Chapter 2111: Their Respective Paths
Seeing Shengshu Cainü sobbing uncontrollably, Zhang Ruochen felt a heavy weight in his heart. He knew that her inner world must have been suppressed to the breaking point.
In her position at court, she could never show such a fragile side. Only now, with no one else around, could she release the pent-up grief without reservation.
And she faced only him.
This showed that Zhang Ruochen held a special place in her heart.
"With my current strength, I am far from being able to protect the people and things I care about. I need to become stronger. If I don't become a god, I will remain an ant in the end." Zhang Ruochen looked up at the sky, his gaze distant, thinking to himself.
As time passed, the situation in Kunlun Realm would only grow more severe. Faced with the fierce attacks from Hell Realm, how long could they hold out? No one could say for sure.
A hundred thousand years ago, Kunlun Realm had countless experts and still lost to Hell Realm. Could they defy fate now?
Shaking his head slightly to cast aside distracting thoughts, Zhang Ruochen crouched down and said softly, "Senior Chu sacrificed himself for the Dao. His righteous spirit will endure forever, a tale worthy of song and tears. We should carry on his will, turn grief into strength, and fight Hell Realm to the end. We must not let his blood be shed in vain."
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen walked over to Shengshu Cainü. Catching the faint fragrance emanating from her, a feeling of tenderness rose in his heart. Involuntarily, he reached out a hand, brushed his sleeve against her cheek, and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes.
Recalling their first meeting, when Shengshu Cainü had been aloof and unapproachable, like a goddess from the Nine Heavens, Zhang Ruochen would never have dared to harbor even a trace of irreverent thoughts toward her.
Times had changed. Now, Zhang Ruochen's might shook the universe, and who among the saints of Heavenly Court and Hell did not fear him? Yet Shengshu Cainü, in his eyes, now seemed quite delicate and vulnerable.
Shengshu Cainü slowly raised her head. A blush crept across her breathtakingly beautiful face. She quickly turned aside, avoiding Zhang Ruochen's touch.
Her emotions gradually calmed. After crying, she felt much better inside.
"Senior Painting Saint knew he couldn't escape the calamity. Through a secret method, he had a disciple of the Painting Sect bring the *Seven Lives, Seven Deaths Diagram* out, preventing this supreme treasure from falling into the hands of the Rakshasa Clan," Shengshu Cainü said softly, taking out an ancient scroll painting.
Zhang Ruochen was no stranger to this painting. He had once spent seven lifetimes with Ling Feiyu in its illusory world. Although it wasn't real, everything he experienced there felt exactly like reality, leaving a deep—even unforgettable—impression on him.
Seeing the *Seven Lives, Seven Deaths Diagram* again stirred many emotions in Zhang Ruochen. But sadly, he would never see that stubborn, boastful "Old Man Chu" again.
Zhang Ruochen sighed softly. "Senior Chu entrusted the *Seven Lives, Seven Deaths Diagram* to you, which is also entrusting the hope of the Painting Sect to you. The Painting Sect's disciples are spread across the world. Destroying the Painting Sect's headquarters won't truly annihilate the sect."
"Dancing Ink, you are Senior Chu's successor. If you step forward and raise your voice, all the Painting Sect disciples across the world will surely gather to rebuild the sect. That would be the best way to comfort Senior Chu's spirit in heaven."
The Four Confucian Sects had existed in Kunlun Realm for over ten million years, weathering countless storms and calamities while remaining unshaken. Their foundations were unfathomably deep. Their teachings had already spread to other major worlds. Even if Kunlun Realm were destroyed, the Confucian path would not perish.
The great calamity at the end of the Middle Ages had been too widespread. The Qin Sect, Chess Sect, and Calligraphy Sect had all suffered, with even their sacred Dao ancient tea trees destroyed. Yet afterward, the three sects were rebuilt, becoming even stronger and more prosperous, leading the Confucian path.
"I will not let Senior Painting Saint's efforts be in vain. After this great calamity, the Painting Sect will be stronger than ever." Shengshu Cainü stood up, a resolute light shining in her eyes.
Zhang Ruochen also rose, speaking solemnly, "Senior Chu was kind to me. I will avenge him. Where is Grand Prince Molo now? I will take his head to honor Senior Chu's memory."
By now, he was very familiar with the intelligence on the top experts of the Ten Clans of Hell, including Grand Prince Molo.
This Grand Prince Molo was a top-tier powerhouse below the Great Saint level. Although not as famous as Yan Wushen, he was by no means to be underestimated.
For centuries, Grand Prince Molo had dominated the merit battlefields of many major worlds. His greatest pleasure was to slice off pieces of flesh from captured experts and eat them in front of their faces—a practice of extreme cruelty.
"Grand Prince Molo is not in Kunlun Realm right now. He escorted the Sacred Dao Ancient Tea Tree back to Hell Realm," Shengshu Cainü said, shaking her head.
