Meng Kongchan didn't expect an answer. He understood that everyone had their secrets, and if Yun Che chose to remain silent, he wouldn't press further. However, to his surprise, Yun Che answered him without hesitation.
"Same as Jianxi, or maybe slightly greater" Yun Che replied succinctly, his voice calm and steady.
The impact of those words on Meng Kongchan, however, was anything but calm. A Divine Master possessing power comparable to a Divine Extinction Realm cultivator was beyond anything Meng Kongchan had ever imagined. It was unheard of—a phenomenon that defied logic and comprehension. His heart trembled as the realization hit him like a thunderclap.
"Yuan'er...you..." he murmured, his thoughts spiraling. This wasn't just talent; this was a monstrous level of potential that could rewrite the very history of Abyss! No! It already did! He didn't even have words to describe what his son represented. No, Yun Che wasn't just a prodigy. He was a living, breathing future True God—even without the inheritance of a God Source!
Deep within Yun Che's soul, a soft voice echoed with concern.
"Are you sure it's okay to reveal that?" Li Suo's worry carried through the connection.
"It's fine," Yun Che reassured her inwardly. His tone was resolute, his confidence unwavering.
He knew that Mo Su, the Abyssal Monarch, must have already pieced together hints of his inheritance. Even if he showcased strength that surpassed his realm, it wouldn't arouse undue suspicion. After all, Meng Jianyuan—the Divine Son of the Dreamweaver Kingdom—had every reason to be extraordinary.
But, of course, Yun Che kept one truth locked tightly within him: the fact that he hailed from another world. That secret was the core of everything, and it was one he would take to the grave.
With Mo Su being cast into the Abyss before the Great War between Gods and Devils, most of his knowledge about the ancient world would be secondhand, gleaned from those who had been sent into the Abyss after him. Mo Su wouldn't have precise information regarding the fates of the Creation Gods or the Devil Emperors, nor would he know of the intricate details of the Heretic God's inheritance.
As long as Yun Che maintained his identity as Meng Kongchan's son, there was no reason for anyone to suspect that he was anything but a native of this world.
Meng Kongchan, still processing Yun Che's revelation, broke into a strained laugh. "Yuan'er...you truly are... beyond anything I could've dreamed of..." he said, his voice thick with pride and disbelief.
Yun Che, who was quietly conversing with Meng Kongchan and enjoying a rare moment of calm, immediately straightened up when the urgent voice rang out. It was sharp and commanding, carrying a tone of urgency that he couldn't ignore.
"YUN CHE COME OUT QUICKLY!!!!!"
The voice was unmistakable—it belonged to Hua Qingying!
"Yuan'er, go quickly! If Qingying is calling you like that, it must be important!" Meng Kongchan urged, his face shifting from joy to concern in an instant.
Without hesitation, Yun Che nodded and leaped into action, his figure disappearing in a flash of profound energy. As he moved toward the source of the call, his mind raced with possibilities.
Yun Che and Meng Kongchan stepped out of their residence, their expressions calm but serious. Before them stood Hua Fuchen and Hua Qingying, flanked by several elders of the Heaven Breaker Kingdom. In Hua Qingying's arms lay Hua Caili, her frail form drenched in blood.
A murderous aura radiated from both Hua Fuchen and Hua Qingying, suffocating the air around them like an unseen storm. Yet, as if their target had vanished, the intensity of their killing intent gradually diminished—though the lingering chill in the air remained.
Hua Qingying's arms trembled slightly as she held the wounded Hua Caili. Despite her formidable cultivation, despite being one of the most feared and revered sword experts in the entire Abyss, she could do little for the girl in her grasp.
They may be—peerless in battle, unparalleled in the art of the sword—but when it came to healing, they were far, far inferior to Yun Che.
No matter how much strength they possessed, no matter how much their hearts burned with fury, it was him alone who held the power to pull Hua Caili back from the brink.
Her body was riddled with injuries, and her once vibrant aura flickered like a dying flame. If not for the divine power sustaining her and the effects of potent medicinal pills, she might already have succumbed to her wounds. The sight was harrowing, and the rage in the eyes of everyone present—including the Divine Regent himself—was palpable, like a storm ready to break.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"
Yun Che felt a stabbing pain in his chest at the sight of Hua Caili's battered state. Memories of her previous injuries in the Fog Sea flashed through his mind, but this… this was far worse. A tremor ran through him as he noticed the deep gashes and the lifeless pallor of her face.
