Chapter 1023

A soul contract binds souls; as long as it isn't dissolved, even if the other party wields heavenly powers, it cannot be undone.

Translation: "Soul Contract, it binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party has heavenly means, it cannot be undone."

Check: Need to keep meaning. "Soul Contract, it binds souls" could be "Soul Contract, it binds souls"; we'll translate: "Soul Contract, it binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party has heavenly means, it cannot be undone."

Make sure it's one line.

Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huang Ji, who was merely a God King before, he is an Emperor and likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

Translation: "Just like the Undying Emperor Little Yellow Chicken, who was merely a God King before, he is an Emperor, yet he likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement."

Undying Emperor Xiao Huang Ji.

He was merely a God King before; he is an Emperor and likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

Thus line 2 translation: "Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huang Ji, who was merely a God King before, he is an Emperor, yet he likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement."

To prevent this guy from changing his mind and causing a backlash, the Master Teacher Continent once specifically stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao Book, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement.

Translation: "To prevent this guy from changing his mind and causing a backlash, the Master Teacher Continent had specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao Book, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement!"

Check: Need to keep meaning. Master Teacher Continent, Heavenly Dao Book, soul‑bound agreement—ah!

Thus: "To prevent this guy from changing his mind and causing a backlash, the Master Teacher Continent had specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao Book, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement!"

"Soul Contract, indeed cannot be separated from the sea of consciousness, but I have fused a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, dissolving this contract is not difficult……as long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it!"

Translation: "\"Soul Contracts truly cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, making it easy to undo this contract…… As long as there is enough power, bombarding the location of the contract will do it! \"" Need to keep quotes.

Thus: "\"Soul Contracts truly cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, making it easy to undo this contract…… As long as there is enough power, bombarding the location of the contract will do it! \"" Ensure quotes.

Hen Ren's Dao.

Translation: "Ruthless Person's Dao."

The soul contract is based on the Heavenly Dao; even special powers that can dissolve the Divine Realm's Heavenly Dao can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what's the difficulty?

Translation: "Soul Contracts are founded on the Heavenly Dao; even special powers that can dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?"

We need to keep meaning. Even special powers that can dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?

Thus: "Soul Contracts are founded on the Heavenly Dao; even special powers that can dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?"

"I see……" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

Translation: "\"I see……\" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed."

"Saying all this to you also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm!"

"Saying all this to you also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm!" Translation: "\"Saying all this to you also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm! \"" Note: "also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm!" -> "also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm!"

After finishing his explanation, Hen Ren fell silent; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him swelled larger—evidently, while speaking, he had consumed an unknown amount of power, strengthening himself.

Translation: "After explaining, the Ruthless Person said no more; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him became even larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself."

We need to keep Hen Ren as the nickname; we will keep it as Hen Ren because it's a nickname used as a name, so we keep pinyin.

Thus we need to adjust translations where we used "the Ruthless Person". We'll replace with "Hen Ren". However we need to ensure readability. The instruction says we should not add explanatory words; we just replace the term. So we will output "Hen Ren" as is.

Thus line 9 translation: "After explaining, Hen Ren said no more; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him became even larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself."

We need to keep the dash? It's okay.

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

Translation: "\"Zhang Xuan, the more the black hole devours, the stronger his strength becomes……\""

We need to keep quotes.

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

Translation: "Luo Ruoxi also sensed something was wrong and hurriedly sent a mental message."

"Let's get ready to fight!" With all doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, raised his sword, and said: "Since that's the case, let's see whose technique is superior!"

Translation: "\"Get ready to fight! \" With his doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, raised his long sword, and declared: \"If that's the case, then let's see whose technique is superior! \"" Need to keep quotes.

Boom!

Translation: "Boom—"

We need to keep the em dash? Use "Boom—".

The strongest sword intent was unleashed once again.

Translation: "The greatest sword intent was unleashed once again."

In life, I shall return; in death, I shall long for you!

Translation: "If alive, return home; if dead, cherish longing!"

Life and death are of no concern; what could possibly stop us?

Translation: "Unconcerned with life or death, what could possibly stop us?"

This sword move, though not reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, embodies all the obsession in my heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique within my body to its limit.

Translation: "This sword move, though not yet reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, embodies all the obsessions in my heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique to its limit."

Whoosh!

Translation: "Whoosh!"

One sword cut Hen Ren's attack in half.

Translation: "One sword cut Hen Ren's attack in half."

We need to keep Hen Ren as Hen Ren.

Thus: "One sword cut Hen Ren's attack in half."

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi also struck, her jade hands rolling, her sword light like snow.

