Chapter 1040: A Small Clue

Soul Contract, matching the soul; as long as one does not dissolve it oneself, even if the other party's methods reach the heavens, it cannot be resolved.

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.

In order to prevent this guy from changing his mind and causing a backlash, the Master Teacher Continent had specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao Record, they could not escape the soul's agreement!

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

Ruthless Dao.

Soul Contract, established on the foundation of the Heavenly Dao, special power can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the God Realm; dissolving 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 God Realm!"

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

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

Luo Ruoxi also sensed something wrong, hurriedly sending a mental message.

"Let's get ready to attack!" With doubts dispelled in his heart, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, his long sword suddenly rose: "Since that's the case, let's see the true skill beneath our hands!"

Boom—

The strongest sword intent was unleashed again.

In life, I hope to return; in death, I long for you endlessly!

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

This sword move, although not reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, yet contains 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 Person's attack in half.

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

Her sword technique 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 very powerful, but compared to me, they still fall short……"

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

In an instant, covering the sky and earth, his palm enveloped heaven and earth, space shattered, the sun, moon, and stars seemed to 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 actually couldn't 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 extremely 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, power surging up to the Nine Heavens.

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

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

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

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

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

Little Yellow Chicken let out a loud shout, crimson flames blazed, the sky seemed to be set ablaze.

The remaining Six Great Emperors also each displayed their abilities.

The Seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet a single world before them could not be resisted, 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 devouring all the power, then immediately counterattacking.

Bang bang bang bang!

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

The Ten Great Emperors, united together, actually couldn't block a single move of the opponent!

How could this guy be so powerful?

"You may die……"

With one move he defeated everyone; the Ruthless Person stepped forward, flipped his wrist, and struck down again.

"How dare you, rats!"

Accompanied by a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven suddenly appeared, blocking in front, his long sword transforming into the Milky Way.

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

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

This old man originally followed behind the youth, I thought he was merely a follower, at most entitled God King, but upon displaying his power I discovered he is actually a powerful Emperor!

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

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

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

"He is……" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted; instantly she saw that Emperor of Sword God Heaven also 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 sword technique exquisite, he is still no match.

"Hahaha, Emperor, just a bunch of chickens and dogs! Today I will destroy the Nine Heavens, destroy this God Realm, and trample all rules flat!"

Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, the Ruthless Person laughed maniacally; the surrounding space continually collapsed, making him appear like a demon or devil.

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

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

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

Just 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 eye sockets reddening.

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

The library in one's mind is itself part of the Heavenly Dao; once returned, the Heavenly Dao becomes completely whole, perhaps able to repair the breach and expel the Ruthless Person on its own.

Just like the body's immune system.

If the immune system is intact, a virus comes and is easily driven off; if it fails, one cannot resist viral invasion, and even the strongest person will die because of it.

Just……

"He's too strong; even if the Heavenly Dao recovers completely, it probably can't suppress him!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

For a virus, the immune system can kill it, 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's stronger than an Emperor…… he's 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…… there's no way to suppress him, but if the Heavenly Dao becomes whole, he can wake up and slay this person—that wouldn't be hard!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"You want to escape?" Henren snorted coldly and pressed down.

Boom!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the sky.

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

Ding ding ding!

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 let out a loud shout and blocked the front; Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the True Form of the Tranquil Void Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

Go!

Seeing everyone selflessly blocking the rear, unafraid of death, Zhang Xuan's eyes 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 the Carefree Heaven.

The Carefree Heaven no longer had its former ease; the divine realm collapsed, everywhere in chaos.

Where is the him you spoke of?

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

If that 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 locket is his; the Undying Emperor was once his beast pet… Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath a bit, then explained.

Father?

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

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

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

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

He couldn't help but say.

The library's chaos was due to the blood in the locket, which made me regain consciousness; could it be that not only is she an emperor, but her father is as well, and even stronger?

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

Also, does it require a flaw in the Heavenly Dao for him to wake up?

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.