Without uttering a word, Yun Che's aura erupted with brilliant Light Profound Energy, radiant and overwhelming. He stepped forward in a blur, taking Hua Caili from Hua Qingying's trembling arms with a gentleness that contrasted sharply with the power coursing around him.
Her condition was dire, but as his energy enveloped her, her aura began to stabilize and recover, albeit slowly. The improvement was visible, but the tension in Yun Che's expression did not waver.
"What happened?!" Yun Che demanded, his voice trembling with urgency.
"It was that damned scar-faced dragon!" Hua Fuchen and Hua Qingying answered simultaneously, their anger visible in every word. At the mere mention of the one who had harmed Hua Caili, their murderous aura erupted once more—violent and suffocating, like a storm of swords ready to shred everything in its path.
At the mention of his daughter's name, Yun Che's heart clenched. An emotion flickered in his eyes, one that others mistook for mounting rage directed at Long Xi. Yet, deep within, his turmoil was far more complex. Without pausing his actions, Yun Che continued to channel his Light Profound Energy into Hua Caili.
Hua Caili was the beloved daughter of Hua Fuchen and the cherished niece of Hua Qingying. One was a True God, standing at the pinnacle of power, while the other was the strongest expert beneath the realm of True Gods. Their status alone was enough to shake the Abyss, and their wrath was not something any being could afford to provoke.
Yun Che's heart trembled the moment he heard them mention his daughter's name. A storm of emotions swirled within him—fear, rage, and an overwhelming sense of unease. His breath hitched, and his body stiffened as if bracing for the worst.
With a trembling voice, he finally asked, "Did you kill the scar-faced dragon girl?"
A chilling silence filled the air before Hua Fuchen and Hua Qingying responded in unison.
"No, we couldn't."
Their voices dripped with seething hatred, their fury barely contained. The mere thought of Long Xi still breathing made their blood boil.
"It was the High Priests," Hua Qingying continued, her jaw clenched tightly. "They were watching the match and... they intervened."
Yun Che unconsciously let out a slow breath, sighing in relief internally. Though his emotions remained in turmoil, knowing that Long Xi was still alive meant that things hadn't reached the worst possible outcome.
His understanding of Light Profound Energy had grown significantly over time. If he so desired, he could heal her grievous wounds in a matter of hours. Yet this time, he deliberately slowed the process, allowing himself to focus on the explanation unfolding before him. Each word weighed heavily on his mind as he pieced together the events that led to Hua Caili's condition.
"Everything was going fine," Hua Fuchen began, his voice thick with frustration. "Caili was holding her own. Even though Long Xi had the upper hand, the difference in their strength wasn't insurmountable. It was a good fight. But then—"
Hua Qingying interrupted, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. "As they ascended into the skies, something changed, everything spiraled out of control!"
"That Long Xi erupted with a might comparable to the third level of the Divine Extinction Realm. In an instant, she struck Caili with a power far beyond her cultivation!" Hua Fuchen recounted, his voice laced with frustration and disbelief. "I was there. Qingying was there. The others were there. None of us expected the fight to take such a drastic turn so suddenly! It was as if Long Xi lost control of her mind!
Hua Caili, the goddess of the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom—the goddess of the entire Abyss—was revered for her unparalleled talent. Her mastery of swordsmanship was unmatched, surpassing even Hua Qingying, the legendary Sword Fairy. Her aunt, hailed as the number one sword expert, had openly acknowledged Caili's superior talent.
But no matter how gifted one may be, when faced with an opponent whose strength eclipses theirs, defeat becomes inevitable.
A soft voice broke through the tense atmosphere, startling everyone. "Brother Yun...."
It was Hua Caili. She had regained consciousness under the soothing power of Yun Che's Light Profound Energy. Her weak yet determined voice stirred an ache in Yun Che's heart.
"Don't say anything," Yun Che said gently, his gaze fixed on her fragile face. "Just focus on recuperating."
His energy flowed steadily into her, wrapping her in a warm, radiant cocoon. Her breathing evened out, and her tense body relaxed. Soon, she drifted back into a deep, peaceful sleep, her earlier words fading into silence.
The questions she wanted to ask, the words she wished to speak—all of them dissolved into the calm stillness of her slumber.
Later that day, the results of the matches were announced. Across the various kingdoms, there were many victories and losses. Among the unexpected outcomes, both Pan Buwang and Pan Benzhuo secured victories, defying predictions.
The Moon and Star Divine Regent's expression was dark, both their Divine Sons actually lost!
