Chapter 2146: Battle Outside the Battle
A flicker of surprise and slight bewilderment passed through Meng Kongchan's eyes, and the same confusion was evident in everyone's minds.
Meng Kongchan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said: "Reporting to Yuan Huang, it is my unworthy son, Jian Yuan. Jian Yuan once suffered a calamity, lost a hundred years, but heaven pitied the Weaving Dream, protected Jian Yuan so that he could return alive, and later awakened a Perfect Divine Rank."
"Yuan'er, come quickly and meet Yuan Huang."
Aside from his surprise, Meng Kongchan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. If he could get Meng Jian Yuan to become somewhat familiar to Yuan Huang here, the resistance to his relationship with Hua Caili would lessen somewhat, and it would also be beneficial for his future, with no harm done.
Yun Che stood beside Meng Kongchan, mirroring his slight bow: "Weaving Dream Yun Che, pays respects to Yuan Huang."
"..." The corner of Meng Kongchan's eye twitched slightly, and the expressions of others also turned somewhat subtle.
His insistence on calling himself Yun Che was basically known throughout the six kingdoms. But in this situation, and after Meng Kongchan had just introduced him to Yuan Huang as "Meng Jian Yuan," he still did so—it was indeed three parts persistence... but seven parts not knowing his place.
Yuan Huang, however, paid it no mind, and a hint of emotion even appeared on his face, faintly covered in divine radiance: "A Perfect Divine Rank appears once in ten thousand years. Two appearing in the same era has never happened before."
"Darkness' Child, Ice Heart Nine Xuan, Twin Stars Appear in the Abyss... This era is rife with unusual phenomena, perhaps all omens of the approaching 'Eternal Pure Land.'"
Everyone listened attentively to Yuan Huang's words. The Emperor's words were never superfluous; they always held deep meaning.
"The 'Eternal Pure Land' is near. This Divine Son battle might be the last of this generation. Such brilliant stars sent from heaven should not remain silent in this battle."
Yuan Huang's intention was clear, surprising yet seemed reasonable.
For the last Divine Son battle of this era, the perfect twin stars that broke history should indeed be revealed to the world and shine their brilliance upon this Pure Land.
Meng Kongchan was delighted in his heart, but his face showed humility: "To receive such praise from Yuan Huang is the supreme honor of my unworthy son Jian Yuan and the Weaving Dream. I am extremely flattered. However, Jian Yuan has been wandering outside for the past hundred years, enjoying none of the Weaving Dream's resources. His current cultivation is only at the Divine Lord Realm. Such a meager light can hardly enter the eyes of Yuan Huang and all the esteemed ones here."
"Hahaha, Dreamless Divine Venerable, you speak wrongly." Dian Luo Hou's thunderous voice rang out boldly: "Without relying on the Divine Kingdom, he still reached Divine Lord Realm Level 4 at the age of two Jiazi. If he had spent those hundred years in the Weaving Dream, how formidable would he be!"
Dian Luo Hou continued: "To be honest with everyone, my unworthy son, Dian Jiuzhi, after having a conversation with Meng Jian Yuan, couldn't stop praising him. He has spoken of him many times over the past few years, and whenever he mentions him, he must praise him. In his fifty-two Jiazi, this is the first time he has held someone in such high regard. Just based on that, I myself want to see with my own eyes what this brat is capable of."
Dian Luo Hou was straightforward by nature and never bothered with false praise.
Dian Jiuzhi wore a faint smile, expressing agreement.
Hua Fuchen also spoke with a smile: "Yun Che is only two Jiazi old now; for a Divine Successor, this is still a tender age. His cultivation level is not important. Since he possesses a Perfect Divine Rank, he must have something astonishingly extraordinary about him. This is a miracle of the world and should naturally bloom on the Pure Land and shine in the Abyss World."
With his two close friends having set the stage for him, Meng Kongchan naturally put away his "reluctance" and spoke solemnly: "Since that is the case, my Weaving Dream will naturally follow orders."
He turned his gaze to Yun Che, his eyes full of deep meaning: "Yuan'er, this is Yuan Huang's personal appointment, the utmost honor and glory. Right here at this Eden Summit, show Yuan Huang and the world the might of a Perfect Divine Successor... No need to be nervous, just act naturally. As for how to demonstrate, it's entirely up to you."
He really wasn't worried at all about Yun Che's "might"—in fact, he was more afraid of scaring the various Divine Venerables.
This suddenly bestowed opportunity was undoubtedly a great surprise of this Pure Land gathering.
Hua Caili half-hid her face behind Hua Qingying, but still couldn't conceal her crescent-moon-like eyes.
"Yes."
Yun Che responded respectfully, then straightened up, faced the various gazes, and walked calmly and composedly into the battle barrier that had not yet been withdrawn.
He felt countless eyes focusing on him—and the gaze from Dian Sansi, deeply hidden with extreme hatred, was particularly distinct.
