# Chapter 2153: Summoned by the Abyss Emperor
Above the Pure Land, in the courtyard where the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom resided.
A dark palanquin stopped at the center of the courtyard, its surroundings exuding a chilling silence far more intense than usual, causing the Eternal Night maidens guarding it to tremble in fear, not daring to make the slightest sound.
Shen Wuyi, guarded on both sides by Shen Wuyouluan and Shen Wumingque, arrived and slowly knelt before the palanquin, her voice clear and respectful like shattering jade striking ice: "Wuyi pays respects to Mother God..."
Boom!
A gust of freezing yin wind suddenly lifted the palanquin curtain and slammed fiercely into Shen Wuyi's chest.
Shen Wuyi did not dodge or defend, silently accepting the blow as her body was flung far away, a thin thread of blood slowly trickling from the corner of her lips.
"Wuyi, you have quite the nerve!" came the Yin-dark voice of Wuming Divine Venerable from within the palanquin, each word like an ice spike piercing bone: "Before coming here, I ordered you to request the Nine-Heart Divine Lotus from the Abyss Emperor, yet you dared to disobey and go to that so-called Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone instead!"
Shen Wuyouluan urgently spoke: "Divine Venerable, calm your anger. Wuyi's actions were all for your sake..."
"Silence!"
Another gust of yin wind lashed out, striking Shen Wuyouluan heavily and sending her staggering backward, crashing hard against a courtyard pillar: "Who allowed you to speak without permission!"
Shen Wuyouluan struggled to rise, knelt with her head bowed, and dared not speak again.
Shen Wuyi's long eyelashes shaded her moon-like eyes, her voice ethereal and calm: "According to the 'Secret Canon,' 'Abyss Heart Vine' can only exist on high-level Abyss Ghosts, yet the Mist Sea has never yielded a trace of it, nor has it ever appeared in any records. But the legendary Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone is said to be haunted by countless Abyss Ghosts, some transformed from ancient fallen gods, making it the greatest hope I could conceive."
"To me, my own improvement is far less important than Mother God's safety, so I..."
Her voice paused, and she lowered her head, speaking with shame: "But regardless of the reason, I did disobey orders, and my crime is unforgivable. I am willing to accept any punishment from Mother God."
Had this been any other elder, they would surely have been touched by such profound filial devotion. But... Wuming Divine Venerable trusted and "detested" sincerity the least!
Her tone was so cold it could freeze souls: "In all the years I've taught you, when have I ever included 'self-righteousness'!"
"This is the first time you have openly defied me. When we return to Eternal Night, you will learn the consequences! Now, get out! Get out immediately!"
"Yes." Shen Wuyi answered softly and prepared to leave.
"Wait!"
A harsh cry suddenly arose, and the surrounding aura abruptly shifted. The gloomy air currents churned chaotically, rapidly forming a barrier of isolation at the true god level.
Within the isolation domain, Shen Wuyanyie's voice seemed to sound directly in their ears, at the very bottom of their souls, and the entire space transformed into a strange and terrifying soundscape:
"I am changing my order for you to cripple Yun Che! Now, I command you to kill Yun Che!"
Abrupt, rapid breathing filled the isolated soundscape, sounding extremely clear. Shen Wuyouluan, Shen Wumingque... and nearly all the Eternal Night maidens revealed deep shock and confusion in their lowered eyes.
Although Wuming Divine Venerable's words and actions had never been like those of a Divine Venerable, nor like a normal person, this order was truly too inexplicable and irrational.
"Yes." Shen Wuyi obediently lowered her eyes and responded without the slightest hesitation.
"Leave no trace!" Wuming Divine Venerable's voice began to tinge with a maddening fanaticism: "And if Yun Che dares to set foot in the Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone, that will be the perfect opportunity—Heaven wants him dead! Even the heavens cannot tolerate this utterly hypocritical filth!"
The Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone was like an independent, special Mist Sea, almost completely isolated from the outside world. Even the spiritual perception of true gods could not extend excessively within it, making it undoubtedly the perfect place for murder and body disposal.
"Yes." Shen Wuyi responded again.
"Get out!"
Shen Wuyi rose, helped Shen Wuyouluan to her feet, and the two walked slowly away.
