Chapter 538: Peaches and Plums Fill the World

A Soul Contract binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other's methods are god‑like, it cannot be undone.

It's like the immortal Emperor Xiao Huangji, who was once only a Divine King; now he is an Emperor, yet he also cannot break such an agreement.

To prevent that guy from reneging and causing backlash, Master Dalu once explicitly decreed that even if the other party can detach from the Heaven Dao Tome, they still cannot escape the soul pact!

"A Soul Contract truly cannot be split from the Sea of Consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even Heaven Dao can dissolve; unraveling such a contract is not hard… as long as there is enough power to bombard the contract's location, it can be done!"

Hen Ren said.

A Soul Contract is built upon the foundation of Heaven Dao; the special power can even dissolve the divine realm's Heaven Dao. Dissolving a Soul Contract, if handled properly, is no difficulty at all.

"I see…" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

"Having told you all this, I suppose I should thank you for bringing me to the divine realm!"

After the explanation, Hen Ren said no more; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him expanded further, evidently the act of speaking had again devoured an unknown amount of power, using it as nourishment.

"Zhang Xuan, the more the black hole devours, the stronger he becomes…"

Luo Ruoxi also sensed something amiss and hurriedly sent a voice transmission.

"Prepare to act!" With all doubts cleared, Zhang Xuan inhaled deeply, raised his long sword abruptly: "If that's so, then let's see the true skill beneath my hand!"

Boom!

The most powerful sword intent surged forth once more.

Life returns to its source, death lingers in endless longing.

If life and death matter not, what can possibly impede us?

This sword technique, though not yet at Emperor‑level comprehension, contains all the lingering obsessions in the heart, pushing the Heavenly Sentiment Technique within his dantian to its limit.

Whoosh!

One slash split Hen Ren's attack in two.

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi struck, her jade hand swirling, sword light flashing like snow.

Her sword style resembled that of the youth under Jian Shentian, bearing an unstoppable momentum and the natural elegance of the Dao.

"Your moves are impressive, but compared to me, they're still lacking…"

With a light smile, Hen Ren lunged downward again.

In an instant, the sky was eclipsed, his palm enveloped heaven and earth, space shattered, the sun, moon, and stars seemed about to be ripped down violently.

Puff! Puff!

Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were flung backward together, blood spraying wildly in the air.

With their combined strength, they still couldn't hold it back!

What realm has this guy actually reached?

"Audacious!" The clone strode forward, and with each step a lotus blossomed, the void echoing with the sound of flowing water.

From afar, it exuded sheer grandeur.

Having refined the Nine‑Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, his cultivation is by no means weaker than Zhang Xuan's.

A single punch rose, its force soaring to the Nine Heavens.

Clashing with Hen Ren, he was likewise flung backward, unable to block a single move.

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

Having attained Emperor status, the clone still hasn't shed its pretentious nature…

Such flamboyant showoff, better to concentrate the power; the impact would be greater!

【7】 "Let's strike together; otherwise, if they die, we'll all die…"

If we don't act together, they'll die, and we'll all die...

Xiao Huangji let out a roar, crimson flames blazing, the sky seemed set alight.

The remaining six great Emperors each deployed their own tactics.

The seven Emperors united, destroying heaven and earth; no realm could withstand them, yet the opponent—Hen Ren, who had absorbed a special power—had his attack approach, his black hole suddenly swelled, and in the blink of an eye devoured the power entirely, then launched a counterattack.

Bang bang bang bang!

The seven Emperors, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were flung backward.

The ten Emperors, united, still couldn't block a single move from the opponent!

How could this guy be so powerful?

"You may die…"

With one strike he shattered the crowd; Hen Ren stepped forward, flicked his wrist, and struck down again.

"You rat‑kind dare this!"

Accompanied by a roar, the elder from Jian Shentian who had appeared earlier suddenly materialized, blocking the way, his long sword turning into a galaxy.

"Emperor? Does he also possess Emperor‑level strength?"

