Against the Gods

Chapter 2180 - An Unsolved Mystery

Shenwu Yi descended slowly toward the kingdom-protecting barrier of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God. Her moon-like eyes flickered as she gazed at the wondrous palace ahead and the divine light reflecting off the sky, and sensed the vast, boundless, and ethereal soul aura unique to the Dreamweaver.

Though it was a Kingdom of God, this world was not at all gloomy; on the contrary, it shone so blindly that it was almost blinding. The atmosphere here lacked that suffocating oppression of Eternal Night. Instead, it soothed the soul so much that the temptation to close one’s eyes and fall into a deep slumber right then and there was omnipresent.

“As the God Bearer of a Kingdom of God, the Divine Regent should have personally taken you on a tour across various Kingdoms of God and beheld the full picture of the Abyss.”

Shenwu Mingque’s voice rang in her ears, tinged with deep sorrow and regret. “Yet you... have never once set foot within the borders of another Kingdom of God....”

In another Kingdom of God, becoming a God Bearer was unquestionably the ultimate glory. But to be the Divine Daughter of the Eternal Night Kingdom of God was no different from being branded with a cruel and vicious curse... how unjust, how pitiable.

Shenwu Yi shook her head gently, a soothing smile still playing at the corners of her lips. She stepped forward—meeting the clearly stunned gaze of a barrier guard—and said in a cool tone, “Please inform Divine Son Yuan that Shenwu Yi of Eternal Night seeks an audience.”

Meng Jianxi was in the Divine Son Palace when the word reached him. He murmured in surprise, “Not only did she agree, but she arrived so quickly....”

He turned to Yun Che, his expression suddenly turning grave. “Brother Yuan, this undoubtedly proves that the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is no ordinary variant. The power it conceals is likely far greater than we could ever imagine. Given that... we must absolutely not allow it to fall into the hands of the Eternal Night Kingdom of God.”

Meng Jianxi’s statement was undoubtedly the most rational and correct judgment.

Yun Che feigned deep thought before saying smilingly, “Whether an object is precious or not depends on the holder. Pond water is the nectar of life to a fish, but foul slime to a sandworm. We of Dreamweaver specializes in cultivating the divine soul, while she of Eternal Night specializes in cultivating the profound seal. The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal may be the crystal that bridges heaven and earth, but to us, the current situation may represent the greatest utility it can ever produce.”

Though he still felt it would be wiser to hold onto the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal, Meng Jianxi did not object. Instead, he nodded slightly and said, “You have a point. Since you have made up your mind, I shall say no more, Brother Yuan.”

He took a step forward, carefully removed the “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal”, and placed it before Yun Che. “I shall now return this Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal to you in its entirety. How do you intend to meet the Eternal Night Divine Daughter?”

Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly; an unfathomable malice seemingly lurking behind his faint smile. “Right here. On, and invite the others along as well. We wouldn’t want them to say that I, Yun Che, am taking advantage of my position as a host, would we?”

Yun Che turned his back after giving these seemingly casual instructions. His face radiated a sense of ease that not at all betrayed the turbulent emotions churning within him.

The Eternal Night Divine Daughter had arrived in person—and for the first time at that—so it was impossible to keep this a secret. Yet, since it concerned Meng Jianyuan, no one interfered or even inquired about it. From Meng Kongchan to the Great Dream Halls, everyone and everything remained perfectly silent, as if they knew nothing of it.

The brief wait felt unusually long.

Then, at a certain moment, as if a streak of light was streaming into the Divine Son Palace, sweeping across the chamber and reaching deep into Yun Che’s heart.

Shenwu Yi stepped in slowly into the chamber. The air and the dust fell still, and even the myriad energies around her seemed to hold their breath.

She was wearing black robes with white sleeves, untouched by even the slightest speck of dust. Her figure looked as pure and ethereal as frosted jade under the moonlight. A faint frost lay upon her brow, exuding a detached, otherworldly elegance. Her beautiful eyes were deep and icy, radiating a solemn and divine, noble and aloof presence with every glance... just like the moon in his memories, yet also like a solitary star in the distant night.

