"I understand everyone's concerns, but I have no immediate solutions," Feng Sheng explained with a worried frown. "After Yang Zhou became a Emperor Realm powerhouse and devoured many human martial artists, his strength has become even greater. We can no longer resist him."
In one day, the Three Suns Holy Land would launch a full-scale assault, and Undying Volcano would surely not be able to withstand it. It seemed like the only path ahead was death, with no other recourse.
"Those traitors from the Three Suns Holy Land are truly despicable!"
"Damn Yang Zhou! We should have joined forces with other factions and killed him completely back then!"
"The demons are advancing aggressively. Is there truly nothing we can do?"
After hearing Feng Sheng's words, everyone began to curse Yang Zhou, venting their frustrations. Trapped here, this was all they could do.
"Patriarch, why don't we escape!" a tribesman suddenly suggested.
His words were immediately met with ridicule.
"Escape? Where can we escape to now? The outside is teeming with demons. If we escape, it's a dead end!"
Even now, dissent persisted within Undying Volcano. As long as the Phoenix Seal did not return, the internal unity of Undying Volcano would remain fragile.
"Then what do you suggest we do?" the Phoenix tribesman who had spoken earlier challenged.
For a moment, the Phoenix Hall became tense, resembling a pre-battle atmosphere. Feng Sheng, seeing this, knew he had to intervene. If this continued, they would destroy themselves before Yang Zhou and the Three Suns Holy Land even attacked.
He suddenly shouted, "Enough! Stop arguing!"
"Any conflicts can be resolved after we overcome the current crisis. For now, listen to me!"
Sensing a hint of anger in Feng Sheng's voice, the people present immediately fell silent. Feng Sheng was, after all, the patriarch and the leader of Undying Volcano. His words carried weight, and no one dared to disobey.
"I have already sent a message to Qing Yang, asking him to seek aid from the Tai Yi Holy Land."
"A day ago, Qing Yang replied that the Tai Yi Holy Son, Xu Chuan, is personally leading reinforcements to rescue Undying Volcano. However, the journey is long and will take some time."
"We only need to hold on until the reinforcements from the Tai Yi Holy Land arrive, and all our current difficulties will be easily resolved!" Feng Sheng knew that the most crucial thing now was to placate the hearts of his people. Only with a clear chance of survival would they unite against the external enemy. Therefore, he shared this good news.
"Holy Lord, is that true? Will Holy Son Xu really come?"
"That's wonderful! We are saved!"
"When Holy Son Xu arrives, what is the Three Suns Holy Land but mere paper tigers?"
"Patriarch is wise!"
At this moment, everyone's expressions in the hall shifted from gloom to sunshine, with smiles and irrepressible excitement. The news that Xu Chuan had emerged from seclusion and single-handedly defeated five Demon Emperors had already reached Undying Volcano. Thus, upon hearing that Xu Chuan was coming to Undying Volcano, they were incredibly thrilled. With Xu Chuan present, was the Three Suns Holy Land still a threat? Even the Demon Race's own Emperor Realm powerhouses were no match for him, let alone an Emperor Realm cultivator like Yang Zhou, who had been elevated by the demons.
"Silence!" Feng Sheng commanded again. The hall immediately quieted down.
He then continued, "Do not rejoice too soon! It will still take time for the people of the Tai Yi Holy Land to arrive. Tomorrow, the Three Suns Holy Land and those demon whelps will launch their general offensive. Only by holding out until then can we truly overcome this crisis!"
"If we cannot hold on until then, all this talk is for naught!" Feng Sheng stated, curbing their excessive excitement. He needed them to understand that blind optimism was not an option, otherwise, Undying Volcano would fall before Xu Chuan and his reinforcements even arrived.
"We understand!" the crowd replied in unison.
"Alright, everyone return and prepare. Tomorrow's battle will be a tough one!"
"We must bring out all our trump cards!" Feng Sheng waved his hand, dismissing the tribesmen present.
He remained alone, sitting on the throne, lost in thought.
"Once this calamity has passed, entrust Undying Volcano to Xu Chuan."
"With his current strength, and the control of the Phoenix Seal, he is more than qualified to lead Undying Volcano," a senile voice echoed from the depths of the hall. Subsequently, an elder with white hair walked out, slowly approaching Feng Sheng. He was the other Half-Emperor peak powerhouse of Undying Volcano, and the master of Feng Qing Yang, the Grand Elder of the Phoenix Clan.
"Elder, does Xu Chuan still need Undying Volcano in his current state?" Feng Sheng said with a bitter smile. Xu Chuan was now a high and mighty Emperor Realm powerhouse, and among the Emperor Realm, his strength was considered top-tier. He was no longer the young man who needed their protection. Feng Sheng felt too embarrassed to even mention their prior agreement with Xu Chuan.
"Whether he wants it or not, you should still hand it over," the elder replied. "After all these years, I can see you are tired. I am well aware that the people of Undying Volcano are not united. If he truly refuses, then pass the position of patriarch to Qing Yang. If Qing Yang leads Undying Volcano, even without the Phoenix Seal, no one will dare to object."
"After all, he is Xu Chuan's first follower. With this connection, no one will dare to complain!"
"From now on, you can accompany this old man and be a leisurely Grand Elder!" the senile figure said slowly. His words clearly outlined the fate of Undying Volcano. After hearing this, Feng Sheng fell into deep contemplation once more. After a long pause, he raised his head, his face filled with a sense of relief, and said, "I understand, Elder. Rest assured!"
Having occupied the position of patriarch for so many years, his youthful ambition had been worn down by time, replaced by a desire for stability. There was a time when his aspiration was to lead Undying Volcano to become the ruler of the entire Southern Domain. However, after all these years, he had achieved nothing, and it was difficult to deny the regret. Furthermore, facing a crisis that threatened the extinction of Undying Volcano, he was helpless.
"Perhaps, handing over Undying Volcano to Xu Chuan or Qing Yang is a better choice. They can lead Undying Volcano to greater heights!" Feng Sheng murmured to himself, having finally let go of the power and responsibility on his shoulders, his face filled with serenity. Suddenly, his aura surged upwards, advancing further, bringing him closer to the Emperor Realm.
"It is good that you understand!" The elder showed a look of relief. With Feng Sheng's talent, he should not have remained at the Half-Emperor realm his entire life. Now, with the demonic invasion of Xuan Tian and the emergence of Emperor Realm powerhouses, this was both a crisis and an opportunity! Whether he could reach that step depended on Feng Sheng's luck.