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

That elder had originally followed the youth, thought to be merely an attendant, perhaps only a titled Divine King; when he unleashed his power, it turned out he too was an Emperor‑strength warrior!

If he is an Emperor, then what is the youth?

"He himself is Jian Shentian's Emperor…" Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth, standing shakily.

"Then… the youth who taught me the sword technique?" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back.

"He is…" Luo Ruoxi began to answer when space warped, and the Emperor of Jian Shentian was seen flung backward as also, landing nearby and gouging a huge crater.

Zhang Xuan's current strength and his comprehension of the sword path far surpass him; even though his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship is superb, he still cannot match the opponent.

"Ha ha, Emperor, you're just a bunch of earth‑chickens and mongrels! Today I'll annihilate the Nine Heavens, destroy this divine realm, and trample all rules!"

Having defeated Jian Shentian's Emperor, Hen Ren roared with manic laughter, the surrounding space continuously collapsing, framing him like a demon.

"What now?" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists.

Just now he and his clone had unleashed their utmost combat power, and even Luo Ruoxi before him had used her strongest technique, yet none could block the opponent's single move…

Could it be that no one in the Divine Realm can stop him?

Let him destroy the world?

"The only way…… is to return your Heavenly Dao's flaw to the Heavenly Dao itself, letting the Heavenly Dao suppress him……" Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists, her eye sockets reddening.

"Return to the Heavenly Dao itself?" Zhang Xuan understood her meaning.

The Library in his mind is itself part of the Heavenly Dao; once returned, the Heavenly Dao becomes completely whole, perhaps able to repair the loophole and expel the Ruthless One.

Just like the body's immune system.

When the immune system is whole, viruses come and are easily driven away; when broken, it cannot resist viral invasion, and even the strongest person will die.

But……

"He is too strong; even if the Heavenly Dao recovers its wholeness, it may still be unable to suppress him!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Viruses can be slain by the immune system, but…… what about a fierce tiger?

What can even the strongest immune system do?

This person before us is merely an ordinary God King; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao can easily kill him, yet he is stronger than an Emperor Sovereign…… already beyond what the Heavenly Dao can contend with.

"This……" Luo Ruoxi paused, a look of loss appearing on her pure jade-like face: "Yes…… we cannot suppress him, but if the Heavenly Dao becomes whole, he will awaken, and slaying him will not be difficult!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"I will take you to see him, in the Free and Easy Heaven……" Taking a deep breath, Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth, turned and flew forward.

"Trying to escape?" The Ruthless One snorted coldly, pressing down.

Bang!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the air.

"You……" Zhang Xuan unleashed his sword technique again, sword intent shining forth.

Ding ding ding!

Blocked again by the Ruthless One.

"You hurry and leave, I will hold him off……"

Knowing they still sought a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign shouted loudly, blocking the front, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the true form of the Still Void Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone throw themselves forward without fear of death, Zhang Xuan's eye sockets reddened, but he also knew now was not the time for many words; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, tore through space, and in the next moment appeared within the range of the Free and Easy Heaven.

The Free and Easy Heaven now lacked its former ease; the Divine Realm had collapsed, everywhere in chaos.

"Where is the one you spoke of?"

Having no time to observe ordinary people's lives, Zhang Xuan looked at the girl in his arms.

If the person she spoke of could truly save the Divine Realm, what harm would my sacrifice be!

"He is my father; the blood in your locket is his, the Undying Emperor Sovereign was once his beast companion……" Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath, then explained.

"Father?"

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

No wonder I always felt the blood in the locket resembled Luo Ruoxi yet differed; it turns out it is her father's.

This also explains why the Undying Emperor Sovereign's lingering thought, upon seeing the locket, immediately recognized me as its master.

"Is your father also an Emperor Sovereign? Or does he possess strength surpassing an Emperor Sovereign?"

I couldn't help but ask.

The Library in turmoil is the blood in the locket letting me regain clarity; could it be that not only is she an Emperor Sovereign, her father is too, and even stronger?

If that is the case, why would he fall into a coma?

And why would he need a flaw in the Heavenly Dao to awaken?