「Fifty years ago, my father could not withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the Orderly Heavenly Dao and the Flawed Heavenly Dao entered spatial turbulence; I act as the overseer of the Heavenly Dao's natural order, maintaining the balance of the divine realm. To let him recover, only by gathering the scattered parts… so I am thus resolute, cannot fail! I therefore specially entered the Great Master Continent, studying the Spring and Autumn Classic, seeking a way to defeat Master Kong! When fighting Master Kong, the favor I asked of him was also this. 」 Luo Ruoxi said.

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having just met the Great Master Continent not long ago, 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 realize.

Turns out it's her father, and even the Heavenly Dao of the divine realm!

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

"Acting as the overseer of the Heavenly Dao's natural order... do you have no fragments of the Heavenly Dao within you?" Suddenly realizing something off in her speech, Zhang Xuan looked over.

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

"I merely oversee, I am not part of the Heavenly Dao..." Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

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

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

"If I separate the flawed Heavenly Dao 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..."

She raised her head to look at the already collapsed divine realm, Luo Ruoxi hesitated.

The divine realm is her father's foundation; now that the foundation is like this, even if he awakens, can we truly defeat that powerful ruthless person?

Really hard to say!

Looks like you can't be sure either. In that case, relying on others is worse than relying on ourselves—we have to figure it out on our own! 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 still be able 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 break free from the Dao of Heaven... No surprise, he should be like Wei Changfeng, an 【Innate Fetal Soul Body】!

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, it became clear that Kong Shi's so-called preserving spiritual awareness should be the same as his—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain unconfused even in the womb.

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

Luo Ruoxi froze, seemingly not expecting it to be this way.

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

Kong Shi's disciples, like Ziyuan the Ancient Sage and others, are all immensely strong; even without the aid of an emperor, 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, something they intend to do 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, Zhang Xuan swept his hand and returned to where Kong Shi resided; sure enough, he saw an old man sitting cross-legged, floating in midair. Upon seeing them arrive, the old man gave a slight smile: "You've come!"

Who else could it be if not Kong Shi!

This teacher of all ages certainly did not disappoint!

Just as guessed, taking advantage of everyone's focus on the Tide Sea, he revived again.

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

She knew emperors could be resurrected, even the Undying Emperor had come back to life, but... she didn't expect it to happen so quickly!

I concealed it from the Dao of Heaven, prepared a contingency in advance—the nameless giant in the Nether Soul Pool was my doing; when you slew him that day, I seized the chance to break free from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondense a fleshly body, and have only just now fully recovered!

Kong Shi gave a faint smile.

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

He had even accumulated several decades of time.

Our three strengths are considerable, but overcoming the Ruthless One is not so 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, even with so many of us united, we couldn't block the opponent; even adding Kong Shi, what difference would it make?

It would likewise fail to change the situation!

Individually, even our combined strength is certainly no match for the opponent, but... what if we fused everyone's power into a single person?

Kong Shi smiled and looked over.

Fuse into one person?

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

That palm can tear apart the Divine Realm and scatter the Dao of Heaven; its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless One has absorbed that power entirely and also devoured fifty years of spiritual energy from the Divine Realm. Based on strength alone, even we, a dozen or so emperors, each taken individually, are certainly no match...

Kong Shi said: "But if we unite and concentrate the power into one person... perhaps it wouldn't be so hopeless!"

How to concentrate?

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

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

It's quite simple... we will gather our strength 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 cultivates freedom and ease, transcending nature! But with the constraints of father and the Dao of Heaven, and with beloved ones to worry about, 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!

Kong Shi said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

During the battle, such an intention indeed existed; thus their exchanges, at the start, each held back, resembling a sparring match rather than a life-and-death fight.

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

Kong Shi nodded and said: "Holding all beings in heart, wishing to save the world, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me—excessive compassion is also a flaw! If I were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the alien spirit clan, we wouldn't be in this predicament...

Had we been able to exterminate the alien spirit clan back then, the Ruthless One could not have revived, and we wouldn't be in this situation.

So I'm also unsuitable! Zhang Xuan, however, cultivates a method that flows with his heart, without flaw. He focuses on 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 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 speak, 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's body lacks fragments of the Dao of Heaven, he has long mastered it, possessing his own understanding; I command the orderly Dao of Heaven. If we pour our power into you, you will hold the complete strength of the Dao of Heaven within! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, we can fully achieve stabilizing the Nine Heavens, governing the cosmos, battling the Nine Firmaments, and annihilating all things!

