# Chapter 2136: Child of Darkness
The world of Sha Xing and Xian Yue was plunged into lightless darkness.
Even the blazing radiance of the Celestial Wolf's divine light and the resplendent brilliance of the Purple Que were completely devoured by this dense, eerie darkness.
If this darkness had merely overwhelmed the five senses, it would have only startled them for a moment... But the instant the darkness struck, their souls suddenly trembled violently.
Their outward-released soul breaths and the intimately interwoven soul strings were suddenly torn and cut as if by countless pitch-black demon blades and sawtooth swords. Before they could even react to the sharp pain and terror in their souls, the strings were violently snapped and shattered.
BOOM——
Their soul seas roared with a deafening hum, then were plunged into boundless darkness.
If Sha Xing or Xian Yue had faced this "Pan Yuan Duan Ye" alone, even caught off guard the first time, they would only have lost their five senses for a few breaths and experienced a few moments of mental blankness... In a direct confrontation, it wouldn't have been fatal.
But...
The perfect union of the Star and Moon Divine Sons connected forty percent through profound force aura and sixty percent through soul aura.
Their soul auras perfectly merged and depended on each other, essentially granting each of them the perception of two people. And if, in such a state, their perception were suddenly and unexpectedly severed...
The soul collapse they endured would naturally be more than double.
The consequence was nearly a full breath of mental blankness for both Divine Sons!
Pan Buwang didn't move his feet. His hand merely swept the Silent Night Chang Geng horizontally, carving a deep, dark rift in the boundless night that even cut through the darkness itself.
The darkness swallowed light, swallowed aura and soul breath, and swallowed all sound.
Everyone only saw that within the darkness-covered barrier, two twisted figures flew out side by side. They left the darkness and also left the barrier, crashing to the ground at the same instant in the same stiff posture. But they didn't immediately stand up—they remained frozen in place for a brief moment.
Like two soulless puppets.
BANG! CLANG!
Two heavy sounds followed as the Celestial Wolf Giant Sword and the Purple Que Sword flew out from the darkness, precisely stabbing into the ground beside them.
It was at this moment that the pupils of the Star and Moon Divine Sons finally regained focus and clarity.
They rose, their hands instinctively gripping their Divine Son weapons. But then, their bodies and expressions froze again as they stared blankly at the barrier in their sight.
The darkness dissipated, revealing Pan Buwang's figure once more.
He was still standing in the same spot, as if he had never moved at all.
The deathly silence that had frozen the scene also shattered with the dissipation of the darkness, erupting into a wave of uncontrollable noise.
"Wh-what happened?"
"The Star and Moon Dual Jade... instantly defeated? This... this..."
"It seems the soul connection of the Star and Moon Dual Jade was instantly severed, causing soul collapse."
"Records regarding Dark Profound Force indeed mention that it possesses the strongest soul-devouring ability among all profound forces. But the Dark Profound Art cultivated by the Xiaodie Divine Kingdom is clearly not proficient in this domain. This soul-devouring dark domain of Pan Buwang—I've never seen it, never heard of it!"
"The most terrifying part is that this soul-devouring dark domain was deployed almost instantly... Let alone two young men, even an old man like me would be stunned for three seconds."
"..."
Pan Buzhuo's mouth, which had unknowingly fallen open, closed with considerable difficulty. He forced himself to focus and lowered his voice: "Father God, this... this is not our Xiaodie's technique at all! What exactly is..."
He received no response to his question.
When he turned his gaze, for the first time in his life, he saw a true expression of "shock" on his father god's face.
As his eyes swept back, all the Xiaodie experts present were equally filled with astonishment.
"Sha Xing and Xian Yue have left the barrier. This battle is won by Pan Buwang!"
The High Divine Official's voice rang out, calming the nearly chaotic uproar.
And as he made this announcement, the High Divine Official's gaze lingered on Pan Buwang for a brief moment.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Wu Shen Xing rose and applauded in praise: "Although both battles were decided in an instant, this was undeniably brilliant—so much so that even I am greatly enlightened and cannot help but admire it."
As a Divine Venerable, his words held no falsehood or sarcasm, and his praise was unreserved.
"Star, Moon." He looked at the still somewhat dazed Sha Xing and Xian Yue: "Since achieving your perfect union, you have never suffered defeat against an enemy even one realm above you. Yet today, facing an opponent of the same realm, you were defeated in one breath."
"Do you have any grievances about this outcome?"
Tian Xing Shen Zun's voice dispelled the lingering darkness in their souls. Their expressions gradually returned to solemnity, and they both bowed in unison:
"Disciple accepts this defeat wholeheartedly. This defeat today will be remembered deeply."
By admitting defeat openly, they recovered their shattered dignity to the greatest extent.
"It's all right." Wu Shen Yue smiled comfortingly: "Today's defeat will become tomorrow's fruit. Come, first set aside distractions, focus your mind, and calm your spirit."
