"Enough."
One simple word rang out, cold and devoid of the gentleness it once carried. Yet, that single word commanded fear and respect in equal measure, reverberating through the hall with an authority none dared to challenge. It was the voice of the Abyssal Monarch.
Everyone present, regardless of their status or strength, immediately stopped and knelt down, lowering their heads in submission. The weight of his presence was suffocating, leaving no room for defiance.
The Abyssal Monarch's expression was devoid of any warmth. The faint smile that once softened his demeanor was gone, replaced by cold, piercing eyes that swept over the hall. When he was smiling, one could feel at ease. But when he was serious, there was only one thing to do: listen.
His gaze settled first on Hua Caili and Yun Che, his eyes then shifted to Dian Jiuzhi, who knelt silently, his body rigid and his fists clenched tightly.
"The engagement shall stand."
The sentence was short and simple, yet its impact was devastating. It fell upon the room like a raging storm, freezing everything in its wake. For Hua Caili, Yun Che, and the two Divine Regents, the words carried the weight of an unmovable mountain, crushing their hopes in an instant.
Hua Caili's body trembled uncontrollably, her heart sinking into despair. Yun Che's fists tightened, his knuckles white, as he fought to suppress the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Beside them, Hua Fuchen and Meng Kongchan exchanged a brief, heavy glance, their faces pale.
"But Grandpa Abyssal…" Hua Caili's trembling voice broke the silence, her words filled with desperation. Shaken by the decree, she could not accept this outcome. However, before she could continue, an overwhelming spiritual power descended upon her, Yun Che, and the two Divine Regents—a power so vast and absolute that resistance was impossible.
"BOOM!!!! CRACK!!!"
The weight of the spiritual force pressed their heads forcefully into the ground, the ancient floor beneath them cracking under the immense pressure.
"Ugh…" Groans of pain escaped from Hua Caili, Yun Che, and the two Divine Regents. Their bodies trembled, their profound energy rendered useless under the crushing power of the Abyssal Monarch. Helpless against the might bearing down on them, they could only endure the pain, unable to lift their heads or move.
"They shouldn't have betrayed one love," a calm voice said from ahead of them. It was the Chief Priest, his tone carrying a mix of disappointment and inevitability. He shook his head slowly as his gaze swept over the four, his expression unreadable.
The Chief Priest, the second most powerful figure in the Abyss and the one who had stood by the Abyssal Monarch long before he was given that title, understood the Monarch better than anyone. He knew the depths of the Monarch's principles and how deeply betrayal, especially in matters of love and loyalty, struck at the heart of his being.
The Abyssal Monarch was a man devoted to love, a devotion so profound that it shaped the very existence of the Abyss itself. Because of love, there was the Abyss. Because of love, he had waited for what seemed like an eternity. And because of love, the Abyss would soon meet its end.
To the Monarch, love was sacred. Those who betrayed it would face his unrelenting wrath.
There were no exceptions. Not even Hua Caili, who had grown up in the Pure Land, beloved by everyone. Her history, her charm, and the affection she inspired in those around her did not exempt her from the Monarch's will.
"Ugh…" A pained groan escaped Hua Caili's lips as blood trickled down the corner of her mouth. The overwhelming pressure of the Monarch's power bore down on her, crushing her into the ground. This was the first time she had truly felt the wrath of the Abyssal Monarch—and it was terrifying.
A fear she had never known before began to take root, spreading through her like an icy tide. For the first time in her life, she truly understood how powerless she was, how insignificant even her strength was before the absolute authority of the Abyssal Monarch.
Beside her, the two Divine Regents, who had always stood as unshakable pillars of power and pride, found themselves equally helpless. Though they were True Gods, their divine power meant nothing against the might of the Abyssal Monarch. Their protective instincts screamed at them to rise and shield their children, but their bodies remained pinned, immovable under the crushing force.
But just as despair began to consume her, it was quickly dispelled. Through the crushing weight of the Abyssal Monarch's power, Hua Caili felt a warmth—Yun Che's hand. Despite being pinned down under the unbearable pressure, his grip on her hand had never wavered, as though he was pouring all his strength into that single connection.
