Chapter 1030

Soul Contract, binding the souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party possesses heavenly means, it cannot be undone.

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

In order to prevent this guy from having a change of heart and causing a backlash, the Famous Teacher Continent once specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's Record, they could not escape the soul-bound agreement!

"Soul Contracts indeed cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have fused a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, making it easy to undo this contract…… As long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it!"

The Ruthless One's Dao.

Soul Contracts are founded upon the Heavenly Dao; even special powers capable of dissolving the Divine Realm's Heavenly Dao can dissolve a Soul Contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?

"I see……" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

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

After finishing his explanation, the Ruthless One said no more; his aura became ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him grew larger, obviously having swallowed an unknown amount of power while speaking, nourishing himself.

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

Luo Ruoxi also sensed something amiss, hurriedly sending a voice transmission.

"Let's get ready to act!" With all doubts dispelled in his heart, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, the long sword in his hand suddenly rising: "If that's the case, then let's see the true skill beneath our hands!"

Boom—!

The strongest sword intent was unleashed once again.

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

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

This sword technique, though not having reached the Emperor Sovereign's level of comprehension, nevertheless embodies all the obsessions in my heart, pushing the inner Heaven If It Has Feeling Technique to its limit.

Whoosh!

A single sword cut the Ruthless One's attack in half.

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

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

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

With a light smile, the Ruthless One reached down again.

In an instant, his hand blotted out the sky and sun, covering heaven and earth; space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed as if they would be forcibly struck down.

Pfft! Pfft!

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

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

Just what realm has this guy reached?

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

From afar, it looked incredibly imposing.

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

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

Clashing with the Ruthless One, he too was blown backward, unable to block a single move.

Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead.

Having become an Emperor Sovereign, the clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature……

Such ostentatious showing off would be better replaced by concentrating power for greater might!

"Let's attack together; otherwise, if they die, we will all die……

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

The remaining six Emperor Sovereigns also each displayed their abilities.

The seven Emperor Sovereigns joined forces, capable of destroying heaven and eradicating earth; yet any world before them could not withstand it, but the opponent was the Ruthless One who had absorbed special power—when his attack arrived, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring all the power, then immediately counterattacking.

Bang bang bang bang!

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

The ten Emperor Sovereigns united together, yet they could not even block a single move of the opponent!

How could this guy be so powerful?

"You may die……

With a single move he defeated everyone; the Ruthless One stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again.

"How dare you, rats!

Accompanied by a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven previously appeared abruptly, blocking in front, his long sword transforming into a galaxy.

"An Emperor Sovereign? Does he also possess Emperor Sovereign strength?

Zhang Xuan's pupils constricted.

This old man originally followed behind the youth; I had thought he was merely a retainer, at most holding the title of God King, but upon displaying his power I discovered he was actually a formidable Emperor Sovereign!

If he is an Emperor Sovereign, then what is that youth?

"He himself is the Emperor Sovereign of Sword God Heaven……" Luo Ruoxi said, struggling to her feet, gritting her teeth.

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

"He is……" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted; immediately she saw this Emperor Sovereign of Sword God Heaven likewise blown backward, landing not far away, blasting out a large pit.

Zhang Xuan's current strength and comprehension of the Sword Dao far surpass his; even if his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship superb, he is still no match.

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

Having defeated the Emperor Sovereign of Sword God Heaven, the Ruthless One laughed maniacally; the surrounding space continually collapsed, casting him as a demonic fiend.

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

Just now he and his clone had both exerted their utmost combat power; even Luo Ruoxi before him had employed her strongest technique, yet they could not block a single move of the opponent……

Is it really that no one in the Divine Realm can stop this person before us?

Are we just going to 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 eyes 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 it returns, the Heavenly Dao becomes completely whole, perhaps able to repair the breach and expel the Ruthless One on its own.

Just like the human immune system.

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

But……

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

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

Even the strongest immune system, what can it do?

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 becomes whole, he will awaken and slaying him won't be difficult!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"Trying to escape?" the Ruthless One 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 One.

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

Knowing they intended to find another way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign shouted loudly, blocking the front, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to her original form as the Tranquil Void Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone fearlessly throwing themselves behind him without fear of death, Zhang Xuan's eyes reddened, but he also knew now was not the time for words; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, he tore through space, and in the next moment they appeared within the realm of Free Heaven.

Free Heaven no longer had its former ease; the Divine Realm had collapsed, and everywhere was in chaos.

"Where is the person you spoke of?"

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

If the person she spoke of could truly save the Divine Realm, what harm would there be 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 realized.

