Chapter 2085: Divine Rank
Facing countless extremely astonished gazes, Hua Qingying spoke calmly:
"Matters of your Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom are not mine to interfere. However, since Yun Che calls me 'Aunt,' then no matter who it is, before making a move against him, they should first consider the Absolute Immortal Sword in my hand!"
Yun Che's cry of "Aunt" had only left them bewildered and unable to believe.
But Hua Qingying's words were like blade-sharp sword beams piercing the soul, driving the outcome they absolutely could not believe deep into their hearts.
Hiss...
A cacophony of sharp intakes of breath rose chaotically.
Who was Hua Qingying?
The strongest beneath the true gods of the Abyss. And if the Six Divine Kingdoms lacked true god inheritances, then she would be the true number one of the Six Divine Kingdoms.
If the Heaven-Breaking Divine Power had been inherited by Hua Qingying instead of Hua Fuchen, then the top Divine Venerable of the Six Divine Kingdoms would not be Dian Luohou, but Hua Qingying!
Though she was not a true god, she was the only one in the entire Abyss whose fame as a non-divine being rivaled that of a true god.
The world said she cultivated the emotionless sword path, detached from the seven emotions and six desires... but in the end, she was not truly without emotion, for she had a reverse scale known to all.
Hua Caili.
Beyond Hua Caili, no thoughts could touch her, no being could approach her—even a Divine Venerable's approach would not earn her a glance.
Yet at this moment, before the crowd, she spoke in a cold yet resolute tone, informing everyone present—and thus informing the entire Abyss world—that Yun Che was under her sword's protection.
This scene and these words nearly shattered everyone's understanding of the Heaven-Breaking Sword Immortal. Even if the speaker had been the Heart-Painting Divine Venerable of the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom, their shock would not have been this great.
Raising his head to look around, every face bore varying degrees of astonishment, a thick, lingering disbelief that refused to dissipate.
Even Meng Jianze, who had been writhing in agony like a maggot moments before, ceased his screams, as if Hua Qingying's words had scattered his soul.
Meng Jianxi, who had maintained a perfect expression regardless of his inner anger, frustration, or humiliation, was now dumbfounded—utterly dumbfounded. The shock and confusion in his eyes had completely slipped from his control.
Given Hua Qingying's status and prestige in the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom, her protection essentially meant the protection of the entire Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom.
He could never have dreamed that this lowly "Meng Jian Yuan" would have such a terrifying backer!
Back then, Yun Che and Hua Qingying had arrived at the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom together, even prompting Meng Kongchan to personally welcome them—Meng Jianxi knew this well. But he naturally assumed that the Sword Immortal's visit must have been for important matters to personally relay to Meng Kongchan... No matter who it was, no one could have imagined that Hua Qingying had come specifically to escort Yun Che.
"How... how could this be..." Meng Cangji murmured, his initial fury largely replaced by shock and the ensuing sense of helplessness.
At this moment, Meng Jianxi—and countless Weaving Dream profound practitioners—suddenly began to understand why Meng Kongchan was so eager to establish "Meng Jian Yuan" as another Dreamweaving Divine Son.
"I've long heard that Meng Jian Yuan was sent by the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom... It turns out this is not only true, but there's also such a connection!"
"Another's protection might just be lip service, but the Sword Immortal's protection... whoever touches it, dies..."
"Given the Heaven-Breaking Sword Immortal's temperament, to actually let Meng Jian Yuan call her 'Aunt'... hiss..."
"No wonder Meng Jian Yuan was so overbearing and ostentatious from the moment he returned to the kingdom, not fearing Jianxi Divine Son at all. It turns out that wasn't reckless ignorance, but such backing!"
"No wonder the Divine Venerable treats Meng Jian Yuan so specially..."
"Nonsense! How could we mere mortals see through the Divine Venerable's considerations!"
...
The hearts of the crowd were in turmoil, but they would never have imagined that the most shocked person of all was the Dreamless Divine Venerable himself.
