Chapter 1060: We're free!

A soul contract binds 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 Little Yellow Chicken, who was merely a God King before but is an Emperor, he likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

To prevent this person from going back on their word and suffering a backlash, the Master Teacher Continent once specially stipulated that even if one could escape the Heavenly Dao Record, they could not break free from the soul‑bound agreement.

"A 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, making it easy to undo this contract… As long as one has sufficient power, striking the place where the contract resides will do it!"

Ruthless Person Dao

A soul contract is founded upon the Heavenly Dao; even special powers that can dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract, so 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 Person 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 devoured an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself.

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

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

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

Boom—

The greatest sword intent was unleashed once again.

In life, I hope to return; in death, I shall cherish longing!

Life and death are of no concern—what could possibly stand in the way?

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

Whoosh!

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

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi also struck, 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 techniques are formidable, but compared to me, they still fall short……"

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

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

Puff! Puff!

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

Even with their combined strength, they could not withstand it!

Just what realm has this fellow reached?

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

From afar, he looked immensely 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 Person, he too was blown backward, unable to block a single move.

Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead.

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

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

"We must attack together, or else they'll die and we'll die as well……"

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

The remaining six Emperors also each employed their methods.

Seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; a single world before them could not withstand it—but the opposing side is the Ruthless Person who has absorbed special power; when their 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.

Even the Ten Emperors united could not block a single move of the opponent!

Just how could this fellow be so powerful?

"You may die……"

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

"How dare you, vermin!"

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

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

Zhang Xuan's pupils constricted.

That old man, who once followed the youth behind him, was thought to be merely a follower, at most ennobled as a God King, but upon displaying his power he proved to be a mighty Emperor as well!

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

"He is……" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted, and 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 current strength and understanding of the Sword Dao far surpass his, so even if his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship superb, he remains no match.

"Hahaha, Emperor, 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 flat!"

Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, the Ruthless Person 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 clone had exerted their utmost combat power, 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?

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 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 returned, the Heavenly Dao would be completely whole, perhaps able to repair the breach and expel the Ruthless One himself.

Just like the human immune system.

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

But……

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

Viruses 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 god king; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao could easily kill him, yet he is stronger than an emperor sovereign…… He is no longer something the Heavenly Dao can contend with.

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

"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.

"Trying to escape?" the Ruthless One snorted coldly and pressed downward.

Boom!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the sky.

"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 go, I'll block him……"

Knowing they still wanted to find a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign shouted loudly and blocked the front; Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the true form of the Silent Space Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

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

Carefree Heaven now lacked its former ease; the Divine Realm had collapsed, everywhere in chaos.

"Where is the person you spoke of?"

Having 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 own sacrifice!

"He is my father; the blood in your pendant is his. The Undying Emperor Sovereign 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 turned out to be her father's.

This also explains why the thought left behind by the Undying Emperor Sovereign, upon seeing the pendant, immediately recognized him as its master.

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

He couldn't help but ask.

The library's chaos is due to the blood in the pendant, which restored my clarity; could it be that not only is she an emperor sovereign, but her father is as well, and even stronger?

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

And why does it require a flawed Heavenly Dao to awaken him?

"He is not an emperor sovereign, 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 couldn't withstand that big hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the orderly Heavenly Dao and the flawed Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence; I acted as the steward of the natural Heavenly Dao, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To let him recover, only by gathering the scattered parts…… That's why I am so resolute, cannot fail! I specially entered the Master Teacher Continent, studied the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Master Kong! When fighting Master Kong, entrusting him with this matter was also this."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having just met the Master Teacher 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 finally comprehend.

As it turns out, it's her father, and moreover the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm!

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

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

"I merely steward 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 unwilling to accept such a fate, I also don't want the girl before me to suffer harm.

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

"This…… I'm not sure either……"

Looking up at 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?

Really hard to say!

Looks like you also can't be sure. 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 cooperate 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... 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 consciousness should be the same as him, an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain undeluded in the womb.

Plus the backup prepared in advance, resurrection is just a matter of time.

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

Just go and see, 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.

Kong Shi's disciples, such as Ziyuan Gu Sheng and others, are all strong; even without the Emperors' 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, wanting to take advantage of the time when all the Emperors are busy with the Tide Sea and have no spare attention to do it!

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

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

Let's go!

No more explanation, with a single hand gesture, Zhang Xuan returned to where Kong Shi resided, and indeed saw an old man sitting cross-legged, floating in midair; seeing them arrive, he smiled slightly: "You've come!"

Not Kong Shi, then who is it!

