Chapter 752: The Essence of Challenge
After listening to the Master of Yaoguang's explanation, Xiao Ze furrowed his brows as he identified a critical point.
"Senior, if the Demon Emperor has already corrupted Yaoguang Palace through demonic energy, why allow us to enter? Wouldn't that only increase the risk of unexpected variables?"
The Master of Yaoguang sighed, shaking his head. "That is precisely the cunning nature of this Demon Emperor."
"Although I was in slumber, I left sensory wards in key areas of the palace. If those areas were fully corrupted by demonic energy, I would awaken.
"But the Demon Emperor had incredible patience. He used the hands of the living from the Great Thousand World to weaken these key wards over time.
"Once they were sufficiently weakened, he would corrupt them in one fell swoop. At that point, even if I awoke, I would be powerless and could even be consumed, becoming fuel for his growth."
The Demon Emperor's Plot
Xiao Ze's eyes widened as the implication sunk in. It became clear how the Demon Emperor had exploited their pursuit of opportunity.
Explorers seeking the palace's treasures, including himself, often stopped at nothing to claim them, even destroying seals and spiritual defenses in their way.
"Senior, does this mean our challenges on the Challenge Platform also contributed to the weakening of the palace?"
The Master of Yaoguang nodded gravely. "Precisely. Every challenge on this platform drains its spiritual energy. The palace is already in a critical state, with only the key areas remaining uncorrupted.
"Over time, the platform's defenses would weaken to the point of collapse, allowing the demonic energy to consume it entirely."
Xiao Ze clenched his fists. "That Demon Emperor transmitted us directly to key areas, knowing we would damage the defenses while seeking treasures. He turned our ambitions into tools for his plan!"
The Master gave a solemn nod. "A plan laid bare, yet nearly impossible to avoid. Truly a battle of wits."
A Path Forward
"Fortunately, you awakened me. Although much has been lost, there is still time to salvage this situation," the Master said, his gaze steady.
"Senior, if there is anything I can do to rectify my mistakes, please guide me," Xiao Ze said earnestly, bowing.
"I must admit, my remaining strength is limited," the Master admitted. "My existence is tied to this palace, and the damage has taken its toll. However, I have faith in you."
Xiao Ze froze for a moment. "Senior… you're not suggesting I face the Demon Emperor's soul, are you?"
Though Xiao Ze was confident against even a pinnacle Earthly Supreme or a being approaching the Heavenly Supreme, the idea of confronting a Demon Emperor's soul one of the strongest entities in the Great Thousand World seemed far beyond his ability.
The Master of Yaoguang chuckled, shaking his head. "Rest assured, I wouldn't ask you to do something so impossible. What I mean is your divine flame. It possesses the power to incinerate all things, and even among the Great Thousand World, it is a top tier flame."
He smiled warmly. "With your flame and my remaining strength, I am confident we can obliterate the Demon Emperor's soul entirely."
A Treasure to Strengthen Them
"Before that, however, you both need to enhance your strength further. The seal protecting the Demon Emperor is saturated with demonic energy, which will be difficult to endure," the Master explained.
He waved his sleeve, and Xiao Ze and Qing Yanjing found themselves standing before the Challenge Board.
Looking at the shimmering gold light radiating from the board, the Master sighed nostalgically. "Even after so many years, the accumulated Essence of Challenge isn't as plentiful as I'd hoped."
"Senior, what is the Essence of Challenge?" Xiao Ze asked curiously.
"You've heard of Children of the Continent, haven't you?"
Xiao Ze and Qing Yanjing exchanged a glance, nodding.
Children of the Continent were born from the mystical power of great continents. This Continental Power strengthened their foundations, increased their potential, and gave them a greater chance of reaching the Heavenly Supreme level.
The Origin of the Essence
Qing Yanjing's eyes lit up in surprise. "Senior, are you saying the Essence of Challenge is a form of Continental Power?"
The Master nodded. "Indeed. In the ancient past, when our lord founded the Chaos Palace, the aftermath of a battle between supreme beings left the Chaos Continent shattered. Even its Continental Power fragmented into pieces.
"Our lord devised a method to link these fragments of power to treasures, such as this Challenge Platform. Over the years, the Continental Power infused into these treasures transformed into unique variants, such as the Essence of Challenge."
Qing Yanjing gasped. "This… this is an incredible opportunity, Xiao Ze! Absorbing the Continental Power could be vital for your future breakthrough to the Heavenly Supreme level!"
Sharing the Gift
Xiao Ze hesitated briefly before turning to the Master of Yaoguang. "Senior, would it be possible to allow my companion to share in this blessing?"
"Xiao Ze!" Qing Yanjing exclaimed, alarmed. Such an extraordinary opportunity was rare beyond words, and Xiao Ze's request could risk offending the Master.
But the Master of Yaoguang laughed heartily. "You both will need this power to face the challenges ahead. It is only natural for you to share in it."
His words immediately eased Qing Yanjing's worries, though she still hesitated.
The Master noticed her apprehension and explained, "The accumulated Essence of Challenge is more than enough for the two of you. Even if there were several more challengers, it would still be far from exhausted."
He waved his starry sleeve, and golden light sparkled across the Challenge Board. A swirling golden vortex formed at its center.
"Go. Waste no time!"
Into the Light
Xiao Ze and Qing Yanjing bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior!"
Without hesitation, the two leapt into the golden vortex, disappearing from sight.
As the light faded, the Master of Yaoguang stood in silence, a faint smile on his face.
"The Great Thousand World's future is bright," he murmured.
"That girl from the Futuo Clan… her path to becoming a Heavenly Supreme is nearly assured.
"But that boy…"
His gaze lingered on where Xiao Ze had stood.
"That Supreme Avatar of his… I caught only a glimpse of it, yet it left a profound impression. His talent surpasses even the girl's."
He paused, his smile deepening.
"If nurtured properly, he may one day rival the Chaos Palace Master himself."
(Chapter End)
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