Chapter 1021: with translation of chapter title

Soul Contract, binding souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party's methods reach the heavens, it cannot be undone.

A soul contract matches souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party's methods are heavenly, it cannot be resolved.

We'll translate: "A soul contract binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party's methods reach the heavens, it cannot be undone."

We need to keep meaning.

Now produce each.

Let's go line by line.

A soul contract matches souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party's methods are heavenly, it cannot be resolved.

Translation: "A soul contract binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party's methods reach the heavens, it cannot be undone."

Just like the Undying Emperor Little Yellow Chicken, who was only a Divine King before, he is an Emperor yet cannot break this agreement.

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

To prevent him from having a change of heart and suffering a backlash, the Ming Shi Continent once decreed that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's records, they could not escape the soul's contract.

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

"A soul contract 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—all it takes is enough power to strike where the contract resides."

Translation: "\"A soul contract indeed cannot be separated from the Sea of Consciousness, but I have fused a special gas that even 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 achieve it! \"

The Ruthless Dao.

Translation: "Ruthless Person's Dao."

A soul contract is based on the Heavenly Dao; a special force that can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled correctly, it's not difficult at all.

Translation: "A soul contract is founded upon Heavenly Dao; even special power capable of dissolving Divine Realm Heavenly Dao can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?"

"I see..." Zhang Xuan's eyes flickered.

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

"Saying all this to you is also my thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm!"

Translation: "\"Telling you all this also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm! \"

After he finished explaining, the Ruthless one fell silent, his aura growing ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him swelling larger—evidently he had devoured an unknown amount of power while speaking, using it to nourish himself.

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

"Zhang Xuan, the more the black hole consumes, the stronger he grows..."

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

Luo Ruoxi also noticed something amiss and quickly sent a mental message.

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

"Let's move!" With his doubts gone, Zhang Xuan inhaled deeply, his long sword suddenly lifting: "If that's so, let's see whose technique is superior!"

Translation: "\"Get ready to move! \" With his doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan drew a deep breath, his long sword suddenly rising: \"Since that's the case, let's see whose technique is superior! \"

Boom!

Translation: "Boom—!"

The most powerful sword intent was unleashed again.

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

In life I shall return; in death I shall yearn.

Translation: "In life, I hope to return; in death, I will long for you!"

Life and death mean nothing; what could stand in our way?

Translation: "If life and death are of no concern, what could possibly stop us?"

Though this sword technique hasn't reached Emperor-level insight, it embodies all my inner obsessions, pushing the 'Heaven If Has Feeling' internal art to its utmost.

Translation: "This sword move, though not yet attaining Emperor-level insight, embodies all the obsessions in my heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique within my body to its limit."

Whoosh!

Translation: "Whoosh!"

One sword sliced the Ruthless one's attack in two.

Translation: "A single sword cut the Ruthless Person's attack in half."

At the same instant, Luo Ruoxi attacked, her jade hands rolling, her sword light like snow.

Translation: "At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi struck, her jade hand turning, her sword light like snow."

Her sword style is somewhat like that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, exuding an unstoppable force and the natural grace of the Great Dao.

Translation: "Her sword technique bears some resemblance to that youth from Sword God Heaven, carrying an unstoppable momentum and the carefree ease of the Great Dao."

"Your techniques are formidable, but compared to me, you still fall short..."

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

He smiled faintly, then the Ruthless one reached down once more.

Translation: "With a light smile, the Ruthless Person reached down again to grab."

In an instant, his hand obscured the heavens and covered the earth, shattering space, making the sun, moon, and stars seem as if they would be violently struck down.

Translation: "In an instant, his palm covered the heavens and 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 sent flying backward, blood spurting wildly in the air.

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

Despite their strength, they couldn't even resist!

Translation: "With their combined strength, they actually couldn't block it!"

Just what level has this guy attained?

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

"Impudent!" The clone stepped forward, each stride making lotus flowers bloom, accompanied by the sound of flowing water in the void.

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

From a distance, it looks incredibly impressive.

Translation: "From afar, he looked full of swagger."

Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, his cultivation is on par with 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 lifted his fist, and his power surged up to the nine heavens.

