Against the Gods

Chapter 2176 - Surprise Visitor

Eternal Night Kingdom of God.

An ink-black fog locked the heavens, and bitter wind swept across the land. Even the dew was tinged with a bone-biting gloom. Ever since Shewu Yanye returned from the Pure Land, the entire Eternal Night Kingdom of God had been shrouded in an utterly terrifying atmosphere. This was especially true of the capital city, where its original darkness and gloom seemed to have sunk into an even more sinister, terrifying state. Every inch of space, every wisp of breath, sent shivers down the spine and left one gasping for air.

Given Shenwu Yanye’s terrifying temperament—prone to unprovoked rage and senseless slaughter—one could only imagine to what terrifying extent the profound humiliation she suffered in the Pure Land had stirred the venomous fury lurking within her twisted soul sea. Nearly two months had passed since her return from the Pure Land, yet the gloom shrouding the Eternal Night Kingdom of God hadn’t diminished in the slightest. From the darkened skies, the howls of the Lightless Divine Regent—devoid of any divine dignity, yet more terrifying than a billion despairing spectres—still echoed from time to time, causing every living being bound in the shadows to tremble and cower uncontrollably. Before the Eternal Night Divine Palace, the daughters of Eternal Night, forced to serve at their regent’s side, stood with every muscle taut, their faces deathly pale, and their aura withdrawn as if they were already dead, not daring to stir even a strand of hair.

Today, one presence finally approached the place of their own accord—and with great haste as well. Shenwu Mingque pushed through layer upon layer of terrifying, tangible malevolent energy and prostrated herself respectfully at the foot of the palace steps. Her voice was hushed, yet her urgency was unmistakable, “Mingque seeks an audience with the Supreme One. There is a matter of great importance....”

“Get lost!” A single furious shout suddenly boomed from the depths of the temple, slamming violently into Shenwu Mingque with the destructive fury of a thunderclap splitting the sky. The daughters of Eternal Night standing guard outside the palace all staggered in unison, their already pallid faces instantly drained of all color. One woman, unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure, let a trickle of crimson blood spill from the corner of her lips, yet she remained frozen in place, lacking even the courage to wipe away the blood.

The savage shout was followed by a brutal, venomous command, “Get lost and issue this decree: sever the limbs of all male slaves, and do not allow them to heal for a hundred days! Anyone who dares to disobey shall be torn to pieces and made into fertilizer, leaving no remains!!”

A lump formed in Shenwu Mingque’s throat. She dared not offer any counsel, nor did she leave. Instead, she spoke rapidly, “Mingque obeys. I have come to report a matter of great importance: the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal has appeared.”

She spoke with blinding speed and cut straight to the heart of the matter. Otherwise, she feared she would never get another chance to speak. Should Shenwu Yanye learn of this later than sooner, she would surely hold her responsible.

The sinister, furious mists swirling within the temple suddenly froze, and Shenwu Yanye’s raspy voice rang out, “What... did you say?”

Her voice carried such obvious agitation—even shreds of uncontrollable tremors—that it completely overshadowed her earlier fury and madness.

Shenwu Mingque quickly composed herself and said, “This is a matter of utmost importance to the Supreme One; Mingque would not dare to utter a single word of falsehood.

“To ensure accuracy, Mingque had personally journeyed far to observe it in secret. Measuring two-third of a meter in length, this peculiar mutated abyssal crystal possesses a color like solidified ink, and a shape resembling an angry coiling dragon. More importantly, it is adorned with seven distinct orifices, and emits an aura that is unmistakably that of a dragon. Not only is the aura quite potent, it is exceedingly unusual—I have never witnessed anything like it in my life.”

“‘Length of a meter or so, shape like that of a coiling dragon, color like ink, seven orifices embedded into its body..." Everything about it matches the description in the Secret Canon perfectly! Its unique draconic aura in particular cannot belong to any dragon of this age. Even if someone were to try to imitate it, it would be utterly impossible.

“Yet the one who obtained this crystal did not know what it was, much less its name. They were secretly investigating its secrets until the Kingdoms became aware of it.”

At this point, even the daughters of Eternal Night standing nearby could clearly sense Shenwu Yanye’s breathing growing several times heavier and more uncontrollable than normal. As the person closest to Shenwu Yanye, Shenwu Mingque understood all too well what the emergence of the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal meant to her.

“Where... is... it... right... now....” Shenwu Yanye’s tone had completely changed at this point. It was hoarse and muffled to the point where it was almost inaudible.

