Silence hung heavily in the air, thick with anticipation and tension, as everyone awaited the Abyssal Monarch's response. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, the stillness almost deafening, each second weighing on their hearts like an eternity.
On the side, the two Dians sat in stark contrast to the others, their emotions a storm beneath their composed exteriors.
Dian Jiuzhi clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms, the pain a mere whisper compared to the turmoil within him. A bitter smile spread across his face, one that failed to mask the deep ache in his heart. He could see it now—Yun Che and Hua Caili's love for each other. It was undeniable, laid bare for all to witness. But what did their love matter to him?
"What about me?" he thought bitterly, his chest tightening. He had loved her for millennia. Every step he had taken, every achievement he had attained, had been for her. Hua Caili was his. Her beauty, her smile, her innocence—it should all belong to him. She was his!
Beside him, Dian Rahu wore a more complex expression. Unlike his son, his emotions were tempered by a grim understanding. He had wanted Hua Caili for Dian Jiuzhi, not only for his son's happiness but also for the future of the Boundless Divine Kingdom. But now, after witnessing the truth in the soul fragments, he could not bring himself to blame Hua Fuchen or Meng Kongchan.
No, his friends had not betrayed him. It was fate. That cursed, undeniable force had intertwined the lives of Yun Che and Hua Caili in a way that left no room for Dian Jiuzhi. And yet, even understanding this, Dian Rahu could only smile bitterly, his heart heavy with the weight of disappointment.
The silence continued to stretch, as though the very Abyss held its breath, until finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Abyssal Monarch stirred.
With deliberate, measured movements, he opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the room. He looked first at his four Priests, their expressions calm but expectant. Then his gaze shifted to the couple, Yun Che and Hua Caili, still kneeling side by side. Next, his eyes moved to the two Divine Regents, seated beside their children, their faces a mix of hope and unease.
Finally, his gaze fell upon the two Dians. Dian Jiuzhi's face betrayed his inner turmoil, while Dian Rahu met the Monarch's gaze with resignation, a faint, bitter smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Fate is a strange thing," the Abyssal Monarch began, his voice calm yet resonant, carrying the weight of absolute authority. His gaze softened, just slightly, as it fell upon Yun Che and Hua Caili, their figures still kneeling before him. "As much as my dignity, as your ruler, and the dignity of the Pure Land must be upheld, I cannot deny what I have seen. Their love was not born from betrayal but from a fateful encounter—one shaped by chance, not deceit."
His words were measured, yet they struck with the force of a mountain. The entire hall remained silent, hanging on every syllable. Then, with finality, he continued, "The engagement between Dian Jiuzhi and Hua Caili will be canceled."
It wasn't a lengthy proclamation, but to Hua Caili, Yun Che, and the two Divine Regents, it was nothing short of the voice of heaven itself. The weight of the Monarch's judgment lifted from their shoulders, leaving behind only overwhelming relief and gratitude.
"We graciously thank Your Majesty, the Abyssal Monarch, for your boundless grace!" The four of them shouted in unison, their voices trembling with emotion. Tears glittered in their eyes, threatening to spill, as the enormity of the Monarch's decree settled in their hearts.
For Hua Caili and Yun Che, the tension that had bound them for so long finally unraveled. Unable to hold back, they turned to one another, their hands trembling as they embraced tightly. Their bodies quivered with a mix of joy and exhaustion, the intensity of the moment washing over them like a tide.
The Divine Regents, Hua Fuchen and Meng Kongchan, bowed deeply, their faces filled with gratitude and relief. The decision had not only preserved the love of their children but had also allowed them to maintain their dignity in the face of such immense authority.
For a moment, time seemed to pause, the room silent except for the faint sound of Hua Caili's quiet sobs of joy and Yun Che's steady breaths as he held her close.