Translation: "At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi also struck, her jade hands rolling, her sword light like snow."

Her swordsmanship somewhat resembles that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, carrying an unstoppable momentum and the effortless grace of the natural Dao.

Translation: "Her swordsmanship somewhat resembles that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, carrying an unstoppable momentum and the carefree ease of the natural Dao."

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

Translation: "\"Your moves are impressive, but compared to me, they still fall short……\""

With a light smile, Hen Ren reached down again to grab.

Translation: "Hen Ren gave a light smile and reached down again."

We need to keep Hen Ren as Hen Ren.

In an instant, his hand covered the sky and earth, shattering space, as if the sun, moon, and stars were about to be slammed down.

Translation: "In an instant, his hand blotted out the sky and covered the earth, shattering space as if the sun, moon, and stars were about to be slammed down."

Pfft! Pfft!

Translation: "Pfft! Pfft!"

Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were both blown backward, blood spraying wildly in the air.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were blown backward simultaneously, blood spraying wildly in midair."

Despite their combined strength, they couldn't withstand it!

Translation: "With their combined strength, they could not even withstand it!"

Just what realm has this guy reached?

Translation: "Just what realm has this guy reached?"

"Impudent!" The clone strode forward, each step causing lotuses to bloom and the void to echo with the sound of flowing water.

Translation: "\"Impudent! \" The clone strode forward, each step causing lotuses to bloom and the void to echo with the sound of flowing water."

We need to keep "clone" as "clone".

From afar, it looked extremely pretentious.

Translation: "From afar, it looked extremely pretentious."

From afar, it looked extremely pretentious.

Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, his cultivation is not the slightest bit weaker than Zhang Xuan's.

Translation: "Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, his cultivation is not the slightest bit weaker than Zhang Xuan's."

He raised a fist, his power surging to the Nine Heavens.

Translation: "He raised a fist, and his power surged up to the Nine Heavens."

Clashing with Hen Ren, he too was blown backward, unable to withstand a single move.

Translation: "Clashing with Hen Ren, he too was blown backward, unable to withstand a single move."

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan covered his forehead."

Having attained Emperor rank, the clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature……

Translation: "Having attained Emperor status, the clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature……"

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

Such flamboyant pretentiousness would be better replaced by concentrating power for greater might!

Translation: "Such flamboyant pretentiousness is worse than concentrating power for greater effect!"

"Let's attack together; otherwise, they'll die and we'll all die……"

Translation: "\"Let's attack together, otherwise if they die, we will all die……\""

Xiao Huang Ji let out a loud shout; crimson flames blazed, as if the sky itself were ignited.

Translation: "Xiao Huang Ji let out a loud shout, crimson flames blazing, the sky seeming to be set ablaze."

Note: crimson flames.

The remaining six Emperors each employed their own means.

Translation: "The remaining Six Great Emperors also each employed their methods."

The seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet even a single world before them could not withstand it, but the opponent was Hen Ren, who had absorbed special power—when his attack arrived, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye swallowing all the power, then immediately counterattacking.

Translation: "The Seven Emperors united, employing heaven‑shattering, earth‑destroying tactics; yet no matter how powerful the opposing heaven and earth before them, they could not withstand it—because the opponent was Hen Ren, who had absorbed special power. When his attack arrived, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring all that power, then launched a counterstrike."

We need to keep "special power" as "special power". "Hen Ren" as Hen Ren. "black hole" as black hole.

Thus: "The Seven Emperors united, employing heaven‑shattering, earth‑destroying tactics; yet no matter how powerful the opposing heaven and earth before them, they could not withstand it—because the opponent was Hen Ren, who had absorbed special power. When his attack arrived, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring all that power, then launched a counterstrike."

Bang bang bang bang!

Translation: "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

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

Translation: "The Seven Emperors, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were blown backward."

Even the ten Emperors united could not block a single strike from the opponent!

Translation: "The Ten Great Emperors, joined together, could not even block a single move of the opponent!"

This guy, how can he be so powerful?

Translation: "Just how could this guy be so strong?"

"You may

Translation: "\"You can die……\""

With one move, he overwhelmed everyone; Hen Ren stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck again.

Translation: "With a single move he crushed the crowd; Hen Ren stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again."

How dare you, rats!

Translation: "\"How dare you, rats! \""

With a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven abruptly appeared, stepping in front and transforming his long sword into a galaxy.

Translation: "With a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven suddenly appeared, blocking the front, his long sword transforming into a galaxy."

An Emperor? He also has Emperor-level strength?

Translation: "\"An Emperor? He also has Emperor‑level strength? \""

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted."

