Chapter 2183 â Ancestral Dragon Domain
UNedited chapter-Rubble
The Endless Fog stretched endlessly, filled with the ceaseless howls of the Abyss.
Yun Che was sitting cross-legged, eyes closed and mind focused. After a long period of concentration, he slowly released his spiritual senses using the ever-present abyssal dust as a conduit. It spread deep into the Endless Fog, flowing over every abyssal beast it touched and missing none of them.
This was the very edge of the depths of the Endless Fogâa perilous place for Yun Che at his current level. Not only did the late-stage Divine Extinction Realm abyssal beasts roamed here, Divine Limit Realm abyssal beasts occasionally made an appearance as well. They were existences he could not approach at the moment, and attempting to forcibly control them was tantamount to courting death.
However, the last time he had sensed the presence of a Primal Flame Crystal was around this region, soâŠ.
One day⊠two days⊠three daysâŠ.
Fifteen days later, his eyes snapped open, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
He had finally found it.
Even more fortunate, the abyssal crystal was carried by an abyssal beast in the early stage of the Divine Extinction Realmâwell within his ability to command.
Without moving a muscle, he used his soul power to remotely manipulate the abyssal dust and direct it straight into the abyssal beastâs body.
The abyssal beast immediately halted its movement and raced toward him at full speed. Upon reaching him, it came to a stop and stood quietly like a loyal contracted profound beast awaiting its orders.
Yun Che reached out toward its spine, and dark abyssal dust swirled slowly. A short while later, a crimson abyssal crystal appeared between his fingers.
It was none other than the Primal Flame Crystal that Yun Xi had been longing for.
Yun Xi, his daughter with Shen Xi, was a tremendous surprise he had never expected to find in this world. She was also a connection he could never truly cast aside even with a literal world of responsibility sitting on his shoulders.
Before everything erupted, he could at least provide her with some measure of security and comfort⊠however hasty and fleeting it was.
âŠâŠ
The Eternal Pure Land was within reachâa momentous event heralding a massive shift in the Abyssâ fate. Yet Meng Kongchanâs soul had not stirred rapidly because of it. On the contrary, he was in a far more serene state of mind than before. Even his ability to enter deep meditation was several times faster than in the past.
The reason was simple. As stupendous as the approach of the Eternal Pure Land was, it could not possibly compare to the joy of regaining Meng Jianyuan, not to mention the fact that the boy had awakened a perfect divine essence, and even left an earth-shattering impression on the Pure Land. His son had granted him a glory and comfort he had never known in his life, and it left him smiling with the satisfaction of a father who, having such a son, could die without any regrets whatsoever.
His only regret and source of distress at the moment was the rupture of his bond with Dian Rahu.
âJunior Yun Che greets the Divine Regent.â
Meng Kongchan opened his eyes, and his face, which should be radiating an aura of awe-inspiring authority, broke into a beaming smile instead. âI heard that you managed to outwit the Eternal Night Divine Daughter, Yuanâer?â
âEr⊠yes,â Yun Che replied. âIt just so happened that the other party had a request, so I acted on impulseâtrading what couldâve been a huge favor for a momentary sense of relief. Iâve regretted it ever since; Iâm afraid Iâve made a fool of myself in front of you, Senior.â
âHahahaha!â Meng Kongchan burst out laughing. âIf you hadnât acted on impulse, wouldnât you have wasted your reckless youth? As for favors from a demonic place like the Eternal Night Kingdom of God, frankly, I would rather do without them. Anything that could help vent your frustration is worth more than anything.
âIt was only a few days ago, while communicating with Hua Fuchen, that I learned that you had lost the heavy sword your master left behind for you in the Abyss of Death of the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods because of the Eternal Night Divine Daughter as well. Hmph!â He grunted as if he hadnât let go of his anger completely. âHad I known this sooner, Shenwu Yanye wouldnât be the only one I taught a lesson that day!â
Lips twitching slightly, Yun Che hurriedly replied, âYou speak too highly of me, Senior. A mere Eternal Night junior is hardly worth your personal intervention. Besides, Caili had already used the favor granted by the Abyssal Monarch to help this junior recover another heavy sword that fits me perfectly from the Wan Dao Divine Pavilion.â
âI know. Its name is âLone Cloudâ.â Meng Kongchanâs voice faltered slightly, and he let out a soft sigh. Suddenly, his eyes were clouded by a deep, hidden sense of guilt. âAs the Divine Regent of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, I was destined to be unable to give you much of my time. Similarly, I was destined to be an unworthy father.