Shen Wuyi's gaze also fell upon Yun Che for the first time.
A strange sense of dizziness appeared before her eyes, like a layer of self-condensed ice fog.
Startled awake in an instant, her gaze quickly turned cold again, replaced by a fleeting confusion and bewilderment.
Standing on the battlefield of the Divine Son battle as a non-Divine Son—this was probably a first in the Pure Land gathering. He was calm and composed, strolling leisurely as if on a casual walk. From Divine Venerables to the younger generation, not a single person could detect even the slightest trace of nervousness or tension.
And that was definitely not a disguised calmness, but a genuine ease from the inside out.
Just this point alone made the experts of the various Divine Kingdoms marvel in amazement.
Arriving at the center of the battlefield, Yun Che stopped, looked around, but did not release his Profound Energy. Instead, he said loudly: "Weaving Dream Yun Che, with thick skin and bold courage, I challenge the peer-level experts of all Divine Kingdoms here. I humbly ask for your guidance."
A battle between those of similar strength was undoubtedly the best way to demonstrate, and Yun Che's action was not at all surprising.
But after his shout, there was a long silence.
Yun Che was not a Weaving Dream Divine Son, but he possessed a Perfect Divine Rank, and Meng Kongchan's affection for him was written all over his face. In the future, he would undoubtedly become the Weaving Dream Divine Son.
Yun Che, as a non-Divine Son, issued a challenge, so naturally, the respondent could only be a peer-level expert who was also not a Divine Son.
Thus, if they lost, it would be a loss of face, simply serving as a stepping stone for Yun Che to display the grace of his Perfect Divine Rank.
But if they accidentally won... the consequences would be far more severe than losing. Not only would it offend the future Weaving Dream Divine Son, but it would also embarrass the entire Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom—even Yuan Huang, who proposed this, might be displeased.
Moreover, although the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom's Divine Enthronement Ceremony three years ago had been sealed off by Meng Kongchan, there were still many observers. The news that Yun Che, with his own strength, had easily defeated a group of same-realm profound practitioners had long since spread to the other kingdoms.
In the silence, the Great Divine Official's thunderous, ear-splitting voice rang out: "Since no one challenges you, I grant you the right similar to a Divine Son battle. You may choose anyone to fight, and the opponent may not refuse to fight!"
The Great Divine Official's words were clearly in accordance with Yuan Huang's intention.
"Thank you, Great Divine Official."
Yun Che bowed lightly, then turned his body and gaze synchronously, scanning the entire audience again.
He turned his gaze very slowly, clearly pausing on each person with great care. From Star Moon Divine Kingdom, to Xiaodie Divine Kingdom, to Zhetian Divine Kingdom, and then to Senluo Divine Kingdom...
His gaze was still meticulous and slow, but the moment it fell on Dian Sansi, it immediately shifted away, as if touching something filthy, and even the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
This seemed normal to others, but Dian Sansi, who met Yun Che's glance for that instant, felt his blood rush to his head. The hatred, resentment, and anger that had been stuck in his throat suddenly flooded his mind along with the surging blood, overwhelming most of his reason.
He suddenly stepped forward and roared: "Yun Che, I will fight you!"
"Sansi!" Dian Jiuzhi was shocked and quickly grabbed Dian Sansi's arm.
He had personally witnessed Yun Che sweeping through same-realm opponents and knew that once Dian Sansi was suppressed to the same realm, he was no match for him.
What worried him even more was Dian Sansi's obviously abnormal mood.
"Good lad!" Dian Luo Hou sighed first, then laughed: "As they say, a fight brings friendship. Have a good battle, and let all this pent-up anger out!"
This was Eden Summit. Once words were spoken, they could not be taken back. Dian Jiuzhi could only say in an extremely low voice: "You may fight, but absolutely no trouble! Remember what I said, and your promise!"
"Hm?"
No matter how low the voice, it couldn't escape Dian Luo Hou's ears. He tilted his eyes slightly, but with his thick nerves, he didn't meddle with the affairs of the younger generation.
Dian Sansi had a few moments of regret after shouting, but then a desire to vent took over. He took a deep breath and said in a low voice: "Brother Jiuzhi, rest assured. I will fight... and say nothing!"
Dian Jiuzhi let go of his hand.
Dian Sansi leaped high, directly into the barrier. The moment he landed, he brought a terrifying wave of air and a sky-shaking roar.
"Tsk, what a lot of resentment." Meng Jianxi said with no small amount of sarcasm.
Even if Dian Sansi tried his best to suppress it, who were the people present? The hatred that had reached its breaking point was easily detectable—but it didn't seem too strange.
Dian Jiuzhi was like a brother and teacher to Dian Sansi. Dian Sansi had admired and respected Dian Jiuzhi more than anyone else in his life. That was well known to everyone. And Dian Jiuzhi, the First Divine Son, had suffered such a crushing defeat today, losing all his glory, and was even humiliated with the most vicious words by the Wuming Divine Venerable... How could Dian Sansi not be angry and resentful?