The isolation barrier had not yet dissipated. Shen Wumingque hesitated for a long time before finally mustering the courage to offer advice: "Divine Venerable, after today, Yun Che of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom's reputation will surely resound throughout the Abyss. Even the Abyss Emperor and the High Divine Official will surely regard him differently. Dreamless Divine Venerable even abandoned his dignity for him. If we truly kill Yun Che and it is exposed... the consequences... are truly unpredictable."
The four words "truly unpredictable" were the most euphemistic phrasing she could think of.
"Moreover, we have never had any enmity with Yun Che, nor any dealings with the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom... In my humble opinion, there is really no need for us to waste effort on this boy."
Shen Wumingque weighed every word, spoke with extreme caution, and her phrasing could be described as the utmost in euphemism. If Wuming Divine Venerable's actions were not so utterly incomprehensible, she would never have dared offer even a single word of advice.
"What do you know?! What do you know?!"
Wuming Divine Venerable suddenly lost emotional control. The abrupt, harsh roar made Shen Wumingque sharply hold her breath, completely unaware which of her words had triggered her.
"What 'most beautiful woman in the world'—these men's words to coax women are all the same, every single word stinking enough to make one sick!"
"What 'willing to bear double the punishment of the Wild Devouring alone'... heh, hahahaha... Hypocrisy! Hypocrisy! The essence of men is hypocrisy! Filth! Shamelessness! Baseness! Degeneracy! He is just better at pretending than Shen Wuxueyan! More deserving of death than Shen Wuxueyan! More deserving of death!"
Hearing the name "Shen Wuxueyan," Shen Wumingque's pupils contracted slightly... At that moment, she suddenly understood why Wuming Divine Venerable had developed such murderous intent toward Yun Che, with whom they had no grievances.
"Shen Wuxueyan... Shen Wuxueyan... Shen Wuxueyan!"
Wuming Divine Venerable herself seemed to be pierced by the name "Shen Wuxueyan," stirring her soul. Her aura began to churn, and her voice gradually became as shrill and deranged as a ghost who had lost her mind.
"All men in this world are Shen Wuxueyan! All faithless beasts... all deserve to die!"
Shen Wumingque deeply lowered her head, not daring to speak another word, only silently sighing that Yun Che was truly unlucky to have inadvertently touched the most unhealable scar of this madwoman.
---
"Wuyi, are you alright?"
Shen Wuyouluan helped Shen Wuyi slowly sit down, checking her injuries with concern.
"I'm fine." Shen Wuyi gently shook her head. Her face was slightly pale but still cold and exquisitely breathtaking: "Mother God's strike was not heavy. I will recover before entering the Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone."
Shen Wuyouluan softly sighed and said: "You knew the consequences of defying orders, so why did you..."
Shen Wuyi's voice was gentle, showing no regret despite being harshly scolded and punished: "If I can find the Abyss Heart Vine, there is hope for Mother God's divine body to recover. Then she will be able to see what I look like, see the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom she rules, and her lifespan will be extended several times, allowing me to accompany her longer."
"So, even if it's just a thread of faint hope, it far outweighs my own minor growth."
As she spoke, the eyelash on her left side trembled in an extremely minute arc with the overflow of emotion.
That tiny tremor fell clearly into the eyes of Shen Wuyouluan, who was close to her.
"Silly child." Shen Wuyouluan gently embraced her, her voice filled with heartache: "I know you feel wronged... This is the Pure Land. The Divine Venerable's spiritual perception cannot extend freely. Whatever grievances you have, let them out completely. Don't keep them bottled up inside and hurt yourself."
"Not wronged." Shen Wuyi gently pressed against Shen Wuyouluan's chest, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her lips: "Actually, I have always known that Mother God's strictness is for my own good. Otherwise, I would not have achieved what I have in just twenty years. It's just that she was once wounded by sincere feelings, so she cannot allow herself to believe in the existence of sincere feelings again."
She slightly closed her eyes and softly sighed: "Sometimes, I even wish Mother God would plant the 'Polar Night Death-Seeking Seal' on me as well. That way, I might gain more of her trust."
"Don't think like that." Shen Wuyouluan spoke with heartfelt pain: "Your talent is the most precious treasure of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom. It must not be damaged by the Polar Night Death-Seeking Seal."
"So..." Shen Wuyi raised her eyes, her gaze shimmering with too much intense hope: "Mother God does love me after all, doesn't she?"
"I don't know." Shen Wuyouluan answered: "No one can fathom the Divine Venerable's thoughts. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. But your sincerity and devotion toward the Divine Venerable—everyone sees it and feels it in their hearts. I believe that one day, the Divine Venerable will come to believe in sincerity again."