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 behind by the Undying Emperor, upon seeing the pendant, immediately recognized him as its master.

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

He couldn't help but say.

The library's chaos is due to the blood in the pendant, which 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 is the case, why would he fall into a coma?

And does it also require a defective Heavenly Dao to make him awake?

"He is not an emperor, 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 could not withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, and the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts: the orderly Heavenly Dao and the defective Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence, while I acted as the steward of the natural Heavenly Dao, maintaining the balance of the Divine Realm. To restore him, we must gather the scattered parts…… That is why I am so resolute, cannot fail! I therefore entered the Master Teacher Continent specifically, studying the Spring and Autumn Annals, seeking a way to defeat Confucius! When I fought Confucius, the favor I asked of him was also this.

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having only just become acquainted with the Master Teacher Continent, the girl before me had already told me her story of wanting to save a close relative; I hadn't understood then, but now I suddenly 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 natural Heavenly Dao…… you don't have any Heavenly Dao fragments inside you?" Suddenly realizing something off in her speech, Zhang Xuan looked over.

Acting as a steward and merging it within oneself are two different concepts.

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

Zhang Xuan let out a breath of relief.

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

Although I am unwilling to accept such a fate, I also do not want the girl before me to suffer harm.

"If I separate the defective Heavenly Dao within me, your father will be able to come back to life, and even slay the Ruthless One, right?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"This…… I'm not sure either……

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

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

It's 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, and my avatar, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we also coordinate with Kong Shi, we might not be unable to win!"

"Kong Shi? He……" Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Kong Shi is already dead, right? He didn't truly die; if my guess is correct, he was slain by you, merely a method to escape the Heavenly Dao… Without surprise, he should be like Wei Changfeng, an 【Innate Fetal Soul Body】!"

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, I understood: what Kong Shi called retaining sentience should be the same as him, an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain clear-minded even in the womb.

Moreover, with the contingency prepared in advance, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

Luo Ruoxi froze, apparently she hadn't expected it to be like this.

"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 Tide Sea…" Zhang Xuan said.

Kong Shi's disciples, like Ziyuan Gu Sheng and the others, are all formidable; even without the Emperor's help, they would certainly have a way to enter the Tide Sea, yet not a single one has been seen.

There must be something more important waiting; they intend to act while all the Emperors are preoccupied with the Tide Sea and have no time to attend to anything else!

And this important matter is obviously to let Kong Shi recover.

"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 Kong Shi resided. Indeed, he saw an old man sitting cross-legged, floating in midair. Seeing them arrive, he gave a faint smile: "You've come!"

Not Kong Shi, then who is it!

This Ten Thousand Generations' Teacher certainly hasn't disappointed me!

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

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

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

"I concealed the Heavenly Dao, prepared a contingency in advance—the nameless giant in the Netherworld Soul Pool is what I left behind. The day you slew it, I seized the chance to break free from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondense my physical body, and have only just now recovered!"

Kong Shi gave a faint smile.

He is proficient in time abilities; while it seems only a day or two have passed in the Divine Realm, in reality, to regain his strength he has undergone an unknown amount of time.

He has even had tens of years.

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

Seeing that Kong Shi had indeed recovered, 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, so many people joined forces and still couldn't block the opponent; even adding one Kong Shi, what could it change?

It likewise cannot change the situation!

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

Kong Shi smiled and looked over.

"Merge into one person?"

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

"That palm can tear apart the Divine Realm, scatter the Heavenly Dao—its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless One has absorbed all that power and also devoured the Divine Realm's spiritual energy for fifty years; relying solely on strength, even we dozen-odd Emperors, taken individually, are certainly no match……"

Kong Shi said: "But if we unite and concentrate the power into one person…… perhaps it might work!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

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

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

Kong Shi said.

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

"The Lingxi Emperor Venerable cultivates freedom and ease, transcending nature! But with the constraints of father and the Heavenly Dao, and with beloved people, 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!"

Kong Shi said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

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

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

Kong Shi nodded and said: "Holding the world in heart, wanting to save all beings, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me—excessive mercy is also a flaw! If I were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the Foreign Spirit Clan, we wouldn't have the present situation……"

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

"So I'm also unsuitable! As for Zhang Xuan, his technique suits his heart, flawless. He pursues 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!"

Kong Shi continued.