Everyone's attention was now fixed on Pan Buwang. Tian Xing Shen Zun said frankly: "My unworthy disciple Sha Xing, after his minor victory over Divine Son Buzhuo, spoke frivolously and overstepped. Now he has received a lesson and punishment from Divine Son Buwang. The pain on his face will probably be hard to fade for many years."
"Congratulations, Qiheng Shen Zun. Congratulations, Xiaodie Divine Kingdom. Such an outstanding Divine Successor, even when placed in history, can be called astonishingly brilliant. Truly enviable."
Pan Buzhuo had been defeated and humiliated by Sha Xing.
Pan Buwang's instant defeat of Sha Xing undoubtedly recovered the face lost by the Xiaodie Divine Kingdom many times over.
And his solo defeat of the Star and Moon Dual Jade...
Without exaggeration, as the Xiaodie Divine Kingdom—historically the weakest in overall strength—never had any generation's Divine Son ever bloomed with such a shocking dark brilliance.
Yet, no one in the Xiaodie Divine Kingdom was smiling. They didn't even show the pride and excitement that should have been written on their faces.
Qiheng Shen Zun's response was equally stiff: "Tian Xing Shen Zun flatters me. It was merely luck."
The reaction of the Xiaodie Divine Kingdom was not particularly surprising. After all, regarding the change of Divine Sons, everyone knew something about what had happened during that period.
If Pan Buzhuo had accomplished this feat, the Xiaodie Kingdom would have been jumping and screaming in excitement, regardless of decorum. But it was Pan Buwang... All they felt was unspeakable discomfort.
Pan Buzhuo clenched his teeth, clearly trying to maintain calm and composure. But the corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
He knew perfectly well that after today, even if he remained the sole Divine Son of Xiaodie and Pan Buwang remained the abandoned son, Pan Buwang's reputation would surely surpass his.
And he, the Xiaodie Divine Son, would for a considerable time become a foil... or even a laughingstock.
"Pan Buwang," the High Divine Official's voice rang out again: "You may choose your opponent or choose to rest."
Pan Buwang didn't move. He was still looking ahead, but the corners of his eyes uncontrollably darted toward Shen Wuyi again and again.
*'After defeating the Star and Moon Divine Sons, you must immediately withdraw without any hesitation or delay, and under no circumstances cause any trouble! No matter how much you hate Pan Buzhuo, no matter how much you want to kill Shen Wuyi...'*
His master's warning echoed repeatedly through his soul sea, and at last, the edge of his gaze completely left Shen Wuyi.
But the next instant, this figure he had just forcefully pushed away suddenly appeared fully in his direct line of sight.
A black shadow flashed. Shen Wuyi stepped onto the barrier, facing Pan Buwang directly.
"Shen Wuyi of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom requests your instruction."
An ethereal voice arose, like frost flowing under moonlight—cold and bone-piercing, yet carrying a pure and aloof detachment.
Pan Buwang met her gaze... A face of exquisite beauty, an aura like a dreamy immortal—but what it stirred in his eyes was not admiration, but a bone-deep killing intent that nearly broke free of his control.
*'Do not hesitate... Do not cause trouble... No matter how much you want to kill Shen Wuyi...'*
*'Do not cause trouble...'*
*'Do not...'*
His ten fingers curled slightly, then slowly relaxed bit by bit after several breaths.
"Forgive me," he spoke, his voice like a bell in the cold night, carrying a distant chill: "I have no reason to fight you. According to the rules of past Divine Son battles..."
"I concede."
These three words—the hardest to utter in a Divine Son battle—left his lips with incredible simplicity. They held not the slightest hint of reluctance, nor any trace of hatred or resentment. They were as calm as a pool of late-autumn cold spring.
"..." Shen Wuyi gave no response.
The crowd exchanged glances. Another unexpected outcome.
They could no longer understand or predict what Pan Buwang was doing or intended to do... nor did they know what had happened to him during his "disappeared" years.
The High Divine Official's gaze fixed on Pan Buwang again: "With such remarkable bearing, you might well receive the favor of the Abyss Emperor. Are you truly willing to concede without a fight?"
The High Divine Official rarely spoke more than necessary, and this sentence was an extremely rare piece of advice given to a Divine Son. Clearly, he understood Pan Buwang's extraordinary nature better than nearly everyone present.
"Yes." Amid the crowd's shock and confusion, Pan Buwang's answer followed immediately on the heels of the High Divine Official's words, without even a moment's hesitation.
The High Divine Official said no more and announced: "Thus, this battle is won by Shen Wuyi of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom without a fight."
Once a Divine Son loses in battle, they cannot fight again... However, the Abyss Emperor's final selection was not solely determined by victory or defeat.
Pan Buwang turned calmly, seemingly about to walk out of the barrier.
Just then, a voice sounded in everyone's ears, instantly silencing all noise atop the Eden Cloud Summit and freezing every wisp of flowing breath.
"Pan Buwang, come before me alone."
Pan Buwang's steps faltered. His gaze was dazed, and he stood motionless for a long time, as if frozen in place.
