Chapter 1824: The Secret of the Twins
Chi Wuyue's heavy expression and voice caused Qianye Ying'er's golden brows to slowly furrow as well.
Having known Chi Wuyue for so many years, she vaguely knew that Chi Wuyue's Nirvana Wheel Demon Soul possessed some kind of special soul warning. Therefore, her unease must not be taken lightly.
After a moment of thought, Qianye Ying'er said, "If that worst-case scenario we envision were to actually occur, the prerequisite would be that the Dragon God Realm possesses a super dimensional formation capable of spanning Divine Regions."
"And such a dimensional formation capable of crossing Divine Regions, I have never seen recorded in any Divine Realm's historical texts. I have now digested approximately the memories of all previous Brahma Heavenly Emperors, and there is no related memory either. Instead, this era has produced one."
"That is the dimensional formation, known throughout the world, that the Zhou Tian Realm constructed in recent years to deal with the Crimson Calamity, connecting to the border of Chaos by uniting the power of countless Star Realms."
And the foundation of that dimensional formation still exists intact within the Zhou Tian Divine Realm. As long as sufficient power is poured into it, it can be reactivated... but even if it only completes a single round trip transmission, the energy consumed would be extremely terrifying for a King Realm.
Therefore, when the Zhou Tian Divine Realm originally constructed this dimensional formation, they used the words "bet everything on one throw."
"..." Chi Wuyue was still silently pondering something, but she also took in all of Qianye Ying'er's words.
Qianye Ying'er continued, "In order to complete that dimensional formation, the Zhou Tian Divine Realm started laying the foundation over a dozen years ago. In the later stages, they even gained the help of many King Realms and upper-level Star Realms before barely completing it. And this length of time is also because the Zhou Tian Divine Realm possesses the strongest spatial profound artifact, the Void Cauldron. For another King Realm, they might not be able to accomplish it even if given a hundred years."
"So, based on these factors, the worst-case scenario we envision has no possibility of occurring." Qianye Ying'er concluded.
"Then... what if such a dimensional formation already existed?" Chi Wuyue said in a low voice, as if asking or muttering to herself.
"A dimensional formation large enough to span the Dragon God Realm and the Southern Divine Region, and also of enormous scale, would inevitably take an extremely long time to construct, and its energy fluctuations would also radiate extremely far. It would be impossible for it to leave no historical records." Qianye Ying'er said.
"..." After a long silence, Chi Wuyue finally nodded slightly: "What you say is indeed correct."
But the unease in her heart still did not dissipate in the slightest.
"However, this matter is too important. To be safe, during the days when Yun Che is absent, even the smallest and most absurd possibilities must be guarded against." Chi Wuyue's gaze turned cold as she commanded, "Huajin, summon Cang Shitian to see me!"
Not long after, Cang Shitian hastily arrived.
"Shitian pays respects to the Demon Empress. May I ask what the Demon Empress commands?"
Before Chi Wuyue, Cang Shitian maintained the same reverence he showed Yun Che.
"Lord Shitian, where is the strongest barrier or defensive profound formation in the Canglan Realm?" Chi Wuyue got straight to the point.
Any respectable Star Realm has its own large-scale defensive barriers. The most powerful King Realms in the Divine Realm not only do not neglect this, but instead place greater importance on it. Almost every generation, they strengthen the protective barrier by another degree. Because those accustomed to looking down on the world are also the most afraid of destruction.
One of the core reasons for the rapid collapse of the Zhou Tian Divine Realm and the Nan Ming Divine Realm was that they were directly invaded from within. Even if they activated their barriers, it was already useless.
Cang Shitian understood her intention and said, "After the final barrier of my Canglan Realm is activated, it does not cover the entire realm, but focuses on protecting the Canglan Divine Region. Once activated, unless one possesses Canglan Divine Blood, one can leave but cannot enter."
"If activated, how long does preparation take?" Chi Wuyue asked.
Without asking more, Cang Shitian immediately replied: "The energy of the Canglan Barrier is replenished every three years, always maintained at over seventy percent. If faced with a sufficiently large threat, it can be fully activated within thirty breaths."
"Very good." Chi Wuyue said, "Immediately, in the shortest possible time, fill the energy of the Canglan Barrier to the maximum and maintain a state where it can be activated at any time."
"Do it immediately. Do not be stingy with resources!"