"I… have… no regret… that I… have… met… you."
With immense effort, Yun Che forced the words out, his voice trembling but filled with unwavering sincerity. Each syllable was a monumental struggle, his entire body straining against the overwhelming force bearing down on him. Yet, he refused to remain silent, his words carrying a depth of emotion that pierced through the oppressive silence.
"...."
For a fleeting moment, a flicker of surprise crossed the Abyssal Monarch's face. It was a brief expression, there and gone in an instant, so subtle that no one else noticed it. His eyes lingered on Yun Che for a fraction longer, unreadable but clearly contemplative.
Unbeknownst to them, the Abyssal Monarch had already restrained a significant portion of his power when suppressing the two children. Had he used the same level of force as he had on the Divine Regents, both Hua Caili and Yun Che would have been reduced to bloody smears on the ground long ago.
Even so, Yun Che's defiance was remarkable. At the fourth level of the Divine Master Realm, with his aura teetering on the edge of breaking into the fifth level, he had withstood an oppressive might that could stop even a half-step Divine Extinction Realm cultivator in their tracks.
Suddenly, as if unable to remain silent any longer, one of the High Priests spoke up.
"Your Majesty, why don't we hear their reasons for wanting to break off this engagement?" The voice belonged to High Priest Liu Xiao (Six Laughs). His tone was calm, yet there was an undercurrent of urgency. Liu Xiao had always been fond of Hua Caili, treating her like a granddaughter. He genuinely wished to shield her from the Abyssal Monarch's wrath, hoping to prevent her from meeting a disastrous end.
Before the Abyssal Monarch could respond, another voice followed.
"Your Majesty, I think Liu Xiao is right. Why not hear their reasoning? If it fails to satisfy, you can deal with them as you see fit." This time, it was High Priest Ling Xian (Spirit Fairy) who spoke. Her gentle voice carried a soothing yet persuasive quality. Ling Xian had her reasons for stepping in—after all, she had received the Primordial Flame Crystal from Yun Che.
The hall fell silent for a moment before another voice cut through the tension.
"Your Majesty, I do not believe they are challenging your authority out of defiance. Perhaps there is a reason worth hearing."
This third voice startled many, especially the Abyssal Monarch. It belonged to High Priest Wan Dao (Myriad Ways). Of all the High Priests, Wan Dao was known for his scholarly pursuits—writing books, concocting pills, studying treasures, and overseeing the management of the Pure Land. He rarely involved himself in matters outside his realm of expertise. Yet here he was, unexpectedly speaking in Hua Caili's favor.
A flicker of surprise crossed the Abyssal Monarch's face, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared. He could understand why Liu Xiao would speak up, given his grandfatherly affection for Hua Caili. Similarly, Ling Xian's intervention made sense, considering her connection to Yun Che and the Primordial Flame Crystal. But Wan Dao? The quiet scholar who preferred artifacts to people? His unexpected support for Hua Caili was curious indeed.
On the side, Dian Jiuzhi remained silent, his head bowed low. Perhaps it was because his heart had shattered into countless pieces, leaving him numb to the chaos around him. Even when Hua Caili was forcefully suppressed under the Abyssal Monarch's power, he didn't react. His shoulders, once proud and unyielding, now sagged as though bearing an unbearable weight.
Nearby, Dian Rahu watched his son in silence, his expression unreadable.
"Your Majesty, you may punish them as you see fit, but why not first listen to their story?"
The calm, resonant voice belonged to the Chief Priest (Big Rage). His words carried a weight that silenced even the faintest whispers in the room. The tension thickened as the fourth and final High Priest added his voice to those who had already spoken.
The Chief Priest had never formed a close relationship with Hua Caili during her time growing up in the Pure Land. Unlike Liu Xiao, who saw her as a granddaughter, or Ling Xian, who had connections to Yun Che, his stance was not born from personal affection. Yet, he understood one thing deeply—love.
His gaze flickered to the Abyssal Monarch, the very embodiment of devotion and sacrifice for love. It was this devotion that had shaped the Abyss, and it was this devotion that would someday bring about its end.
