Fate-Defying Demon Emperor

Chapter 568: Phenomenon: The Moon Rises Above the Sea

The Heavenly Sword Dynasty, home to Great Emperor Realm experts, was a power no weaker than an Imperial Clan, and perhaps even stronger. After all, this was the Central Plains, a land of exceptional people and abundant spiritual energy, and the Dynasty was primarily composed of sword cultivators, their offensive power second to none. The Myriad Swords Sect was truly a hot potato. Anyone associated with it would be targeted by the Heavenly Sword Dynasty, and when choosing between the mighty Dynasty and the declining Sect, even a fool knew the right answer.

But Su Han had no intention of abandoning Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue. Though he was a demon, he was clear about his favors and grudges. He firmly believed that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. If the Tai Cang Sword God had unleashed his full strength that day, Su Han himself might have been in danger of perishing. Since he had made a promise to the man, he naturally intended to keep it.

Of course, his own power was limited. Helping the Myriad Swords Sect reclaim their ancestral land and restore their former glory was simply impossible for him. However, he could still give Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue a helping hand, allowing them to grow stronger and gain the ability to protect themselves.

Su Han was not afraid of the Heavenly Sword Dynasty’s threats either. Three thousand years had passed, and while their bounty was still technically active, its power had long since faded. The Dynasty would not dispatch special forces just to hunt him down, so the danger was minimal. Besides, Su Han had already offended more than one Great Emperor Realm expert; he felt no particular fear for the Heavenly Sword Sovereign.

"To be frank, I received an inheritance left behind by Senior Tai Cang, which is how I mastered the Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique," Su Han began, formulating his explanation to resolve Li Mingliang’s confusion. "Since we’ve met here, I can pass this technique on to you. Consider it returned to its rightful owners."

He planned to impart the Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique to them both. As for One Sword Breaks Myriad Spells, the technique was far too profound. Revealing it would only place Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue in greater danger, so Su Han decided to keep it to himself for now. If they cultivated well in the future, he could pass it on to them then.

"Thank you, Mr. Su! Qingyue, hurry and kowtow to thank Mr. Su!"

Li Mingliang was overjoyed by Su Han’s words. He immediately pulled Li Qingyue down to kowtow. The Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique was the heritage cultivation technique of the Myriad Swords Sect and was rumored to be a precious, High-Level Heaven Rank technique. Now that the Sect had fallen, it was Su Han’s good fortune to have obtained it. Even if he chose not to share it, there was nothing they could do. But now, he was willingly offering to teach them, which made Li Mingliang weep with joy.

As for whether this was a conspiracy, he didn’t care in the slightest. For one, their lives were in Su Han’s hands, so there was no need for elaborate plots. For another, they were already at rock bottom, and things couldn’t possibly get any worse. Therefore, Li Mingliang kowtowed without hesitation, striking his forehead against the ground until it bled.

"This is something I promised Senior Tai Cang. There’s no need for this, Mr. Li!" Su Han sidestepped, avoiding their kowtows.

"Calm your minds and concentrate. I will now impart the technique to you!"

Su Han pulled Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue up. He then formed a sword with his fingers and touched it to Li Mingliang’s brow. His Divine Sense surged like a tide into Li Mingliang’s sea of consciousness, transmitting the Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique.

"The Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique has nine layers. I have sealed the other eight. Once you reach Great Accomplishment in the First Layer, the Second Layer will automatically unseal."

This was a High-Level Heaven Rank sword cultivation method, and the sheer volume of its information was formidable. With their current strength, it was far too much for Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue to bear. The information alone would likely shatter their spirits instantly, turning them into imbeciles. Thus, Su Han used his own Divine Sense to create seals, making it easier for them to learn and cultivate. He soon repeated the process, imparting the technique to Li Qingyue.

"For this immense kindness, I am willing to work like an ox and a horse to repay Mr. Su!" After reviewing the First Layer of the Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique, Li Mingliang knew it was authentic. The last shred of doubt vanished from his heart. He dropped to his knees again and, regardless of Su Han’s wishes, began to kowtow forcefully. He had made up his mind to serve Su Han as a loyal servant for the rest of his life.

Li Mingliang’s zeal was a bit much for Su Han. He took some cultivation resources from his Bronze Ring and gave them to the pair before quickly taking his leave, not daring to linger.

"Qingyue," Li Mingliang said once they were alone, "Grandpa has decided to follow Mr. Su, but you’re still young and can make your own choice. For now, I will bear this burden, so you can focus on cultivating and reaping the benefits."

Li Mingliang was old and shrewd. He knew the favor from the Tai Cang Sword God alone was not enough to secure Su Han as a powerful backer. Thus, he was willing to pledge servitude to earn Su Han’s trust. This, of course, also served to protect Li Qingyue. She was his only bloodline, the apple of his eye. He would gladly become a servant himself, but he would never let Li Qingyue stoop to fawning over Su Han. This was his bottom line, the one thing he would protect at all costs.

"Grandpa!" Li Qingyue understood her grandfather’s intentions, and her heart ached for him. But she also knew this was their only chance of survival. As for Su Han, she had no intention of ingratiating herself with him, but she felt no aversion either. Instead, she had come to idolize him, a touch of hero-worship blooming in her heart.

Su Han saw through their little schemes as clear as day, but he neither felt repulsed nor chose to expose them. He would naturally fulfill his promise to the Tai Cang Sword God, and as a newcomer to the Central Plains, he did indeed need a local guide. Though Li Mingliang’s strength was not high, his lifetime on the run had taken him to many places, making him a living map.

In the following days, Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue raced against time to cultivate the Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique. They understood how precious this opportunity was and dared not slack off for a moment, training diligently to grow stronger. Despite his experience, Li Mingliang’s limited innate talent meant the results of his cultivation paled in comparison to Li Qingyue’s. In just three days, she had already grasped the basics of the First Layer of the sword technique. Coupled with the resources from Su Han, her swordsmanship improved by leaps and bounds, and her cultivation rose from the First Layer of the Divine Sea Realm to the Third Layer.

WHOOSH!

One day during her cultivation, her delicate body trembled. A cold Sword Intent erupted from within her, encasing the surrounding grass and trees in frost.

"What... what is this?" Li Mingliang’s eyes widened in worry, utterly confused.

"Don’t worry," Su Han said, having already discerned the cause with a single glance at Li Qingyue. "Her Yin Sword Body is awakening!"

The Myriad Swords Returning Origin Technique and the ample cultivation resources had allowed her to accomplish more in three days than she had in the past three years. Her Yin Sword Body was finally awakening.

WHOOSH!

An icy sword light burst from Li Qingyue’s body and coalesced above her head into a silent, frigid sea, from which a clear, cold moon began to rise.

*Phenomenon: Moonrise Over the Sea!*