Chapter 1086

A soul contract binds souls; as long as I do not dissolve it, even if the other party possesses heaven-defying means, they cannot undo it.

Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huang Ji, who was previously merely a God King but is now an Emperor, he too cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

To prevent this guy from going back on his word and causing a backlash, the Famous Master Continent once specifically stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's Record, they could not escape the soul-to-soul agreement!

"Soul contracts indeed cannot be split from the Sea of Consciousness, but I have fused a special gas capable of dissolving even 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!"

Ruthless Dao.

Soul contracts are founded upon the Heavenly Dao; even special powers capable of dissolving the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?

"I see..." Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

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

After finishing his explanation, the Ruthless One said no more; his aura became ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him grew larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself.

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

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

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

Boom—

The strongest sword intent was unleashed once again.

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

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

This sword move, though not yet reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, 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 cut the Ruthless One's attack in half.

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi struck as well, 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 moves are impressive, but compared to me, they still fall short…"

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

In an instant, his hand blotted out the sky and sun, covering heaven and earth; space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed about to be slammed down by force.

Pfft! Pfft!

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

With their combined strength, they actually couldn't withstand it!

Just what realm has this guy reached?

"Impudent!" The clone strode forward, each step causing lotus blossoms to bloom, the void echoing with the sound of flowing water.

From afar, it looked incredibly 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 become an Emperor, the clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature…

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

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

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

The remaining six Emperors each employed their own methods.

The seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; even a side of heaven and earth before them could not withstand it. But the opposing party is the Ruthless One who has absorbed special power; as his attack approached, his black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring all the power, then immediately launching a counterattack.

Bang bang bang bang!

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

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

How could this guy be so powerful?

"You may die…"

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

"How dare you, rats!"

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

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

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just now he and his clone had both exerted their utmost combat power; even Luo Ruoxi before him had unleashed her strongest technique, yet none could block a single move 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 one's mind is itself part of the Heavenly Dao; once returned, the Heavenly Dao becomes completely whole, perhaps able to repair the loophole, and one can expel the Ruthless Person.

Just like the body's immune system.

If the immune system is whole, a virus can be easily driven off; if it fails, one cannot resist viral invasion, and even a strong person will die as a result.

But……

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

The immune system can kill a virus, but…… what about a fierce tiger?

What can even the strongest immune system do?

This person before us is merely an ordinary Divine King; even with a title, the Heavenly Dao could easily kill 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: Yes…… there's no way to suppress him, but if the Heavenly Dao is whole, he can awaken and slay this person, and it's not difficult!

Him? Zhang Xuan frowned.

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

You want to escape? The Ruthless Person snorted coldly and pressed down.

Bang!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the sky.

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

Ding ding ding!

Again blocked by the Ruthless Person.

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

Knowing they were trying to find a way to save the Divine Realm rather than flee, the clone and the Immortal Emperor let out a great shout, blocking the front, and Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the Silent Pearl's true form.

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 to talk; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, he tore through space, and in the next moment appeared within the Free and Easy Heaven.

The Free and Easy Heaven now lacks its former freedom and ease; the Divine Realm has collapsed, everywhere in chaos.

Where is the person you spoke of?

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

If the person she spoke of can truly save the Divine Realm, what harm is there in my own sacrifice!

He is my father; the blood in your locket is his; the Immortal Emperor was once his beast pet…… Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath and explained.

Father?

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

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

This also explains why the Immortal Emperor's lingering thought, upon seeing the locket, immediately recognized me as its master.

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

He couldn't help but say.

The library's chaos is due to the blood in the locket, 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 also require a flaw in the Heavenly Dao to awaken him?

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 coma, the Heavenly Dao shattered into three parts—the ordered 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…… thus I am so resolute, cannot fail! I specially entered the Name Master Continent, studied the Spring and Autumn Classic, seeking a way to defeat Kong Shi! When fighting Kong Shi, the favor I asked of him was also this.

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

The Name Master Continent had only just been acquainted; the girl before me had already told me her story, 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 oneself are two different concepts.

I am merely a steward, 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 this fate is unwelcome, I also do not wish for the girl before me to suffer harm.

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

This…… I'm not sure either……

Luo Ruoxi lifted her head, looked at the already collapsed Divine Realm, and hesitated.

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

It's really hard to say!

"It seems you can't be certain either. In that case, seeking others is less effective than relying on ourselves… we have to figure it out on our own!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, I, and our duplicate, united with the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we cooperate with Master Kong, we might actually be able to win!"

"Master Kong? He…" Luo Ruoxi frowned.