Yet, among the wins and losses, the Ancestral Dragon God Clan suffered the most humiliating defeat—losing eight out of ten matches. The only winners in their group were Long Xi and Long Wangchu. But even their victories failed to lift the spirits of their clan. The atmosphere within the Ancestral Dragon God Clan was heavy with tension, far from jubilant.
"Long Xi!!! Do you know what you've done?!" A furious roar erupted, shattering the tense silence. It was Long Wangchu, his anger palpable as he confronted her.
"Why would you do such a thing?!" he bellowed again. Ever since her battle, Long Xi had been berated relentlessly, scolded from all sides.
Her actions—severely injuring Goddess Caili—had dire consequences. The animosity it stirred was sure to tarnish the reputation of the Ancestral Dragon God Clan. The other kingdoms were already casting suspicious glances, their displeasure evident. As for the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom? They might have just declared themselves an enemy.
"Long Xi, come."
The sudden, calm yet commanding voice of the Dragon Lord silenced the chaos. Long Xi stiffened as he addressed her. Without waiting for her response, he turned and gestured for her to follow him. She obeyed silently, her head bowed as they entered his chambers.
Once inside, the Dragon Lord sealed the space with layers of powerful barriers, ensuring absolute privacy. The air grew heavy with his authority as he regarded her with a cold, measured gaze.
"Long Xi," he began, his voice low and steady, "I have been patient with you over the years. I have forgiven your transgressions time and time again. But you continue to reject my kindness, testing my limits at every turn."
His words were sharp, cutting deeper with each syllable. For the first time, the warmth in his eyes was gone, replaced by something harsher—disappointment and resolve.
"You only have yourself to blame for this."
----------------------
Although spectators were forbidden from revealing the techniques used during the fights between competitors, they were still allowed to share what transpired outside of that. The discussions buzzed with excitement as many thrilling details came to light, but two events dominated every conversation—the grievous injuries sustained by Hua Caili and the shocking battle between Divine Son Dian Jiuzhi and Divine Daughter Shen Wuyi.
The outcome of their match sent ripples through the crowd, for the winner was entirely unexpected—it was Shen Wuyi!
Yet, her victory was not attributed to her strength but rather… her beauty.
During the battle, both fighters unleashed their full power, holding nothing back. Shen Wuyi, despite her immense talent, fought valiantly with her cultivation at the sixth level of the Divine Extinction Realm. She exhausted every trump card she had, each move dazzling and precise, but ultimately, she was no match for Dian Jiuzhi. His Divine Vein of Great Rage awakened further mid-battle, surging his power to terrifying new heights.
As the duel reached its climax, Shen Wuyi was on the brink of defeat. Her stamina waned, and her defenses faltered under the relentless assault of Dian Jiuzhi. The audience braced for the inevitable conclusion, but then—
A moment of fate changed everything.
In the chaos of their clash, her delicate veil slipped from her face, revealing a beauty so profound that it seemed to transcend mortal comprehension. Her ethereal visage, framed by disheveled strands of hair, shone like a divine masterpiece. Her eyes sparkled like the clearest starlight, and her presence radiated an otherworldly charm that held the power to steal one's very breath.
Dian Jiuzhi, a man in the throes of battle and rage, froze. His strikes halted mid-motion, his fierce determination undone in an instant. He stood there, stunned, his mind unable to process the sight before him.
Shen Wuyi, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a final counterattack. Her swift and precise move sent Dian Jiuzhi hurtling off the stage, his momentary lapse costing him the match. The crowd erupted in shock as the Divine Son—a warrior known for his unwavering focus—had been bested not by strength but by a fleeting moment of awe.
The judges had no choice but to declare Shen Wuyi the victor. Whispers filled the air, and the spectators debated whether her triumph was luck, strategy, or divine intervention. Meanwhile, Shen Wuyi, calm and composed, adjusted her veil once more, concealing her otherworldly beauty as if it had never been revealed.
For Dian Jiuzhi, the defeat would be a wound far deeper than any blade could inflict—a memory burned into his soul, not just of his loss but of the face that had caused it.
It was a battle that stole the sleep of all who witnessed it—a fight so mesmerizing that its echoes lingered in the hearts of everyone.
It was a battle that made all women feel inferior, for before Shen Wuyi, even the most revered beauties seemed like mere mortals.
It was a battle that unveiled the undeniable truth—Shen Wuyi was not just a peerless talent, her gifts far surpassed all expectations, her radiance eclipsing even that of Goddess Caili.
