Chapter 1471: South Ming Threat

The Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor is indeed your most powerful protective charm right now. Xia Qingyue didn't deny Yun Che's words: "Her existence has created unparalleled deterrence in the world. But apart from deterrence, what else is there? Can her power be used by you?"

Yun Che fell silent.

"You don't need to answer." Without waiting for Yun Che to speak, Xia Qingyue said calmly and assertively: "I'm certain it's impossible. As an ancient Devil Emperor, how could she possibly be controlled by a human? Furthermore, as the inheritor of the Evil God's power, if you rely on the power of others to exert influence, she would only be disappointed, contemptuous, and even furious."

Xia Qingyue's words were not wrong in the slightest. Not long ago, Jie Yuan had warned him not to ever dream of using her power.

"I'm this certain, and others will feel the same way," Xia Qingyue continued. "And this point is still secondary. Have you ever considered what the consequences would be if one day the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor, this protective charm, were to disappear?"

"She is the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor; who could make her disappear?" Yun Che said.

"What I mean by 'disappear' isn't her vanishing, but rather the disappearance of her 'favor' towards you. Because, after all, you are merely the inheritor of the Evil God's divine power, fundamentally a mortal spirit, and by no means the Evil God himself."

Yun Che didn't retort, but inwardly, he remained unconvinced. Because besides the Evil God's divine power, he also had Hong'er and You'er, so Xia Qingyue's worries would, in fact, not materialize.

Xia Qingyue seemed to sense Yun Che's skepticism, and with a soft sigh, she said: "It's also possible that one day, the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor might truly leave or vanish from this world in some form."

"I know you must want to say it's impossible, so let me ask you a few questions..."

Xia Qingyue slightly tilted her delicate brows and slowly said: "When you died in the Star God Realm back then, did you ever think you would come back to life?"

Yun Che fell silent.

"Back then, when you first arrived in the God Realm and learned about the concept of King Realms, if someone told you that I would become the Divine Emperor of the Moon God Realm a few years later, would you have thought it possible?"

Yun Che was speechless.

"In Flowing Cloud City back then, did you ever have even the slightest thought that you could one day save the fate of the entire Primal Chaos?"

Yun Che was completely silent.

"Many things in this world will happen even if you think they're impossible. Especially... whatever the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor wants to do, whether it's good or evil, whether it's good for you or bad for you, is entirely up to her, not you. The initiative has been in her hands from beginning to end!"

"So, she is indeed your protective charm right now, but it's a charm that could disappear at any moment. And if this charm disappears, it will be followed by immensely huge side effects."

Xia Qingyue's voice deepened slightly, each word heavy: "When you no longer have the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor as your protective charm, you will just be Yun Che. And today, in the Snow Song Realm, who were those who came for you, bowing subserviently to you in various ways? There were Realm Kings from upper star realms, and Divine Emperors from King Realms! If one day you become purely Yun Che again, then flattering and bowing to a junior profound practitioner from a lower realm will become the shame of their lives!"

Yun Che clearly remembered that Jasmine had said similar things to him back then: "Is this what you mean by my situation being dangerous?"

"Far from it." Xia Qingyue's beautiful eyes subconsciously glanced west, and she said softly: "You must understand that while your cultivation among your peers is indeed unmatched, the level you're exposed to is simply too high. If someone who resents you attacks without considering the consequences... no one would be able to protect your life in time."

"That can't be right, can it?" Yun Che frowned: "If there's anyone in the God Realm who resents me the most, it's that madwoman Luo Guxie. But even she wouldn't risk Senior Jie Yuan's wrath to kill me, would she?"

"Once human nature becomes twisted due to some extreme reason, it can sometimes be terrifying beyond imagination," Xia Qingyue said softly. "And the most terrifying are never those who show their fangs, but often those who are usually gentle and benevolent, whom people wouldn't guard against."

"I've always understood that. I believe my wariness is sharper than anyone else's." Yun Che, with his hands clasped behind his head, muttered: "Qingyue, we were born in the same year and month! Why do I feel like you're lecturing a junior?"

"You can choose not to listen or believe, but for what comes next, you must listen to me," Xia Qingyue said. "You can rest assured that if it fails, you won't suffer any loss, but if it succeeds, you will gain another... a true protective charm."

"Huh?"

Xia Qingyue's gaze sharpened slightly, and in the depths of her pupils, a cold moon seemed to flicker: "A protective charm that you can completely control, one that can stop even powerful Divine Emperors from killing you!"

Yun Che was astonished. Xia Qingyue's words were absolutely enough to make anyone in the God Realm feel profound shock and bewilderment. "There's such a protective charm in this world!?"

"What exactly are you talking about?" Yun Che asked.

"I can't tell you now, or it will reveal a flaw." Xia Qingyue looked south, sensing the approaching aura: "You'll know soon enough."

"Alright." Yun Che didn't press further, and suddenly grinned: "Even after becoming the Moon God Emperor, you haven't forgotten to worry endlessly for your husband. Truly worthy of being my officially wedded primary wife."

