Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

The Imperial Palace was immense, and the Nineteenth Prince’s residence was located in Tianxing Hall. Su Han’s open and aboveboard return to the Imperial Capital had already attracted the attention of many, so he did not linger outside the palace and instead headed straight back to his residence.

”Elder Li, help me inquire about the various princes and top prodigies,” Su Han instructed Li Mingliang as soon as he returned. This task was important. Firstly, it would allow him to understand both himself and his rivals, and secondly, it would serve as a diversion.

As the Nineteenth Prince, whose fame had recently skyrocketed, how could he lie low upon his return? He intended to make a name for himself at the upcoming Swordsmanship Tournament, so Su Han had to act in a way that fit his persona.

”Qingyue, don’t worry about anything else. Just focus on your training and improving your Combat Power,” Su Han instructed. ”As for advancing your Realm, don’t be too hasty. You want to avoid an unstable foundation and potential long-term side effects.”

Su Han arranged a private, quiet room for Li Qingyue, allowing her to focus entirely on preparing for tomorrow’s Swordsmanship Tournament.

This tournament was a gathering of geniuses, filled with powerful experts. Even if Li Qingyue didn’t take first place, broadening her horizons and gaining combat experience would be beneficial. Moreover, although she had competed with other sword-wielding geniuses at the Mount Hua sword-fighting event, such competitions were still too few and far between. If she wanted to grow stronger, she had to face a variety of talented experts.

”Yes, Your Highness!” Li Qingyue naturally had no objections to Su Han’s arrangements and responded respectfully.

”Alright, you two may go. I also need to enter seclusion to adjust my condition and prepare for tomorrow’s Swordsmanship Tournament.”

Su Han dismissed Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue, then stepped into the Nineteenth Prince’s exclusive Cultivation Secret Chamber.

However, Su Han didn’t actually cultivate in the secret chamber. Instead, he used the Thousand Transformations Technique to disguise himself as someone else and quietly slipped out of Tianxing Hall.

He felt that the matter with Liu Xu and the Third Prince was far from over. Perhaps this was his chance to get to know her, so he decided to check on the situation. Of course, he didn’t tell Li Mingliang or Li Qingyue about this. He wanted to go alone and see for himself.

The Imperial Capital was large, but Su Han had a way to find Liu Xu.

After the day’s events, Liu Xu’s name was on everyone’s lips. Her background as part of the Ancient Liu Family and her status as a Hidden Dragon List prodigy were enough to draw attention, not to mention her public confrontation with the Third Prince, which had left a deep impression.

Su Han asked around casually and soon learned of Liu Xu’s whereabouts. To his slight surprise, she hadn’t stayed in the accommodations arranged by the Imperial Court, nor had she chosen a grand hotel. Instead, she had found a small inn to stay in.

What a character.

Hmm? He’s here already!

Just as Su Han transformed into a waiter in the small inn, he sensed the Third Prince’s aura. Clearly, his opponent wasn’t waiting for the dead of night to make his move, which would likely catch Liu Xu completely off guard.

The Third Prince seemed brutish, but he was surprisingly meticulous at times—even if his meticulousness wasn’t applied to anything noble.

The Third Prince had not come openly. He possessed a special treasure that could conceal his form and suppress his aura. If not for Su Han’s powerful Divine Sense and his use of the Nine Heavens Eye, it would have been nearly impossible to detect him.

Unfortunately for the prince, Su Han possessed the Nine Heavens Eye. Combined with his close proximity, he had already seen through the Third Prince’s disguise.

At this moment, the Third Prince was oblivious to Su Han’s gaze. His attention passed over the ordinary people and fell upon a specific room.

That was Liu Xu’s room.

Everyone knows me for my bravery and skill in battle, assuming I’m rough and impulsive. But if that were true, I would have lost the struggle between the princes long ago. I’ve clashed with my Second Imperial Brother for years, and I’ve picked up on most of his schemes and his disposition. Who would have guessed that besides being a valiant warrior, I’m also adept at ambushing from the shadows and waiting for the perfect moment to strike!

A sharp glint flashed in the Third Prince’s eyes, revealing a side of him unknown to others. Perhaps the roughness and impatience he displayed daily were merely a deliberate disguise to deceive the world.

He had been publicly humiliated by Liu Xu today, a severe blow to his pride. Therefore, even with the Swordsmanship Tournament the next day, he had to have his revenge tonight.

Of course, Liu Xu was from the Ancient Liu Family, so he wouldn’t dare kill or imprison her. But there were other ways to get revenge.

The Third Prince stealthily approached the room. Inside, Liu Xu had yet to sense the impending danger.

She was sitting cross-legged on the bed with her eyes closed, seemingly adjusting her state for tomorrow’s Swordsmanship Tournament. But as a Supreme Realm Seventh Layer expert and a prodigy of the Ancient Liu Family, she was naturally not defenseless. She would immediately detect anyone who tried to approach.

Unfortunately, the treasure the Third Prince carried was too special. Even Su Han had only sensed the prince’s aura by combining his Nine Heavens Eye and Divine Sense at close range; otherwise, he too would have found it difficult to notice him.

When the Third Prince glimpsed Liu Xu in the room, the fire of vengeance in his heart blazed. He was a textbook chauvinist, completely unable to stomach the public humiliation he had suffered at her hands. He needed revenge, needed retribution, and needed to make Liu Xu understand the consequences of offending him.

”Cursing Technique: Nightmare Upon Nightmares!”

The Third Prince made his move. Yet, to Su Han’s surprise, the prince didn’t choose a conventional method but instead employed a Cursing Technique.

This... This is unbelievable!

Su Han was shocked. Cursing Techniques were extremely difficult to master, and their cultivation methods were often brutal—not only to the enemy but also to the user. Moreover, without proper guidance, practicing such a special secret technique could easily lead to failure or even Demonification.

According to the Nineteenth Prince’s memories, the Third Prince excelled at military command and warfare. His personality was rough and straightforward, often to the point of being rash. There was no mention of any Cursing Technique.

Either the Third Prince had hidden this ability exceptionally well, or he had only recently begun cultivating it. Regardless, it proved just how deep his secrets ran.

Indeed, none of the princes and princesses who grew up amidst constant struggle were simple. Perhaps it was only the Nineteenth Prince, due to his youth, who had fewer secrets. Following that logic, the Second Prince was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Su Han watched everything unfold from the side. Just witnessing this hidden side of the Third Prince had made the trip worthwhile.

What’s more, the Third Prince is making a move against Liu Xu right now. This might be my chance to play the hero and rescue the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t that be the perfect opportunity to get to know her?

The energy source for a Cursing Technique was ominous qi. Su Han’s own Cursing Killing Nether Technique was a Divine Level Cursing Technique. Through his Nine Heavens Eye, Su Han watched as the Third Prince’s Cursing Technique activated a mark he had previously left on Liu Xu, causing the curse to rapidly take effect.

However, at that very moment, Liu Xu suddenly snapped her eyes open on the bed and let out a cold laugh.

”Third Prince, I knew you would stoop to such underhanded tactics!”