"The Nine Profound Exquisite Body isn't just a perfect vessel for God Power," Meng Kongchan continued, his voice grave. "It also amplifies the innate power of the one who possesses it. This means it's more than likely that Shen Wuyi can challenge, or even surpass, those ranked above her…"
Meng Jianxi listened attentively, his expression growing increasingly serious as his God Father explained. Every word carried immense weight, painting a clearer picture of the threat posed by the Eternal Night Divine Daughter.
But for Yun Che, it was a completely different matter. His thoughts spiraled into chaos, each revelation striking him like a hammer against fragile glass.
Less than a hundred years old… only becoming the Divine Daughter of Eternal Night twenty years ago… the Black Tide of Time… two years… the Nine Profound Exquisite Body…
One thought after another surged through Yun Che's mind, threatening to shatter his composure. Fragments of information he had collected over the years about Shen Wuyi began to piece themselves together, forming a picture that he was almost afraid to comprehend. The more he thought, the more the connections solidified, and the weight of it all bore down on him like an insurmountable storm.
His breathing grew uneven as he fought to contain the turmoil within him. Yet no matter how much he tried to focus, the fragments in his mind only came together faster, each revelation sharper and more devastating than the last.
Yun Che's heart was in utter chaos, a storm raging within him that seemed impossible to quell. His trembling body was hard to ignore, drawing the concerned gazes of both Meng Jianxi, who stood by his side, and Meng Kongchan. Yet, even under their scrutiny, Yun Che remained oblivious, his heart and soul too consumed by the torrent of emotions to notice anything around him.
Flashes of memories—every meeting, every encounter, every moment connected to Xia Qingyue—flooded his mind in an uncontrollable cascade. His breathing grew ragged, his chest heaving as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place against his will. No matter how desperately he tried to push them back, the thoughts surged forward like an unstoppable tide.
"Qingyue… you're alive, aren't you?!!!!" The words screamed in his mind, raw and unrelenting. "It's you, isn't it?! It's you… IT'S YOU, RIGHT?!!!!!"
For the second time since he had arrived in the Abyss, everything within him descended into chaos. The first was when he had met his and Shen Xi's daughter, a moment that had shaken him to his core. But now, the possibility that Shen Wuyi, the Divine Daughter of Eternal Night, could truly be Xia Qingyue sent his very being spiraling into turmoil.
"Brother Yuan???!" Meng Jianxi's voice broke through the haze, tinged with confusion and worry as he watched Yun Che's trembling figure.
"Yuan'er?!" Meng Kongchan's voice followed, firmer but equally laced with concern.
Yun Che's chaotic mind suddenly felt a surge of divine power flowing into his body, soothing his trembling soul and grounding him in the present. The storm within him began to subside as the overwhelming chaos gave way to clarity. Slowly, Yun Che turned around, his gaze landing on Meng Jianxi, who looked deeply worried.
But what truly stunned Yun Che was Meng Kongchan, the Divine Regent who had previously been seated on his throne, now kneeling beside him. The God's hands glowed faintly as he channeled his immense soul power into Yun Che, stabilizing his chaotic mind and soul with deliberate precision.
"This junior thanks Senior Divine Regent for your assistance," Yun Che said, bowing slightly as he regained his composure. His voice was calm, but a flicker of warmth passed through his heart at the gesture.
For a brief moment, that warmth lingered—Yet just as quickly as it came, Yun Che dismissed it. His expression returned to its usual calm, his thoughts refocusing as he pushed aside any unnecessary emotions.
"What happened, Yuan'er?" Meng Kongchan asked, his face etched with worry. Yun Che had always been calm and composed, his demeanor unshaken by anything so far. But the moment he heard about Shen Wuyi possessing the Nine Profound Exquisite Body, Yun Che had been trembling non-stop, his soul in such disarray that Meng Kongchan's power had entered his body with ease.
"I…" Yun Che hesitated as his mind began to race. He knew his reaction had been far from normal. If he couldn't provide a convincing explanation, it might draw suspicion—not just from Meng Kongchan but possibly from others as well.
After carefully collecting his thoughts, Yun Che finally said, "I used to know someone with the Nine Profound Exquisite Body in the past…"
His tone was steady, but his words carried a weight of emotion that he couldn't entirely hide. It was the best explanation he could muster under the circumstances, one that offered just enough truth to be believable while concealing the full depth of his turmoil.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yun Che's answer shocked both Meng Jianxi and Meng Kongchan.
"No wonder you were so shaken…" Meng Kongchan murmured, his expression softening as he pieced together Yun Che's reaction. After a brief pause, he asked, "Yuan'er, since you used to know her, does that mean she's no longer... with you?"
Yun Che nodded slowly, his gaze lowering slightly before he spoke. "I owe her a great debt from the past, and many years ago, she disappeared without a trace. I just… I just wanted to repay her, that's all."
His voice was calm, but the weight of his words lingered in the air. What Yun Che said was true—Xia Qingyue had done more for him than he could ever repay. The debt of love and sacrifice she had given him was immeasurable, something that haunted him even now. No matter how much time passed, that debt remained an unhealed scar on his soul, one he knew he could never truly repay.