Shenwu Mingque secretly took a deep breath. “The place where it has manifested is rather unfavorable. It is... the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God.”

Bang! A violent, uncontrolled explosion suddenly echoed from within the hall. Though it did not strike her, it still sent Shenwu Mingque reeling. As the Lightless Divine Regent, the humiliation she had suffered recently came from none other than Meng Kongchan. Without exaggeration, her hatred toward Meng Kongchan and the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God had become as deep as a bottomless abyss; merely hearing their names was enough to make her sea of hatred surge to the heavens.

If only it had appeared anywhere else....

Shenwu Mingque bowed her head deeply and continued, “The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is currently in the possession of the Dreamweaver Divine Son, Meng Jianxi. However, he does not know its name or its purpose. For now, he called it the Dragon-shaped Profound Crystal, and he has been sending people everywhere to search for any possible records or information regarding its effects. If his search yields no results after a long time, it may end up reaching the Pure Land... Mingque fears that uncontrollable variables may arise then.”

“What are you waiting for then?!”

Shenwu Yanye’s voice suddenly turned violent. “Hurry and retrieve it for me! Or are you expecting Me to go and fetch it myself!?”

“Mingque would never presume to do such a thing, but....”

Shenwu Mingque repeatedly deliberated her words before responding with the utmost caution, “A rift has recently emerged between Dreamweaver and Eternal Night, and now is the worst possible time to approach them. If Eternal Night were to intervene in person, I fear we would not achieve our goal. And even if we did, the cost would likely be far too high.

“Therefore, I propose that we temporarily enlist the aid of an old friend from another Kingdom—”

“Insolence!”

Shenwu Yanye’s terrifying shout cut her off before she could finish her sentence. “Since you know the Secret Canon, you must know how crucial the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is to Me! How dare you suggest passing it to another’s hands! Also, did you say ‘an old friend from another Kingdom’?”

Each word Shenwu Yanye uttered pierced the soul like ice. “Do you still harbor treacherous desires that stretch beyond Eternal Night, Mingque!?”

“No, no, I would never dare!”

Shenwu Mingque’s face drained of all color in an instant. She bowed her head deeply and pleaded, “My life and heart belong entirely to Eternal Night and the Supreme One. I harbor not a single shred of disloyalty. It was only in my eagerness to obtain the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal that I spoke such nonsense.

“I beg for your forgiveness, Supreme One. I shall set out immediately for Dreamweaver to retrieve the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal for you.”

“Hmph!”

The Lightless Divine Regent’s chilling voice slammed through Shenwu Mingque’s skull and into her soul. “Listen well. You have ten days to fulfill My request! By any means necessary, at any cost, you must bring back the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal unscathed!! Remember, by any means necessary! It means you will obtain it even if you must kneel and flay every inch of skin and flesh from your face!!”

No matter hatred and madness had consumed Shenwu Yanye, she understood one thing: since the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal was in the hands of the Dreamweaver Divine Son, retrieving it would mean facing the entire Dreamweaver Kingdom of God... meaning that seizing it by force was simply impossible. Eternal Night had nearly driven Meng Jianyuan to the brink of death, and Dreamweaver had retaliated by humiliating their regent... Given the grudge and this situation, the price Eternal Night would have to pay to obtain the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal could only be unimaginable. Yet no matter how great the cost, it could never surpass Shenwu Yanye’s twisted desire and unending madness.

“Yes. Mingque will not fail in this mission.”

Shenwu Mingque ended her report right there and rose, taking a step back. But just as she was about to leave, she clenched her teeth slightly and bowed once more, saying, “I have one more thing to say, Supreme One.”

“Speak!” Shenwu Yanye did not stop her.

Shenwu Mingque’s chest rose and fell as she spoke, each word spoken with respect and clarity, “I have served Eternal Night all my life while navigating the trials of the mortal coil, strictly adhering to the rules, and disciplining myself. I have never believed in so-called fate or divine favor.

“It is said that those who possess a Heart of Glazed Glass possess a heart of utmost purity, a soul as clear as crystal, and a life that is protected by the heavenly law itself. Again, I have always regarded this as mere nonsense and never believed it.

“But... ever since Wuyi arrived at Eternal Night and stood by your side, the purity of her heart and the sincerity of her devotion have long transcended the concept of ‘loyalty’. Time and again, whenever she perceives the Supreme One’s desires, she has put her own life on the line to see it fulfilled. Her thoughts are the Supreme One’s thoughts, her wishes are the Supreme One’s wishes, and her path is the one the Supreme One points to.... In her heart and mind, the Supreme One’s touch surely surpasses that of any of us.

