Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

The Golden Chariot was exquisitely crafted, adorned with carvings of the sun, moon, and stars, making it resemble a fine piece of art. However, it was no mere art piece. It was a Low-grade Holy Artifact and the signature vehicle of a traveling prince.

A golden radiance blossomed from the chariot. Its faint Holy Might, filled with imperial majesty, was so overwhelming that it made one want to involuntarily kneel and worship. A figure shrouded in golden light sat upon it, like the Emperor on an inspection tour, his presence dominating the surroundings.

A prince is traveling!

Su Han was stunned. He hadn’t expected to encounter a prince from the Heavenly Sword Dynasty here. He wondered which one it was and what purpose he had in Fine Copper City.

Upon seeing the Golden Chariot, the Copper Tiger Saint immediately stepped forward respectfully, bowing his head in a grand salute. ”This old servant, Copper Tiger, along with everyone from the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, respectfully greets the Nineteenth Prince!”

The Copper Tiger Saint’s announcement finally revealed the identity of the Golden Chariot’s master to the crowd. Inside Fine Copper City, the people whispered amongst themselves in astonishment.

”What? It’s actually the Nineteenth Prince! Although he’s the youngest among the princes, his talent is extremely high. They say he has already comprehended the Big Dipper Sword Intent and is a powerhouse in the Supreme Realm. I can’t believe he came to our Fine Copper City!”

”That’s right! The Nineteenth Prince is only fifteen this year, yet he has already accomplished so much. In the future, he’ll definitely be able to catch up to the Second and Third Princes and become another top-tier powerhouse of our Heavenly Sword Dynasty!”

”I was wondering why the Copper Tiger Saint was in such a rush. It turns out he was preparing to welcome the Nineteenth Prince. That explains everything.”

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor had nineteen sons. The most distinguished among them was the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince, but several other princes also had notable reputations. The newly arrived Nineteenth Prince was one of them. He was known far and wide for his youth, immense talent, and powerful swordsmanship, making him one of the most outstanding figures among all the princes.

A prince of his caliber was destined to become a top-tier powerhouse in the Heavenly Sword Dynasty, even if he didn’t become the Emperor. Given his noble status, even the Copper Tiger Saint had to tread carefully and try to curry favor with him.

”Nine Heavens Eye!”

Su Han activated his Nine Heavens Eye to see through all falsehoods. His gaze penetrated the golden light, revealing the true face of the Nineteenth Prince.

The Nineteenth Prince had sword-like eyebrows and eyes as bright as stars, giving him a distinguished air. His facial features were sharp and distinct, as if chiseled from stone. His eyes seemed to contain the sun, moon, and stars. With every blink, an infinite, sword-sharp brilliance flashed, unmatched in its intensity.

He sat quietly on the chariot, his demeanor calm. His black hair was fastened with a crown, and he wore a golden Python Robe embroidered with nine pythons so lifelike they seemed ready to spring to life at any moment.

Although the Nineteenth Prince did not possess a Special Physique, his Sword Intent soared to the heavens and his Sword Momentum was razor-sharp. The seven stars of the Big Dipper seemed to swirl around him, making him appear like a deity descending to the mortal world.

The Nine Heavens Eye was a Divine Method that transcended the mundane. Su Han observed the Nineteenth Prince, but the prince remained completely unaware.

After a moment, Su Han’s gaze shifted to a figure standing beside the Golden Chariot. He was a tall, handsome, middle-aged man with a scholarly and elegant air. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression serene, not bowing deferentially like the others. This was because he was not only a First Layer Saint Realm powerhouse but also the Nineteenth Prince’s Protector. Holding an official position, he was clearly no ordinary person.

”Mr. Su, that is the Crane Sword Saint, the Nineteenth Prince’s Protector,” Li Mingliang explained in a timely manner, giving Su Han a better understanding of the situation. The Nineteenth Prince’s status was noble, his entourage was grand, and with a Protector accompanying him, he was far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

”Dispense with the formalities. Everyone, please rise,” the Nineteenth Prince said, though he did not stand up from his Golden Chariot. Even so, the Copper Tiger Saint dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction. After all, the Heavenly Sword Dynasty had a profound, ten-thousand-year heritage. In contrast, he was an ordinary saint who had only become Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion due to his outstanding Sword Casting Technique. Naturally, his status was far less distinguished than that of the Nineteenth Prince.

”Thank you, Nineteenth Prince. Please, make your way to the Heavenly Sword Pavilion and allow this old servant to fulfill his duties as your host.” The Copper Tiger Saint adopted an extremely low posture, speaking humbly with his head bowed. The sight caused those familiar with him to drop their jaws in disbelief.

Normally, the Copper Tiger Saint was a stern and serious figure of immense authority. In his presence, everyone would tremble, hardly daring to breathe too loudly. Yet now, before the Nineteenth Prince, he was acting like a small dog wagging its tail to beg for favor—a truly contemptible sight. However, no one dared to show their disdain openly. Otherwise, the Copper Tiger Saint would surely teach them how to conduct themselves. After all, he was a Saint Realm powerhouse, and who would dare offend him?

The Nineteenth Prince nodded. ”Let’s go.”

The Golden Chariot set off once again, slowly entering Fine Copper City with the Copper Tiger Saint accompanying it. Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the majestic Golden Chariot, as doing so would be a great sign of disrespect toward the Imperial Family.

”Oh?” Suddenly, the Nineteenth Prince let out a soft sound of surprise. His gaze shifted, landing on a certain graceful figure in the crowd.

Li Qingyue’s delicate body trembled. That gaze was fixed upon her.

Su Han’s brow furrowed slightly. He took a step forward to block the prince’s line of sight, but the Nineteenth Prince had already gotten a clear look.

”To think I would encounter a Yin Sword Body on this trip. I will give you an opportunity to ascend to the heavens in a single step. Follow this prince, and I shall guarantee you a lifetime of glory and wealth!” the Nineteenth Prince’s voice rang out, laced with an innate haughtiness, as if he were bestowing a magnificent gift.

With his exceptional innate talent and powerful background, no one had ever defied him. From birth, he was constantly surrounded by sycophants, which naturally fostered a supremely arrogant attitude. Aside from the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince and the few princes stronger than him, he paid no mind to his peers. He held even more disdain for Li Qingyue, who was merely in the Heavenly Human Realm.

”Hurry up and express your gratitude! To be noticed by the Nineteenth Prince is a fortune you wouldn’t stumble upon in several lifetimes! Others can only dream of such an opportunity!” The Copper Tiger Saint was eager to curry favor with the Nineteenth Prince. Seeing the prince’s interest in Li Qingyue, he quickly spoke up to assist him. In his view, his words were merely gilding the lily; after all, who wouldn’t want to ride the Nineteenth Prince’s coattails to the top?

”Who is that girl? How could she be so lucky as to catch the Nineteenth Prince’s eye? This is truly a case of a sparrow transforming into a phoenix!”

”The Nineteenth Prince just mentioned a Yin Sword Body! It seems the girl has a Special Physique. Still, to be noticed by the Nineteenth Prince... that’s her good fortune. How enviable!”

”Hmph! What’s so great about that little tart? She’s not even as pretty as me. Why would the Nineteenth Prince notice her and not me?”

A torrent of envious, jealous, and resentful gazes fell upon Li Qingyue, as if she had just received some celestial blessing. At that moment, however, Li Qingyue’s face turned pale. She had no desire for such an ”honor.” In her heart, there was only room for Mr. Su!

With all eyes on her, Li Qingyue felt tormented. The discomfort was like millions of ants gnawing at her heart.

Just then, Su Han stepped forward.

”She belongs to me!”