"Master Kong is already dead, right? He hasn't truly died; if my guess is correct, you slew him only as a means 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; Master Kong's so‑called preservation of spiritual intelligence must be the same as his—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

It enables one not to be lost within the fetal state.

Adding the pre‑placed contingency, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

Luo Ruoxi was stunned; she hadn't expected it to be like this.

"A look into the past would confirm it; your guess is right—he should have already recovered, otherwise his students wouldn't have even avoided the Tide Sea…" Zhang Xuan said.

Master Kong's students—Zi Yuan, the Ancient Sage, and others—are all powerful; even without an Imperial Lord's aid they would surely find a way into the Tide Sea, yet none have been seen.

There must be something more important awaiting them, something they intend to act on while all the Imperial Lords are occupied in the Tide Sea!

And that important matter is clearly to restore Master Kong.

"This…" Luo Ruoxi felt a shock in her heart and suddenly understood.

"Let's go!"

Without further explanation, with a single hand sweep, Zhang Xuan returned to Master Kong's dwelling and indeed saw an elderly man sitting cross‑legged, hovering in the air; upon seeing them, he smiled faintly: "You've arrived!"

"If not Master Kong, then who are you!"

This teacher of ten thousand generations truly did not disappoint!

As predicted, he revived while everyone's attention was focused on the Tide Sea.

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

She knew an Imperial Lord could be resurrected, and the Undying Imperial Lord had also returned, but… she hadn't expected it to be so swift!

"I concealed the Heavenly Dao and prepared a contingency in advance; the nameless giant in the Ghostly Soul Pool was my leaving. The day you slew it, I seized the chance to break free from the Heavenly Dao's shackles, re‑condense my flesh, and now I've just recovered!"

Master Kong smiled faintly.

He is proficient in temporal abilities; it appears only a day or two has passed in the Divine Realm, but in reality he endured an unknown length of time to restore his power.

Tens of years have passed.

"The three of us are strong, but defeating the Ruthless One is not that easy…"

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

It's not about inflating others' prestige or boasting one's own resolve; it's the truth.

Just now, so many united, yet they couldn't stop the opponent; even adding Master Kong, what difference would it make?

It still wouldn't change the situation!

"Our individual strength, even when combined, truly isn't a match for them, but… what if we fuse everyone's power into a single person?"

Master Kong looked over with a smile.

"Fuse into one person's body?"

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

"That palm can tear the Divine Realm apart, shatter the Heavenly Dao; its strength is undeniable. The Ruthless One absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of the Divine Realm's spiritual energy. Relying solely on strength, our ten‑plus Imperial Lords, each alone, are indeed no match…"

Master Kong said, "But when united and concentrated in one person… that might be different!"

"How to concentrate?"

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

It's easy to say, hard to do.

The Imperial Lords have already stood at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm; if absorbing others' power were that easy, she wouldn't have been stagnant for so many years.

"It's simple… we channel all our power into Zhang Xuan; once he can break the Imperial Lords' shackles, the Divine Realm can be saved!"

Master Kong said.

"Me?" Zhang Xuan was startled: "Why me?"

"Lingxi Imperial Venerable cultivates freedom and natural transcendence! Yet with a father's and the Heavenly Dao's constraints, and with loved ones, true transcendence is impossible! If I'm not mistaken, when you first fought me, you also gave up, intending to be slain by me!"

Master Kong said.

Luo Ruoxi was speechless.

During the battle, that intention did exist, so at the start of their duel each kept a contingency, making it feel like a sparring session rather than a life‑or‑death fight.

"Unable to transcend, one cannot unleash the utmost power; even if given endless true qi, it still cannot breach that supreme realm! As for me…"

Master Kong nodded, "Having compassion for all beings and wishing to save the world, yet refusing others to sacrifice for you—excessive kindness is also a flaw! If one were harsher and exterminated the alien spirit race, the current situation wouldn't exist…"

Had the alien spirit race been completely exterminated back then, the Ruthless One could never have revived, and this predicament wouldn't have arisen.

"Therefore, I'm also unsuitable! As for Zhang Xuan, his cultivation method aligns perfectly and has no flaws. He values living true to himself; even if he dies, as long as he lives without regret, his heart remains unburdened. Such a person possesses greater tolerance and broader potential for growth; only this way can he ascend higher and farther!"

Master Kong continued.

"Life should return, death should be long yearning!"

"If even death is indifferent, how could one be bound by anything else?"

