Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Duel of Life and Death in Ten Days

”Damn it, he actually got a Demonic Blade!”

Qin Feng’s expression was incredibly grim. The appearance of the Black Blade had caught him completely off guard.

He had heard of this Black Blade before and had even tried to claim it, but without success. He never expected it to fall into Su Han’s hands, and its Demonic Qi was proving so difficult to deal with.

He fully activated his Golden Spirit Body, transforming Spiritual Energy into blades within his body to expel the Demonic Qi. Not only was this Demonic Qi bone-chillingly cold, but it also clung to him like maggots on a corpse. Despite his prolonged efforts, he had only managed to force out half of it.

By now, all the guards he had brought with him were dead.

”Dragon Patterned Golden Scale Staff!”

Qin Feng reached out, summoning his weapon. It was a dark golden longstaff, adorned with dragon patterns at both ends and covered in scale-like markings along its body.

A Low Grade Magic Artifact!

With his Golden Spirit Body, Qin Feng could easily control any weapon and enhance its power. Gripping the Dragon Patterned Golden Scale Staff, he channeled surging golden staff energy and confronted the Black Blade head-on.

CLANG!

The collision of blade and staff sent sparks flying and produced a shrill, piercing shriek of metal.

However, Qin Feng was blasted back seven or eight meters. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his injuries worsening.

”Draw Sword Slash!”

Su Han slammed his foot down as he drew his blade, slashing toward Qin Feng.

”Crushing Golden Staff Technique!”

Qin Feng channeled his Golden Spirit Energy into the Dragon Patterned Golden Scale Staff. The weapon seemed to come alive, striking toward Su Han like a Golden Dragon.

But his strength was greatly diminished by the Demonic Qi, and now that he was injured, he was no match for Su Han.

BANG!

Qin Feng was once again sent flying by the slash, coughing up more blood. Having lost the initiative, he was reduced to passively taking hits, despite his higher realm.

Su Han activated the Character Technique of Motion, moving with incredible speed. He instantly appeared before Qin Feng and brought the Black Blade down.

This strike caused Qin Feng’s expression to change drastically as he felt the chilling threat of death.

”Do you want to become stronger? Accept my power, and you can have your revenge!”

Just then, a tempting voice echoed in Su Han’s mind.

It came from within the Black Blade, as if an Evil Demon sealed inside was trying to entice Su Han into releasing it. The temptation was overpowering, affecting his consciousness and making him feel dazed, as if he were about to be controlled.

BANG!

Seizing the opportunity, Qin Feng struck Su Han with the staff, sending him flying.

Blood trickled from the corner of Su Han’s mouth. The hand gripping the blade trembled violently, and his eyes were filled with a painful struggle. The seductive voice in his mind grew louder and louder, blurring his consciousness. It felt as if he were about to be swallowed by an abyss and completely turned into a Blade Slave.

What a terrifying Black Blade!

Even if I become a Blade Slave, I must kill him!

The killing intent in his heart surged uncontrollably. The Black Blade’s bewitchment could not stop him. He gripped the blade tightly and charged again, lunging at Qin Feng.

Kill! Kill! Kill!

Those who provoke me will not live to see another day. I must kill them!

Qin Feng’s face fell. He hadn’t expected Su Han to be so crazed, but he refused to just sit back and await his death.

”Phenomenon: Sword Mountains and Blade Seas!”

He fully activated the power of his Golden Spirit Body. Brilliant golden light burst forth from him with the clang of metal, filling the air with a grim aura of slaughter. He was preparing to go all out and settle this in a battle to the death.

BOOM!

Just then, a formidable pressure appeared out of nowhere, descending upon Su Han and Qin Feng like two invisible mountains. They both froze, unable to move a muscle.

A slender red figure flashed onto the scene, suppressing both men with her power alone.

It was Tongyan from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

”If you want to fight and kill, don’t do it at the entrance of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. We are a place of business. If you dare to make another move, don’t blame me for being merciless!” Tongyan snorted, her presence dominating the field.