This teacher of myriad ages certainly didn't 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 Emperors could revive, 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 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 break free from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondensed my flesh, and have only just now recovered!

Kong Shi smiled slightly.

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

He has already had several decades of time.

Our three strengths are strong, but wanting to surpass the Ruthless Person is not that easy...

Seeing Kong Shi 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 Kong Shi, what could it do?

It likewise cannot change the situation!

Our individual strength, even when united, is indeed not a match for the opponent, but... what if we merge everyone's power into one person?

Kong Shi looked over, smiling.

Merge 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, scatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is undoubted, the Ruthless Person has absorbed all that power and also devoured the Divine Realm's spiritual energy for fifty years; relying solely on strength, our dozen or so Emperors, each taken individually, are indeed not a match...

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

How to concentrate?

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

The Emperors already stand at the peak 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!

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 Heavenly Dao, and with beloved ones, 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 couldn't speak.

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

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

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

If back then we could have exterminated all the alien spirits, the Ruthless Person couldn't have revived, and we wouldn't 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 mind is at ease. Such a person has greater inclusiveness and greater room for development; only thus can he go higher and farther!

Kong Shi continued.

In life, return to the beginning; in death, long for each other!

If even death is not a 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 not enough time to train others; even if there were, I doubt anyone could do better than you! The Lingxi Emperor's body may lack Heavenly Dao fragments, but he has long mastered the Heavenly Dao, having his own understanding of it; I master the orderly Heavenly Dao; if we pour our power into you, you will possess complete Heavenly Dao power! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can indeed stabilize the Nine Heavens, hold the universe, battle the Nine Firmaments, and 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, ready, in the blink of an eye, two mighty forces surged 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 mightier.

……

"You also want to block me? Fine, I'll kill you, then go slay Zhang Xuan……"

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

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

The Tide Sea had swallowed almost all the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm; now this power had become his nourishment, every move carrying the ability to destroy heaven and earth. These emperors and god-kings, though they represented the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, were still no match for a single blow.

At this moment, Hen Ren seemed to embody the entire Divine Realm, no one able to stop him.

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

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

"Just you? Not worthy!"

Hen Ren 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 loud roar, transforming into his true form, a white tiger, and appeared before him in the air.

The Undying Emperor revealed his true form, the Undying Fire Phoenix, flames blazing across the sky.

The Profound Darkness Great Emperor's true form was a giant 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, Hen Ren 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, stopping in midair.

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

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

It was Zhang Xuan!

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

"You've improved quite a bit……"

Hen Ren stopped, his gaze solemn.

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

"But so what 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, Hen Ren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his longsword and went to meet him.

The two clashed, space tearing apart in streaks, air currents running wild everywhere.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the residence of Master Kong in Zi Tian, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

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

However, as long as the power is sufficient, one day they can fully recover, regardless of their current level.

"With your current strength, wanting to surpass…… is very difficult! Unless…… he can comprehend power beyond the emperors!"

After a moment of silence, Master Kong said.

Even a dozen emperors united could not defeat Hen Ren, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to overcome him was still not easy.

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

"Power beyond the emperors?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

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

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

Seeing her doubt, Master Kong laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang!

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

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

"Hah, thought you were something, but that's all!" Hen Ren 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 stopped his advance and instead gazed at Hen Ren before him.

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

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

Whoosh!

A blue light appeared in his palm, then came crashing down.

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

His eyes tightly shut, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Boom!

His head exploded, his soul scattering in all directions.

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

Luo Qiqi seemed to have gone 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 original intention was for him to break through his shackles and strike at the realm above the Emperor Realm, so why didn't he resist and willingly accept death?

Wouldn't this be letting down their good intentions?

"No, it's the Undying Emperor's Undying Method..."

While they were wondering, Kong Shi suddenly spoke.

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

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

After undergoing Rebirth through Fire, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heaven's Path Library inside him, no interference from the Heaven's Path, and had broken free from the Heaven's Path!

"How did he do that?"

Kong Shi was also full of disbelief.

The Heaven's Path and the soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul scatter and, with the help of the Pool of Wandering Souls, recondense his soul.

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

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

The Soul Contract binds Master and servant; if the Master does not lift it, the servant remains forever controlled... the Heaven's Path 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 free of the Soul Contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before, likely already had designs on it then.

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

With this power, undergoing Rebirth through Fire, he never expected it to be such a great success!

"So that's it—this is the method 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 Zhang Xuan before them seemed to have 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, his avatar and himself perfectly merged, indistinguishable, meaning he now controlled this power.

Moreover, with the cultivation fused from 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, romantic love... when combined, they are literally all things in the world—this is what it means to be human!"

