Chapter 1069

A soul contract binds souls; as long as one does not break it, even if the other's methods are god‑like, it cannot be undone.

It's like the undying Emperor Lord Xiao Huangji, who was once only a Divine King; now he is an Emperor Lord, yet he still cannot resolve such an agreement.

To prevent that guy from reneging and causing a backlash, the renowned Master Dalu once explicitly decreed that even if the other can detach from the Heavenly Dao Scroll, they cannot escape the soul‑to‑soul pact!

"A soul contract indeed cannot be split from the Sea of Consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve; breaking such a contract is not hard… as long as one has enough power to bombard the contract's location, it can be done!"

The ruthless one spoke.

A soul contract is founded on the Heavenly Dao; a special power that can even dissolve 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 told you all this, I also thank you for bringing me to the Divine Realm!"

After the explanation, the ruthless one said no more; his aura grew ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him expanded further, evidently the act of speaking had again devoured an unknown amount of power as nourishment.

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

Luo Ruoxi also sensed something amiss and hurriedly sent a voice transmission.

"Prepare to act!" With all doubt gone, Zhang Xuan inhaled deeply, his long sword suddenly rose: "Since it comes to this, let's see the true skill beneath my hand!"

Boom!

The most powerful sword intent surged forth once again.

Life returns to its source, death longs eternally!

Life and death matter not; what then can stand in the way?

This sword technique, though not yet reaching Emperor Lord comprehension, contains all his lingering obsessions, pushing the Heavenly Compassion Technique within his body to its limit.

Whoosh!

One sword cleaved the ruthless one's attack in two.

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

Her sword style resembled that of the young man under Jian Shen Tian, bearing an unstoppable momentum and the natural elegance of the Great Dao.

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

With a light smile, the ruthless one lunged downward again.

In an instant, the sky was blocked, his palm enveloped heaven and earth, space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed about to be forcefully struck down.

Pop! Pop!

Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were simultaneously flung backward, blood spurting wildly in the air.

With their combined strength, they still could not hold it!

What realm has this guy actually reached?

"Audacious!" The duplicate strode forward, and with each step a lotus blossomed, the void echoing with the sound of flowing water.

From afar, it exuded undeniable grandeur.

Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, his cultivation is by no means weaker than Zhang Xuan's.

A single punch rose, its force soaring to the Nine Heavens.

Clashing with the ruthless one, they were likewise flung backward, unable to block a single move.

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

Having become an Emperor Lord, the duplicate still clings to its pretentious nature…

Such dazzling showoff is better replaced by concentrating the power; the effect will be greater!

"Strike together, otherwise if they die, we will all die…"

Xiao Huangji let out a mighty roar, crimson flames blazing, the sky seemed set alight.

The remaining six Emperor Lords each deployed their own tactics.

The seven Emperor Lords united, destroying heaven and earth; no realm could withstand them, yet the opponent, the ruthless one who had absorbed a special power, saw the attacks approach, the black hole suddenly expanded, and in the blink of an eye devoured the power completely before launching a counterattack.

Bang bang bang bang!

The seven Emperor Lords, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were flung backward.

The ten Emperor Lords combined, yet none could block a single move from the opponent!

How can this guy be so powerful?

"You may die…"

With one strike he shattered the crowd; the ruthless one stepped forward, flicked his wrist, and struck down again.

"You vermin dare this!"

Accompanied by a roar, the elder who had been with Jian Shen Tian suddenly appeared, blocking the way, his long sword turning into a galaxy.

"Emperor Lord? He also possesses Emperor Lord strength?"

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

That elder had originally followed the young man, thought to be merely an attendant, perhaps only a titled Divine King, but when he unleashed his power it turned out he too was an Emperor Lord of great strength!

If he is an Emperor Lord, then what is the young man?

"He himself is Jian Shen Tian's Emperor Lord…" Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth, standing shakily.

"Then… the young man who taught me the sword method?" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back.