âIt has been three years since your return, yet you still have not recalled your past, truly integrated with the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, or accepted your former name, âJianyuanâ. This must be why the name âLone Cloudâ touched your heart and soul so deeply. The swordâs name mirrors your ownâlike a solitary cloud in the vast void, isolated in a foreign world⊠All of this is due to your fatherâs mistake all those years ago.â
Yun Che: ââŠâŠâ
âThat said, we have plenty of time ahead of us. Letâs not dwell on this.â Meng Kongchan suppressed his melancholy and guilt and asked smilingly, âYou havenât come today just to greet me, have you?â
Yun Che replied honestly, âThere is one matter that I would like your permission, Senior⊠This junior intends to leave Dreamweaver for several days and pay the dragon race a visit.â
âOh?â Meng Kongchanâs eyes flickered. âCould it be related to that Long Jiang from the other day?â
Although Meng Kongchan had never appeared in public nor interfered, it went without saying that nothing that happened within the domain of Dreamweaver could escape his noticeâespecially when it was a matter concerning Meng Jianyuan.
âYes!â Yun Che replied without hesitation. âOn the Pure Land, the Dragon Lord sensed the draconic aura within me and extended a warm invitation to his realm. He even gifted me a jade token that allows me to freely pass through the dragon raceâs barriers.â
âAs for Long Jiang, she is also one of the key reasons I would like to pay them a visit. Back when I was still wandering the world, we had saved each otherâs lives. That âCoiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystalâ was a gift she gave me to repay the debt of that life-saving favor. However, I had not had the chance to repay
her
for saving my life, and that had always weighed heavily on my heart.
âFinally, there is one last reason.â Yun Cheâs breathing was steady, and his demeanor serene. There was not a trace of false insincerity in his words as he spoke, âMy master once maintained friendly relations with the dragon race, and the draconic aura within me had, in fact, originated from an ancient dragon relic bestowed upon me by my master. Therefore, before my master had passed away, he had repeatedly urged me to cultivate a harmonious relationship with the dragon race and offer them assistance without hesitation onceI had entered the mortal world. Should the dragon race come under danger, I must do my utmost to aid them.
âTherefore, this visit to the dragon race serves three purposes: first, to accept their invitation; second, to repay a past debt; and third, to fulfill my masterâs wish.â
Having said all this, and given Meng Kongchanâs excessive affection for Yun Che, he naturally could not refuse such a request.
âMm⊠Be it in terms of sentiment, reason, or filial piety, this journey is indeed necessary.â He nodded slowly and pondered for a brief moment. Then, he said, âThis would be the first time youâre traveling far on your own since your return⊠I will have Chaoyang escort you on this journey.â
Yun Che looked surprised and refused, âDream Lord Chaoyang is a person of high status. I canât possibly trouble him for such a simple trip. Itâs not like this trip will take me to the Endless Fog or any perilous regions; having Shouyuan by my side alone is sufficient.â
But Meng Kongchan raised his hand decisively. âYuanâer, whatever you wish to do or where you wish to goâas long as there is no dangerâyou will face no objections from me. But when it comes to your own safety, there can be no compromise.â
He tilted his head back slightly and exhaled deeply. âThe joy of regaining what was lost is like dust clearing to reveal splendor; meeting dawn after a cold night. As the Divine Regent of a Kingdom of God, I should fear neither heaven nor earth. However, I dare not, even for a single moment, entertain the thought of losing what I have gained.â
His voice seemed to carry the lingering pain of a century-old wound.
A surge of uncontrollable emotion welled within him, and Yun Che found himself unable to stand his ground. So, he lowered his gaze and said, âVery well. I shall abide by your arrangements in every respect.â
âŠâŠ
Yun Che left the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God alone without any attendants.
Only Meng Chaoyang watched over him from afar.
As the Dream Lord of the Second Dream Hall of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, Meng Chaoyangâs status was exalted as a matter of course. This was the first time in his life he had taken on the duty of a bodyguard.
But no one found this unusual, not even himself. He felt it was only right because the one he was guarding was none other than Meng Jianyuan.
Meng Jianyuan was the only perfect God Bearer in the history of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, the unprecedented genius who had defeated a Divine Extinction Realm profound practitioner as a Divine Master on the Pure Land, and the true Divine Son that had completely won over Meng Jianxi in just three years⊠frankly, another Dream Lord could have joined him, and still no one would think it was unusual.