Smiling, Zhang Xuan muttered to himself.

The moment the Heaven's Path Library separated from the soul, he understood.

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

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

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

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

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

All things in the world have 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 also emotion!

"Myriad affections, for my use..."

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

The Emperor's shackles, broken through!

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

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

Before, only absorbing spiritual power allowed progress, but now spatial turbulence and chaotic qi—even the opponent's azure light—can be made mine, without distinction.

"You..." the Ruthless Person never expected that his all-out attack would not only fail to slay him but actually fulfill him; he shouted "wah-wah!" in anger, gave a furious roar, and attacked again.

「You resent the lofty Supreme Emperor for not saving you in the space turbulence, that's affection; you feel that once being my servant, containing humility and anger, that's affection; wanting to destroy the Divine Realm to vent anger, that's affection; wanting to become even stronger, that's also affection……Affection controls you; how can you possibly overcome me and not be controlled by me? 」

He smiled faintly, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and faster, louder and louder, his palm lightly grasped.

Originally invincible and unrestrained, Henren was bound by countless emotion threads, tied hand and foot, unable to move.

As long as there is affection, he will use it, he will control it!

「You... 」

「Henren'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...... 」

「"It's too late to say these now......" Zhang Xuan gave a faint smile and shook his head. 」

Controlling the emotions of the world, servants and such were meaningless to him.

Having killed so many Divine-level beings, hurt his own girlfriend Luo Qiqi and so many friends, how could he possibly be forgiven today!

「"No......"」

Feeling his decisiveness, Hengren's pupils contracted; before his words ended, he immediately felt a sharp pain throughout his body.

Boom!

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

Previously, all the power swallowed by the Tide Sea now returned, reviving the once‑barren wilderness.

"This..."

"You killed him just like that?"

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

Just now they had clashed with Hengren, knowing how terrifying he was; such a powerful person was wiped out with a casual gesture—how far has this Zhang Xuan... actually reached?

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

"He succeeded..."

Master Kong and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

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

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

Hum!

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

The deep bell‑like ringing continued; the constantly collapsing Divine Realm, the visibly slow recovery, and the chaotic air currents also gathered together again.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the withered spiritual energy, too, gradually revived along with Hengren's death.

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

The breach in the Tide Sea, accompanied by the completion of the Heavenly Dao, has already healed; the Divine Realm will return to its former prosperity—it's only a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, over here..."

Having just finished these, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan staggered slightly, then stepped forward.

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

It was exactly the one who had previously taught him swordsmanship.

"Senior, you..."

Seeing it was him, Zhang Xuan froze.

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

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

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

This was the first time he had heard that name.

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

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

Immediately he saw another youth.

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

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

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

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

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

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

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

"I transformed one qi into the Three Purities, and a part of my soul became the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, this world is my creation—calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly justified!" Nie Yun said with a light smile.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

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

Then just how strong must his power be?

"No, if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why do you let Hengren run rampant without lifting a finger?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

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

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

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

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

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

Just like the youth before him.

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

Nie Yun looked over: "At that time, if I had dodged, the entire Divine Realm would very likely have been obliterated, leaving not a single living thing… so I blocked the strike, but consequently, the 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 the Divine Realm… relying on me alone is very difficult. So I want to see whether there is any life capable of breaking through the Emperor's shackles and reaching my level."

"Therefore, I sent the scattered thoughts of the Heavenly Dao down to the lowest world, bestowing them respectively on the souls originally belonging to this world and on a soul not of this world. And you, you have not disappointed me!"

Nie Yun smiled.

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

"No wonder I could transmigrate over—I never imagined it was all because of this person before me."

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly, saying: "Being native to this world, one naturally feels reverence for it; wanting to break free of the world's shackles is far harder, and I merely had a passing thought—I never expected 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 my present state 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 he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup plan 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 contend?

Nie Yun said.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

At that time, he watched their battle; Kong Shi indeed lacked decisiveness.

Perhaps he is unwilling to slay Luo Ruoxi.

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

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

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 moment, you could save them?"

Zhang Xuan gave a bitter smile: "This…"

Breaking through to Emperor and being an Emperor are two different concepts; if he truly wished to act, he could indeed save someone at the critical moment, guaranteeing they would not suffer a single injury.

Lingxi is the daughter of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed surname is Luo… In order for her to believe me, I've kept myself detached emotionally, and to this day she has still thought I was unconscious…

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

Seeing this unreliable father before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched; he had no choice but to agree: "All right…"

He had no choice but to agree, after all, he was the one who had eloped 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 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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