Eternal Night Divine Realm

In recent times, the Eternal Night Temple had grown unusually quiet. Even the oppressive, chilling aura that once hung heavily in the air had noticeably faded.

As the Eternal Pure Land approached, all the great divine realms were bustling with frantic activity and excitement. Yet the Eternal Night Divine Realm remained eerily silent.

Shenwu Yanye was no ordinary Divine Sovereign. Her twisted nature and overwhelming paranoia were beyond mortal comprehension. To her, all living beings harbored unfathomable malice; no one could earn even the slightest shred of her trust.

While residing within the Eternal Night Temple, her vast divine consciousness spread like countless twisted threads, covering the entire Eternal Night domain. At the slightest hint of suspicion, she would unleash the most merciless and ruthless "Divine Punishment," even erasing the offender completely.

Thus, within the Eternal Night Divine Realm—from the Night Patrol Envoys to the lowest servants—everyone lived in constant fear, never daring to whisper a word. Every sentence spoken was weighed with extreme caution. Even inscriptions and writings had to be crafted with utmost care, for the traces left by pen or carving could not escape the terrifying divine perception of Shenwu Yanye.

Yet during this period, not once did Shenwu Yanye's voice thunder in anger, nor did any "Divine Punishment" descend. Still, no one dared to relax even slightly. Amidst the habitual dread and suffocating tension, countless Eternal Night cultivators secretly yearned in their hearts that once the God of Ignorance departed for the legendary "Eternal Pure Land," the abandoned Eternal Night Divine Realm might finally be freed from its pitiful "eternal night."

Only a handful of the innermost circle truly understood the reason behind this strange calm.

During this time, Shenwu Yi had been immersed in deep meditation, whether attempting sudden enlightenment or pondering some profound matter remained unknown.

Until now, she finally opened her eyes.

Shenwu Youluan, who had stood vigil unyielding by her side, sensed the shift in her aura and immediately turned to her, concern evident in her voice: "Wu Yi, you're finally awake. Have you gained anything during this time?"

Shenwu Yi did not answer. She stared ahead with a somewhat dazed expression, then uttered a strange whisper: "The last page of the 'Secret Tome' is about to be revealed."

Shenwu Youluan's pupils contracted violently, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Shenwu Yi, speechless for a long moment.

"Her divine consciousness is no longer here," Shenwu Yi said calmly. She turned to Shenwu Youluan and spoke words that shattered the heavens: "Within three months at most, this realm will face a great change—either the dawn of a new era, or an even darker eternal night."

Shenwu Youluan's lips trembled, still unable to speak. Her fingers unconsciously clenched tighter until every knuckle turned an alarming pale white.

She had long known that Shenwu Yi possessed a strange spiritual perception far beyond her realm and cognition. Even Shenwu Yanye's divine consciousness—reaching the True God realm—and Shenwu Youluan's own spiritual senses at the Divine Extreme realm could not perceive it. Yet Shenwu Yi always sensed its movements with absolute accuracy, never once mistaken.

Shenwu Yi reached out gently, placing her hand over Shenwu Youluan's, feeling the wildly turbulent emotions and blood flow beneath: "Aunt Youluan, are you… afraid?"

The soft warmth transmitted through the touch made her suddenly realize her own body had gone ice cold. She exhaled deeply, then clasped Shenwu Yi's hand in return. Her gradually steadying gaze met Shenwu Yi's eyes, filled with growing resolve, trust, longing, and a touch of affectionate care as if looking upon a beloved younger kin:

"Afraid, of course I am."

"But no matter the outcome, I will never retreat, nor regret."

In just a few words, the turmoil in her heart and eyes vanished, replaced only by unwavering determination: "Wu Yi, go ahead and do what you must. I… and he, will always stand behind you, no matter when, no matter where."

Shenwu Yi nodded softly… then suddenly raised a finger, making a gesture to silence.

Deep within the Eternal Night Temple, Shenwu Yanye's hands hovered above the "Secret Tome." Using the True God power she bore, she painstakingly dispelled the layers of ancient abyssal dust covering it, bit by bit.

The entire process required utmost caution. One misstep and the "Secret Tome" might be damaged by her overwhelming power.

Given her current temperament, perhaps only this "Secret Tome" could compel her to exercise such patience… for within it lay something she craved even in her dreams.

At last, the final layer of abyssal dust drifted away.

Shenwu Yanye's gnarled, vine-like fingers froze midair. After several breaths, they slowly descended and turned the last page of the tome.

Such a simple action was performed with extreme care and slowness by the God of Ignorance. Her blackened, withered fingers trembled uncontrollably.

