Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

The bright moon hung high, pure and luminous, yet it was chillingly cold. Moonlight spilled down like liquid mercury, covering everyone in its glow. In an instant, the crowd felt a deep chill run through them, as if a sharp sword was pressed against their foreheads, bringing with it a lethal threat.

This was the Cold Moon Sword Intent, but it was different from before, as it had now fused with a trace of the Sword Intent of Ages.

Li Qingyue was incredibly fortunate. Not only did she achieve Enlightenment, but she also comprehended the Sword Intent of Ages. Instead of abandoning her own Sword Intent to fully embrace the new one, she merged it with her Cold Moon Sword Intent, creating a unique sword intent that cycled through the phases of the moon.

When the moon was a crescent, her Sword Intent was peerlessly sharp, like a long spear that could pierce a hole in Heavenly Capital.

At the half-moon, her Sword Intent was like a blade, seemingly capable of severing heaven and earth, cleaving open the cosmos.

When the moon was full, her Sword Intent reached Perfection, like the Sword Light Bright Moon. Every strand of moonlight became a streak of Sword Qi, rendering her invincible.

This bright moon, no matter its phase, carried a unique Sword Intent, continually rotating like the passing of years, as if time itself was in flux.

It could not be denied that Li Qingyue’s gain from this session of Enlightenment was unprecedented. The unique Cold Moon Sword Intent alone was immeasurably valuable. At that moment, the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth was suddenly pulled, rushing and pouring into Li Qingyue’s body like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

Instantly, the Sword Light radiating from her body grew brighter and more resplendent. In the end, her entire being seemed to transform into a sword—an unparalleled, sharp, Heaven-Cleaving Earth-Sundering Sword.

BOOM!

Her Realm was directly broken through, and she reached the Second Layer of the Phenomenon Realm. However, this was just the beginning.

Li Qingyue’s Aura kept climbing, shattering one limit after another as her Realm continued to advance.

Phenomenon Realm Third Layer, Phenomenon Realm Fourth Layer, Phenomenon Realm Fifth Layer...

Ultimately, Li Qingyue’s Realm stabilized at the Ninth Layer of the Phenomenon Realm. Advancing from the First Layer to the Ninth, breaking through eight realms in succession, left the crowd utterly drop-jawed in astonishment.

No one had anticipated that Li Qingyue’s Enlightenment could allow her to break through eight realms in one go. Such an event was exceedingly rare; had they not witnessed it with their own eyes, they would never have believed it.

At this moment, Li Qingyue finally concluded her Enlightenment. Her beautiful eyes slowly opened, revealing pupils dense with Sword Intent, shining like two bright and clear full moons.

”Sword Body Minor Achievement!”

Su Han’s eyes gleamed with joy as he noticed the third change in Li Qingyue. Her Yin Sword Body had progressed from the Entry Level stage to the Minor Achievement stage, and she had comprehended her personal Origin Technique.

An enhanced Cold Moon Sword Intent, a breakthrough across eight realms, and achieving Sword Body Minor Achievement—though Li Qingyue had not personally witnessed Su Han’s battles, this single session of Enlightenment surpassed ten years of arduous cultivation. Her coffers were filled to the brim.

”Am I seeing things? This is too inconceivable, practically a miracle! How on earth did she do it?”

”The Myriad Swords Sect was once the premier Sword Sect. To think that even in its decline, their descendants possess such high innate talent and fortune! She even earned the special favor of the Great Emperor’s Sword Intent of Ages. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it!”

”A breakthrough in Sword Intent, advancing eight realms, and reaching Sword Body Minor Achievement—any one of these accomplishments could drive a person mad, yet she has them all! It’s beyond enviable!”

The substantial increase in Li Qingyue’s strength made everyone’s eyes turn red with envy. Many glared with jealous resentment, but Su Han’s intimidating presence forced them to hide their feelings. All eyes were now converged on Li Qingyue, and everyone knew that aside from the Nineteenth Prince, she had likely gained the most today.

Furthermore, if this news were to spread, Li Qingyue’s fame would skyrocket, bringing her into the public eye. This was tantamount to ascending to the heavens in a single step, not to mention her association with the Nineteenth Prince meant her future prospects were boundless.

At this thought, the crowd’s gazes toward Li Qingyue filled with even greater envy.

However, having just awakened from her Enlightenment to find herself the center of attention, Li Qingyue felt very uneasy. She became reserved and was at a complete loss for what to do.

”Qingyue, how do you feel now?”

Li Mingliang knew the confusion his granddaughter was experiencing. He stepped forward, blocking the crowd’s gazes and shielding Li Qingyue behind him. He was thrilled and excited; he knew this Enlightenment would bring his granddaughter great benefits, but he had never expected them to be this significant. His heart was pounding so hard that he found it difficult to calm down.

”Grandfather, I feel great!”

Seeing her grandfather and Su Han, Li Qingyue’s anxious heart gradually settled. As long as the two most important people in her life were there, she had nothing to fear.

Li Mingliang nodded and then briefly recounted what had happened. Li Qingyue listened with her mouth agape, her pretty face etched with shock. However, she quickly recovered. In her heart, Su Han was the strongest, so it was no surprise to her that he could defeat anyone.

”Your Highness, my mind wandered. I’m sorry!” Li Qingyue said, apologizing to Su Han with a guilty look, unaware that she had been in an Enlightenment State.

”Your mind didn’t wander. You entered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Enlightenment. It’s your good fortune, your blessing. I have no intention of blaming you,” Su Han replied, his gentle tone causing jaws to drop.

The Su Han from before had been incomparably arrogant, looking down on every prince, princess, Saint Heir, and Holy Maiden. Yet now, he was being unexpectedly gentle with Li Qingyue.

Could it be that the Nineteenth Prince has taken a liking to this remnant of the Myriad Swords Sect?

The crowd’s gazes shifted between Su Han and Li Qingyue as speculation bloomed in their minds. Su Han, however, couldn’t be bothered to explain, and Li Qingyue paid no mind to the opinions of others.

”You have just concluded your Enlightenment, and your strength has increased too rapidly, which could lead to an unstable foundation. How about this: I’ll arrange a sword duel for you!”

Su Han still had high expectations for Li Qingyue. His gaze swept over the numerous talented sword cultivators, and an idea immediately formed in his mind.

WHOOSH!

Su Han reached out and retrieved a drop of Life Spring Water from the Bronze Ring. A rich vitality instantly burst forth, and everyone present could feel it.

”My heavens, that’s Life Spring Water! It’s said that one drop is comparable to a Holy Medicine, a Supreme Treasure for healing!”

Many connoisseurs in the crowd recognized the Life Spring Water at a glance. Even those who didn’t could feel the incredibly dense vitality and knew it was an invaluable treasure.

”Within the same Realm, whoever can defeat Li Qingyue will win this drop of Life Spring Water!” Su Han announced, stating the challenge. He was finding an opponent for Li Qingyue; she needed a battle to hone her newfound abilities. A sword duel was imperative.

The moment the Life Spring Water appeared, many eyes gleamed with desire. They no longer had a chance at first place, but winning the Life Spring Water was still an excellent reward.

”I’ll do it!”

”I wish to challenge her!”

”Count me in!”

In an instant, countless people eagerly stepped forward; the list of potential challengers was extensive.