Yun Che gazed at her in silence; at that moment, all the radiance in the world seemed to fade in shame.

Not far away, Shangguan Helu, Liu Zhanyi, and Meng Zhiyuan—who had been brimming with excitement and curiosity mere moments ago—now stood transfixed, their minds utterly captivated.

They had heard rumors of the Eternal Night Divine Daughter, but had never truly seen her with their own eyes. They had never even imagined that such a breathtakingly beautiful face, and such a pure, aloof, and lofty aura, could exist in this world.

She was like a cold moon or a lone star that had strayed from the icy abyss of eternal night into the mortal realm—so stunningly beautiful and piercingly cold that one dared not look directly at her, until shame and self-consciousness eventually overcame them.

Their gazes met from afar, mixed yet separated by emotions the others could never fathom. The corners of Yun Che’s lips twitched slightly as a slow smile spread across his face. “Who in the world does not know that the Eternal Night Kingdom of God hides its jewel within the night, unwilling even to let it be touched by the light of day? Yet today, you have graced my humble palace with your presence. Truly, it is an honor beyond measure. I am both flattered and overwhelmed.”

Shenwu Yi’s expression remained utterly unruffled despite the unmasked words of sarcasm. To others, it was clear she had fully prepared herself to endure this humiliation. Meeting Yun Che’s gaze head-on, her lips parted slightly, “Wuyi has come at your invitation. Now that I stand before you, Divine Son Yuan, I ask that you honor your promise.”

Her voice was soft and melodious, yet it rang like shattering jade or breaking ice. Though it lacked the icy resolve she had displayed atop Eden’s Crown, it was no less imposing than her awe-inspiring presence at the time. Though she stood in a position of weakness, she commanded such an aura that no one in Dreamweaver dared to cast even a hint of contempt or disrespect in her direction.

“Oh?” Yun Che’s lips curved into a faint smile as he spoke calmly, “As I recall, the price I demanded was not merely an invitation.”

He raised his palm to reveal a shine of profound light. A dragon-shaped profound crystal—nearly two-third of a meter long and adorned with seven orifices—appeared before him, its eerie glow casting a sinister light upon his face.

“This is the object of your Eternal Night’s desire—I believe it is called the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal? Whether I’m willing to part with it depends entirely on your sincerity, Eternal Night Divine Daughter.”

Standing behind Shenwu Yi, Shenwu Mingque’s fingertips trembled ever so slightly for a few fleeting moments.

If they were not currently in the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, she would have cast aside all concern for her reputation and seized it by force.

Even here and now, the impulse had flashed through her mind multiple times... not for herself, nor for the Lightless Divine Regent. It was simply because she absolutely refused to see Shenwu Yi humiliated—even if the woman herself was willing.

Shenwu Yi’s brows furrowed slightly when she saw the “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal”, though her gaze remained clear and detached. “Since I have come here, I will do as Divine Son Yuan wishes. Regarding the matter in the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods, I was the one in the wrong, so it is only natural that you would seek retribution. Even if you inflict three times the injury upon me, I shall have no complaints.

“However....” Her voice abruptly turned icy, like frost and snow piercing the air, its chill cutting to the bone. “I would like to make my position clear.”

“Oh? Go on then.” Yun Che adopted an air of keen interest.

“As the Eternal Night Divine Daughter, the honor and disgrace of this body are bound to the entire Eternal Night Kingdom of God. I may retreat, I may be wounded, I may even be disgraced—but I must never be disgraced beyond a certain boundary! And where that boundary lies, I’m sure Divine Son Yuan knows all too well.”

As she spoke, a faint, eerie chill seemed to envelop her body, devoid of joy or anger, untouched by sorrow or delight.

“And?” Yun Che continued to regard her with unhurried composure.