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

Upon colliding with the Ruthless one, he too was sent flying back, unable to block a single strike.

Translation: "Clashing with the Ruthless Person, he too was blown backward, unable to withstand a single move."

Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead."

Having attained Emperor status, the clone still hasn't changed its habit of showing off...

Translation: "Having attained Emperor status, his avatar still hasn't changed its show‑off nature……"

Such ostentatious showing off would be better spent focusing power for greater impact!

Translation: "Such flamboyant showing off would be better replaced by concentrating power for greater effect!"

"Let's strike together; otherwise, if they die, we'll all die..."

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

The little yellow chicken roared, crimson flames igniting as if the sky itself were set on fire.

Translation: "Little Yellow Chicken let out a loud shout, crimson flames blazing as if the sky were set ablaze."

The remaining six Emperors also each unleashed their abilities.

Translation: "The remaining six emperors also each displayed their means."

The seven Emperors joined forces, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet even a single world before them could not withstand it. But the opponent was the Ruthless one who had absorbed special power—when his attack came, the black hole suddenly swelled, in an instant sucking in all the power before launching a counterattack.

Translation: "The seven emperors united, destroying heaven and earth; a heaven and earth before them could not withstand it, but the opponent was the Ruthless Person 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."

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

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

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

Translation: "The seven emperors, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were blown backward."

Even the ten Emperors united couldn't block a single strike from the opponent!

Translation: "The ten great emperors, united together, actually couldn't block a single move of the opponent!"

How could this guy be so strong?

Translation: "How can this fellow be so strong?"

"You can die..."

Translation: "\"You can die……\"

One move crushed them all; the Ruthless one stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again.

Translation: "With one move he defeated everyone; the Ruthless Person stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck again."

"How dare you, vermin!"

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

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

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

"An Emperor? Does he also possess Emperor-level strength?"

Translation: "\"An Emperor? Does he also have Emperor-level strength? \""

Zhang Xuan's pupils narrowed.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted."

This old man had followed the youth; I had assumed he was merely a follower, at most a Divine King, but when he unleashed his power I realized he too was a formidable Emperor.

Translation: "This old man originally followed behind the youth, thinking he was merely a follower, at most entitled God King, but upon displaying his power turned out to be a powerful Emperor as well!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"He is..." Luo Ruoxi was about to reply when space warped, and she saw this Emperor of Sword God Heaven likewise sent flying back, crashing down nearby and leaving a huge pit.

Translation: "\"He is……\" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted, and suddenly they saw that Emperor of Sword God Heaven also get blown backward, landing not far away, blasting a large crater."

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

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's current strength and understanding of Sword Dao far surpassed his, making him unable to resist; even though his cultivation was not weak and his sword skill excellent, he was still no match."

"Hahaha, Emperor, you're nothing but a bunch of mud chickens and tile dogs! Today I'll obliterate the Nine Heavens, destroy this Divine Realm, and trample all rules underfoot!"

Translation: "\"Haha, 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 underfoot! \"

After defeating the Sword God Heaven Emperor, the Ruthless one laughed wildly, the surrounding space continually collapsing, making him seem like a demon or a monster.

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

"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 exerted their utmost combat power; even Luo Ruoxi before him also used her strongest move, yet they couldn't block a single move of the opponent...

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

Just 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 his mind is itself part of the Heavenly Dao; once returned, the Heavenly Dao would be completely whole, perhaps able to repair the loophole and expel the Ruthless Person.

Just like the human immune system.

When the immune system is intact, viruses come and are easily driven off; when it fails, one cannot resist viral invasion, and even the strongest person will die because of it.

Just……

"He is too strong; even if the Heavenly Dao recovers completely, it cannot suppress him, right?" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

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

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

This person before us is merely an ordinary Divine King; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao could easily kill him, yet he is stronger than an Emperor Lord…… he is no longer something the Heavenly Dao can contend with.

"This……" Luo Ruoxi paused, a look of loss appearing on her pure jade-like face: "Yeah…… there's no way to suppress him, but if the Heavenly Dao is whole, he can wake up and slay this person; that's not difficult!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"Want to escape?" The Ruthless Person snorted coldly and pressed down.