"This…" Zhang Xuan frowned, about to speak, when Master Kong's eyes flashed: "No need to decline. Time is short; even if we trained others, I doubt anyone could do it better than you! Though Lingxi Imperial Venerable lacks Heavenly Dao fragments in his body, he has long mastered the Heavenly Dao and holds his own understanding of it; I orderly control the Heavenly Dao. If we infuse you with that power, your body will possess the complete Heavenly Dao! Combined with the duplicate's Nine Heavens Chaotic Golden Lotus, we can truly set the Nine Heavens, command Heaven and Earth, battle the Nine Skies, and annihilate all things!"

"Alright!"

Seeing the other had already decided, further explanation was useless, so Zhang Xuan nodded.

Boom!

Sitting cross‑legged, in the blink of an eye, two massive currents of power surged in from both sides.

Zhang Xuan's body stiffened; in an instant he seemed to become the Heavenly Dao itself, soaring above the Nine Heavens.

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

……

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

He sent Luo Qiqi and the avatar, among others, flying; Hengren 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 devoured nearly all the spiritual energy outside the city in the Divine Realm; now this power has become his nourishment, every move carrying the ability to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and God Kings, though they represent the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, are still no match in a single strike.

At this moment, Hengren seemed to embody the entire Divine Realm; no one could stop him.

"If the Divine Realm falls, our lives have no meaning; I, Yunchi, will perish with you......"

Yunchi Great Emperor revealed his true form, a gigantic five-clawed golden dragon, lunging at him from the air.

"Just you? You're not worthy!"

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

"Old friend, wait for me!"

Fumeng Emperor also let out a great roar, revealing his White Tiger true form, arriving before him in the air.

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

Xuanming 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; the collapsing Divine Realm grew slow.

Heaven and earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

Four consecutive palms, Hengren subdued the four beasts; a fierce killing intent flashed in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it......"

In the roar, just as he was about to deal a lethal blow to wipe everyone out, he felt his raised arm tighten, stopping in midair.

"Want to kill them? Have you asked me......"

Immediately, amid everyone's shocked gaze, a figure slowly walked out of the air.

It was Zhang Xuan!

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

"You've improved quite a bit......"

Hengren stopped, his gaze solemn.

He clearly didn't understand how, in just a few minutes, the opponent's strength had changed so dramatically.

"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 stop me......"

With a cold snort, Hengren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his sword and went to meet him.

They battled, space tearing apart in streaks, airflow surging everywhere.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the dwelling of the Free Heaven Master, Luo Ruoxi gazed over, full of worry.

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

But rank is rank; as long as the power is sufficient, one day it can be restored.

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

After a moment of silence, the Master said.

Even a dozen Emperors united cannot defeat Hengren, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to win is still not easy.

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

"Power beyond the Emperor?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

When her father was still lucid, he had told her the same thing, but... she couldn't 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, the Master laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang!

After several consecutive strikes, Zhang Xuan's tiger mouth split, his chest bore a huge wound, hideous and terrifying.

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

"Hah, thought you were something, but that's all!" Hengren gave a cold smile.

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

"Good, I'll grant you that, give you my strongest attack..."

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

Whoosh!

A cyan light appeared in his palm, 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.

Bang!

His skull exploded, his soul scattering in all directions.

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

Luo Qiqi seemed to have gone mad.

Yunchi Great Emperor and the others also widened their eyes, trembling nonstop.

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

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

Wouldn't that be wasting their good intentions?

"No, it's the Undying Emperor's undying method..."

While they were wondering, Master Kong suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan, whose head exploded and even his soul shattered; the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood floated up, igniting into a ball of scorching flame; within the flame, an unharmed figure stepped out slowly.

"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 fire, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heavenly Dao Library inside him, no interference from the Heavenly Dao, and had severed ties with the Heavenly Dao!

"How did he do that?"

Master Kong 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 then, with the help of the Netherworld 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 Hengren's method to break free of the soul contract……" Luo Ruoxi realized.

The soul contract binds Master and servant; if Master does not dissolve 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.

Bound to the soul, it will not be freed even by death.

But…… Hengren used that special power to break free of the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before, and perhaps he had already been tempted at that time.

That is why he deliberately fought to the death, forcing it to unleash its 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 method to break through the Emperor……"

Walking out of the flames, Zhang Xuan's face showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly waved his hand, and the avatar on one side instantly turned back into a lotus flower and flew over.

In an instant, it perfectly merged with himself.

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

He lightly tapped the ground with his foot.

The chaotic Nine Heavens immediately stabilized.

The Nine Heavens Chaotic 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 means he has mastered this power.

Moreover, with the cultivation fused with the Nine Heavens Chaotic 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, parental affection, love…… when combined, they are actually all things in the world; this is what it means to be human!"

With a smile, Zhang Xuan murmured to himself.

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

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

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question, an eternal dilemma, has troubled countless people.