Shenwu Yi replied, “I have come here today to face Divine Son Yuan only.”

She had made her meaning crystal clear in those few words... she could apologize, she could endure humiliation, but only before Yun Che alone.

To anyone observing, this was indeed the best possible way to preserve the dignity of the Eternal Night Divine Daughter, and by extension, the entire Eternal Night Kingdom of God—within the constraints of this situation.

Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly before nodding with great magnanimity. “Very well. Since the Eternal Night Divine Daughter has made this request herself, would it not be utterly lacking in grace and a complete killjoy for me to refuse her coldly?”

He cupped his palm, and the “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal” vanished from his fingertips. At the same time, the smile at the corner of his lips grew even more dangerous. “Very well then, I am eager to see how the Eternal Night Divine Daughter will persuade me to willingly hand over the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal....”

He raised his hand and gave the order. “Everyone, withdraw.”

“Brother Yuan!”

“Wuyi!”

Meng Jianxi and Shenwu Mingque spoke simultaneously, both wearing worried expressions.

In Meng Jianxi’s eyes, Yun Che was no match for Shenwu Yi. If Shenwu Yi was provoked—or if she harbored malicious intent from the start—and no one was present to protect him, then Yun Che would surely be in grave danger... After all, there had already been a precedent.

In Shenwu Mingque’s eyes, this was the land of the Dreamweaver. If Yun Che harbored hidden ill will, and she were not by Shenwu Yi’s side, it would be tantamount to pushing her into an uncontrollable peril.

Yun Che showed no reaction, his gaze fixed solely on Shenwu Yi... Meng Jianxi withdrew his outstretched foot and said no more.

Shenwu Yi turned to face Shenwu Mingque and said softly, “I know you care about me the most, aunt, but there’s truly no need to worry. Setting aside his status as the one bearing the honor and disgrace of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, a man willing to endure double the punishment of devouring rage for the woman he loves cannot possibly be utterly evil.”

Yun Che: “......”

“Besides, I have never been a weakling.”

Shenwu Mingque gradually withdrew the worry in her eyes and nodded slowly.

After a moment’s thought, Shenwu Yi added, “If I haven’t emerged in fifteen minutes, then you may burst in.”

“Very well,” Shenwu Mingque replied. With a fifteen-minute deadline, she felt slightly more at ease.

She stepped back and retreated to the entrance of the Divine Son Palace. Meng Jianxi also motioned for the men to withdraw. When the doors closed, the duo became the only ones left in this space.

Secretly taking a deep breath, Yun Che turned and said calmly, “Since you’re so eager to avoid prying eyes, I happen to know a place where we’ll be completely undisturbed. If you’ve got the guts, then follow me.”

Yun Che walked straight to the entrance of his private cultivation space. He dispelled the impenetrable before striding inside with his head held high.

Shenwu Yi said nothing more, following closely behind him. When the barrier closed, their presence vanished completely from everyone’s perception.

In this vast, silent world, the only sound that could be heard was their own heartbeat. For some reason, it was gradually growing erratic.

Yun Che stopped and turned to face Shenwu Yi, his gaze no longer deep and playful, and his voice no longer casual. “This barrier was personally set up by the Dreamless Divine Regent himself. Even he cannot enter it without permission. You have nothing to worry about.”

As he spoke, he stared at her as if he was once again joyfully and greedily confirming that the figure before him was the real her, and not a fleeting illusion.

At the same time, he did not forget to produce the “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal” and gently push it toward Shenwu Yi.

Staring at this so-called “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal”, a faint yet lingering gleam flashed in Shenwu Yi’s eyes for a very long time....

If she was the one forging a “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal” that matched what was stated in the “records”, it would have been utterly impossible to achieve the perfection that lay before her be it in terms of draconic aura, abyssal light, or the overflowing corrosive energy of the abyss.

This undoubtedly proved that Yun Che’s ability to command abyssal dust far surpassed her own.