Alright!

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

Boom—

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

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

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

……

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

Luo Qiqi and the clone, among others, were sent flying, and Hengren gave a cold smile.

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

The Tide Sea sucked up almost all the spiritual energy outside the city in the Divine Realm, and now this power has become his nourishment; every move he makes carries 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, Hengren seemed to represent the entire Divine Realm, and no one could stop him.

"If the Divine Realm perishes, 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 the air.

"Just you? Not worthy!"

Hengren 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 Immortal Emperor revealed his true form, the Immortal Fire Phoenix, and flames blazed across the sky.

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

The Four Divine Beasts, guardians of the four extremes of the Divine Realm, simultaneously 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, Hengren 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 strike down and wipe out 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 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 was a world.

"You've improved a lot..."

Hengren 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, Hengren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his sword and went to meet him.

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

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the Free Heaven Master's Station, Luo Ruoxi looked over with worry.

She and Master Kong transferred their power to Zhang Xuan, but her 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 it can be fully restored.

"With your 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 Hengren, and even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to overcome him would still not be easy.

The reason we do this is because... only by concentrating power in one person can we possibly reach 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; can her beloved man do it?"

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

Seeing her doubt, Master Kong laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang bang!

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

As Master Kong said, even if their powers merged and formed a complete heavenly way within, he was still no match.

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

"Anyway, you're not my opponent; sooner or later I'll be killed. If so, I want to die under your strongest attack." Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan halted his advance and instead gazed at Hengren before him.

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

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

Whoosh!

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

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

His eyes tightly closed, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Boom!

His skull burst open, and his soul scattered in all directions.

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

Luo Qiqi went mad.

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

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

The intention was to let him break through his shackles and attack the realm beyond the Emperor Realm; why didn't he resist, but willingly go to his death?

Wouldn't that be wasting their good intentions?

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

While they were wondering, Kong Shi suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan's head explode, even his soul shatter; the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood floated up, igniting into a blazing 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 Heavenly Dao from the soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

After being reborn from fire, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heavenly Dao Library inside him, no interference from Heavenly Dao, and had broken free from Heavenly Dao!

"How did he do that?"

Kong Shi also looked utterly disbelieving.

Heavenly Dao and soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul scattered and then recondense his soul using the Netherworld Pool.

This person before us was only slashed once, yet completely broke free—what method did he use?

"I understand... he used the ruthless person's method of breaking the soul contract..." Luo Ruoxi realized.

The soul contract binds master and servant; if the master does not dissolve it, the servant remains forever controlled... the Heavenly Dao Library is the same, essentially an enhanced version of the contract.

Once the soul is bound, immortality does not allow escape.

But... the ruthless person used that special power to break the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had previously inquired about in detail, and I suspect he had already been thinking about it then.

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

By relying on that power, he was reborn through fire; unexpectedly, it was a great success!

"Now I see, this is the way to break through the Emperor Realm..."

Walking out of the flames, Zhang Xuan wore a faint smile, as if he had understood something; he suddenly gestured, and a clone on his 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 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 clone and himself perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which is equivalent to him mastering 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, parental affection, romantic 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 detached from the soul, he realized.

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

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving?

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

Of course, now... none of these matter!

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 emotion that intertwines the world.

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

Love is emotion.

Hatred is emotion.

Joy is emotion.

Pain is emotion.

Parting is emotion.

Reunion is also emotion!

"Myriad emotions, for my use..."

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

The Emperor Realm's shackles were broken!

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

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

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

"You..." The ruthless person never expected his full-force attack not only failed to kill him, but instead fulfilled 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 is emotion; you feel that you were once my servant, containing humility and anger—that is emotion; you want to destroy the Divine Realm to vent anger—that is emotion; you want to become stronger—likewise emotion; emotion controls you, how can you defeat me and not be controlled by me?"

Smiling faintly, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and louder; he lightly grasped with his palm.

