Chapter 1064: then translation of title

A soul contract binds the souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party wields heavenly means, it cannot be undone.

Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huang Ji, who was merely a Divine King before, now an Emperor, he likewise cannot resolve this agreement.

To prevent this fellow from reneging and causing a backlash, the Ming Shi Continent once specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's records, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement!

"A soul contract indeed cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged with a special gas that can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao; dissolving such a contract is not difficult…… As long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it!"

The Ruthless Dao.

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

"I see……" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

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

Having finished explaining, the Ruthless One said no more; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him swelling larger—evidently, while speaking, he had devoured 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 amiss and hurriedly sent a mental message.

"Get ready to act!" With all doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan drew a deep breath, his long sword suddenly rising: "Since that's the case, let's see the true skill beneath our hands!"

Boom—!

The mightiest sword intent was unleashed once again.

In life, I shall return; in death, I shall yearn forever!

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

This sword move, though not yet attaining the Emperor's insight, embodies all the obsessions in my heart, pushing the Heavenly If There Is Feeling technique within my body to its limit.

Whoosh!

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

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

Her swordsmanship somewhat resembles that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, bearing 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 One reached down again.

In an instant, his palm blotted out sky and sun, enveloping 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 both blown backward, blood spurting wildly in midair.

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

Just what realm has this fellow reached?

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

From afar, it 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 One, he too was blown backward, unable to block a single move.

Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead.

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

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

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

Xiao Huang Ji let out a great shout; crimson flames blazed, as if the sky itself were ignited.

The remaining six Emperors also each unleashed their methods.

The seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet before them, a single realm of heaven and earth could not withstand it—but the opponent was the Ruthless One who had absorbed special power; as his attack approached, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring the force cleanly, then immediately counter‑attacking.

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!

How could this fellow be so powerful?

"You may die……"

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

"How dare you, vermin!"

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

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

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

This old man had followed behind the youth; I had thought him merely a follower, at most ennobled as a Divine King, but upon displaying 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 struggled to her feet, gritting her teeth.

"And… 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 the Emperor of Sword God Heaven likewise blown backward, landing not far away and blasting out a large crater.

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

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

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

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

Just now he and his avatar had exerted their utmost combat power, and even Luo Ruoxi before him had employed her strongest technique—yet none could withstand 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 their fists, their eyes 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 Henren.

Just like the human immune system.

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

But……

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

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

Even the strongest immune system, what can it do?

This person before us is merely an ordinary Divine King; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao could easily kill them, yet they are stronger than an Emperor…… they are 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 whole, he can awaken and slay this person—it wouldn't be difficult!"

"Him?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

"Trying to escape?" Henren snorted coldly and pressed down.

Boom!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the air.

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

Ding ding ding!

Once again blocked by Henren.

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

Knowing they still sought a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign, with a great shout, blocked the front, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the true form of the Quiet Void Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone fearlessly blocking the rear, unafraid 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, tore through space, and in the next moment appeared within the range of Free and Easy Heaven.

Free and Easy Heaven now lacks its former ease; the Divine Realm has 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 can truly save the Divine Realm, what harm is there in my sacrificing myself!

"He is my father; the blood in your pendant is his. The Undying Emperor was once his beast pet……" Luo Ruoxi adjusted their 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's her father's.

This also explains why the thought left by the Undying Emperor, upon seeing the pendant, immediately recognized itself as master.

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

Zhang Xuan couldn't help but ask.

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

If that's the case, why would he be comatose?

And does it require a flaw in the Heavenly Dao for him to regain consciousness?

"He is not an Emperor, but…… the Heavenly Dao!"

Luo Ruoxi clenched their fists.

"Heavenly Dao? Your father…… is the Heavenly Dao?" Zhang Xuan shuddered, unable to believe.

"Yes! Fifty years ago, my father could not withstand that great hand, fell into coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the orderly Heavenly Dao and the flawed Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence; I acted as steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To restore him, only by gathering the scattered parts…… that is why I am so resolute, cannot fail! I therefore entered the Master Teacher Continent specifically, studying the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Kongshi! When battling Kongshi, the favor I asked of him 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 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 steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order…… you don't have any fragments of the Heavenly Dao 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 relaxed.

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

Although unwilling to accept this 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 will be able to live again, and even slay Henren, right?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"This…… I'm not sure either……"

Luo Ruoxi looked up at the already collapsed Divine Realm and hesitated.

The Divine Realm is my father's foundation; now that foundation is like this—even if he awakens, can he truly defeat that powerful Henren?

Really hard to say!

"Looks like you can't be sure either; since that's the case, seeking help from others is worse than relying on oneself… we have only ourselves to figure it out!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, me, and my avatar, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we also coordinate with Master Kong, we might not be unable 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… unsurprisingly, 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 preservation of spiritual awareness should be the same as his, an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain unconfused in the womb.

Adding the preparations made in advance, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

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

"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.

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!"

Without further explanation, 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 smiled faintly: "You've come!"

Not Master Kong, then who is it!