A brief silence, then Shen Wuyi slowly shook her head: "No, Mother God losing trust in all living things is also a form of self-protection. I don't need Mother God to try to change herself for me. I only hope she can truly be happy, truly be healthy and free from illness."
"This time, entering the Divine Sleep Forbidden Zone, I will do my utmost to find the Abyss Heart Vine. If I cannot... I will find ways to create more opportunities to enter again. There will always be a day when I succeed."
"Good." Shen Wuyouluan smiled: "It is recorded in the world that an Ice and Snow Glass Heart not only possesses the purest and most flawless soul but also receives the blessings of the Heavenly Dao. I believe that such a sincere heart as yours will surely move the Heavenly Dao and help you realize your wish."
A trace of formless soul aura quietly dissipated at that moment.
From within the dark palanquin came low, hoarse cries:
"How could there be sincere feelings in this filthy world... how could there be... sincere... feelings..."
At the very end, the voice seemed to carry a hint of soft sobbing.
---
"Yun Che, you must remember... your will, your actions, concern everything about you, and the life and death of everything in this world!"
"Therefore, in this Abyss World, whether it be friendships, master-disciple bonds, love between man and woman, or even debts of gratitude... they can only become tools for you to use, but you must never mix in even a shred of true emotion!"
"You know your own nature. If true feelings arise, you will surely be bound by them! But the consequences of such bonds... could very well be utter doom for both you and this world!"
"In the Abyss, no matter what feeling—all are heartless!"
"No matter what feeling, all are heartless!"
"Otherwise... utter doom!"
"Utter doom!!"
"..."
In a dark, hazy world, Chi Wuyue's voice echoed.
Her voice, her admonitions, echoed through his soul countless times every single day. Even in deep coma, every thread of his soul relentlessly warned him.
I... how can I be in a coma!
In this Abyss World, any lapse is an unforgivable sin. How can I so disgracefully let consciousness sink?
Vaguely, he heard a young girl's voice:
"Master is lying again. It clearly hurts so much, yet he says it doesn't hurt."
It was Hong'er's voice.
"Master won't let us go out and play anymore, and he's become so fond of lying. But before, Sister Mo Li and Sister He Ling both said lying is bad behavior, and one should never lie."
Still Hong'er's voice.
"Can't... speak... bad... of... Master."
That was You'er's voice, soft and halting.
Following that came Li Suo's soft sigh: "Lies are indeed bad things. But sometimes, behind lies lie too heavy helplessness. And such lies often hurt the one who tells them first."
The struggle and turmoil in the sea of his soul—Li Suo had sensed it at once.
"He... is about to wake up."
Amid violent struggle, Yun Che's eyes suddenly opened wide, his pupils reflecting blurred and dazzling light.
"Ah!"
A startled cry rang in his ears, followed by a joyful shout: "Brother Yun, you... you're awake."
His vision focused on Hua Caili's jade-like face, beautiful enough to dim the heavens and earth of the Pure Land. Her eyes shimmered with tears, like scattered fragments of stars. Her cheeks were streaked with moisture, heartbreakingly beautiful enough to shatter even the stoniest heart in an instant.
"How... long was I asleep?"
He tentatively reached out, fortunately the weakness in his body was not severe, letting him fully relax.
Hua Caili quickly extended her hand, gently holding his wounded palm: "Three hours. Brother Yun, close your eyes and rest a bit more. Don't push yourself. I'm here."
"Three hours..."
He murmured softly, then moved his fingers, gently grasping Hua Caili's somewhat cool snow-white hand, and looked into her eyes, smiling softly: "So you've been crying nonstop for three whole hours? No wonder the books say women are made of water."
"You... you still dare to laugh!" Hua Caili's expression mixed shame and anger. Her jade-like fingers tightened slightly, but in the end, she couldn't bear to really hurt him. She could only try to put on an angry face: "I'm really mad this time. Really mad!"
Yun Che suddenly pressed his hand to his heart, his face contorted in pain: "Ah, it hurts, hurts, hurts, hurts... It hurts to death!"
The lingering anger on the young girl's face instantly turned to panic. She flusteredly asked: "Where... where does it hurt? Is it an internal injury? How could it be..."
Yun Che grimaced, showing his teeth: "When my Caili gets angry, my heart hurts. Ah, it hurts so much, even more than the Wild Devouring punishment! Hiss, hiss... ah!"