Boom!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the air.

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

Ding ding ding!

Once again blocked by the Ruthless Person.

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

Knowing they still wanted to find a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign, with a loud shout, blocked the front; Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the Still Void Pearl's true form.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone recklessly blocking the rear without fear of death, Zhang Xuan's eye sockets reddened, but he also knew now was not the time to talk; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, tore through space, and in the next moment they appeared within the range of Free Heaven.

Free Heaven now no longer has 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 pendant is his; the Undying Emperor was once his beast pet……" Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath and explained.

"Father?"

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

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

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

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

He couldn't help but say.

The library is in chaos; it's the blood in the pendant that let me regain consciousness—could it be that not only is she an Emperor Lord, her father is too, and even stronger?

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

Also, it requires a defective Heavenly Dao for him to wake up?

"He is not an Emperor Lord, 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, my father couldn't withstand that big hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the ordered Heavenly Dao and the defective Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence; I acted as the steward of the natural Heavenly Dao, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To restore him, we must gather the scattered parts…… that's why I am so resolute, cannot fail! I therefore went specially to the Master Teacher Continent, studying the Spring and Autumn Grand Classic, seeking a way to defeat Master Kong! When fighting Master Kong, the favor I asked of him was also this."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Not long after meeting the Master Teacher Continent, the girl before me had already told me her story, wanting to save a close relative; I didn't understand then, but now I finally comprehend.

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 natural Heavenly Dao…… you don't have any Heavenly Dao fragments in your body?" Suddenly realizing something off in her speech, Zhang Xuan looked over.

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

"I merely oversee it; I am not part of the Heavenly Dao……" Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan relaxed his breath.

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

Although unwilling to accept this fate, I also don't want the girl before me to suffer harm.

"If I separate the defective Heavenly Dao from within me, your father can come back to life, and even slay the Ruthless Person, 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 the foundation of my father; now that the foundation is like this, even if he awakens, can we truly defeat that powerful Ruthless Person?

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 the clone, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we cooperate with Kong Shi, we might actually be able to win!"

"Kong Shi? He…" Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Kong Shi is already dead, right? He hasn't truly died; if I'm guessing correctly, you slew him, but it was a way to break free from the Heavenly Dao… unsurprisingly, he should be, like Wei Changfeng, an Innate Fetal Soul Body!"

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, he understood; the so‑called preservation of spiritual intellect by Kong Shi must be the same as him—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

It allows one not to be lost within the womb.

Moreover, with the pre‑placed contingency, 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 have shown it; your guess is right—he should have already recovered, otherwise his students wouldn't have even avoided the Tidal Sea…" Zhang Xuan said.

Kong Shi's students—Zi Yuan Gu Sheng, the Ancient Sage, and others—are all powerful; even without an Imperial Lord's aid, they would surely find a way into the Tidal Sea, yet none have been seen.

There must be something more important awaiting, intending to act while all Imperial Lords are occupied with the Tidal Sea and cannot attend!

And that important matter is clearly to restore Kong Shi.

"This…" Luo Ruoxi felt a jolt in her heart, suddenly enlightened.

"Let's go!"

Without further explanation, with a single hand sweep, Zhang Xuan returned to Kong Shi'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 you're not Kong Shi, 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 Tidal Sea.

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

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

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

Kong Shi smiled faintly.

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

Tens of years have passed.

"The three of us are quite strong, but defeating Hen Ren isn't that easy…"

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

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

Just now, so many united, yet they couldn't stop the opponent; even adding another Kong Shi, what difference would it make?

It still wouldn't change the situation!

"Our individual strength, even when combined, truly isn't a match for the opponent, but… what if we fuse everyone's power into a single person?"

Kong Shi looked over with a smile.

"Fusing into one person?"

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

"That palm can tear the Divine Realm apart, shatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is indisputable. Hen Ren absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of the Divine Realm's spiritual energy. Relying solely on strength, our ten‑plus Imperial Lords, each on their own, truly aren't opponents…"

Kong Shi said, "But when united, concentrating the power in one person… that might be different!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Saying it is simple, doing it is hard.

The Imperial 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.

