Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Cangzhou, though not a main Daozhou like Sword Province, was far more bustling and thriving than Ji State. The Heavenly Sword Dynasty truly deserved its reputation for producing a wealth of sword cultivators. As soon as Su Han set foot within Cangzhou’s borders, he saw many cultivators bearing swords.

”In the Heavenly Sword Dynasty, one in ten people is a sword cultivator!” Li Mingliang explained to Su Han.

Sword cultivators differed from ordinary martial artists in that they placed more emphasis on innate talent, making their numbers scarce. A ratio of one in ten was already remarkably high. Considering the Heavenly Sword Dynasty’s population of one billion, this meant there were nearly one hundred million sword cultivators—a truly frightening figure.

”Let’s find a place to rest first!”

The long journey was manageable for Su Han and Li Mingliang, but Li Qingyue, being younger and weaker, was showing some discomfort. Noticing this, Su Han naturally showed his concern.

”A thousand li from here is Fine Copper City. The area is rich in Fine Copper—a superior material for sword casting. Let’s go there to rest!”

Without needing any instruction from Su Han, Li Mingliang had already considered everything. His role was clear: to serve as Su Han’s guide. I’m getting old, my innate talent is lacking, and my strength is average. My only great advantage is my familiarity with the various places in the Central Plains. Therefore, like a personal butler, he meticulously planned every aspect of their journey for Su Han.

Fine Copper City was not only the largest city in southern Cangzhou but also home to many famous swords and veteran Grand Sword Casting Masters. He himself could make do with any sword, but Li Qingyue possessed extremely high innate talent. It would be best to forge a new, exclusive sword for her. Su Han had inquired about this before, and Li Mingliang had taken note of it.

”Alright, then let’s head to Fine Copper City!” Su Han nodded. He held a map in his hand and knew the city’s approximate location.

Soon, the three of them arrived near Fine Copper City.

”What rich Golden Spirit Energy!” Possessing the Origin Source of a Golden Spirit Body, Su Han was extremely sensitive to Golden Spirit Energy. When he used his Nine Heavens Eye, he saw that the aura around Fine Copper City was incredibly dense, enveloping the area and imbuing everything with a sharp, metallic essence.

This is not only a great place for forging swords but also an excellent place for cultivating Golden Law techniques. Although I have already successfully formed my Great Luo Golden Body, it’s merely at the Entry Level. If I could advance it to the minor accomplishment stage here, its power would surely reach a new level.

Su Han looked up, noticing that the densest concentration of Golden Spirit Energy wasn’t outside the city but within Fine Copper City itself. It was said that this area was initially just a mining district inhabited only by miners and their supervisors. Over time, a small market formed, which gradually evolved into a town and eventually became Fine Copper City. However, the establishment of Fine Copper City was clearly guided by an expert. It not only occupies the best location but also seems to harbor even greater secrets.

Su Han understood this but said nothing more as he led Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue into the city. The moment they entered, a wave of heat washed over them, accompanied by the crisp sound of hammering iron.

Looking around, they saw that the most numerous establishments lining both sides of the street were sword-forging shops. Muscular, bare-chested men swung their hammers, tirelessly forging swords. Of course, these were just ordinary Sword Casting Masters, and the swords they crafted were not of a high grade, but their strength was in mass production.

”Mr. Su, the swords produced in Fine Copper City have the best reputation, and this city’s output alone is enough to meet the entire demand of Cangzhou. As a result, many sword cultivators are drawn here by its fame,” Li Mingliang explained. As a sword cultivator himself, he was naturally more familiar with such a place.

The streets were filled with many outsiders, much like Su Han and his companions. Most of them were sword cultivators who had come to have swords custom-forged. Although Su Han was not well-versed in the Sword Casting Technique, he could still tell that the swords produced here were indeed exceptional.

I have the Swordsaint’s Cold Iron Holy Sword, so I don’t need a new one forged. Li Qingyue’s current sword isn’t suitable for her, though. We’ll need to find the best sword-forging shop to custom-make a treasured sword for her. Although Su Han used a saber, he had inherited the memories of the Tai Cang Sword God and naturally had some insights into swordsmanship. He didn’t need a sword cast for himself, but his approach to Li Qingyue had to be different.

Since he had decided to take Li Qingyue on as a follower, he naturally had to be responsible for her. The past month had not been spent merely traveling, as Su Han had also been helping her improve her strength. She had since broken through to the Heavenly Human Realm, making tremendous progress. While Su Han’s Bronze Ring contained many fine swords, none were suitable for her, so one had to be custom-made.

”Mr. Su, the best sword-forging shop in Fine Copper City is in the center of the city. It’s called the Heavenly Sword Pavilion and is an imperial family enterprise. What do you think?” Li Mingliang asked. He didn’t mind going to the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, but while their craftsmanship was excellent, their fees were also incredibly high.

”Then we’ll go to the Heavenly Sword Pavilion!” Su Han nodded. He sensed that the place with the densest Golden Spirit Energy in the city was in the center, likely within the Heavenly Sword Pavilion itself.

With Su Han’s decision made, Li Mingliang was naturally delighted, and the three of them prepared to head for the Heavenly Sword Pavilion.

WHOOSH!

Just then, several figures flew out from the direction of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, crossing the sky toward the city gates. Among them, one figure was shrouded in Holy Light, exuding a Holy Might that awed the entire city.

Using his Nine Heavens Eye, Su Han saw that this person was a bald old man with a bronze complexion. Despite his age, he was powerfully built, resembling a humanoid tyrannosaur and radiating an extremely oppressive feeling. Second Layer of the Saint Realm. That’s the bald old man’s strength. Quite impressive. He’s likely a major figure from the Heavenly Sword Pavilion.

”That’s the Copper Tiger Saint! He’s the Pavilion Master of the local Heavenly Sword Pavilion. He rarely makes an appearance. Why does he seem to be in such a hurry?” Li Mingliang exclaimed in a low voice, confirming Su Han’s suspicion.

The Copper Tiger Saint, Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion and the greatest Grand Sword Casting Master in Fine Copper City, was powerful and held a high status. Yet at this moment, he appeared rushed, and he was accompanied by several other martial artists with powerful auras. What are they off to do?

Many people within Fine Copper City were just as curious as Su Han. Their gazes turned toward the city gates, wondering what could have brought out the Copper Tiger Saint in such a manner.

Suddenly, the desolate and piercing sound of a horn echoed, growing from a distant call to a thundering blast that shook the heavens and the earth. The sound grew clearer and louder, eventually merging into a single wave that exerted a spiritual pressure on all who heard it, making them feel as if they were facing the Son of Heaven himself, daring not to show the slightest disrespect.

At this moment, the Copper Tiger Saint stood respectfully at the city gate with the senior members of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion. A rare, humble smile appeared on his usually stern face as he gazed with eager anticipation in the direction of the horn blast.

Soon, a troop of about thirty to forty people appeared in the sky, their presence imposing. A Golden Chariot pressed down upon the horizon, approaching slowly with its unique majesty.

Upon seeing the Golden Chariot, Li Mingliang’s expression changed, and he exclaimed, ”A royal Prince is on tour!”