The Abyssal Monarch, watching the scene, said nothing more. His expression remained inscrutable, but the faintest flicker of understanding lingered in his eyes as he observed the couple. Perhaps, in their story, he saw an echo of something lost to him long ago.
"Thud." The sound of knees hitting the ground echoed through the hall. It was Dian Jiuzhi. His body trembled as he knelt, his head lowered, his shoulders slumped. He knew—he had lost her. Forever. The realization struck him like a blade, cutting deeper than any wound.
Beside him, his father, Dian Rahu, looked at his son with a heavy heart. Without a word, he placed a firm yet comforting hand on Jiuzhi's trembling shoulder, offering silent support in the face of his defeat.
"Hahaha!"
Suddenly, laughter broke the tension in the hall. It came from High Priest Liu Xiao, whose face lit up with genuine joy. His laughter was contagious, spreading to the other High Priests, whose smiles reflected their shared relief and happiness. For Liu Xiao, who viewed Hua Caili like a granddaughter, her happiness was his own.
But just as the atmosphere began to brighten, the Monarch's voice rang out, cutting through the joy like a blade.
"But…"
The single word sent a shiver through the hall. The air grew heavy once more as all eyes turned toward the Abyssal Monarch. The warmth of the previous moment was replaced by a tense silence as everyone waited for him to continue.
His gaze shifted to the two Dians, his expression unreadable. "The matter of the Boundless Divine Kingdom's dignity must still be upheld," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "For that, I shall grant you one request. As long as this request does not harm the relationships between the Divine Kingdoms or their dignity, I, as your Monarch, shall fulfill it."
His words echoed through the hall, their weight palpable.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Dian Rahu said with a deep, respectful bow. His voice was calm, though his heart remained heavy. Gently, he helped his son to his feet, supporting him as they prepared to leave. Jiuzhi's face was pale, his eyes hollow, but he followed his father's lead without protest.
The Abyssal Monarch allowed a faint smile to return to his face as he looked at the group before him. "With that, I believe everything you needed to discuss is now resolved?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the unanimous response from everyone present, their voices steady despite the lingering tension.
"Then go and prepare. Three days from now, I shall meet you all again."
With a simple wave of his hand, the Abyssal Monarch sent everyone away. The hall, which moments ago was filled with so many voices and emotions, was now left in stillness.
Everyone had been teleported out.
Everyone—but one.
-----------------------
"Hahahahaha! My son, as expected of my son! Six elemental powers!"
The moment they were teleported out, Meng Kongchan burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing through the space. His joy was uncontainable, overflowing as he clapped his hands together. Today was the happiest day of his life, even surpassing the day Meng Jianyuan was born.
Beside him, Hua Fuchen crossed his arms, giving Meng Kongchan an annoyed look. "Is there no limit to how much you dote on your son?" he was about to retort, but something caught his attention, and his expression shifted.
"Where is my worthy son-in-law?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
"Brother Yun?" Hua Caili's voice trembled as she looked around in shock. It was only now that she realized something was wrong. When they were teleported out of the ancient hall, Yun Che had not appeared with them.
Her heart sank as her mind raced. "Could it be…? Could it be that Brother Yun is still with the Monarch?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
The two Divine Regents exchanged a glance, their expressions tense. Meng Kongchan, who had been laughing moments ago, immediately sobered. His joy gave way to worry as he looked toward Hua Fuchen.
"What could this mean?" Hua Fuchen asked, his voice low.
Meng Kongchan frowned, his thoughts turning grim. "If he's still with the Monarch, it's not without reason. Whatever the case, we should prepare ourselves."
Hua Caili clenched her fists, her unease growing as her gaze darted toward the distant ancient hall. "Brother Yun…" she murmured, worry etched across her face.
------------------------
In every Pure Land Meeting, once discussions about future directions, goals, and plans for the generations to come concluded, it was time for the event that the younger generation eagerly awaited—the test of their strength. This was their chance to prove themselves by facing members of other Divine Kingdoms in battle, showcasing their might and earning respect. Traditionally, it was also a way to strengthen bonds between kingdoms, fostering camaraderie through competition.