Initially, this old man followed behind the youth, and I assumed he was merely an attendant, at most a God King, but when he unleashed his power, I realized he was actually a powerful Emperor.

Translation: "That old man initially followed behind the youth; I thought he was merely a retainer, at most entitled God King, but when he displayed his power I discovered he was actually a powerful Emperor!"

If he's an Emperor, then what is that youth?

Translation: "If he is an Emperor, then what is that youth?"

"He himself is the Emperor of Sword God Heaven..." Luo Ruoxi struggled to her feet, gritted her teeth, and said.

Translation: "\"He himself is the Emperor of Sword God Heaven……\" Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth as she struggled to her feet."

"Then... what about the youth who taught me swordsmanship?" Zhang Xuan could no longer contain himself.

Translation: "\"Then… what about the youth who taught me swordsmanship? \" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back."

"He is..." Luo Ruoxi was about to reply when space distorted, and the Emperor of Sword God Heaven was likewise blown backward, landing nearby and carving out a huge pit.

Translation: "\"He is……\" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted; instantly she saw the Emperor of Sword God Heaven also blown backward, landing not far away and blasting out a huge pit."

Zhang Xuan's current strength and sword insight far exceed his; even though his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship is superb, he remains no match.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's current strength and his understanding of the sword far surpass his; even if his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship superb, he is still no match."

"Hahaha, Emperor, you're nothing but a bunch of country chickens and dogs! Today I will obliterate the Nine Heavens, destroy this divine realm, and trample all rules underfoot!"

Translation: "\"Hahaha, Emperor, you're just a bunch of chickens and dogs! Today I will destroy the Nine Heavens, destroy this Divine Realm, and trample all rules flat! \"" Need to keep quotes.

Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, Hen Ren laughed wildly as the surrounding space kept collapsing, making him look like a demon or monster.

Translation: "After defeating the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, Hen Ren laughed maniacally, the surrounding space continually collapsing, making him appear like a demon or a fiend."

"What should we do?" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists.

Translation: "\"What should we do? \" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists."

Just now he and his clone both displayed their strongest combat power; even Luo Ruoxi before him also used their strongest technique, yet none could block the opponent's single move……

Could it be that in the Divine Realm, no one can stop this person before us?

Let him destroy the world?

"The only way…… is to return your defective Heavenly Dao 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 the 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 Henren on its own.

Just like the human immune system.

If the immune system is intact, viruses come and are easily driven off; if it fails, one cannot resist viral invasion, and even the strongest person will die from it.

Just……

"He's too strong; even if the Heavenly Dao is restored to wholeness, it might not be able to suppress him!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Viruses, the immune system can kill them, but…… what about a tiger?

Even with the strongest immune system, what can be done?

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

"This……" Luo Ruoxi paused, a look of loss appearing on her pure jade-like face: "Yeah…… we can't suppress him, but if the Heavenly Dao is whole, he can wake up and slay this person—it wouldn't be difficult!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"You want to escape?" Henren snorted coldly, pressing down.

Boom!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the air.

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

Ding ding ding!

Again blocked by Henren.

"You all hurry and leave; I'll block him……"

Knowing they still wanted to find a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, a clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign stepped forward with a loud shout, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to her Tranquil Void Pearl form.

The surrounding space solidified.

Go!

Seeing everyone fearlessly blocking the rear, unafraid of death, Zhang Xuan's eyes reddened, but he also knew this was no time for words; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, he tore through space, and in the next moment they appeared within the range of the Free and Easy Heaven.

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

Where is the person you spoke of?

No time to observe ordinary people's lives; Zhang Xuan looked at the girl in his arms.

If the person she spoke of can truly save the Divine Realm, what harm is there in my sacrificing myself!

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

"Father?"

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

No wonder I always felt the blood in the locket resembled Luo Ruoxi yet was different—it turns out it's her father's.

This also explains why the thought left by the Undying Emperor, upon seeing the locket, immediately acknowledged me as its master.

"Is your father also an Emperor? Or does he possess power surpassing that of an Emperor?"

He couldn't help but say.

The library is in chaos; it's the blood in the locket that has restored my clarity—could it be that not only is she an Emperor, but her father is as well, and even stronger?

If that's the case, why would he be unconscious?

Also, it requires a defective Heavenly Dao for him to regain consciousness?

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

Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists.

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

"Yes! Fifty years ago, my father couldn't withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the orderly Heavenly Dao and the defective Heavenly Dao entered the space-time turbulence; I act as the steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To revive him, we must gather the scattered parts…… that's why I am so resolute, cannot fail! I therefore went specially to the Famous Teacher Continent, studying the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Kong Shi! When battling Kong Shi, asking him to do this was also the purpose."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan realized.

