"Are you nervous, Yuan'er?" Meng Kongchan asked his son as they stood side by side. Around them, the elders and the younger generation chosen to represent the Dreamweaver Divine Kingdom gathered, each wearing determined expressions. The room was thick with tension, the kind that only grew heavier as the shimmering light of the teleportation portal pulsed before them.
"A little bit, Father," Yun Che admitted, his voice calm despite the weight of the moment. Surprisingly, calling Meng Kongchan "Father" felt far easier than it once did. Perhaps it was the layers of deception he had carefully woven, making this lie blend seamlessly into his reality.
"Hahaha, that's perfectly fine," Meng Kongchan replied, his laughter a comforting presence amidst the unease. He clapped Yun Che on the shoulder, his smile broad. "Even if you cannot defeat your opponent, your brilliance alone secures the future of our Dreamweaver Kingdom. Just do your best and enjoy yourself out there."
Meng Kongchan then turned to address the others, his gaze sweeping over the gathered warriors and heirs of his Kingdom. "The same goes for all of you. Give it your all and make us proud."
"Yes, Lord God Father!"
"Yes, Divine Regent!"
One by one, voices rang out, firm and resolute, as the participants answered their lord's encouragement.
Soon, they all stepped into the portal, the shimmering light intensifying as if the entire world was being consumed by its brilliance. Yun Che felt the same force he had experienced when the Abyssal Monarch sent everyone away—powerful, ancient, and undeniably overwhelming.
As the light enveloped them, it blinded Yun Che momentarily. Then, in an instant, it receded, revealing an ancient and vast arena. The air here felt heavy, imbued with the weight of countless battles and the passage of time. Yun Che couldn't help but be reminded of the aura from the hall where the Abyssal Monarch had addressed them—a palpable presence of history and might.
"Big Brother Yun!!!" A voice, bright and clear, echoed across the arena, cutting through the tension like a ray of sunlight.
Before Yun Che could fully register the sound, a figure moved like a shooting star, rushing toward him with breathtaking speed. Hua Caili, her eyes sparkling with joy, ignored everything and everyone around her as she leapt into Yun Che's embrace, wrapping her arms around him tightly. The sheer intimacy of the gesture sent shockwaves through the arena.
The people of Dreamweaver Divine Kingdom, now accustomed to the relationship between Yun Che and Hua Caili, smiled faintly, some even with pride. But for the others, it was a different story entirely.
Gasps and murmurs of shock spread like wildfire among the gathered representatives from the other Divine Kingdoms and the Dragon Clan. Many stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend the scene before them.
"Caili! Behave yourself!" Hua Qingying's voice rang out, sharp yet graceful, as she strode forward alongside Hua Fuchen and the contingent of the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom. Her piercing gaze carried a mixture of admonishment and faint amusement as she addressed her niece.
Caught off guard, Hua Caili stiffened slightly but didn't let go of Yun Che. Instead, she turned toward Hua Qingying, her cheeks flushed, though her resolve remained unshaken.
Yun Che, still holding Hua Caili in his arms, straightened up and bowed politely, his tone calm yet respectful. "Yun Che greets Auntie Qingying and Divine Regent."
Before anyone else could respond, Hua Fuchen stepped forward, his booming laughter echoing across the arena. "What 'Divine Regent,' my worthy son-in-law? Just call me father-in-law!" His voice was deliberately loud, ensuring everyone in earshot could hear his declaration.
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"So that's why..." From the far side of the vast arena, the people from the other Divine Kingdoms and the Ancestral Dragon Clan began murmuring among themselves. Their whispers carried the weight of realization as they pieced together the truth. The annulment of Dian Jiuzhi and Hua Caili's engagement—once the talk of the Abyss—was clearly because of Meng Jianyuan. Eyes turned toward Yun Che and Hua Caili, their closeness unmistakable.
In the group of the Ancestral Dragon Clan, a figure stood silently apart from the hushed conversations. Yun Xi's eyes were filled with unreadable emotions as she gazed at Yun Che from a distance. Beneath her calm exterior, storms brewed, though what they meant remained locked away in her heart.
"Trash, don't you dare hold us back!" On the side of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom, Pan Buzhuo's disdainful voice rang out like a blade meant to cut. His target? Of course, it was Pan Buwang. Despite the humiliation and abandonment he endured, Pan Buwang was included in the tournament. With stakes this high, Qi Heng Divine Regent had no choice but to acknowledge Pan Buwang's growth. Breaking through to the fourth level of Divine Extinction during his time away was an achievement even he could not ignore.
Pan Buwang, however, remained indifferent. He neither flinched nor spared Pan Buzhuo a glance. His focus was elsewhere, his piercing gaze fixed in a specific direction.
The people of Eternal Night moved in silence, their presence carrying an oppressive weight. Anyone who dared glance their way couldn't help but feel a mix of pity and unease. For various reasons, they were an enigma—untouchable yet profoundly isolated. It was common knowledge in the Abyss: the higher one's cultivation realm, the purer their body became. Yet, for these women, that purity was both their pride and their cage.