"Very simple… we concentrate the power we each carry onto Zhang Xuan; once he can break the Imperial Lord's shackles, the Divine Realm can be saved!"

Kong Shi said.

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

"Emperor Venerable Lingxi cultivates freedom and natural transcendence! Yet with a father and the Heavenly Dao's constraints, and with loved ones, true transcendence is impossible! If I'm not mistaken, when you fought me before, you also gave up, intending to be slain by me!"

Kong Shi said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

During the battle, that intention did exist, so at the start of their duel, each kept a contingency, like sparring rather than a life‑or‑death clash.

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

Kong Shi nodded: "With compassion for all beings, wishing to save the world, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me—excessive kindness is also a flaw! If one were more ruthless and exterminated the Yiling race, the current situation wouldn't exist…"

If back then all Yiling people had been wiped out, Hen Ren could never have revived, and the present circumstances wouldn't have arisen.

"Therefore, I'm also unsuitable! As for Zhang Xuan, his cultivation method aligns perfectly, without flaw. He values living authentically; even if he dies, as long as he lives without regret, his heart remains open. Such a person possesses greater tolerance and broader development space; only this way can one ascend higher and farther!"

Kong Shi continued.

"When alive, return; when dead, long for longing!"

"If even death is indifferent, how could one be bound by other matters?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan frowned, about to speak, when Kong Shi's eyes flashed at him: "No need to decline. Time is short to train others; even if we had time, I doubt anyone could do it better than you! Though Emperor Venerable Lingxi's body lacks fragments of the Heavenly Dao, he has long controlled the Heavenly Dao and has his own understanding of it; I orderly command the Heavenly Dao. If we infuse you with that power, your body will possess the complete Heavenly Dao! Combined with the clone's Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, we can truly fix the Nine Heavens, command Heaven and Earth, battle the Nine Heavens, and annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

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

Boom!

Sitting cross‑legged, ready, in the blink of an eye, two massive streams 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 mighty.

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

He sent Luo Qiqi and the clone, among others, flying, and the Ruthless Person gave a cold smile.

The power unleashed by the clone and the many emperors joining forces was indeed strong, but compared to him, it was still somewhat weaker.

The Tide Sea devoured the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm, almost completely consuming it; now these powers have become his nourishment, every gesture wielding the power 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, the Ruthless Person seemed to represent the entire Divine Realm; no one could withstand him.

"If the Divine Realm falls, our lives have no meaning; I, Yun Chi, will perish with you..."

Emperor Yun Chi transformed into his true form, a gigantic five-clawed golden dragon, lunging at him from the air.

"Just you? You're not worthy!"

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

"Old friend, wait for me!"

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

The Immortal Emperor revealed his true form, the Immortal Fire Phoenix, its flames lighting the sky.

Emperor Xuan Ming's true form is a great tortoise, as if holding up the heavens.

The four divine beasts, guardians of the four extremes of the Divine Realm, simultaneously revealed their true forms, causing the collapsing Divine Realm to slow down.

Heaven and earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

With four consecutive palms, the Ruthless Person subdued the four beasts, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it..."

Amidst the roars, as he was about to strike a deadly blow to wipe out everyone, he felt his raised arm tighten and stop in midair.

"You want to kill them? 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 throughout his body, more than ten times stronger than before, descending from the heavens as if his very being were a world.

"You've improved a lot..."

The Ruthless Person halted, his gaze solemn.

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

"But what does it matter 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, the Ruthless Person struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his long sword and went to meet him.

The two clashed, space tearing in streaks, air currents churning everywhere.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the dwelling of the Free-and-Easy Heaven Master, 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.

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

"With the current strength, wanting to surpass... is very difficult! Unless... he can comprehend power surpassing the emperors!"

After a moment of silence, Master Kong said.

Even a dozen emperors united could not defeat the Ruthless Person, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to win would still not be easy.

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

"Power surpassing the emperors?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

When her father was still lucid, he had told her the same thing, but... she could not do it; could her beloved man do it?

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

Seeing her doubt, Master Kong laughed and said.

Bang bang bang!

After several consecutive blows, Zhang Xuan's tiger mouth split, his chest bore a huge wound, hideous and terrifying.