Had she not known the truth, perhaps even she would not have believed it to be an artificial abyssal crystal.

Putting away the “Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal”, Shewu Yi said, “Your capabilities far exceeded my expectations. With just a fleeting whisper from afar, you managed to perfectly grasp and replicate it in just two months... Should I say... that you truly live up to your title as the emperor of the Eternal Pure Land?”

A smile played at the corners of Yun Che’s lips as he responded in a voice as gentle as drifting clouds. “A more fitting compliment would be... ‘as expected of my husband’.”

Shenwu Yi cast him a sidelong look. “Is flattery and sweet talk also a form of imperial art? Is that how the Heaven Breaker Divine Daughter fell victim to you?”

Yun Che instinctively wanted to deny it, but he shook his head and laughed with a touch of wistfulness, “If only it could work on you.”

Shenwu Yi gave a faint snort—she could not be bothered to respond to this remark. Her voice grew slightly cold and deep and she said, “Silver tongue aside, you are indeed clever enough. Using the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal as bait and claiming to settle old scores to force me to come here personally—this is indeed the option with the fewest variables.”

“It is only right that there exists a natural understanding between husband and wife.” Yun Che’s expression remained unchanged, and his smile was as gentle as ever. The step Shenwu Yi had willingly taken toward him was far too precious to him. That was why the step he took in return had to be perfect as well.

“You have fifteen minutes. Say what you wish to say.”

Yun Che’s gentle gaze and affectionate words had failed to stir a single ripple in her heart. She had maintained a distance of ten steps from him. Though they shared the same space and stood mere meters apart, the former husband and wife seemed to be separated by a misty starry sky, distant and unreachable.

Yun Che gathered his scattered thoughts and asked softly, “When we left the Pure Land, the response you gave me... meant that you believed my words, didn’t it?”

Her arrival was already the answer, yet he still wanted to hear her say it with her own lips.

Shenwu Yi said slowly, “Blue Wind Nation, Floating Cloud City, Xiao Che, Xia Qingyue... I saw that marriage contract, and our fingerprints on it.”

“So, are you Xiao Che or Yun Che?”

Yun Che’s vision suddenly turned hazy.

That was an answer he had never imagined—or even dared to hope for. It was a thousand times more beautiful than even the most resolute response he had anticipated.

“It’s actually... still there... it’s actually... still intact....”

He murmured softly, eyes slightly unfocused from how misty it was. Shenwu Yi had intended to say that the marriage contract wasn’t intact, but when her gaze met his expression at that moment, she found herself inexplicably unable to speak.

“Phew....”

Yun Che exhaled deeply. When his eyes shifted back, they had regained their clarity and focus. “So, are you willing to fight side by side with me? Even if the path ahead is destined to be perilous?”

“Perilous?” She seemed to let out a faint, derisive laugh. “You’re overestimating the two of us. Having set foot in the Pure Land, you should know what kind of being the Abyssal Monarch is. We are merely two drifting duckweeds with forty-odd years to prepare—forget overthrowing the entire Abyss, even standing up to the Abyssal Monarch alone is nothing but a fool’s fantasy.”

Yun Che smiled. It was a smile that looked even more contented than before. “But you’ve still decided to stand by my side....”

Though her words were laced with sarcasm and biting sharpness, she had said “we”, not “you.”

Shenwu Yi averted her gaze and stared into an empty space. Her voice grew unusually soft and slow as she replied, “Although I believe your words, it is nothing more than belief. After all, I am no longer Xia Qingyue—I am now Shenwu Yi.”

“This ‘belief’ does not mean I will blindly follow you. On the contrary, I, Shenwu Yi, have considered myself a rational and cold-blooded person since the dawn of my memory. Someone like me would never make the foolish choice to walk down a path of certain death.

“But....”

Her eyelashes lowered as she slowly closed her eyes. “I slept for a long time after stepping out of the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods, yet in my dreams, I did not find a single moment of peace. Countless voices were constantly piercing my mind and urging me to make a choice.

