The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Feeling the sharpness of the sword's tip against his throat and the crimson-gold lightning flickering along the blade, Lei Qian's forehead began to sweat, and he swallowed hard. The power that Lin Qian had displayed far exceeded anything he had imagined.

With a casual swing, Lin Qian had dispersed the Thunderstrike Slash that Lei Qian had been so proud of. The black sword created through Lin Qian's Yuan Qi weaponization was unbelievably sharp, and with just two strikes, it had completely shattered Lei Qian's Yuan Qi weapon.

The threat of death loomed over Lei Qian like never before. This was a life-and-death battle, and Lin Qian had every right to kill him where he stood.

In this moment, Lei Qian cursed his unworthy brother, Lei Kun, for provoking such a monstrous opponent. For so long, the inner sect disciples had only known Lin Qian through rumors—tales of his formidable physical strength, his overwhelming soul power, and his ability to take on Nirvana Realm opponents with his bare hands. They had dismissed these stories as exaggerated.

But now, Lei Qian was experiencing it firsthand. The idea of someone breaking through the Thunder Shield with their body alone was something he had never imagined. And as for Lin Qian's soul power, it was more than just abundant—it was downright terrifying. Lei Qian had never heard of anyone in the Xingyuan Realm whose soul power had already awakened with an elemental attribute.

The idea that Lin Qian couldn't weaponize his Yuan Qi? That was utter nonsense, as the sword poised at Lei Qian's throat was proof enough.

Now, Lei Qian regretted ever agreeing to this life-and-death battle. An overwhelming sense of defeat washed over him. He was an eight-cycle Nirvana Realm warrior at the ninth level, and yet, here he was, at the mercy of someone still in the Xingyuan Realm.

"Lin Qian!" Lei Heng, unable to sit still any longer, suddenly stood up from the arbitration platform. "Don't do it!"

"Huh?" Lin Qian turned his head, looking at Lei Heng. "Elder Lei, why shouldn't I? Wasn't it you who insisted on continuing this life-and-death battle when my uncle asked to call it off? Now you're asking me to stop?"

As he spoke, Lin Qian tightened his grip on the Thunder Night Sword, pressing it slightly deeper into Lei Qian's throat, drawing a few drops of blood.

"No!" Lei Heng quickly waved his hands, all his usual composure gone. "Lin Qian, spare Lei Qian. I'll agree to any conditions—please, I beg you!"

Lei Qian was not like Lei Kun. Though both were Lei Heng's grandsons, their talents were worlds apart. Lei Qian, ranked tenth among the inner sect disciples and well-known across Linhai Prefecture, was powerful by any standard.

Yet, no one had anticipated that Lin Qian—a mere Xingyuan Realm cultivator—would turn out to be such a monster, defying all conventional understanding.

Of course, someone who harbored a vast empire within him could hardly be considered normal.

"Is that so? You're begging me..." Lin Qian nodded slowly, narrowing his eyes at Lei Heng. "But what if my condition is your death?"

Lei Heng froze, struggling for a moment before nodding. "I agree!"

"No, Grandfather!" Lei Qian's face turned pale as he shouted in disbelief at Lei Heng's words.

"It seems you've indeed spoiled your grandson," Lin Qian sneered, looking at Lei Qian. "And that's precisely why the once-respected Thunder King of the Wanxiang Sect, Lei Heng, has raised such a disgraceful descendant as Lei Kun."

"I don't need your life, but I have three conditions, and Lei Qian must agree to one."

Lei Heng, surprised by the unexpected turn of events, hesitated before nodding. "Fine, say it!"

"First, you must restrain your grandson's behavior. If I find out he's causing trouble again, I will kill him myself!"

"Second, you must find a way to heal that girl's injuries and ensure she's taken care of for the rest of her life."

"Third, the spot in the Ancient Ruins trial reserved for Lei Qian—I want it!"

Lei Heng was taken aback. He had expected Lin Qian to make outrageous demands for soul crystals or rare treasures, but these conditions were surprisingly reasonable. Still, losing the slot for the Ancient Ruins trial was a significant blow. It was a prestigious event for Nirvana Realm disciples from the three sects and five clans, and Lei Qian was expected to make significant progress from it.

Yet, compared to Lei Qian's life, what did that matter?

"Very well, I agree to all your conditions," Lei Heng said, glancing at Qin Wushuang. "As the Sect Leader, you oversee the Ancient Ruins trial, correct?"

Lin Qian nodded slightly, then turned to Lei Qian. "As for the condition you must fulfill, you'll kneel before your grandfather until the two-hour time limit of this life-and-death battle is up."

With that, Lin Qian lowered his Thunder Night Sword and withdrew his soul power, dispelling the Yuan Qi weaponization and storing the Yuan Qi core and components within the Heaven's Mark.

Lei Qian stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened. He had expected Lin Qian to humiliate him further, but instead, Lin Qian had asked him to kneel before his grandfather?

"Although Thunder King Lei Heng may be arrogant and overbearing, he's contributed greatly to the sect's history. But because of his indulgence, you and your brother have caused endless trouble. Your grandfather humbled himself to beg for your life. Shouldn't you show him some respect?"

Lin Qian sat down cross-legged on the ground, shaking his head at Lei Qian. "You may have power, but in my eyes, you're utterly useless."

Lei Qian, struck by Lin Qian's words, dropped to his knees before Lei Heng with a loud thud.

"I don't understand," Lin Qian continued, his voice resonating with soul power so that everyone could hear, "whether you're an inner, outer, or named disciple, aren't we all part of the Wanxiang Sect?"

"We live together in the same sect, bound by fate. Why can't we support each other like brothers and sisters instead of tearing each other down? What's the point of bullying your fellow disciples? Wouldn't it be more satisfying to unite and challenge external threats like the Shengtian Sect and the Badao Clan?"

Lin Qian's words struck a chord with everyone present. For the outer sect and named disciples, who had already experienced the camaraderie fostered by Lin Qian's introduction of class-based learning, the message was particularly resonant.

Even the inner sect disciples, who had followed Lei Qian or come to observe his strength, stood in stunned silence, gradually reflecting on Lin Qian's words.

In that moment, the seeds of unity and mutual support began to take root in their hearts.

"The Persuasion technique truly is a divine skill in the art of argument," Lin Qian thought with amusement, observing the reactions of those around him.