Chapter 2126: Eden Cloud Summit
At that moment, a silver shadow suddenly descended from above, instantly dispelling the pressure that had been crushing down on Yun Che.
Meng Kongchan's figure fell from the sky, landing before Yun Che. He spoke with a light smile: "Meng was just about to pay a visit, yet unexpectedly encountered you here. It has been a while since I last sent my regards—are you well, Great Divine Official?"
Faced with the words of the Dreamless Divine Venerable, the Great Divine Official showed no reaction whatsoever. His gaze remained locked on Yun Che.
Meng Kongchan frowned slightly, then said: "This is my unworthy son, Jian Yuan, who was lost for a hundred years and only recently found. As a result, he has been lacking in discipline. This is also his first time visiting the Pure Land, so he is bound to be ignorant and reckless. If he has offended you, Great Divine Official, I hope you will be magnanimous and let it slide for now. After this matter is settled, I will certainly bring Jian Yuan to personally apologize to you."
The Great Divine Official, however, continued to act as if he had heard nothing, his eyes like bottomless black abysses.
He spoke again, his might and pressure several times greater than before: "Answer me—where did you obtain your Pagoda Force?!"
The space between the Great Divine Official and the Dreamless Divine Venerable suddenly twisted violently.
As the terrifying divine voice descended, the hem of the Dreamless Divine Venerable's robe was slightly lifted, rustling in disorder.
"Pagoda Force?" Meng Kongchan turned his head to look at Yun Che, unmistakable shock in his eyes.
Even with the protection of the Dreamless Divine Venerable, the overwhelmingly terrifying divine pressure still made Yun Che's head feel as if it were splitting. Yet his mind remained fiercely cold, racing at full speed as he reorganized the answer he had already prepared.
This answer was originally meant to be used when facing the Abyss Emperor.
The memory fragments left by the Evil God Ni Xuan had clearly informed him of the Abyss Emperor's true identity.
They also clearly told him that the Great Dao Pagoda Art he cultivated was precisely the creation of the Abyss Emperor.
And the Desolate God was a god "created" by the Abyss Emperor using the Great Dao Pagoda Art during the Age of Gods. Therefore, if the Abyss Emperor's identity was correct, he would surely be able to easily detect the Pagoda Force within Yun Che's body.
But he had never expected to encounter the Great Divine Official before facing the Abyss Emperor. He had to quickly reevaluate in this extremely short time whether this answer was equally "applicable" to the Great Divine Official.
Yun Che raised his head, meeting the Great Divine Official's gaze directly, and finally saw his appearance clearly.
His face—indeed, his entire body—was etched with dominance and fortitude, so intense that it nearly overwhelmed everything else, making it impossible even to discern his age.
The sharpness of his features was so acute it seemed capable of cutting through the years themselves, and the darkness in his eyes was so profound it appeared able to devour an entire abyssal world.
Just before Yun Che could speak, a voice drifted down from beyond the heavens.
"Desolate, withdraw."
The voice was like gentle rain, like soft wind, seeming both real and dreamlike. It carried no emotion whatsoever, yet it soothed the heart, like bathing in a clear spring.
The divine pressure enveloping him vanished in an instant. The Great Divine Official's gaze lingered on Yun Che for another moment, then without any hesitation, he turned and left, leaving not a single word.
Meng Kongchan's face showed confusion, but he let out an obvious sigh of relief and said loudly: "Farewell, Great Divine Official."
Slowly retracting his released aura, Meng Kongchan turned around and spoke in a gentle tone: "Yuan'er, do you truly possess the 'Pagoda Force' that the Great Divine Official mentioned?"
Yun Che hesitated briefly but still nodded, explaining: "Among the teachings my master passed down, there is a body-tempering profound art called the 'Great Dao Pagoda Art.' The power derived from it should be what the Great Divine Official called 'Pagoda Force.'"
"My master instructed me not to divulge anything about him to others. I also do not know why the Great Divine Official could discern it at a glance..." He murmured to himself: "Could it be that my master has some connection with the Great Divine Official?"
"..." Meng Kongchan frowned, lost in thought.
