Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Discovered

The Qin Family’s main hall was brightly lit. Family Head Qin Xiong wore a gloomy expression, his eyes filled with gloom. On either side of him sat the four Great Elders of the Qin Family, the weakest of whom was at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm—a lineup that far outstripped the Lu Family. Yet at this moment, everyone wore a grim expression.

”These past few days, the young members of our Qin Family have been disappearing one after another,” Qin Xiong said, his voice heavy. ”The sites of their disappearance show clear signs of a struggle. This is definitely a targeted strike against us!” His tone was filled with a rage that simmered like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

”The first to go missing was Qin Ruming,” the Great Elder reported. ”I’ve had people look into it. He was at the Spring Night Pavilion that evening. The madam even sent a woman to his room, but he disappeared not long after.”

”What about the woman?” Qin Xiong turned to ask.

”I’ve already interrogated her severely, but she appears to know nothing. She was knocked unconscious by Qin Ruming during the incident, so she didn’t witness what happened.” The Great Elder shook his head, as that lead was now a dead end.

”Besides Qin Ruming, Qin Tian disappeared from the Silver Hook Gambling House, Qin Huairu from the Rouge Shop, and Qin Xiao from the brokerage,” the Great Elder continued. ”There have been several disappearances these past few days, and all have been from the younger, third generation of the Qin Family. Although these individuals were not as innately gifted as Qin Feng, they were still pillars of our family. For them to vanish without a trace—neither seen alive nor found dead—is a massive blow.”

”The Government Office has sent troops to search, and we have dispatched a large number of our own guards, but I fear the prospects are grim,” the Great Elder reported on the latest developments, his tone pessimistic.

After all, a disappearance was no different from death. It just meant no body had been found.

Listening to the Great Elder, Qin Xiong’s expression grew even more thunderous.

Who dares to lay a hand on my Qin Family? Are they tired of living?

”How is Qin Feng?” Qin Xiong suddenly turned his head to look at the Second Elder, who was currently in charge of all matters concerning Qin Feng.

”Family Head, rest assured. This is one piece of good news,” the Second Elder said respectfully. ”Qin Feng’s injuries have healed. He is now in seclusion in the secret chamber, preparing for the life-and-death duel.”

”Qin Feng is the future of our Qin Family. Nothing must go amiss.” Qin Xiong nodded, satisfied with Qin Feng. ”He must kill Su Han in the life-and-death duel. Only then will he be worthy of following the Great Crown Prince.”

The future of the Qin Family now rested on Qin Feng and, of course, the Great Crown Prince—his own nephew, bound by blood that was thicker than water.

”Family Head, do you think it could be the Ninth Prince?” the Great Elder suddenly ventured. After all, the Qin Family held considerable power; ordinary people wouldn’t dare to offend them. Given the ten-day duel pact between Su Han and Qin Feng, on top of the feud between the Empress and the Great Crown Prince, his motive was the strongest.

”That’s not impossible.” Qin Xiong’s eyes lit up as he agreed with the speculation. ”But we must find solid evidence. Otherwise, we’ll have a hard time with the King and the court. If we do catch him, however, even a prince will have to pay with his life to accompany our family’s disciples in death.”

After a moment of thought, Qin Xiong quickly made a decision.

”Call all family disciples back and forbid them from going out unless it’s a special situation! Second Elder, continue to guard Qin Feng. The rest of you, lead your own teams and search everywhere. We must hunt down this person!”

Upon Qin Xiong’s order, the four Great Elders quickly acknowledged the command and went to make their preparations.

A sharp glint flashed in Qin Xiong’s eyes, his killing intent flaring. Su Han, I hope it really is you. That way, I won’t have to wait for the day of the duel to kill you!

***

Back at the Lu Family residence, Doctor Liao was feeding Lu Yunxian the last petal of the Spirit Nurturing Flower. Su Han waited nervously.

Half an hour later, Lu Yunxian had digested the medicinal power. Her complexion turned rosy and lustrous, and the feeling of weakness finally dissipated. She had fully recovered and was no longer weak. The only remaining problem was the irreparable damage to her lifespan. If she failed to find a treasure to enhance her vitality or extend her life within a year, Lu Yunxian would still meet a tragic end.

”Xiao Han, I’m all better now!” Lu Yunxian walked out of her room into the sunlight, looking as if she had truly come back to life. The bright sunshine cascaded over her, making her appear as beautiful as a flower in full bloom.

”Today is a joyous day, Fairy Sister Yun Xian! Let me take you for a walk,” Su Han said, his face breaking into an excited smile as the weight on his heart finally lifted.

He took Lu Yunxian for a walk around the Lu Family’s grounds, stretching their limbs and breathing in the fresh air. However, just as he was about to go out, Lu Yunxian stopped him.

”Xiao Han, I’ve already heard about your duel with Qin Feng. There are only five days left. You should go and cultivate. I’ve fully recovered now, so I’ll be fine on my own,” Lu Yunxian said considerately, not wanting Su Han to neglect his cultivation just to keep her company.

This is a life-and-death duel. If he loses, he’ll die. Once he wins, won’t there be plenty of opportunities to go out together in the future?

”Alright, Fairy Sister Yun Xian. I’ll go cultivate then. Please take care of yourself.” Su Han understood her intentions. After saying his piece, he returned to his room to cultivate.

I’ve killed and devoured a few too many these past few days. I need to properly refine all that power.

After Su Han left, Lu Yunxian did not wander around either, returning to her room shortly thereafter.

Now that my body has recovered, I can resume my cultivation. My strength has returned to the Second Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, but that’s not enough. I want to protect Su Han for the rest of his life, so I need to become even stronger.

For their respective convictions, both Su Han and Lu Yunxian immersed themselves in arduous cultivation.

That evening, after having dinner with Lu Yunxian, Su Han excused himself and returned to his room. He quickly changed into all-black attire and slipped away from the Lu Family residence using the Character Technique of Motion.

I’m stuck at the bottleneck of the Third Layer of the Divine Sea Realm. If I devour one more person tonight, I should be able to break through to the Fourth Layer!

Su Han knew the Qin Family was on alert, but to achieve his breakthrough, he had to take the risk.

Only at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm will I have the confidence to kill Qin Feng without exposing the Ghostly Face Mask. I’m just one step away! I’ve already set my sights on someone from the Qin Family. He’s at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm, just like Qin Ruming. Devouring him should be enough for my breakthrough.

Under the cover of night, Su Han moved like a specter, using the Character Technique of Motion to dart through the streets and alleys. Soon, he arrived at a teahouse; his target for the night was inside.

He extended his spiritual power, probing the situation within. The Divine Sea Realm was a cultivation level dedicated to spiritual power. At the Third Layer, Su Han’s sea of consciousness bore three marks, allowing him to project his spiritual power up to three hundred meters away. He quickly located his target inside the teahouse. However, just as he was preparing to sneak in, a figure suddenly appeared before him.

”Ninth Prince, so it really is you!”