Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

In the Myriad Hall, space-time seemed to have been cleaved open by a Heaven-Slaying Divine Sword, revealing a deep rift in its very fabric.

A figure emerged from the rift. His hair was bound by a Golden Crown, and he was clad in a Python Robe. His eyebrows were sharp like swords and his eyes shone like stars, projecting an aura that was wild and untamed—it was Su Han, disguised as the Nineteenth Prince.

"Three months have flown by. I wonder how things are outside."

The rift in space-time behind him sealed itself. To open it again would require the Sword-Shaped Imperial Seal in the hands of the Flying Immortal Great Emperor.

Su Han strode out of the Myriad Hall. Outside, the sun shone brilliantly under a clear sky. The weather was perfect.

Leaving the depths of the palace, Su Han headed straight for Tianxing Hall. He hadn’t seen Li Qingyue and Li Mingliang for three months and wondered how they were. They were the only people he currently cared for.

「...」

Inside Tianxing Hall, Li Mingliang looked haggard, his face etched with deep worry. He paced back and forth, his heart in such turmoil that he couldn’t keep still.

By my calculations, His Highness should be coming out in the next day or two!

Li Mingliang had come here specifically to wait for Su Han; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to sit still for a moment.

Because Li Qingyue had been kidnapped.

Three days earlier, the fierce but brief sounds of battle had erupted within the palace. By the time Li Mingliang arrived, Li Qingyue was gone. Over the past three days, he had mobilized every resource at his disposal to search inside and outside the Imperial Capital, but not a single clue had surfaced. Moreover, the perpetrators had not left a single word behind, leaving Li Mingliang with no trail to follow.

This dire situation left Li Mingliang unable to eat or sleep. He searched frantically, refusing to miss even the smallest clue, but it was all in vain. If Su Han weren’t about to emerge from his seclusion, he would have already left the Imperial Capital to continue the search elsewhere.

"What happened? Where is Qingyue?"

Just then, Su Han’s voice drifted in from outside the hall, causing Li Mingliang’s dim eyes to light up.

"Your Highness, are you all right?" Li Mingliang turned to see Su Han’s familiar figure approaching. He hurried forward, his voice filled with concern.

He had been deeply anxious about Su Han’s entry into the Myriad Virtual Realm, fearing the Flying Immortal Great Emperor’s schemes might prevent his return. Seeing him now was at least one piece of good news.

"I’m fine. What happened to Qingyue?"

Although Su Han didn’t know the full story, a sweep of his Divine Sense found no trace of Li Qingyue. Seeing Li Mingliang’s frantic expression, he could guess that something was wrong.

"Your Highness, Qingyue has been kidnapped!"

Li Mingliang didn’t hesitate, quickly recounting the events. His own capabilities were limited. In terms of both strength and status, he was far inferior to Su Han. Now that Su Han was acting as the Nineteenth Prince, he had access to far more resources. Finding Li Qingyue would require Su Han’s strength and his princely status.

Three days ago... It seems this was aimed specifically at me.

After hearing Li Mingliang’s account, Su Han’s eyes narrowed as he instantly deduced the truth. Li Qingyue wasn’t dead, just kidnapped. This meant the perpetrators had an ulterior motive. The timing, just three days before he was due to emerge, was too precise to be a coincidence. Su Han was certain this was a deliberate act aimed at him.

However, he couldn’t be sure who the enemy was. In his guise as the Nineteenth Prince, he had offended many people, including the supporters of the Second and Third Princes, the Dugu Imperial Clan, and other rivals he had defeated or killed. Furthermore, for someone to infiltrate Tianxing Hall and defeat and abduct Li Qingyue, they had to be exceptional. This was not the work of one person.

Connecting these clues, Su Han’s thoughts raced as his gaze turned icy.

WHOOSH!

At that moment, a streak of light shot in from outside, heading straight into the hall.

Without taking a closer look, Su Han leaped into the air. He activated his Nine Heavens Eye and simultaneously unleashed his vast Divine Sense, searching for the culprit, but the area was empty. There was not a single suspicious person in sight.

He returned to the hall and looked at the streak of light in his hand, which revealed a talisman. The talisman flickered, the light quickly coalescing into a hazy figure. A specially distorted voice spoke from it, "Tonight, at the third watch, come alone to the Chaotic Burial Ground a thousand miles away. Otherwise, Li Qingyue will die without a doubt!"

BOOM!

The moment the voice faded, the entire talisman spontaneously combusted, turning to ash and leaving not a single trace behind.

Inside the hall, both Su Han and Li Mingliang had heard the voice. It was obvious it had come from Li Qingyue’s kidnappers.

"The middle of the night at the Chaotic Burial Ground! Those are the methods of King Yama’s Palace!" Li Mingliang exclaimed, his face turning pale. He had never imagined that the number one dark faction of the Central Plains would be involved.

When Yama decrees your death at the third watch, who dares delay it to the fifth?

The infamy of King Yama’s Palace was enough to make children stop crying and cause other powerful factions to turn pale at its mere mention. It was a nightmare for countless people. No one would have expected King Yama’s Palace to target Su Han, and to do so within the Imperial Capital was a testament to its terrifying reach.

I have no grievance with King Yama’s Palace. The only explanation is that someone posted a mission with them! Su Han’s eyes were glacial, his killing intent palpable as he quickly pieced together the truth.

King Yama’s Palace was similar in nature to the Demon Slayer Sect of the Eastern Region; both survived by taking on missions. However, King Yama’s Palace was far stronger. Its ranks contained not just assassins but other powerful martial artists as well.

Tonight’s meeting was a deathtrap, but Su Han had to go. If he didn’t, Li Qingyue would surely die. Although she wasn’t a relative or a close friend, she was his first follower. He had personally invested in her training, making her practically half a disciple.

Even if it was a deathtrap laid by King Yama’s Palace, Su Han had to go.

"Your Highness, whoever posted a mission with King Yama’s Palace must be no ordinary person, and there is surely more than one. Going alone is too dangerous! I will go with you. At least we can watch each other’s backs." The three words "King Yama’s Palace" were enough to make Li Mingliang’s heart sink. He spoke up quickly, unwilling to let Su Han walk into a deathtrap alone.

"They told me to come alone, which means they’ve surely made their preparations. You stay here and wait for news." Su Han shook his head, rejecting Li Mingliang’s offer. Li Qingyue’s safety was paramount, and he couldn’t risk any mishaps. Besides, Li Mingliang’s strength was low. His presence would only put him in greater danger.

"Your Highness, that’s King Yama’s Palace!" Li Mingliang exclaimed anxiously, wanting to persuade him further, but Su Han’s mind was already made up.

"Don’t worry. I will bring Qingyue back safely."

Su Han bid farewell to Li Mingliang and stepped out of Tianxing Hall. His face was cold and impassive, but his eyes blazed with murderous intent.

No matter who you are, if you dare to touch my people, I will grant you no mercy.