"Senior Dreamless Divine Venerable, that voice just now—could it be..." Yun Che's voice faltered, as if he dared not easily speak that supreme name.
"Voice? What voice?"
After voicing his doubt, Meng Kongchan instantly understood: "No wonder he suddenly left just as he was making his move—so it was..."
His gaze turned somewhat complicated, but being in the Pure Land, he dared not speculate rashly or jump to conclusions for the time being.
"Yuan'er, that master of yours—his background might be far greater than we imagine. He may wish to no longer be involved with the mortal world, but in the eyes of the Supreme Pure Land, no secret in this world can remain hidden."
Meng Kongchan did not press further. Instead, he said with a sigh: "However, this is by no means a bad thing for you. Judging from just now, it may even bring you benefits beyond imagination in the future."
"Mm." Yun Che's eyes showed a flicker of emotion: "My master's blessing is always with me, in body and in heart."
Meng Kongchan smiled: "Come back with me. Although your safety in the Pure Land is absolutely assured, I always feel uneasy when you are not by my side."
"Yes."
Meng Kongchan lifted Yun Che, but just as they rose into the air, a beam of sword wind cut through the air, followed by that cold, peerlessly beautiful immortal silhouette.
Meng Kongchan's originally solemn expression instantly bloomed with a smile, the corners of his mouth rising: "Qingying..."
Hua Qingying's gaze swept over Yun Che's entire body in an instant, her voice cold and frozen: "Were you just locked onto by the Great Divine Official's divine sense?"
Clearly, she had sensed something and, worried, had arrived in an instant.
"Aunt, you need not worry," Yun Che quickly said. "The Great Divine Official probably sensed something unusual in my aura and simply made an inquiry. He meant no harm."
Hua Qingying's tightly furrowed brows did not relax.
Yun Che did not know that outside the Pure Land, Hua Qingying was the person who understood and had the most frequent contact with the Great Divine Official, even more so than the six Divine Venerables.
The Abyss Emperor's temperament was extremely gentle, while the Great Divine Official's temperament was extremely cold. He almost never showed any kindness to those outside the Pure Land. Even Hua Caili, who possessed a beauty that could topple nations, a pure heart like jade, and was loved by everyone in the Pure Land, only earned his cold glances.
In Hua Qingying's memory, the Great Divine Official had never before focused his divine sense so completely on a young member of a divine kingdom.
Glancing in the direction where the Great Divine Official's aura had gone, the chill in Hua Qingying's gaze finally eased somewhat: "That is best. Before this, did you go to see Dian Luohou and Dian Jiuzhi?"
"I was also about to ask about that," Meng Kongchan said.
Yun Che answered honestly: "Yes. Regarding the matter between me and Caili, there will inevitably come a day when I have to face the Jueluo Divine Venerable and the Senluo Divine Son. I felt that this was an opportunity for me to learn as much about them as possible."
Meng Kongchan sighed lightly, half gratified, half admonishing: "Yuan'er, I know you have a sense of responsibility far beyond your years, and..."
"Leave this matter to the two Divine Venerables, Dreamless and Heart-Painting," Hua Qingying said, her eyes fixed on Yun Che, her voice icy but not piercing: "Yun Che, with the change in your identity and Hua Caili's perfect divine rank, the resistance against you and Caili has already diminished far more than at the beginning. I know your feelings for Caili, and that your earnest desire drives you. You want to do as much as you can with your own strength. But the entanglements involved cannot be faced by someone like you now."
"Acting too hastily may backfire."
Yun Che lowered his head, a hint of guilt in his voice: "Aunt's lesson is correct. I was indeed too impatient, causing Aunt to worry."
"Uh... yes... right." The completely ignored Dreamless Divine Venerable could only give an awkward smile, like a simple, quiet old father.
"Earnest desire is not a mistake; there is no need to blame yourself. It is enough that you understand."
Hua Qingying turned and continued to give instructions: "This gathering in the Pure Land is of great significance. There will surely be competition among the divine sons and maidens. It is best to stay close to your father at all times and not be caught up in stray forces."