"He is…" Luo Ruoxi began to answer when space twisted, and the Emperor Lord of Jian Shen Tian was also flung backward, landing nearby and creating a huge crater.

Zhang Xuan's current strength and his comprehension of the sword path far surpass him; even if his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship is superb, he still cannot match him.

"Ha ha, Emperor Lords, just a bunch of lowly chickens and dogs! Today I will annihilate the Nine Heavens, destroy this Divine Realm, and trample all rules!"

Having defeated Jian Shen Tian's Emperor Lord, the ruthless one laughed wildly, the surrounding space continuously collapsing, framing him like a demon and a monster.

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

Just now he and his duplicate had both unleashed their utmost combat power, and even Luo Ruoxi before him had used her strongest technique, yet none could block a single move from the opponent…

Could it be that truly 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 deficient 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 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.

Just……

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

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

Even with the strongest immune system, what can be done?

This person before us is merely an ordinary Divine King; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao could easily kill him, yet he is stronger than an Emperor…… he is now beyond what the Heavenly Dao can contend with.

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

"Him?" Zhang Xuan furrowed his brows.

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

"Trying to escape?" The Ruthless One 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 One.

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

Knowing they wanted to find another way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign let out a great shout, blocking the front, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the Still Void Pearl's true form.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone fearlessly throwing themselves behind to block, unafraid of death, Zhang Xuan's eye sockets reddened, but he also knew now was not the time for words; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, he tore through space, and in the next moment they appeared within the range of the Free and Easy Heaven.

The 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 companion……" Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath and explained.

"Father?"

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

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

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

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

He couldn't help but ask.

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

If that is the case, why would he be comatose?

And also requires a deficient Heavenly Dao for him to awaken?

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

Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists.

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

"Yes! Fifty years ago, my father could not withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the Ordered Heavenly Dao and the Deficient Heavenly Dao entered the spatial turbulence; I acted as steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order, maintaining the Divine Realm's balance. To revive 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, entrusting him with this matter was also the case."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having only just met the Master Teacher Continent, the girl before me had already recounted her story of wanting to save a close relative; I didn't understand then, but now I suddenly realize.

It turns out to be her father, and moreover the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm!

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

"Acting as steward of the Heavenly Dao's natural order…… 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 the body are two different concepts.

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

Zhang Xuan relaxed his breath.

In that case, I only need to separate the Deficient Heavenly Dao from 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 suffer harm.

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

"This…… I'm not sure either……"

Looking up at the already collapsed Divine Realm, Luo Ruoxi hesitated.

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

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 ourselves… we have only ourselves to figure it out! Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, me, and my avatar, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we also coordinate with Kong Shi, we might not be unable to win!"

"Kong Shi? He…" Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Kong Shi is 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, he understood: Kong Shi's so-called preserving consciousness should be the same as him, an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain clear-minded even in the womb.

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

Luo Ruoxi froze, seemingly not expecting this to be the case.

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

Kong Shi's disciples, like Ziyuan Ancient Sage and others, are all strong; even without the Emperor's help, they would certainly have a way into 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 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!"

Without further explanation, he flicked his sleeve, and Zhang Xuan returned to where Kong Shi lived; indeed he saw an old man sitting cross-legged, floating in midair. Seeing them arrive, he 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!

As expected, 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 revived, even the Undying Emperor had come back to life, but… she didn't expect the speed to be so fast!

"I concealed myself from the Heavenly Dao, prepared a backup 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 my fleshly body, and have only just now recovered!"

Kong Shi gave a faint smile.

He is proficient in temporal abilities; while it seemed only a day or two had passed in the Divine Realm, in truth he had undergone an unknown length 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 that easy…"

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

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

Just now, so many people joined forces yet couldn't block the opponent; even adding Kong Shi, what difference would it make?

It would likewise fail to change the situation!

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

Kong Shi smiled and looked over.

"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 undeniable. The Ruthless One has absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of spiritual energy from the Divine Realm. Based solely on strength, even 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.

