Chapter 87: The Three Young Lords of the Demonic Path

On the outskirts of the core zone of the Wildlands of Thunder, four or five cultivators had gathered. Each of them possessed early-stage Qi Condensation cultivation. Before them lay the core region of the Wildlands of Thunder, where lightning crackled densely and with tremendous power. Clearly, though they congregated here, none dared venture within.

"Brother Fang, what do you think—could we use our secret treasures for protection and go explore the core area?" a long-faced cultivator asked a slightly plump companion.

"Brother Han, I’m not exaggerating—the lightning in the core zone is far too fierce. It's not something cultivators like us can withstand. Unless we reach the late stage of Qi Condensation, there might be a chance, but as it stands, we’re only in the early stage; entering would be nothing short of courting death," replied the plump cultivator.

"You're right. Perhaps we shouldn't risk it. It's better to search the outskirts for any lightning crystals we might have missed. Entering the core is simply impossible for us," said the cultivator surnamed Han.

"Yes, self-awareness is vital. If we get too arrogant, it will only bring disaster," the plump cultivator, Fang, nodded in agreement.

As Fang and Han spoke, a figure swiftly approached, pausing briefly before them. It was a young cultivator clad in white. He lingered only a moment, paying no heed to Fang and Han, then plunged straight into the core region of the Wildlands of Thunder.

This white-clad cultivator was Yang Xiao. With the aid of his lightning mark, entering the core zone posed no difficulty for him at all.

Yang Xiao’s effortless entry into the core left Fang and Han utterly dumbfounded, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

"Brother Fang, did you just see that young man in white enter the core zone so easily?" Han asked.

"I did indeed. And his cultivation clearly isn’t at the late stage of Qi Condensation, yet he passed into the core unhindered—a true miracle. Judging by the spiritual energy around him, he must cultivate some lightning-based technique, which lets him traverse such an environment. For a lightning technique to reach this level is exceedingly rare," Fang remarked, both amazed and impressed.

"His speed was so great, I almost thought I was seeing things! If not for our heightened senses, I might have believed it a trick of the eye. But his abilities are truly astonishing—almost unbelievable," Han shook his head.

"What’s so strange? The world is vast, full of wonders. That cultivator must be a disciple of a major sect or a great clan. His prowess is far beyond ours, and not someone we can afford to provoke. We must focus on cultivating ourselves; envying others will do us no good," Fang said earnestly.

"You’re right, Brother Fang. I understand," Han nodded.

"Wait—something’s wrong. I sense an evil aura approaching. We should hide, or else we’ll be in trouble," Fang frowned. He quickly pulled Han aside, and together they retreated to a safer distance.

Just as they moved, a blood-red demonic aura swept over the area where they had stood. When it halted, it revealed a young man in flamboyant attire. Though strikingly handsome, the aura around him radiated a sinister energy that made others deeply uneasy.

"This one’s cultivation is at the late stage of Qi Condensation, yet he’s barely over twenty. Coupled with his unique techniques, he must be Wang Hai, one of the Three Young Kings of the Demonic Path," Fang mused.

"Wang Hai? The favored disciple of the Blood Transformation Sect’s master? So he’s here too—he must have heard about the lightning crystals and is interested," Han remarked.

"Indeed. This place is full of hidden talents. We shouldn’t linger; it could be disastrous for us," Fang said.

"Agreed. Let’s leave quickly, Brother Fang. Let’s search the outskirts for any remaining crystals. Whether we find more or not, we’ve already gathered several. Once we leave, we can refine our treasures—or sell them at a handsome price. This trip to the Wildlands of Thunder was certainly worthwhile," Han replied.

"Yes, let’s head back. Staying here drains our spiritual energy, and it's unsafe. Even Wang Hai, one of the Three Young Kings, has arrived—clearly a major battle may erupt in the Wildlands of Thunder. We’re best not involved, or it would be certain death," Fang said in agreement.

With that, Fang and Han departed swiftly.

Aware of the danger, Fang and Han left at once. The other cultivators, lacking their foresight, were not so fortunate. One, who moved too slowly when Wang Hai arrived, was struck down by a crimson wave of true energy, his body instantly severed—a pitiable fate indeed.

Witnessing Wang Hai slaughter an early-stage cultivator so easily, the remaining cultivators grew even more fearful. They fled at their fastest speed, putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the demonic youth. Against such evil, escape was their only option.

After killing the obstructing cultivator, Wang Hai bizarrely drained the corpse of all blood. Yet he did not pursue the others. Instead, his own blood energy surged, enveloping him as he entered the core zone of the Wildlands of Thunder.

Clearly, Wang Hai was here for the lightning crystals in the core as well.