Having only just become acquainted with the Famous Teacher Continent, the girl before me had already told me her story of wanting to save a close relative; I didn't understand back then, but now I finally realize.

It turns out to be her father, and moreover the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm!

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

"Acting as the steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order…… you don't have any Heavenly Dao fragments inside you?" Suddenly realizing something off in her speech, Zhang Xuan looked over.

Acting as steward and this kind of fusion within oneself are two different concepts.

"I am merely overseeing it, not a part of the Heavenly Dao……" Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Putting it that way, I only need to separate the defective Heavenly Dao from within myself; there's no need for her to die as well.

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

"If I separate the defective Heavenly Dao from within me, your father could come back to life, and even slay the Henren, right?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

"This…… I'm not sure either."

Looking up at the already collapsed Divine Realm, Luo Ruoxi hesitated.

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

Really hard to say!

"Looks like you can't be sure either. In that case, relying on others is worse than relying on oneself... We have only ourselves to figure it out!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, me, my avatar, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we also coordinate with Master Kong, we might still be able to win!"

"Master Kong? He..." Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Master Kong is already dead, right! He didn't truly die; if my guess is correct, he was slain by you, merely a method to break free from the Heavenly Dao... No surprise, he should be like Wei Changfeng, an Innate Fetal Soul Body!"

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, it became clear that Master Kong's so-called retaining sentience should be the same as his—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain unconfused even in the womb.

Adding the backup prepared in advance, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

Luo Ruoxi froze, seemingly not expecting this to be the case.

"Just go check and you'll know; my guess is correct—he should have already recovered. Otherwise, his disciples couldn't possibly have not gone to the Tidal Sea..." Zhang Xuan said.

Master Kong's disciples, like Ziyuan the Ancient Sage and others, are all formidable; even without an Emperor's help, they would certainly have a way into the Tidal Sea, yet not a single one was seen.

There must be something more important awaiting them, intending to act while all the Emperors are preoccupied with the Tidal Sea and have no time to attend to anything else!

And this important matter is obviously to let Master Kong revive.

"This..." Luo Ruoxi's heart jolted, and she suddenly understood.

"Let's go!"

Without further explanation, he flicked his sleeve with one hand, and Zhang Xuan returned to where Master Kong resided; indeed he saw an old man sitting cross-legged, floating in midair. Upon seeing them arrive, he gave a slight smile: "You've come!"

Not Master Kong, then who is he!

This teacher of myriad ages certainly did not disappoint!

Just as guessed, taking advantage of everyone focusing their attention on the Tidal Sea, he revived again.

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

She knew Emperors could be resurrected, the Undying Emperor had also come back to life, but... she didn't expect the speed to be this fast!

"I concealed it from the Heavenly Dao, prepared a backup in advance—the nameless giant in the Soul Ghost Pool is what I left behind; when you slew me that day, I seized the chance to break free from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondense a physical form, and have only just now recovered!"

Master Kong gave a faint smile.

He is versed in time abilities; while it seemed only a day or two had passed in the Divine Realm, in truth he had undergone an unknown span of time to regain his strength.

He had even accumulated several decades of time.

"Our three strengths are considerable, but wanting to surpass the Ruthless One is not that easy..."

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

It's not to boost others' prestige or dampen our own morale; it's simply the fact.

Just now, even with so many of us united, we couldn't block the opponent; even adding one Master Kong, what could that change?

It would likewise fail to change the situation!

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

Master Kong smiled and looked over.

"Fuse into one person?"

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

"That palm can tear apart the Divine Realm and scatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless One has absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of spiritual energy from the Divine Realm. Going by strength alone, even if we each take out our power from the dozen-odd Emperors, we are certainly no match..."

Master Kong said: "But if we unite and concentrate the power into one person... perhaps not!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

The Emperors already stand at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm; if absorbing others' strength were that easy, she wouldn't have stagnated for so many years.

"Quite simple... we will gather our power onto Zhang Xuan; once he can break through the Emperor's shackles, we can save the Divine Realm!"

Master Kong said.

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

"The Lingxi Emperor cultivates freedom and ease, transcending nature! But with the constraints of father and Heavenly Dao, and with people one cares for, one can never truly transcend! If I'm not mistaken, when we fought earlier, you also once gave up, intending to let me slay you!"

Master Kong said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

During the battle, such an intention indeed existed; thus their exchanges at the start were each holding back, akin to sparring, not a life-and-death fight.

"Being unable to transcend, one naturally cannot unleash one's greatest strength; even with abundant true qi, one cannot strike that supreme realm! As for me..."