âI recall that you once made plans to visit the dragon race with Hua Caili,â Li Suo reminded him. âBut now, it seems you have no such intention.â
Yun Che replied, âThat was my intention back then, but now⊠Iâm afraid that Xiâer could not wait.â
âDoes this count as an⊠unnecessary complication?â Li Suo asked.
âYes, and no.â Yun Che said calmly, âThe dragon race is preoccupied with preserving their legacy and saving themselves; that was why they had never engaged in conflict with outsiders. When the Dragon Lord mentioned Xiâer, it was entirely out of care and affection as well. There, she is at her safest. My journey will also elevate her status with the dragon race to the highest possible degree⊠it involves no risk and touches on no conflicts or interests of any nation. Thus, it doesnât really count as a complication.
âI will make it so that her and the dragon race will remain outside of this storm until the very end.â
Because of Yun Xiâs existence, none of his plans included the dragon race.
More accurately, he had kept them away from the dragon race as much as possible.
He had never dared to forget the heavy mission on his shoulders for a moment, but in the end, he could not truly let go of his identity as a âfatherâ.
Yun Che stood upon a small profound boat, gazing straight ahead. Moving at a steady pace, he occasionally exchanged words with Meng Chaoyang to pass the time. Before they knew it, they had passed through layers of dust and smoke, crossed vast stretches of Land of the Living, and taken in the myriad shapes and forms of the Abyss.
âŠâŠ
Mountain ranges stretched across the ages, winding for thousands and thousands of kilometers with no beginning or end in sight. Dull, gray clouds and mists formed layers that spanned both the heaven and the earth.
This was where the dragon race dwelled. This was also where they had imprisoned themselvesâthe Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range.
As far as the eye could see, the peaks rose in layers like coiling dragons and crouching tigers, vast and majestic, reaching to the sky and blocking out the sun[1]. In Primal Chaos, such a vast and majestic spectacle had only ever been glimpsed in the God Realm of Absolute Beginning. But⊠despite its immense scale, there was no trace of spiritual energy flowing through it, no lush forests, and definitely no teeming beasts. There was only endless, gloomy dust and fog that swirled and swirled, enveloping heaven and earth and casting a somber, deathly silence over the colossal mountain rangeâa silence that had lingered since time immemorial.
âWeâve arrived.â
Gazing down from the sky, Yun Che could not suppress a wistful sigh. As the most powerful race since the beginning of time, the dragon race had once been the absolute rulers of their ancestral world. Yet in a universe choked with abyssal dust such as the Abyss, they could only eke out a meager existence in this single, sheltered corner.
âAre you nervous?â Li Suo asked.
âA little.â Yun Che didnât deny it.
ââŠâŠâ Li Suo seemed lost in thought. After a long moment, she murmured softly, âThe emotions of living beings are truly strange. This is true for the romantic love between men and women and it is true for the bonds of blood as well. Even when we know they are obstacles and shackles, they simply cannot bring ourselves to sever them with reason.â
Yun Che raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and seriousness. âBack in the day, you were the most benevolent Creation God of them allâthe very last person Iâd expect to say something like that. Now, youâre forced to follow me as a villain who brings disaster to the world. The fate of this world remains uncertain, but youâve already suffered quite a bit, it would seem.â
ââŠâŠâ Li Suo remained silent.
âSpeaking of whichâŠâ Yun Che suddenly thought of something and said half-seriously, âIf one day you found another vessel to temporarily inhabitâone that could restore your wholeness and freedom more quicklyâwould you rationally choose to leave me immediately, or⊠continue wading through this muddy water with me, knowing it will inevitably splatter us both with filthy blood and sin?â
Li Suo didnât hesitate. Her voice, soft as a dream, remained as emotionless as ever. âIâve never thought about it.â
Yun Che said, âThen you can think about it now.â
But Li Suo didnât fall into deep thought. Instead, she said slowly, âAll I want to do is to watch you take each step forward, right up to the very end. As for the other possibilities youâve mentioned, Iâve never considered them, nor do I wish to.â
ââŠâŠâ Yun Che said nothing more.
She hadnât answered with a yes or a no, yet for some reason, her words stirred an unusual sensation deep within Yun Cheâs heart.