His expression remained unchanged, as if he had known everything all along. But in truth, the waves in his eyes and heart were nearly earth-shattering.
His gaze, furtively cast toward Yun Che, held surprise, excitement, and fervor...
But the strongest emotion was a kind of admiration that bordered on reverence!
Back then, the three of them—Meng Kongchan, Dian Luohou, and Pan Yusheng—had each used every trick in the book, even scheming against one another, yet not one of them could make Hua Qingying's gaze linger on them for even a single breath.
And Yun Che, in just a few short months, had not only won over Hua Caili, the number one Divine Maiden of the age, but had also made Hua Qingying take the initiative to come and support him, and even allowed him to call her "Aunt"!
Though I, the father, failed, my son... succeeds!
For a moment, he almost teared up with emotion.
For men, the harder something is to obtain, the harder it is to let go—especially for those of higher stations. And this... was a kind of fulfillment in its own way.
Meng Xuanjue, who had retreated to the palace door, gritted her teeth, her nails digging into her palms, her entire figure nearly swallowed by the shadow cast by the door.
"..." Dian Jiuzhi's gaze shifted away from the space where Hua Qingying stood, lingering on Yun Che for a long time. Between his brows, there was clearly a dazed, bewildered look.
"Heh heh heh." Meng Kongchan's soft laugh dispelled the uproar and confusion throughout the hall. He said with a smile, "Our Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom and the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom have always had a close relationship. Yuan'er was found by the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom, and his safe return this time is a great favor from them. The bond between Yuan'er and the Heaven-Breaking Sword Immortal is also a great fortune for the friendship between our two kingdoms, benefiting us for millennia to come."
He turned his gaze to where Hua Qingying stood and said in the dignified tone of a Divine Venerable: "Jian Ze's emotions have collapsed, nearly causing a grave error. I must trouble the Sword Immortal to punish him on my behalf."
Hua Qingying did not respond.
Meng Kongchan had long grown accustomed to this. He turned back to Yun Che: "Yuan'er, whether or not to subject An Zhiming to Dreamfall is entirely your decision. No one else may interfere!"
The last half of his sentence was delivered with a sharp increase in volume, startling many into an involuntary shiver.
"Father God..."
Before Yun Che could speak, a weak, pained voice rang out.
Meng Jianze propped himself up on one knee, lifting his head with difficulty: "These men were indeed... arranged by me. But all of this has nothing to do with the Divine Son!"
"Given the Divine Son's character and his current status... how could he condescend to such methods! It is all because I cannot stand Jian Yuan's return and his immediate desire to claim the title of Divine Son... The Divine Son truly knew nothing. I beg Father God's forgiveness... I beg the Divine Son's forgiveness..."
Having forced himself to finish, he collapsed back again, his body trembling in agony.
At this moment, Meng Xuanjue spoke softly: "Divine Venerable, Jianxi is our son. We know his character best. Even if he truly wanted to target Meng Jian Yuan, he would never use such despicable, lowly means. Clearly, this is all Meng Jian Ze's doing. I ask the Divine Venerable to see clearly."
"Hmph!" Meng Kongchan gave a cold snort, as if slightly angered. "Whether it is or not, Dreamfall will tell."
Meng Jianxi's face grew pale, and Meng Xuanjue, whose hands were already bleeding from her clenched fists, tightened them further, daring not to speak again.
Yun Che looked at Meng Jianxi with a half-smile: "Jianxi Divine Son, my aunt's sword beams may draw no blood, but they pierce the heart and soul, enough to make one wish for death. Even so, he still forces himself to speak in your defense. He has done this for you—won't you say a word for him?"
Meng Jianxi's lips moved, but for a long time, no sound came out.
Every step of the situation had slipped beyond his prediction and control.
Yun Che smiled. In Meng Jianxi's eyes, his smile at this moment was more contemptuous and scornful than any before.
Yun Che turned and said solemnly: "Senior Divine Venerable, these are nothing more than childish, low-grade tricks. Who orchestrated them and who carried them out—I believe everyone present has their own answer."