Turning his eyes toward Hua Caili and Yun Che, the Chief Priest saw the truth. The way Caili looked at Yun Che, her gaze filled with unshakable resolve despite the pain and fear she endured, and the way Yun Che looked back at her, his defiance and sincerity shining through even under the crushing suppression force—it spoke volumes.
Then there were Yun Che's words, spoken with all his might under the Monarch's oppressive power. They had to know the consequences of their actions, the price of defying the Monarch's decree. Yet, despite this, they had chosen to act. It was a decision born of conviction, not whim, and that alone was enough for the Chief Priest to lend his voice in support.
"..."
After a long, oppressive silence, the immense pressure that pinned the Gods, Hua Caili, and Yun Che to the ground was finally lifted. As the force dissipated, the four gasped for breath, their bodies trembling from the ordeal. Cold sweat drenched them, each drop a reminder of how close they had come to destruction. This was not just relief—it was a chance at life granted by the Abyssal Monarch.
Yun Che, in particular, felt the weight of his survival. Unlike the others, he dared not rely on his Heretic God's power in the presence of the Abyssal Monarch, knowing it would draw unwanted attention. Even with his Dragon God's Marrow, which elevated his physical resilience to a level comparable to a Peak Divine Master, the crushing force had felt all too real. Every fiber of his being had screamed in pain under the Monarch's wrath, yet he had endured.
Despite the torment, Yun Che's mind remained sharp. He had sensed something during the entire ordeal—something unexpected. While the Abyssal Monarch's anger was undoubtedly real, there had been no killing intent behind it. Even at the height of his fury, the Monarch's aura lacked the murderous edge Yun Che had encountered countless times before.
Was it restraint? A moment of mercy? Or perhaps something deeper?
As Yun Che reflected, a thought crossed his mind. The Abyssal Monarch's actions didn't seem entirely driven by wrath or pride. There was something else—a softness, buried beneath the fury. Could it be because of Hua Caili? Did the Monarch harbor a soft spot for her after all? Or perhaps it was something more profound, something tied to the Monarch's very essence—love.
What surprised Yun Che even more was Dian Jiuzhi. From the first time Hua Caili had mentioned him, Yun Che had already formed an idea of what kind of person he might be. That impression had solidified when they met three years ago, and now, in this moment, it seemed his assumptions were correct.
If someone truly loved another with all their heart, they would instinctively prioritize protecting that person, no matter the circumstances or their own suffering. True love would push them to act, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Yet, Dian Jiuzhi had done nothing. He had watched silently, unmoving, while Hua Caili bore the brunt of the Abyssal Monarch's wrath.
If Yun Che could see this glaring flaw, then surely others could as well—especially Mo Su.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty," the four of them said in unison. Their voices, though steady, carried an undercurrent of relief. Slowly, they shifted from their prone positions, rising just enough to kneel properly before the Monarch.
"Now, speak," the Abyssal Monarch commanded. His voice, still cold and unyielding, resonated through the hall. His piercing gaze bore down on them, leaving no doubt that their explanation would determine their fates.
Yun Che tightened his grip on Hua Caili's hand, their fingers interlacing as they exchanged a steady gaze. In her eyes, he saw unwavering trust; in his, she found resolute determination. He took a deep breath before speaking.
"Instead of us explaining, Your Majesty, please allow us to show you."
The two Divine Regents at their side, Hua Fuchen and Meng Kongchan, both nodded in agreement. Words might not carry the weight needed to convey the truth, but memories could not lie. Hua Fuchen, though already familiar with parts of the story from Hua Qingying, realized it was still a secondhand account. He too wished to witness the truth of his daughter's love—how it had blossomed, what had led her to abandon her engagement, and why she had chosen to stand here now.
Beside him, Meng Kongchan felt a flicker of curiosity. He had always wondered how his son, Yun Che, had managed to win the heart of his friend's daughter, someone bound by the Monarch's decree. What had Yun Che done to make her willing to forsake an engagement decreed by the Abyssal Monarch himself? What had compelled her to abandon everything just to be with him?
