Chapter 1564: North Han Chu

Everyone was slightly taken aback by Nanhuang Chanyi's words, but when Nanhuang Mofeng mentioned "Level Five Divine King," their surprise instantly transformed into astonishment and an awkward silence.

A Level Five Divine King... joining the Central Ruins battle formation?

What a joke!

And Nanhuang Chanyi personally invited him?!

"Is that you?" The former Nanhuang Crown Prince, Nanhuang Jian, recognized Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er at a glance. He frowned and said, "Chanyi, the Central Ruins battle is no laughing matter."

"I am not joking."

Yun Che had never informed Nanhuang Chanyi of his profound strength level, nor could she accurately gauge it with her own cultivation. However, upon hearing Nanhuang Mofeng utter "Level Five Divine King," her reaction was unusually calm. "This young master, Yun Che, I encountered by chance in the Central Ruins Realm," she explained, "and thus invited him to join the Central Ruins battle."

"By chance?" Nanhuang Mofeng's brow furrowed deeper. "The Central Ruins battle is no trivial matter. Any outside support must be handled with utmost caution; how could you be so reckless?"

"If his strength were sufficient, he could indeed be accommodated. But he is merely a Level Five Divine King; he is in no way qualified to join the formation!"

As an elder, Nanhuang Mofeng's power, status, and prestige in the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom were second only to the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch. This matter was indeed preposterous, so a mild rebuke was warranted.

"Uncle Feng," Nanhuang Jian said, "I've seen these two before. They were being harassed by the Eastern Ruins Crown Prince, Dong Xueci, and Chanyi intervened to help them. They truly weren't acquainted prior to that. I just don't understand why Chanyi suddenly made this decision. Could it be..."

Nanhuang Jian's gaze suddenly turned cold. "Did you two falsify your cultivation levels!?"

The Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom had only four Level Ten Divine Kings, a number that paled in comparison to the other three realms. If Yun Che had falsely claimed his cultivation was at Level Ten Divine King, he might indeed have tricked Nanhuang Chanyi into direct agreement.

Furthermore, this seemed to be the only plausible explanation.

Yun Che remained unresponsive.

Nanhuang Chanyi offered no explanation either. Her gaze, soft and deep beneath the pearl curtain, briefly met Yun Che's before she turned to the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch. "Father," she inquired, "what are your thoughts?"

The Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch's gaze drifted slightly, resting on Yun Che for a brief moment before he asked, "How much do you know about him?"

"Nothing at all," Nanhuang Chanyi replied.

The Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch's brows furrowed slightly, yet his tone remained gentle. "In that case," he said, "I, your father, wish to hear your reasons."

"To answer Father, there is no specific reason," Nanhuang Chanyi whispered. "I simply felt he must possess something extraordinary, so I extended the invitation."

"Is that all?" The Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch asked, a hint of surprise in his expression.

"That is all," Nanhuang Chanyi affirmed with a nod. "Only ten individuals are permitted to enter the battlefield. One more, whether selected or not, does no harm."

"How can that be!" Nanhuang Mofeng stated sternly. "The battle formation for the Central Ruins battle represents the very honor of our Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom! We have always been perceived as weak, and our formations have consistently drawn criticism. Do you recall how much ridicule we endured in the last session because our formation included two Level Eight Divine Kings?"

"This time, to avoid repeating past mistakes, we put in immense effort and paid a significant price to assemble this lineup of four Level Ten Divine Kings and eight Level Nine Divine Kings. If a Level Five Divine King were to join the formation..."

"Soon the entire world will learn that a Level Five Divine King can join the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom's Central Ruins battle formation! What an enormous joke that would be!"

"Absolutely not!!"

Nanhuang Mofeng's voice grew louder; every word he spoke was perfectly reasonable, and everyone present agreed.

"The Central Ruins battle is imminent," Nanhuang Jian quickly interjected, explaining on Nanhuang Chanyi's behalf. "Chanyi must have been too eager and thus misled, making this decision due to an oversight. She isn't to blame." He then turned to Yun Che. "You two, put down the Southern Phoenix Tokens and depart now. Though I don't know what methods you used to deceive Chanyi, today is too important for further inquiry. In the future, however, should you wish to enter my Southern Ruins, you would be most welcome."

After all, they were two Level Five Divine Kings; if they could be recruited, it would be beneficial.

Nanhuang Chanyi, however, ignored Nanhuang Jian's words and gestured lightly with her hand. "Please, both of you, take your seats."

The spot she indicated was right beside her!

"This..." Nanhuang Jian looked up in astonishment, his face etched with confusion.

"Very well," Yun Che nodded slightly. He and Qianye Ying'er stepped forward and seated themselves directly beside Nanhuang Chanyi, completely disregarding the odd glances from those around them.

Nanhuang Mofeng's brow suddenly furrowed, and a look of indignation crossed his face. "Chanyi, you..."

