Chapter 1039: Consciousness Permeation

A soul contract binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it oneself, no matter how powerful the other party's methods, it cannot be undone.

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

To prevent this guy from going back on his word and suffering a backlash, the Master 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!

"A soul contract indeed 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 sufficient power, striking the place where the contract resides will do it！"

Ruthless Dao.

A soul contract is founded on the Heavenly Dao; a special power that can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can undo 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 grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him swelling larger—evidently, in the time spent speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself.

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

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

"Get ready to attack!" With all doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan drew a deep breath, his long sword suddenly rising: "If that's the case, then let's see the real thing beneath our hands!"

Boom—

The mightiest sword intent was unleashed once again.

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

Life and death are nothing to me—what could possibly stop me?

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

Whoosh!

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

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi struck as well, her jade hand rolling, her sword light like snow.

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

"Your moves are formidable, 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, covering heaven and earth; space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed about to be slammed down by force.

Pfft! Pfft!

Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were blown backward simultaneously, blood spurting wildly in midair.

With their combined strength, they could not even resist!

Just what realm has this guy reached?

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

From afar, it looked extremely pretentious.

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 withstand a single move.

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

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

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

"Attack together, or else they'll die and we'll all die……"

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

The remaining six Emperors also each employed their methods.

Seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet any world before them could not withstand it—but the opponent is the Ruthless One who has absorbed special power. As his attack approached, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye sucking away all the power, then immediately launching a counter‑strike.

Bang bang bang bang!

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

Ten Emperors united, yet they could not even block a single move of the opponent!

How could this guy be so powerful?

"You may die……"

With one move he crushed the crowd; the Ruthless One stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again.

"How dare you, vermin!"

With a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven who had previously appeared suddenly showed up, blocking the front, his long sword turning into a galaxy.

"An Emperor? He also has Emperor‑level strength?"

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

This old man had once followed behind the youth; I had thought he was merely a retainer, at most ennobled as a God King, but when he displayed his power I discovered he was actually a mighty Emperor!

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

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

"And… the youth who taught me swordsmanship?" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back.

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

Zhang Xuan's present 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, Emperors, 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!"

Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, the Ruthless One laughed maniacally as the surrounding space continually collapsed, making him seem like a demon or a fiend.

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

Just now he and his avatar had exerted their utmost combat power, and even Luo Ruoxi before him had used her strongest technique—yet none could block a single strike of the opponent.

Could it be 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 flawed 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 body's immune system.

When the immune system is intact, a virus comes and is easily driven off; when it fails, the body cannot resist the virus's invasion, and even the strongest person will die because of it.

But……

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

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

What can even the strongest immune system do?

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…… he is now 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 made whole, he can awaken and slay this person easily!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"Want to run?" 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!

Blocked again by the Ruthless One.

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

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

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone throw themselves forward without fear of death, Zhang Xuan's 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 instant they appeared within the Free Heaven's domain.

The Free Heaven now lacks its former ease; the Divine Realm has collapsed, and everywhere is 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 can truly save the Divine Realm, what harm is there in my own sacrifice!

"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 Undying Emperor's residual will, upon seeing the pendant, immediately acknowledged him as its master.

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

He could not help but ask.

The library's chaos is due to the blood in the pendant awakening me; 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 why does it require a flaw in the Heavenly Dao for him to awaken?

"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 it.

"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 flawed Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence, while I took charge of the natural Heavenly Dao to maintain the Divine Realm's balance. To restore him, we must gather the scattered parts…… That is why I am so resolute, cannot fail! That is why I specially entered the Master Teacher Continent, studied the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Confucius! When I fought Confucius, asking him for help was also for this purpose."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

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 didn't understand then, but now I suddenly 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 inside you?" Suddenly sensing something off in her words, Zhang Xuan looked over.

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

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

Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

In that case, I only need to separate the flawed 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 wish for the girl before me to come to harm.

"If I separate the flawed Heavenly Dao within me, your father can come back to life, and even slay the Ruthless One, right?" Zhang Xuan looked at her.

"This…… I am not certain either……"

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

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

It's hard to say!

"Looks like you also can't be sure; since that's the case, seeking help from others is worse than relying on oneself... We have only ourselves to figure out a way!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, me, and 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 preserving spiritual awareness should be the same as him, an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain unconfused in the womb.

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

Luo Ruoxi froze, seemingly she hadn't expected it to be this way.

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

Master Kong's disciples, such as Ziyuan Gu Sheng and others, are all strong; even without the Emperor's help, they would certainly have a way to enter the Tide Sea, yet not a single one was seen.

There must be something more important waiting, intending to act while all the Emperors are preoccupied with the Tide Sea and have no time to attend to it!

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

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

"Let's go!"

No longer explaining, with a single hand gesture, Zhang Xuan returned to where Master Kong resided, and indeed 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 it!

This teacher of myriad ages indeed did not disappoint!