In the deathly silence of the Eternal Night Temple—silent as a ghost realm—one could even hear the muffled thunder of a pounding heart.

It was clear how deeply stirred she was.

Finally, as her finger halted, the last page of the "Secret Tome" was revealed. The final core element of the "Metamorphosis Array" thus unfolded before the perception of the Divine Sovereign.

Given the thickness and ancient nature of the abyssal dust that once covered the tome, it had existed in the Mist Sea for over two million years, likely left behind by some ancient True God.

Protected by some ancient divine power now unrecognizable in the present world, despite the long passage of time and the erosion of abyssal dust, the contents of the "Secret Tome" remained perfectly intact after the dust was dispelled… further proving the extraordinary origin and owner of this tome.

Even Shenwu Yanye herself, despite unleashing her utmost divine power, could not have preserved such a fragile scripture amidst the heavy abyssal dust of the Mist Sea for so long.

When living beings face a power that surpasses their own, even beyond the limits of their cognition, a natural reverence inevitably arises… Even a Divine Sovereign is no exception.

And this reverence, born from overwhelming recognition, invisibly drowns out the caution and doubt that should have naturally arisen.

When the final inscription on the last page of the "Secret Tome" fully manifested within the Soul Sea, the air inside the Eternal Night Temple suddenly froze. Then, the withered fingers of Shenwu Yanye began to tremble, stirring ripples of terror that gradually spread through the surrounding space.

"Absurd…"

"Absurd!!"

Her terrifying scream, suddenly spiraling out of control, instantly shattered the silence that had reigned over the Eternal Night Divine Realm, sending a chill down the spines of all the cultivators present, leaving them trembling for a long while.

Descending Star Sword Domain

The Descending Star Sword Domain was one of the affiliated forces under the Heaven Breaker Divine Realm. The cultivators within this domain primarily practiced sword cultivation, and among the three thousand affiliated sword domains under Heaven Breaker, it ranked among the upper echelon in terms of comprehensive strength. As an affiliated domain, it had always been law-abiding and cautious, strictly adhering to the Divine Realm's statutes, never daring to act recklessly.

Yet today, due to the sudden arrival of one person, the entire domain was shrouded in a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

"Domain Lord Wei Tianxiao of Descending Star Domain, we respectfully welcome the esteemed Pavilion Lord Hua Zhizhu! Pavilion Lord Zhizhu holds a high position within the Divine Realm and is busy with countless affairs. We wonder what urgent matter brings you to grace our humble land in person?"

Wei Tianxiao, the Domain Lord of Descending Star Sword Domain, leaned forward, hands clasped in a respectful salute, his posture exceedingly humble. His face showed a mixture of honor and nervousness, but inside, his heart was pounding with countless worries.

He was far from naive enough to believe that the other party had truly condescended out of kindness; there must be some… irregularity.

Behind him, the core cultivators of Descending Star Sword Domain followed closely, all holding their breath and focusing intently, their hearts taut with tension.

Hua Zhizhu stood with his hands behind his back, his dark robe billowing in the wind, stirring restless waves in the hearts of the gathered crowd.

His gaze slowly swept over everyone before finally settling on Wei Tianxiao. He spoke calmly: "Domain Lord Wei, I have come personally today without any attendants precisely because of the slight acquaintance we once shared and my trust in your character. I do not wish to escalate this matter unnecessarily. Therefore, I ask that you speak truthfully in what follows—do not hide anything out of selfishness."

Wei Tianxiao's heart skipped a beat. He furrowed his brows slightly and replied solemnly: "Pavilion Lord Zhizhu, I am deeply grateful for your trust. I have thought carefully but cannot recall any mistake or negligence. Please, Pavilion Lord, enlighten me. I have cultivated my heart through the sword and proven my heart by the sword. I would never, and dare never, harbor even the slightest deceit or concealment."

Hua Zhizhu's cold gaze pierced into the frankness in his eyes. "The Qi Star Pills you supplied last month—one was missing. Was this intentional, or accidental?"

Qi Star Pills are unique profound pills forged from thirteen types of abyssal crystals, refined using the Descending Star Sword Domain's exclusive sword formation as a catalyst. Approximately seventy pills can be produced every hundred years, of which thirty-six must be regularly offered to the Heaven BreakerHeaven Breaker Divine Realm. Since Descending Star Sword Domain became affiliated with Heaven Breaker, there had never been any mistake or omission.