Cang Shitian's brow sank slightly, but he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Yes! In six hours, the Demon Empress may inspect at any time!"
"Withdraw."
Cang Shitian bowed and immediately withdrew.
"Hmph, not a word more, nor a question more. What a reassuring lapdog." Qianye Ying'er, who had been watching coldly from the side, sneered.
Chi Wuyue closed her eyes, pressing her hand to her forehead. Strands of black light flowed through her hair. She said in a deep voice, "During this time, I must concentrate on observing the movements of the Dragon God Realm. I will leave matters here to you. I have already transmitted a message to my children, ordering them to temporarily obey your commands."
"Oh?" Qianye Ying'er's golden eyes narrowed, a strange light flashing within. "Aren't you afraid that I might seize an opportunity to order these demon girls to become new playthings on the Demon Lord's bed?"
"Sigh..." Chi Wuyue let out a faint breath. "Being able to train you to this state... is probably some kind of ability of his?"
"His?" Qianye Ying'er snorted softly. "Just a beast that only knows rough and violent actions. The kind of person I want to become is decided only by myself."
Having said that, Qianye Ying'er turned and walked away.
Arriving outside the hall, Qianye Ying'er looked up at the sky. The azure-blue dome of heaven had somehow become covered with a thin layer of faint clouds.
In the distant west, the sky had already darkened, with black clouds rolling in, as if a rainstorm was about to pour down.
Qianye Ying'er's brow furrowed slightly. She suddenly turned and flew towards the direction of the Canglan King Palace.
Passing through layers of barriers, she arrived at the center of the King Palace. The Zhou Tian Pearl was quietly releasing a dense white light. Around it, the Three Yan Mo Ancestors formed a triangular formation, guarding it at a distance of about three feet. They had not moved an inch for days.
"Listen," Qianye Ying'er said to the Three Yan Mo Ancestors, "Your master will still need about four more days to leave the Zhou Tian Pearl. Until then, no matter what happens, you must not be distracted. Protecting the Zhou Tian Pearl from any external disturbance is your primary and only task. Do you understand?"
"Yes, yes. Rest assured, Lady Qianying." The Three Yan Mo Ancestors nodded obediently.
Her golden eyes fixed on the Zhou Tian Pearl for a long moment, then Qianye Ying'er turned and left.
The Three Yan Mo Ancestors looked at each other.
Strange. She came all the way here just to repeat the instructions already given before? Do they think we three old monsters have dementia in our old age?
---
Within the Zhou Tian Divine Realm, in the world of the Heavenly Poison Pearl.
"Hoo-ah!"
Hong'er stretched long and lazily, muttering, "So boring. Master is doing that strange thing again, and Sister Heling has been standing there motionless for ages. She hasn't played with us in so long."
"..." You'er nodded in agreement.
"Hey! While master and that big sister are doing strange things, let's try that again!" As she said this, Hong'er's eyes suddenly gleamed red, her face full of excitement.
You'er parted her lips, then let out a voice as weak as a baby's: "Okay."
Hong'er took a little jump and stood in front of You'er. She extended her hands towards You'er, and their four equally snow-white, delicate little hands, almost identical except for the glow of their skin, gently clasped together.
"Close your eyes," Hong'er instructed, closing her vermillion eyes as a faint flush of excitement spread across her face. "Here we go."
The two girls closed their eyes, their bodies slowly leaning forward. Their vermillion and silver-gray long hair silently intertwined. At this moment, their foreheads touched.
Instantly, a red glow emanated from Hong'er's body, and a gray light flowed from You'er's. The two colors, different in hue and opposite in nature, suddenly intertwined and merged... The figures of the two girls also slowly became ethereal in this strange intertwining, then condensed into the slender, graceful silhouette of a young girl.
Silver long hair, vermillion eyes... She shifted her delicate shoulders and slowly turned her gaze. That instant of peerless elegance dimmed even the eternal emerald radiance of the Heavenly Poison Pearl's world.
But immediately, the girl's figure rapidly faded. With a soft cry of pain, Hong'er and You'er fell to the ground at the same time.
"Wow!" Hong'er sat on the ground, exclaiming excitedly, "So fun! And this time, we lasted much longer!"
Though it was only two breaths, compared to previous attempts, it could indeed be called "much longer."
