# Chapter 917: Three Conditions
"Ah... this... I..." Xia Yuanba was completely stunned. Holding the Primordial Heaven Ruler and the Holy Emperor Seal, he was at a loss, stammering, "Disciple is only... only a junior who just entered the Holy Domain a few years ago, how could I... how could I..."
"Yuanba, this is no joke." Huangji Wuyu said solemnly: "Even without today's events, succeeding the Holy Emperor was always destined for you. Back when I allowed you to use the Heavenly Saint Divine Ark, it was equivalent to informing the entire Holy Domain of this matter. Now, it's merely slightly advanced."
"But..."
"Yuanba, no more refusals. You have already accepted the Primordial Heaven Ruler and the Holy Emperor Seal, and received our kneeling salute. From this moment on, you are the new Holy Emperor of our Huangji Sacred Domain. From now on, the entire Holy Domain will obey the Holy Emperor's commands." Kutong Zhenren said urgently, while inwardly thinking: My little ancestor, just accept it already, otherwise all us old bones will be finished here today. This little ancestor's growth rate is like a monster, but why is his head still as stubborn as a rock.
"Yuanba, since the Holy Domain is willing to take you as their leader, that is their recognition of you. What is there to refuse?" Yun Che said with a smile: "When your father learns of this, he will be so happy and proud."
"And if they all become people who obey your commands, then I can naturally consider removing the demon poison from them."
Xia Yuanba remained dazed for a while longer, then finally hurriedly said: "Alright, alright, Holy Emperor, Master, and all you seniors, please rise quickly."
Yun Che also extended his hand at this moment. A mass of emerald green light enveloped all those in Huangji Sacred Domain who were afflicted with demon poison. In an instant, it purified all the demon poison on their bodies.
The feeling of impending death and pain disappeared. The experts of Huangji Sacred Domain slowly stood up as if waking from a nightmare, each one drenched in sweat. The several true persons simultaneously saluted: "Thank you, Palace Master Yun, for saving us."
"No need. I did it only for Yuanba." Yun Che said coldly.
In a remote corner, watching the people of both Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace freed from the demon poison by Yun Che's hand, Qin Wushang sighed: "Yun Che has clearly changed. He has become much gentler and more merciful than before. Back then, because of a matter that outsiders didn't consider serious, he massacred the entire Fen Tian Gate. That incident... no one has forgotten."
"No," Dongfang Xiu shook his head: "It's not that his temperament has changed, but the height at which he stands is different."
"Oh?"
"The reason Yun Che massacred Fen Tian Gate back then was because besides anger, he also felt fear. Fear of any possible future trouble. But now, hehehehe, in this world, is there anyone worthy of being his concern?" Dongfang Xiu said with a chuckle.
Qin Wushang pondered briefly, then nodded while also laughing: "Our Empress can finally return. With Yun Che here, the former small nation of Cang Feng might become the overlord of Tian Xuan Continent."
"Hahaha!" Dongfang Xiu couldn't help but laugh heartily. Who would have thought that the person Cang Yue, under the alias Lan Xueruo, had searched the entire Cang Feng Kingdom for back then, would stand at such a height... and bring the Cang Feng Kingdom along with him.
Afflicted by demon poison erosion and heavily injured, Huangji Wuyu's aura was extremely weak. He stumbled over to Yun Che and said: "Palace Master Yun, if not for you, not just our Huangji Sacred Domain, but the entire Tian Xuan Continent would have fallen into calamity. I, Huangji Wuyu, once twice attempted to harm you. I know I have no face to ask for forgiveness. Now that Huangji Sacred Domain has been passed to the new Holy Emperor, I have no more regrets. Do with me as you wish."
"Sa... Sacred Emperor!" Huangji Wuyu's words shocked everyone in the Holy Domain.
"Heh," Yun Che sneered: "If you want to die, I certainly won't stop you. But you don't need to die so urgently just yet. Your life still has its uses."
Huangji Wuyu: "..."
Yun Che turned around, facing both Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace, and said in a low voice: "The biggest reason I saved you today is that you at least qualify as righteous sects. Although I have removed your poison, that doesn't mean I have forgotten the grudges between us. If you want to continue living peacefully on this continent... you must agree to three conditions!"
Everyone from Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace shuddered. Hai Dian Zi Zhe cautiously said: "May... may we ask what matters Palace Master Yun commands? Our lives were saved by Palace Master Yun. If we can do it, we will spare no effort."
"Please speak, Palace Master Yun. We will not refuse." Kutong Zhenren said.
