# Chapter 2087: Refusing to Be a Divine Son
"Mmm?" Meng Kongchan was inwardly puzzled, but did not show it on his face: "Yuan'er, could it be that you are not yet ready to accept the title of Divine Son?"
"Yes and no." Yun Che bowed respectfully, then replied with a serious expression: "In truth, what several of the Palace Masters said earlier was not entirely wrong. I currently have no memories of being Meng Jianyuan, and cannot truly accept that identity. I am grateful to the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom for taking me in, but I have no sense of belonging. For me as I am now, the belief I cannot touch or compromise remains my master's grace."
"Your Divine Venerable's heart is broad, allowing me to continue using the name 'Yun Che.' But as the Palace Masters said, were the Weaving Dream Divine Son to take the surname 'Yun,' while it would demonstrate your tolerance, it would also inevitably draw endless doubt and criticism from within and without the Divine Kingdom."
"So," he lifted his gaze, meeting Meng Kongchan's eyes with sincerity, "before I regain my memories and accept myself as Meng Jianyuan, it is not suitable for me to become the Weaving Dream Divine Son too early. My coming here today is enough to prove to all that the Divine Venerable's choice was not wrong... For now, I can only disappoint the Divine Venerable's grace."
Everyone stared blankly, unable to believe that there was someone in this world who would voluntarily refuse the title of Divine Son.
In their understanding, for a wandering vagabond to even enter a Divine Kingdom was a dream come true. If they knew they could become a Divine Son, wouldn't they be overjoyed, as if in a dream?
Yet Yun Che chose to hold firmly to his original belief. Simply because he could not yet accept the identity of Meng Jianyuan, he so decisively refused the title of "Divine Son" before everyone, before the Divine Venerable himself!?
In other words, he had no desire whatsoever for the title of Divine Son, something even the most ambitious people dared not dream of.
Then his earlier arrogance, domineering attitude, and apparent striving... was merely to prove himself, and he had never thought of contending with Meng Jianxi for the position of Divine Son?
Meng Kongchan looked at Yun Che for a while, then said: "From what you say, there might be other reasons beyond this?"
Yun Che replied: "What I said above is the main reason. As for secondary reasons, they are merely some personal thoughts of mine, not worth mentioning."
"Heh heh," Meng Kongchan smiled faintly: "Your nature, I have already glimpsed a bit these past days. You value grace and righteousness, hold fast to your own beliefs, are unmoved by profit, and would rather break than bend—very good. Your decision just now surprised me, but upon reflection, it is not too astonishing."
These few calm words contained not a trace of anger at Yun Che's public defiance, but rather words of praise and commendation... and a subtle pride that flowed through them.
"I am instead more interested in your private thoughts. Why not speak them? Whatever you say, I promise I will not blame you."
Yun Che hesitated for a moment, then showed a carefree expression: "Since the Divine Venerable asks, I can only obey."
He raised his head, his expression solemn: "My life was saved by my master in the Mist Sea. From my childhood, my master repeatedly taught me: even if a man is as weak as dust for a time, he must not bow and scrape; even if his body shatters and his organs break, he must not break his proud spine; even if his soul falls into the abyss, he must never sink into the mud."
Yun Che's gaze shifted sideways, unhesitatingly slanting toward Meng Jianxi: "My master's teachings are engraved in my heart, never to be forgotten. So... among my private thoughts, I absolutely refuse to share a name and stand alongside one who is hypocritical and treacherous!"
Even without Yun Che's gaze, everyone was perfectly clear about whom his words referred to.
This was completely an insult and slander right in the face.
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent, no one daring to react.
After all, Meng Jianxi was still the Weaving Dream Divine Son, and surrounded by a powerful faction centered on his maternal clan.
But what they thought in their hearts was another matter.
Meng Jianxi's body shook violently, but he clenched his teeth and said nothing.
"Mmm." Meng Kongchan nodded: "Upholding one's own views is also a quality a ruler should possess. Good. Then the matter of appointing you as the Weaving Dream Divine Son will be set aside for now. I believe that since you have safely returned, regaining your memories will be a matter of time."
Yun Che said gratefully: "Thank you again for your magnanimity, Divine Venerable. I am deeply grateful."
With that, he turned and bowed respectfully toward Hua Qingying: "Aunt, you came here specially, yet you did not witness what you hoped for—instead, you saw my willfulness. I must have disappointed you."
Hua Qingying spoke from midair: "You have always adhered to your own principles. This is your personal choice, and it is neither right nor wrong."
Her ethereal figure turned: "Dreamless Divine Venerable, since this matter has concluded, there is no need for me to stay. I take my leave."
Meng Kongchan subconsciously stepped forward half a step: "Sword Immortal, it is rare for you to come here; how can you not let Weaving Dream fulfill its duties as host..."
"Yun Che, see me out."
The immortal voice lingered in the air, and the azure figure had already departed. Meng Kongchan could only withdraw his hand awkwardly and said seriously: "Since that is the case, Yuan'er, go see your aunt off."
"Yes."