Just as Master Kong said, even if their combined power formed a complete heavenly way within him, he was still no match.

"Hahaha, I thought you were formidable, but that's all!" the Ruthless Person gave a cold smile.

"Anyway, I'm no match for you; I'll be killed sooner or later. Since that's the case, I want to die under your strongest attack..." Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan stopped, not attacking, but instead gazing at the Ruthless Person before him.

"Fine, I'll grant you that, give you my strongest attack..."

Hearing him say that, the Ruthless Person was stunned for a moment, then let out a cold snort and raised his palm.

Whoosh!

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

Sure enough, it was the strongest attack; the entire Divine Realm rumbled, as if it could barely withstand it, and was struck again with a huge pit.

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

Boom!

His head burst open, his soul scattering in all directions.

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

Luo Qiqi seemed to have gone mad.

Emperor Yun Chi and the others also widened their eyes, trembling incessantly.

Seeing this scene, Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi were both stunned.

The original intention was to let him break through his shackles and assault the realm beyond the Emperor Realm—why didn't he resist, instead willingly seeking death?

This would hardly repay their good intentions.

"No, it is the Undying Emperor's undying method..."

While they were puzzled, Kong Shi 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 floated up, igniting into a scorching flame; within the flame, an unharmed figure slowly stepped out.

"He... using the opponent's power and the blood in the pendant, separated the flaw in the Heavenly Dao from the soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

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

"How did he do that?"

Kong Shi was also full of disbelief.

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

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

"I understand... he used the Ruthless Person's method to break the soul contract..." Luo Ruoxi realized.

The soul contract binds Master and servant; if the Master does not dissolve 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 will not free it.

But... the Ruthless Person used that special power to break the soul contract; the exact method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before—perhaps he had already been thinking about it then.

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

Relying on this power, he was reborn from fire—unexpectedly, it indeed succeeded greatly!

"So that's it—this is the method to break through the Emperor..."

Zhang Xuan, walking out of the flames, showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly waved his hand, and an avatar on one side 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, and the Nine Heavens were him.

He lightly tapped the ground with his foot.

The chaotic Nine Heavens immediately stabilized.

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

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

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

Smiling, Zhang Xuan muttered to himself.

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

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... none of this matters anymore!

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

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

All things in the world have emotion; with emotion comes the 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, for my use..."

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

The Emperor's shackles, broken through!

In an instant, it felt as if he touched a brand-new world and the Da Men; his soul received swift nourishment.

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

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

"You..." the Ruthless Person hadn't expected that his all-out attack would not only fail to slay him, but instead fulfill him; enraged, he shouted "wah-wah!" and, with an angry roar, attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor, not saving yourself in the spatial turbulence—that is emotion; feeling that you were once my servant, containing humility and anger, that is emotion; wanting to destroy the divine realm to vent anger, that is emotion; wanting to become stronger, likewise emotion... emotion controls you—how could you possibly overcome me and not be controlled by me?"

Smiling faintly, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and louder, his palm lightly grasping.

The originally invincible Ruthless Person was bound by countless emotional threads, his hands and feet tied, unable to move.

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

"You..."

The Ruthless Person's eyes filled with 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, servants and such are already meaningless to him.

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

"No..."

Feeling his decisiveness, Henren's pupils contracted; before his words even ended, he immediately felt a sudden sharp pain.

Bang!

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

All the power previously devoured by the Tidal Sea now returned, revitalizing the already barren wilderness.

"This..."

"Just like that, he's killed?"

Great Emperor Yunchi, Undying Emperor, and Immortal Maiden Linglong all widened their eyes in disbelief.

Just now they had exchanged blows with Henren, knowing how terrifying he was; such a powerful person was actually destroyed with a casual swipe—this Zhang Xuan… what level has he actually reached?

Could it be that above the Emperor there truly is another realm?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

"This is part of the Heavenly Dao; then I will now return it to the Heavenly Dao..."

Seeing the "Heavenly Dao's Defect" that had just been separated 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.

The bell-like chime rang out; the continually collapsing Divine Realm visibly recovered slowly, and the chaotic airflow also gathered again.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the withered spiritual energy also slowly recovered with Henren's death.