“Perhaps it was an instinct buried deep within my subconscious, or perhaps it was my long-sealed past....”

Yun Che: “......”

“During our time in the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods, there was one thing you said that deeply moved me.”

She slowly extended her right hand; her fingers were as translucent as ice, and a faint glow shimmered around her wrist. Every inch of her skin seemed to carry a divine grace bestowed by the heavens, yet she could not perceive even a shred of warmth or affection from this world.

“My body, my soul, my everything... all of it silently rejects this world.”

“Long ago, I had already begun to suspect... eventually, I became certain that I am not of this world.”

Closing her jade-like fingers, she turned her gaze back to the man who had suddenly burst into her life. “So this time, I choose to trust the intuition of my body and soul... even if the past ahead is a hopeless dead end.”

“It is not a dead end—it absolutely is not.” Ten thousand stars seemed to shine in Yun Che’s eyes, and his voice carried a confidence and resolve he had never possessed since stepping into the Abyss. “Even when I stood alone, I never once entertained the thought of failure. Now that you stand by my side, united as husband and wife, there is absolutely no possibility of failure.

“And,” Yun Che’s voice grew increasingly intense, “to see you again after you fell into the Abyss, to see you reappear in my life safe and sound—that alone tells me that in this world, there is always hope and possibility. There is no such thing as a true dead end.”

“So...” Shenwu Yi asked suddenly, “Why exactly had I fallen into this world?”

Without evasion or concealment, Yun Che looked her straight in the eye and said clearly and directly, “You fought me to the death, suffering severe injuries as you were defeated. Driven to the brink of death, yet not wanting to die by my hands, you chose... to plunge into the Abyss.”

“... !?” Shenwu Yi’s brows furrowed sharply, and she remained speechless for a long moment.

Yun Che continued to look her straight in the eyes, allowing her to see his flawless sincerity and boundless remorse. ‘The entanglement of love and hate, the causes and effects—forget fifteen minutes, not even a day and night would be enough to explain it all. But at the very least, please believe me: I absolutely—”

“Wait!”

Shenwu Yi suddenly spoke up, cutting him off. Her brows were deeply furrowed, and a strange gleam flickered in her eyes when she looked at Yun Che. For the first time, it carried a sharp, piercing doubt.

“You said that I was already gravely injured and on the brink of death when I fell into the Abyss all those years ago?”

In an instant, Yun Che knew exactly what she was questioning.

He replied calmly, “Yes. You were unable to even stand at the time. It had taken you nearly the last ounce of your strength to plunge into the Abyss.”

“That is most peculiar,” Shenwu Yi’s moon-like eyes grew several degrees colder. “The records of the Abyss mentioned many who had fallen from the Eternal Pure Land. Most had perished, their bodies and souls annihilated during the descent. Throughout the entire history of the Abyss, there are but a handful who have survived the fall.

“Those who did survive were all in the tenth level of the Divine Master Realm—the absolute limit of cultivation attainable by the profound practitioners of the Eternal Pure Land, and undoubtedly the pinnacle of existence in that world.

“Yet, even at such a level of power, the chance of surviving the fall was only slight. Moreover, the few who barely survived, as recorded, were all covered in wounds, with shattered internal organs, and a faint, thread-like breath. According to their accounts, they had encountered an unimaginably terrifying and interminably long spatial turbulence during the fall from which there was no escape or evasion. That they had survived with their cultivation levels was nothing short of a miracle.

“When I awoke, my cultivation was also at the tenth level of the Divine Master Realm.”

Her voice faltered slightly, and her tone tinged with uncertainty. “So, are you saying that I... a Divine Master, in a state of critical injury and near-death, had somehow safely fell from the Eternal Pure Land, traversed that terrifying, nearly endless spatial turbulence and fell alive, and landed safely in the Abyss?

“So much so that even that marriage contract—fragile enough to shatter at the slightest touch—remained completely intact?”