The originally invincible ruthless person was thus bound by countless emotion-threads, hands and feet tied, unable to move.

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

"You..."

Fear filled the ruthless person's eyes: "Teacher Zhang, I am your servant, do not kill me... I am willing to offer my soul as sacrifice..."

"Saying these now is already too late..." He smiled slightly, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

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

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

"No..."

Sensing his decisiveness, the Ruthless One's pupils contracted; before his words finished, he immediately felt a sharp pain throughout his body.

Boom!

In an instant, the eruption turned into countless spiritual qi that surged toward every corner of the Divine Realm.

Earlier, all the power swallowed by the Tide Sea now flowed back, reviving the once‑exhausted wilderness.

"This..."

"You killed him just like that?"

Yunchi Dadi, Bushi Dijun, Linglong Xianzi, and the others stared wide‑eyed, unable to believe it.

Just now they had crossed blows with the Ruthless One, knowing how terrifying he was; yet such a powerful person was wiped out with a casual gesture—how far has this Zhang Xuan actually reached?

Could there truly be a higher realm above the Emperor Sovereign?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

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

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

Hum!

The library that had accompanied him since his rebirth slammed into the sky of the Divine Realm.

A bell‑like chime rang out as the continually collapsing Divine Realm slowly healed before the eyes, and the chaotic currents also gathered again.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the withered spiritual qi, too, began to recover slowly with the Ruthless One's death.

"Looks like the Divine Realm is about to usher in an era of renewed spiritual qi," Zhang Xuan chuckled.

The breach in the Tide Sea, now healed along with the completion of the Heavenly Dao, has restored the Divine Realm to its former glory—it's only a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, over here..."

Having just finished that, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan froze for a moment and stepped forward.

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

He was the very one who had previously taught him swordsmanship.

"Senior, you..."

Seeing that it was him, Zhang Xuan startled.

He had always felt this person was unfathomable; only now did he realize that, compared to himself, the difference was a mere hair's breadth—he had already reached the peak of the Emperor Sovereign, far surpassing Luo Ruoxi's former strength.

"Just call me by my name—I am Nie Tong!" the youth said, his body emanating an unstoppable sword intent.

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

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

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

He then saw another youth.

His appearance was not much older, his eyebrows lifted, giving an inscrutable, profound impression.

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

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

"I am Nie Yun," the youth said with a light smile, looking at him: "that is… Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you spoke of!"

"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 turned one part of my soul into the Heavenly Dao through the One Qi Transforms into Three Purities! Moreover, this world is my creation—calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly justified!" Nie Yun chuckled.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

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

Just how strong must his power be?

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

If it weren't for his own breakthrough, the Divine Realm would likely have collapsed utterly—why does this person before him remain indifferent?

Does he even care about his daughter's life or death?

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

"Well..." Zhang Xuan paused: "I suppose there should be."

Although he had never seen such a level, since he could cultivate to this stage, perhaps others could as well—and perhaps even stronger.

Just like the one before him.

"I once suspected that a mightier being lay above the Divine Realm, so I strained my senses to the limit—ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world… a palm smashed down from the void!"

Nie Yun looked at him: "If I had dodged back then, the entire Divine Realm would likely have been erased, leaving not a single life… so I blocked the strike, but in doing so, my embodied 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 it, I alone cannot achieve it. So I want to see whether any life can break through the Emperor Sovereign's shackles and reach my level."

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

Nie Yun laughed.

"A soul not of this world, then—does that mean my transmigration is also because of you?" Zhang Xuan's heart jolted.

No wonder he could transmigrate here—I never imagined it was all due to this person before him.

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

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

Without Master Kong's selfless dedication, reaching this cultivation stage would be utterly 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 escape unscathed. In reality, he lost his brave and diligent spirit. When facing someone superior to 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 is unwilling to slay 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, given their strength at a life-and-death juncture, you could save someone?"

"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 someone at the critical moment, and guarantee that not a single injury would be sustained.

"Lingxi is the child of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed name bears the surname 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: "My father sure is harsh... 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'd cause an uproar."

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

He had no choice but to agree, after all, he was the one who eloped with someone's daughter...

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

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