Yun Cheâs figure darted downward, his gaze piercing through layer upon layer of gray mist until a vast barrier came into view. Amidst the countless cliffs and gorges, it flickered with a faint, almost imperceptible glow and exuded an ancient, weighty aura that seemed to carry a touch of the sorrowful aura of a dragon.
As he neared the Ancestral Dragon Barrier, Yun Che took out the pale white dragon jade and touched it to the barrier.
Instantly, the Ancestral Dragon Barrier parted silently like flowing water. Yun Che flew inside, and Meng Chaoyangâs figure flickered instantly and passed through the barrier as well. It then resealed itself behind them.
The moment they entered the barrier, the light and darkness of the world shifted abruptly. A dense draconic aura seemed to permeate heaven and earth, and mist rose from every ravine. The dragonâs blood and dragonâs soul within Yun Cheâs body were stirred by it for a long time.
However, the dragon raceâs isolation barrier ultimately could not compare to that of a Kingdom of God. Within that dense, almost tangible draconic aura lingered faint traces of abyssal dust, silently eroding and destroying everything without end.
The sudden presence of a foreign aura instantly aroused the dragon guardsâ suspicion. Two draconic aura instantly locked onto Yun Cheâs aura at the same time a sharp shout erupted, âWho are you? Who dares to trespass into the dragonsââ
The shout trailed off abruptly. It was because the two dragon guards who had teleported over at the same time caught sight of the pale dragon jade in Yun Cheâs hand and shifted their expressions.
Yun Che raised the jade and said calmly, âPlease inform the Dragon Lord that Yun Che of the Dreamweaver has come to pay a visit.â
After the Pure Land Meet, was there anyone in the world who didnât know the names Yun Che and Meng Jianyuan?
The two guardsâ already startled expression immediately turned even more flavorful. They stood frozen for a moment before hastily bowing, âWe⊠We did not know that youâre coming, Divine Son Yuan! Please wait a moment; we shall go report this immediately.â
Just over two months ago, the Dragon Lord had personally instructed them that, should the Divine Son Yuan of Dreamweaver ever pay a visit, there would be no need to escort him into the palaceâhe would personally greet him in person.
But in the blink of an eye, an uncontrollable rumble suddenly echoed from the distant mountain peaks.
Immediately afterward, a piercing noise that sounded like thunder ripped through the air, creating a long, distorted ripple that warped the very fabric of space.
Across the vast expanse, Long Zhiming caught sight of Yun Che at a glance. His face, as weathered as dead wood, instantly lit up as if it had gained a new lease of life. He swiftly closed the distance, landed before Yun Che, and laughed heartily. âThis old man thought I was still dreaming at first, but it turned out that Divine Son Yuan really had graced us with his presence. No wonder the dragon veins in these mountains had been glowing with radiance, and the dark sky had been ablaze with rosy clouds lately. It was because a distinguished guest was about to arrive!â
Yun Che bowed respectfully. âJunior Yun Che greets you, Senior Dragon Lord. This visit had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, which was why I had not sent a formal invitation. I apologize for the impertinence and hope that Senior will not hold it against me. I am also deeply humbled that the Dragon Lord would personally welcome me in this manner.â
âOh, you speak too highly of me, Divine Son Yuan.â Long Zhiming replied with an even broader smile. âThough you are my junior, you possess the bearing of a heavenly being. Your presence here is truly an honor for the dragon race.â
âYou really are flattering me, Senior Dragon Lord. I am, in a sense, part of the dragon race, and having received this precious dragon jade from you, how can I possibly refuse to come?â
The dragon guards could not help but stare as the elderly man and the younger man exchanged pleasantries. They were especially stunned by how warm the Dragon Lord was speaking.
It was at this moment Long Zhiming turned his gaze to Meng Chaoyang, who had been standing silently behind Yun Che. He said, âSo, it is Dream Lord Chaoyang! This old man was overcome with emotion when he first set his eyes on Divine Son Yuan; I apologize for nearly neglecting to properly greet a distinguished guest such as you.â
Meng Chaoyang simply stood with his hands clasped behind his back and said calmly, âMy duty on this journey is to ensure Divine Son Yuanâs safety. Feel free to disregard my presence, Dragon Lord.â
âHaha, you jest, Lord Chaoyang! For you to be here in person, you canât be anything but the most honored of guests. Please, come inside.â
As he turned around, he urgently sent a sound transmission, âQuick!! Summon Wangchu to the main hall at once!â
The Ancestral Dragon Divine Hall was situated at the foot of the highest peak in the Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range. Standing at over three kilometers tall, its tiered domes soared straight into the clouds.