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

Kong Shi said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

During the battle, such an intention indeed existed; thus their exchanges at the start each held back, akin to sparring rather than a life‑death fight.

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

Kong Shi nodded and said: "Holding 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 race, we wouldn't be in this situation…"

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

"So I'm also unsuitable! Zhang Xuan, however, cultivates a harmonious method, free of flaws. He focuses on living true to himself; even if he dies, as long as he lives without guilt, his heart is at ease. Such a person possesses greater tolerance 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 anything else bind one?"

"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! The Lingxi Emperor's body may lack Heavenly Dao fragments, but he has long commanded the Heavenly Dao, possessing his own understanding of it; I govern the orderly Heavenly Dao. If we pour our power into you, you will hold complete Heavenly Dao power within! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can indeed stabilize the Nine Heavens, command the universe, battle the Nine Firmaments, and annihilate myriad things!"

"Alright!"

Seeing the other party had already decided, further explanation would be useless, so 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 Heavenly Dao, soaring above the Nine Heavens.

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

……

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

He sent Luo Qiqi and the clone, among others, flying, and the Ruthless Person gave a cold smile.

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

The Tide Sea devoured almost all the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm; now this power has become his sustenance, every gesture wielding the power to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and Gods, though they represent the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, are still no match.

At this moment, the Ruthless Person seemed to represent the entire Divine Realm; none could withstand him.

"If the Divine Realm falls, our lives are meaningless; I, Yun Chi, will perish with you……"

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

"Just you? You're not worthy!"

The Ruthless Person clenched his palm, and the golden dragon hung in his grasp, unable to escape no matter how it struggled.

"Old friend, wait for me!"

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

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

Great Emperor Xuan Ming'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 transformed into 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 consecutive palms, the Ruthless Person subdued the four beasts, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it……"

Amidst the roars, as he was about to strike a killing blow to wipe out everyone, he felt his raised arm tighten and stop 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, 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……"

The Ruthless Person halted, his gaze solemn.

He obviously didn't understand how, in just a few short minutes, the opponent's strength had undergone such a tremendous 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 stop me……"

With a cold snort, the Ruthless Person struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his longsword and went to meet him.

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

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the dwelling of Kong Shi of the Free Heaven, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

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

However, the level is just a rank; 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, Kong Shi spoke.

Even a dozen Emperors united could not defeat the Ruthless Person; 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 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, Kong Shi laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang!

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

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

"Hah, I thought you were formidable, but that's all!", the Ruthless Person gave a cold smile.

"Anyway, I'm no match for you; I'll be killed sooner or later. Since that's the case, I want to die under your strongest attack……" Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan halted, ceasing his offense and instead gazing at the Ruthless Person before him.

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

Hearing him say that, the Ruthless Person was stunned 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 pit.

His eyes tightly closed, 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.

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

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

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

This way, wouldn't it be letting down their good intentions?

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

While they were puzzled, 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 scorching flame; within the flame, an unharmed figure slowly stepped out.

"He... used the opponent's power and the blood in the pendant to separate the flaw in the Heavenly Dao from the soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

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

"How did he do that?"

Kong Shi was also full of disbelief.

The Heavenly Dao and the soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul scatter and, with the help of the Nether Soul Pool, 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 Heavenly Dao Library is the same; it can be said to be an enhanced version of the contract.

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

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

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

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

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

Walking out of the flames, Zhang Xuan showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly gestured, and a clone on the side instantly turned back into a lotus flower, flying over.

In an instant, it perfectly merged with himself.

In the blink of an eye, everyone felt that the Zhang Xuan before them had become the Nine Heavens, and the Nine Heavens were him.

He lightly tapped the ground with his foot.

The chaotic Nine Heavens immediately stabilized.

The Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, which appeared when the Nine Heavens were born, can stabilize the Nine Heavens; at this moment, the clone and his self perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which means he now controls this power.

Moreover, with the cultivation fused with the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, he had already reached the peak realm; now it 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 fused together, they are actually all things in the world; this is what it means to be human!"

Smiling, Zhang Xuan muttered to himself.