"Yes, I will remember. Farewell, Aunt."
Meng Kongchan watched Hua Qingying until she had disappeared into the distance, then reluctantly withdrew his gaze. He was not jealous of Yun Che's obedient demeanor before Hua Qingying; on the contrary, he was quite gratified.
"Your aunt is right. Just leave the matter between you and Caili to us elders."
Yun Che suddenly asked: "Senior Dreamless Divine Venerable, there is a question I have always wanted to ask but have never dared to voice."
Meng Kongchan chuckled: "Between father and son, there is nothing we cannot say."
"What I want to ask is..." Yun Che's gaze carried a hint of worry and anxiety: "If the final result is the best outcome, what will become of your and Heart-Painting Divine Venerable's friendship with the Jueluo Divine Venerable?"
The faint smile on Meng Kongchan's face showed an instant crack.
He did not brush it off or try to gloss over it. Instead, he sighed lightly: "Hua Fuchen and I know Dian Luohou best. No matter the final outcome, it will inevitably create an irreparable rift."
"The best outcome would be that a rift exists between Dian Luohou and us, but the bond remains. However, this outcome requires sufficient patience and gradual groundwork, and it demands that Hua Fuchen and I swallow enough of our pride before him. Still, it is true that Hua Fuchen and I were in the wrong first. We should do this, and Dian Luohou is worthy of our doing so."
"An ordinary outcome would be that the bond between Dian Luohou and us dissolves entirely, leaving only indifference. Given Dian Luohou's unbending nature... Hua Fuchen and I both believe this is the most likely outcome."
After a brief pause, he continued: "The difference between these two outcomes only concerns the friendship among the three of us. As for you and Caili, you can henceforth have no obstacles and walk hand in hand without hindrance... both are excellent outcomes."
Yun Che was visibly moved. His gaze dropped, and his voice lowered: "The friendship between the three of you Divine Venerables has spanned over ten thousand years—how precious it is. Yet for me and Caili, you..."
"Hahaha!" Meng Kongchan laughed loudly, cutting off his guilt-laden words: "Yuan'er, you and Caili love each other, have shared life and death, and both possess perfect divine ranks. You are both descendants of Divine Venerables. In the entire history of the Abyss, it would be hard to find a 'heavenly match' like the two of you."
"And the most important point..." He reached out and gently placed his hand on Yun Che's shoulder: "You are my son, Yuan'er. When it comes to your future and your life, it is only right for me to do anything for you, and I do it gladly. Hua Fuchen feels the same about that girl Caili. You have no need to feel burdened by this."
"Once you become a father yourself in the future, you will understand this feeling."
Yun Che's lips moved. After a long moment, he said softly: "Then... what about the worst-case scenario?"
Meng Kongchan's smile gradually faded, and his gaze turned to the empty distance: "If we were to directly reveal the matter, the consequence would certainly be a severing of ties. The fury it would incite, and the fallout, would be impossible to predict."
"And a result worse than that would be if, before we have done enough guiding, groundwork, cushioning, and making amends, Dian Luohou learns of it from another source... In his eyes, this would be a complete deception, concealment, betrayal, and even humiliation by Hua Fuchen and me."
He slowly closed his eyes: "Then the consequence would not merely be anger. There would likely be hatred as well—hatred that cuts to the bone."
"For one he considers a righteous comrade, he would be willing to die; for one he sees as a betrayer, his hatred would be even greater than for an enemy, wishing them nothing but death."
Yun Che said in a low voice: "The rumored temperament of the Jueluo Divine Venerable is indeed as you say, Senior."
Sensing Yun Che's worry and anxiety, Meng Kongchan withdrew his gaze, and his expression relaxed: "Heh, this is also why, over the past few years, Hua Fuchen and I have visited the Senluo Divine Kingdom many times, while you and Caili were not allowed to meet. But rest assured, Hua Fuchen and I have made multiple preparations. As long as no major accident occurs, that so-called worst-case scenario will never materialize."
"However, you and Caili must exercise as much self-control as possible. After this gathering in the Pure Land, you will each return to your respective divine kingdoms and must not meet again easily until the dust settles. But I think someone as intelligent and rational as you does not even need such a reminder from me."
