Chapter 1582: Trembling Sword Sovereign

"The Northern Divine Region has three King Realms: Yama, Burning Moon, and Soul Stealing," Qianye Ying'er suddenly interjected. "Which King Realm are you referring to?"

"...Burning Moon." Facing Qianye Ying'er, Yun Shang was visibly more nervous, her voice much softer.

"Hmph. For the Burning Moon Devil God Realm to be so enraged, it seems the 'sacred object' your clan guards is no simple thing."

As someone from a King Realm herself, Qianye Ying'er's knowledge of the Northern Divine Region's King Realms was neither extensive nor limited.

Especially... a woman's figure flashed through her mind... along with a name that sent chills down the spines of all the Realm Kings in the three Divine Regions.

Yun Che stopped asking questions. He stood upright, gazing into the distance, his eyes fixed for a very long time. Then he suddenly reached out, placed his hand on Yun Shang's head, and with a flash of profound light from his palm, Yun Shang's body trembled slightly. Her consciousness vanished, and she collapsed softly to the ground.

Yun Che scooped her up in one swift motion. He then touched her glabella, and profound energy instantly penetrated her soul sea. He released her shortly after.

He didn't read her memories; he merely confirmed the truthfulness of her words. The fact was, she hadn't lied a single word.

The Yun Clan... Profound Gang... Purple Lightning... Ten thousand years...

It all fit too perfectly. Everything was too consistent.

The consistency was chilling.

Gazing at the unconscious girl in Yun Che's arms, Qianye Ying'er said, "Now, you'd better explain this clearly to me!"

"She should be one of my clan members," Yun Che said.

"Your... clan member?" Qianye Ying'er's delicate brows furrowed slightly. This was the Northern Divine Region, after all.

Yun Che extended his left arm, and a streak of green light instantly appeared.

The power released by this green light surpassed Yun Shang's by countless times. Yet, its form and the unique aura of its bloodline were almost identical.

Qianye Ying'er paused briefly, then said, "The Heavenly Gang Yun Clan that fled the Northern Divine Region all those years ago... Are you their descendant?"

"Very likely," Yun Che replied. "Because the timeline, surname, profound art, and profound gang energy... they all match perfectly."

"So your dark profound energy is also inherited from them?" Qianye Ying'er asked. But immediately, her expression changed. "No, that's not right! Your Yun Clan in the Illusory Demon Realm—your parents, your daughter, your other clan members—none of them possessed dark profound energy. Otherwise, I couldn't have failed to notice."

During the time she was Yun Che's slave, she had come into contact with almost everyone around him.

Yun Che didn't put down the sleeping girl in his arms. Whether he'd forgotten or subconsciously didn't want to, he gazed into the distance, speaking somewhat absently, "The origin of our Yun Clan in the Illusory Demon Realm dates back ten thousand years... Before that, there's no record of us in either the history of the Illusory Demon Realm or our ancestral texts."

Qianye Ying'er was silent.

"Ten thousand years ago, after years of conquest, the Illusory Demon Royal Family finally unified the Illusory Demon Realm. My Yun Clan made immense contributions and thus ranked as the foremost of the twelve Guardian Families, with our unique Profound Gang energy known to all. However, for such a powerful clan with such distinctive Profound Gang energy to have no record in the Illusory Demon Realm's history before that time is inherently highly abnormal."

"I once heard my father say that the Illusory Demon Royal Family showed great kindness to our Yun Clan back then, and because of this, our ancestors decided to abandon their past and pledge eternal loyalty to the Royal Family. But I suspect even my father didn't fully believe that explanation."

"Over time, no one bothered to question the true origin of the Yun Clan anymore."

Qianye Ying'er stared at Yun Che's current demeanor. Clearly, he was deeply moved.

Yun Che closed his eyes, slowly envisioning the scene that had unconsciously formed in his mind: "Ten thousand years ago, the Heavenly Gang Yun Clan, which governed the Heavenly Gang Cloud Realm, faced internal disagreements. And with the 'sacred object' they guarded being coveted, their second clan leader and a portion of the clan members fled the Heavenly Gang Yun Clan with the sacred object, escaping the Northern Divine Region. They journeyed desperately eastward, eventually arriving at the Illusory Demon Realm on Blue Pole Star."

"They used a special method to shed their dark profound energy, at the cost of dispersing all their cultivation and the true devil bloodline they carried... Yet, the Devil Gang energy deeply embedded in their bloodline was miraculously preserved and renamed 'Profound Gang'."

"On Blue Pole Star, the speed at which they could recultivate and the limits they could reach were incomparable to their time in the Northern Divine Region. It's highly probable that they suffered greatly before fully recovering, were rescued by the Illusory Demon Royal Family, and subsequently decided to pledge their entire clan's allegiance."