Meng Kongchan studied Yun Che for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he gave a slow nod, a flicker of understanding crossing his face.
"So, with the Eternal Night Divine Daughter possessing the same physique, I thought… perhaps she might be her," Yun Che added, his voice steady yet laced with emotion.
He was about to follow up with more explanations when suddenly, a voice filled with absolute power and unyielding command rang across the Pure Land. The sheer might in those simple words was undeniable, a force that even the Gods could not defy.
"Since everyone is here, come." The voice was gentle, yet it rang across the world!
The words reverberated through the very fabric of existence, carrying a pressure that shook the soul. For Yun Che and everyone else present, the world seemed to spin violently. A moment ago, they were still in their respective independent spaces within their profound arks, isolated and secure. Yet now, in an instant, they had all been brought together—gathered in one place without so much as a warning.
The abrupt shift left Yun Che momentarily disoriented, his sharp mind quickly assessing the new surroundings. Around him, he could sense the presence of countless people. The air was thick with tension, anticipation, and an undeniable sense of awe at the force that had summoned them.
It wasn't just Yun Che, Meng Kongchan, and the Dream Weaving Kingdom's people who had been transported—Gods, Divine Sons and Daughters, and countless others from various kingdoms, along with the Ancestral Dragon God Clan, were also present. The sheer scale of the gathering was overwhelming.
"!!!!!!!!!!" Yun Che's heart leaped in his chest, a jolt of alarm surging through him as his mind raced in extreme alertness. What kind of power is this?!!! The ability to instantly teleport everyone, even those of the True God level, without resistance—this was beyond anything he had ever encountered. This power doesn't belong to a True God… it's something far greater!
Cold sweat ran down his back as the magnitude of the situation dawned on him. Without hesitation, Yun Che suppressed his aura to the absolute minimum, concealing his presence as much as he could. His sharp eyes darted around the unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the vast assembly of divine beings and extraordinary cultivators. The oppressive energy in the air was suffocating, a testament to the terrifying might of the force that had summoned them.
Before them lay a vast hall filled with an ancient aura, its grandeur radiating an oppressive yet awe-inspiring presence. The air seemed thick with the weight of countless years, and every stone and pillar exuded a sense of profound history.
Sitting at the center of the hall were four figures. Yun Che's eyes immediately landed on one of them—a man he recognized. It was none other than High Priest Lui Xiao, known as "Six Laughs." Unlike his previously disheveled appearance, with his unkempt attire and dirt-streaked face, the man now stood clean, calm, and composed. The transformation was striking; the difference was like night and day, or rather, heaven and earth.
Beside High Priest Lui Xiao was an elderly woman dressed in flowing white robes. She radiated a gentle and serene presence, though her pale complexion and sickly expression betrayed a fragile state. Yet, as every second passed, her vitality seemed to visibly improve—her pallor fading, her posture straightening, and a subtle glow returning to her skin. When her gaze fell upon the people of the Dream Weaving Kingdom, she offered them a faint, kind smile, her presence exuding a quiet reassurance.
High Priest Ling Xian! The name surfaced instantly in Yun Che's mind as he recognized the unmistakable aura emanating from her. It was the Primordial Flame Crystal! She has used it!
Aside from her, there were two others. Although Yun Che had never met them before, their identities required no introduction. The sheer weight of their presence revealed everything. They were High Priest Wan Dao—known as "Myriad Ways"—and Chief Priest ("Big Rage"). Their names alone carried a legacy of awe and reverence throughout the Abyss.
Yun Che's heart tightened as he stood before them. It had been some time since he had come into direct contact with the Gods of the Abyss, and the overwhelming difference in their auras struck him like a tidal wave. If the aura of the ordinary Gods he had encountered before was vast like an ocean, then the power radiating from these beings—especially Chief Priest—was as boundless as the entire world itself. The disparity was so immense it felt insurmountable.
How can the difference between Gods be this vast?!
Yun Che thought, his mind trembling as he struggled to comprehend the unfathomable gap. His usually composed demeanor faltered for a moment, the oppressive energy of the hall pressing down on him like a mountain.
"We greet the mighty High Priests!" The seven Gods and the head of the Ancestral Dragon Clan bowed lightly as they spoke in unison. Their tones were filled with respect and reverence. However, there was one exception—the Lightless Divine Regent. Her head barely dipped, her words cold and indifferent. Still, she bowed, though the motion was minimal.
The Gods were absolute rulers within their respective Kingdoms, their power and authority unmatched. Yet here in the Pure Land, even the combined might of all seven Gods would be no match for a single one of the Ancient Gods standing before them. The gap between them was an unbridgeable chasm.
Of course, behind their backs, the Lightless Divine Regent would curse them all, including the Abyssal Monarch. Her hatred was unyielding, and no title or power would ever sway her disdain.
"Sit."
The voice resounded once again, powerful yet gentle, carrying an undeniable authority that left no room for defiance. An irresistible force swept over everyone, pulling them toward the seats arranged around the vast ancient hall where the High Priests were already seated.
From those with the lowest profound energy to the mighty Gods, all were guided effortlessly by this power, their positions arranged as though by design.
