Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 696: Chapter 696: The Grand Assembly Arrives

The next day, as dawn approached, the cold morning light spilled over the land, gradually chasing away the dark shroud that enveloped the earth. The Imperial Capital, restless all night, suddenly erupted with a raging fervor as if cold water had been dropped into boiling oil. The ensuing clamor instantly shattered the tranquility.

Today was the day the Swordsmanship Tournament officially began, a day eagerly anticipated by countless Sword Cultivators and citizens of the Imperial Capital alike. The death of the Third Prince the night before was now overshadowed by the radiance of the Swordsmanship Tournament. People no longer talked about the battle that broke out in the small inn, instead focusing all their attention on the tournament itself.

After all, compared to the Third Prince, the Swordsmanship Tournament was far more important!

「Tianxing Hall.」

"Your Highness, the Third Prince died last night. It was supposedly at the hands of Liu Xu," Li Mingliang reported this news to Su Han the moment he emerged from the secret chamber.

"I know." Su Han nodded calmly, displaying no surprise. After all, it was by his sword that the Third Prince had fallen. Although Li Mingliang was puzzled, he didn’t dare to ask any more. In any case, the Third Prince’s death was a good thing for them.

"Your Highness!" Li Qingyue had also arrived. After a night of adjustment, her state had reached its peak. Her entire demeanor was as cold as the moon, her Sword Intent was brilliant, and she was like a single, perfectly forged, ice-cold blade.

"Good." Su Han nodded approvingly. Li Qingyue had made great progress, and not in a forced or unnatural way. Each breakthrough in her realm had been refined, enabling her strength to rise both quickly and steadily. Perhaps it won’t be long before she can break through to the Divine Power Realm.

"Let’s go. We’re going to the Swordsmanship Tournament!"

In the central area of the Imperial Capital, a venue had already been constructed where the opening ceremony of the Swordsmanship Tournament would take place. Led by Su Han, with Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue flanking him, the trio left Tianxing Hall and made their way toward the venue.

By now, the venue was already overflowing with people, a swarming sea of heads. This was an unprecedentedly grand event. Citizens from the entire Imperial Capital had converged, packed three layers deep on the inside and three on the outside, eager to join in the excitement even if they couldn’t get a clear view.

Moreover, it wasn’t just the citizens of the Imperial Capital present today; martial artists from other regions had also hurried over, all wishing to witness this grand event.

CLANK! CLANK!

Armored guards wielding swords were deployed to maintain order and protect the venue, preventing the Imperial Capital from descending into chaos.

Within the Imperial Capital, there were naturally many royal nobles, but today they were not the main characters. They could only stand back and watch from the inner circles. At this moment, the venue was abuzz with talented Sword Cultivators. Some were well-known, while others, though less famous, possessed formidable strength.

This Swordsmanship Tournament attracted a multitude of geniuses and powerful individuals. Many low-key prodigies had also come, a true gathering of crouching tigers and hidden dragons. In the end, no one was certain who would claim first place.

"The princes are here!"

One by one, princes dressed in Python Robes and wearing Golden Crowns arrived from the direction of the palace, drawing many eyes. The Swordsmanship Tournament was hosted by the Flying Immortal Great Emperor. As princes, none of them would be absent. With the Heavenly Sword Crown Prince already established, there was no "Great Crown Prince." Led by the Second Prince, a total of twelve princes and five princesses were present.

"The Second Prince actually broke through to the Supreme Realm Ninth Layer! It seems he’s also aiming for first place this time!" someone exclaimed, gazing at the Second Prince in shock. The Second Prince’s aura was robust, revealing he had reached the Supreme Realm Ninth Layer. To think that just a few days ago, he had only been at the Supreme Realm Eighth Layer.

However, the Second Prince’s aura seemed somewhat unstable, a clear sign that he had forcibly enhanced his power with Elixirs or other Secret Techniques. While effective, such methods were also fraught with numerous hidden dangers.

"It’s a pity the Third Prince was assassinated. Otherwise, he would have been a strong contender for first place." The Third Prince and Second Prince had been rivals for many years. Seeing the Second Prince’s improvement, the crowd couldn’t help but think of the Third Prince and sigh endlessly.

"Although the Third Prince was assassinated, don’t forget about the Nineteenth Prince!" Among the many princes and princesses, Su Han also drew much attention. His reputation had been forged in battle. From the debates at Mount Hua to fighting his way from Nanyang City to the Haoran Sect, all of his feats were shocking.

Moreover, the realm Su Han revealed at this time was the Supreme Realm Seventh Layer. Although there was a gap between his power and the Supreme Realm Ninth Layer, it didn’t mean he was without a fighting chance. Therefore, many people held high hopes for him.

Besides the Second Prince and Su Han, the other princes and princesses were rather ordinary. Although not weak, they clearly lacked the qualifications to contend for first place.

"The Demon Swordsman has arrived!"

With an exclamation, the crowd swiftly parted to reveal a young man in black, a defiant look on his face as he strode forward. The young man radiated a unique Demonic Nature, and an invisible Sword Intent seemed to envelop him. This aura caused those nearby to involuntarily harbor suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, those present today were all talented Sword Cultivators, averting a bizarre mass suicide.

Su Han’s gaze sharpened slightly. A great reputation is never unearned. This Demon Swordsman is indeed strong, and his Sword Intent is peculiar.

"Sword Lunatic, you’re no match for me. If you don’t want to die, scram!" the Demon Swordsman sneered, his gaze fixed on a certain spot.

Following his voice, the crowd looked over and saw a middle-aged man cradling a sword. The man had a disheveled beard and vacant eyes, and he seemed disinterested in his surroundings. He only showed a tender expression when he gazed at the sword in his arms, as if looking at his most beloved.

"Demon Swordsman, you know full well that the Sword Lunatic won’t give up this opportunity, so why bother with idle talk? Today, however, I will defeat you and let the world know that I, the Sword Maniac, am stronger than you!" A haughty voice rang out. A burly man, the Sword Maniac, strode forward with large steps to confront the Demon Swordsman directly. His arrogance was unmistakable as he openly provoked his opponent, living up to his title.

The Demon Swordsman, the Sword Lunatic, and the Sword Maniac—the personalities of these three perfectly matched their nicknames. Their appearance drew a great deal of attention. These three were the true favorites for the championship. Even the Second Prince and Su Han seemed somewhat inferior in comparison.

At that moment, a cry of surprise drew everyone’s attention. "Look, it’s Liu Xu! She actually dares to attend the Swordsmanship Tournament!"

All eyes turned to see Liu Xu in a white dress, walking forward openly, heedless of others’ gazes. The Third Prince’s death was most likely related to Liu Xu. Many had thought she had already fled, yet here she was, daring to participate in the Swordsmanship Tournament. Was she not afraid of being held accountable by the Flying Immortal Great Emperor?

"What are you looking at? Talk any more trash, and I’ll cut you down!" Liu Xu’s fiery nature hadn’t changed. Her Sword Intent erupted, causing everyone to shrink back, not daring to provoke this female devil.

As time passed, more and more talented Sword Cultivators appeared, until their number exceeded a thousand. Among them, Juque Saint Heir, Yun Jun Holy Maiden, and the Heartless Holy Son had also arrived. At this moment, with geniuses gathered and powerhouses emerging, the Swordsmanship Tournament was about to begin.

And now, all eyes turned expectantly toward the palace, waiting for one person:

The Flying Immortal Great Emperor