Pale draconic patterns could be seen swirling throughout the hall, crisscrossing and flowing ceaselessly and radiating a profound, ancient radiance of dragons. It seemed as though they were praying for the dragon raceâs legacy to endure forever, vast and eternal.
This was the dragon raceâs holiest site, and the place where the draconic aura was the most concentrated. Even a Half-God would be intimidated by the draconic might upon entering this place, unable to suppress the trembling of their body and soul, and becoming unsteady in their steps.
Long Zhiming snuck a glance at Yun Che as they stepped inside, only to find him strolling leisurely and taking in the extraordinary sights around him with a composed demeanor. He showed not even the slightest trace of fear or trepidation whatsoever. Both his admiration and smile for Yun Che deepened.
After taking his seat, Yun Che cut straight to the point. âThe reason for my visit today is, first, to accept your invitation, Senior Dragon Lord.â
Long Zhiming smiled and nodded in acknowledgement.
âSecond, I hope to meet Long Xi in person to repay a debt from the past.â
A fleeting trace of unease flashed across Long Zhimingâs face upon hearing the name âLong Xiâ. However, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and the faint smile looked the same as ever.
âThirdlyââ
Rumble⊠thud!
It was at this moment a series of chaotic sounds suddenly echoed from outside the hall. It sounded as if someone were kicking at the objects at their feet with reckless abandon. Then, an extremely impatient voice erupted, âHey!! What do you want, you old geezer?â
The smile vanished completely from Long Zhimingâs face, and his sagging, withered face trembled. After offering Yun Che and Meng Chaoyang a smile that was half apologetic and half awkward, his face hardened, and he barked sharply, âGet in here, Wangchu!â
As the command rang out, a figure staggered into the room. He possessed the towering, slender stature typical of the dragons, yet his bearing was exceptionally rude and slovenly. His eyes, which should have radiated draconic might, held little sharpness; instead, they were clouded with a repulsive murkiness.
He was Long Wangchu⊠Long Zhimingâs only biological son, and sole direct heir of the Ancestral Dragon lineage.
âSpirit it out!â He leaned casually against the side of the hall door, not even glancing in Yun Cheâs direction, much less showing the slightest respect or courtesy toward his father, the supreme Dragon Lord. âEvery day, you spout a new load of nonsense. Just get it over with so I can get out of here, you old geezer.â
To make such a spectacle in front of not one, but two distinguished guests was tantamount to tearing his old face to shreds. Long Zhiming forced himself to suppress his anger and growled, âShut up! Get inside this instant and pay your respects to Divine Son Yuan of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God!â
Long Wangchuâs expression froze, and his body snapped to attention with a whoosh.
It was only now he opened his eyes and looked at Yun Che properly. Then, the panic immediately set it. Shame, fear, and excitement tangled chaotically across his features for a moment before he finally realized what he should be doing and composed himself. He strode quickly to Yun Cheâs side and bowed deeply, saying:
âTo⊠To think itâs Divine Son Yuan of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God. I am Long Wangchu. I was unaware of your arrival and acted rashly. I beg that you do not hold it against me, Divine Son Yuan.â
His bow was deep, and his voice was trembling slightly. It was even tinged with a touch of flattery⊠After all, standing before him was the Divine Son of a Kingdom of God.
His sudden display of impeccable etiquette did not bring Long Zhiming the slightest comfort. Instead, he turned his face away, and a long, heavy sigh rose in his heart.
A sudden silence fell over the grand hall.
Long Wangchu, still bowing, felt his body tense. After waiting for a long time but receiving no response from Yun Che, he cautiously raised his head to take a peekâonly to suddenly meet a pair of eyes that looked as dark as the deepest night.
Those eyes were fixed directly on him, unblinking. Though both of them had black pupils, the ones staring at him were terrifyingly pitch black like a bottomless abyss of death, or an endless night of calamity.
Moreover, those pupils seemed to be expanding and contracting constantly.
Long Wangchuâs vision suddenly wavered, and his sight grew abruptly blurry⊠Through the haze, he vaguely saw a crimson speck coalescingâred as blood.
As if passing through a million layers of blood-soaked purgatory, it just kept deepening until a single, blood crystal of purgatory was crystalized.
1. There isnât actually a sun in the Abyss, but activate preemptive response: Iâm just the translator. â
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