At the forefront sat the High Priests, their presence overwhelming and commanding respect. Behind them were the Seven Gods of the Six Divine Kingdoms, seated in positions of prominence. Further back sat their core forces—the younger generation, including the Divine Sons and Daughters, their ranks radiating potential and ambition.
The moment Yun Che was gently but irresistibly seated by the overwhelming power, his eyes instinctively drifted toward the Eternal Night Kingdom's direction. Earlier, when they had all been teleported here, the representatives from each kingdom had been scattered, separated by great distances. But now, with everyone gathered in the same hall and the relatively small number of people from each kingdom, he could finally see her.
"Qingyue…"
Her presence hit him like a thunderclap, sending waves of emotion surging through his heart. No matter how much time had passed, even if she were to conceal every inch of her body, he would never fail to recognize her. They had shared too much—years of fighting side by side, clashing against impossible odds, and even standing against each other. The memories were burned into his soul. It didn't matter if her face was veiled or if only her eyes were visible. Those eyes, the same ones that had once gazed at him with a mix of determination and sorrow, could never belong to anyone else.
Yun Che's breath caught, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to fade away. Time, space, and reality blurred, leaving only her—Xia Qingyue.
"You're alive…" The words echoed silently in his mind, carrying both disbelief and a desperate longing. His fists clenched as he fought to steady himself. He had imagined this moment countless times, but now that it was here, it felt like his soul was being torn apart. His chest tightened with emotions he couldn't afford to feel—not now.
But as quickly as he had looked at her, Yun Che forced himself to break away, his gaze snapping back to neutrality. No. Now is not the time. He buried the storm of emotions deep within, locking them behind an iron wall of discipline. His greatest enemy was about to arrive, and he couldn't allow himself to falter.
His eyes flickered to the front of the hall, where the seating arrangements spoke volumes about the hierarchy of power. At the forefront, beyond even where the High Priests sat, one throne stood empty. Its presence loomed over the entire gathering, exuding a pressure that surpassed even the might of the High Priests.
It was the seat of the Abyssal Monarch.
--------------------------------------
"HOW DARE YOU SIT HERE?!!!"
"YOU DARE, YOU LOWLY BUG?! YOU'RE A STAIN ON OUR KINGDOM!!!"
Insult after insult was sent via sound transmission to Pan Buwang. His expression remained neutral, but his aura subtly rippled with suppressed tension. Somehow, when everyone had been teleported into this ancient hall, though Pan Buwang had initially arrived with the people of the Star Moon Divine Kingdom, he had inexplicably been seated among the group from the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom.
The one hurling the barrage of sound transmissions at him was none other than Pan Buzhuo, the current Divine Son of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom. His words were filled with venom, his anger barely contained.
Yet no matter how much bile Pan Buzhuo spat at him, Pan Buwang ignored him entirely. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if Pan Buzhuo's words were nothing more than the buzzing of a distant insect.
This only served to infuriate Pan Buzhuo further. His face darkened, his aura flaring subtly with hostility.
"Are you deaf, Pan Buwang?! Do you think you can disgrace us and sit here as if you belong?" Pan Buzhuo hissed through another sound transmission, his tone dripping with contempt.
But Pan Buwang's eyes remained forward, his body unmoving. Deep inside, the darkness of his profound energy stirred faintly, but he suppressed it. The hatred festering within him ran far deeper than Pan Buzhuo's petty insults. His control over himself was ironclad; he had no intention of giving the Divine Son the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Enough."
The word was spoken lightly, yet it carried the weight of absolute authority. Just ahead of Pan Buzhuo, their father, the Qi Heng Divine Regent, had intervened. Sound transmissions between his sons were not something he would normally bother with, but this was no ordinary situation. The Abyssal Monarch had already summoned them here, and there was a time and place for everything.
One was a son he had selected as the future ruler of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom, someone he envisioned carrying its legacy. The other was a son he had long discarded, someone he deemed no longer worthy of his attention. There was no question of where his priority lay, but even so, this was not the place for such behavior.
As a True God, Qi Heng Divine Regent could hear every word of their conversation without effort. And if he could, so could the other Gods and High Priests gathered here. His displeasure was evident—not only with Pan Buwang's unexpected presence but also with Pan Buzhuo's inability to control himself. For all his talents, Pan Buzhuo's behavior here was reckless, undermining the dignity of their kingdom.
What irritated Qi Heng Divine God even further was the contrast between the two brothers. Despite being the target of constant insults, Pan Buwang had not reacted even once. He sat silently, his expression calm, as though Pan Buzhuo's words were nothing more than noise. It was infuriating—but also impossible to ignore. This wasn't Pan Buwang he used to know, but he won't dwell into that for now.
Alas, Qi Heng Divine Regent thought, his expression impassive. The difference in their Divine Essence is not something easily overcome. The truth was undeniable—Pan Buwang have eight Divine Essense while Pan Buzhuo's Divine Essence is nine, a flaw that had cemented his decision to cast the elder son aside.
Nevertheless, his single command was enough to silence Pan Buzhuo. The Divine Son stopped his sound transmissions immediately, his head lowering slightly as he clenched his fists in frustration.