Above the distant cloud peak, Hua Caili, who had been full of curiosity, suddenly lost interest. She shook Yun Che's arm softly and said in a gentle voice: "I thought something major had happened, but it's just one missing Qi Star Pill. How boring."

Yun Che smiled faintly, still looking down below… Indeed, one missing Qi Star Pill was a minor matter, but the divine realm's dignity reflected behind it was an issue that brooked no flaw. Yet he did not say this to Hua Caili.

Upon hearing this, Wei Tianxiao's face changed drastically. Without hesitation, he raised his voice: "Pavilion Lord Zhizhu, your insight is impeccable! The centennial offering to the Divine Realm is the very proof and honor that grants Descending Star Domain the Divine Realm's protection. It is also the foundation for the peace and security of my people. It has always been the top priority of Descending Star Sword Domain, and we would never allow even the slightest negligence or mistake!"

"The thirty-six Qi Star Pills are the core of our domain's offering. Every generation of domain lords personally counts and inspects them. Last month's offering, I myself examined multiple times. There was no loss, not even the tiniest flaw. This matter is absolutely impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Suddenly, as if recalling something, his once resolute voice trembled noticeably: "Unless… unless…"

"Hmm." Hua Zhizhu spoke again, nodding slightly. "From what I know of you, Domain Lord Wei, you would not commit such a foolish act, nor allow such a thing to happen. But the fact remains that a Qi Star Pill is missing. In that case, the problem may lie with the person responsible for the offering."

Wei Tianxiao's expression soured, his heart filled with endless shock and anger. He bowed deeply and said in a low voice: "Thank you immensely for your trust, Pavilion Lord! I will investigate this matter thoroughly. Whoever is responsible will not be spared…"

"No need." Hua Zhizhu's gaze shifted indifferently to a young man standing behind Wei Tianxiao, head bowed the entire time. "You seem… very afraid?"

Though it was only a glance, it struck the young man like a cold arrow through the heart, plunging him into an icy abyss. The ensuing cold words froze him stiff.

He tried desperately to maintain composure, but… Hua Zhizhu was no ordinary figure. His imposing aura was beyond what mere willpower could resist. The young man's aura began to unravel wildly, and the panic he tried to conceal became completely exposed with the collapse of his energy.

Wei Tianxiao suddenly turned his head, his gaze fixed unblinkingly on the young man before him. There was no need for questioning or close scrutiny; the expression on the youth's face spoke volumes.

This young man was none other than one of the honored attendants who had personally journeyed to the Heaven Breaker Divine Realm last month. Such a position was not merely a sign of trust—it was a coveted opportunity that countless others yearned for, a chance to come close to the Divine Realm itself.

"Yizhou…" Wei Tianxiao's voice was low and heavy, the two syllables laden with unbearable pain, disappointment, and disbelief: "You… you actually committed… such a disgraceful act!!"

Wei Yizhou lifted his head, his lips moving as if to protest or deny, but soon he gave up that thought in despair and knelt heavily on the ground: "Father, your son… your son was momentarily blinded by temptation, thinking the Divine Realm's resources were vast and would not be scrutinized closely, and so… I committed a grave mistake…"

"Traitorous son! Traitorous son!"

The last shred of hope vanished. Wei Tianxiao's hair bristled, his features twitching with rage and agony. Yet as the Sword Domain Lord, he forced himself to suppress the fury and pain in his eyes, turning to kneel before Hua Zhizhu: "I, Wei, have failed in raising my son properly, resulting in this grave error. I humbly beg Pavilion Lord Zhizhu to graciously descend in person…"

"The missing Qi Star Pills will be replenished tenfold within fifteen days by my Descending Star Sword Domain. As for this traitorous son… I shall punish him severely according to regulations, to give Pavilion Lord and the Divine Realm a proper explanation."

With those words, he abruptly turned his head and, in front of Hua Zhizhu, spoke sternly: "Immediately take this traitor down! Strip him of half his cultivation, seize his Descending Star Sword, and imprison him in the Prison of No Light for fifty years without a single step beyond!"

At the Domain Lord's command, two elderly cultivators leapt up simultaneously, their immense strength instantly pressing down on Wei Yizhou.

Apparently unprepared for such harsh punishment, Wei Yizhou's eyes glazed over, his gaze lost and dim. Without a word of resistance, he was crushed to the ground by the overwhelming force, not uttering a single sound of resentment or plea.

Having his Descending Star Sword confiscated was practically equivalent to being expelled from the core of the Sword Domain. Losing half his cultivation would cause him to fall from his peak into dust and ashes, perhaps never to recover in this lifetime, his sword path bleak and uncertain. Such punishment filled all those present with dread, and silent sighs of sympathy.