But this time was different.
The weight of the Eternal Pure Land revelation hung heavy over everyone. What should have been a moment of excitement was instead overshadowed by the seriousness of the stakes. As participants were teleported out of the ancient hall, they were taken to their respective accommodation palaces, meticulously prepared by the Pure Land Guards, who prided themselves on ensuring every detail was perfect. Yet, even the luxurious surroundings and the Pure Land's legendary hospitality couldn't lift the somber mood.
The younger generation, usually brimming with anticipation, wore solemn expressions. The knowledge that their performance in the Pure Land Meeting would directly determine their kingdom's future access to the Eternal Pure Land left no room for lightheartedness. This was no longer just a competition; it was a battle for their kingdoms' legacies.
Among all the groups, there was one that stood out—not for their determination but for their apparent resignation. The Ancestral Dragon God Clan, once a proud lineage, now seemed to have accepted their fate. Their expressions were weary, their postures heavy with defeat. The knowledge that they had little chance of advancing their position in the rankings loomed over them like a storm cloud.
The young lord of the clan, still unable to enter the Divine Extinction Realm, was a stark reminder of their decline. Compared to the Divine Sons and Daughters of other kingdoms, his presence felt like a shadow of what the clan had once been. Despite their proud heritage, the Ancestral Dragon God Clan's time seemed to be slipping through their claws, leaving them as mere spectators to the ambitions of others.
"Chu'er, there's no need to push yourself too hard," the Dragon Lord said, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of resignation. "Unlike humans, we dragons grow at a slower rate. Besides, we've already been guaranteed 50 spots. It doesn't matter if we win or not."
Long Wangchu, the young lord of the Ancestral Dragon God Clan, lowered his head respectfully. "Yes, Lord Father," he replied, his tone steady but lacking confidence. Deep down, he knew his father's words held a bitter truth—he truly had no chance in this fight. He was only at the Half-Step Divine Extinction Realm, the pinnacle of his clan's younger generation.
For dragons, this was impressive, yet compared to the Divine Sons and Daughters of the other Kingdoms, it was barely worth mentioning. It stung even more knowing that he, the young lord of the dragons, had reached this level only through painstaking effort. What could be said of the others in his clan, who lagged even further behind? The gap was undeniable.
The Dragon Lord studied his son for a moment, his golden eyes softening with emotion. "Why don't you go out for some fresh air? Staying cooped up in here won't do you any good. The Pure Land is far better than our home—it wouldn't hurt to make some connections while you're here."
There was a weight in his words that Long Wangchu didn't miss. It was both advice and a subtle plea, an acknowledgment of their clan's declining position. Perhaps if his son could establish a relationship with a powerful ally, the clan's future might hold some hope.
"Then this child will do as you say," Long Wangchu replied, his voice quiet but obedient. He stood, bowing respectfully before stepping toward the exit.
-----------------------------
"Do not disappoint me. Do you understand?" Shenwu Yanye, the Lightless Divine Regent, spoke with a voice as sharp as a blade. Her cold, piercing gaze bore into the young woman standing before her. Her eyes, filled with unrelenting hate, reflected a disdain for the world and, most of all, for men.
Her hatred ran deep, an unyielding fire that consumed her every thought. In the Divine Kingdoms, four of the six Divine Children were men, and even the Ancestral Dragon God Clan had chosen a male successor. It was a constant reminder of what she despised most. How hateful this world is, she thought bitterly. Only two Divine Children were women—and one of them, in her eyes, was a worthless disappointment. That left her own Divine Daughter, the one she had poured everything into, sacrificing and scheming to make her strong—strong enough to crush anyone who stood in her way.
"You must win, no matter the cost!" Shenwu Yanye repeated, her voice growing harsher with each word. To her, all men were trash. And if her Divine Daughter couldn't even defeat trash, then she belonged in the filth with them. Victory was not just expected; it was demanded.
