Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Days passed, and as the countdown to the Swordsmanship Tournament began, the Imperial Capital grew even livelier than usual.

Yet, the Haoran Sect remained as quiet and deserted as ever.

With the Haoran Sect’s destruction, Su Han’s fearsome reputation had only grown. Aside from the palace maids and attendants he brought with him, no one else dared to approach the area.

At the bottom of the waterfall, Su Han and his two companions were enduring the pounding torrent of water.

Su Han’s expression was calm, showing no signs of strain. His Physical Body was simply too powerful; the water did little to enhance it. He was primarily here to temper his Divine Sense.

Beside him, Li Qingyue was gritting her teeth, silently enduring the relentless assault of the water, her eyes filled with fierce determination.

In contrast, Li Mingliang, despite being slightly stronger, was already wavering and about to collapse.

SPLASH!

Li Mingliang could hold on no longer. He fell into the pool and swam to the bank, collapsing on the shore.

”This waterfall’s impact is immense,” Li Mingliang gasped, not bothering to dry his drenched body. He was too exhausted to even move. ”Even using my full strength, I can only last for an hour at a time!”

Still, his progress was remarkable. He had gone from enduring just three minutes at the start to a full hour now. Naturally, this improvement came with a significant increase in his strength.

The waterfall’s battering force tempered his Physical Body and condensed his spirit, leading to a great improvement in his realm. He was now a powerhouse at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, only one step away from comprehending Spatial Force and ascending to the Heavenly King Realm.

The Heavenly King Realm is so close. This gave Li Mingliang a sense of unreality. After all, he had advanced from the First to the Ninth Layer of the Divine Power Realm in less than half a year—a pace that even the most talented Martial Arts prodigies couldn’t match.

”Mr. Su...” Li Mingliang murmured, gazing at Su Han with a heart full of gratitude. He knew that his ability to walk free and improve his strength so rapidly was all due to Su Han’s guidance.

Mere words cannot repay such a great kindness. I will dedicate my life to him!

SPLASH!

Just as Li Mingliang solidified his resolve, Li Qingyue finally reached her limit and fell into the pool.

Li Mingliang’s heart tightened, and he quickly moved to help his precious granddaughter. But in the next moment, his expression froze, his eyes widening in shock.

An explosive sword light erupted from Li Qingyue’s body. The Phenomenon behind her, rather than dissipating, grew even more brilliant.

Before Li Mingliang’s stunned eyes, a hazy figure stepped out from the bright moon. The figure grew steadily clearer, its features eventually becoming identical to Li Qingyue’s.

”This... this is a Heaven and Earth Physique!”

As an experienced cultivator, Li Mingliang recognized it at a glance.

Only by breaking through to the Physique Realm can one condense their own Heaven and Earth Physique. Has Qingyue broken through?

Li Mingliang was astounded, unable to compose himself for a moment. He knew Li Qingyue had reached the Ninth Layer of the Phenomenon Realm and was only a step away from the Physique Realm. However, breakthroughs between Great Realms were incredibly difficult. Some cultivators remained stuck for decades, others for their entire lives.

Now, however, aided by the waterfall’s unique power, Li Qingyue had tempered her Spiritual Essence and successfully condensed her Heaven and Earth Physique.

At this moment, Li Qingyue broke through, reaching the First Layer of the Physique Realm!

”You’ve finally broken through. You did very well.”

Just then, Su Han’s voice rang out. He had left the base of the waterfall and was now walking across the water’s surface toward them.

Su Han wasn’t too surprised by Li Qingyue’s breakthrough. The waterfall’s unique tempering force could mend the hidden dangers of an unstable foundation caused by her previous rapid advancements. Coupled with the ample Cultivation Resources and various swordsmanship opportunities he had provided, as well as her Enlightenment on Mount Hua, it was not surprising she had progressed so quickly.

”Mr. Su, I will continue to work hard!”

Receiving Su Han’s praise, a faint blush crept over Li Qingyue’s ears. She nodded vigorously, her determination to grow stronger solidifying even further.

I’ve finally reached the Physique Realm, and my strength has increased significantly, but it’s still not enough. Mr. Su’s enemies are at least in the Supreme Realm. I have to redouble my efforts!

Su Han was unaware of Li Qingyue’s thoughts, as he too had made significant gains.

Although the waterfall’s unique force had a limited effect on his Physical Body, it had greatly tempered his Divine Sense. In his sea of consciousness, the one hundred and eight Divine Sense Stellars had become more compact, yet they shone even brighter, and his Divine Sense Power had grown purer.

Divine Sense Condensed Sword!

At Su Han’s command, the one hundred and eight Divine Sense Stellars in his sea of consciousness lit up simultaneously. His vast Divine Sense swiftly converged, not into a Black Hole as before, but into a fiercely aggressive blade.

This sword of Divine Sense appeared solid and radiant, imbued with Slaughter Sword Intent. It was like a demonic sword forged to slaughter all of creation. Even before it was unleashed, Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue, standing nearby, felt a sharp pain in their brows, as if their own sea of consciousness was about to be pierced.

With this sword of Divine Sense, my Combat Power is even greater! Su Han smiled slightly. He was very pleased with the Divine Sense Condensed Sword technique, the fruit of his half-month of training under the waterfall.

At the Swordsmanship Tournament, he naturally couldn’t display abilities like the Nine Heavens Divine Light or other Divine Methods. Such techniques would not escape the notice of the Flying Immortal Great Emperor and the other Sages. Therefore, he decided to rely on his sword of Divine Sense for Spiritual Attacks, combining it with his Slaughter Sword Intent. As long as no Sages intervened, no one would be able to break his sword of Divine Sense.

”Mr. Su, the Swordsmanship Tournament begins in less than seven days,” Li Mingliang said. ”It will take us at least five or six days to reach the Imperial Capital from here. Shouldn’t we be setting off?”

The half-month of cultivation had improved all three of them to varying degrees. If he could, Li Mingliang would have loved to continue cultivating here indefinitely, but he hadn’t forgotten about the Swordsmanship Tournament, which was obviously more important.

”The Second Prince and the Third Prince should have arrived by now. Let’s go. It’s time to see the geniuses from all over.”

Su Han nodded. He was filled with anticipation for the upcoming Swordsmanship Tournament and had no intention of missing it. Moreover, he held a grudge against the Second and Third Princes. He normally had no opportunity to strike at them, but the tournament presented a chance for a direct confrontation—perhaps even to kill them in the arena.

He also wanted to see the Myriad Virtual Realm. Both the Path Enlightenment Lake and Myriad Sword Mountain were opportunities he coveted.

Though things were going smoothly for Su Han, the fire of vengeance in his heart had never been extinguished.

I must grow stronger, return to the Eastern Region, and take my revenge!

This was his greatest motivation. The Swordsmanship Tournament and the Myriad Virtual Realm were both opportunities to achieve that goal.

Now that my strength has reached the Seventh Level of the Supreme Realm and I’ve condensed the sword of Divine Sense, I am determined to take first place in this Swordsmanship Tournament!

”Let’s go! Our destination is the Imperial Capital!”

Su Han left the palace maids and attendants at the Haoran Sect. He steered the Golden Chariot, carrying Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue straight toward Sword Province.

Imperial Capital, here I come!