"Also, I saw more of You'er's thoughts. Sure enough, You'er misses Sister Heling just as much as I do. Hmph, it's all master's fault."
You'er opened her mouth gently. Between her tender lips, two somewhat ethereal words slowly emerged:
"Ni... Jie..."
Her gaze was innocent and confused. She didn't know why these two words suddenly appeared in her soul.
"Huh?" Hong'er tilted her head and said, "Sure enough, You'er also suddenly knows this name, just like me... Eh? Why do I know this is a name? How strange."
"Whatever." Hong'er never dwelled on anything. Her little hand rummaged around and pulled out from somewhere a long sword radiating a purple glow. She bit the blade in half, holding a piece in each hand, and began to munch away.
Before entering the Zhou Tian Divine Realm, Yun Che had Yan Tianxiao bring a pile of divine swords, all meant to be rations for Hong'er, to keep her from causing trouble while he cultivated.
"You'er, remember, don't tell master about our little secret for now." Hong'er said seriously while stuffing her cheeks full of the sword pieces. "When we can last for a long... long time, then we can appear and give master a big... surprise!"
"...Okay." You'er nodded, her brows slowly curving up, revealing a perfectly complete and overly pure smile.
---
The return of the Dragon God shook the entire Western Divine Region.
The Dragon God Realm, which had remained hidden and unrevealed, no longer needed to hold back any hesitation.
"Welcome the Dragon Emperor!"
"Welcome the Dragon Emperor!!"
Wherever Long Bai stepped, ten thousand dragons knelt, bowing in welcome.
From the Master Dragons, to the Dragon Lords, to the Eight Dragon Gods, all had long been waiting in the Dragon God Domain.
Stepping into the Dragon Emperor Hall, Long Bai's gaze first fell upon a special guest.
"Brother Zhoutian, you have suffered." Long Bai spoke first, his tone filled with emotion.
Zhou Xuzi smiled bitterly, cupping his hands and said, "The Zhou Tian Divine Realm was destroyed by this old man. I no longer deserve the name Zhou Tian. Now, I only wish to be an old sword under Your Majesty, the Dragon Emperor, following you to kill Yun and destroy the demons."
Long Bai said, "Brother Zhoutian, there is no need for such pessimism. As long as you are still safe, the day the demons are wiped out will be the day the Zhou Tian Divine Realm shines again."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your comforting words. This old man's heart is greatly relieved." He smiled gratefully, then pulled the young man beside him forward. "This is my useless son, Qingfeng. Whether the Zhou Tian Divine Realm can once again stand tall in the future will fall on the shoulders of his generation."
But even if the demons were completely wiped out, could the Zhou Tian Divine Realm, without the Zhou Tian Pearl, truly stand tall again?
Zhou Qingfeng knelt on both knees, knocking his head heavily on the ground: "Junior Zhou Qingfeng, pays respects to the Dragon Emperor."
Long Bai glanced at him and said, "Since you are the chosen one of Brother Zhoutian, you will surely achieve great things in the future. There is no need for such heavy formalities. Rise."
Walking into the hall, the Eight Dragon Gods had already prostrated themselves on both sides. The Crimson Annihilation Dragon God was the first to rise and step forward, suppressing his excitement and agitation as he said in a deep voice, "Dragon Emperor—"
"No need for more words." Long Bai raised his hand, directly cutting off the Crimson Annihilation Dragon God's words. He looked ahead, his pupils blazing with soul-shaking divine light: "Immediately send orders to the Qilin, Imperial Chi, Azure Dragon, Huisnake, and Wanxiang Realms. Order the Qilin Emperor, Chi Dragon Emperor, Azure Dragon Emperor, Huisnake Emperor, and Wanxiang God Emperor to personally lead all Divine Lords within their realms and assemble in the Dragon God Domain within twenty-four hours."
"Remember, make sure they hear clearly..." Long Bai's gaze was indifferent, his tone calm, but every word seemed to press directly to the bottom of the soul, making it impossible for anyone to dare even a trace of rebellious thought: "All Divine Lords!"
"If anyone dares to hold back, do not blame me for being ruthless!"
The Eight Dragon Gods raised their heads simultaneously, their hearts shaken violently.
As the Dragon Gods closest to Long Bai, these were the most domineering and terrifying commands they had heard from the Dragon Emperor in recent years... so domineering and terrifying that they seemed completely uncharacteristic of the Dragon Emperor.