"He is not an Emperor Sovereign, but…… the Heavenly Dao!"

Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists.

"Heavenly Dao? Your father…… is the Heavenly Dao?" Zhang Xuan shuddered, unable to believe.

"Yes! Fifty years ago, father could not withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts, the Orderly Heavenly Dao and the Flawed Heavenly Dao entered the Space Turbulence, I took charge of the Natural Heavenly Dao, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To awaken him, only by gathering the scattered parts…… thus I am so resolute, cannot fail! That is why I specially entered the Master Teacher Continent, studied the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Master Kong! When fighting Master Kong, I entrusted him with this matter as well."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having just met the Master Teacher Continent not long ago, the girl before me had already told me her story, wanting to save a close relative; I did not understand then, but now I have suddenly realized.

It is actually her father, and moreover the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm!

Can the Heavenly Dao truly take human form and bear children?

"Taking charge of the Natural Heavenly Dao…… do you have no Heavenly Dao fragments within you?" Suddenly realizing something off in her words, Zhang Xuan looked over.

Taking charge, and being fused within oneself as I am, are two different concepts.

"I merely take charge, I am not part of the Heavenly Dao……" Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Putting it this way, I only need to separate the Flawed Heavenly Dao from within myself; I do not need her to die as well.

Although this fate is unwilling to accept, I also do not wish the girl before me to suffer harm.

"If I separate the Flawed Heavenly Dao from within me, your father can revive, even slay the Ruthless One, right?" Zhang Xuan looked.

"This…… I am not certain……"

She lifted her gaze to the already collapsed Divine Realm, Luo Ruoxi hesitated.

The Divine Realm is her father's foundation; now the foundation is like this, even if he awakens, can he truly defeat that powerful Ruthless One?

Really hard to say!

"It seems you can't be certain either. In that case, seeking others is less effective than relying on ourselves… we have to figure it out on our own!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, I, and our duplicate, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, and if we cooperate with Master Kong, victory may not be impossible!"

"Master Kong? He…" Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Master Kong is already dead, right? He hasn't truly died; if my guess is correct, you slew him as a means to break free from the Heavenly Way… unsurprisingly, he should be, like Wei Changfeng, an Innate Fetal Soul Body!"

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, he understood that Master Kong's so‑called preservation of spiritual intellect must be the same as him—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

It allows one to remain unlost within the womb.

Adding the reserve he left in advance, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

Luo Ruoxi was stunned; she hadn't expected it to be like this.

"A look into the past would reveal it; your guess is right—he should have already recovered, otherwise his students wouldn't have even missed the Tide Sea…" Zhang Xuan said.

Master Kong's students, such as Ziyuan Gusheng and others, are all powerful; even without an Emperor Lord's aid, they would surely find a way into the Tide Sea, yet none have been seen.

There must be something more important awaiting, intending to act while all the Emperor Lords are occupied in the Tide Sea.

And that important matter is clearly to restore Master Kong.

"This…" Luo Ruoxi felt a shock in her heart, suddenly realizing.

"Let's go!"

Without further explanation, with a single hand sweep, Zhang Xuan returned to Master Kong's dwelling and indeed saw an elderly man sitting cross‑legged, hovering in the air; upon seeing them arrive, he smiled faintly: "You've come!"

"If not Master Kong, then who are you!"

This teacher of ten thousand generations truly did not disappoint.

As predicted, he revived while everyone's attention was focused on the Tide Sea.

"You…" Luo Ruoxi's delicate body trembled.

She knew an Emperor Lord could be resurrected, and the Undying Emperor Lord had also returned, but… she hadn't expected it to be so swift!

"I concealed the Heavenly Dao and prepared a reserve in advance; the nameless giant in the Ghostly Soul Pool is what I left behind. When you slew him that day, I seized the chance to break free from the Heavenly Dao's shackles, re‑condense my flesh, and have only just now recovered!"

Master Kong smiled faintly.

He is adept at temporal abilities; it appears only one or two days have passed in the Divine Realm, but in reality, an unknown length of time elapsed for him to restore his power.