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, 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 backup in advance; that nameless giant in the Nether Soul Pool is what I left behind, slain by you that day, I seized the opportunity to free myself from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondensed my physical form, and have only just now recovered!"

Master Kong gave a slight smile.

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

He has even accumulated several decades of time.

"Our three's strength is considerable, but wanting to surpass the Ruthless One is not that easy..."

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

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

Just now, so many people united couldn't block the opponent; even adding one Master Kong, what could it change?

Likewise, it cannot change the situation!

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

Master Kong smiled and looked over.

"Merge into a single person?"

This time, not only Luo Ruoxi frowned, 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 if we each take out our power from the dozen or so Emperors, we are indeed no match..."

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

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

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

"Very 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 the Heavenly Dao, and with beloved people, one can never truly transcend! If I'm not mistaken, when we fought before, you also once gave up, intending to let me slay you!"

Master Kong said.

Luo Ruoxi was unable to speak.

During the battle, there indeed was such an intention; thus their initial exchanges, each holding back, were like sparring, not a life-and-death fight.

"Unable to transcend, naturally one cannot unleash their strongest power; even with abundant true qi, they cannot strike that supreme realm! As for me..."

Master Kong nodded and said: "Caring for all beings, wanting to save the world, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me—too much compassion is also a flaw! If I were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the alien spirit clan, we wouldn't have the current situation..."

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 situation.

"So, I'm also unsuitable! Zhang Xuan, his cultivation method is smooth and flawless. He focuses on living true to himself; even if he dies, as long as he lives without guilt, his heart is at ease. Such a person possesses greater inclusiveness and greater room for development; only thus can he 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 not enough time, go cultivate others; even if there were time, I also feel no one could do better than you! The Lingxi Emperor's body may lack Heavenly Dao fragments, but 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 possess complete Heavenly Dao power! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can indeed stabilize the Nine Heavens, grasp the universe, battle the Nine Firmaments, annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

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

Boom—

Sitting 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 person seemed to instantaneously embody the Heavenly Dao, 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, the clones, and others 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 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 represent the entire Divine Realm, unstoppable by anyone.

"The Divine Realm is doomed; our lives have no meaning. I, Yun Chi, will perish with you……"

Yun Chi Great Emperor transformed into his true form, a huge 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 also let out a great roar, transforming into his true form, the White Tiger, and appeared before him.

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

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

The Four Divine Beasts, guardians of the four poles of the Divine Realm, simultaneously revealed their true forms, and the collapsing Divine Realm slowed down.

Heaven and Earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

After 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, just as he was about to strike down and annihilate everyone, he felt his raised arm tighten and stop in midair.

"You want to kill them, but have you asked me……"

Immediately, amidst everyone's shocked gazes, a figure slowly walked down from the sky.

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 quite a bit……"

Henren halted, his gaze solemn.

He evidently didn't understand why, in just a few short minutes, the opponent's strength had undergone such a tremendous 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 dwelling of Heavenly Master Kong, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

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

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

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

After a moment of silence, Kong Shi said.

Even a dozen Emperors united cannot defeat the Ruthless One; even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to overcome him is still not easy.

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

"Power surpassing the Emperor?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

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

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

Seeing her doubt, Kong Shi smiled and said.

Bang bang bang!

After several consecutive blows, Zhang Xuan's tiger's mouth split open, and a huge wound appeared on his chest, ferocious and terrifying.

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

"Haha, I thought you were formidable, but that's it!" the Ruthless One gave a cold smile.

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

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

Hearing him say that, the Ruthless One 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.

Indeed, it was the strongest attack; the entire God Realm rumbled, as if it could barely withstand it, and another huge pit was blasted out.

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

Boom!

His head exploded, and his soul scattered in all directions.

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

Luo Qiqi seemed to go mad.

The Cloud Chilong Great Emperor and others also widened their eyes, trembling nonstop.

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

The original intention was to have him break through his shackles and charge past the Emperor realm; why didn't he resist, but willingly go to his death?

Wouldn't that be wasting their good intentions?

"No, it's the immortality method of the Undying Emperor..."

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, igniting into a ball of scorching flame; within the flame, an unharmed 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 fire, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heavenly Dao Library inside him, no interference from the Heavenly Dao, and had broken free from 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 help of the Netherworld Pool, recondense his soul.

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

"I understand... he used the method of the Ruthless Person 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 controlled... 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 cannot free it.

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

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

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

"So that's it, this is the way to break through the Emperor..."

Zhang Xuan, walking out of the flames, showed a faint smile, as if he had understood something; he suddenly waved his hand, and a clone on the 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 Chaos Golden Lotus, which appeared when the Nine Heavens were born, can stabilize the Nine Heavens; at this moment, the clone and his self 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, 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 murmured to himself.

At the moment the Heavenly Dao Library separated from his soul, he came to understand.

Is it that people see the world and thus the world exists, or did the world exist first and then people came?