Each woman in the Eternal Night group was a peerless beauty, their appearances capable of stirring even the most resolute hearts. But, bound by the hatred of their Divine Regent, these women were destined to never know the warmth of love. No one dared to voice this pity aloud, yet it lingered in the gazes that followed them.
Amidst the group, the Divine Daughter of Eternal Night stood at the center like a moon surrounded by stars. Though veiled, her presence was impossible to ignore. The veil itself was no ordinary barrier—it could block the divine senses of almost everyone. Almost.
For the Gods present, their True God powers allowed them to see through the veil's defenses. What greeted their eyes was a beauty so unparalleled, it seemed to eclipse even the most celebrated beauties of the Abyss. Hua Caili, the Divine Daughter of Heaven Breaker, who was widely regarded as the Goddess of the Abyss, paled in comparison to her. This realization brought another wave of pity. Such beauty, such unmatched grace, and yet, like the others, she was trapped by the twisted will of the Lightless Divine God.
Suddenly, a cold snort reverberated through the air, shattering the divine senses of those who had dared to probe too far. "HMMM!"
!!!!!!!!!!!!
"There's no need to go that far!" an angry voice erupted, breaking the tension like a crack of thunder. It was Divine Regent Qi Heng who had spoken, his tone sharp and filled with outrage. Shenwu Yanye's earlier snort, laced with unfathomable power, had forcefully severed the divine senses of those who dared probe too far. Many were left clutching their heads in agony, their injuries evident.
"YOU WANT TO DIE?!" Shenwu Yanye's chilling voice cut through the air as her eyes locked onto Qi Heng with a venomous glare. Her hatred, rooted deep in her very existence, surged to the surface. Her power rippled violently, as though the fabric of space itself might shatter under her wrath.
The suffocating tension gripped the arena like a vice. This was the Pure Land, a sacred and neutral ground under the Abyssal Monarch's dominion, yet Shenwu Yanye's actions made it abundantly clear she cared little for such decorum. Her disdain for the Divine Kingdoms and the Gods who ruled them was as palpable as her boiling rage.
"That's enough."
A voice rang out, calm and even, yet carrying an authority so absolute that it forced the tension to dissipate.
In an instant, several figures materialized, their arrival so seamless it was as if they had always been there. Behind them stood thirty-five attendants, their formation imposing. Each exuded a terrifying power at the pinnacle of cultivation within the Abyss outside of True God.
Divine Limit Realm.
The presence of thirty-five beings at this level would have been overwhelming on its own, yet they lowered their heads deferentially, their immense power subdued in the presence of the figures they followed.
Standing at the forefront were four individuals whose auras far surpassed the Divine Limit Realm. Their presence was otherworldly, suffused with the unshakable power that only True Gods possessed.
Four High Priests, each radiating an aura so overwhelming that even the Divine Regents—the rulers of the Divine Kingdoms and True Gods themselves—could not help but feel a sense of dread, descended gracefully, followed closely by 35 attendants.
Among them, the Chief Priest stepped forward, his presence alone suffocating, though his tone remained calm and measured. "One more offense, and your kingdom will be disqualified," he declared. His voice wasn't raised, yet its weight was undeniable, carrying an authority that left no room for argument.
"We greet the High Priests!" came the unanimous response.
Shortly after, the gathered individuals rose and began to move toward the High Priests' designated area. Each group lined up in formation behind their respective leaders, the tension in the air palpable as the presence of the High Priests left everyone acutely aware of their power and status.
Over to the side, High Priest Liu Xiao's appearance was as disheveled as ever. His face bore smudges of soot and black burns, and his once-pristine robes were now stained and frayed. Yet, the man didn't seem to care. His lord wasn't expected to arrive—not yet, anyway—and this "dirty old man" wore a shy smile as he glanced toward the Dreamweaver Kingdom group, which conveniently stood near the Heaven Breaker Kingdom group.
Over the past three days, Liu Xiao had made it his mission to "bother" Yun Che, though the term hardly did justice to the High Priest's antics. His passion for cooking had been reignited after tasting Yun Che's creations, and he'd thrown himself into creating better dishes with a fervor bordering on obsession. Despite his efforts, every attempt ended in failure, leaving him both frustrated and inspired. While Liu Xiao couldn't deny Yun Che's superiority in the culinary arts, he still clung to his pride. In fact, he'd even entertained the notion of asking to become Yun Che's disciple, though his lofty status as a High Priest made the idea almost too embarrassing to voice aloud.
Among the other High Priests, Ling Xian, the Spirit Fairy, seemed noticeably transformed. Her fair complexion glowed with vitality, and her aura had stabilized significantly. Since the conclusion of the recent meeting, the gathered Gods had assisted her in refining her connection with the elemental powers of the Primordial Flame Crystal. The fusion was now near perfect, and the current Ling Xian radiated a calm and unshakable presence, far stronger than she had been before.
"I believe you all know the rules?" Chief Priest addressed the gathered participants, his voice steady but filled with authority.
