled, picking up his severed arm and retrieving his Star-Breaking Spear as he glared at Su Han with intense killing intent.

Qin Wushuang shot Su Han an expressionless glance, then with a wave of his hand, he led Qian Yuan away.

Mu Qingyun did not linger either, transforming into a streak of light and flying back toward the Seven Stars Sect.

Lei Ming descended from the sky, landing before Su Han. He handed him a precious Healing Dao Pill, then cracked a smile.

”From today on, you are my disciple. Anyone who dares to bully you, I’ll kill him dead!”