"Yes, Mother," the young woman replied, her voice steady and resolute. Her eyes burned with conviction, reflecting the weight of her mother's expectations. There was no hesitation, no fear—only the unshakable determination to prove herself worthy.
----------------------------
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
A thunderous roar of rage reverberated across the residence of the Boundless Divine Kingdom, shaking the very foundation of the grand halls.
"BOOMMMMM!!!"
A deafening explosion followed as a figure crashed violently into a thick stone wall, leaving a massive crater behind. Blood streamed from her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as she crumpled to the ground, trembling and gasping for air.
"Mercy… mercy… Lord Brother Jiuzhi!!! Have mercy!!!" The broken figure, Dian Shuying, barely managed to plead, her voice weak and filled with terror. Her once-pristine robes were soaked in blood, her body quaking from the devastating blow.
"Lord Brother! Please, show mercy to Shuying!" Cries erupted from the gathering crowd as figures rushed to shield the young woman, their faces pale with fear. They were utterly bewildered—what could have provoked such unrestrained fury from Dian Jiuzhi, the beloved Divine Son of their kingdom?
Moments earlier, the residence had been filled with joy and excitement. When they saw their Lord Father and Lord Brother arrive, everyone had welcomed them warmly, brimming with anticipation for good news. Among them, Dian Shuying, who had always been close to Jiuzhi, had made the mistake of speaking casually.
"Did you stay behind because you wanted to discuss the engagement?" she had teased with a light laugh. "So, when's the wedding date?" It was an innocent remark, a jest meant to lighten the mood.
But it was met with unthinkable wrath.
Before anyone could react, Jiuzhi's fist had connected with her chest, sending her hurtling through the air with a force that shattered not only her body but the atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. If not for the protection talisman she wore, she would have died on the spot.
"What… what is going on?!" The thought raced through everyone's mind as chaos erupted. Jiuzhi stood in the center of the hall, his eyes wild with rage, his aura flaring uncontrollably. The young women and men, his siblings and peers, who had always revered him, now cowered in fear, their faces pale as they tried to understand his actions.
"That's enough, Jiuzhi. Go and calm yourself."
Dian Rahu's voice was firm, yet tinged with disappointment. He watched his son with a scrutinizing gaze, the anger and chaos in the room reflecting the turmoil within Jiuzhi's heart. Dian Rahu had always known the truth about his son. The gentleness that Dian Jiuzhi displayed to the world was nothing more than a mask, a carefully constructed facade to conceal the darkness that lay beneath.
After all, how could someone who climbed from the very bottom to become the Divine Son do so with mere gentleness? It was ruthlessness and cold calculation that had carried him to the top. The tenderness he had shown was reserved for Hua Caili, the woman who had now shattered his carefully constructed mask. With her departure, that mask had crumbled entirely, revealing the raw, unbridled darkness within.
"Yes, Father," Dian Jiuzhi finally replied, his voice low and strained. It took him a moment to regain enough control to speak. With a flick of his hand, he tossed a small bottle of elixir toward the unconscious Dian Shuying, who lay amidst the rubble and bloodied walls. The bottle landed beside her with a soft clink, its contents shimmering with healing power.
Without sparing another glance, he turned and walked toward his designated room.
No one in the room dared to stop him or speak another word. Yet, as his back retreated, none could see the inferno blazing in his eyes—a hatred so intense it seemed to consume him entirely.
"Caili… you damn… BITCH! How dare you! HOW DARE YOU!!!" his mind roared with venomous thoughts, each step he took echoing his anger. His body trembled as the poisonous rage seeped deeper into his very being.
"I did everything—everything! EVERYTHING FOR YOU! And yet, you dared to betray me? To betray my love?" His fists clenched so tightly that blood seeped from his palms, but he didn't feel the pain. All he could feel was the scorching fury in his heart.