"You're thinking too much," Xia Qingyue said indifferently. "I'm merely using your unique ability to accomplish something I cannot do myself. As for that 'protective charm,' consider it a reward for me using you to achieve my goal, nothing more."

"Fine, fine, fine." Yun Che rolled his eyes helplessly.

***

Eastern Divine Region, Brahma Monarch God Realm.

Qianye Fantian, who had left the Snow Song Realm, was preoccupied with worries, so his return journey was not fast. Upon returning to the Brahma Monarch God Realm, as soon as he entered the central divine region, he detected an aura that shouldn't have been there.

Frowning, he slowly descended and unhurriedly walked towards the Brahma Heaven Divine Hall. As soon as he entered the hall, his brows relaxed, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Hahahaha," a burst of laughter echoed in the hall. In the Brahma King Divine Hall, the most sacred and central part of the Brahma Monarch God Realm, someone was already standing. He turned around, smiling as he watched Qianye Fantian enter: "Divine Emperor Fantian, you've kept this King waiting for quite a while."

Dressed in silver robes, with a handsome and fair face and a slightly ethereal demeanor, he seemed at first glance like a dissolute young master from an influential family. However, the smile on his face was exceptionally sinister, and meeting his gaze would send an involuntary chill down one's spine.

It was none other than the number one Divine Emperor of the Southern Divine Region: Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng of the Southern Sea!

Qianye Fantian's face broke into a smile, he quickened his pace, and raised a hand, saying: "A distinguished guest has arrived. Qianye was away for a short while on business, but he kept our esteemed guest waiting for a long time, for which Qianye is greatly ashamed."

"Has Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng personally come to the Eastern Divine Region again, perhaps to inquire with Yun Che about the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor?" Qianye Fantian asked.

"No, no, it's most fitting for your Eastern Divine Region to handle this matter; the Southern Sea is merely joining in opportunistically." Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng smiled faintly, not asking about Yun Che or Jie Yuan, seemingly unconcerned about this major matter concerning the future fate of Primal Chaos: "Of course, I came for Ying'er. It's just a pity that Ying'er doesn't seem to be in the realm; I am deeply heartbroken."

"Hehe," Qianye Fantian chuckled: "Ying'er always travels abroad and rarely returns to the realm; even I seldom see her. If Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng wishes to see Ying'er, I'm afraid he'll have to put in considerable effort again."

"No, no, I came for Ying'er, that's correct, but not merely to see her. It's for another, more important matter."

Qianye Fantian: "Oh?"

Nan Wansheng's smile faded, and an invisible imperial might was released: "I have held the position of Divine Emperor of the Southern Sea for twenty thousand years, yet I have never established an Empress. I once believed no woman in this world was worthy of becoming my Empress, until I met Ying'er that year. Then I knew that after Ying'er, no one else could possibly be my Empress."

Qianye Fantian's brows twitched slightly, but his smile remained unchanged.

"Now that the Devil Emperor has returned to the world, and Primal Chaos is undergoing changes, everyone is fearful and restless. If I continue to hesitate, and a calamity suddenly descends one day, I might never have another chance in this lifetime, wouldn't that be a lifelong regret? Therefore..." Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng's smile reappeared on his face, and he bowed respectfully to Qianye Fantian: "I have come today to discuss the matter of a marriage alliance between our two realms with Divine Emperor Fantian. I humbly ask Divine Emperor Fantian to marry Ying'er to me, so that I may fulfill my lifelong wish."

"Hehe," Qianye Fantian was unmoved: "Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng is jesting again."

"Not this time." Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng straightened his back, and the smile on his face gradually became somewhat piercing: "In the past, our two realms were equals. If you, Divine Emperor Fantian, were unwilling, I would have no choice. But now, with the Brahma Monarch God Realm devoid of its three Brahma Gods, I have ample confidence in bringing up this matter again."

One moment, he was respectful and polite, with a breezy smile; the next, his expression suddenly changed, revealing a face Qianye Fantian had never seen before. Qianye Fantian's brows instantly furrowed, then he smiled: "Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng, I don't understand your words. With or without the three Brahma Gods, my Brahma Monarch God Realm is still the Brahma Monarch God Realm, and no one can shake it. How does that relate to your confidence?"

"Divine Emperor Fantian is jesting," Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng said with a smirk: "It would be one thing if only three Brahma Kings were lost, but all three Brahma Gods died an unnatural death, tsk tsk. Even if your Brahma Monarch God Realm had three heads and six arms, it wouldn't be able to bear such a loss. A Brahma Monarch God Realm that has suddenly lost three arms, at least in this era, no longer has the qualifications to stand as equals with my Southern Sea God Realm. What do you think, Divine Emperor Fantian?"

Qianye Fantian was speechless.