Master Kong nodded and said: "Holding the world in one's heart, wishing to save all beings, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for oneself—excessive benevolence is also a flaw! If one were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the Alien Spirit clan, the present situation would not have arisen..."

"Had we been able to exterminate the Alien Spirit clan entirely back then, the Ruthless One could not have revived, nor would we be in this predicament."

"So I am also unsuitable! Zhang Xuan, however, cultivates a method that follows his heart, without flaw. He emphasizes living true to himself; even if he dies, as long as he lives without guilt, his mind is at ease. Such a person possesses greater inclusiveness and greater room for growth—only thus can one reach higher and farther!"

Master Kong continued.

"In life, return to the origin; in death, cherish longing!"

"If even death is of no concern, how could one be bound by other matters?"

"This..." Zhang Xuan frowned, about to say something, when he saw Master Kong's piercing gaze: "No need to decline—first say there's no time, go train others; even if there were time, I doubt anyone could do better than you! Though the Lingxi Emperor's body lacks fragments of the Heavenly Dao, he has long commanded it, possessing his own understanding of it; I govern the orderly Heavenly Dao. If we pour our power into you, you will wield the complete Heavenly Dao within! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can fully achieve: stabilize the Nine Heavens, command the cosmos, battle the Nine Firmaments, annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

Seeing the other party had already decided, further explanation would be useless; Zhang Xuan nodded.

Boom—

Seated cross-legged, in the blink of an eye two mighty surges of power poured in from both sides.

Zhang Xuan's body stiffened; his whole being seemed to instantaneously embody the Heavenly Dao, soaring above the Nine Heavens.

Soul, flesh, and true qi were instantly baptized, growing ever stronger, ever more mighty.

……

You also want to stop me? Fine, I'll kill you, then go and slay Zhang Xuan...

Luo Qiqi and the avatars and others were sent flying, Henren gave a cold smile.

The power unleashed by the avatars and the many Emperors combined was indeed strong, but compared to him, it was still somewhat weaker.

The Tide Sea drained the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm, almost completely devouring it; now this power has become his nourishment, every move bringing the ability to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and God Kings, though they represent the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, are still no match.

At this moment, Henren seemed to embody the entire Divine Realm, and none could withstand him.

The Divine Realm has fallen; our lives are meaningless. I, Yun Chi, will perish with you...

Yun Chi Great Emperor transformed into his true form, a gigantic five-clawed golden dragon, and lunged at him from above.

Just you? You're not worthy!

Henren clenched his palm, and the golden dragon hung in his grasp, unable to escape no matter how it struggled.

Old friend, wait for me!

Fu Meng Emperor let out a great roar, transforming into his true form, the White Tiger, and appeared before him.

Undying Emperor, the true form of the Undying Fire Phoenix appeared, flames illuminating the sky.

Xuan Ming Great Emperor's true form was a giant turtle, as if holding up the heavens.

The Four Divine Beasts, guardians of the four extremes of the Divine Realm, simultaneously transformed into their true forms, and the collapsing Divine Realm slowed down.

Heaven and Earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

Four consecutive palms, Henren subdued the four beasts, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes: 'Since you seek death, I will grant it...'

In the roar, just as he was about to strike down and wipe everyone out, he felt his raised arm tighten, stopping in midair.

You want to kill them, but have you asked me...

Immediately, amidst everyone's shocked gazes, a figure slowly walked out from the air.

It was Zhang Xuan!

At this moment, the youth's power surged, stronger than before by more than tenfold, coming from the heavens, as if his very being was a world.

You've improved quite a bit...

Henren halted, his gaze solemn.

He clearly didn't understand either, how in just a few minutes the opponent's strength had undergone such a huge change.

But what does it matter even if you've increased? Even at its peak, the Divine Realm couldn't withstand me; I don't believe you can block me...

With a cold snort, Henren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his sword and went to meet him.

The two clashed, space rending in streaks, air currents churning wildly.

Can Zhang Xuan win?

At the abode of Zaitian Kongshi, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

She and Master Kong transferred their power to Zhang Xuan; their own cultivation had dropped to only the God King level, not as glorious as before.

But rank is rank; as long as the power is sufficient, one day it can be restored.

With your current strength, wanting to surpass... is very difficult! Unless... he can comprehend power beyond the Emperors!

After a moment of silence, Master Kong said.

More than ten Emperors united still couldn't defeat Henren, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to win would still not be easy.

The reason for doing this is because... only by concentrating power in one person can one possibly touch the pinnacle, truly surpass limits, and break through oneself!

Power beyond the Emperors?