At that moment, a woman clad in green robes suddenly rushed forward, throwing herself onto Wei Yizhou and holding him tightly. Her sorrowful cries echoed throughout: "Domain Lord! The theft of the Qi Star Pills was never Yizhou's true intention! It was I… I who, after decades of failed breakthroughs, desperate and reckless, threatened Yizhou with my life to force him to steal the Qi Star Pills offered to the Divine Realm!!"

"All these grave mistakes stem from my greed and coercion. Yizhou is also a victim! Any punishment and blame should fall upon me. I beg the Domain Lord and Pavilion Lord Zhizhu to see reason and show mercy…"

"Si Yin!" Wei Yizhou roared, drowning out the woman's voice. The once resigned and silent youth now struggled and shouted desperately: "Father! Everything she said is nonsense! The theft of the Qi Star Pills was my own idea, my own doing! It has nothing whatsoever to do with her! Her lies are only to exonerate me… Father, you must not believe her! I alone shall bear all guilt, without regret or complaint!"

"No! That's not true!" The woman's face was streaked with tears as she shook her head frantically, clutching Wei Yizhou tightly. "It was me! It was all for me! Otherwise, with Yizhou's status and talent, why would he risk stealing the Qi Star Pills…"

"Shut up!" Wei Yizhou's shout nearly tore his throat apart. "Get out! Get out of here! In front of the Divine Realm's senior, you have no right to spout nonsense… Get out!"

This green-robed woman was Wei Yizhou's beloved, their bond well known throughout the Descending Star Sword Domain. By now, everyone present had a rough understanding of the situation and could not help but feel a mixture of sympathy and sorrow.

If Wei Yizhou had acted solely for himself, there would be no reason to risk stealing the Qi Star Pills. Among his peers, his talent was exceptional, and as the son of the Domain Lord, he was entitled to receive the Qi Star Pills as a reward. However, each pill had to be personally refined on the spot and could never be transferred to another.

Si Yin's sword cultivation talent was mediocre in comparison, and she had not broken through in a long time. The gap between her and Wei Yizhou was growing ever wider. If this continued, her position would become increasingly precarious, and the balance between them would be shattered. When Wei Yizhou eventually rose to a high rank, possibly succeeding as Domain Lord, she would have no right to be his legitimate wife.

To barely keep pace with Wei Yizhou, she had been pushing her cultivation to the brink of death. Yet after so many years, neither her profound Dao nor sword path had advanced even slightly, causing her growing anxiety and pain… And for Wei Yizhou, this was also a torment.

Perhaps it was because of this that Wei Yizhou had taken such a desperate risk, hoping to use the Qi Star Pills to help her break through, freeing her from her mental prison so they could be together in peace.

Throughout it all, Hua Zhizhu watched coldly and silently, unmoved and without a single word. The myriad affairs of the world no longer stirred even the slightest ripple in his eyes.

A white radiance flashed from Wei Tianxiao's body. Sword qi surged as he forcefully pushed Si Yin aside: "Yizhou, no matter the reason, a mistake is a mistake. This involves the dignity of the Divine Realm and admits no leniency. Do not blame… your father for being ruthless!"

Si Yin's desperate scream was piercingly tragic. Wei Tianxiao raised his palm, summoning sword energy to execute the punishment personally.

Clang—

A sudden sword clang rang out, and a slender streak of sword light gently descended from the sky, instantly wiping away the sword aura between Wei Tianxiao's fingers. Wei Tianxiao's expression changed abruptly. Even Hua Zhizhu, who had been indifferent all along, suddenly turned his head and quickly bowed respectfully: "Zhizhu respectfully welcomes Her Highness, the Divine Daughter!"

The lingering sword intent left Wei Tianxiao dazed for a long moment. Hearing the words "Divine Daughter" from Hua Zhizhu startled him so deeply that he nearly lost his soul. Before he could even look up, he hurriedly turned and knelt down, trembling: "I, Wei Tianxiao, Domain Lord of Descending Star, humbly welcome the arrival of the Heaven Breaker Divine Daughter."

Behind him, the Descending Star cultivators either scrambled in confusion or knelt stiffly, their minds in a daze as if dreaming.

"Uncle Zhizhu," Hua Caili's ethereal voice came softly from behind a thin veil of clouds, "Though the Descending Star Sword Domain was at fault, the mistake was minor but the feelings deep. I, Heaven Breaker, possess the magnanimity of a divine realm. This time, I shall not punish you. Let this be the last time."

