Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Su Han emerged from his secret chamber, prepared to seek an audience with the Flying Immortal Great Emperor in the main hall before departing for the Myriad Virtual Realm.

”Your Highness, you must be extremely careful!” Li Mingliang, a man of great experience, knew this venture might not be a blessing. However, since Su Han was determined to go, he could not stop him and could only offer a dutiful reminder.

”Is Qingyue still in seclusion?” Su Han nodded, taking Li Mingliang’s warning to heart as he inquired about Li Qingyue.

”I went to check on her. She’s at a critical moment in her cultivation, so I didn’t disturb her,” Li Mingliang quickly explained, afraid Su Han might be displeased.

”Let her focus on her cultivation.” Su Han held no blame for this. He stepped forward to leave, but paused at the doorway, hesitating for a moment before turning back to Li Mingliang. ”If I’m not back in three months, take Li Qingyue and leave the Imperial Capital.”

It was better to be safe than sorry. He didn’t want to get Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue involved because of him.

Hearing Su Han’s words, Li Mingliang was momentarily stunned and deeply moved. Before he could say anything more, Su Han had already stepped out of Tianxing Hall.

Watching Su Han’s receding figure, Li Mingliang felt an immense warmth spread through his heart.

After leaving Tianxing Hall, Su Han went straight to the Imperial Study. He had already been informed that the Flying Immortal Great Emperor would be waiting for him there.

Soon, Su Han arrived at the Imperial Study, where the Flying Immortal Great Emperor was reviewing memorials. As the Emperor of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty, he naturally had many matters to finalize. Ordinarily, these memorials were sent to him regularly in the Myriad Virtual Realm. Since he had come out this time, he intended to handle them all before returning.

The Second Prince cultivated Confucian Swordsmanship, using his brush as a sword with elegant strokes, but the Flying Immortal Great Emperor’s calligraphy was even sharper. Each stroke contained a powerful Sword Intent, making it immeasurably superior to the Second Prince’s technique.

Su Han observed the Flying Immortal Great Emperor before him. The Sword Patterned Imperial Robe lent him an extraordinary dignity, yet his expression was calm, like the still water of an ancient pond. It seemed nothing could stir the surface of his composure. Sunlight filtered through the window, draping him in a faint golden glow that made him appear as lofty as a god, inspiring awe.

Although the Flying Immortal Great Emperor did not exude any powerful aura, in Su Han’s eyes, he was like a Heaven-Slaying Divine Sword—unbearably sharp and unstoppable.

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor’s exact Realm was unknown, but among the many Great Emperor Realm experts in the Central Plains, he could certainly rank in the top ten, a testament to his formidable power. Perhaps not even Empress Duobao of the Eastern Region would be his match.

If Su Han were the true Nineteenth Prince, he might have felt reverence. But as an impostor, he was filled mainly with wariness.

However, wariness was not fear. If the Flying Immortal Great Emperor truly intended to kill him, he would not surrender without a fight, even if it was like an egg striking a stone. He would resist with all his might until his dying breath. Of course, that was the worst-case scenario. For now, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor hadn’t seen through his Thousand Changes and Transformations Divine Method, so he was still safe.

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor had long sensed Su Han’s arrival, but he said nothing, focusing intently on the memorials. Only when he had finished did he set down his imperial brush.

”Nineteen, you must have grown a little impatient waiting,” the Flying Immortal Great Emperor said. His expression was not one of stern authority; rather, it was filled with warmth and approachability.

At that moment, the two of them looked like a loving father and a filial son sharing a deep bond. However, only they themselves knew the truth of their situation.

”Father Emperor is toiling over the great affairs of the nation. It is only right that this son waits a little longer,” Su Han replied with a respectful bow. His performance was impeccable, arousing no suspicion.

”Neither arrogant nor impetuous. You have done well. Winning first place in the Swordsmanship Conference this time was a pleasant surprise. I hope you will continue to strive for even greater glory.”

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor offered a few words of encouragement, but they were mere pleasantries, and Su Han naturally didn’t take them to heart.

”It’s getting late. Let’s go. I will take you to the Myriad Virtual Realm!”

With his hands clasped behind his back, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor walked ahead, and Su Han followed respectfully behind him.

He wasn’t worried that the Flying Immortal Great Emperor would attack him now. The gap in their strength was simply too vast. If the Emperor truly wanted to do something to him, he would have no way to resist.

Leaving the Imperial Study, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor headed toward the depths of the palace, with Su Han following obediently. They passed through one palace after another until they arrived at the forbidden zone deep within, a place where outsiders were forbidden to set foot. Any who dared approach would be killed instantly.

Su Han spread his Divine Sense slightly and detected the auras of no fewer than three Saints. Clearly, powerful Saints guarded this area year-round. Outsiders could not hope to intrude, even in the Emperor’s absence.

The forbidden zone was deserted, and the Flying Immortal Great Emperor did not introduce the guarding Saints to Su Han. One walking in front of the other, they finally arrived before a vermilion palace. This palace was the core of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty and the lynchpin of the Imperial Capital’s Emperor Formation, making it a place of utmost importance.

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor pushed open the palace doors and led Su Han inside. The hall was empty. The walls were bare and windowless, and the light was dim.

”This Everlasting Hall is the most important place for our Imperial Family,” the Flying Immortal Great Emperor finally spoke, introducing the special palace to Su Han. ”Even if the Heavenly Sword Dynasty were to fall, the Everlasting Hall must not be lost.”

”This hall is the entrance to the Myriad Virtual Realm. Our ancestor first created it, and it was moved here three thousand years ago. Now, the Myriad Virtual Realm has become the bedrock of our Heavenly Sword Dynasty. Even if only one member of our Imperial Family survives, we must ensure the Myriad Virtual Realm remains intact. This is the ancestral edict. Have you memorized it?” the Flying Immortal Great Emperor warned, impressing upon Su Han that every royal descendant, be they a prince or a princely heir from a collateral branch, must remember this.

”This son will keep it in mind!” Su Han replied with a solemn nod, his performance impeccable.

Still, he was curious as to where the entrance to the Myriad Virtual Realm actually was, since he hadn’t sensed any spatial fluctuations.

At this, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor said no more. He reached out, and a Sword-Shaped Imperial Seal materialized in his hand. This was the legacy treasure passed down through each Emperor of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty, a genuine Great Emperor’s Artifact of immense might and high status.

This Sword-Shaped Imperial Seal was the key to opening the Myriad Virtual Realm.

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor activated it, and a beam of sword light, half-real and half-illusory, shot forth from the seal, slicing directly ahead. Instantly, space itself cracked open, and it seemed as if even time was being severed—a truly profound sight.

”Enter!” the Flying Immortal Great Emperor commanded.

Su Han took a steadying breath. Then, with a resolute gaze, he stepped toward the spatial rift.

The next moment, his figure vanished as he entered the Myriad Virtual Realm.