"Good!" Yun Che nodded slightly, and said with extreme calm: "The first condition: Regardless of the method, within thirty days, you must construct a spatial teleportation array connecting Tian Xuan Continent and the Huan Yao Realm! The teleportation point on Tian Xuan Continent shall be located in the Ice Extreme Snow Domain at the far north of the Cang Feng Kingdom. The teleportation point in the Huan Yao Realm shall be located at Yao Huang City... I will inform them about Yao Huang City myself."
Everyone exchanged glances. Back then, when the four sacred grounds joined forces, it took over a month to open a spatial passage from Tian Xuan Continent to the Huan Yao Realm. With only two sacred grounds, it would be not only difficult but also astronomically costly.
But they dared not refuse. Hai Dian Zi Zhe immediately said: "Rest assured, Palace Master Yun. In one month, we will not disappoint you."
"Very well, then the second condition." Yun Che's eyes narrowed slightly: "Thirty days from now, after the spatial formation is completed, all of you must go through the teleportation array to Yao Huang City, kneel before the Huan Yao Imperial Clan, and apologize! If Xiao Yaohou wants to kill anyone, no matter who or how many, none of you are allowed to resist! This is the evil you have done, and the retribution you deserve."
The faces of those from Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace turned dark, but they couldn't utter a single word of argument. Back then, although they were manipulated by Xuanyuan Wentian, it was undoubtedly their own greed that drove them into that scheme. Not only did they bring disaster to Yao Huang City, but on the Tian Xuan Continent, they described the Huan Yao Realm as a demonic land coveting the Tian Xuan Continent.
They could deny it before the world, but how could they make excuses before Yun Che, the "Demon Lord" of the Huan Yao Realm?
"Although we were deceived by that old villain Xuanyuan back then, it was indeed a grave mistake. We will... go to apologize when the time comes. If we are fortunate enough to return alive, we will also clear the name of the Huan Yao Realm on the Tian Xuan Continent." Jiutan Zhenren said with shame.
"Very well... then the third condition." Yun Che's gaze slanted, murderous intent radiating outward: "Thirty days from now, I don't want the Sun Moon Divine Palace and the Tian Wei Sword Domain to still exist in this world."
Just one sentence—a death sentence for the Sun Moon Divine Palace and the Tian Wei Sword Domain! A brutal extermination order against these two ten-thousand-year sacred grounds!
The people of these two sacred grounds, who had been trembling in fear, were terrified beyond measure upon hearing this. Xuanyuan Bo fell to his knees, stammering: "Palace Master Yun... spare us, spare us! We were also forced by the Sword Master... oh no, by that villain Xuanyuan Wentian..."
"Palace Master Yun," the divine envoys of the Divine Palace hurried forward, panic-stricken: "It was only the Heavenly Lord who wanted to serve that old villain Xuanyuan. We never had such intentions. Please... please show mercy, Palace Master Yun. From now on, we will serve you in any way, obeying without fail."
"Heh," Yun Che sneered: "Whether you wanted to serve Xuanyuan Wentian or not has nothing to do with me. The matter of you wanting to kill me, I can selectively forget, but... a hundred years ago, your two sacred grounds joined forces to kill the Demon Emperor, killed eleven seniors of my Huan Yao Yun Clan! Killed my grandfather. And over twenty years ago, they hunted my parents, nearly sending them into eternal damnation, causing me to be separated from them for over twenty years, and bringing ruin to the Xiao family of Liu Yun City..."
With every sentence Yun Che spoke, his killing intent grew heavier. He was covered in blood and wounds, looking as if he were near death, but the overwhelming murderous aura made these supreme experts shrink back, their chests tight with fear. All they felt was terror, not even a shred of resistance rising within them.
"These sins must be atoned for with your blood!"
Yun Che's words and murderous intent made their faces even paler. Xuanyuan Bo cried out in grief: "Palace Master Yun, we... we were just following orders! The crime lies with the principal offender. Palace Master Yun, your profound strength covers the heavens, your heart is like the ocean. You must... you must surely understand this principle! Ah... yes, yes! Palace Master Yun once said that the living are always more useful than the dead. The Tian Wei Sword Domain has stood for ten thousand years. We can surely handle many affairs for Palace Master Yun. Since Palace Master Yun has mercifully spared Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace, if you spare our Sword Domain as well, the entire Sword Domain will from now on obey Palace Master Yun's commands, absolutely... absolutely never disobeying."
Xuanyuan Bo spoke with utmost humility. Clearly, he was someone who valued his life. With Xuanyuan Bo taking the lead, the divine envoys of the Sun Moon Divine Palace also gritted their teeth and bowed: "We had no choice but to act on the Heavenly Lord's orders. If we could obtain Palace Master Yun's forgiveness, from now on we will take Palace Master Yun as our master. We would die ten thousand deaths without hesitation."