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

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

"Zhang Xuan, over here…"

Just after finishing these, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan froze for a moment and stepped forward.

This step carried who knows how far, and immediately he saw a youth standing before him.

He was precisely the one who had previously taught him his sword technique.

"Senior…"

Seeing that it was him, Zhang Xuan was stunned.

He had always felt this person was unfathomable; now he realized that compared to himself, the difference was only a hair's breadth—he had already reached the peak of the Emperor realm, far stronger than Luo Ruoxi before.

"Just call me by my name; I am… Nie Dong!" The youth radiated an unstoppable sword intent and said lightly.

"Nie Dong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

This was the first time he had heard that name.

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

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

Immediately he saw another youth.

His appearance was not much older, his eyebrows raised, giving an impression of profound inscrutability.

"This strength…" Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth's strength before him was actually greater than his own, having likewise broken through the Emperor's shackles, and his cultivation was even deeper and more substantial!

"I am Nie Yun!" the youth smiled lightly and looked over: "That is… Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you mentioned!"

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

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

Luo Ruoxi had said before that her father was the Heavenly Dao; who would have thought it would be such a young person.

"I transformed one qi into the Three Purities; part of my soul became the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, this world is my creation—calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly fine!" Nie Yun smiled lightly.

Zhang Xuan couldn't believe it.

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

Then just how strong must his strength be?

"Wrong, if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why let Henren run rampant without intervening?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

If it weren't for my own breakthrough, the Divine Realm would very likely have collapsed completely; why does this person before him remain indifferent?

Even his daughter's life or death, does he care?

Without answering his question, Nie Yun glanced over lightly: "Do you think… there exists an even more powerful life above the Divine Realm?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan paused: "I suppose there should be…"

Although he hasn't seen it, since he can cultivate to this level, perhaps others can too, and even stronger.

Just like this person before him.

"I once suspected that there would be a more powerful life above the Divine Realm, so I exerted all my power to observe, ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world… a palm broke through the void and descended!"

Nie Yun looked over: "Back then, if I had dodged, the entire Divine Realm would very likely have been wiped out, leaving not a single life… so I blocked this move, but consequently, the incarnate Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"In this situation, I merely wish to restore it 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… is difficult for me alone. So I want to see if there is any life capable of breaking through the Emperor's shackles and reaching my level."

"So I sent the scattered thoughts of the Heavenly Dao down to the lowest world… granting them respectively to the souls originally belonging to this world and to a soul not belonging to this world. And you, in the end, did not disappoint me!"

Nie Yun said with a smile.

"A soul not belonging to this world, put that way, my transmigration is also because of you?" Zhang Xuan's heart shuddered.

No wonder he could transmigrate over; I never expected it was all due to this person before him.

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly and said: "Being inherently of this world, one naturally holds reverence for it; wanting to break the world's shackles is far more difficult—I too merely had a thought stir, never imagining you could actually succeed…"

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

Without Kong Shi's selfless dedication, reaching the present realm would be utterly impossible.

"Opportunity I gave him, he just didn't seize it. The duel with Lingxi was actually his best chance to break through; unfortunately, he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup plan and could withdraw unscathed, but in fact he lost the vigor to press forward. 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 remained silent.

At that time, he witnessed their battle; Master Kong indeed lacked decisiveness.

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

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

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

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

"With me here, she won't die..." Nie Yun gave a faint smile: "Your current strength is not much different from mine; do you think, with both of our strengths, at a life-or-death moment, wanting to save someone, could you actually do it?"

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

Breaking through to Emperor Sovereign and being an Emperor Sovereign are two concepts; if he really were willing to act, he could indeed save the person at the critical moment, and guarantee that not a single injury would be sustained.

"Lingxi is the daughter born of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed surname is Luo... In order to make her believe, to keep her unemotional, she has always thought I was still in a coma..."

Nie Yun gave a wry laugh: "This father of mine has also been pretty ruthless... Well then, you should explain this 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 old father before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched; he could only agree: "Alright..."

There's no choice but to agree; who let him abduct someone's daughter...

"The Heaven's Path Library is a manifestation of my will; 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, as a father, I would also feel relieved."

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