She was a powerhouse of the Heavenly Human Realm, far beyond what Su Han and Qin Feng could ever hope to contend with.

Though Su Han’s heart burned with killing intent, he couldn’t break free from Tongyan’s suppression. The same was true for Qin Feng. However, Qin Feng had come here to kill Su Han. Not only had he failed, but he had been severely injured—a fact his proud heart could not accept.

No, this battle can’t end here. Su Han, you dared to injure me. I will slaughter you with my own hands!

”Su Han,” Qin Feng snarled, glaring coldly as he issued his challenge. ”You abuse your power, disregard the law, and have murdered the guards of the Qin Family in public! If I do not avenge this, I am not fit to be called a man! Today, I will give Miss Tongyan face, but I challenge you to a duel! Ten days from now, on the Life and Death Platform. Do you dare to accept?”

The Life and Death Platform?!

An uproar erupted from the crowd.

No one had expected events to escalate this far. One was the Ninth Prince, the other was the Marquis—both high-ranking figures—and now they were set to fight to the death on the Life and Death Platform. This was completely unprecedented!

Su Han sheathed his blade and stood straight, his face still pale. He guessed Qin Feng’s motives and understood the reason behind all this.

But what do I have to fear?

”In ten days, I will kill you,” Su Han said, his gaze as cold as ice, his killing intent laid bare for all to see.

”Su Han, once I’m fully prepared, crushing you will be as easy as crushing an ant. Just you wait. I will slaughter you with my own hands!” A savage sneer spread across Qin Feng’s lips, his eyes filled with a tangible, murderous aura.

He had learned his lesson; he would not be so careless next time. With my strength at the Sixth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm, combined with my Golden Spirit Body, dealing with Su Han will be child’s play! Even with a Demonic Blade, you will still die!

”Miss Tongyan, I bid you farewell!”

Qin Feng departed in a hurry, not even stopping to deal with his guards’ bodies. He had been severely afflicted by the Demonic Qi and needed to deal with it quickly, lest it lead to endless trouble.

With Qin Feng gone, there was no longer any reason for Su Han to fight.

At that moment, Tongyan flicked her finger. A drop of Spiritual Liquid entered Su Han’s brow, helping him calm his mind and dispel the bewitchment of the Black Blade.

She had intervened not to save Qin Feng, but Su Han.

”Thank you,” Su Han said, understanding her intent as he clasped his fist in a bow of gratitude.

If he had followed through with that last slash, he might have killed Qin Feng, but he himself would have succumbed to the blade’s influence and become a Blade Slave.

”Work hard,” Tongyan said simply, before turning and walking back into the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Su Han remained silent for a moment, then turned to leave. He had to get stronger. In ten days, he would slay Qin Feng.

The battle was over and the crowd dispersed, but the ripples from this conflict were just beginning to spread.

Throughout the Imperial Capital, gossip flew as countless people discussed the incident.

”Did you hear? The Ninth Prince and the Marquis had a massive fight in front of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, ending with both sides suffering heavy injuries. They’ve agreed to a life-and-death duel in ten days!”

”That Ninth Prince is far too arrogant. Not only does he throw his weight around, but he actually dared to kill people in the street. As a prince, he’s a disgrace compared to the Great Crown Prince.”

”When a prince breaks the law, he should face the same punishment as a commoner! The Ninth Prince committed murder and bullied the weak. A man like that should be executed! I support the Marquis. I’m going to watch that life-and-death duel myself.”

Under the Qin Family’s deliberate propaganda, Su Han was quickly labeled a power-abusing bully who disregarded the law and preyed on the weak. In an instant, his reputation plummeted, and he was scorned by the public. This created a stark contrast with the universally admired Great Crown Prince—exactly the outcome the Qin Family had desired.

Countless eyes were now focused on the event to come in ten days: a life-and-death showdown