Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Bluffing? That was Su Han’s first thought. He quickly stabilized his Heart Spirit and pushed Thousand Changes and Transformations to its absolute limit, not daring to reveal the slightest flaw.

The Mysterious Great Sword Saint was a top-tier powerhouse at the Saint Realm Ninth Layer. With Su Han’s current strength, even if he used all his means, he couldn’t possibly resist. If his identity were exposed, it would mean certain death.

"I don’t understand what you mean, Grandfather," Su Han said, imitating the Nineteenth Prince’s tone in the hope of lowering the Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s wariness.

Besides, he was confident in his Thousand Changes and Transformations. Even the Flying Immortal Great Emperor hadn’t seen through it. No matter how strong the Mysterious Great Sword Saint was, he was still only a Saint, and there was a significant gap between him and a Great Emperor.

However, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint simply smiled, not caring in the slightest about Su Han’s disguise. "I watched Xing’er grow up, and no one’s affection for him can compare to mine. Although your imitation is excellent, I can still see the differences.

"His Majesty has been in seclusion for years and has focused his attention on the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince, so he doesn’t know much about you. But in my eyes, you are not Xing’er."

As the Mysterious Great Sword Saint spoke, Su Han’s heart pounded with panic. He had never expected that the disguise he was so proud of would be seen through. Of course, the Sword Saint hadn’t seen through the Divine Method of Thousand Changes and Transformations itself. Rather, he knew the Nineteenth Prince far too well—much better than the Flying Immortal Great Emperor did—and had thus reached his conclusion through various small details.

Su Han remained silent, trying to figure out how to continue the charade. If his identity were exposed, it would likely end in disaster.

"Furthermore, the Great Freedom Sword Qi I once left for Xing’er had its Sword Intent imprinted upon his sea of consciousness long ago. But there is no such imprint in your sea of consciousness." The Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s words left Su Han unable to discern if he was bluffing.

Seeing that Su Han refused to budge, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint smiled slightly. "It’s fine if you don’t admit it." He didn’t press the issue, having only pointed it out to gain the upper hand in the conversation to come.

The Mysterious Great Sword Saint continued slowly, his voice calm and free of any oppressive Holy Might. "I already know why you are here. I can allow Wenzheng and Ying’er to accompany you, and I can even let you mobilize the power of Duke Wei’s Manor. If necessary, I can also take action on your behalf."

His words put Su Han on high alert. The conditions were too good, far better than he had anticipated. His uncle, Wei Wenzheng, was not just a Saint but a powerful expert at the Saint Realm Sixth Layer. His aunt, Wei Ying, had once been a prodigy on the Hidden Dragon List and had now reached the Saint Realm Third Layer. If those two were backing him, he could go to either Nanshu Jian Gong or the Heart Sword Sacred Palace. Furthermore, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s promise to take action would allow Su Han to deal with King Yama’s Palace and the Dugu Imperial Clan more boldly. After all, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint was the number one Sword Saint of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty. Across the entire Central Plains, his strength was among the top tier within the Saint Realm, and few could stand against him. As for Great Emperor Realm powerhouses, they were bound by the Great Emperor Alliance and wouldn’t dare act rashly. Besides, he still had the Flying Immortal Great Emperor behind him.

The Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s terms were so good they felt unreal. But Su Han knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. For the Sword Saint to offer such advantageous conditions, despite knowing he wasn’t the Nineteenth Prince, meant he must have a greater agenda.

But what could I possibly have that he would scheme for? The Sword Intent of Ages? The Sword Scripture of Ages? Or Thousand Changes and Transformations?

Although Su Han hadn’t admitted his identity, he had to know the Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s purpose. Otherwise, he couldn’t be at ease. "What do you want, Grandfather?" he asked.

"Although you are not Xing’er, since you’ve called me Grandfather, I will tell you." The Mysterious Great Sword Saint looked at Su Han and revealed a secret. "Do you know why the Heavenly Sword Dynasty has no second Great Emperor?

"Sixty years ago, I had the chance to achieve Path Enlightenment and become a Great Emperor, but His Majesty obstructed me. My attempt ultimately failed, and a single failure is like a death sentence. The difficulty of a second attempt is far higher, and the risk of perishing is immense.

"For these past sixty years, I have wanted to attempt it a second time, but I lacked a sufficient foundation and did not dare to try rashly. Now, my time is running out.

"I have one year of life left at most. If I cannot achieve a breakthrough by then, I will have no choice but to fade away in meditation. But I am unwilling to die like this, so I want to try one last time."

This secret was unknown to outsiders; even Wei Wenzheng was unaware. The Flying Immortal Great Emperor had secretly acted to prevent the Mysterious Great Sword Saint from becoming a Great Emperor. This was an absolutely shocking revelation. If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause turmoil throughout the entire Heavenly Sword Dynasty. But after his Path Enlightenment failed, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint had to swallow his pride and bury the matter in his heart to protect himself and Duke Wei’s Manor. It had been a thorn in his side ever since. Now, with his lifespan nearing its end, he was ready to risk it all on one last gamble.

Su Han was silent. He now understood the Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s agenda: to achieve Path Enlightenment and become a Great Emperor! But the matter was too immense. Su Han didn’t think he could possibly help, as he hadn’t even become a Saint yet, let alone attempt Path Enlightenment.

"For these past sixty years, I have been accumulating power. Now, everything is ready. I am lacking only one final opportunity." The Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s gaze was intense. "And apart from His Majesty and the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince, only you can give me that opportunity!"

His words left Su Han deeply puzzled.

Is it the Sword Intent of Ages? Or the Sword Scripture of Ages? I suppose only those two things are common to the three of us.

However, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint’s next words shattered Su Han’s speculation. "I know that His Majesty holds you in high regard and has even bestowed upon you the Emperor’s command. This shows that in His Majesty’s eyes, your status is second only to the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince’s. Therefore, I need you to help me enter the Myriad Virtual Realm. Only there can I achieve Path Enlightenment and become a Great Emperor!"

The Mysterious Great Sword Saint had finally revealed his true goal. It wasn’t the Sword Intent of Ages, nor the Sword Scripture of Ages, but the Myriad Virtual Realm. That was the core forbidden ground of the Imperial Family. In this generation, only the Flying Immortal Great Emperor and the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince were qualified to cultivate within. Su Han had only entered because of the opportunity from the sword conference, and even then, it was as the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince’s Demonic Embryo. Though powerful, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint was neither the Emperor nor the Crown Prince. Moreover, he held a deep personal grudge against the Flying Immortal Great Emperor and thus had no right to enter. But if he wanted to achieve Path Enlightenment, the Myriad Virtual Realm was his only chance.

Everything became clear! Even knowing that Su Han was not the Nineteenth Prince, the Mysterious Great Sword Saint was willing to cooperate for the sake of achieving Path Enlightenment. His only condition was help entering the Myriad Virtual Realm. Since Su Han had already entered once and received the Emperor’s command, he was bound to have another opportunity. For the Mysterious Great Sword Saint, this was the last chance of his lifetime, which was why he was prepared to risk everything on this one gamble. If he succeeded, he would not only extend his lifespan but also attain the rank of Great Emperor—a temptation he simply could not resist.

For a moment, Su Han found himself caught in a dilemma.