Wei Tianxiao, still bowing with his head lowered, felt his breath falter, hardly daring to believe his ears.

Hua Zhizhu hesitated for a moment, then respectfully obeyed: "Since it is Her Highness's command, I shall comply."

He turned his gaze sharply: "Domain Lord Wei, today you have truly received a blessing from the heavens. Should you not express your gratitude to Her Highness, the Divine Daughter?"

Wei Tianxiao reached out, grabbing Wei Yizhou and pulling him to his side. He pressed his son's head heavily to the ground, then kowtowed himself, tears flowing as he cried out: "Her Highness, the Divine Daughter, your mercy is a great favor. I and my son are forever grateful, eternally indebted…"

Beyond the thin clouds, Hua Caili's figure had already vanished.

Leaning against Yun Che, she tilted her eyes to look at his profile, smiling softly: "Husband, did I do a good deed?"

"Of course you did!" Yun Che's eyes were gentle as he replied softly: "Just now, you saved a pair of lovers. Otherwise, their remaining lives would have been destined for misery. They might have become outcasts of their families, or worse, criminals, never to be together again."

Hua Caili's brows curved with happiness, but then she furrowed them slightly in puzzlement: "It was just an ordinary Qi Star Pill, yet Pavilion Lord Zhizhu came personally to accuse them and threatened such a terrible punishment. It feels… too harsh and unjust for cultivators of the Sword Domain."

"…" Yun Che smiled faintly but said nothing.

"Huh?" Hua Caili blinked, then shook Yun Che's arm vigorously, her voice sweet: "Husband isn't defending me. So… does that mean I did something wrong?"

"Absolutely not." Yun Che said: "Now, whatever you do, it can never be wrong."

But Hua Caili did not show joy. Instead, she pondered: "Now… me?"

Yun Che raised his hand, brushing away a dark cloud swirling ahead, and slowly descended with Hua Caili: "Because now you are theHeaven Breaker Divine Daughter. Under the divine realm, you can act according to your own wishes and judgments. But if you become the Divine Sovereign of Heaven Breaker in the future, standing above your father's position, what you did just now would be absolutely forbidden."

Hua Caili was briefly stunned, thinking deeply for a long while, but the confusion in her eyes did not dissipate: "Why? That person only stole a Qi Star Pill, and it was for someone he cared about. It shouldn't be such a grave crime. Father is so gentle and values loyalty above all. If he were here, he would surely forgive."

"Your father would not."

Yun Che crushed the girl's pure and innocent fantasy with the bluntest words: "Not to mention your father, even Pavilion Lord Hua Zhizhu could have forgiven with just a few words. It would have been a good deed and earned great gratitude from the Descending Star Sword Domain. But he never gave any leniency from beginning to end."

He looked at Hua Caili and smiled casually: "Because for a divine realm at the highest position, the word 'leniency' must never be spoken lightly. It can only be granted in the most unavoidable circumstances. Too much leniency would damage the supreme dignity accumulated over millions of years."

"The mistake Wei Yizhou committed seems trivial to us, but on a grander scale, it wounds the dignity of the divine realm. If easily pardoned, this scar would remain forever, reminding future generations that even if they challenge the divine realm's dignity, they might not have to pay a heavy price."

The girl listened quietly, gradually sinking into thought. Soon she shook her head slightly, a hint of melancholy in her voice: "Auntie also said that if I become the Divine Sovereign in the future, my thoughts and actions cannot be based solely on my own wishes, but must always put the 'Divine Realm' first… Ugh! That really sounds difficult."

"Hahaha!" Yun Che laughed, then said naturally: "'Divine Sovereign' represents the highest position and name among all living beings in the world. Many don't even dare to dream of it. But yes, it is indeed difficult. When you become the Divine Sovereign of Heaven Breaker, the scene you just witnessed will be but a speck of dust compared to the many hardships you will face."

"Then… what will be the hardest thing?" Hua Caili asked curiously.

Yun Che gazed ahead, silent for a moment, then slowly uttered two words: "Choices."

"Choices…" Hua Caili repeated softly, then nodded in agreement: "Choices will definitely be difficult, but as long as the heart is firm and unwavering, they can also become simple."

In a whisper, she lightly turned her body and wrapped her arms around Yun Che from behind. Her jade-like arms tightly entwined around his neck, she hung lightly and intimately on his back: "Just like my husband and I, once separated by so many, so great barriers, yet our choice never wavered for even a single moment. Thus, Brother Yun ultimately became my eternal husband, hee hee."