"..." Yun Che was silent for a brief moment, then suddenly smiled: "Your words have reminded me. Indeed, the capabilities of two ten-thousand-year sacred grounds are naturally extraordinary. If kept alive, they would indeed be infinitely more useful than dead. Xuanyuan Wentian and Ye Meixie, the chief culprits, are already dead. If I were to vent my anger on you, wouldn't that make me seem cruel and heartless?"
Yun Che's words filled those of the Sun Moon Divine Palace and Tian Wei Sword Domain with ecstatic joy. Then Yun Che continued: "Very well, then. Having killed Xuanyuan Wentian today has put me in a good mood. As long as you are obedient enough from now on, I'm too lazy to dirty my hands with more blood."
These words pulled them back from the brink of death. Everyone from the Sun Moon Divine Palace and Tian Wei Sword Domain prostrated themselves, saying with extreme excitement: "Thank you, Palace Master Yun, for sparing our lives. From now on, we will follow you to the death."
"Alright then. This month, you will assist Huangji Sacred Domain and Supreme Sea Palace in constructing the spatial teleportation array connecting the Tian Xuan Continent and the Huan Yao Realm. Work with all your might, and don't let me discover any disloyalty."
"Yes, yes, yes." Xuanyuan Bo and the others quickly responded, covered in cold sweat after having walked through the gates of hell, nodding like mortars pounding garlic.
Yun Che turned sideways, his back to the Sun Moon Divine Palace and Tian Wei Sword Domain. Huangji Wuyu was closest to him. The moment Yun Che turned, he clearly saw a sinister arc form at the corner of Yun Che's mouth. The killing intent in that instant was not strong, but it was like a steel needle from hell, stabbing deeply into his soul. This ultimate expert who had been the Holy Emperor of the Sacred Domain for a thousand years stiffened all over, coldness spreading through his body, lingering long after.
———————————
【Hmm? I've received many, many messages. Everyone can't bear to see Fen Juechen die like this, hoping he can be saved again. Some even feel his death is abrupt, suspecting I might have killed him off impulsively. It seems no one has noticed the meaning behind the name "Fen Juechen."】
【Although I'm very casual with naming side characters (yes, I'm a name generator), I put some thought into main character names. For example, Po Jun, Qiu Shui, Leng Ya, and Yuan Ba all point to their personalities or future directions. And the name "Fen Juechen" means "burned to ashes, not even dust remaining"... From the moment I set his name, it was destined that he would end with his soul utterly destroyed. Because his existence was a tragedy, a tool "created" by Xuanyuan Wentian, and also a tool I used to create a big boss. Moreover, having gone through the forbidden technique of reincarnation, his soul was twisted and incomplete, making him extremely withdrawn and extreme. Unlike Leng Ya from the earlier story who was cold on the outside but tender inside. I thought he would be a very unlikable character, yet unexpectedly so many people like him.】
【It seems he can rest in peace now.】
【Revival? You kids, don't think too much. It doesn't exist. There are no Dragon Balls in the Tian Xuan Continent. Even if he really crossed over to Namek and collected the seven Dragon Balls to bring him back, what could he do? Xuanyuan Wentian is dead, his life's goal is gone, all his family members are gone, he has nowhere to go. He likes Xiao Lingxi, but Xiao Lingxi only sees him as a benefactor, her heart only thinking of Yun Che, the great enemy who killed all the family members of her previous life...】
【Fen Juechen, if revived, would think it over and decide: forget it, I'd rather die... dead!】
【Shenlong: mmp!】
# Interlude 2: Heaven-Defying World Scripture
Another world.
The ground here was a faint gold. Even the sky appeared a pure, light gold. The elemental energy flowing between heaven and earth was pure to the extreme, its density fully several dozen times greater than that of the Tian Xuan Continent. The laws of elemental energy were far beyond the comprehension of even the top experts of the Tian Xuan Continent.
A massive palace stood ahead, as majestic as a mountain range, gleaming with golden light and releasing an invisible pressure like the might of heaven and earth. Even a supreme expert coming here would feel deep palpitations under this terrifying pressure, as if bearing a burden of a thousand jun.
Behind the divine palace was a garden as vast as a mortal kingdom. The garden was filled with fragrant aromas and blooming flowers, every single plant and flower shining with a splendor so dazzling it was hard to believe, like the most precious gems in the world.