"Y-you..." Hua Caili didn't know whether to laugh or be angry. She could only grit her jade-like teeth and poke his chest forcefully with her finger, earning an especially exaggerated hiss from him.
But after the hiss, Yun Che's pain vanished. He reached out both hands, cradled the girl's hands in his palms, and said with a gentle but firm gaze: "As long as my Caili is well, nothing in this world can truly cause me pain."
"But... I am in pain." Those simple words carried the young girl's soft sobbing at the end. She gently laid her head on Yun Che's chest, listening to his heartbeat: "We agreed that no matter what happens, we would bear it together. And yet you..."
"Ahem, ahem ahem!"
Meng Kongchan stood at the doorway, half-leaning to the side, his expression serious as he tried to cover his awkwardness... Perhaps I came at a bad time?
Hua Caili abruptly stood up, her cheeks flushed like pink clouds: "Uncle Meng."
"Mm." Meng Kongchan responded with a proper air, nodding in an elder-like manner. His gaze swept over Yun Che and he said: "Your recovery speed is quite astonishing. Now Caili can rest assured."
He glanced at Hua Caili and said with a half-smile: "This little girl, the renowned Heaven-Breaking Divine Maiden, yet she cried so hard she nearly drowned me and her father god."
The pink clouds on her snowy face instantly deepened into an even more delicate crimson. The young girl lowered her head deeply and softly argued: "It's... not as exaggerated as Uncle Meng says."
"Hahahaha!" Meng Kongchan couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Senior." Yun Che suddenly spoke, his expression tinged with shame: "My actions were thoughtless, causing you and Painting Heart Divine Venerable considerable trouble. I never expected it to..."
Meng Kongchan, however, waved a hand to stop his words: "You bore the Wild Devouring punishment alone, which has earned your Caili recognition from most people. Even the Abyss Emperor publicly declared the betrothal void. This is already the best possible outcome."
"As for the matters of us elders, you need not worry."
As he spoke, he turned his back... afraid that Yun Che's too-sharp gaze would catch the darkness in his eyes.
At that moment, an aged voice came from outside:
"This old man, Long Zhiming, is about to leave the Pure Land and has come specifically to bid farewell to the Abyss Divine Son. I wonder if the Abyss Divine Son has awakened?"
Yun Che's spirit stirred slightly, and he immediately said: "Senior, I have ties with the Dragon God clan. The Dragon Lord coming specially to bid farewell must mean he has something to say."
Meng Kongchan nodded, stepped out, and soon the Dragon Lord arrived alone, bringing with him an ancient, heavy aura of the Primordial Dragon.
Seeing that Yun Che's condition was fine, Meng Kongchan breathed a sigh of relief even as his heart remained laden with endless heaviness.
The cries and accusations of Dian Luohou still echoed in his ears from the summit of Eden Cloud.
Yun Che's astonishing willpower had won over everyone, including the High Divine Official, shattering what had been nearly insurmountable obstacles between him and Hua Caili... But when everyone's gaze toward them shifted from negative to positive, for the Senluo Divine Kingdom, for Dian Luohou, it was undoubtedly adding insult to injury, humiliation upon humiliation.
He knew well that Dian Luohou's roar was correct—the two people he trusted most had given him the greatest betrayal and shame of his life.
"Alas!"
With a heavy sigh, the corner of his eye caught a green shadow.
"Qingying." He was overjoyed and called out instinctively.
"Yun Che is awake?" Hua Qingying said indifferently.
"He is awake." Meng Kongchan stepped forward a few paces, feigning nonchalance: "That kid's body is quite tough..."
"Then that's good."
With that, the green shadow had already swept into the distant sky, leaving the Dreamless Divine Venerable with his words unfinished.
"Uh..." Meng Kongchan reflexively raised his hand, then could only lower it with a sigh.
An unexpected aura rapidly approached.
Meng Kongchan's expression tightened. He slowly turned to face a man clad in cold silver armor, with a resolute countenance and imposing demeanor.
"Abyss Knight Dugu Zhuyuan, paying respects to Dreamless Divine Venerable. I come bearing the Abyss Emperor's decree to bring Yun Che to the Eden Sacred Hall for an audience."
Meng Kongchan's normally calm and majestic expression changed slightly, and his brows furrowed sharply: "What did you say? The Abyss Emperor!?"
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