Tens of years have passed.

"The three of us are quite strong, but surpassing the Ruthless One is not that easy…"

Seeing that Master Kong truly recovered, Luo Ruoxi still shook her head.

It's not about inflating others' prestige or crushing one's own will; it's simply the truth.

Even with so many united just now, they couldn't stop the opponent; even adding another Master Kong, what difference would it make?

It still wouldn't change the situation!

"Our individual strength, even when combined, is indeed no match for the opponent, but… what if we fuse everyone's power into a single person?"

Master Kong smiled and looked over.

"Fusing into one person's body?"

This time, not only Luo Ruoxi frowned, Zhang Xuan was also full of doubt.

"That palm can tear the Divine Realm, shatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless One absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of the Divine Realm's spiritual energy. Relying solely on strength, the dozens of us Emperor Lords, each alone, are indeed no match…"

Master Kong said, "But when combined and concentrated on one person… that might be different!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

It's easy to say, hard to do.

The Emperor Lord already stands at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm; if absorbing others' power were that easy, she wouldn't have been stagnant for so many years.

"It's simple… we concentrate all our power onto Zhang Xuan; once he can break the Emperor Lord's shackles, we can save the Divine Realm!"

Master Kong said.

"Me?" Zhang Xuan was startled: "Why me?"

"Spirit-Heart Emperor Venerable cultivates freedom and transcendence of nature! Yet with a father's and the Heavenly Way's constraints, and with loved ones, true transcendence is impossible! If I'm not mistaken, when you first fought me, you also gave up, intending to be slain by me, right?"

Master Kong said.

Luo Ruoxi was at a loss for words.

During the battle, that intention did exist, so at the start of their duel, each kept a reserve, resembling Sparring rather than a life‑or‑death struggle.

"Unable to transcend, one naturally cannot unleash the utmost power; even with abundant true Qi, one still cannot breach that supreme realm! As for me…"

Master Kong nodded and said, "With the world in mind, wishing to universal salvation, yet unwilling to have others sacrifice for me—excessive compassion is also a flaw! If one were more ruthless and eradicated the Yiling Clan, the present predicament wouldn't exist…"

Had the Yiling Clan been completely exterminated back then, the Ruthless One could not have revived, and the current circumstances wouldn't have arisen.

"Therefore, I'm also unsuitable! As for Zhang Xuan, his cultivation method aligns perfectly and has no flaws. He values living true to himself; even if he dies, as long as he lives without regret, his heart remains unburdened. Such a person possesses greater tolerance and broader development potential; only this way can he ascend higher and farther!"

Master Kong continued.

"Life returns to its origin, death becomes endless longing!"

Not even fearing death, how could one be bound by anything else?

"This…" Zhang Xuan frowned, about to say something, when Master Kong's eyes gleamed as he looked over: "No need to decline. Time is already short; even if we tried to cultivate others, it may still be too late, and I doubt anyone could do it better than you! Though the Spirit-Heart Emperor Venerable lacks Heavenly Way fragments within his body, he has long controlled the Heavenly Way and has his own understanding of it; I orderly command the Heavenly Way. If we channel this power into you, your body will possess the complete power of the Heavenly Way! Combined with the duplicate's Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, we can truly set the Nine Heavens, command Heaven and Earth, battle the Nine Heavens, and annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

Seeing the other party had already decided, further explanation was useless, Zhang Xuan nodded.

Boom!

Sitting cross‑legged, ready, in the blink of an eye, two massive currents of power surged in from both sides.

Zhang Xuan's whole body stiffened; in an instant he seemed to become the Heavenly Dao itself, soaring above the Nine Heavens.

Soul, flesh, and true Qi were instantly baptized, growing stronger and more robust with each moment.

……

"You all want to block me? Very well, I'll kill you, then go on to slay Zhang Xuan…"

He flung Luo Qi Qi, his duplicate, and the others into the air, and the ruthless man gave a cold smile.

The power unleashed by the duplicate together with numerous imperial lords was indeed formidable, yet compared with him it was still somewhat weaker.