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

When her father was still lucid, he had once told her the same thing, but... she couldn't do it; can her beloved man do it?

He certainly can... he has an unyielding heart! And an arrogance toward this world!

Seeing her doubt, Master Kong laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang!

After several blows, Zhang Xuan's tiger's mouth split, his chest bearing a huge, hideous wound.

Just as Master Kong said, even after fusing their two powers and forming a complete Heavenly Dao within, he was still no match.

'Hahaha, thought you were something, but that's all!' Henren gave a cold smile.

'Anyway, you're not my match; sooner or later I'll be killed. If so, I want to die under your strongest attack...' Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan stopped his advance, instead gazing at Henren before him.

Very well, I'll grant it, giving you my strongest attack...

Hearing that, Henren froze for a moment, then let out a cold snort and raised his palm.

Clatter!

A cyan light appeared in his palm, then came down fiercely.

Surely the strongest attack, the entire Divine Realm rumbled, as if it could barely endure, once again blasted with a huge crater.

His eyes tightly shut, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Bang!

His brain exploded, his soul scattering in all directions.

'Zhang Xuan...' Seeing this, everyone's faces turned pale.

Luo Qiqi went mad.

Yun Chi Great Emperor and the others also stared wide-eyed, trembling incessantly.

Seeing this scene, Master Kong and Luo Ruoxi were also stunned.

The original intention was for him to break through his shackles and impact beyond the Emperor Realm—so why didn't he resist and willingly accept death?

Wouldn't this be letting down their good intentions?

"No, it's the Undying Emperor Sovereign's undying method…"

They were wondering when Master Kong suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan's head explode, even his soul shatter, as the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood levitated and ignited, forming a ball of scorching flame; within the flame, an intact figure slowly stepped out.

"He…… used the opponent's power and the blood in the pendant to separate the flaw in the Heavenly Dao from the soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

After being reborn from the flames, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heavenly Dao Library inside him, no interference from the Heavenly Dao, and had severed ties with the Heavenly Dao!

How did he do that?

Master Kong was also full of disbelief.

Heavenly Dao and soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul scattered and, with the help of the Netherworld Spirit Pool, recondense his soul.

This person before us, after just being slashed once, completely broke free—what method did he use?

"I understand…… he used Hen Ren's method to break the soul contract…" Luo Ruoxi realized.

The soul contract binds master and servant; if the master does not lift it, the servant remains forever bound…… the Heavenly Dao Library is the same—it can be said to be an enhanced version of the contract.

Once the soul is bound, even immortality won't free it.

But…… Hen Ren used that special power to break the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before—perhaps he had already been tempted back then.

That's why he deliberately fought to the death, letting the opponent unleash their strongest power against him.

With this power, he was reborn from the flames; unexpectedly, it turned out to be a great success!

"Ah, I see—this is the method to break through the Emperor Sovereign…"

Zhang Xuan, walking out of the flames, showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly waved his hand, and a side avatar instantly turned back into a lotus flower, flying over.

In an instant, it perfectly merged with himself.

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

He lightly tapped the ground with his foot.

The chaotic Nine Heavens immediately stabilized.

The Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, which appeared when the Nine Heavens were born, can stabilize the Nine Heavens; at this moment, the avatar and self perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which means he mastered this power.

Moreover, with the cultivation fused with the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, he had already reached the peak realm, which now showed signs of loosening, as if he could break through at any moment.

"Master-servant affection, brotherly affection, teacher-student affection, parental affection, love…… when combined, they are actually all things in the world; this is what it means to be human!"

With a smile on his face, Zhang Xuan muttered to himself.

At the moment the Heavenly Dao Library separated from the soul, he realized.

Is it that people see the world and thus the world exists, or does the world come first and then people?

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

Of course, now…… these are no longer important!

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

So, after breaking through love, it is the affection of all beings! It is the emotions intertwining the world.

All things in the world have emotions; with emotion comes the world, with emotion comes the continuation of life.

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Separation, is emotion.

Reunion, is also emotion!

"Myriad emotions, for my use……"

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

The Emperor Sovereign's shackles, broken!

In an instant, it felt as if touching a brand-new world and the Da Men, the soul receiving swift nourishment.

Countless chaotic qi surged in, and the fleshly body also rapidly increased.

Before, only absorbing spiritual power allowed progress, but now spatial turbulence and chaotic qi—even the opponent's azure light—can be made mine, with no distinction.

"You……" Hen Ren never expected that his full-force attack would not only fail to slay him but actually fulfill him; he shouted "wah-wah!" in anger, let out a furious roar, and attacked again.