Deep within Yun Che's soul, a voice broke through his thoughts. Li Suo, hidden within the Sky Poison Pearl, spoke with concern.
"Are you certain about this? She could reveal your secret, you know." Li Suo's tone was cautious, her worry palpable. Allowing Hua Caili to show their love story was a powerful gesture, but it came with risks. Yun Che couldn't control what Hua Caili might reveal, and exposing too much could place him in jeopardy.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Yun Che replied inwardly, his tone calm and firm. His confidence radiated as he reaffirmed his decision. He had planned for every possibility, and now was the time to take this gamble.
The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone turned their eyes to the Abyssal Monarch. His expression was unreadable, but his lack of objection signaled tacit approval.
Seeing this, the pair exchanged a glance before fragments of their souls began to rise and shimmer in the air. The ethereal light of their soul fragments coalesced, floating upward, and one by one, the memories they shared began to play out for all to witness—their story unfolding like a tapestry woven with love, pain, and sacrifice.
The fragments of Yun Che's and Hua Caili's souls began to weave their tale, unfolding before everyone present. Ethereal lights shimmered as their memories took form, presenting a vivid tapestry of their shared past.
It began with their first encounter in the Qilin Realm, where fate had brought them together for the first time. The memories then shifted to their unexpected meeting again in the mysterious Fog Sea.
From Yun Che's soul fragments, the story unraveled from his perspective: their fateful meeting, how he had come to know her, and how he had stayed by her side through trials and tribulations. It showed the moments when his feelings for her began to bloom, transforming from admiration to deep love. It revealed the pain he felt when he learned her true identity, the anguish that led him to make the difficult decision to leave her behind, and how fate—or the intervention of the Fog Monarch—had ultimately brought them together again.
From Hua Caili's soul fragments, her perspective unfolded like a mirror to his. The memories revealed her initial impressions of Yun Che, how she had been taken aback by his tenacity and strength, and how, little by little, she had begun to fall for him. Her soul fragments also reflected her regret and longing after he left, a regret that grew into a yearning so strong that their eventual reunion felt like destiny. It was then, through the twists and turns orchestrated by the Fog Monarch, that she had finally realized the depth of her feelings for him.
Yet, amidst the revelations of love and sacrifice, the memories also unveiled truths that could not be hidden. From Hua Caili's fragments, Yun Che's extraordinary abilities came to light—his unparalleled control over multiple elemental powers, each wielded with remarkable mastery. Most notably, his possession of Light Profound Power was revealed, an ability so rare that it drew shock from those witnessing the fragments.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Here's the revised version, emphasizing the shock and emotional responses of the characters while maintaining the intensity of the moment:
"Ah… ah…"
At first, everyone was captivated by the story unfolding before them, drawn into the love, sacrifice, and fateful encounters between Yun Che and Hua Caili. But as the memories continued to play out, intrigue gave way to shock. It wasn't the revelation of their encounter with the Fog Monarch that left them stunned—it was Yun Che's ability to control all kinds of elemental powers.
The sheer magnitude of what they had witnessed sent chills down their spines. For many, it was beyond comprehension.
Even the Abyssal Monarch, whose stoic expression rarely wavered, allowed a flicker of shock to pass through his gaze.
"Yuan'er… you… you…" Meng Kongchan stammered, his voice trembling as he turned to Yun Che. His normally composed demeanor crumbled, and his face was a mix of disbelief and astonishment. His mouth hung open slightly as though he had just seen a ghost.
Beside him, High Priest Ling Xian, who prided herself on her ability to control multiple elemental powers due to her bloodline, could not hide her reaction. Her normally gentle composure shattered as she stuttered, "You… you…" Her eyes widened, her mind reeling. She could control several elements, but never as many as Yun Che had just demonstrated.
"And this is our story," Yun Che said, his voice steady but carrying an unyielding resolve. As his body lit up with the pure, calming glow of Light Profound Energy, the tense atmosphere shifted. The radiant light eased the turbulent emotions in the room, snapping everyone back to reality.