"In life, return to the beginning; 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 Kong Shi's piercing gaze: "No need to decline—first say there's no time, go train others; even if there were, I doubt anyone could do better than you! Though the Lingxi Emperor Venerable lacks Heavenly Dao fragments within, he has long commanded the Heavenly Dao, possessing his own understanding of it; I govern the orderly Heavenly Dao. If we pour our power into you, your body will hold complete Heavenly Dao power! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can fully achieve fixing the Nine Heavens, grasping Heaven and Earth, battling the Nine Heavens, destroying all things!"

"Alright!"

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

Boom—

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

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

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

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

He sent Luo Qiqi and the clones flying, and Henren gave a cold smile.

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

The Tidal Sea devoured the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm, almost completely consuming it. Now this power has become his nourishment; every gesture wields the power to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and God Kings, though they represent the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, are still utterly helpless.

At this moment, Henren seemed to represent the entire Divine Realm, unstoppable by anyone.

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, a white tiger, and appeared before him.

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

Xuan Ming Great Emperor, whose 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 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!

With 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 midst of the roar, as he was about to unleash a deadly strike to wipe everyone out, he felt his raised arm tighten, stopping in midair.

Did you ask me if you wanted to kill them...

Immediately, amid everyone's shocked gazes, a figure slowly stepped out from the air.

It was Zhang Xuan!

At this moment, the youth's power surged, more than ten times stronger than before, descending 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 how, in just a few minutes, the opponent's strength had undergone such a tremendous change.

But what does it matter even if you've increased? 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 tearing apart in streaks, air currents running wild.

Can Zhang Xuan win?

At the residence of the Free Heaven Kong Master, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

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

However, as long as the power is sufficient, one day they can recover their rank.

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

After a moment of silence, Kong Shi said.

Even a dozen Emperors united could not defeat Henren, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to overcome him would still not be easy.

The reason for doing this is because... only by concentrating power in one person can one possibly touch the peak, 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 told her the same thing, but... she could not do it; can her beloved man do it?

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

Seeing her doubt, Kong Shi smiled and said.

Bang bang bang!

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

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

'Hah, I thought you were formidable, but this is all!' Henren gave a cold smile.

'Anyway, you're not my match; you'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 his advance and instead gazed at Henren before him.

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

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

Whoosh!

A cyan light appeared in his palm and came crashing down.

Surely the strongest attack, the entire Divine Realm rumbled, as if it could barely endure, another huge pit blasted out.

His eyes tightly shut, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Boom!

His head 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 nonstop.

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

The original intention was for him to break free of his shackles and charge toward transcending the Emperor Realm, so why didn't he resist and instead willingly go to his death?

Wouldn't that be wasting their good intentions?

"No, it's the Immortal Emperor's undying method..."

While they were puzzled, Kong Shi suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan, whose head had exploded and even his soul shattered; the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood floated up, 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 Phoenix Rebirth, 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?"

Kong Shi was also full of disbelief.

The Heavenly Dao and soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul fly apart and scatter, then rely on the Netherworld Pool to recondense his soul.

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

"I get it... he used the method the ruthless person used 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... the ruthless person used that special power to break free of the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before, so he likely had the idea back then.

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

Relying on this power, he underwent Phoenix Rebirth; unexpectedly, it was a great success!

"Ah, I see—this is the way to break through the Emperor..."

Walking out of the flames, Zhang Xuan showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly waved a hand, and his 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; 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, his avatar and himself perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which means he now controls this power.

Moreover, with his cultivation fused with the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, he had already reached the peak realm; signs of loosening appeared, 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!"

Zhang Xuan murmured with a smile on his face.

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

Did people see the world and thus create it, or did the world come first and then people?

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving?

This question has troubled countless people since time immemorial.

Of course, now... none of that matters anymore!

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

So, after breaking through love, it becomes universal affection! It is the intertwining of the world's emotions.

All things in the world have emotion; with emotion comes the world; with emotion, life can continue.

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Separation, is emotion.

Reunion, is emotion too!

"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 touching a brand-new world and the Da Men; the soul received rapid nourishment.

Countless chaotic qi surged in, and the 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 green light—can be made mine, with no distinction.

"You..." The ruthless person didn't expect that his all-out attack not only failed to slay him, but actually helped him; furious, he shouted "wah-wah!" and, with a furious roar, attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor, not being saved by him in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; feeling that you were once my servant, containing humility and anger—that's emotion; wanting to destroy the Divine Realm to vent anger—that's emotion; wanting to become stronger—also emotion... Emotion controls you; how could you possibly overcome me, not be controlled by me?"

Zhang Xuan smiled faintly, his voice growing faster and louder, his palm lightly grasping.

The originally invincible ruthless person was now bound by countless threads of emotion, 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 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 smiled slightly and shook his head.