Everyone, including the Senluo Divine Kingdom, deeply believed that his nearly overwhelming anger was because of Dian Jiuzhi, and this challenge was also a way to vent.
Yun Che slightly narrowed his eyes, facing Dian Sansi whose eyes were surging with a tide of hatred, and said with some satisfaction in his soul: "See? Here he comes."
Li Suo whispered: "Outside the Spirit Immortal Divine Residence, when you sensed Dian Jiuzhi and Dian Sansi approaching... was it really a spur-of-the-moment decision?"
"Of course," Yun Che said leisurely. "There are many ways. When I encountered one that was particularly convenient, it would be a waste not to use it. And since I'm using it, I might as well use it to the fullest; otherwise, it would be a pity."
"Convenient?"
"Yes. In the Xuanji Hall's intelligence on Dian Sansi, the most convenient piece, aside from his still-somewhat-naive temperament, was his extreme dependence on and respect for Dian Jiuzhi."
"..." Li Suo said nothing in reply.
"So it's Brother Sansi." Yun Che wore a smile, and no one except Dian Sansi across from him knew how deep the malice was behind this harmless-looking grin. "Thank you for granting me the favor of your guidance."
Dian Sansi clenched his fists slightly, saying nothing. He had promised Dian Jiuzhi "only fight, no talk," and moreover, he feared that if he opened his mouth, he would lose control of his words.
The Great Divine Official raised his hand, and that familiar bronze divine light flickered faintly: "Weaving Dream Meng Jian Yuan, cultivation at Divine Lord Realm Level 4; Sen Luo Dian Sansi, cultivation at Divine Annihilation Realm Level 3. A Xuanhuang Seal is required to balance cultivation."
"However, the difference in cultivation between the two is too great, involving a major realm suppression. In addition to Profound Force, the major realm suppression of physical strength will cause several breaths of severe full-body pain."
"No matter." Dian Sansi responded to the Great Divine Official in a relatively calm voice. "Please proceed with the Xuanhuang Seal, Great Divine Official."
But then, a voice several times clearer rang out: "Brother Sansi has granted me the favor of guidance. How could I allow Brother Sansi to suffer such pain because of my own low cultivation? I ask the Great Divine Official not to apply the Xuanhuang Seal."
Unlike Shen Wuyi's earlier refusal of the Xuanhuang Seal, the Great Divine Official did not dismiss it cleanly but was visibly stunned.
Because the difference between the two was not just one or two small realms—it was a full nine realms... plus a gap of an entire major realm.
Divine Annihilation Realm Level 6 and Divine Annihilation Realm Level 8 were differences within the demigod realm. But Divine Lord Realm and Divine Annihilation Realm... were forces from completely different planes.
If even the Great Divine Official reacted this way, one could imagine the others.
"Hahaha!" Dian Luo Hou laughed loudly. "This brat, talking nonsense."
Dian Jiuzhi didn't laugh, but his eyes were equally full of confusion and shock. He had personally witnessed Yun Che's moves. If he could, like Shen Wuyi, overcome an opponent two small realms higher, he wouldn't be too surprised.
But there was no way he could believe Yun Che was qualified to face the power of the Divine Annihilation Realm, let alone Dian Sansi without suppressing his realm.
"This... Brother Yuan is..."
Meng Jianxi instinctively turned to look at Meng Kongchan, only to find his divine father's face showing a strange calm... and he seemed to exchange a meaningful glance with the Divine Venerable of Painting Heart across the way.
Meng Jianxi shut his mouth, fixed his gaze back on the battlefield, and focused all his spirit on that sight... As his concentration intensified, the surrounding light and the sounds in his ears rapidly weakened, leaving only the violent pounding of his heart.
Could it be...
Could he truly, at the Divine Lord Realm... match the Divine Annihilation Realm!?
"He... is he serious?" Sha Xing's entire face was written with disbelief.
"It's not a joke, and in such a setting, one cannot joke." Xian Yue stared at Yun Che's expression, frowning in puzzlement. He tried hard to think of a reason why Yun Che would say such a thing, but he absolutely could not believe he could match Dian Sansi at this cultivation... not even a single exchange.
Wu Shen Xing and Wu Shen Yue exchanged glances, their expressions subtle.
"Heh! What Perfect Divine Rank? Has he lost his mind?" Pan Buzhuo, whose right cheek still bore an ugly scar, sneered in a low voice.
Pan Yusheng, however, glanced sideways at Meng Kongchan's expression and frowned slightly.
The Great Divine Official closed his five fingers, and the Xuanhuang Seal dispersed.
"Since that is the case, the Xuanhuang Seal will not be applied. Begin this battle. The battlefield rules are the same as the Divine Son battle!"
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