Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Su Han had long since left Mount Hua and even the borders of Cangzhou, arriving in Haozhou, one of the nine great Daozhou. Haozhou was adjacent to Cangzhou and lay on the path to the Imperial Capital of Sword Province.

The Mount Hua Swordsmanship Tournament had concluded. Next, Su Han needed to return to the Imperial Capital to attend the Grand Swordsmanship Convention.

”Your Highness, I’ve also heard of this Grand Swordsmanship Convention,” Li Mingliang said. ”It was established by the Flying Immortal Great Emperor, who pushed it through against all opposition with a unilateral decision. It caused a huge uproar inside and outside the court. Many princes and high officials even risked their lives to object, but in the end, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor acted autocratically and decreed that the convention would be held.

”This decision was made last year, setting a one-year period to recruit talents from all over the world. The news has already spread throughout the Central Plains, and genius sword cultivators from many great powers have traveled thousands of miles to participate in this grand event.

”Although the Grand Swordsmanship Convention is still three months away, it is poised to be an unprecedented and extraordinary event. The Mount Hua Swordsmanship Tournament is utterly insignificant in comparison.”

Although Li Mingliang lived in seclusion in southern Cangzhou, he naturally paid attention to such major events. Previously, as a wanted criminal, he never dreamed of participating. But now that he was following Su Han, he would certainly be attending the Grand Swordsmanship Convention, so he paid even closer attention to news regarding it.

The Myriad Virtual Realm... I wonder what lies within?

Su Han was not intimidated by the Grand Swordsmanship Convention. Instead, he was more curious about the opportunities within the Myriad Virtual Realm. From the memories of the Nineteenth Prince and the words of others, he had gathered some fragmented information about it. He had no idea what it was like inside or what kind of opportunities it held. He only knew it was the greatest land of opportunity in the Heavenly Sword Dynasty and the unrivaled sacred place in the hearts of countless sword cultivators.

All sword cultivators took pride in being able to enter the Myriad Virtual Realm to cultivate, but in the past, none were able to. The opportunity provided by the Flying Immortal Great Emperor this time was a chance for every sword cultivator to ascend to the heavens in a single step. For that chance, everyone would give their all.

”I do not know about the rest, but I am aware of two great opportunities,” Li Mingliang interjected. ”One is the Annihilation Great Emperor’s Path Enlightenment Lake. It is similar to Mount Hua, but it is the very place where the Annihilation Great Emperor achieved his Path Enlightenment and became an emperor. It’s said to be a vast lake that not only contains the Sword Intent of Ages but also has the current of time itself flowing within it.”

As a descendant of the Myriad Swords Sect, Li Mingliang naturally knew more than others.

”The second opportunity is my Myriad Swords Sect’s own Myriad Sword Mountain! Myriad Sword Mountain holds the personal swords left behind by our sect’s ancestors. Each sword represents a unique lineage, and it is said that there are over ten thousand swords on the mountain, making it an invaluable treasure. Tragically, they were seized by the Heavenly Sword Dynasty three thousand years ago and sealed within the Myriad Virtual Realm.”

Li Mingliang’s eyes dimmed, and his expression grew heavy. For every disciple of the Myriad Swords Sect, this was an indelible disgrace. Unfortunately, the sect had long since declined. Never mind reclaiming Myriad Sword Mountain, they could not even enter the Myriad Virtual Realm.

Path Enlightenment Lake and Myriad Sword Mountain—these two opportunities alone were enough to drive people to madness. The Myriad Virtual Realm had been accumulating such chances for ten thousand years; surely the opportunities within were not limited to just these two. No wonder all sword cultivators longed to enter and cultivate there.

And the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince, who entered long ago to cultivate, must be unbelievably powerful with such vast resources at his disposal. Perhaps he has already achieved Instant Sanctification and broken through to the Saint Realm!

”It seems I really must make a trip to this Myriad Virtual Realm!”

Although Su Han was not purely a sword cultivator, he could not miss out on such a fortuitous land. Perhaps he could undergo a transformation within and advance by leaps and bounds.

Isn’t the whole reason I came to the Central Plains to grow stronger so I can fight my way back to the Eastern Region?

”There are only three months left. I need to find an opportunity to reveal my true strength soon. Only then can I ensure that I come out on top at the Grand Swordsmanship Convention!”

The strength Su Han currently displayed in his guise as the Nineteenth Prince was only at the Second Layer of the Supreme Realm. This might have been sufficient for the Mount Hua Swordsmanship Tournament, but it would be inadequate for the Grand Swordsmanship Convention. Thus, Su Han needed to find a plausible opportunity to reveal more of his power. Of course, it would be best to improve it even further to have a greater chance of success.

Even though Su Han had defeated the Saint Heirs and Holy Maidens from the three major sacred lands, he would not become arrogant. He knew that there was always someone better out there. Even the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince was only ranked ninth on the Hidden Dragon List, to say nothing of himself.

”Right, Your Highness also needs to be wary of the Second and Third Princes!” Li Mingliang spoke again, his voice low but laden with gravity.

”All along, apart from the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince, the Second and Third Princes have been the most powerful. They have both long coveted a spot to enter the Myriad Virtual Realm and have spent the last half-year honing their skills in preparation for the Grand Swordsmanship Convention. Now that Your Highness has come into prominence, you will inevitably draw their attention.”

”The Second Prince excels in Confucian Swordsmanship and is unfathomably cunning. The Third Prince specializes in War Swordsmanship and is ruthless. Furthermore, their cultivation realms are far above Your Highness’s. Of course, the main threat isn’t their overt opposition, but the fear of their covert schemes. You must be on your guard!”

The rivalry between the Second and Third Princes was common knowledge, and their formidable strength was beyond doubt. The original Nineteenth Prince could only compare to them in terms of innate talent. When it came to actual power and cunning, he was still somewhat naive. Although the current Nineteenth Prince was Su Han in disguise, the threat from the Second and Third Princes still needed to be handled with extreme care.

”If they dare to come, I’ll make sure they never return!” Su Han declared, undaunted and brimming with murderous intent.

Whether it was the Second Prince, the Third Prince, or anyone else, if they dared to make a move on him, they were an enemy. And toward his enemies, Su Han never showed mercy. Moreover, while he was limited in the power he could display publicly to maintain his disguise, in a secret battle, he could unleash his full strength and kill even a Saint.

I hope the Second and Third Princes aren’t foolish enough to try something, or else I won’t hesitate to make them pay the price!

”By the way, where can I buy a Holy Sword? I want to get a new sword, and Qingyue also needs to have one custom-made.”

With three months still to go before the Grand Swordsmanship Convention, Su Han wanted to replace his sword. The Seven Stars Holy Sword was good, but it did not match his Slaughter Sword Intent. Although he possessed the Swordsaint’s Cold Iron Holy Sword, he could not just brandish it out of nowhere. Therefore, the best solution was to buy a new one. Li Qingyue’s plan to order a new sword in Fine Copper City had also fallen through. Now that her strength had increased significantly, she too needed a better weapon.

”Your Highness, Nanyang City in Haozhou is a bustling commercial center, famous far and wide. You might be able to find a suitable sword there,” Li Mingliang said after some thought, suggesting the location.

”Good. Then let’s head to Nanyang City first,” Su Han nodded, making his decision.