Chapter 6: Bodhi
Zhang Ruochen stood on the deck of the divine ship, his gaze fixed on the distant starry sky. The vast expanse of the universe stretched out before him, dotted with countless stars that flickered like gems embedded in the dark curtain of space.
Behind him, the sounds of battle gradually faded. The cultivators of the Snow Domain Star Sea Divine Army had already suppressed the rebellion, and order was being restored aboard the ship.
"Your Highness, the prisoners have been interrogated," reported a divine envoy, respectfully bowing as he approached.
Zhang Ruochen did not turn around. "Speak."
"They are remnants of the Dark Abyss Yan Clan, sent here to assassinate you. However, they claim they were merely following orders and do not know who the mastermind is."
"The Dark Abyss Yan Clan..." Zhang Ruochen's eyes narrowed slightly. "They have been lying low for so many years, and now they dare to show themselves again?"
"The Yan Clan has always harbored resentment toward the Bright Central Empire. Your Highness's return this time has undoubtedly stirred their nerves," the divine envoy said.
Zhang Ruochen waved his hand dismissively. "Continue the investigation. If there is any clue, report it immediately."
"Yes!"
After the divine envoy withdrew, Zhang Ruochen fell into deep thought. The Dark Abyss Yan Clan was one of the ten major dark forces in the Hell Realm, and their power should not be underestimated. Their sudden appearance was likely not a simple act of revenge but rather a signal of some deeper conspiracy.
"Zhang Ruochen."
A gentle voice came from behind. He turned around to see Huang Yanchen walking over, her long hair fluttering in the wind, her beautiful face carrying a hint of concern.
"Are you alright?" Huang Yanchen asked softly.
"I'm fine. Just some small fry, not worth worrying about," Zhang Ruochen replied with a faint smile.
Huang Yanchen stepped closer to him, her gaze also fixed on the distant starry sky. "I have a feeling that this trip to the Hell Realm won't be peaceful."
"Of course it won't be peaceful. But that's exactly what I want," Zhang Ruochen said, his eyes filled with determination. "The more chaotic it is, the more opportunities there are to find the answers I'm looking for."
"Are you still thinking about the matter of the Kunlun Realm?" Huang Yanchen asked.
Zhang Ruochen was silent for a moment, then nodded. "The Kunlun Realm is my homeland. I will never rest until I uncover the truth behind its destruction."
"I'll go with you," Huang Yanchen said firmly.
Zhang Ruochen looked at her, a warmth stirring in his heart. "Thank you."
The two stood side by side, silently watching the starry sky, each lost in their own thoughts.
At that moment, a powerful aura suddenly swept over from afar. Zhang Ruochen's expression changed slightly as he looked toward the source of the aura.
A black light streaked across the sky, rapidly approaching. The black light carried a terrifying demonic aura, causing the entire divine ship to tremble.
"Demonic aura!" Zhang Ruochen's pupils contracted. He immediately activated the Taiji Four Symbols Diagram Seal, forming a defensive barrier around himself and Huang Yanchen.
The black light stopped a hundred zhang away from the divine ship, revealing a figure. It was a middle-aged man dressed in black, his face pale, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light.
"Zhang Ruochen, long time no see," the man said with a cold smile.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze turned icy. "Yan Wushen!"
The person who had come was none other than Yan Wushen, the top genius of the Dark Abyss Yan Clan and a formidable opponent Zhang Ruochen had faced in the past.
"I didn't expect you to remember me," Yan Wushen said with a light laugh. "I heard you're going to the Hell Realm, so I came to see you off."
"See me off? I'm afraid you're here to kill me," Zhang Ruochen said coldly.
"Kill you? That's too crude." Yan Wushen shook his head. "I just want to have a proper duel with you to see who is the true number one under heaven."
"Number one under heaven?" Zhang Ruochen sneered. "You're not qualified."
"Whether I'm qualified or not, we'll find out after we fight." Yan Wushen's aura suddenly erupted, black demonic energy surging like a tide, sweeping toward the divine ship.
Zhang Ruochen's eyes sharpened. He knew that Yan Wushen's strength had improved significantly compared to before, and he dared not be careless.
"Yanchen, step back," Zhang Ruochen said.
"Be careful," Huang Yanchen reminded him before retreating to a safe distance.
Zhang Ruochen took a step forward, and the Taiji Yin-Yang Diagram appeared beneath his feet. The power of the Way of Space swirled around him, forming a space domain.
"Come on, let me see how much you've improved over the years," Yan Wushen said, his figure flickering as he charged straight at Zhang Ruochen.
The two instantly clashed, their figures intertwining in the starry sky. Every collision sent out terrifying energy ripples that distorted the surrounding space.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The battle grew increasingly fierce. Zhang Ruochen used the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Palm, each palm strike carrying the power to shatter mountains and split the earth. Yan Wushen, on the other hand, relied on the secret arts of the Dark Abyss Yan Clan, his moves strange and unpredictable, making him difficult to guard against.
"Not bad, you've improved quite a bit," Yan Wushen said with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"You're not bad either," Zhang Ruochen replied calmly.
"Hmph, but this is still far from enough!" Yan Wushen roared, and black demonic patterns appeared on his body, his aura skyrocketing several times over.
Zhang Ruochen's expression turned serious. He knew that Yan Wushen was about to use his ultimate move.
"Dark Abyss Devouring Heaven!" Yan Wushen shouted, and a massive black vortex formed behind him, emitting a terrifying suction force that seemed capable of devouring everything.
Zhang Ruochen took a deep breath, and the power of the Way of Time surged within him. He formed hand seals, and the Time Sword Art was unleashed.
"Time Sword Art—Time Slash!"
A sword light that seemed to come from ancient times slashed through the void, colliding with the black vortex.
Boom!
A deafening explosion echoed through the starry sky. The energy shockwave swept across all directions, causing even the massive divine ship to shake violently.
When the energy dissipated, Zhang Ruochen and Yan Wushen stood facing each other, both looking slightly pale.
"Interesting, very interesting." Yan Wushen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a strange smile appearing on his face. "Zhang Ruochen, you really didn't disappoint me. But today's battle ends here. We'll meet again in the Hell Realm."
After saying that, Yan Wushen's figure gradually faded and finally disappeared into the starry sky.
Zhang Ruochen did not pursue him. He knew that with his current strength, it would be difficult to kill Yan Wushen. Moreover, Yan Wushen's sudden appearance likely had a deeper purpose.
"Are you alright?" Huang Yanchen hurried over, her face full of concern.
"I'm fine." Zhang Ruochen shook his head, his gaze deep. "It seems this trip to the Hell Realm will be much more interesting than I imagined."
"Are you saying Yan Wushen's appearance is related to the Hell Realm?" Huang Yanchen asked.
"Not sure yet, but there's definitely a connection." Zhang Ruochen's eyes flickered. "The Dark Abyss Yan Clan has been lying low for so many years, and now they suddenly appear. There must be a reason."
"Then we need to be even more careful," Huang Yanchen said.
"Mm." Zhang Ruochen nodded, then turned and walked back to the cabin. "Let's go. We need to prepare. The Hell Realm won't welcome us with open arms."
Huang Yanchen looked at his back, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, but she quickly followed.
The divine ship continued its journey through the starry sky, heading toward the unknown Hell Realm. Ahead, countless dangers and mysteries awaited them.