“That ancient Secret Canon secreted deep within the depths of the Endless Fog was also discovered after Wuyi’s arrival. It describes six profound crystals capable of defying fate—one of which is so rare it took thirty thousand years to find a single instance, and two of which have never even been recorded. Yet, in just over a decade, the Glazed Radiance Heart Tempering Jade, Sea Soul Stone, and Obsidian Evil Removing Crystal have all been obtained.

“The Abyssal Heart Vine, which had never before appeared in the mortal realm, was discovered by Wuyi within the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods. Less than two months after that, and the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is already within reach.... Even the word ‘miracle’ falls short of describing such remarkable fortune. Thus, I can no longer deny the existence of ‘divine favor’.

“This divine favor stems entirely from Wuyi’s arrival—and even more so from the direction of her heart, and the prayers of her soul.”

It was unexpected, even bordering on the eerie, that despite Shenwu Mingque’s lengthy speech, Shenwu Yanye had never once interrupted her.

Shenwu Mingque bowed deeply. “I am now firmly convinced that, as long as Wuyi remains by your side, the Supreme One’s every wish will be granted. The future of Eternal Night will surely... surpass even the Supreme One’s wildest expectations as well.”

The reason she made such a risky speech was clear... She hoped Shenwu Yanye would treat Shenwu Yi kindly.

After a brief, suffocating silence, Shenwu Yanye’s icy voice rang out once more. “You know the consequences if you fail to retrieve the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal... Get lost!”

“Yes! I take my leave.” Shenwu Mingque stepped back and turned to leave, letting out a small sigh of relief as she did so.

......

Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, Divine Son Palace.

Yun Che was sitting upright on the floor, flames wrapping around his fingers, and vermillion flames dancing lightly in the air. Faint, ephemeral shadows of a vermillion bird could be seen fluttering and vanishing amidst the fiery glow as they composed one soothing, heart-stirring melody after another...

At times, the vermillion bird’s songs rang out clear and melodious, like a continuous confession of love, soft and tender. At times, the vermillion bird’s shadow shattered and reformed, like a cool spring washing over stones, cleansing all delusions. And at times, the flames would suddenly dim and then flare anew, like shards of jade falling onto a tray, their lingering warmth searing the heart...

Shangguan Helu, Liu Zhanyi, and Meng Zhiyuan were all standing quietly by his side. The jeweled hairpins at their temples swayed gently, and their beautiful eyes were filled with the crimson glow of the flames. Their hearts and souls had long since drifted into a state of rapturous intoxication.

It was until Yun Che clenched his fingers, and the fiery glow slowly faded together with the vermillion bird’s shadow that they finally came back to their senses—yet their eyes remained hazy as if shrouded in mist, still half-asleep.

Meng Zhiyuan slowly parted her lips and murmured in a dreamlike voice, “To think that young master’s mastery of music is as divine as the heavens themselves. Just how... is it possible that someone like you exists?”

Yun Che raised his gaze, a gentle smiling playing at the corners of his lips. “This is not the kind of music that is commonly understood in the world, but rather the unique and profound tones played by the Vermillion Bird’s flames. It can drive away evil spirits and purify impurities, calm the mind and soothe the soul—that's why it sounds so exceptionally pleasing to the ear. It is truly not due to my own musical prowess.”

Liu Zhanyi pressed her lips together in a faint smile, eyes crinkling with amusement. “You remain so gentle and humble even as the Divine Son. In this world, there is truly no one else like you.”

Shangguan Helu nodded repeatedly in deep agreement.

Yun Che shook his head smilingly... until Li Suo’s voice rang out from his soul sea without warning. “Is it just me, or did you mix the Dreamweaver Divine Canon’s soul power with the Vermillion Bird’s sound?”

Yun Che wasn’t surprised in the slightest that Li Suo had seen through his actions. The smile playing at the corners of his lips gained a hint of darkness as he spoke, “Yes, I’m quite surprised myself. Who would’ve thought that the two powers could be fused?”

“Surprise does not begin to describe it.”

Li Suo’s voice carried a complex gravity as she responded, “As the holy flame of the three divine flames, the Vermillion Bird Flame is entirely pure and sacred, tolerating no impurity or clutter. Yet... you somehow fused it with the Dreamweaver divine power....”