"Do you know who I am?!" his thoughts thundered. "I am Dian Jiuzhi! I possess the Divine Vein of Great Rage, a power destined to place me at the very top of the world! And yet you… YOU DARED TO BETRAY ME!!!"
Curse after curse spiraled in his mind, each more venomous than the last. Today's events had stripped away every layer of restraint, fully awakening the darkness he had kept buried for so long. His breathing grew heavier as his hatred found a new target.
"Meng Jianyuan..." The name dripped from his mind like poison. His eyes blazed with murderous intent as he continued walking. "I will repay today's humiliation a hundred… no, a millionfold!"
His oath reverberated in his heart, cementing his resolve. Today was the day that Dian Jiuzhi's true self—the man forged in the fires of ambition and rage—was fully awakened.
-----------------------
In the vast, ancient hall, only two figures remained. One sat in the grand seat of authority, exuding an aura of overwhelming power, while the other stood before him, calm on the surface but with a storm raging within.
Yun Che faced the Abyssal Monarch Mo Su, his heart pounding like thunder as he fought to suppress the chaos within him. If canceling Dian Jiuzhi's engagement to Hua Caili was his first victory, what lay ahead was the second—and perhaps the most critical. He had to survive this encounter. His future, his plans, and his very life hinged on this moment.
It was his greatest gamble.
Though his mind churned with thoughts and contingency plans, outwardly, Yun Che wore a disarming smile. He met the Monarch's gaze steadily and asked, "Your Majesty, do you have something to ask of me?" His tone was casual, natural, masking the tension that coiled tightly within him.
The Abyssal Monarch leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locked onto Yun Che. Without addressing Yun Che's inquiry, he gave a direct command. "Show me your elemental powers."
The words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding. There was no room for negotiation, no escape from this demand.
Yun Che's mind raced. So, this is it. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed sent a chill down his spine. Still, his outward composure didn't falter. "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice steady.
Taking a deep breath, Yun Che calmed the storm in his heart. Whatever would happen, he had prepared for it. His hand brushed lightly against the spatial formation hidden in his sleeve, the World Piercer's key to escape.
Unknown to anyone, he had planted a hidden teleportation point nearby during his journey to the Pure Land. The World Piercer's power was beyond detection, allowing him to move undetected. If things turned dire, he would activate the formation and teleport instantly—not just away from this hall, but deep into the heart of the Fog Sea, where even the Monarch's reach would falter.
This was his ultimate safety net, the move that would ensure his survival no matter what happened here.
A cluster of flames flickered into life in Yun Che's palm, burning brightly yet perfectly controlled.
"Show me all of them," Mo Su, the Abyssal Monarch, commanded, his voice calm but carrying a weight that left no room for hesitation.
Without a word, Yun Che nodded. He allowed the flame to fade before conjuring each elemental power in succession. Lightning crackled, illuminating the hall with brilliant flashes. Ice crystals danced in the air, cold and unyielding. A gentle wind swirled, carrying an almost imperceptible hum. The ground beneath Yun Che's feet rumbled faintly as he summoned the power of the earth, and finally, his hand glowed with the pure, radiant light of Light Profound Energy.
Each display drew a flicker of something in Mo Su's eyes—a glimmer of the past, emotions buried deep within his soul. At times, his expression seemed to lighten with joy, while at others, shadows of pain and longing crossed his face.
"Now, wield them together," Mo Su instructed.
Yun Che hesitated briefly, but he steadied himself, focusing his mind. Fire, lightning, ice, wind, earth, and light—six powers harmonized in his hands, swirling and weaving together in a display of absolute mastery.
Mo Su stared at the display, his gaze piercing through the elements as if searching for something beyond their surface. His lips moved, barely audible, but Yun Che caught the murmured words: "It really is… your power… Big Brother…"
The Abyssal Monarch's voice carried an unmistakable weight of sorrow and nostalgia. His eyes, though fixed on the elemental display, seemed lost in another time.