At the moment the Heavenly Dao Library detached from his soul, he understood.

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

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

Of course, now... these don't matter 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 there is a 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 feelings, for my use..."

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

The Emperor's shackles, broken through!

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

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

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

"You..." The ruthless person hadn't expected that his all-out attack would not only fail to slay him, but instead fulfill him; angry, he shouted "wawa!" in chaos, let out an angry roar, and attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor, not saving yourself in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; feeling you were once my servant, containing humility and anger—that's emotion; wanting to destroy the divine realm, venting anger—that's emotion; wanting to become stronger, likewise emotion... Emotion controls you; 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 ruthless person was bound by countless threads of emotion, hands and feet tied, unable to move.

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

"You..."

The ruthless person's eyes filled with panic: "Master Zhang, I am your servant, don't kill me... I am willing to offer my soul as sacrifice..."

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

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

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

"No..."

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

Boom!

In an instant, the explosion burst forth, 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, replenishing; the once barren wilderness regained its vitality.

"This..."

"You killed him just like that?"

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

Just now they had crossed blows with Henren, knowing how terrifying he was; such a powerful person was obliterated with a casual swipe—this Zhang Xuan... just what level has he reached?

Could it be that there is truly a higher realm above the Emperor?

"He succeeded..."

Master Kong and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

"This is part of the Heavenly Dao; now I will 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 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 resonance continued as the collapsing Divine Realm slowly recovered visibly, and the chaotic currents also gathered again.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally ceased, and the withered spiritual energy, accompanying 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 Tide 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, come here..."

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

He did not know how far that step carried him, when he suddenly saw a youth standing before him.

This was the very person who had previously taught him swordsmanship.

"Senior, you..."

Seeing it was him, Zhang Xuan froze.

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

"Just call me by my name; I am Nie Tong!" The youth radiated an unstoppable sword intent, speaking 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, with raised brows that gave an inscrutable, profound impression.

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth before him proved 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 smiled faintly, 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 part of my spirit into the Heavenly Dao through the One Qi becoming Three Purities! Moreover, this world is my creation—calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly justified!" Nie Yun smiled faintly.

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 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 him 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 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 mightier being lay above the Divine Realm, so I exerted all my power to observe—ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world... a palm shattered the void and descended!"

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 incarnate Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"I merely wish to restore this 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... it is hard for me alone. So I want to see if there is any life capable of breaking the Emperor's shackles and reaching my level."

"Thus, I sent the scattered thoughts of the Heavenly Dao 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, you have not disappointed me!"

Nie Yun said with a smile.

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

No wonder he could transmigrate here; he never expected 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; wanting to break the world's shackles is far more difficult—I too merely had a thought, never imagining you could truly succeed..."

"I..." Zhang Xuan's face flushed: "If not for Master Kong, I could never have reached this level..."

Without Master Kong's selfless dedication, reaching the present realm 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 withdraw unscathed; in fact, he lost his brave and diligent spirit. When facing someone surpassing us, if he lacks even this spirit, how could he possibly stand against them?

Nie Yun said.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

He had seen their battle then, and Master Kong indeed lacked decisiveness.

Perhaps he simply didn't want to kill Luo Ruoxi.

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

"If Master Kong wins, Ruoxi will die..." After a moment, Zhang Xuan looked over, his brows 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 actually save someone?"

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

"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, and guarantee they wouldn't suffer a single injury."

"Lingxi is the child of my other wife, Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed name bears the surname Luo... To make her believe, I kept her detached emotionally, and to this day she has believed I was still in a coma..."

Nie Yun let out a bitter laugh: "My father's been pretty ruthless... Anyway, you should explain this to her; after all, her thoughts have now turned to you, and 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 father before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched, and he could only reply: "Alright..."

He had no choice but to agree; who let him abduct 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, and your future is limitless. That my daughter can be with you also brings me, as a father, some comfort."

Currently being typed; please wait a moment. After the content is updated, please refresh the page to get the latest update!