Under the varied gazes of the crowd, Yun Che hastily took his leave of those around him, then quickly chased after the direction Hua Qingying had taken.
With Yun Che gone, the investiture ceremony held for him naturally lost its protagonist. Meng Kongchan's expression turned solemn as he said calmly: "Since Meng Jianyuan is unwilling to become the Weaving Dream Divine Son for now, this matter will be set aside for the time being. Since everyone is gathered here today, I have another matter to discuss."
Though "Meng Jianyuan" had refused, everyone knew in their hearts that unless a great upheaval occurred, the future Divine Son of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom would definitely be Meng Jianyuan.
Because of that perfect divine rank, which could be described as nothing less than a "miracle."
They already knew that after today, the name "Meng Jianyuan" would spread throughout the entire Abyss with a force far more shocking than a hundred years ago. The Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom would also be shrouded in a glory it had never known before.
"In three more years, it will be time to go to the Pure Land to pay homage to the Yuan Emperor. This visit will be vastly different from any before. All Dream Palaces must select three outstanding juniors within these three years..."
---
Yun Che chased all the way to beyond the protective national barrier before he saw Hua Qingying waiting for him.
"Aunt." He called softly, walking quickly forward, his face showing the excitement and gratitude he had been struggling to suppress: "Your coming here in person today is a surprise so great I can hardly believe it."
Hua Qingying turned her head and said coldly: "Do you know why I acted?"
"I know." Yun Che immediately nodded: "Aunt didn't want me to reveal the upper limit of my power when facing Meng Jianze."
"Good that you understand."
Hua Qingying seemed as if no matter where she stood, just by being there, the place would become a fairy-like ancient painting: "Your overwhelming defeat of nine cultivators at the same realm was already astonishing enough. Meng Jianze's cultivation is at the third level of the Divine Annihilation Realm. If you had publicly withstood his attack, it would have alarmed even the Pure Land."
"You are still inexperienced in the world, and your foundation is not yet stable. While it is appropriate to make a name for yourself and gain status and leverage, you should also conceal your edge when necessary—it could save your life at a critical moment. In particular... never underestimate Meng Jianxi. His maternal clan is not only powerful but deeply rooted in the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom. His humiliation today is only because he surely did not take you seriously before. Learn from this—do not underestimate him just because of today's events."
"Yes!" Yun Che nodded with utmost obedience: "I will keep Aunt's words firmly in my heart."
"..." She gave Yun Che a deep look, but still asked: "Just now, facing the pressure from Meng Jianxi's faction alone, you remained composed. Why is your breath disordered now? Have you encountered some difficult problem all of a sudden?"
"No, it's not that." Yun Che quickly shook his head. He looked at Hua Qingying, his voice softening a few degrees: "It's just... since Master left, it's been many years since anyone has taught me so many things and been so genuinely concerned about my safety. So..."
Hua Qingying said: "You have already found your identity, and have many blood relatives by your side. In the future, there will be countless more who worry about your safety..."
"No, it's different!" Yun Che interrupted Hua Qingying's words with some agitation, saying with extreme seriousness: "The identity of Meng Jianyuan was imposed on me by others. I still cannot fully accept it, nor can I truly regard them as family."
"But Aunt... when I was drifting alone, with nothing, you accepted me with such a lofty status as Sword Immortal, gave me protection, spoke for me, and offered me many warnings and care."
"Perhaps for Aunt, these were merely casual gestures. But for me, they are as warm and precious as the grace of my master."
"Hmph, smooth-tongued." Hua Qingying's tone remained cold: "No wonder Caili is so utterly devoted to you. You need not feel this way. My warnings and public protection of you are all for Caili's sake."
Yun Che did not show any disappointment at her words, but instead smiled: "No matter the reason, I only know that I truly feel Aunt's kindness to me. Even if someday Aunt no longer likes me... you will always be my irreplaceable aunt in my heart."
"...Have it your way." She turned her back to Yun Che, her expression unseen: "Caili has already entered the Seven-Star Heaven-Breaking Formation and will not emerge for some time. You need not worry, and do not be distracted. Focus on improving yourself."
"Also, your status now is different from before. After today, your perfect divine rank will surely shake the Abyss. But even so, your matter with Caili cannot be made public too early. Everything must wait until the Pure Land audience three years from now."
Yun Che responded: "I understand."
"I'm leaving."
With these words, her ethereal figure rose into the air, then stopped. She suddenly said: "As long as it does not involve a divine source, the Yuan Emperor never interferes in affairs of the Divine Kingdoms. In the previous era, when the Divine Son of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom, who was about to inherit the power of a true god, was killed by Shen Wuyanye and the divine source was taken from her, the Yuan Emperor did not utter a single word."
Yun Che: "..."
"So, the calamity you suffered a hundred years ago may well recur. Take care of yourself."
Watching Hua Qingying's distant figure fade away, Yun Che shouted: "Aunt, rest assured. Even if only for Caili's and Aunt's sakes, I will protect myself well."
Only after Hua Qingying had completely disappeared into the distant sky did Yun Che turn around and leisurely return.
As he stepped into the Divine Kingdom's barrier, the guarding disciples all knelt on one knee: "Welcome back, Abyss Divine Son!"