Yun Che raised his hand and gently grasped the soft hand that was scratching at his chest… Hua Caili's heart and eyes were filled entirely with him. Within her pure and untainted soul lingered too much innocence yet to fade. She couldn't see too clearly or too deeply, but Yun Che naturally understood that the one truly bearing the heavy burden of painful choices was Hua Fuchen.

Recalling the former Divine Sovereign of the Heaven Breaker Divine Realm, who once faced the agonizing choice between inheritance and father-son affection… in the end, he chose the former, at the cost of a complete rupture with his son.

Now, Hua Fuchen had been a Divine Sovereign for ten thousand years. He surely understood the heavy helplessness and painful choice his father had endured back then. Yet even so, he could never truly forgive, and to this day only coldly referred to him as "Former Divine Sovereign."

As for Yun Che himself… when he bore the name "Emperor Yun," the safety of his homeland outweighed all personal wishes. No matter the pain, guilt, or unforgivable sins, the choice could only be a one-way decision.

Hua Caili now was utterly incapable of becoming a qualified Divine Sovereign…

But…

She was the "Divine Sovereign" he needed most!

"Well then… I'll give you an even harder choice." Yun Che's lips curved in a light smile, as if joking between husband and wife: "If one day in the future, I become an unforgivable villain, even threatening the entire Heaven Breaker Divine Realm, and only by killing me can you save the realm—otherwise, the million-year foundation of Heaven Breaker will be destroyed—what would you choose?"

He had expected this question to provoke a playful scolding from Hua Caili, but unexpectedly, the girl behind him answered without hesitation: "I don't care! I only want my husband! And my husband is the best person in the world. Even if the entire Pure Land turned evil, my husband could never change his heart or do evil."

Her jade face pressed against Yun Che's neck, she whispered with a smile in his ear: "If my husband truly wants to be a bad man, then of course… I would have to become worse than him, so I can accompany him through every lifetime, husband and wife in perfect harmony."

Yun Che: "…"

She gave no direct reply, yet every word struck deeply into Yun Che's soul.

In this life and this world, this body and this soul—live by your side, die beside you… never betray you.

So, the light vow she made that day in the bamboo forest, he had always remembered so clearly.

Momentarily lost in thought, Yun Che continued: "Then what if one day, I suddenly meet with misfortune and pass away— Ow! That hurts, that hurts!"

Only then did Hua Caili release her bite, lowering her gaze to the deep tooth mark on his neck. She puffed up her cheeks in mock anger and scolded: "How dare you say such things! You are my husband, you must be safe and sound for life! There must never be any misfortune! Absolutely not! And you can't even say those words!"

She seemed genuinely angry. The bite was quite hard, causing Yun Che to draw in a sharp breath. He hurriedly pleaded: "Yes, yes! I was only speaking hypothetically…"

"Even hypotheticals aren't allowed!"

"All right, all right… it was your foolish husband's nonsense, speaking without thinking. I promise I won't do it again."

"That's better." Hua Caili's scolding turned into a smile. She lovingly leaned against him, her voice lazy yet resolute as she whispered: "We have the Divine Realm behind us, protected by the two best fathers in the world. Auntie also hopes that our 'dreams align with heaven, and love never withers with time.'"

"We are already fortunate. To meet my husband in this life is a heavenly gift, bestowed only after countless lifetimes of fate."

Her eyes grew misty, her soft voice like a gentle fog: "Once, year after year, I suffered heartache, tormented by fatherly grace and praying for life. But meeting my husband, I realized that every fleeting moment in this world was a paradise never before painted even in the most beautiful of dreams."

"So, in the long years ahead, I will protect myself, protect my husband, forever love his heart, forever stay by his side—never betraying this encounter in this life, never wasting a single morning or evening."

In her whisper, she glanced at the still-visible tooth mark. Her lips moved lightly, and her tender tongue quietly traced it, leaving a particularly clear drop of warmth in that instant: "Husband, it doesn't hurt anymore. I will make it up to you properly…"

"Cough! Cough cough!"

A deliberately exaggerated coughing sound came from nearby, startling Hua Caili to immediately slip off Yun Che's back. Because the voice was not that of an ordinary person—it was unmistakably… Meng Kongchan, who had left but now returned.

A figure flickered ahead, revealing Meng Kongchan's form. He appeared calm and composed, his eyes carrying an imposing aura, though the corner of his lips bore a faint, somewhat unnecessary smile.

"Uncle Meng… ah… Father… are you well…"

Hua Caili's face flushed a brilliant crimson. She bowed her delicate head deeply, momentarily at a loss for words, her hands unsure where to rest.