"Additionally, before leaving the Pure Land, Hua Fuchen and I will take you and Caili to privately meet the Abyss Emperor."
Yun Che showed surprise: "Take me and Caili?"
On this trip to the Pure Land, Meng Kongchan and Hua Fuchen would secretly meet the Abyss Emperor to first confess the matter of him and Hua Caili—this was entirely within Yun Che's expectations. But he had not expected them to bring him and Hua Caili along.
"Yes," Meng Kongchan nodded. "Hua Fuchen and I made this decision a year ago. As for the reason..."
"A small part is that the Abyss Emperor dotes on Caili quite a bit. When facing him directly, perhaps the Abyss Emperor's anger may be somewhat tempered out of reluctance. The larger part is..."
At this point, his eyes held a smile: "Both Hua Fuchen and I feel that you might have the ability to earn a bit of goodwill from the Abyss Emperor."
"This..." Yun Che humbly said, "The Abyss Emperor is a figure of such stature—you overestimate me too much."
"Hahaha!" Meng Kongchan laughed heartily: "That girl Caili is so obedient and never oversteps, yet she broke off her engagement for you and did not hesitate to resist her father, whom she had never defied before. Jianxi grew up under my watch, and I know his abilities well, yet you completely won him over in such a short time."
"Your capabilities are likely far greater than we imagine, hahaha!"
Amidst his hearty laughter, Meng Kongchan had already brought Yun Che back to the courtyard.
Yun Che did not go out again. He dutifully stayed by Meng Kongchan's side, calming his mind and focusing, waiting for the moment to be granted an audience with the Abyss Emperor.
As he withdrew his five senses, the outside world fell into absolute silence. Only countless strands of thought continued to intertwine in his sea of consciousness, calculating various possibilities.
Until, at some point, a surging profound energy descended from the distant sky, accompanied by a deep, majestic hum.
All of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom, from top to bottom, opened their eyes and stood up, their expressions solemn.
"Brother Yuan, the time has come."
Meng Jianxi's voice sounded in his ear. Yun Che stood up, his face displaying the most appropriate tension, anticipation, and excitement.
"No need to be nervous. Just act naturally."
After sending the telepathic message to Yun Che, Meng Kongchan stood proudly, the divine pressure of a true god surging around him: "The time has come. Proceed to Eden Cloud Summit!"
---
Undoubtedly, the Pure Land was the purest place in the Abyss World.
And this place was the pinnacle of that purity.
The color was a pure, flawless white. The feet stepped on clouds, the heavens were connected to clouds, and as far as the eye could see, apart from the arriving figures, there was not a single trace of variegation or flaw.
The aura was as if it had been washed by the purest, most immaculate spring in the world—no abyssal dust from the Mist Sea, not even the floating dust of the mortal world.
Even in the Divine Realm, which Yun Che knew best, such a pristine place almost did not exist.
This place was called—Eden Cloud Summit.
It was the highest place of the Pure Land, the highest place of the Abyss.
And it was also where the Abyss Emperor resided.
Beyond the layered clouds sat the audience hall that the entire world looked up to, a place where even the six Divine Venerables dared not raise their eyes to gaze upon directly—the Eden Sacred Hall.
"What a strange place. Its purity is discomforting."
This was the evaluation given by the Life Creation God, who symbolized the ultimate sanctity of the world.
Yun Che, interrupted from his contemplation, replied: "Such a space was clearly not formed naturally. To create such extreme purity and flawlessness... it seems to reflect some kind of obsession in the heart."
"Obsession?" Li Suo did not understand.
"That... is a bit difficult to explain to you in such a short time. For now, I need to focus on the important matter."
His gaze shifted forward, meeting one after another of the gazes cast his way.
Soon, the core powers of the six divine kingdoms and the only surviving beast clan—the Dragon Clan—would all gather here.
But none of these beings who ruled the Abyss World and stood at its peak knew that among them was hidden a demon god who swore to annihilate the Abyss at all costs.
—End of Chapter—