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

Of course, now... these things are no longer important!

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 there is a world, and with emotion life can continue.

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Separation, is emotion.

Reunion, is also emotion!

"Myriad feelings, 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 physical body also rapidly increased.

Before, only by absorbing spiritual power could one progress; now, spatial turbulence and chaotic qi, even the opponent's azure light, can be made mine, without distinction.

"You..." Hen Ren hadn't expected that his full-force attack would not only fail to slay him, but actually fulfill him; angry, he cried "wah-wah!", let out an angry shout, and attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor for not saving you 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, 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 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 filled with panic: "Teacher Zhang, I am your servant, don't kill me... I am willing to offer my soul as a sacrifice..."

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

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

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

"No..."

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

Boom!

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

All the power that the Tide Sea had previously devoured now returned in full, reviving the once‑withered wasteland with fresh vitality.

"This…"

"Is that how it was killed?"

Great Emperor Yun Chi, the Immortal Emperor, Exquisite Fairy and others all widened their eyes, unable to believe.

They had just sparred with the ruthless one and knew his terror; for someone so powerful to be wiped out so casually—this Zhang Xuan… what level has he truly reached?

Could there truly be a realm beyond the Emperor?

"He succeeded…"

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi relaxed their clenched fists.

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

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 his rebirth thundered into place, embedding itself in the sky of the Divine Realm.

The sound rang like a great bell; the constantly collapsing Divine Realm began a visible, slow recovery, and the chaotic currents reconvened.

The crumbling Divine Realm finally halted, and the desiccated 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 Rift of the Tide Sea, now restored with the completion of the Heavenly Dao, means the Divine Realm will regain its former splendor—just a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, this way…"

Just after finishing that, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan froze briefly, then took a step forward.

The step carried him an unknown distance, and he soon saw a young man standing before him.

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

"Senior, you…"

Seeing it was him, Zhang Xuan was startled.

He had always seemed unfathomable, but now Zhang Xuan realized the gap between them was only a sliver; he had already reached the Emperor's pinnacle, far surpassing Luo Ruoxi.

"Just call me by my name; I am… Nie Tong!" the youth exuded an unstoppable sword aura as he said calmly.

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

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

Zhang Xuan followed closely behind, and after traveling an unknown distance, they stopped before a mountain peak.

Then they saw another young man.

His appearance was no less than the first, eyebrows slightly raised, giving an impression of profound inscrutability.

"The power…" Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth before him was actually stronger than him, having also broken the Emperor's shackles, and his cultivation was even deeper and more profound!

"I am Nie Yun!" the youth said with a faint smile, looking over: "In other words… Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you mentioned!"

"Father of Ruoxi?"

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

Earlier Luo Ruoxi had said her father was the Heavenly Dao, never imagining it would be a young man like this.

"I merged my breath with the Three Purities, a part of my soul becoming the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, I created this world, so calling me the Dao is no problem!" Nie Yun said with a faint smile.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

The Divine Realm was actually created by this man before them?

Then how strong must his power be?

"That's not right. If you created the Divine Realm and you are the Heavenly Dao, why did you 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 ignore it?

Even the life and death of his daughter?

Without answering, Nie Yun looked on calmly: "Do you think there exists a life even stronger than the Divine Realm?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan paused: "There should be…"

Although he had never seen such a being, if he could cultivate to this level, perhaps others could as well, even stronger.

Just like the one before him.

"I once doubted that a stronger life existed beyond the Divine Realm, so I strained my sight to the utmost, which ultimately provoked a backlash from a higher world… a palm tearing through the void!"

"If I had dodged then, the entire Divine Realm might have been erased, leaving no life at all… So I blocked the attack, and as a result, the manifested Heavenly Dao split apart." Nie Yun said.

"In this case, I think restoration is just a thought, but… I understand that to truly transcend the Divine Realm's shackles and investigate the origin of that palm, and what lies beyond the Realm, one cannot do it alone. So I want to see if any life can break the Emperor's shackles and reach parity with me!"

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

Nie Yun smiled.

"A soul that doesn't belong to this world… so you're saying my transmigration was because of you?" Zhang Xuan felt a shock in his heart.

Now it made sense—his crossing over was all thanks to this man.

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

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

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

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 withdraw unscathed. In reality, he lost his brave and vigorous 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 watched their battle; Master Kong indeed lacked decisiveness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Lingxi is the child of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her false surname is Luo... In order to make her believe, not letting emotions interfere, she has always thought I was still in a coma..."

Nie Yun gave a bitter laugh: "My father-in-law really is ruthless... Let's do this: you explain it to her, after all, her thoughts have already 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; he had no choice but to agree: "Alright..."

There's no way to refuse; who let him elope with someone's daughter...

"The Heavenly Dao 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 shackles, it shows your ability and potential, your future is limitless. That my daughter can be with you, as a father, I also find comfort."

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