"Uncle Feng," two soft, ethereal words, laced with a subtle chill and undeniable authority, directly cut off Nanhuang Mofeng's impending speech. "I am now the Imperial Grand Princess. If you truly care about the prestige of our imperial family, you should address me as Your Highness. Why do you repeatedly call me by my given name?"

Nanhuang Mofeng's expression froze; he was momentarily stunned.

"For this Central Ruins battle, Father has entrusted me with full authority! My decision is final and allows no one to question or object!"

"Yun Che will be added to my Southern Phoenix battle formation. This matter is decided; no one is to say another word!"

The Southern Phoenix battle formation fell silent, everyone exchanging bewildered glances.

Nanhuang Chanyi possessed a gentle and graceful temperament, coupled with an almost innate cold indifference. Despite her widespread reputation for beauty, she rarely appeared in public. Even her participation in the Central Ruins battle was her first, and for reasons known to all.

Her seemingly plain words, unexpectedly carried an aura of undeniable authority. Not only the others, but even Nanhuang Jian and Nanhuang Mofeng had never witnessed such a demeanor from Nanhuang Chanyi before.

"You may withdraw," the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch said, his voice even and devoid of discernible emotion amidst the general bewilderment. "Chanyi is correct. Since this Central Ruins battle formation has been entrusted to her, she shall make all decisions. However, you must bear the consequences, both today and in the future."

"Chanyi understands," Nanhuang Chanyi nodded slightly.

"But..." Nanhuang Jian attempted to speak further, but as his words escaped, he met the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch's gaze and forcibly swallowed them back, merely glaring fiercely at Yun Che instead.

Within this Southern Phoenix formation, he was the strongest; apart from him, the weakest was still a Level Nine Divine King. But now, a Level Five Divine King had suddenly been added. The original twelve participants all frowned deeply, their gazes toward Yun Che filled with extreme displeasure.

Yun Che's inclusion simply dragged down everyone's standing! It stripped away the last shred of dignity from the Southern Phoenix battle formation.

They simply could not comprehend Nanhuang Chanyi's reasoning! If she had initially been deceived and misled, why was she still so stubborn after Nanhuang Mofeng exposed him as merely a Level Five Divine King?

And the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch actually allowed it!

Nanhuang Mofeng let out a heavy snort, saying nothing more, but his expression was exceptionally displeased.

Amidst everyone's strange glances, Nanhuang Chanyi calmly sat down, then transmitted a message to Yun Che: "Don't disappoint me too greatly."

"You won't regret it," Yun Che replied. "However... as you heard, I'm only a Level Five Divine King. I'm truly curious, where does your confidence in me stem from?"

Nanhuang Chanyi tilted her head slightly. "Confidence? How do you know what confidence I have in you? I am merely upholding my dignity as the Imperial Grand Princess. This is my first time taking charge since ascending to that position. If I were to change my decision simply because of others' words, what dignity would I have left?"

"You could also simply consider it an act of willfulness on my part."

Yun Che was speechless.

On the other side of the Central Ruins battlefield, several gazes turned south, then became intrigued.

"Brother, it's Yun Che!" Dong Xueyan exclaimed. "He actually went to the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom's side?"

"Heh heh," Dong Xueci chuckled. "How interesting. It seems he broadly understood the consequences of offending me, so he sought refuge with the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom. A Level Five Divine King... Heh, for the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom, that's quite a rare power."

Every word he spoke dripped with disdain.

"His position... Could it be that he's joined the Southern Phoenix battle formation?" Dong Xueyan's eyebrow twitched.

"Impossible," Dong Xueci stated casually. "Allowing a Level Five Divine King into the Central Ruins battle? While the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom already has little prestige to speak of, they wouldn't go so far as to abandon their last shred of dignity."

On the Eastern Ruins Sect's side, Dong Jiukui had also arrived, but he hadn't noticed Yun Che among the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom's group. His attention, along with that of the Eastern Ruins Divine Monarch, was fixed on Northern Cold City.

What was about to unfold today would, to a great extent, determine the Eastern Ruins Sect's future standing within the Five Nether Ruins Realms.

As the Central Ruins battle drew closer, the four Divine Monarchs continuously gazed toward the west. Finally, an aura rapidly approached from the western sky, followed by a clear voice that pierced through the layers of space and the gathered crowd, reaching everyone's ears:

"Beihan Chu, a disciple of the Hidden Sword Palace of the Nine Luminaries Heaven Palace, specifically comes to observe the Central Ruins battle."

The Northern Cold Divine Monarch instantly rose, a smile gracing his face. Following his lead, the other three Realm Kings, and indeed all profound practitioners from the four sects, stood up. The observing profound practitioners held their breath, as they strained their necks to gaze into the distance, their faces alight with excitement and awe.

In the Five Nether Ruins Realms, who didn't know the names of Beihan Chu and the Nine Luminaries Heaven Palace?

