Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Li Qingyue turned around in surprise and saw Su Han standing unharmed behind her. Dressed in black with matching black hair, he wore a faint smile. He was like a solitary Black Netherworld Flower, deep and mysterious.

”Mr. Su, are you alright!” Li Qingyue exclaimed, her face alight with excitement as she trotted up to him.

But before Su Han could answer, she patted her forehead. ”I’m so silly. You’re standing right in front of me, so of course you’re alright.”

Seeing Li Qingyue’s adorable, girlish charm, Su Han couldn’t help but pat her head.

Su Han’s heart belonged to Tongyan, so it was impossible for him to feel the same way about Li Qingyue. His affection for her was more like that of an older brother for his sister.

Li Qingyue was usually cool and elegant, like a ray of pure moonlight, but she only revealed her true, girlish nature in Su Han’s presence.

”Sorry for making you worry,” Su Han said with a smile, comforting Li Qingyue while also nodding to Li Mingliang.

The three of them did not linger at the door and quickly entered the house.

”Mr. Su, there was an incident at Peach Blossom Paradise. It’s wonderful that you’ve returned safely,” Li Mingliang began, taking the initiative. ”However, Moonwatch City has now become a place fraught with conflict. I suggest we leave as soon as possible.”

Previously, the four Holy Masters had joined forces to fight the Zi Mansion Holy Master. Although they ultimately retreated in defeat, it was clear the matter was far from over. As the gateway to the Zi Mansion Holy Land, Moonwatch City was bound to be affected.

When gods fight, mortals suffer. A single stray blast of energy from their battle could cause devastating casualties in the city. That was why so many people had already fled, not daring to remain. Under the circumstances, it was perfectly normal for Li Mingliang to think this way.

”I won’t hide this from you. My destination is Liuzhou, west of the Central Plains. The journey is long and perilous. If you follow me, I cannot guarantee your safety. You could very well face a life-or-death crisis,” Su Han said, tapping his finger on the tabletop as he brought the issue up again.

The previous journey from Firesha Mountain to Moonwatch City had been entirely within the borders of Ji State—a relatively short trip with few dangers. But the road to Liuzhou was an unknown. Su Han couldn’t even guarantee his own survival, let alone protect Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue. He posed the question once more to let them think it through and make their own decision. After all, the journey’s outcome was impossible to predict, and he didn’t want to be a burden to them.

”Mr. Su, we have already thought this through!” Li Mingliang replied directly, a smile on his face and no hesitation in his voice.

Over the past month, they hadn’t been completely immersed in cultivation. They had also contemplated their lives and their future, and given their situation, their future was undoubtedly tied to Su Han. They had considered every possibility and discussed it at length to reach their conclusion.

”The Myriad Swords Sect exists in name only. If you hadn’t saved us, my granddaughter and I would be nothing more than skeletons on the roadside. You’ve shown us immeasurable kindness. You not only saved our lives but also taught us the entire Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique without holding anything back. Furthermore, you never used it as leverage against us and were even willing to let us leave. This is a blessing we must have earned in a previous life.

”Moreover, Qingyue greatly admires you and wishes to be your follower for life. I, too, have long since accepted you as my master. You have shown us compassion, so we cannot be unrighteous. Therefore, my granddaughter and I have decided that no matter where you go, even to the ends of the earth, we will follow!”

Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue bowed deeply, their posture reverent. Each word they spoke was heavier than a mountain, as they were staking their lives, fortunes, and futures on Su Han. Of course, they weren’t seeking great wealth or a high station above others; they simply wanted to follow Su Han and serve him with all their hearts.

As Li Mingliang had said, before meeting Su Han, they were constantly on the run, living like cornered rats, wretched and hunted by all. With the Myriad Swords Sect long gone, they were pursued by the Fire Crow Sect and had nearly died by the roadside.

Only those who have fallen into Hell can truly appreciate the value of Heaven. Su Han had saved their lives, passed on a sword technique, and treated them with respect. If they weren’t going to follow a man like him, who else was there?

Although Li Mingliang doted on his granddaughter, he refused to take away her conviction, knowing it would condemn her to a life of endless regret and suffering.

Taking everything into account, Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue had made their decision: they would follow Su Han for the rest of their lives, never abandoning him.

Looking at the two of them bowing before him, Su Han felt a warmth spread through his heart. Although he had once been betrayed by the empress he trusted most, the experience hadn’t made him permanently distrustful. He had later chosen to trust Tongyan and Ning Feifan all the same. His trust was not misplaced; both Tongyan and Ning Feifan were loyal and devoted to him, as were Master Leiming and Saint You Heng. Therefore, Su Han chose to trust Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue as well.

”Since you are willing to follow me, then I will take you with me. I hope you won’t regret today’s decision in the future,” Su Han said with a nod, truly accepting their allegiance.

”This old servant, Li Mingliang, pays his respects to you, Mr. Su!”

”Qingyue pays her respects to you, Mr. Su!”

Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue knelt, kowtowing in a grand ceremony of respect. This time, Su Han did not step aside but accepted their gesture with solemn dignity.

”I obtained some treasures in Peach Blossom Paradise. I’ll give them to you. I hope you’ll cultivate diligently and gain enough strength to protect yourselves.”

Without any stinginess, Su Han took out two Storage Rings. Inside were various Cultivation Resources and treasures, all spoils from his trip. Of course, Su Han possessed many Holy Artifacts, but it would be inappropriate to give those to them. Holy Artifacts were too conspicuous. Given their inadequate strength, possessing one would be like drawing fire to themselves if it were ever revealed.

”Thank you for your generous gift, Mr. Su!”

Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue did not refuse. They respectfully accepted the Storage Rings, their faces lighting up with surprised delight when they saw the numerous treasures inside. With these Cultivation Resources, they wouldn’t have to worry about their cultivation for a long time.

”Pack your things. We leave Moonwatch City today,” Su Han instructed, agreeing with Li Mingliang’s earlier suggestion.

He had already been to Peach Blossom Paradise and obtained the Life Spring Water. There was no longer any reason to stay.

As for the Zi Mansion Holy Son, I’ll treat him as a spare chess piece for now. He might be useful later.

”Mr. Su, which way do we go?” Li Mingliang asked, delighted to be leaving this place of conflict. After leaving Ji State, where would they go? Although Su Han’s final destination was Liuzhou, the journey from Ji State spanned hundreds of Daozhous. Choosing which ones to travel through meant choosing a different route.

Regarding this question, Su Han already had a plan. He smiled faintly and said, ”We’re going to the Heavenly Sword Dynasty.”