The Tide Sea has devoured almost all the spiritual energy outside the Divine Realm's cities; now those forces have become his fostered power, and with every move he wields the ability to destroy heaven and earth. Even these imperial lords and divine kings, though representing the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, remain helpless.

At this moment, the ruthless man seemed to embody the entire Divine Realm; no one could stand against him.

"With the Divine Realm gone, our existence is meaningless. I, the Cloud Serpent, will perish together with you…"

The Cloud Serpent Great Emperor transformed into his true form, a massive five‑clawed golden dragon, and swooped through the air toward him.

"You? Unworthy!"

He pinched his palm, and the golden dragon hung in his hand; no matter how it struggled, it could not escape.

"Old friend, wait for me!"

Fu Meng Imperial Lord let out a roar, transformed into the true form of a white tiger, and flew to his side.

The Undying Imperial Lord and the Undying Fire Phoenix manifested, their flames lighting up the sky.

Xuan Ming Great Emperor revealed his true form, a gigantic turtle that seemed to support the heavens.

The Four Great Divine Beasts, guardians of the Divine Realm's four poles, also shifted into their true forms, and the collapsing Divine Realm began to slow.

Heaven and Earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

With four consecutive palm strikes, the ruthless man suppressed the four beasts; a fierce murderous intent flashed in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it…"

Amid the roar, as he prepared to deliver the killing blow to everyone, his raised arm tightened and halted in mid‑air.

"Want to kill them? You didn't ask me…"

Then, under the shocked gazes of the crowd, a figure slowly stepped out from the sky.

It was Zhang Xuan!

At this moment, the young man's entire body surged with power, more than ten times stronger than before, descending from the heavens as if his whole being were a world.

"You've improved a lot…"

The ruthless man halted, his gaze solemn.

He clearly did not understand why, in just a few minutes, the opponent's strength had changed so dramatically.

"But even with the increase, what of it? Even the Divine Realm at its peak could not resist; I doubt you can withstand me…"

With a cold snort, the ruthless man struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his long sword, meeting the attack.

Both sides clashed, tearing the space with rifts, and currents of air surged chaotically.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

From the Free Heavenly Kong Master's base, Luo Ruoxi watched with deep worry.

She and Master Kong transmitted their power to Zhang Xuan; her own cultivation had dropped to merely the divine‑king level, far less glorious than before.

However, rank is just a label; as long as the power is sufficient, one day it can be restored.

"With the current strength, surpassing… is difficult! Unless… he can comprehend power beyond that of an imperial lord!"

After a moment of silence, Master Kong said.

Even a coalition of a dozen imperial lords could not defeat the ruthless man; even if they transferred all their power to the opponent, victory would not be easy.

The reason for this is that only by concentrating power in a single person can one reach the pinnacle, truly surpass the limit, and break through oneself!

"Power beyond an imperial lord?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

When her father was still lucid, he had said the same to her, but… she could not achieve it; could the man she loves accomplish it?

"He certainly will… he has an indomitable heart! And pride toward this world."

Seeing the doubt in her heart, Master Kong smiled.

……

Boom! Boom! Boom!

After several consecutive strikes, Zhang Xuan's tiger mouth split open, a massive scar appearing on his chest, fierce and terrifying.

Just as Master Kong said, even after merging their two powers and forming a complete Heavenly Dao within his body, he still was not a match.

"Ha ha, you thought it was impressive, yet it's just like this!" the ruthless man sneered coldly.

"Anyway you're not my opponent; you'll be killed sooner or later. Since that's the case, I wish to die under…" He inhaled deeply, Zhang Xuan halted, ceased his attack, and instead looked at the ruthless man before him.

"Fine, I'll grant you, give you the strongest attack…"

Hearing him say that, the ruthless man was momentarily stunned, then let out a cold snort and raised his palm.

Whoosh!

A streak of azure light appeared in his palm and slammed down fiercely.

Sure enough it was the strongest attack; the entire Divine Realm roared, as if about to collapse, and a massive crater was gouged again.