The Eden Cloud Summit was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. From Divine Venerables to young profound practitioners, all wore stiff expressions. For a long time, no one dared utter a word. Only their hearts thundered like drums in their chests.
Pan Buzhuo stood dumbfounded, utterly bereft of his soul. In Qiheng Shen Zun's eyes, shock and bewilderment churned—nearly dozens of times greater than before.
"Yes."
It was as if Pan Buwang had just come to his senses. He answered with some difficulty and dryness, then turned and walked toward the Abyss Emperor.
His steps were cautious and slow, as if treading on dream clouds.
The Abyss Emperor, who throughout the Divine Son battles had always been merely a spectator, rarely speaking a word or even changing his expression, had actually taken the initiative to issue a divine decree, calling out to Pan Buwang... What this meant, they didn't even dare to guess recklessly.
Finally, under gazes that no one dared to look away from, he arrived before the Abyss Emperor and knelt in worship.
The Abyss Emperor's figure descended from above and stood before Pan Buwang, only a single step away.
He reached out, and his hand—white as sacred jade, flowing with hazy divine light—touched Pan Buwang's shoulder... and withdrew after a moment.
"Pan Buwang," he called the young man's name lightly. Though it was the voice of an emperor, it was as warm and gentle as the striking of warm jade, refined and soft: "Can you tell me where you obtained the dark soul domain you just used?"
He did not command. He used the word "can," granting Pan Buwang the right to refuse an answer.
The world was immensely quiet, as if everyone had forgotten to breathe.
Pan Buwang raised his head slightly. He did not avoid the Abyss Emperor's gaze, but as a junior, he naturally dared not meet the Abyss Emperor's eyes directly: "In reply to the Abyss Emperor, this was realized by myself."
He did not refuse to answer, and this answer undoubtedly struck everyone's hearts with endless shock.
If it was truly self-created and self-realized... What astonishing dark talent was required to comprehend such a dark masterstroke capable of instantly defeating the Star and Moon Dual Jade?
And as he spoke these words, a clearly uncontrollable, gradually overflowing sorrow and gloom seeped from Pan Buwang.
...
Wu Huang: '*Buwang, before entering the Pure Land, there is one thing you must prepare yourself mentally for. That is... after you successfully defeat the Star and Moon Divine Sons, the Abyss Emperor may turn his attention to you and inquire about the origin of 'Pan Yuan Duan Ye.'*'
Bu Wang: '*I dare not question Master's words. But, if I may be so bold, throughout history, even during great disasters and upheavals among the Divine Kingdoms, even when Divine Venerables changed, the Abyss Emperor never paid attention. How could he take notice of a mere...*'
Wu Huang: '*Just obey!*'
Bu Wang: '*Yes.*'
Wu Huang: '*If this truly happens, you know how to answer.*'
Bu Wang: '*Pan Yuan Duan Ye was realized by me in the darkness and silence... But how could my lie possibly fool the Abyss Emperor?*'
Wu Huang: '*If falsehood cannot be concealed, then let it be consumed by truth.*'
Bu Wang: '*...Please teach me, Master.*'
Wu Huang: '*Think of your mother. Think of your Shen Wuqing. Think of yourself who has nothing! Let pain, sorrow, resentment, and despair fill your soul, devouring all other emotions... including falsehoods and lies!*'
...
When too painful memories flooded his soul sea, Pan Buwang's fingers curled, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
"Buwang... lost his loved ones... lost his beloved... once became dead-hearted like ashes, moved to the Dreamweaving Kingdom, only wishing to sink forever into a dream... Then was expelled, wandering in the Mist Sea..."
His voice grew rough. Every word seemed to carry tangible despair, piercing the heart and soul of every listener.
"Once, near death in the Mist Sea, my soul sank into a dream, wanting only to fall forever into the dark night... When I awoke, the darkness around me covered the heavens. The only thing in my hand—the 'Silent Night Chang Geng'—trembled and wailed, like a mother's hand pulling me back from the abyss of night..."
"I was as if reborn. I rose and used my spear to sever the darkness... In that instant, a sudden enlightenment dawned in my heart... and I named it: Pan Yuan Duan Ye."
Everyone present knew the gist of Pan Buwang's experiences.
With the Abyss Emperor before him, he was clearly struggling to control his emotions. But... despair pierced to the bone, pain burned the heart, and every word dripped with blood... It was impossible not to feel sympathy.
Pan Yuan Duan Ye... realized in the soul-stunning near-death experience. No wonder it possessed such terrifying soul-devouring ability.
The Abyss Emperor gave a slight nod. Then he raised his hand and gently patted Pan Buwang's shoulder twice.
This was a consolation from the Abyss Emperor—a divine grace that countless Divine Sons had never even dreamed of. Pan Buzhuo's brows twitched wildly, and the hearts of the Xiaodie Kingdom churned like the sea.
And the Abyss Emperor's next words were even more earth-shattering, like the overturning of heaven and earth.
"I once thought that this world could no longer give birth to a pure child of darkness. Yet it is in this era that this long-cherished wish is fulfilled."
—End of Chapter 2136—