This teacher of myriad generations truly did not disappoint!

As expected, taking advantage of everyone focusing their attention on the Tide Sea, he revived again.

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

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

"I concealed myself from the Heavenly Dao, prepared a backup in advance; that nameless giant in the Nether Soul Pool is what I left behind. When you slew him that day, I seized the opportunity to free myself from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondensed my flesh, and have only just now recovered!"

Master Kong smiled faintly.

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

Decades of time have passed.

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

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

It's not to boost others' prestige or diminish our own resolve; 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 combined, is indeed no match for the opponent, but… what if we merge everyone's power into a single person?"

Master Kong looked over with a smile.

"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 and scatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless has absorbed all that power and also devoured the Divine Realm's spiritual energy of fifty years. Based solely on strength, even if we take out each of the dozen or so Emperors individually, they are certainly no match…"

Master Kong said: "But if we unite and concentrate the power into one person… perhaps it might not be so!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

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

"It's quite simple… we will gather our power onto Zhang Xuan; once he can break through the Emperor's shackles, 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 Heavenly Dao, and with beloved people, one can never truly transcend! If I'm not mistaken, when we fought earlier, you also once gave up, intending to let me slay you!"

Master Kong said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

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

"Being unable to transcend, one naturally cannot exert the utmost strength; even with abundant true qi, one cannot strike that supreme realm! As for me…"

Master Kong nodded and said: "Holding the world in heart, wishing to save all beings, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me, excessive kindness is also a flaw! If one were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the Alien Spirit Clan, the present situation would not have arisen…"

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

"So I am also unsuitable! Zhang Xuan, however, cultivates a method that follows 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 development; only thus can one go higher and farther!"

Master Kong continued.

"In life, one should return to the origin; in death, one should 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 no time, go cultivate others; even if there were time, I doubt anyone could do better than you! Though the Lingxi Emperor's body lacks Heavenly Dao fragments, he has long mastered the Heavenly Dao, possessing his own understanding of it; I govern the orderly Heavenly Dao. If we pour our power into you, your body will hold complete Heavenly Dao power! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can fully stabilize the Nine Heavens, grasp the universe, battle the Nine Firmaments, annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

Seeing the other party had already decided, 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 instantly 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 avatar flying, and Henren gave a cold smile.

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

The Tide Sea drew out the Divine Realm's spiritual energy outside the city, nearly devouring it all; now this power has become his sustenance, every gesture wielding the power to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and Divine Kings, though they represent the Divine Realm's utmost peak, are still utterly unable to withstand him.

At this moment, Henren seemed to embody the entire Divine Realm, and none could stand against him.

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

Yun Chi Great Emperor revealed his true form, a gigantic five-clawed golden dragon, and lunged at him from the air.

"Just you? You're not worthy!"

Henren clenched his palm, and the golden dragon hung trapped in his grip, unable to escape no matter how it struggled.

"Old friend, wait for me!"

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

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

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

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

Heaven and earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

With four successive palms, Henren subdued the four beasts, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it……"

In the roar, just as he was about to strike a killing blow to wipe them all out, he felt his raised arm tighten and halt in midair.

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

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

It was Zhang Xuan!

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

"You've improved quite a bit……"

Henren halted, his gaze solemn.

He obviously also didn't understand how, in just a few short minutes, the opponent's strength had undergone such a tremendous 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, Henren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his longsword and went to meet him.

The two clashed, space tearing apart in streaks, air currents scattering in all directions.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the Free Heaven Master's station, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

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

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

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

After a moment of silence, the Master spoke.

Even a dozen Emperors united could not defeat Henren, 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 a single person can one possibly touch the pinnacle, truly surpass limits, and break through oneself!

"Power beyond the Emperors?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze drifted far away.

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

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

Seeing her doubt, the Master smiled and said.

……

Bang bang bang!

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

Just as the Master 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!" Henren gave a cold smile.

"Anyway, you're not my match; sooner or later I'll be killed. If so, I want to die under your strongest attack……" Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan stopped, ceasing his offense and instead gazing at Henren before him.

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

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

Whoosh!

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

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

His eyes tightly shut, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Bang!

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 incessantly.

Teacher Kong and Luo Ruoxi, seeing this scene, were also stunned.

The original intention was to let him break through his shackles and assault a realm beyond the Emperor Sovereign—so why didn't he resist and willingly go to his death?

Wouldn't this be wasting their good intentions?

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

While they were puzzled, Teacher Kong suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan, whose head exploded and even his soul shattered, as the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood levitated upward, igniting into a 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 his 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?"

Teacher Kong was also full of disbelief.

The Heavenly Dao and his soul had fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had no choice but to let his soul scatter and, with the aid of the Soul Pool, recondense his soul.

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

"I understand... he used Hen Ren'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 bound... the Heavenly Dao Library is the same—it can be said to be an enhanced version of the contract.

Once the soul is bound, even immortality won't free it.

But... Hen Ren, using that special power, broke the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before—perhaps he had already been thinking about it then.