With his eyes tightly shut, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Boom!

His head exploded, his soul scattering in all directions.

"Zhang Xuan…" Upon seeing this, everyone's faces turned pale.

Luo Qi Qi seemed to go mad.

The Cloud Serpent Great Emperor and the others widened their eyes, trembling continuously.

Master Kong and Luo Ruoxi, upon seeing this scene, were both stunned.

The original intention was to let him break the shackles and surge beyond the Imperial Realm, so why does he not resist and willingly go to his death?

In doing so, wouldn't that betray their goodwill?

"No, it's the Immortal Emperor's method of immortality…"

Puzzled, Master Kong suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan, whose head had exploded and even his soul shattered, his chest pendant suddenly detonating; a droplet of blood floated up, ignited into a scorching flame, and within the flame a perfectly intact figure stepped out slowly.

"He… used the opponent's power and the blood in the pendant to separate the flawed Heaven's Dao from his soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

After being reborn from the fire, Zhang Xuan no longer had the Heaven's Dao Library within him, no longer suffered the interference of Heaven's Dao, and had broken free from Heaven's Dao!

"How did he do it?"

Master Kong was also full of disbelief.

Heaven's Dao and the soul had merged indistinguishably; to escape, he had to let his soul scatter and, using the Ghostly Soul Pool, reconsolidate his spirit.

The one before us, after being slashed only once, completely broke free—what method did he use?

"I understand… he used the ruthless one's method to break the Soul Contract…" Luo Ruoxi realized.

A Soul Contract binds master and servant; if the master does not release it, the servant remains forever bound… The Heaven's Dao Library works the same way, essentially an enhanced contract.

Once the soul is bound, the immortal cannot detach.

But… the ruthless one used that special power to break the Soul Contract; Zhang Xuan had previously inquired in detail about the method, perhaps having already formed a plan then.

That is why he deliberately risked death, forcing him to unleash his strongest power against him.

With this power, reborn from the fire, he did not expect it, but indeed achieved great success!

"So that's it, this is the way to break through the Imperial Lord…"

Zhang Xuan, emerging from the flames, wore a faint smile as if he understood something; he suddenly gestured, and one of his duplicates instantly transformed back into a lotus and flew toward him.

In an instant, it merged perfectly with his own body.

In the blink of an eye, everyone felt that the Zhang Xuan before them seemed to become the Nine Heavens, and the Nine Heavens were him.

His foot lightly pressed the ground.

The chaotic Nine Heavens instantly steadied.

The Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, which appears at the birth of the Nine Heavens and can stabilize them, now with his duplicate perfectly merged with himself, indistinguishable, means he has mastered this power.

Moreover, with his cultivation fused with the Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, his already peak realm became loosened, seeming ready to break through at any moment.

"Master‑servant bond, brotherly bond, teacher‑student bond, parental bond, love… merged together, that is the myriad things of the world, that is humanity!"

Smiling, Zhang Xuan murmured to himself.

The instant the Heaven's Dao Library detached from his soul, he understood.

Is it that humans observe the world, thereby creating the world, or does the world exist first, then humans?

Is it the wind that moves, or the heart that moves!

This question has eternally plagued countless people.

Of course, now… none of that matters!

Without life, without emotion, even if the world exists, what meaning does it have?

Thus, after breaking through love, comes the sentiment of all beings! The emotions that interweave the world.

All things in the world possess emotion; with emotion there is a world, and with emotion life can continue.

Love is emotion.

Hatred is emotion.

Joy is emotion.

Pain is emotion.

Separation is emotion.

Reunion is also emotion!

"Myriad feelings, at my command…"

With a low cry, the realm sealed within Zhang Xuan's body instantly shattered.

The Imperial Lord's shackles have been broken!

In an instant, it seemed he touched a brand‑new world and gateway, his soul receiving rapid nourishment.

Countless chaotic qi surged in, and his mortal body swiftly ascended.

Before, only by absorbing spiritual energy could he progress, but now spatial Turbulence, chaotic qi, even the opponent's green light, can all be his, indistinguishably.