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

He killed so many Divine-Level beings, hurt his girlfriend Luo Qiqi and many friends; today, how could he possibly forgive!

"No..."

Feeling his decisiveness, the ruthless one's pupils contracted; before his words finished, he immediately felt a sharp pain surge through his body.

Bang!

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

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

"This..."

"So that's how you kill?"

Cloud Serpent Great Emperor, Undying Emperor Lord, Exquisite Fairy and the others all widened their eyes, unable to believe it.

They had just sparred with the ruthless one and knew how terrifying he was; such a powerful figure being wiped out so casually—what level has Zhang Xuan truly reached?

Could there really be another realm beyond the Emperor Lord?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi relaxed their clenched fists.

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

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

Buzz!

The library that has accompanied him since rebirth thundered into place, embedding itself in the sky of the Divine Realm.

With a bell‑like toll, the constantly collapsing Divine Realm began a visibly slow recovery, and the chaotic currents reconvened.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the dried‑up spiritual energy, along with the ruthless one's death, slowly revived.

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

The void left by the Tide Sea, now filled by the restoration of the Heavenly Dao, has healed; the Divine Realm will return to its former splendor—just a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, this way..."

Just after finishing all this, a voice rang in his mind; Zhang Xuan froze for a moment, then took a step forward.

He didn't know how far he had flown, and soon saw a young man standing before him.

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

"Senior, you..."

Seeing him, Zhang Xuan was startled.

He had always sensed this person to be unfathomable; now he realized that the gap between them was only a sliver—he had already reached the Emperor Lord's pinnacle, far surpassing Luo Ruoxi of before by an incalculable margin.

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

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard the name.

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

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

There, another young man appeared.

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

"This power..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

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

"I am Nie Yun!" the young man smiled lightly and looked over: "In other words... Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you mentioned!"

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

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

Luo Ruoxi had once said her father was the Heavenly Dao, but he never imagined it was a young man like this.

"In a single breath I merged with the Three Purities, a portion of my soul becoming the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, this world was created by me, so calling me the Heavenly Dao is no problem!" Nie Yun smiled lightly.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

The Divine Realm was actually created by the man before him?

Then how powerful must his strength be?

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

If he hadn't broken through himself, the Divine Realm might have collapsed entirely; why does this man stand by indifferently?

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

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

"This..." Zhang Xuan paused: "There should be, I guess..."

Although he hadn't seen one, since this person could cultivate to such a realm, perhaps others could too, maybe even stronger.

Just as the one before him.

"I once doubted that there might be stronger life above the Divine Realm, so I strained all my power to peer, which ultimately provoked a backlash from a higher world... a palm tore through the void!"

Nie Yun looked over: "If I had dodged then, the entire Divine Realm might have been erased, leaving not a single life... So I blocked the attack, and as a result, the incarnated Heavenly Dao was split apart."

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

"Therefore, I sent the scattered Heavenly Dao intent to the lowest world... granting it separately to a soul originally belonging to this world and to a soul that does not belong to this world. And you, in the end, did not disappoint me!"

Nie Yun smiled.

"So the soul that doesn't belong to this world... does that mean my crossing over was because of you?" Zhang Xuan felt a shock in his heart.

No wonder; to have crossed over, it was all thanks to the man before him.

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly, saying: "Those who belong to this world have reverence for it; breaking its shackles is far harder. I acted on a fleeting thought and never expected you could actually succeed..."

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

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

I gave him the opportunity; he just didn't grasp it. His sparring match with Lingxi was actually his best chance to breakthrough, but unfortunately he chose to retreat, thinking he had kept a trump card and could withdraw 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.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

At that time he had seen their battle; Master Kong was indeed somewhat lacking in decisiveness.

It's also possible 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 strength now is not much different from mine; do you think, with their strength at a life‑or‑death juncture, wanting to save someone, could you actually do it?"

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

"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 he would not suffer any injury."

"Lingxi is the daughter of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed name bears the surname Luo... In order to make her believe me, to keep emotions out of it, she has continued to think I am still unconscious."

Nie Yun gave a wry laugh: "I've played the harsh father well 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'll cause an uproar."

Seeing this unreliable father‑in‑law before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched and he had to agree: "Alright…"

He had no choice but to agree; after all, who let him elope with someone's daughter?

"The Heavenly Dao Library is a manifestation of my will; it is both foundation and shackle. If you can rely on your own strength to break through the shackle, it shows your ability and potential—your future is limitless. That my daughter can be with you brings me, as a father, some comfort."

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