In the center of the garden stood the silhouette of a woman. She wore golden garments, with dazzling golden hair falling straight down to her hips. The golden clothes were somewhat form-fitting, outlining a bewitchingly alluring back figure. She stood quietly under a glazed jade tree, seemingly contemplating or appreciating something. A layer of soft, natural golden light faintly flowed around her entire body.
Although it was only a back view, the entire sea of flowers for ten thousand miles paled in comparison to this beautiful silhouette.
At this moment, a fragrant breeze came from the south, gently stirring the countless flowers. Soon, a woman in a tight-fitting silver armor fell from the sky, kneeling behind the woman with the dazzling golden hair. She lowered her head, as if not daring to look directly at her figure... even if it was just a back view.
"Your servant, Fu Xian, pays homage to the Divine Maiden."
"What is it?" The golden-haired woman did not turn around. In stark contrast to her beautiful, dreamlike back, her voice carried a heavy, overwhelming majesty.
"Reporting to the Divine Maiden, news came from the Star God Realm. Tiansha Xingshen has returned to the Star God Realm." The woman named Fu Xian reported.
"..." The golden-haired woman was silent for a moment, then said coldly: "Just returned?"
"No. According to reliable information, Tiansha Xingshen returned to the Star God Realm four months ago. Because she has been recuperating, the Star God Realm deliberately kept the news quiet. The rumors back then about a Devouring Beast seeing her in a spatial rift seem to be accurate."
"Recuperating? Do you know why she is still alive?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, it is said that back when she was poisoned with the Godslayer Desolation Poison, she happened to find an excellent soul vessel. She forcibly abandoned her physical body and attached her soul to another person's body, thus surviving. She only recently finished reconstructing her body. She is currently recuperating and restoring her divine power. It is estimated that in a few more months, she will be fully recovered."
"Hmph, I see." The golden-haired woman snorted coldly. "I didn't expect even the Godslayer Desolation Poison couldn't kill her. Her luck is much better than that naive Celestial Wolf Star God. It seems that the demon poison those people from the Southern Divine Domain claimed could defy heaven and seize life is nothing special after all. I was foolish to trust them so much."
Fu Xian was startled, and subconsciously said: "Could it be... that Tiansha Xingshen's ambush by the Southern Divine Domain back then was ordered by Your Highness..."
The moment she spoke, Fu Xian's face turned deathly pale. She hurriedly prostrated herself and said tremblingly: "Your servant deserves death! Your servant speaks too much! Please, Your Highness, spare my life..."
"How many living people are still in the Nanxia Divine Kingdom?" The golden-robed woman suddenly asked, her voice utterly devoid of emotion.
"Re... reporting to Your Highness, it has been confirmed... Nanxia Divine Kingdom still has four billion, two hundred and sixty million people." Fu Xian's voice was trembling.
"I'll give you fifteen days."
"Yes... yes... Your servant will see to it immediately." Fu Xian rose shakily. She backed away two steps trembling, then flew up and disappeared into the endless sea of flowers in an instant.
"Yue Ying, come out." The golden-haired woman said coldly, still not turning around.
As soon as her voice fell, the space five feet behind her suddenly rippled. A graceful, delicate female figure emerged from the spatial ripples and bowed deeply, her full chest trembling slightly beneath her silver clothes: "Your servant, Yue Ying, pays homage to the Divine Maiden."
"What brings you here?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, there has been progress in deciphering the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture]." Yue Ying replied respectfully.
"What?" The golden-haired woman, who had been calm as ice, immediately turned around at these words, revealing half of a face faintly glowing with golden light.
Her dazzling golden hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders. A golden eye mask like a phoenix's wing covered her mysterious eyes. Below the eye mask were a pair of glistening, full, and round lips as delicate as pearls and jade. Yet these lips, more tender than the most delicate flower, spoke the coldest, most ruthless voice in the world: "Speak quickly."
Although only the lower half of her face was revealed, no one who saw her would doubt that this was an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her lips alone, and her jade-like neck, were so beautiful they made people hold their breath. Yet the cold, heavy aura she carried was enough to make even the strongest person tremble and bow before her.
Deciphering the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture] was the most important matter to the golden-haired woman, perhaps the most significant thing in her entire life. Yue Ying quickly said respectfully: "Reporting to Your Highness, a small section of the divine text in the Heaven-Defying World Scripture is similar to a pattern recorded in an ancient book. After repeated research and verification, we can confirm the meaning of that section of divine text."
"Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body."
"Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body?" The golden-haired woman's golden brow under the mask moved slightly. "Does that mean, to cultivate the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture], one must possess the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body?"
