Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Under the guidance of the Flying Immortal Great Emperor, Su Han took in the splendid mountains and rivers of the Myriad Virtual Realm. Along the way, he also encountered several places of opportunity. Some resonated with the hum of Sword Intent, while others displayed countless Phenomena; each was a rare Cultivation Treasure Land. After journeying deep into the realm, Su Han and the Flying Immortal Great Emperor finally arrived at the second-greatest place of opportunity within the Myriad Virtual Realm: the Ancestral Shrine.

From afar, Su Han saw a magnificent palace. It was not a glittering, golden monument; instead, it was constructed from massive stones, exuding a rough and primal aura. It was imbued with a sense of age-old vicissitudes, as if the Stone Palace had been weathered by millennia before presenting itself to them. A single glance was enough to reveal its extraordinariness.

"Space meteorites!" Su Han was shocked once again. The material used to build this Stone Palace was, in fact, extremely precious space meteorites. One had to know that space meteorites were remnants of stars that fell from beyond the heavens, with only a very small piece typically surviving the descent. However, the Stone Palace before him stood a hundred meters tall and was built with hundreds of these meteorites, a testament to its incredible value.

The Myriad Virtual Realm truly lives up to its name as a vital location for the Heavenly Sword Dynasty. Its foundation is simply astonishing. Any single piece from this place would be enough to drive outsiders into a frenzy.

Space meteorites also contain a hint of Sun and Moon Essence. A single piece might be enough to repair the Sword Nurturing Gourd. Unfortunately, I can only look; there’s no way for me to obtain any.

"This is the Ancestral Shrine of our Heavenly Sword Dynasty, where the Spirit Tablets of the past Emperors are placed," the Flying Immortal Great Emperor said in a heavy tone, his demeanor turning solemn and respectful. "You must maintain a heart of sincere reverence and not act disrespectfully in any way."

Su Han took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and feigned sincere devotion, not daring to show any pretense. Of course, this was all a disguise. However, thanks to his Thousand Changes and Transformations, the Flying Immortal Great Emperor was unable to see through it.

CLANG!

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor reached out and gently pushed open the palace doors. Instantly, the sound of Sword Intent rang out like a dragon’s roar. It was a forceful, direct cry that purged all wicked thoughts, leaving only the purest awe.

Su Han’s heart trembled. His Defying Heavenly Demon Will was affected and nearly exposed, but fortunately, he suppressed it just in time. The Sword Intent here was exceedingly powerful and targeted, making him slightly anxious. He was not afraid of the Sword Intent itself, but of what would happen if he revealed a flaw. He would have to face the Flying Immortal Great Emperor’s wrath, and with his current strength, facing a Great Emperor Realm powerhouse meant almost certain death.

Stepping into the Stone Palace, the first thing he saw was a wide altar table crafted from Purple Gold Phoebe wood. Upon it rested several short swords. Upon closer inspection, he realized they weren’t short swords at all but Spirit Tablets. They were cast from metal, shaped like sharp blades, and each contained a Sword Intent so keen it was soul-capturing. Looking even more closely, one could feel the spirituality within each Sword-shaped Spirit Tablet, as if these objects were not lifeless but possessed a life of their own.

"Nineteen, come and pay your respects to the ancestors," the Flying Immortal Great Emperor said, after performing the rites with utmost reverence himself.

Su Han obediently followed the Flying Immortal Great Emperor in performing the rituals. As he did so, he felt as if countless eyes were watching him, making his back prickle with unease. He could only force himself to endure it.

HUM!

At that moment, the seed of Sword Intent in Su Han’s Dantian suddenly lit up, releasing the pure aura of the Sword Intent of Ages.

Suddenly, the unexpected happened.

CLANG! CLANG!

On the altar table, the Sword-shaped Spirit Tablets began to ring out, their resonating cries rising and falling like an invincible war song. Intense Sword Intent burst forth, coalescing above the tablets into a series of indistinct human faces.

"The ancestors!" The Flying Immortal Great Emperor gasped, gazing in shock at those faces. Among them were his father, his grandfather, and many more of his forebears. At this moment, over a hundred of them had manifested simultaneously. Every one of their gazes was fixed fervently on Su Han, as if they were looking at a peerless treasure.

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor was no stranger to this phenomenon. Any fortunate individual favored by the ancestors would get to witness their true faces, signifying a chance to receive their inheritance. However, even the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince had only received the favor of seven ancestors. Yet now, every Spirit Tablet on the altar had lit up. With the exception of a single Great Emperor who had not left a tablet, every past Emperor of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty was present.

Nineteen’s talent is so great that it can attract the favor of all the ancestors? The Flying Immortal Great Emperor was shocked. This development far exceeded his expectations, causing a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. Between the Crown Prince and Nineteen, whom should I choose?

As expected of a powerhouse in the Great Emperor Realm, his hesitation vanished in an instant, replaced by firm resolve.

Since I have already chosen the Crown Prince, I must see it through. Those who waver never meet a good end. Though Nineteen is extraordinary, I have already invested far too much in the Crown Prince. If it must be a choice between the two, then I can only choose the Crown Prince!

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor made his decision. Meanwhile, Su Han was unaware of the Emperor’s inner turmoil. He was being watched by all the past Emperors of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty and felt completely transparent, as if he were being seen through to his very core.

In Su Han’s Dantian, the seed of Sword Intent grew ever more luminous, allowing the many past Emperors to sense it. It was the Sword Intent of the Progenitor!

Instantly, the past Emperors’ gazes toward Su Han filled with surprise and delight. However, none of them passed on their inheritance, because they all felt they were unworthy. Su Han had already obtained the Progenitor’s Sword Intent; anything they added would be superfluous.

Although they could not bestow an inheritance, they could give something else. A point of light flew from each Sword-shaped Spirit Tablet—pure Sword Intent Energy. It all poured into Su Han’s body, causing the seed of Sword Intent in his Dantian to shine even more brilliantly. A thread of the Sword Intent of Ages was on the verge of being born from it.

"This... is this the Sword Intent of Ages?" The Flying Immortal Great Emperor finally sensed its aura, and his heart trembled. He valued the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince precisely because the latter had comprehended the Sword Intent of Ages and cultivated the Sword Scripture of Ages. He never expected that Su Han would also manifest its aura.

The infusion of over a hundred points of light caused a small crack to form on the seed of Sword Intent in Su Han’s Dantian. The aura of the Sword Intent of Ages began to seep out from it. It seemed that before long, this seed would take root and sprout, giving birth to the true Sword Intent of Ages.

HUM!

After sending out their Sword Intent Energy, the human faces on the Sword-shaped Spirit Tablets dimmed and vanished as if their power was depleted. Finally, all the tablets returned to their original state, showing no further Phenomena.

Although Su Han did not receive an inheritance this time, the immense Sword Intent Energy he acquired was a bountiful harvest in itself.