Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Moonwatch City, located in the northern part of Ji State, was the public face of the Zi Mansion Holy Land and the largest city in the region. It covered an expansive area and was home to a population of ten million.

”Mr. Su, we’re approaching Moonwatch City!”

On a major road, a horse-drawn carriage headed toward Moonwatch City, carrying Su Han and his two companions.

They were in no hurry. Instead, they took the opportunity to wipe out the Blood Crow Sect and the Black Crow Sect. This allowed Li Qingyue and Li Mingliang to continue their sword practice while they looted the two sects’ treasuries, reaping a bountiful haul.

These three sects were notorious for their heinous deeds, which included murder, arson, and highway robbery. Su Han therefore felt no burden on his conscience for annihilating them.

Of course, these three sects were merely third-rate powers with limited treasures. They did not possess a single Holy Artifact and naturally could not enter Su Han’s Dharma Eye. For Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue, however, the spoils were a considerable sum of cultivation resources.

Su Han was about to enter the Peach Blossom Paradise, and he had prepared these cultivation resources for them.

Su Han had accepted Li Qingyue as a follower mainly to look after her and repay the Tai Cang Sword God. However, since he had made a promise, he was determined to take full responsibility for her.

By now, Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue had both improved their strength again. Li Mingliang had reached the Fifth Layer of the Divine Power Realm. Li Qingyue’s progress was even more significant; she had advanced to the Fourth Layer of the Heavenly Human Realm and was already showing considerable skill.

However, Su Han also noticed a problem. As her Yin Sword Body developed and her Ice Snow Sword Qi condensed, Li Qingyue’s temperament grew increasingly cold. She was like a fairy of the snows, and only when her gaze fell upon Su Han did her eyes reveal a feverish admiration.

If this continues, Li Qingyue will probably become an aloof goddess!

Zi Mansion Holy Land!

Su Han did not look at Moonwatch City, but at the sky above it. Using his Nine Heavens Eye, he detected faint traces of Spatial Force, which clearly indicated that the entrance to the Zi Mansion Holy Land was located there.

After paying the entrance fee, the carriage entered Moonwatch City. The streets were a lively scene, bustling with people jostling shoulder to shoulder. Su Han also noticed something else: in the Eastern Region, at least eighty percent of the populace in a metropolis of ten million would be ordinary citizens. Here, however, everyone was a martial artist. There was not a single commoner in sight; even the weakest possessed the strength of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

The concentration of Spiritual Energy in the Central Plains was generally three times higher than in the Eastern Region, making it easier for its inhabitants to embark on the path of Martial Arts. Although most were low-level martial artists, they were still far stronger than ordinary people.

Moonwatch City was bustling and prosperous, filled with the constant cries of vendors. In the past, Li Qingyue would surely have gazed around with curiosity, but now her heart was filled with only two things: the sword and Su Han. The lively bustle no longer held any interest for her.

We should find a place to settle down first.

The Zi Mansion Holy Land had prepared special accommodations for the ten individuals with slots, but Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue could not go there. He first had to arrange lodging for them.

Su Han was a newcomer, and Li Qingyue was still inexperienced. Fortunately, they had Li Mingliang, a man of the world, who quickly rented a secluded courtyard for them.

”I’ll be gone for as little as ten to fifteen days or as long as two to three months. You two will stay here for now. I’ve already given you the Facial Disguise Technique and the Heaven-Deceiving Demon Bead. As long as you maintain a low profile and stay indoors, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

The Heaven-Deceiving Demon Bead was no longer useful to Su Han, so he gave it to Li Qingyue as a welcoming gift for becoming his follower. The Facial Disguise Technique was a simplified version he derived from his own Thousand Changes and Transformations ability. It could alter their appearances, preventing Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue’s true identities from being discovered.

Their status as remnants of the Myriad Swords Sect was still quite troublesome, as the wanted posters from the Heavenly Sword Dynasty were always in effect.

”I have already given you the cultivation resources. I hope you will both train diligently during this time and reach a higher level.”

”I’m leaving now.”

With his instructions complete, Su Han departed.

”Farewell, Mr. Su!”

Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue bowed formally to see him off. Soon, Su Han had left the courtyard and was heading to the residence arranged by the Zi Mansion Holy Land.

After Su Han had gone, Li Mingliang looked at his granddaughter. ”Qingyue,” he began cautiously after a moment of thought, ”do you... do you like Mr. Su?”

He was a man who had seen the world and knew that girls of Li Qingyue’s age were prone to youthful infatuation, especially under these circumstances. Su Han had not only saved their lives but had also taught them a great deal.

The admiration in Li Qingyue’s eyes was plain to see. Li Mingliang recognized it easily, but it brought him no joy. Instead, his heart filled with deep concern.

Su Han’s background and identity were a mystery, but he was undoubtedly a peerless talent on the level of a Saint Heir. Such a man was dazzling, but becoming his Cultivation Partner would be a near-impossible challenge. To say nothing of other obstacles, the principle of a ’match in social status’ was an insurmountable chasm in itself.

Li Qingyue was his dear granddaughter, his only living relative. Though he was grateful to Su Han, he did not want his precious granddaughter to get hurt.

Li Qingyue did not deny it, admitting it frankly. ”Grandfather, I do like Mr. Su!” However, before her grandfather’s emotions could stir, she continued, ”But my feelings are of admiration, not romantic love. I admire Mr. Su’s innate talent, his strength, and even more so his magnanimity. That is why I want to be his follower—to follow him and reach greater heights!”

Phew. Li Mingliang breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it was not romantic love, it was fine. Otherwise, his precious granddaughter might suffer for a lifetime. He had seen enough of life’s sorrows and joys and did not want his own granddaughter to endure such heartache.

”Grandfather, let’s cultivate. I am too weak. I must become stronger to be worthy of being Mr. Su’s true follower!” Li Qingyue’s beautiful eyes flashed, filled with unshakeable resolve.

She was no fool. She could tell that Su Han had accepted her largely because of her connection to the Myriad Swords Sect. Therefore, she had to cultivate diligently and become truly worthy of the title of his follower.

In the center of Moonwatch City stood the Purple Moon Palace. This was the designated residence for the ten people who had received slots, and Su Han headed straight for it. However, he had already used Thousand Changes and Transformations to take on the appearance of the Fire Crow Sect Master.

Although the Fire Crow Sect Master was a minor figure, he had a known name and a traceable background, which was unlikely to arouse suspicion. Furthermore, the news that the Fire Crow Sect Master had obtained a Peach Blossom Token was likely known by many, making it the perfect identity to assume.

”Fire Crow Sect Master, this way, please!”

After Su Han presented the Peach Blossom Token, a dedicated attendant received him and led him into the Purple Moon Palace.

The Purple Moon Palace was vast. Its interior was a world of its own, far grander than its simple exterior suggested. It was both magnificent and outrageously luxurious.

But Su Han was here for the Peach Blossom Paradise and cared little for such luxuries. He just wanted to settle in and wait for the time of departure.

The Life Spring Water is the most important goal of this trip!

Suddenly, a strange, mocking voice rang out from behind him. ”You old ghost, Fire Crow! I didn’t think you’d actually have the guts to show up here and court death!”