From this day forth, in the eyes of the world, there was only one true Goddess.
Shen Wuyi.
-------------------
Many days had passed.
Inside the Boundless Divine Kingdom, within an opulent yet stifling chamber, a lone figure paced back and forth, his movements erratic, his breath heavy with obsession.
"I want her… I WANT HER!!!"
Dian Jiuzhi's body trembled violently, his hands clenched into fists as an uncontrollable fire burned within him. There was no shame in his defeat—no humiliation, no regret. His loss meant nothing compared to the torment that now consumed him. His body, his mind, his very soul were shackled by a single memory—her.
Shen Wuyi.
That beauty… that talent! A woman beyond mortal reach, beyond even the revered Goddess Caili. No, far beyond her in every possible measure!
He had seen many beauties in his lifetime, stood among the greatest prodigies of the Divine Kingdoms, yet none had ever stirred such madness within him. But she was different. She was perfect.
And the moment he had fallen into her trap, the moment his senses dulled under the brilliance of her unveiled face, he knew—he had to have her.
Then, as if to seal his obsession, his father had revealed an even greater truth during the battle.
Not only did Shen Wuyi possess a beauty that could upend the heavens and a talent that defied the divine, but within her body resided two supreme constitutions—the Nine Profound Exquisite Body and the Heart of Snow Glazed Glass.
A perfect dual cultivation partner.
A woman like her was destined to belong only to the most supreme of men.
And who else could be worthy of such perfection but him?
She should be his. And only his.
At that moment, Dian Jiuzhi's trembling intensified as the door to his chamber creaked open, revealing a tall, imposing figure—his father, Dian Rahu.
"The Lord Abyssal Monarch has granted your request," Dian Rahu said, his deep voice calm yet carrying an edge of authority.
Though the words were simple, to Dian Jiuzhi, they were like the most divine melody. His lips curled into a triumphant grin as his body surged with excitement.
"But," Dian Rahu continued, his tone sharp, instantly halting Jiuzhi's exhilaration.
The younger man froze, his expression faltering for a moment.
"The Monarch has placed a condition, as you might have expected. I also conveyed everything you asked me to." Dian Rahu's gaze bore into his son. "While the Lightless Divine Regent may have agreed, you must still win against Shen Wuyi in your next battle. Only by defeating her decisively will you prove yourself worthy of her."
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, Dian Jiuzhi threw his head back and erupted into maniacal laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" His voice echoed throughout the chamber like the roar of a mad beast. His laughter carried an unshakable confidence, a certainty that he had already claimed victory. In his mind, Shen Wuyi was as good as his.
His father, Dian Rahu, stood there for a moment longer, his expression unreadable as he observed his son's descent into obsession. With a slight shake of his head, he turned and left the room, leaving Jiuzhi to revel in his twisted delusions.
Alone now, Dian Jiuzhi's eyes gleamed with madness as he began muttering to himself.
"Do you see this, Meng Jianyuan?! Do you see this, you damn bitch Caili?!" His voice dripped with venom as he sneered.
"I will soon have a woman who far, far surpasses you in every way! Shen Wuyi will be mine! All thanks to you both! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The room seemed to tremble with the weight of his laughter, a sound filled with triumph, malice, and unrelenting obsession.
---------------------------
Soon, an explosive piece of news shook the entire Pure Land to its core—Dian Jiuzhi was to be engaged to the newly hailed Goddess, Shen Wuyi, of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom, provided he won another battle against her!
The news spread like wildfire, confirmed by multiple sources and backed by an official decree from the Abyssal Monarch himself.
The announcement alone was enough to send waves of shock and uproar through the Divine Kingdoms, but what truly ignited chaos was the revelation that the Lightless Divine Regent had agreed to the arrangement.
A woman who despised men to the extent of viewing them as lower than slaves, wager her Divine Daughter as a bargaining chip. What could causes her to agree to this?!!!!
Meanwhile, the news inevitably reached Yun Che's ears.
"What..." The single word escaped his lips, trembling with disbelief. His hands began to shake, the report in his grasp crumpling as his mind raced. His eyes quivered, his vision swimming with a mixture of fury and dread.
His mouth opened, but no further words came. He stood there frozen, his expression a mixture of shock and devastation.
Everything... everything had gone wrong.
The weight of the situation pressed down on him like a suffocating force, his mind struggling to process the turn of events. Yun Che clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his heart pounding in his chest.
"This... can't be happening..." he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible, trembling with the turmoil of emotions surging through him.