Soon, a small profound ark appeared in view. Two figures stood upon it; the one in front, clad in black with sharp brows and bright eyes, exuded an extraordinary aura. It was none other than the former Northern Cold Crown Prince, now Beihan Chu, the chief disciple of the Hidden Sword Palace of the Nine Luminaries Heaven Palace!

Accompanying him was a solemn middle-aged man, not the Hidden Sword Venerable, whose position was clearly behind Beihan Chu.

Behind the two figures stood a man-height square barrier. It appeared to be a sealing array, its swirling black light making it impossible to clearly discern or probe what was sealed within.

Under the gaze of countless onlookers, the profound ark hovered directly above the Central Ruins battlefield. Beihan Chu descended from the ark, followed by the middle-aged man, who maintained his position behind Beihan Chu.

However, the profound ark did not retract; instead, it floated quietly high above, carrying the dark barrier.

"Chu'er, you've arrived," the Northern Cold Divine Monarch said, rising to greet him. His face, usually stern with the authority of a Realm King, was now entirely replaced by a broad smile.

"Father!" Beihan Chu bowed deeply to the Northern Cold Divine Monarch, then greeted those around him. "I was delayed by some matters and have arrived late. I apologize for keeping you all waiting and ask for your indulgence."

As his gaze swept over the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom, it noticeably lingered on Nanhuang Chanyi, accompanied by a fleeting smile.

"Hahahahaha," the Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch boomed with laughter. "My virtuous nephew, you speak too modestly. Your personal presence today greatly brightens this Central Ruins battle. Jian'er, in age, Beihan Chu is not even half your age. Aside from his extraordinary talent, he holds a transcendent status even within the Nine Luminaries Heaven Palace, yet remains so humble and courteous. You would do well to observe and learn from him."

"Yes," Nanhuang Jian replied respectfully. "Your son shall heed Father's teachings."

The Southern Phoenix Divine Monarch's immediate and lavish praise instantly added a layer of ambiguity to the pre-battle atmosphere, bringing the long-circulating rumor a step closer to reality.

"Chu'er, where is your master?" the Northern Cold Divine Monarch asked with a smiling expression, taking Beihan Chu's hand. "Will he be arriving a little later?"

"To answer Father," Beihan Chu replied, "Master was originally accompanying me, but we encountered an unexpected turn of events midway. Master has gone to attend to another matter and instructed me to supervise and witness today's Central Ruins battle on his behalf."

Beihan Chu's words caused a slight shift in everyone's gazes. The Hidden Sword Venerable wasn't coming today? What kind of unexpected event could have occurred mid-journey?

In front of everyone, the Northern Cold Divine Monarch naturally did not press for details. He slowly nodded. "I see. While it is a great pity, anything that could cause the Hidden Sword Venerable to alter his course must be of significant importance, and such matters take precedence. Oh, by the way, Chu'er, who is this?"

His gaze shifted to the middle-aged man who had been standing behind Beihan Chu. As his attention moved, his brow suddenly twitched, for he now realized that this seemingly unremarkable man, who appeared to be Beihan Chu's attendant, possessed an aura... that was not inferior to his own!

And he, the Northern Cold Divine Monarch, was the foremost figure in the Five Nether Ruins Realms.

"Oh!" Beihan Chu quickly introduced, "Father, this senior is Lu Bubai, revered as Venerable Bubai, and he is the Third Palace Master of my Hidden Sword Palace."

"Wh-what..." Beihan Chu's words secretly stunned the Northern Cold Divine Monarch and everyone present.

The Third Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace—what an extraordinary existence!

Because he had consistently stood behind Beihan Chu, no one had been able to imagine that this person possessed such a formidable identity.

The Northern Cold Divine Monarch quickly bowed, his voice now tinged with a hint of trepidation. "This humble king, Beihan Shuo, greets Venerable Bubai. I was unaware of your esteemed presence and have been most impolite..."

"No need for further words!" Before the Northern Cold Divine Monarch could finish, Venerable Bubai coldly interrupted him. "I am here today solely to ensure the Young Palace Master's safety. Everything else is irrelevant to me; you may very well pretend I don't exist."

Venerable Bubai's words caused the Northern Cold Divine Monarch to snap his head up. "Young... Palace Master?"

And the esteemed Third Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace... personally ensuring Beihan Chu's safety? Even positioning himself behind him!?

"Hm?" Venerable Bubai cast a sidelong glance. "Could it be you still don't know? The Young Palace Master has now entered the 'Northern Region Heavenly Monarch Ranking'."

*Boom!*

"Northern Region Heavenly Monarch Ranking"—those five simple words exploded like countless earth-shattering thunderclaps in everyone's minds.

The Northern Cold Divine Monarch, the foremost figure in the Five Nether Ruins Realms, was utterly stunned on the spot. He felt all the blood in his body rush wildly to his head, his usually majestic face turning crimson, and his words trembled with extreme agitation: "What... did... you... say...?"