"You resent the high and mighty Emperor Sovereign for not saving you in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; you feel that having once been my servant, containing humility and anger, is emotion; you want to destroy the Divine Realm to vent anger, that's emotion; you want to become stronger, likewise emotion…… emotion controls you, so how could you possibly defeat me and not be controlled by me?"

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

The originally invincible Hen Ren was bound together by countless threads of emotion, his hands and feet tied, unable to move.

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

"You……"

Hen Ren's eyes were full of panic: "Master Zhang, I am your servant, don't kill me…… I am willing to offer my soul as a sacrifice……"

"Saying this now is already too late……" Zhang Xuan gave a slight smile and shook his head.

Controlling the emotions of the world, things like servants are already meaningless to him.

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

No...

Feeling his decisiveness, the Ruthless One's pupils shrank; before his words finished, he immediately felt a sharp pain surge through his body.

Bang!

In an instant, the explosion burst forth, turning into countless streams of spiritual energy that surged toward every corner of the Divine Realm.

Previously, all the power swallowed by the Tidal Sea now flowed back, revitalizing the once‑barren wilderness.

"This..."

"You just killed him like that?"

Emperor Yunchi, the Immortal Sovereign, the exquisite fairy Linglong, and the others all widened their eyes in disbelief.

Just moments ago they had crossed blows with the Ruthless One and knew how terrifying he was; yet such a mighty figure was wiped out with a casual flick—how far has this Zhang Xuan... actually reached?

Could there truly be a realm above the Sovereign Emperor?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

"This is part of the Heavenly Dao, so I will now return it to the Heavenly Dao..."

Seeing the "flawed Heavenly Dao" that had been split from his own body still hovering in the air, Zhang Xuan smiled lightly and flicked his finger.

Hum!

The library that had accompanied him since his rebirth thunderously embedded itself in the sky of the Divine Realm.

With a deep bell‑like resonance, the continually collapsing Divine Realm slowly healed to the naked eye, and the chaotic currents also reconverged.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the withered spiritual energy, together with the Ruthless One's death, slowly revived.

"It seems the Divine Realm is about to usher in an era of renewed spiritual energy..." Zhang Xuan smiled.

The rift in the Tidal Sea, along with the completion of the Heavenly Dao, has already healed; the Divine Realm will return to its former glory—it's only a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, come here..."

Having just finished those things, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan startled, then took a step forward.

That step carried him an unknown distance, and immediately he saw a youth standing before him.

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

"Senior, you..."

Seeing it was him, Zhang Xuan startled.

Earlier I had sensed his unfathomable depth; now I realized he was only a hair's breadth above me, having already reached the peak of the Sovereign Emperor, far surpassing even Luo Ruoxi's former strength.

"Just call me by my name—I am Nie Tong!" the youth said lightly, a fearless sword intent emanating from him.

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

"Come with me, I'll take you to see my brother!" the youth called Nie Tong chuckled and stepped forward.

Zhang Xuan followed closely behind, not knowing how far they had flown, until they stopped before a mountain peak.

Immediately he saw another youth.

His appearance was not much older, with raised brows that gave an inscrutable, profound air.

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth before him proved even stronger than he, likewise having broken the Sovereign Emperor's shackles, and his cultivation was deeper and more substantial!

"I am Nie Yun!" the youth said with a light smile, looking over: "That is... Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you spoke of!"

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

Zhang Xuan startled: "You... are the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm?"

Luo Ruoxi had said before that her father was the Heavenly Dao; he never imagined it would be such a young man.

"I transformed one part of my soul into the Heavenly Dao through the One Qi becoming Three Purities; besides, this world is my creation, so calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly fine!" Nie Yun said with a light smile.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

The Divine Realm was actually created by this person before him?

Just how powerful must his strength be?

"No, if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why would you let the Ruthless One run rampant without intervening?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

"If I hadn't broken through, the Divine Realm would likely have collapsed utterly; why does this person before me remain indifferent?"

"Even the life and death of his daughter—does he care at all?"

Without answering his question, Nie Yun glanced over lightly: "Do you think... there might be even greater beings above the Divine Realm?"

"This..." Zhang Xuan paused: "There probably is..."

"Although I've never seen such a being, since he could cultivate to this level, perhaps others could as well—and perhaps even stronger."

"Just like the one before us."

"I once suspected that greater beings existed above the Divine Realm, so I strained my senses to the limit, ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world... a palm shattered the void and descended!"

Nie Yun looked over: "At that time, if I had dodged, the entire Divine Realm would likely have been erased, leaving no life at all... so I blocked the strike, but consequently, my incarnate Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"I merely wish to restore this situation with a single thought, but I understand that to truly transcend the Divine Realm's shackles, to explore where that palm came from and what lies beyond the Divine Realm... I cannot do it alone. So I want to see if there is any life capable of breaking the Sovereign Emperor's shackles and reaching my level!"