"You…" The ruthless one did not expect that his full‑force attack, instead of slaying him, actually empowered him, causing him to howl "Wah‑wah!" in fury, then let out a roar and attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Imperial Lord for not rescuing you in the spatial Turbulence, that's emotion; you feel that you were once my servant, containing humility and anger, that's emotion; you wish to destroy the divine realm, venting rage, that's emotion; you desire greater strength, also emotion… Emotion controls you, so how can you surpass me and not be controlled by me?"

With a faint smile, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and louder, and his palm lightly grasped.

The once invincible ruthless one was bound by countless emotional threads, shackled together, unable to move.

As long as there is emotion, it will be used by him, controlled by him!

"You…"

The ruthless one's eyes filled with dread: "Master Zhang, I am your servant, do not kill me… I am willing to sacrifice my soul…"

"It's too late to say that now…" he said with a slight smile, shaking his head.

Controlling the emotions of the world, servants and the like have already become meaningless to him.

Having killed so many god‑level beings, wounded his own girlfriend, Luo Qiqi and so many friends, today, how could he possibly forgive!

"No…"

Feeling his resolve, Hen Ren's pupils contracted; before his words finished, he immediately felt a sharp pain surge through his body.

Bang!

In an instant, it exploded, turning into countless spiritual energy that surged into every corner of the Divine Realm.

Earlier, all the power devoured by the Tide Sea now returned, reviving the once‑withered wasteland with new life.

"This…"

"So that's how you kill?"

The Cloud Dragon Emperor, the Undying Emperor, the Exquisite Fairy and others all widened their eyes, unable to believe.

They had just sparred with Hen Ren and knew his terror; such a mighty figure being wiped out so casually—what level has Zhang Xuan truly reached?

Could there truly be another realm beyond the Emperor?

"He succeeded…"

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi relaxed their clenched fists.

"This is part of the Heavenly Dao, so I will now return the Heavenly Dao…"

Seeing the "Heavenly Dao with a flaw" that had just been separated from his own body still hovering in the air, Zhang Xuan smiled lightly and snapped his fingers.

Buzz!

The Library that has accompanied him since rebirth, with a roar, embedded itself in the sky of the Divine Realm.

Like a great bell tolling, the constantly collapsing Divine Realm began a visibly slow recovery, and the chaotic currents reconvened.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the dried spiritual energy, along with Hen Ren's death, slowly revived.

"It seems the Divine Realm is about to usher in a new era of spiritual resurgence…" Zhang Xuan smiled.

The void left by the Tide Sea, now restored with the completion of the Heavenly Dao, means the Divine Realm will return to its former splendor—just a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, this way…"

Having just finished, a voice rang in his mind; Zhang Xuan froze for a moment, then took a step forward.

That step, however far it flew, soon revealed a young man standing before him.

It was the very one who had previously taught him his sword technique.

"Senior, you…"

Seeing him, Zhang Xuan was startled.

He had always seemed unfathomable, but now Zhang Xuan realized that he was only a hair's breadth away from himself, having already attained the Emperor's apex, and was incomparably stronger than Luo Ruoxi had ever been.

"Just call me by my name; I am… Nie Tong!" The young man exuded an unstoppable sword aura as he said lightly.

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

"Come with me; I'll introduce you to my brother!" The youth named Nie Tong smiled faintly and stepped forward.

Zhang Xuan followed closely behind, unsure how far they had flown, and stopped before a mountain peak.

There, another young man appeared.

His appearance was not much older; his eyebrows arched, giving an impression of unfathomable depth.

"Such power…" Zhang Xuan trembled.

The young man's power before him was even greater, having also broken the Emperor's shackles, and his cultivation was far deeper and weightier!

"I am Nie Yun!" the youth smiled lightly, looked over, and said, "In other words… Nie Spirit-Heart, the father of Luo Ruoxi you mentioned!"

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

Zhang Xuan shivered: "You… are the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm?"

Luo Ruoxi had once said her father was the Heavenly Way; she never imagined it would be a young man like this.