Yun Che also looked surprised and quickly straightened his clothes, bowing respectfully: "Senior, what brings you here? Has something happened?"

Meng Kongchan's face broke into a smile: "There have indeed been changes, but I wouldn't call them misfortunes."

Seeing Meng Kongchan's expression, Yun Che nodded in understanding and smiled as well: "It seems your journey through Senluo this time went quite smoothly."

"Smooth!" Meng Kongchan laughed: "So smooth it was somewhat unexpected. But in retrospect, it all makes sense. The saying 'those involved are confused' truly means no one can escape it."

Yun Che's eyes brightened, unable to hide his excitement: "Could it be that Divine Sovereign Dian Luohou's wrath has already dissipated, and he is willing to resolve this grudge, to bury the hatchet?"

Meng Kongchan nodded heavily, a deeper smile gleaming in his eyes: "His anger isn't so easily quelled, of course… but he demands that you personally come to Senluo in two months to offer your apology. Yuan'er, are you willing?"

Yun Che was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed beyond measure, quickly replying: "This junior would be more than willing! The image of Divine Sovereign Dian Luohou's furious countenance still lingers vividly before my eyes, and yet now he is willing to personally lay down such a path… Truly, he is worthy of being the foremost Divine Sovereign of the Divine Realms. Such magnanimity commands my utmost admiration and respect."

Meng Kongchan smiled faintly and sighed: "He did say one thing correctly: we underestimated him, and we underestimated the bond between us. Back then, we should have been honest at the very first moment and faced this together. That way, many of the subsequent troubles could have been avoided, and you two wouldn't have been separated for three whole years."

"No," Yun Che said firmly: "I do not agree with that."

"Oh?"

Yun Che's expression grew serious: "It is precisely because we cared too much, because we cherished it too deeply, that every step was filled with anxiety and hesitation. Even you two, exalted Divine Sovereigns of this era, were still so unsettled by it—this only shows how precious this bond truly is. Divine Sovereign Dian Luohou is no ordinary figure. When his fury subsides even slightly, he will surely realize this, which is why he gradually let go of his humiliation and anger, leading to today's outcome."

"On the contrary, if we had been frank from the start, I fear that…"

Meng Kongchan narrowed his eyes slightly, then nodded with a smile: "Reasonable. Yuan'er, you are but two cycles of sixty years old, yet your insight in this moment is truly impressive. Your father is deeply moved. It seems that when you go to offer your apology in two months, I need not worry at all."

Yun Che's face was resolute: "Senior, rest assured. When the time comes, I will go alone, showing utmost sincerity, hoping to soothe all remaining anger of Divine Sovereign Dian Luohou. If he wishes to punish me, I will accept it without resistance."

"Ha ha ha ha!" Suddenly, Meng Kongchan burst into laughter. Stepping forward, he patted Yun Che's shoulder, his eyes filled with warmth and paternal pride: "With Divine Sovereign Dian Luohou's temperament, if he asks you to come in person, it is certainly not to have you apologize face to face. As for punishment, that is absolutely impossible."

"Uh?" Yun Che's face showed confusion.

"He holds you in very high regard—so high that, as a dignified Divine Sovereign, he actually shouted 'I submit' at a junior. That is truly unprecedented and extraordinary! Ha ha ha ha!" With a hearty laugh, Meng Kongchan's figure vanished into the sky, leaving behind a faint divine sound that reached their ears: "I will go and tell Divine Sovereign Hua Xin of today's outcome, then return to Weaving Dream. You two need not see me off. Newlyweds should enjoy their time together, free from worldly concerns."

As the divine sound faded, Meng Kongchan's figure was swallowed by the sword radiance that blanketed the sky of the Heaven Breaker Divine Realm.

Yet no one noticed that at the very moment of his laughter and departure, a shadowy, profound gleam as deep as a thousand layers of dark night flickered simultaneously in the pupils of both Yun Che and Meng Kongchan.

At this very moment, the last thread of Nirvana soul thread within Yun Che's soul sea silently dissipated into nothingness.

Thus, the nine-tenths Nirvana demon soul forcibly grafted into Yun Che's soul sea by Chi Wuyao was utterly and eternally destroyed, leaving no trace… and completely extinguishing Yun Che's former resolve to "bring it back intact."

At this moment, Li Suo spoke with sudden clarity: "So, all this time you had Hua Caili take you to tour the Outer Realms, it was so you could meet Meng Kongchan before he entered the Heaven BreakerHeaven Breaker Divine Realm?"

"Exactly."