"Thus I sent the scattered thoughts of the Heavenly Dao down to the lowest world, granting them respectively to the souls native to this world and to a soul foreign to it. And you, you have not disappointed me!"

Nie Yun said with a smile.

"The soul not belonging to this world—so my transmigration was also because of you?" Zhang Xuan's heart jolted.

"No wonder I could transmigrate here—I never expected it was all due to this person before me."

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly: "Being native to this world, one naturally holds reverence for it; breaking its shackles is far harder. I merely had a passing thought, never imagining you would truly succeed..."

"I..." Zhang Xuan's face flushed: "If not for Master Kong, I could never have reached this point..."

"Without Master Kong's selfless dedication, achieving my current state would be utterly impossible."

I gave him the chance, but he failed to grasp it. His duel with Lingxi was actually his best opportunity to break through; sadly, he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup to escape unharmed, but instead he lost his brave, enterprising spirit. When facing someone who surpasses us, if he lacks even this determination, how could he possibly stand against them?

I gave him the opportunity; he just didn't seize it. The duel with Lingxi was actually his best chance to break through, but unfortunately he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup plan and could escape unscathed. In reality, he lost his brave and diligent spirit. When facing someone surpassing us, if he lacks even this spirit, how could he possibly stand against them?

Nie Yun said.

Nie Yun said.

Zhang Xuan stayed silent.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

He had observed their fight, and Master Kong truly showed some lack of resolve.

He had watched their battle back then, and Kong Shi indeed lacked decisiveness.

Perhaps he simply didn't want to kill Luo Ruoxi.

It's also possible he didn't want to kill Luo Ruoxi.

Unfortunately, in that instant, he missed the opportunity to advance.

Unfortunately, in that moment he missed the chance to advance.

"If Master Kong wins, Ruoxi will die..." After a moment, Zhang Xuan glanced over, his brows knitting.

"If Kong Shi wins, Ruoxi will die..." After a moment, Zhang Xuan looked over, his brows furrowing.

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

Could it be that he doesn't care about his daughter's life or death?

"With me here, she won't die..." Nie Yun smiled faintly: "Your strength is not much different from mine; do you think, with our combined strength, at a life-or-death moment, you could save someone?"

"With me here, she won't die..." Nie Yun gave a faint smile: "Your strength is now not much different from mine; do you think, with their strength at a life-and-death juncture, you could actually save someone?"

"This..." Zhang Xuan gave a wry smile.

"This..." Zhang Xuan gave a wry smile.

Breaking through to Emperor and being an Emperor are two different things; if he truly wishes to intervene, he can indeed save the person at the crucial moment, and he guarantees he won't suffer any injury.

Breaking through to Emperor and being an Emperor are two different concepts; if he truly wished to intervene, he could indeed save the person at the critical moment, and guarantee that not a single injury would be sustained.

"Lingxi is the daughter of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so she assumed the surname Luo... To make her believe, without involving emotions, she has continued to think I am still in a coma."

"Lingxi is the daughter of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed name bears the Luo surname... In order to make her believe, to keep her unemotional, she has continued to think I am still in a coma..."

Nie Yun gave a wry laugh: "My father has also been quite ruthless... Let's do this: you should explain this to her; after all, her thoughts have now turned to you, and this old father of mine probably can't even remember... Haha, I'll stay out of sight for a while; otherwise, I truly fear she'll cause an uproar."

Nie Yun let out a bitter laugh: "I, as a father, have been harsh enough... Let's do this: you explain things to her, after all her thoughts have now turned to you; this old father of mine probably can't even remember... Haha, I'll stay out of sight for a while, otherwise I truly fear she'd cause an uproar."

Seeing this unreliable father before him, Zhang Xuan's face twitched, and he could only agree: "Alright..."

Seeing this unreliable father before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched, and he could only reply: "Alright..."

He had no choice but to agree; after all, he had eloped with someone's daughter...

He had no choice but to agree; who made him abduct someone's daughter...

The Heaven's Way Library is a manifestation of my thought; it is both foundation and shackle. If you can rely on your own ability to break through the shackle, it demonstrates your ability and potential, your future is limitless; my daughter being able to be with you also brings me comfort as a father.

"The Heavenly Dao Library is a manifestation of my will, a foundation and also a shackle; if you can rely on your own ability to break through the shackle, it shows your ability and potential, your future is limitless, my daughter being with you would also bring me comfort as a father."

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