"An Zhiming was coerced. Facing you, senior Divine Venerable, with his humble status, his courage is commendable, and his heart to protect his family is touching. To subject him to Dreamfall just to verify such a trivial matter would destroy his dignity—it's not worth it."
"So," Yun Che's gaze swept past Meng Jianxi and fixed on Meng Kongchan, "let's forget about Dreamfall."
"Mm." Meng Kongchan nodded slightly, his eyes revealing undisguised relief. "I said this matter is yours to decide. Since that's the case, Dreamfall will not be applied."
Meng Jianze's entire body relaxed, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping wildly.
Meng Xuanji, Meng Jinghai, and others had varied expressions. In the hall, countless gazes directed at Yun Che gradually filled with admiration and praise.
Facing the immensely powerful Divine Son faction, he stood fearless, dominating and overwhelming. But when it came to the dignity of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom, he, who held the absolute upper hand, decisively backed down.
This posture of his, compared to Meng Jianxi's current state... the Dreamweaving Divine Son, who once seemed excellent in every aspect and nearly perfect in their eyes, suddenly appeared crude and inferior.
From the very beginning, Yun Che had never truly intended to carry out Dreamfall. After all, Meng Jianxi was the Dreamweaving Divine Son, and his image largely represented the face of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom. Some matters, when exposed to the point that everyone tacitly understood, were already sufficient. But when it involved the kingdom's dignity, it should never be brought into the open.
"..." Meng Jianxi did not feel the slightest relief. His internal organs were twisted in agony, making him want to vomit blood several times.
Why... why is it like this...
He's clearly a pitiful wretch without even a past, clearly someone who should be easily handled and crushed...
How could this...
"An Zhiming." Meng Kongchan spoke calmly. "If the nine of you forget today's events, you may all live in peace."
An Zhiming raised his head abruptly, tears streaming down his face instantly. Though it was just a few words, they came from the mouth of the Divine Venerable. With the Dreamless Divine Venerable's pronouncement, they would gain not just temporary safety, but long-term stability.
He knocked his head heavily against the ground and said tearfully: "Thank you for the Divine Venerable's grace, and thank you for the Yuan Divine Son's great kindness! Today's events, Zhiming has already completely forgotten. If I dare speak a single word outside, may heaven and earth destroy me!"
"Withdraw."
Without waiting for the nine to kowtow their thanks one by one, Meng Kongchan directly waved his hand and sent them all back to their original positions. He lifted his gaze and swept it around, his divine voice filling the air: "Does anyone still have objections to appointing Meng Jian Yuan as the Dreamweaving Divine Son?"
After a brief silence, Meng Cangji still stepped forward.
But his demeanor had become much more respectful: "We all obey the Venerable One's orders without exception. However, the matter of the Divine Son is of great importance. After all, even if ten more Divine Sons are appointed, only one will be qualified to inherit the Venerable One's will and become the new Divine Venerable in the future. Therefore, if there are multiple Divine Sons, there should be a distinction between superior and inferior."
As a member of Meng Jianxi's maternal clan, his fate was directly tied to Meng Jianxi's future. No matter what, he had to struggle and fight.
Meng Kongchan said calmly: "How should the superior and inferior be distinguished? Please speak plainly, Chief Palace Master."
Meng Cangji said: "This old one suggests taking Jianxi as the First Divine Son and Jian Yuan as the Second Divine Son."
"Mm?" Yun Che directly interjected: "If two people are supposed to stand shoulder to shoulder with equal fame, once they are divided into first and second, the gap becomes enormous. After all, in the eyes of the world, the second is often nothing more than a foil for the first."
"If we must do this... no one is unaware that Meng Jian Yuan was the first Divine Son of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom! On what basis should he be reduced to second?"
Meng Cangji's face darkened, and he said sternly: "Meng Jian Yuan, no matter how glib you are or how you twist the facts, the criterion for evaluating a Divine Son's aptitude cannot be doubted or shaken—and that is the Divine Rank!"