Her voice grew softer and softer. “Is this... also a power bestowed by the Ancestral God?”

If the holy, soul-soothing sound of the holy flame were to blend seamlessly with the soul voice of Dreamweaver, wouldn’t it be incredibly easy to lull someone into a pleasant slumber?

Yun Che remarked casually, “As you said, the Vermillion Bird Flame can tolerate no impurity or clutter. That is why I could only make an attempt at the most superficial level. Perhaps this is already the limit; perhaps it is impossible to go any further.”

Li Suo remained silent for a very long time.

Meng Zhiyuan took a small step forward, her slightly pink face betraying three parts anxiety and seven parts yearning. “Young Master, I would like to make a rather presumptuous request. When you have the free time, might you... play it for us often?”

The hierarchy of a Kingdom of God was extremely strict and rigid. No one’s personal attendant would dare to utter such “treasonous” words, much less to a Divine Son. Yun Che was likely the only exception in the entire Dreamweaver Kingdom of God. Likewise, what he had earned went far beyond mere loyalty.

Meeting the three women’s bright gazes, Yun Che responded without the slightest hesitation, “The Vermillion Bird Flame is known as the Flame of Redemption. Though it burns within me, it belongs to all living beings in this world. If you wish to hear it, then I am always willing. Should the day come when I can freely command it and play it for all the spirits of the world, only then will I have lived up to the blessing bestowed upon me by High Priest Ling Xian.”

No sooner had the words left his lips than a faint chuckle drifted down from above, followed by a refined, masculine voice, “If Ling Xian were to hear this, she would surely be overjoyed.”

The three women blanched without warning and shouted in unison, “Who dares to trespass into the Divine Son Palace?”

Their gazes chased the voice to a spot no more than ten zhang above the ground, where a man clad in a long, plain white robe stood motionless. Despite his close proximity, the three women could not detect even the slightest trace of his presence. Even his face seemed shrouded in an impenetrable white mist, making it impossible to discern his features clearly. What terrified them even more was the fact that, despite his nearness, neither Meng Shouyuan, who was standing guard nearby, nor Lu Laisheng, who was standing watch from afar, showed the slightest reaction.

Yun Che rose to his feet, the faint smile from earlier still playing at the corners of his mouth. “You may all withdraw. You need not disclose this incident and the presence of our guest to those outside the palace.”

The three women withdrew, and there was no one else present besides the duo. As the man in white descended slowly, the mist on his face dissipated to reveal a face as if carved by divine hands—handsome and otherworldly. His features were exquisite, and his demeanor was ethereal. He radiated an air of solitude and majesty that spanned the ages. It was an appearance that made heaven and earth pale in comparison, and all of creation bow in reverence.

He was Mo Su, the Abyssal Monarch. The two stood face to face once more, yet there was none of the hierarchy or testing of the air that had marked their first meeting.

Yun Che looked him up and down before saying with a smile, “Big Brother, you have personally descended to my humble abode despite being the esteemed Abyssal Monarch. I presume there must be some matter of the utmost importance you wish to discuss?”

A faint smile tugged at Mo Su’s lips. Though it was still somewhat stiff, it was clearly a smile that came from the heart. “It’s nothing really. I just wanted to talk with someone.”

“Huh?” Yun Che widened his eyes in a slightly exaggerated manner, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

Mo Su sat down casually in front of Yun Che and sighed. “This lone... I once thought that three million years would have long since accustomed me to solitude. But ever since we met and recognized each other in the Pure Land, it feels as though I’ve discovered another purpose in life. In just two short months, I’ve felt the urge to confide in you more than a dozen times.”

“Hahahaha[1]!!”

Yun Che laughed and sat down as well. “As expected, even the supreme Abyssal Monarch of the Abyss, the one true God in the eyes of the people, harbors mortal desires.”

Mo Su raised his eyes and spoke quietly, “If I could trade my entire being for a hundred breaths of mortal life, I would not hesitate for a moment. Alas... what right do I have to entertain such a luxurious fantasy?”

“So,” Yun Che looked at him, “what is it you wish to tell me, Big Brother?”

Surprisingly, Mo Su shook his head. “I do not know.”

Yun Che’s lips twitched slightly, and he suddenly said, “Then... tell me about you and Pan Xiaodie.”

The sudden mention of that forbidden name caused Mo Su’s breath to catch in his throat.

1. All according to the keikaku! ☜