Meng Kongchan's return to the Heaven Breaker Divine Realm proved that the second hint had succeeded, and just now he had successfully laid down the final hint. His heart was much lighter now: "This final hint had to be given before he met Hua Fuchen."

"Fortunately, everything went smoothly."

Heaven Breaker Divine Realm — Yixin Sword Pavilion

"Re… ally!?"

The two short words trembled with an unusually clear quiver. Hua Fuchen's divine body leaned forward, deeply moved, even the sword intent around him fluctuated significantly.

Such a reaction from Hua Fuchen was entirely expected. Meng Kongchan smiled faintly, pushing his palm forward. The damaged sword sheath that Dian Luohou had given him floated up and landed before Hua Fuchen.

"He invites you to meet alone in the Thirty-Three Layers of the Mist Sea in two months."

No further explanation was needed; the words "Thirty-Three Layers of the Mist Sea" alone were enough for Hua Fuchen to understand everything.

Hua Fuchen reached out to take it, staring at it for a long moment before sighing wistfully: "I recall when I first met Old Dian, we did not accept each other and fought fiercely. In that battle, I shattered his hair crown, he broke my sword sheath. He submitted to me, and I to him. Truly… it was a case of no fight, no acquaintance."

Meng Kongchan laughed: "The fastest way to make him submit is to beat him. That has never changed."

Hua Fuchen smiled faintly, clutching the broken sheath tightly: "Very well. In two months, I will go and have a good fight with Old Dian. Brother Meng, will you come watch?"

Meng Kongchan raised an eyebrow lightly: "I would like to, but this is a battle to resolve your grudge. There's no room for a third party. Spare me the formalities."

"Ha ha ha ha!" Hua Fuchen laughed heartily, a joy he had not felt in many years.

At that moment, a clear and cold immortal voice, carrying the intent of a sword, pierced through the air: "If this can resolve the grudge, it would naturally be a good thing. But the battle between Divine Sovereigns is no ordinary matter. Though this is the Mist Sea, the Thirty-Three Layers Domain is merely the shallow region you two set in your youth. Once true divine power stirs, it could easily escape the Mist Sea and be detected by the Pure Land."

Meng Kongchan immediately turned around, smiling cheerfully: "Qingying, rest assured, their battle will neither lose its thrill nor its measure."

Hua Qingying did not respond; even her sword aura gradually faded away.

Meng Kongchan withdrew his probing gaze without a change in expression, turning back calmly. His eyes flicked to the sash around Hua Fuchen's waist: "Hmm? A belt woven from Susin Silk? When did you, Divine Sovereign Hua Xin, cultivate such refined taste? And this style… why does it look so familiar?"

Hua Fuchen straightened up instantly, hands clasped behind his back, and said indifferently: "This was woven by Caili with her own hands. She insisted I wear it at all times. Since it's the girl's intention, I reluctantly comply. Your boy has one too, probably woven by Caili from leftover materials. Hmph, that's quite a favor to that kid."

Meng Kongchan didn't expose him. He casually took a step forward, and the Brahma Sound Stone at his waist immediately collided, releasing waves of soothing Brahma melodies: "Speaking of children's affections, Yuan'er is the most considerate. Whenever the Brahma sound enters the ear, it comforts the soul and delights the heart, making one feel Yuan'er is always by their side."

Hua Fuchen glanced disdainfully at the Brahma Sound Stone at Meng Kongchan's waist: "They're just three broken stones. This sash may look crude, but every thread is imbued with Caili's heartfelt intention. Every strand carries thought, every inch contains heart. How could it be compared to those three worthless stones?"

"Looks like the illustrious Divine Sovereign Hua Xin, who has long dwelled in his high tower and ignored the mundane world, is unaware of how difficult it is to gather these three-colored Brahma Sound Stones. The weight of intention is one thing, but it also requires a fateful opportunity sensed by true sincerity. Even if you weave eight hundred more sashes, they wouldn't compare!"

"Tch! Then why don't you just call him 'Father God' already?"

"Hua Fuchen! After you finish your fight with Old Dian, I'll arrange a match with you myself!"

Outside the Sword Pavilion, Yun Che and Hua Caili, who had just rushed back, were stopped dead in their tracks by the terrifying commotion, exchanging glances.

"Two dads… seem to be arguing?" Hua Caili said timidly.

Yun Che rubbed his brow: "If they have the mood to quarrel, that means… their spirits are probably in good shape? We'd better stay out of it for now and not disturb them."

The two quietly slipped away, leaving the two great Divine Sovereigns to begin shamelessly exposing each other's old flaws and even dredging up ancient grudges…