Still, even with their minds calmed, their bodies betrayed their disbelief. Tremors coursed through them as they processed everything they had just witnessed. The love between Yun Che and Hua Caili, their promises, their struggles—every moment of their journey had been laid bare. Yet, it was not just their love that left the room in awe; it was Yun Che's secrets, too overwhelming to ignore.
"Wind, Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth… and even Light Profound Energy!!!" Meng Kongchan murmured in astonishment, his voice trembling as he looked at his son, his gaze filled with both shock and pride. His profound eyes sparkled as he repeated Yun Che's elemental mastery in disbelief. The brilliance of Yun Che's abilities burned in his mind like the light of countless stars.
For a moment, Meng Kongchan was on the verge of bursting into joyous laughter, the sheer pride in his son threatening to spill over. But before he could, Hua Fuchen reached out, covering his mouth. Yet, even Hua Fuchen's hand trembled. Despite himself, the Divine Regent of Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom couldn't hide the emotional storm raging within.
Finally, Yun Che rose slightly, still kneeling as he addressed the Abyssal Monarch, his tone reverent yet firm.
"Your Majesty, as you have seen… back then, I was no one. I was not a Divine Son, not a member of any Divine Kingdom. I was a nobody—someone without a home, someone with nothing, someone utterly alone."
He paused, his gaze unwavering as he looked toward Hua Caili.
"Yet, because of a fateful encounter, I met Caili—a woman from a world so far removed from my own. That meeting… that moment… changed everything. From that encounter, we found love—love that transcends boundaries, defies reason, and has united us in heart, body, and soul."
Turning his gaze back to the Abyssal Monarch, Yun Che's voice grew more resolute, his every word carrying the weight of his conviction.
"I know of the engagement you bestowed upon Dian Jiuzhi and Caili, but as it stands, she and I are already one—bound by love, in heart, body, and soul. For this reason, I humbly beg Your Majesty to cancel their engagement."
Yun Che turned to Hua Caili, his gaze soft yet filled with unwavering love. His voice, steady and heartfelt, carried the weight of their bond as he spoke.
"Fate has brought us—two people from worlds apart—to become one in heart, body, and soul. We have promised each other eternity."
His words lingered in the air as he turned back toward the Abyssal Monarch, his tone growing even more resolute.
"I beg of you, Your Majesty, please allow our love to endure until the end of time!"
Each word dripped with sincerity, striking at the core of everyone present. Even the Gods, who had long been accustomed to the cold realities of power and duty, could not help but be moved. They knew the significance of Light Profound Energy, and the purity of heart required to wield it. A person who possessed such power was free of corruption and filth, their words as pure as the snow. For Yun Che to speak these words with such conviction was to proclaim an unshakable truth.
Beside him, Hua Caili's eyes brimmed with tears. The shimmering droplets reflected the light of the hall, cascading down her cheeks as if her very soul wept in joy. These were tears of profound happiness, a release of the overwhelming emotions she felt for the man who had stood by her through everything.
Seated above them all, the Abyssal Monarch, Mo Su, remained silent. Yet, his fingers trembled ever so slightly, a subtle sign of the emotions stirring within him. Each word Yun Che spoke seemed to strike at the very core of his being, resonating with memories long buried in the depths of his heart.
Flashes of the past surged through Mo Su's mind—visions of a love he once held dear, a love that had defined him, driven him, and ultimately shaped the Abyss itself. Yun Che's words mirrored his own past far too closely, echoing emotions he had long thought buried.
His story, his pain, and his endless waiting… it was all reflected in Yun Che's plea. Yet unlike Mo Su, who had never received his happy ending, Yun Che and Hua Caili stood before him now, fighting for their love, for their future. It was a love so pure and unwavering that even the Abyssal Monarch found himself struggling to deny it.
Yun Che, observing the Monarch's silence, knew that his gamble had paid off—at least partially. He had deliberately repeated the phrase "different worlds" to evoke the echoes of the Monarch's past. Mo Su's love, the very foundation of the Abyss, Yun Che had banked on this connection, and from the flicker of emotion on the Monarch's face, it seemed his strategy had worked.
For now, the Monarch did not speak. And in that silence, Yun Che knew he had won the first battle.