Though they had not attended the ceremony, the Divine Venerable's voice had spread throughout the entire kingdom, and the four words "perfect divine rank" were like four thunderclaps, surging outward like a tide that covered the world.
Instead of returning to the ceremony venue, Yun Che went straight back to his Divine Son Palace. Wherever he passed, everyone knelt in welcome.
"Why... did you suddenly give up the title of Divine Son?" Li Suo finally spoke, asking: "Wasn't that what you had been striving for?"
"You misunderstand," Yun Che said leisurely. "From the beginning, my goal was to suppress Meng Jianxi, but I never intended to become the Weaving Dream Divine Son."
Li Suo: "Why?"
"Think about it and you'll know." Yun Che explained slowly: "After today, between Meng Jianxi and me, whose reputation and prestige will be greater, both inside and outside the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom?"
"You." The answer was obvious.
"So, that's enough." Yun Che smiled. "I am not the Divine Son, yet I am the Divine Son in everyone's eyes. Meng Jianxi is the Divine Son, but his title has become extremely awkward."
"Wanting something yourself and having others beg you to take it are completely different concepts. I've already obtained what I want, but I don't need to be bound by the title of 'Divine Son.' Any matters that require the Divine Son to handle should naturally be left to Meng Jianxi—what does that have to do with a mere Imperial Son? Right?"
"..." Li Suo was momentarily speechless.
Yun Che looked ahead, seeming thoughtful: "Speaking of which, Meng Jianxi and I actually have some identical thoughts in certain respects."
"You and Meng Jianxi... identical thoughts?"
Yun Che said slowly: "Meng Jianxi's plan was to have cultivators of the same realm crush me, branding a mark of shame on me so I would never again dare to touch the identity of Weaving Dream Divine Son. I did the same—directly branding a mark of shame on his title of 'Divine Son'... only he failed, and I succeeded."
"As for methods, they are neither right nor wrong, neither high nor low—only success or failure matters."
Li Suo was silent for a moment, then said softly: "Meng Jianxi's low-level methods came from his contempt for you, and his goal was merely self-preservation. The nature of his actions was not too malicious. But you... your identity is fake, everything is a scheme, yet you publicly insulted him as hypocritical and treacherous, trampling his originally stable title of Divine Son to this extent... Clearly, you are the one who is the complete villain."
Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly: "Thank you for the compliment. It shows that this demon currently wreaking havoc on the world is becoming more and more qualified."
"..."
Returning to the Divine Son Palace, as expected, led by Lu Laisheng, a group of guards knelt in unison:
"Welcome back, Abyss Divine Son!"
Yun Che sighed, half helplessly: "You should have already heard the news—I was not appointed as the Divine Son."
"No," Lu Laisheng said loudly: "It's not that you are unworthy of the title of Divine Son, but that you temporarily do not want it! Even without the title of Divine Son, you are still in the hearts of all cultivators of Weaving Dream..."
He paused, then still spoke loudly: "The only Divine Son!"
Such was the power of a perfect divine rank. With a perfect divine rank on his person, whether he wore the title of Divine Son or not no longer mattered. Instead, the entire Weaving Dream was eagerly looking forward to the day he truly became the Weaving Dream Divine Son.
Yun Che waved his hand: "I understand your intentions, but rules must still be observed. In the future, just address me as 'Young Master'."
"Yes!" Lu Laisheng immediately responded. His respect now was countless times more genuine than before.
Approaching the sleeping quarters, a group of attendants were already waiting there early. Their postures became even more reverent, and each of them exuded an overly intense excitement.
Serving an ordinary son of a Divine Venerable versus serving a Divine Son of a Divine Kingdom—the difference was like heaven and earth.
They never dreamed that stepping into the Divine Kingdom with endless trepidation would bring such a heavenly fortune. Probably the most excited people in the entire Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom, aside from the Dreamless Divine Venerable himself, were them.
Meng Zhiyuan quickly approached, bowing gracefully: "Welcome back, Divine Son. You must have worked hard at the ceremony."
The others, however, were too nervous to step forward.
"Don't call me Divine Son," Yun Che said helplessly.
"Yes, yes, yes, whatever the Young Master says," Meng Zhiyuan said with a grin.
Yun Che looked up, glancing at Liu Zhanyi, Shangguan Helu, and the others: "What's with you all? Don't recognize me?"
"No... it's not that..." Liu Zhanyi lowered her head, fidgeting with her clothes, nervously timid: "Young Master... is like a heavenly being... we maids... are at a loss for how to conduct ourselves..."
Yun Che twitched the corner of his mouth, about to tease them a few words, when a clear voice suddenly came from afar:
"Senluo Dian Jiuzhi, taking the liberty to visit, seeking an audience with Brother Jianyuan for a chat."
Mmm?
Yun Che turned his head sideways, pondering slightly.
"Zhanyi, go welcome the Palace's Divine Son to the reception hall. Helu, prepare tea. Zhiyuan, help me change clothes... This Divine Son attire is too conspicuous, not befitting your young master's bearing."