When it came to Divine Rank, Meng Cangji's expression had completely regained its confidence: "Jianxi was born with a six-point Divine Rank, but later awakened another three points. He now has a nine-point Divine Rank, placing him among the upper echelon even among the Divine Sons and Divine Maidens of the six kingdoms."
"And you, Meng Jian Yuan, have an eight-point Divine Rank! That one-point difference in Divine Rank, at the level of Divine Sons and Divine Maidens, is no less than the difference between superior and inferior! How can you be spoken of in the same breath and stand shoulder to shoulder!"
Meng Kongchan, with his eight-point Divine Rank: "...?"
Regardless of Meng Cangji's intentions, his words were unerring and irrefutable.
An eight-point Divine Rank qualified one to bear a true god's Divine Source and become a Divine Son or Divine Maiden of a kingdom; a nine-point Divine Rank could be called a superior Divine Son or Divine Maiden; and a perfect ten-point Divine Rank—across all six kingdoms combined—might not appear even once in several eras.
In the current age, only the Heaven-Breaking Divine Maiden Hua Caili was acclaimed as a heavenly-given miracle of the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom.
If a kingdom had multiple individuals with sufficient Divine Rank in the same era, the level of Divine Rank would be the sole criterion for evaluating qualification for divine succession.
As for the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom of the previous era, that was purely a special "accident."
"Well said!" Yun Che nodded, actually echoing Meng Cangji's words. "However, Chief Palace Master seems to have overlooked one thing."
"Meng Jianxi was born with only a six-point Divine Rank, and only a hundred years ago did he awaken another three points postnatally. So how do you know that Meng Jian Yuan, with his innate eight-point Divine Rank, cannot awaken his Divine Rank postnatally as well?"
Everyone was startled. Meng Cangji snorted coldly: "Those who awaken their Divine Rank postnatally are rare even in ten thousand years. Do you think the miracle that happened to Jianxi is so easily repeated?"
He paused, then suddenly smiled lightly, using a retreat to advance: "However, since you made such a proposal, for the sake of fairness and impartiality, my Nine Dream Halls can personally conduct an on-the-spot retest of your Divine Rank! If, by some chance, you have indeed awakened your Divine Rank postnatally and reached a nine-point Divine Rank like Jianxi, then standing as an equal Divine Son with Jianxi—I believe no one in the world would have the slightest objection."
"If you still have an eight-point Divine Rank..." He carefully glanced sideways at Meng Kongchan, "you should have the self-awareness to be a secondary Divine Son!"
"Mm..." Yun Che seemed to ponder for a moment, then suddenly narrowed his eyes and said: "Then what if I accidentally awakened two points of Divine Rank postnatally, reaching the so-called perfect Divine Rank, surpassing Meng Jianxi? What then?"
At these words, Meng Cangji was clearly taken aback, as if he couldn't believe anyone could utter such an absurd statement. Then, without regard for dignity, he burst into loud laughter: "Hahahaha... hahahahaha!"
At his laugh, the surrounding area immediately echoed with laughter, as if they had all heard the same ridiculous joke.
Meng Kongchan's brows twitched slightly, doubt rising in his heart. Then, he abruptly turned his head, staring in disbelief at Yun Che's confident face. The violent throbbing in his heart nearly spilled uncontrollably from his eyes.
Could it be...
Could it be...!
Hua Qingying also slightly inclined her gaze at this moment.
"Very good, very ambitious, hahahaha!" Meng Cangji seemed to be praising him, but his laughter was laced with mockery. "Meng Jian Yuan, if you truly have a perfect Divine Rank, then even ten Jianxis would not be qualified to compare with you. At that time, not to mention honoring you as the First Divine Son... if you are unwilling, this old one would kneel and beg you to become the sole Divine Son of our Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom!"
Yun Che narrowed his eyes and smiled: "Very well, let's begin."