"Oh, by the way," Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng continued: "I hear that the new Divine Emperor of the Moon God Realm has an old grievance with Ying'er and is quite unfriendly to your Brahma Monarch God Realm. And now, Yun Che, who is specially favored by the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor... I, Nan Wansheng, have some subtle knowledge that when he fled to the Dragon God Realm back then, he couldn't even enter the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm, which also seems to be related to your Brahma Monarch God Realm... Considering all of this, it's hard not to worry for you."

"And at a time like this, if someone were to cause minor trouble due to displeasure," Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng shook his head, feigning concern for the Brahma Emperor's well-being: "I'm afraid the days ahead for this number one King Realm of the Eastern Region will become increasingly difficult. Perhaps, there might not even be an opportunity for another Brahma God to emerge."

Qianye Fantian's eyes narrowed sharply: "Nan Wansheng, are you threatening me?"

Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng didn't deny it; instead, he burst into laughter: "Hahahaha, as long as I can marry Ying'er as my Empress, I, Nan Wansheng, will spare no expense, no means. If I upset Divine Emperor Fantian, once I marry Ying'er in the future, Divine Emperor Fantian will be my father-in-law. Whatever punishment or blame my esteemed father-in-law wishes to mete out, I, Nan Wansheng, will naturally accept it completely, without daring to offer any resistance."

"Hmph!" Qianye Fantian let out a heavy snort: "You should know Ying'er's temperament better than anyone. If she wants to marry you, no one can stop her. If she doesn't want to marry someone, no one can force her."

"No, it's precisely because I, Nan Wansheng, understand Ying'er so thoroughly that I humbly believe Divine Emperor Fantian can surely persuade her," Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng said with a chuckle: "Perhaps not before, but now, as long as Divine Emperor Fantian is willing, it can certainly be achieved."

"Divine Emperor Fantian, don't be so quick to refuse." Without waiting for Qianye Fantian's response, Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng raised a hand and said: "If our two realms form a marriage alliance, Ying'er will be my Empress of the Southern Sea. From then on, our two realms will be closely united, and we need not even fear the Dragon God Realm. And there's one more point that I believe Divine Emperor Fantian will surely understand..."

"In the current situation, if I, Nan Wansheng, am unwilling, it will be extremely difficult for the Brahma Monarch God Realm to produce another Brahma God. But if I, Nan Wansheng, am willing and offer strong assistance, the birth of the next Brahma God will not be far off."

Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng's words were gentle and elegant, yet each word was laced with venom, a massive threat mixed with massive enticement. Even more terrifying was that his threats were real, but with his enticements, you couldn't tell which part was genuine and which was false.

"I, Nan Wansheng, have said all I wished to say. I believe Divine Emperor Fantian must be extremely busy lately, so I will no longer trouble you. I shall now return to the Southern Region to await good news."

Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng smiled faintly and stepped away. Qianye Fantian did not stop him or speak, but his hands silently clenched.

"Oh, by the way," Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng paused slightly, turning his pale face halfway: "Divine Emperor Fantian should know very well that my patience has always been very poor. Once my patience runs out and I get angry, sometimes even I myself am quite afraid."

With a slight smirk, Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng resumed his steps, unhurriedly walking out of the Brahma King Divine Hall. His aura quickly receded, soon vanishing from Qianye Fantian's spiritual perception.

Bang!!!

Qianye Fantian slammed a fist down, causing a crack several hundred zhang long to split across the hall.

"You bastard!" Qianye Fantian gnashed his teeth, trembling all over.

The three Brahma Gods of the Brahma Monarch God Realm had been instantly wiped out by Jie Yuan with a flick of her finger. Qianye Fantian's demeanor in front of others was very calm, his smile unfading, so no one could discern the slightest hint of grief, as if he had only lost three insignificant pawns. However, over the past month, Qianye Fantian had secretly endured how much suppressed rage.

Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng was not wrong in the slightest; losing the three Brahma Gods was equivalent to severing three arms of the Brahma Monarch God Realm! Though it was only three people, they were three Level Ten Divine Masters, three powerhouses on the Divine Emperor level! The consequence was an immediate shift in power dynamics between the Brahma Monarch God Realm and the Southern Sea God Realm!

Originally, within the God Realm, beneath the Dragon God Realm, the Southern Sea God Realm and the Brahma Monarch God Realm were the strongest. Neither could truly shake the other, nor could either truly suppress the other. But with the Brahma Monarch God Realm suddenly losing three Brahma Gods, the Southern Sea God Realm absolutely gained the ability to suppress it, and if it wished, it could keep the Brahma Monarch God Realm from rising again for a long time.

Although this would inflict damage upon the Southern Sea God Realm itself, Qianye Fantian knew that Divine Emperor Nan Wansheng, that terrifying madman, would definitely do it!

This was the consequence of losing the three Brahma Gods, leading to a drastic drop in core power. Moreover, Qianye Fantian understood that this was just the beginning! The cruel laws of survival in the God Realm had always been like this, and the higher one ascended, the crueler they often became.