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 possess emotion; with emotion comes the world, and with emotion life can continue.

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Parting, is emotion.

Reunion, is also emotion!

"Myriad emotions, for my use……"

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

The Emperor's shackles, broken through!

In an instant, it felt as if he had touched a brand-new world and the Great Door, and his soul received swift nourishment.

Countless chaotic qi surged in, and his physical 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……" Hengren never expected that his all-out attack would not only fail to slay him, but instead would perfect him; furious, he shouted "Wah-wah!" and, with an angry roar, attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor above, who didn't save you in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; you feel that having once been my servant contains humility and anger—that's emotion; you want to destroy the Divine Realm to vent anger—that's emotion; you want to become stronger—also emotion…… Emotion controls you, so how could you possibly overcome me and not be controlled by me?"

With a faint smile, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and louder, and he lightly grasped with his palm.

The originally invincible Hengren 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, controlled by him!

"You……"

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

"It's too late to say these things now……" He gave a slight smile and shook his head.

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

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

"No……"

Feeling his decisiveness, the ruthless man's pupils contracted; before his words ended, he immediately felt a sharp pain throughout 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, reviving the once‑barren wilderness.

"This..."

"You just killed him like that?"

Yun Chi Great Emperor, the Undying Emperor, Linglong Fairy and the others all widened their eyes in disbelief.

They had just fought the ruthless man and knew how terrifying he was; yet such a powerful figure was wiped out with a casual gesture—just how far has this Zhang Xuan gone?

Could there truly be a higher realm above the Emperor?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

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

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

Hum!

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

A deep bell‑like resonance sounded as the continually collapsing Divine Realm slowly healed before the eyes, and the chaotic currents gathered once more.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally ceased, and the withered spiritual energy gradually revived along with the ruthless man's death.

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

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

"Zhang Xuan, come here..."

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

That step carried him an unknown distance, and suddenly he 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 sensed this person was unfathomable; now he realized the youth was only a hair's breadth behind him, having already reached the peak of the Emperor realm—far stronger than Luo Ruoxi had been.

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

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

"Come with me; I'll take you to see my brother!" said Nie Tong, smiling faintly as he 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 stronger than he, 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, adding, "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; he never imagined it would be such a young man.

"I transformed one part of my soul into the Heavenly Dao through the One Qi becoming Three Purities; besides, this world is my creation, so calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly fine!" 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?

"No, if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why let the ruthless man run rampant without intervening?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Had I not broken through, the Divine Realm would likely have collapsed utterly; 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 at him lightly and said, "Do you think… there might be even greater beings above the Divine Realm?"

"Well…" Zhang Xuan paused, "I suppose there should be."

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

Just like the one before him.

"I once suspected that greater beings existed above the Divine Realm, so I strained my senses to the limit, ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world… a palm that shattered the void and descended!"

Nie Yun looked over: "If I had dodged back then, the entire Divine Realm would likely have been erased, leaving no life at all… so I blocked the strike, but in doing so, 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 and explore where that palm came from, and what lies beyond… it is hard for me alone. So I want to see whether any life can break through the Emperor's shackles and reach my level."

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

Nie Yun smiled.

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

No wonder he could transmigrate here; he never expected it to be entirely due to this person before him.

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

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

Without Master Kong's selfless dedication, reaching this 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; unfortunately, he chose to retreat, thinking he had left himself a way out and could escape unharmed, but in fact he lost the vigor to press forward. 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 watched their battle at that time, and Kong Shi indeed lacked decisiveness.

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

Unfortunately, in that instant, the opportunity to advance was missed.

"If Kong Shi 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 now is not much different from mine; do you think, with their strength, at a life-or-death moment, wanting to save someone, can you do it?"

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

Breaking through to Emperor and being an Emperor are two concepts; if he truly wishes to intervene, 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, so her assumed name bears the surname Luo... In order to make her believe, to keep her unemotional, she has always thought I was still in a coma..."

Nie Yun let out a bitter laugh: "This father of mine has been pretty ruthless…… Well then, you should explain this to her; after all, her thoughts have already turned to you, this old father of mine probably can't even remember…… Haha, I'll stay out of sight for a while; otherwise, I really fear she'll cause an uproar..."

Seeing this unreliable father before him, Zhang Xuan's face twitched, and he could only reply: "Alright……"

There's no choice but to agree; who let me elope with someone's daughter……

"The Heavenly Dao Library is a manifestation of my thought; it is both foundation and shackle. If you can rely on your own ability to break through the shackle, it demonstrates your ability and potential, and your future is limitless. My daughter being able to be with you is also a comfort to me as a father."

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