Yun Che observed every detail, every subtle shift in Mo Su's expression, while keeping his powers active. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind worked furiously.
Finally, Mo Su raised his hand, signaling for Yun Che to stop. The elemental powers dissipated, leaving the hall in silence. Yun Che's breathing was steady, but inwardly, his soul and mind were drenched in sweat. He kept his composure as the Monarch closed his eyes, his expression unreadable.
For the first time since entering the ancient hall, Mo Su stood. His movements were slow, deliberate, and utterly commanding. Each step he took toward Yun Che felt like a hammer striking against Yun Che's resolve, the tension rising with every moment.
Yun Che's heart thundered in his chest as he watched Mo Su approach. His instincts screamed at him to prepare the World Piercer's formation, but he resisted. Calm. Stay calm.
When Mo Su finally stopped before him, the Monarch gazed at Yun Che silently for a long while. His eyes, deep and unfathomable, seemed to hold the weight of countless millennia. Then, without warning, his head tilted slightly upward, his gaze shifting toward the ceiling.
The once-ornate ceiling of the hall had transformed, now resembling a vast expanse of infinite stars. The flickering lights danced above them, reflecting in Mo Su's eyes as if pulling him into a sea of memories.
With his eyes closed, Mo Su stood still, his expression distant, as though lost in a world only he could see. His silence stretched on, heavy and unbroken, leaving Yun Che standing motionless, his mind teetering on the edge of unease.
"In the entire history of the Abyss, there has never been anyone wielding more than three elemental powers. Yet, here you are, capable of mastering six. Do you realize how extraordinary you are?" Mo Su's voice carried a weight that seemed to resonate through the ancient hall, each word pressing on Yun Che like a silent storm.
"I do, Your Majesty," Yun Che answered honestly, his tone steady despite the tumultuous emotions within him.
"Heh, if only you truly knew..." A quiet voice echoed deep within Yun Che's soul—the voice of Li Suo, her tone tinged with a strange mixture of amusement and melancholy.
Mo Su, still standing before him, shifted his gaze back to Yun Che. The infinite stars on the ceiling above dimmed slightly as the Abyssal Monarch's focus sharpened. "How did you come to possess this power?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable authority.
For Yun Che, being this close to Mo Su was like standing before a living embodiment of the cosmos itself. Though Mo Su's power was restrained, the aura emanating from him was suffocating. Compared to the overwhelming presence of Chief Priest, which was akin to an infinite ocean, Mo Su was like a vast expanse of stars—a realm utterly beyond comprehension.
Yun Che steadied his breathing, keeping his expression calm. It's fortunate, he thought, that Mo Su, just as depicted in the Heretic God's memory fragments, is inherently a good person. Otherwise, the Abyss might never have existed. Yet, as Yun Che pieced together everything he had learned, a chilling truth had already taken root in his mind: The end of the Abyss would also be because of its Monarch.
"It was my master who taught me and gave me the inheritances," Yun Che finally answered, his voice steady yet respectful. He had anticipated this question and prepared his response carefully.
"Who is your master?" Mo Su's gaze narrowed slightly, his tone laced with curiosity.
"I… Your Majesty, I truly… don't know," Yun Che replied, his words hesitant, carefully calculated to maintain plausibility without revealing too much.
"Oh?" Mo Su's brow arched slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Hundreds of years ago, my master saved my soul," Yun Che began, his voice steady despite the storm raging within him. "Back then, I didn't know who I was. My past, my identity—all of it was lost. It was my master who gave me a new life. Everything I have, every bit of power I wield, was given to me by him." He carefully crafted his explanation, choosing each word with precision.
Mo Su listened quietly, his expression unreadable. The weight of his presence bore down on Yun Che, but the Abyssal Monarch gave no sign of disbelief.