"Your servant is not certain of that. But that section of divine text indeed refers to the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body. That much should be correct." Yue Ying said respectfully.
"Hmph, eight years, and only five characters deciphered. A bunch of useless trash." The golden-haired woman's voice suddenly turned icy.
Yue Ying's whole body trembled, and she said shakily: "Your Highness, calm your anger... Even in the ancient era, few gods or demons could recognize the Tai Chu divine script. Forcibly deciphering it is truly... truly..."
"Hmph, no need to explain." The golden-haired woman said coldly: "Deciphering the Tai Chu divine script is indeed as hard as ascending to heaven. But if a mortal can cultivate the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture], they have the possibility of attaining True Godhood. This statement sounds earth-shattering, like a divine myth, but it is clearly inscribed on the totems of the Tai Chu Divine Realm. Since the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture] has fallen into my hands, it is a destiny granted by heaven to my Brahma Emperor Divine Realm, an eternal opportunity. It must be deciphered no matter what. If we can achieve True Godhood, hmph, the Chaos Space, the billions of star realms, will all submit under my Brahma Emperor Divine Realm."
"Yes," Yue Ying said fearfully: "Your servant will continue to travel to the various star realms, capturing more wise men familiar with ancient texts."
"Remember, only you may go personally. Not a single trace or rumor must leak out, otherwise..."
The golden-haired woman paused, and the killing intent in that instant froze the entire sea of flowers.
"Your servant understands," Yue Ying said tremblingly: "If anything goes wrong, I will immediately sever my own heart meridian, never leaking the slightest trace."
"Very well. You may go."
"Yes."
"Wait!"
Just as Yue Ying was about to leave, the golden-haired woman suddenly called her back, and slowly said: "Send people to the lower realms, searching for those who possess the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body."
"Lower realms?" Yue Ying showed confusion.
"Those with the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body are one in a trillion, and they must be female. Since the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture] mentions that one must possess the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body to cultivate it, then naturally I should prepare early."
"But why search in the lower realms?" Yue Ying asked in confusion.
"When a person with the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body has low profound power cultivation, their profound energy exhibits a special drifting state. Those who know this characteristic of the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body can easily identify it. If their profound energy can break the boundaries of laws to a certain extent, then one can confirm they possess the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body. However, this characteristic of their profound energy becomes weaker as their profound energy becomes denser. If they step into the divine path, it will completely disappear. Therefore, searching in the upper realms would be both difficult to find and difficult to control."
"Other matters, you need not ask further. After finding someone with the Nine-Xuan Exquisite Body, I will have my own methods."
"Yes."
"Also, inform Father that I am preparing to enter the [Tai Chu Divine Realm] again." The golden-haired woman slightly raised her jade-white neck, purer than a snow lotus.
"Ah?" Yue Ying showed shock: "Your Highness, that place is far too dangerous. Last time, although you used the Celestial Wolf Star God to obtain the [Heaven-Defying World Scripture], you also suffered a nearly fatal injury and spent several years recuperating. If you force your way in again, with Your Highness's nature, it is truly... far too dangerous. Please reconsider, Your Highness."
"No more words." The golden-haired woman said coldly: "The copy of [Heaven-Defying World Scripture] I obtained is clearly only a fragment, barely a third. From the incomplete marks, there must be at least two other copies of [Heaven-Defying World Scripture] scattered in this world. If I cannot gather all of them, having only one fragment will be utterly useless even if fully deciphered."
"The other two copies are very likely also lost in the Tai Chu Divine Realm."
"Even so, but..." Yue Ying wanted to say more, but halfway through, her whole body stiffened and she quickly changed her words: "Your servant... your servant will go and convey Your Highness's words to the King. But... forgive your servant's bluntness, the King will certainly not agree to Your Highness's decision."
"He will of course stop me. That is precisely why I want to inform Father through your mouth." The golden-haired woman's voice carried no emotion: "Tomorrow, I will forcefully enter the Tai Chu Divine Realm, and I will go alone. The day after, you will inform my Father of this matter. As for the Star God Realm side, after Tiansha Xingshen recovers her divine power, she will certainly come to kill me. Let Father think of how to deal with that himself."
"Yes..." Yue Ying could only answer helplessly. She retreated two steps, rose lightly, her overly full chest tracing an elegant arc through the air as she quickly flew away from the sea of flowers.
"The Heaven-Defying World Scripture—gods who cultivate it can defy the world, mortals who cultivate it can become gods..." In the midst of the flowers, the golden-haired woman murmured softly: "In this world left behind by the gods, it is time for a new god to be born."