That's why he deliberately risked his life, letting the opponent unleash their strongest power against him.

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

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

Walking out of the flames, Zhang Xuan showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly gestured, and the avatar on his side instantly turned back into a lotus and flew 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 appears when the Nine Heavens are born, can stabilize the Nine Heavens; at this moment, his avatar and self perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which meant he had mastered this power.

Moreover, with the 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 detached from his soul, he came to understand.

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

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

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

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

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

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

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Separation, is emotion.

Reunion, is also emotion!

"Myriad feelings, for my use..."

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

The Emperor Sovereign's shackles, broken!

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

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

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

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

"You resent the lofty Emperor Sovereign for not saving you in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; you feel that having once been my servant, containing humility and anger, that's emotion; you want to destroy the divine realm to vent anger, that's emotion; you want to become stronger, that's also emotion... emotion controls you, so how could you 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 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 and controlled by him!

"You..."

Hen Ren's eyes were full of 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 now meaningless to him.

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

"No..."

Feeling his decisiveness, Henren's pupils contracted; before his words finished, he suddenly felt a sharp pain all over his body.

Bang!

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

Previously, all the power swallowed by the Tidal Sea now flowed back, revitalizing the already barren wilderness.

"This..."

"You killed him just like that?"

Yunchi the Great Emperor, the Immortal Emperor, the Linglong Fairy, and the others all widened their eyes in disbelief.

Just moments ago they had crossed blows with Henren, 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 it be that there truly exists another realm above the Emperor?

"He succeeded..."

Kongshi and Luoruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

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

Seeing the "flaw in the Heavenly Dao" that had been separated from his own body still hovering in the air, Zhang Xuan gave a light smile and flicked his finger.

Hum!

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

The deep bell-like resonance echoed as the continually collapsing Divine Realm slowly recovered visible to the naked eye, and the chaotic currents also reconverged.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally came to a halt, and the withered spiritual energy, together with Henren's death, slowly revived.

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

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

"Zhang Xuan, over here..."

Having just finished these, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan startled, then took a step forward.

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

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

"Senior, you..."

Seeing it was him, Zhang Xuan blinked in surprise.

Earlier I had sensed he was unfathomable; now I realized he was only a hair's breadth above me, having already reached the peak of the Emperor realm, far stronger than Luoruoxi before.

"Just call me by my name; I am Nie Tong!" the youth said lightly, a fearless sword intent emanating from him.

"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 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, with raised brows that gave an inscrutable, profound air.

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth before him was actually even stronger, having likewise broken 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 Luoruoxi you spoke of!"

"Luoruoxi's father?"

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

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

"I transformed one breath into the Three Pure Ones; 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?

Just how strong must his power be?

"That's not right—if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why do you let Henren run rampant without intervening?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

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

Even the life and death of his daughter—does he care?

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

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

Although I've never seen it, since he can cultivate to this level, perhaps others can as well—and perhaps even stronger.

Just like the one before us.

"I once suspected there might be a more powerful life above the Divine Realm, so I exerted all my power to peer into it—ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world... a palm broke through the void and came down!"

Nie Yun looked over: "At that time, if I had dodged, the entire Divine Realm would likely have been erased, leaving not a single life... so I blocked the strike, but consequently, my embodied Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"I want to recover from this situation—it's merely a 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... it's hard for me alone. So I wanted to see if there is any life capable of breaking through the Emperor's shackles and reaching my level!"

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

Nie Yun smiled.

"A soul not belonging to this world—so my transmigration is also because of you?" Zhang Xuan's heart jolted.

No wonder I could transmigrate over—I never expected it was all due to this person before me.

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly: "Being native to this world, one naturally holds reverence for it; breaking free of its shackles is far more difficult. I merely had a passing thought, never imagining you could actually succeed..."

"I..." Zhang Xuan's face flushed: "If not for Kongshi, I could never have reached this point..."

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

I gave him the opportunity; he just didn't seize it. The match against Lingxi was actually his best chance to break through; unfortunately, he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup plan and could withdraw unscathed, but in fact he lost 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.

He had watched their battle back then; Kongshi was indeed lacking in decisiveness.

It's also possible he was unwilling to kill Luo Ruoxi.

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

If Kongshi 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, at a life-or-death moment, wanting to save someone, can you pull it off?'

…… Zhang Xuan gave a bitter smile.

Breaking through to Emperor and being an Emperor are two different concepts; if he truly wishes 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 daughter of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng; that's why her assumed name bears the Luo surname…… To make her believe, not letting emotions interfere, she has always thought I was still in a coma……

Nie Yun gave a wry laugh: 'My father sure is ruthless…… Anyway, you should explain this to her; after all, her thoughts have now turned to you, this old father of mine probably can't even remember…… Haha, I'll stay out of sight for a while; otherwise, I truly fear she'll cause an uproar……'

Seeing this unreliable old man before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched; he had no choice but to agree: 'Alright……'

There's no way out if he doesn't agree; who let him abduct someone's daughter……

The Library of Heaven's Way is formed from a single thought of mine; 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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