Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Haozhou ranked among the lower half of the nine Daozhou within the Heavenly Sword Dynasty. Its overall strength was not particularly formidable, but Nanyang City, located within its borders, was a renowned city of commerce.

Nanyang City was situated on a vast plain with a major river running through it. Accessible by both land and water, its location had led to flourishing commerce.

While the Central Plains lacked a sprawling commercial powerhouse like the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, there were still numerous local merchant guilds, and the greatest concentration of these was found in Nanyang City.

Apart from the public markets, Nanyang City also had an underground market that specialized in all sorts of illicit goods. Here, there was nothing you could not buy—only things you could not imagine.

”Your Highness, Nanyang City is just ahead!”

Beneath the blue sky and white clouds, a Golden Chariot advanced slowly. This time, Su Han was accompanied not only by the Crane Sword Saint, Li Mingliang, and Li Qingyue but also by the palace maids and attendants who had caught up from Fine Copper City. Their procession of thirty-eight people was vast and imposing, its grandeur spreading far and wide.

Su Han sat in the Golden Chariot, gazing ahead at the sprawling city on the plain. Unlike other cities, Nanyang City had no walls. It lay completely open, like a hospitable merchant welcoming guests from all directions.

At this moment, numerous convoys of people and carriages were converging on Nanyang City from all sides, adding to its bustling prosperity.

”Let’s enter the city!”

Su Han had no intention of being discreet. He was currently playing the part of the Nineteenth Prince, so it was only natural to display the prince’s characteristic arrogance.

WHOO! WHOO!

Attendants blew their horns, announcing the prince’s procession. Meanwhile, palace maids scattered spiritual light that fell like flower petals, making Su Han appear as majestic as a god descended from the heavens—an awe-inspiring sight.

”Who is that? What a lavish display! And they’re flying directly into the city. Don’t they know Nanyang City has a no-fly restriction?”

”Are you trying to get yourself killed? Didn’t you see the Golden Chariot? That’s standard for a princely procession! That’s a prince! Watch out, or disaster will befall you!”

”A prince is gracing Nanyang City with his presence. I just wonder which one it is.”

Such a grand display naturally drew a great deal of attention. Innumerable gazes were cast their way, and a cacophony of discussion erupted.

SWISH!

At the same time, a rainbow streak shot out from Nanyang City, speeding toward the Golden Chariot.

The rainbow came to a stop, revealing the figure within: a portly, middle-aged man. He was dressed in an opulent brocade robe that shimmered with jewels, and the most amusing feature was the thin mustache on his upper lip.

However, Su Han did not underestimate this man. Despite his corpulence, he was a genuine Saint and a powerhouse at the Fourth Layer of the Saint Realm.

”Your subject, Bai Xu of Nanyang City, pays his respects to His Highness, the Nineteenth Prince!” The middle-aged man bowed respectfully to Su Han, announcing his identity.

This was Bai Xu Saint, the city lord of Nanyang and a subject of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty. The name Bai Xu, which carried an air of elegance, seemed rather wasted on him.

Bai Xu Saint was also somewhat puzzled. I’m certainly familiar with the Nineteenth Prince’s thunderous reputation; his fame spread far and wide after the sword tournament on Mount Hua. But why has the Nineteenth Prince come to Nanyang City?

”Bai Xu Saint, this prince intends to purchase a few fine swords in Nanyang City. I hope for your full assistance!” Su Han declared from his seat on the Golden Chariot, his arrogant tone a perfect imitation of the Nineteenth Prince.

Buying swords? Bai Xu Saint was slightly taken aback but also relieved. This was not a major issue. Nanyang City might lack some things, but it had an abundance of treasures, including plenty of fine swords.

He must be buying swords now in preparation for the Grand Sword Conference in three months. With this realization, Bai Xu Saint’s worries vanished.

”Your subject will do his utmost to fulfill this commission and will not disappoint!” Bai Xu Saint spoke respectfully, hoping to curry favor with Su Han.

The Nineteenth Prince was undoubtedly the most dazzling new star in the Heavenly Sword Dynasty. If Bai Xu could get into the prince’s good graces, future benefits were all but guaranteed. Never mind remaining Nanyang City’s lord—he might even be able to contend for the position of Haozhou’s governor.

”Mm.”

Su Han acknowledged lightly, then, at Bai Xu Saint’s cordial invitation, he guided the Golden Chariot slowly into Nanyang City.

The city’s inhabitants raised their heads, looking up curiously at Su Han’s entourage. Back in Fine Copper City, Su Han had been one of the onlookers below. Now, the roles were reversed, and he was experiencing firsthand the majestic pomp of a prince’s procession.

Bai Xu Saint’s City Lord’s Mansion was located in the center of Nanyang City. After welcoming Su Han into the residence, he immediately summoned the heads of the major merchant guilds.

”I wish to purchase a Sword of Slaughter. A demonic sword would also be acceptable. As long as you find a fine sword for this prince, you will be richly rewarded!” Su Han announced, looking down at the heads of the various merchant guilds.

However, though several people presented so-called Swords of Slaughter, none met Su Han’s standards, leaving him deeply disappointed.

Growing anxious when none of the swords from the major guilds caught Su Han’s eye, Bai Xu Saint quickly made a suggestion. ”Your Highness, there is a retired Grand Sword Casting Master in the city. He may possess the treasured sword you seek. This subject will go and invite him here.”

”Good.” Su Han nodded. Bai Xu Saint quickly departed to fetch the man.

”Having a Grand Sword Casting Master is even better. He can forge a custom sword for you,” Su Han said to Li Qingyue, who stood beside him, once Bai Xu Saint had left.

”I am not in a hurry. We should first help Your Highness find the Sword of Slaughter,” Li Qingyue replied sensibly.

Soon, Bai Xu Saint returned with the Grand Sword Casting Master. This was an old man with white hair, wrinkled skin, and a heavy air of twilight about him.

The elder was not tall or sturdily built, yet his frail body seemed to house a blazing furnace that radiated a terrifying aura.

First Layer of the Saint Realm! Su Han was inwardly startled. He had not expected this unassuming old man to be a powerful expert of the Saint Realm. However, the man was incredibly old and had little time left. Thus, despite his strength, he appeared to be at death’s door.

No wonder Bai Xu Saint called him a retired Grand Sword Casting Master. It seems the plan to have him forge a sword is a bust.

”Your Highness, this is the Iron Grinding Saint. He was once Nanyang City’s foremost sword-smith and has personally forged three Holy Swords.”

Even the Copper Tiger Saint of Fine Copper City never forged a Holy Sword. It seems this Iron Grinding Saint’s mastery of sword-smithing far surpasses his.

”Iron Grinding Saint, this prince has comprehended the Slaughter Sword Intent and requires a true Sword of Slaughter. Do you possess such a weapon, or do you know where one might be found?” Su Han asked, not bothering to beat around the bush.

Hearing Su Han’s words, the Iron Grinding Saint smiled. ”In my youth, I did indeed forge a Sword of Slaughter. The question is, does Your Highness have the courage to retrieve it?”