Zhang Ruochen frowned slightly. "Keep an eye on Grand Prince Molo for me. The moment he appears, inform me immediately. I will kill him."
He did this not for the Confucian path, nor for the imperial court, but solely out of respect for Chu Siyuan's integrity and a desire to repay past kindness.
Shengshu Cainü nodded gently. "Mm. The situation with the Confucian path is very chaotic right now. I must return quickly to handle it. Take care of yourself."
Ever since news of the Painting Sect's destruction spread, Confucian scholars across the land had been burning with rage, wanting to avenge Chu Siyuan. More and more great Confucians and saintly Confucians were rushing to the Southern Region. If anything went wrong, the impact on the Confucian path would be even greater.
If not for the importance of the World Gate Key, Shengshu Cainü would never have set aside Confucian affairs at such a time to rush to Yin-Yang Sea.
"You take care too. If you run into trouble, send me a message. You should understand—if you send word, even if the path ahead is a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, an endless hell, I will do everything I can to come and help you," Zhang Ruochen said.
Even though Shengshu Cainü was a member of the imperial court, even someone close to Empress Chi Yao, Zhang Ruochen could not stand idly by if she was in trouble.
Now, Zhang Ruochen finally dared to express his heart.
Perhaps this was also a breakthrough in his state of mind. Without it, even though he had already entered the Threshold Dao realm, he might still find it impossible to become a Great Saint.
Shengshu Cainü's delicate body trembled. A warmth surged in her heart. For her, having Zhang Ruochen say this was enough.
What more could she ask for in life?
She only regretted the knot between them that had remained unresolved for a thousand years, the chasm that Zhang Ruochen and Chi Yao had carved with their own hands, splitting Kunlun in two. It meant that the two of them could never have a good outcome.
"Farewell. Perhaps when I return to the imperial city, we will truly be parting forever."
Shengshu Cainü thought this, hiding some things deep in her heart, never telling Zhang Ruochen. She smiled bitterly, not daring to turn around, afraid he would see the tears streaming from her eyes again. She steered her light boat and slowly disappeared into the mist.
Zhang Ruochen stood on the sea surface for a long time, his gaze fixed on the direction Shengshu Cainü had left, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Chu Siyuan's death had shaken him deeply, making him crave strength more than ever—not just his own strength, but also the strength of those around him, so they could survive in this chaotic world.
"Huff."
Letting out a deep breath, Zhang Ruochen set aside his distracting thoughts and continued his journey toward the sea area where Silver Dragon Island was located.
Early on, Ao Xinyan was already waiting outside the island to receive him.
Zhang Ruochen briefly recounted the situation on True Dragon Island, filling Ao Xinyan with joy.
Even though the World Gate Key was no longer on True Dragon Island, it was still the sacred land of the Divine Dragon Clan. Ao Xinyan naturally did not want outsiders to set foot on it freely.
The divine formation resealing True Dragon Island was the best possible outcome.
As soon as he set foot on the island, Zhang Ruochen encountered Devouring Demon Dragon and several Dragon Kings from Ancestral Dragon Mountain. They were clearly waiting specifically for him, and he didn't need to guess why.
With a flip of his hand, Zhang Ruochen took out a Space Exquisite Ball and released all the rescued dragons from Ancestral Dragon Mountain.
Although Ancestral Dragon Mountain had suffered a great calamity, Hell Realm had only wanted to use their Divine Dragon bloodline to open True Dragon Island, not to massacre them indiscriminately. Thus, the vast majority of the dragon clan had survived and could rebuild Ancestral Dragon Mountain.
Seeing so many dragons rescued, Devouring Demon Dragon and the Dragon Kings were extremely excited. Then their emotions became very complex. After all, in the past, Ancestral Dragon Mountain had been very hostile toward Zhang Ruochen, and now they were saved by him.
After a moment of silence, Devouring Demon Dragon stepped forward, lowered his proud head, and said with great seriousness, "A great kindness needs no words of thanks. From now on, whatever you command, the entire Ancestral Dragon Mountain will not refuse."
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, "Kunlun Realm is in a precarious state. No matter what past grievances there were, they should be set aside. We must unite against Hell Realm."
"From this day forward, Ancestral Dragon Mountain will fight Hell Realm to the death," Devouring Demon Dragon said firmly.
The lineage of Ancestral Dragon Mountain had nearly been wiped out by Hell Realm. How could such a deep hatred be easily forgiven?
Considering that Ancestral Dragon Mountain was already destroyed and the situation in Kunlun Realm was grim, Ao Xinyan decided to let the dragons from Ancestral Dragon Mountain stay temporarily on Silver Dragon Island.
After all, the dragons from Ancestral Dragon Mountain also had traces of Divine Dragon blood flowing in their veins. At a time like this, they deserved some care.