"This was both to repay a debt of gratitude and to establish a new identity and future for their entire clan."

"Despite the limitations of the plane, their profound way understanding allowed them to quickly become the strongest family in the Illusory Demon Realm. They helped the Illusory Demon Royal Family unify the realm and became the foremost of the twelve Guardian Families, their status in the Illusory Demon Realm second only to the Royal Family."

"From then on, their identity became the Guardian Family of the Illusory Demon Royal Family. No one would know their true origin or past, and the Northern Divine Region, along with the Heavenly Gang Yun Clan, would never be able to find them, now devoid of dark aura."

"However, their surname, which they refused to change, the special divine power flowing in their bloodline, and the lightning profound art they cultivated were all indelible marks."

Yun Che's narrative clearly indicated to Qianye Ying'er that this was not merely his speculation or fantasy. She frowned. "Does it truly fit this perfectly? Wait... what about that 'sacred object'? Does that also 'fit'?"

"That 'sacred object' is with me," Yun Che said, opening his eyes, which gleamed with an unusual light.

"What is it?"

"You shouldn't ask."

"Hmph," Qianye Ying'er scoffed.

After returning to the Illusory Demon Realm years ago, one thing had always puzzled Yun Che.

That was, everyone knew the "Reincarnation Mirror" was the Illusory Demon Royal Family's most supreme treasure. However, when he returned to the Illusory Demon Realm with the Reincarnation Mirror, the Little Demon Empress took the Demon Emperor's Seal from him... but she never once asked him for the Reincarnation Mirror.

It wasn't just the Little Demon Empress; Yun Qinghong, who was utterly loyal to the Illusory Demon Royal Family, also never mentioned asking him to return the Reincarnation Mirror to them.

Later, when he married the Little Demon Empress and casually brought up the matter, she directly said she was giving the Reincarnation Mirror to him as a dowry... no, wait, as a betrothal gift.

A supreme treasure guarded by a royal family for generations was never forcefully reclaimed upon its return. Instead, it was given to him almost casually... Furthermore, the Little Demon Empress was an extremely strong-willed and principled individual.

At the time, Yun Che found it somewhat illogical, but given that it was a great boon for him, he naturally saw no need to delve deeper into it.

Thinking about it now... the Reincarnation Mirror might have originally belonged to his Yun Clan.

Perhaps an elder in one generation presented it to the Illusory Demon Royal Family... but given that the second clan leader back then preferred to flee with it rather than let it fall into the hands of a King Realm, that possibility is slim.

Or perhaps, due to some exposure, to avoid being coveted, it was publicly declared an item of the Illusory Demon Royal Family, while in reality, it remained within the Yun Clan all along... Yun Qinghong and his wife taking the Reincarnation Mirror to the Profound Sky Continent back then serves as excellent proof.

If it were only one or two pieces of evidence, it could be a coincidence. But when everything, even unique possessions, matched perfectly... no matter how incredible, he had no choice but to believe.

"So, the origin of our Yun Clan might actually be in this demon realm..." Yun Che exhaled lightly. This was something he never would have imagined before. He couldn't imagine his father's reaction if he were still alive and learned this truth.

"Do you intend to confirm this?" Qianye Ying'er asked.

"I will," Yun Che replied. "But not now. For the next six months, we will remain here. This place is indeed the most suitable for us right now."

"What about her?" Qianye Ying'er glanced at Yun Shang.

"Let her stay with us." Yun Che's gaze flickered for a moment. The girl in his arms... she wasn't Yun Wuxin, but the sensation of her safe, curled presence brought a feeling he knew was illusory yet didn't want to break. "Since I promised to send her back, I will naturally do so."

Qianye Ying'er's lips curled slightly. With her arms crossed, she said mockingly, "Stay with us? To watch us cultivate every day? Does this mean you want to try something 'new' in your spare time from cultivation?"

Yun Che gently placed Yun Shang down and set up a small barrier around her to protect her from the storm. As he stood up, his eyes were eerily cold. "For the next six months, I will completely refine the Ice Phoenix divine power within me, integrate the devil blood, and absorb the aura here. After half a year, even if I don't reach the Divine Sovereign Realm, I will certainly reach the Divine King pinnacle."

"As for you... besides being a good cauldron, you should also officially begin cultivating your Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor Art."

"With the Devil Emperor's blood as your source, the Eternal Night Devil Illusion Tome as your foundation, and your status as the Brahma Heaven Goddess... by the time half a year passes, do not disappoint me."

"What about our profound strength?" Qianye Ying'er asked indifferently.

"If I reach the Divine King pinnacle, you will reach the Divine Sovereign pinnacle. If I reach Divine Sovereign, then... you can return to the Divine Master Realm." Yun Che spoke in a cold, calm tone, uttering words that any profound practitioner would find unbelievable.