"Yes!" The collective response echoed across the assembly. Most of those present had participated in the Pure Land Meeting before and knew the rules by heart. Even Yun Che, a newcomer to the event, had been briefed thoroughly. The process was straightforward: each participant would have their match in one of the numerous arenas scattered across the vast grounds. Once their battle was concluded, they would typically go and spectate other fights, often gravitating toward those involving the strongest contenders. It was common practice to observe early bouts between powerhouses, as such competitors were likely to face each other again in the final round.
"However, there are slight changes to the rules this time," The Chief Priest continued, his tone growing heavier as his gaze shifted to High Priest Wan Dao.
Yun Che's heart trembled with a sudden sense of unease, an instinctual warning that whatever was coming would not be in his favor.
High Priest Wan Dao, who had remained silent for most of the proceedings, stepped forward. His eyes scanned the crowd, his calm demeanor exuding an air of unyielding authority. "This Pure Land Meeting holds exceptional importance," he began. "Because of that, there have been significant changes to the rules. No contestant will be allowed to spectate other matches after their own has concluded for the first round."
The announcement struck like a thunderclap, leaving murmurs rippling through the crowd. Yun Che's unease deepened.
Wan Dao raised a hand, silencing the whispers before they could grow louder. "This measure is to ensure absolute fairness for all. You may use your full strength and trump cards without fear that others will study and develop countermeasures. Additionally, the Gods and observers are strictly prohibited from sharing details of what they witness in any match with contestants who have yet to compete."
The atmosphere grew heavy with tension. While some nodded in understanding, others exchanged glances filled with apprehension.
Even though the changes only affected the first round, their impact was far more significant than it initially seemed.
In the first round, each fighter was paired against an opponent of similar strength. This ensured that most battles would be drawn out to their very limits, leading to intense, hard-fought matches. Close contests would be inevitable, forcing participants to push themselves to the brink.
Because of this, many fighters would be compelled to use their trump cards freely—unleashing their most powerful techniques without restraint. Normally, competitors held back their strongest abilities, wary of revealing them too soon. However, with no other participants allowed to witness these first-round fights, they could use their trump cards with confidence, knowing that their secrets would remain concealed.
This meant that in later rounds, those same hidden aces could be unleashed again—catching future opponents off guard and shifting the tides of battle unpredictably.
Though the change seemed small, its implications could very well alter the course of the entire tournament.
His speech was concise, yet its impact was profound. As the participants absorbed the new rule, a wave of agreement rippled through the crowd. Many nodded silently, recognizing the fairness of the change. After all, the first match had been arranged based on each contestant's strength, ensuring opponents of similar power levels. With a full month given for recovery and planning between rounds, not knowing their next opponent's trump cards added an element of unpredictability that leveled the playing field. It shifted the focus entirely onto skill and adaptability—an arrangement most saw as the fairest solution.
But for Yun Che, it was a disaster.
His heart pounded as the ramifications of the change unraveled in his mind. This wasn't part of the plan! The finely tuned strategy he had devised now teetered on the brink of collapse.
Before he could dwell further, shimmering lights materialized from High Priest Wan Dao's palm. They transformed into small, radiant tendrils, flying toward every participant and merging into their foreheads. Each left behind a faint claw-like mark, glowing momentarily before fading into the skin.
"Once your match is called by the referees, you will be teleported directly out of the arena!" Wan Dao declared, his voice cutting through any lingering thoughts. Without hesitation, he snapped his fingers, and golden light engulfed the contestants. One by one, they vanished from the gathering in brilliant flashes, transported to their respective waiting areas.
"Go!" High Priest Wan Dao commanded as the 35 attendants activated their own talismans. Their forms burst into golden brilliance, vanishing as swiftly as the participants.
Yun Che's mind raced as he was whisked away, the light enveloping him. His thoughts churned with an urgency he hadn't felt since entering the Abyss. I need to adjust... quickly.
"You're free to spectate your members or anyone else's fight, but you are not permitted to share any information regarding their techniques or strategies with anyone," High Priest Wan Dao declared, his gaze sweeping across the gathered Gods and other attendees.
A moment of silence followed before a voice emerged from the crowd of Gods, hesitant but firm. "Sir Wan Dao... why the change this time?" The question carried a mix of curiosity and unease. After all, the rules for the Pure Land Meeting had been unaltered for countless iterations. While they understood the heightened stakes of this particular gathering, the abrupt modification still felt... off.
High Priest Wan Dao turned his calm yet commanding eyes toward the speaker, pausing deliberately before answering. "It is the will of the Abyssal Monarch," he said simply, his tone carrying finality.
Those words landed like a thunderclap, silencing any lingering doubts or further inquiries. No one dared question the Monarch's decision, not even the Divine Regents.
With their announcement complete, the four High Priests exchanged brief glances before disappearing in flashes of light, their departure as swift and silent as their arrival. Left behind were the Gods and their retinues, faced with the task of choosing which battles to spectate, each weighing their priorities and allegiances in this pivotal competition.