At Ao Xinyan's summons, all the experts who had returned from True Dragon Island gathered in the main hall of Silver Dragon Palace.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze swept over everyone present, and he said very seriously, "The World Gate Key concerns the life and death of Kunlun Realm. I hope everyone can keep it secret and not reveal it to anyone. Otherwise, all our efforts might be in vain."
Hearing this, everyone nodded earnestly. Although they came from different backgrounds, their desire to protect Kunlun Realm was the same.
Moreover, Zhang Ruochen's battle with the Son of Darkness had demonstrated his formidable strength, earning everyone's recognition. No one was more suitable than him to safeguard the World Gate Key.
For now, the matter of the World Gate Key had come to a temporary close. Dead Zen Ancestor and Heavenly Corpse Emperor did not stay long on Silver Dragon Island. They had other important matters to attend to.
However, before leaving, they both promised Zhang Ruochen that if anything related to the World Gate Key arose, they would definitely lend a hand.
Zhang Ruochen also did not plan to stay on Silver Dragon Island any longer. He intended to leave with Xiao Hei, taking the World Gate Key.
The gods of the Darkness Temple were immensely powerful. If the World Gate Key remained in Yin-Yang Sea, they might detect it. It was better to move it. Zhang Ruochen had already thought of a place.
Speaking of which, ever since being brought out of True Dragon Island, the short, thin old man had revealed his true form—a simple stone key, covered in natural Dao patterns, each one perfectly resonating with the rules of heaven and earth.
Cultivating near the World Gate Key and comprehending the rules of the sacred Dao could yield twice the results with half the effort. This applied even to comprehending the supreme sacred Dao, or even the eternal Dao.
Moreover, wherever the World Gate Key was located, the sacred Qi of heaven and earth would continuously gather. Even a very ordinary place, over time, would become a sacred cultivation ground.
If used properly, it could undoubtedly cultivate a large number of experts.
Ao Xinyan waved her hand, taking out a complex Space Teleportation Array. "Clan Leader, this is something you left with the Divine Dragon Half-Human Clan when you left back then. Now I'm returning it to its rightful owner."
This was no ordinary Space Teleportation Array. It had an extraordinary origin, left behind by Xumi Saint Monk.
Back in the Azure Dragon Ruins Realm, Zhang Ruochen and his group had discovered a Space Teleportation Array underground. After activating it, they were transported to the distant Golden Glory Ruins Realm, and after a series of teleportations, they finally arrived at the desolate Baichang Star.
Above Baichang Star lay the vast Yellow Spring Star River and a grand Ghost Gate, full of mysteries.
Later, they teleported back in reverse, returning to Kunlun Realm, but they ended up in the Endless Abyss.
To be able to go to Baichang Star again, they had specifically retrieved the Space Teleportation Array from the Endless Abyss.
The last time he came to Yin-Yang Sea, facing pressure from Ancestral Dragon Mountain, Zhang Ruochen had to use the Space Teleportation Array to escape, leaving it behind in the Divine Dragon Half-Human Clan.
Years had passed. Seeing this Space Teleportation Array again reminded Zhang Ruochen of the Ghost Gate. Back then, he had been too weak, not even qualified to challenge the Ghost Gate.
The gatekeeper had said that one needed at least the Saint King realm to have a chance to challenge the Ghost Gate, and even then, it would be very dangerous.
Zhang Ruochen was curious—who had built the Ghost Gate, and for what purpose? Was Hell truly behind it?
With his current strength, he might be able to go and unravel these mysteries.
Seeing this Space Teleportation Array, Xiao Hei's eyes lit up. He immediately snatched it and put it away.
"Hehe, you two take your time saying goodbye. This emperor won't disturb you." Xiao Hei moved, vanishing in an instant.
Zhang Ruochen smiled slightly. "Thank you."
"Clan Leader, do we need to be so polite between us?" Ao Xinyan rolled her eyes.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Xinyan, congratulations on becoming a disciple of that taboo figure. I hope that one day, the Divine Dragon Clan can rise again because of you and reclaim its former glory."
"Without your help, Clan Leader, I wouldn't have had such an opportunity. Unfortunately, I have my master's orders to guard Yin-Yang Sea. Otherwise, I would truly like to follow you and roam the world as before," Ao Xinyan sighed.
Now, as the Divine Dragon Princess, she bore an important mission on her shoulders and could no longer be as free and unrestrained as before.
Zhang Ruochen said, "There will be opportunities in the future. For now, you need to become stronger to better fulfill your master's orders. The path we need to walk is still very long. This is only the beginning."
As he spoke, a brilliant light shone in Zhang Ruochen's eyes. His goal was very ambitious—not just to become a god, but to become a titan among gods. Only then could he truly control his own destiny.