Qianye Ying'er's gaze shifted, her golden brows slightly furrowed. "Are you controlling my recovery?"

"In this world, only I can restore your profound veins," Yun Che said coldly. "Until I truly master 'Dark Eternal Calamity' and can completely control you, I will not allow your strength to surpass mine!"

Qianye Ying'er's golden eyes narrowed, then she smiled faintly. "While it would only benefit you if I recovered sooner, I appreciate your choice."

Whoosh!!

A terrible storm swept in, engulfing Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er's figures and swallowing everything in sight.

The core of the Central Ruins Realm, a place of disaster that struck fear into the hearts of all profound practitioners in the Five Ghastly Realms, had now become Yun Che's chosen cultivation ground.

At the border of the Central Ruins Realm.

The Great Realm Kings of the East Ruins Realm, West Ruins Realm, and North Ruins Realm, along with countless other powerful individuals, had all perished in the Central Ruins Realm. The chaos that had engulfed these three realms recently was thus imaginable.

The Central Ruins Realm was now controlled by the Southern Phoenix Divine Kingdom, which had issued a strict prohibition, forbidding any profound practitioner from taking even half a step inside.

Just as the Five Ghastly Realms were in turmoil, a terrifying aura surged towards the Central Ruins Realm at an incredibly fast pace, carrying a sky-high malevolence... However, just as he neared the Central Ruins border, a woman's voice suddenly rang out, causing him to slow down.

"Honored One Hidden Sword, why are you here?"

This person was none other than Honored One Hidden Sword, the Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace within the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace, and Bei Hanchu's master!

He had pursued the fleeing Yun clan criminals and brought the captured individuals back to the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace. Along the way, he had received a sound transmission from Bei Hanchu, learning that Bei Hanchu had inadvertently captured the criminal clan's girl, who was being protected with full force by everyone and whose identity was clearly extraordinary.

He had originally been waiting at the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace for Bei Hanchu and Lu Bubai's return, but instead, he received news that both their soul crystals had shattered.

He immediately rushed over like a madman.

"Who are you?" he asked in a deep voice. The woman before him wore a dazzling golden palace dress and a crown of colorful pearl jade. Her face was unseen, yet she subtly exuded an extraordinary nobility.

Her profound energy aura was only at the Divine Spirit Realm, yet she dared to block his path.

"This palace is Nanhuang Chanuyi," the woman's voice was as soft as water. "Since Honored One Hidden Sword is Bei Hanchu's master, you should naturally know this palace's name."

"You're that Southern Phoenix girl with no discernment, who didn't recognize my Chu'er?" Honored One Hidden Sword's body pulsed with malevolence, and an oppressive aura suddenly pressed down on Nanhuang Chanuyi. "You came at just the right time! Tell me, what exactly happened?! Who killed Chu'er... Speak!!"

"I killed him. What are you going to do about it?" Nanhuang Chanuyi said leisurely.

"You? Heh... just you?" In his rage, Honored One Hidden Sword suddenly sensed something amiss... Under his oppressive might, a mere Divine Spirit Realm woman should have been consumed by fear and on the verge of collapse. Yet, she was so calm!

"Yes, just me," Nanhuang Chanuyi murmured, her voice still soft. She slowly raised a finger, and a pitch-black ring came into Honored One Hidden Sword's view.

Honored One Hidden Sword's anger intensified, and he was about to sneer... but suddenly, his eyes widened to their absolute limit, as if countless steel needles had pierced them.

He stared fixedly at the black ring on Nanhuang Chanuyi's hand. His previously enraged eyes began to tremble violently. Following that, his hands, legs, and even his entire body started shaking uncontrollably. Every expression on his face, every part of his body, was filled with extreme terror.

"You... you are..." He opened his mouth, but the sound that emerged was completely distorted.

"This palace killed Bei Hanchu, and Lu Bubai. Are you here to hold me accountable?" Nanhuang Chanuyi asked, her voice as soft as before.

But to Honored One Hidden Sword's ears, it was like the most sinister, life-claiming sound of a devil.

He shook his head violently, shaking it like a madman. His pupils dilated as if they would burst, and before his constantly agape mouth could utter a sound, his body went limp, and he collapsed to his knees. "No... no... I wouldn't dare... please... please... spare my life..."

"Go back and tell your Grand Palace Master that for the next hundred years, no one from the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace is to approach the Five Ghastly Realms by even half a step," Nanhuang Chanuyi said slowly. "Also, our 'Shadows' cannot be known by others. If there is even the slightest leak, your Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace will be completely annihilated."

She didn't explain why she killed Bei Hanchu... because she didn't need to.

"Uh..." Honored One Hidden Sword could barely believe he was still alive. He nodded, kowtowed... Under the intense shock and terror, it was as if he knew nothing else.