"That's enough." Mo Su's voice broke the silence, his tone calm yet commanding. Yun Che blinked in surprise but quickly schooled his expression as Mo Su continued, "The time we have is short. You should go back and prepare for the battles ahead."
Before Yun Che could respond or bow, Mo Su raised his hand, and with a wave of his power, Yun Che's form vanished from the ancient hall.
In the now-empty hall, the ceiling that had once resembled an infinite starry sky slowly faded, returning to its original state of intricate ancient patterns.
Mo Su, now alone, lowered his gaze from the ceiling. His deep eyes flickered with emotions long buried, and his voice, barely above a whisper, echoed softly in the silent hall.
"Meng Kongchan… I don't know if he's truly your son or not…" Mo Su's lips curled into a faint, melancholic smile. "But as Big Brother's inheritor, I will place my trust in him."
He paused, his gaze distant, as though peering into a world only he could see. "Grow strong, Yun Che," he murmured. "Perhaps, just as I've given you a happy ending with that little girl, Caili, one day, you will grant me mine…"
His words hung in the air, filled with a longing that seemed to stretch across eternity. Then, as quietly as a passing breeze, Mo Su's form dissolved, leaving the ancient hall empty once more, its silence profound and unbroken.
---------------------------
Moments later, Yun Che appeared within the Dreamweaver Kingdom's accommodations, startling everyone present. Hua Caili and Hua Fuchen were among those in the hall, their attention immediately drawn to the sudden burst of energy signaling his arrival.
"Brother Yun!" Hua Caili's voice rang out as she rushed forward, her worry and longing evident in her eyes. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. Yun Che reciprocated the embrace wholeheartedly, the warmth of her presence soothing the tension that had gripped his heart since his meeting with the Abyssal Monarch.
The residents of the Dreamweaver Kingdom were shaken by his abrupt arrival. Whispers filled the air as they tried to process what had happened. The tension grew even thicker when, shortly after, a decree from the Abyssal Monarch echoed through the Pure Land.
The engagement between Dian Jiuzhi and Hua Caili was officially annulled.
The announcement spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves across the Divine Kingdoms and the Ancestral Dragon Clan. Discussions erupted, speculation ran wild, and even the Gods were caught off guard by the suddenness of the decision. Yet, as monumental as the news was, there was little time for anyone to dwell on it.
The entire Pure Land was abuzz with preparations for the battles set to take place three days from now. The Monarch's decree had been clear: each kingdom and the Dragon Clan would send ten representatives, resulting in a total of 70 participants. The first round alone would see 35 battles, an overwhelming number to conclude in a single day.
But this was the Pure Land, the seat of the Abyssal Monarch's power. It was said that countless arenas had been specially prepared for this event, their locations scattered across the mystical land. Through the Monarch's arrangements, all the battles could take place simultaneously, ensuring the first round would be completed within a single day.
After the initial round, a month-long rest period would follow. Injuries were inevitable, but with the advanced medical pills, healing formations, and resources of the kingdoms, a month would be more than enough for participants to recover and be ready for the next stage.
hroughout the history of the Abyss, the Pure Land Meeting had always been seen as a stage for friendly competition—a chance to strengthen bonds between kingdoms and showcase their strength. But this time was different. The stakes had never been higher.
The prizes for first, second, and third place were nothing short of life-changing. For the first time, the ranking of this competition would directly affect the future of each kingdom, determining their allotted spots for the passage to the Eternal Pure Land. It wasn't just about honor anymore—it was about survival.
The younger generation, typically spirited and eager for camaraderie, now wore grim expressions. They understood that these fights could no longer be taken lightly. This time, every strike, every clash would carry the weight of their kingdom's future.
Across the Divine Kingdoms and the Ancestral Dragon Clan, the process of selecting representatives began in earnest. The decision was not taken lightly, as each kingdom carefully evaluated its best talents. The representatives had to be more than just strong—they needed to embody the pride and power of their kingdom.