"I merged my Qi with the Three Purities, a part of my soul became the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, I created this world, so calling me the Heavenly Dao is not unreasonable!" Nie Yun smiled lightly.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

The Divine Realm was created by the man before him?

Then how powerful must he be?

"That's not right. If you created the Divine Realm and you are the Heavenly Dao, why let Hen Ren run rampant without intervening…" Zhang Xuan asked.

If he hadn't broken through himself, the Divine Realm might have completely collapsed; why does this man ignore it?

He even cares about his daughter's life and death?

Without answering, Nie Yun looked over calmly: "Do you think there exists a life above the Divine Realm that is even stronger?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan paused, "There should be, I guess…"

Although he hadn't seen any, since he could cultivate to this level, perhaps others could too, maybe even stronger.

Just like the one before him.

"I once doubted that there were stronger lives above the Divine Realm, so I strained to peer, which ultimately attracted a backlash from a higher world… a palm tore through the void!"

Nie Yun looked over: "If I had dodged then, the entire Divine Realm might have been erased, leaving no life… So I blocked the attack, but in doing so, my incarnation of the Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"In this case, I think restoration is just a thought, but… I understand that to truly transcend the Divine Realm's shackles and investigate where that palm came from, what lies beyond the Divine Realm… is impossible for me alone. So I want to see if any life can break the Emperor's shackles and reach parity with me!"

"Thus, I sent the scattered Heavenly Dao intentions to the lowest world… granting them respectively to souls originally belonging to this world and to a soul that does not belong to this world. And you, in the end, did not disappoint me!"

Nie Yun smiled.

"A soul that doesn't belong to this world—so, my crossing over was because of you?" Zhang Xuan felt a shock in his heart.

No wonder, being able to traverse here was all thanks to the man before me.

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly, saying, "Being native to this world gives one reverence for it; to break the world's shackles is far harder. I acted on a whim and never expected you could actually succeed…"

"I…" Zhang Xuan's face flushed, "If it weren't for Kong Shi, I could never have reached this level…"

Without Kong Shi's selfless dedication, attaining the current realm would have been impossible.

"I gave him the chance; he just didn't seize it. The duel with Lingxi was actually his best opportunity to breakthrough, but unfortunately he chose to retreat, thinking he kept a fallback and could withdraw unscathed, whereas in reality he lost his bold progress. When facing someone who surpasses us, if he lacks even that spirit, how can he contend with them?"

Nie Yun said.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

He had watched their battle, and Master Kong was indeed somewhat indecisive.

Perhaps he was unwilling to slay Luo Ruoxi.

Unfortunately, in that split second, the chance to advance was missed.

"If Master Kong wins, Luo Ruoxi will die…" A moment later, Zhang Xuan looked over, his eyebrows furrowing.

Could it be that this man before me doesn't even care about his daughter's life or death?

"As long as I'm here, she won't die…" Nie Yun gave a faint smile: "Your current strength is not far from mine; do you think, at the brink of life and death, with both of your powers, you could save someone?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan forced a bitter smile.

Surpassing the Emperor and the Emperor are two separate concepts; if he truly is willing to act, he can indeed rescue the person at the final moment, and ensure that not a single injury is incurred.

"Lingxi is the child of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her disguised name carries the surname Luo… I wanted her to believe I wasn't acting on emotion; she has been thinking I'm still in a coma up to now…"

Nie Yun let out a bitter laugh: "I, as a father, have been cruel enough… Fine, you should explain this to her; after all, her thoughts have already shifted to you. I, this old dad, probably can't even recall… Haha, I'll stay out of sight for now, lay low for a while; otherwise I truly fear she'll cause a catastrophe…"

Seeing this utterly unreliable old dad, Zhang Xuan's face twitched, and he could only agree: "Fine…"

I couldn't refuse; after all, I was the one who had taken someone's daughter…

"Heaven's Way Library is a manifestation of my will; it is both foundation and shackles. If you can, with your own ability, break through the shackles, it shows your capability and potential, and your future is boundless. My daughter being able to be with you also brings a father some comfort."

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