Chapter 1710: No Debt

Jun Wuming and Jun Xilei, master and disciple, were also not among those who chose to respectfully bid farewell to or witness the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor's departure.

They saw Luo Changsheng and Huo Poyun, and naturally, at a glance, saw the unconscious Yun Che in Huo Poyun's hands—along with the hatred and dark demonic energy that permeated him, even in his comatose state.

Huo Poyun finally stopped. Before him stood the Sword Sovereign and his disciple; behind him was Luo Changsheng. He clenched his teeth, but only a deep sense of powerlessness permeated his entire being.

Luo Changsheng quickly caught up. His manners prevented him from immediately restraining Huo Poyun or seizing Yun Che. Instead, he respectfully bowed to Jun Wuming: "Junior Luo Changsheng greets Senior Sword Sovereign."

Jun Wuming nodded slightly, glanced at Jun Xilei beside him, and perceived the chaotic turmoil in her aura and soul.

"Lei'er," Jun Wuming said softly, "After three thousand years in the Eternal Heaven Realm, your profound cultivation has brought me comfort, but your 'sword heart' has never truly taken shape. This is because your sword heart has always been confined by the 'shackles' of the mortal world, unable to break free and flourish."

Jun Xilei remained silent.

"To follow your true heart is to follow your sword heart," Jun Wuming murmured.

Jun Xilei slowly raised her hand and gripped the Nameless Sword she carried on her back.

As the Nameless Sword was drawn, its might instantly filled the sky, and countless meteorites in the surrounding space were pulverized into dust by an unseen sword qi.

During the Conferred God Battle years ago, Jun Xilei wielded the Nameless Sword with immense power, heavily injuring Yun Che with two strikes. Her third strike was blocked by Yun Che and couldn't be unleashed, yet it led to a severe consequence that disturbed her for three thousand years... Yun Che's image had been etched into her 'sword heart.'

Now, Jun Xilei could fully wield the Nameless Sword. In the God Realm, she was already hailed as the "Little Sword Sovereign."

Without a word, the Nameless Sword was drawn, a sword domain instantly formed, and ten thousand swords materialized in the air... all striking directly at Luo Changsheng.

At the same time, a powerful wave of energy swept over Huo Poyun, forcefully pushing him away.

Huo Poyun froze for a moment, then his profound energy erupted, and he shot away like a fleeting meteor.

Luo Changsheng's heart jolted. Just as he was about to give chase, he found himself enveloped within Jun Xilei's sword domain.

Given his cultivation, defeating Jun Xilei would not be difficult. However, with the Sword Sovereign nearby, how could he dare retaliate? He quickly diffused Jun Xilei's sword might, urgently saying, "Senior Sword Sovereign, Immortal Jun, you may not know this as you haven't reached the Chaos Frontier, but Yun Che is truly a devil! Now, all the God Emperors, including the Dragon Monarch, have ordered his immediate execution, otherwise the consequences will be endless."

Jun Xilei's sword qi became even more violent, and Jun Wuming remained unresponsive—however, if one were to observe closely, they would notice three subtle, needle-like sword glints appearing in his aged eyes.

Luo Changsheng's gaze shifted slightly. By this point, he understood perfectly that the Sword Sovereign and his disciple were not ignorant; rather, they were clearly protecting Yun Che, who had become a devil.

His voice dropped, devoid of any prior respect for an elder: "Senior Sword Sovereign, do you know what a grave crime it is to protect a devil!"

"He is a devil," the Sword Sovereign's voice calmly drifted, imbued with sword might. "He is also a benefactor, and furthermore, a savior of the world. His 'evil' towards the world, compared to his benevolence, is like a speck of dust beneath the scorching sun."

"Those who wish to kill him are not driven by aversion to devils or so-called world protection, but by jealousy, hatred, and the ugliness of not wanting to be surpassed."

Amidst a horrifying piercing sound, a sword glint pierced through Luo Changsheng's shoulder, and instantly dozens of deep, bone-deep gashes appeared on his body.

He had been gravely injured by Huo Poyun's palm strike at extremely close range, and then, ignoring his wounds, he had chased at full speed. Now, he faced not only Jun Xilei but also immense pressure from the Sword Sovereign. Defending without attacking, he was in a perilous situation.

Luo Changsheng's eyes gleamed fiercely, while the Sword Sovereign's words continued to echo in his ears: "I, Jun Wuming, have existed for fifty thousand years, experienced countless changes, and bestowed countless favors. I can be considered a person of high virtue and prestige. Though I have lived alone my entire life, the world refers to me by the character 'Jun'."

"As for you, the world knows you hold a grudge against Yun Che, while the Blazing God Huo Poyun is his closest friend. If you accuse me and Huo Poyun of wrongdoing, and I deny it, and also testify on Huo Poyun's behalf, what do you think? Will the world believe you, or despise you?"

Luo Changsheng's eyes widened in a momentary burst of fury.

As a youth, he was already renowned in the Eastern Divine Region as Young Master Changsheng. After three thousand years in the Eternal Heaven Realm, his cultivation at Divine Master Realm Level Seven was hailed as a miracle, shaking all the God Regions.

However, when it came to prestige, he was immeasurably inferior to the Sword Sovereign.

If he were to declare that the Sword Sovereign and his disciple were protecting the devil Yun Che, unless he had sufficient proof, the Sword Sovereign would only need a single word of denial for all accusations to rebound onto Luo Changsheng himself.

With a hardened resolve, Luo Changsheng's body erupted with lightning, tearing through space and forcing Jun Xilei far away.

He gasped for air, and said in a deep voice, "Very well, I admit defeat today. I will retreat now and not reveal a single word about meeting you, Senior... And the same applies to Huo Poyun's matter."

However, the sword might pressing down on him did not dissipate, and the Nameless Sword in Jun Xilei's hand still pointed at his heart.

"Master, I don't trust him," Jun Xilei said coldly.

"I don't trust him" was merely a pretense. With the prestige of the Sword Sovereign Jun Wuming, he had no fear of Luo Changsheng's 'slander.'

However, if Luo Changsheng were allowed to leave now, he would very likely follow the traces and find Huo Poyun and Yun Che.

Luo Changsheng felt agitated inwardly, but maintained a calm expression. Just as he was about to give further assurances, his face suddenly changed drastically.

For three tiny sword glints had appeared around him.

These three sword glints were colorless, formless, and even lacked any aura. Yet, Luo Changsheng's trembling heartstrings told him they were distinctly present, and each one seemed to be pressed directly against his vital points.

"Illusion... Heart... Sword," Luo Changsheng uttered in a low voice, though his voice was clearly trembling.

And Jun Xilei's movements had also frozen; she stared blankly ahead.

"You actually recognize this sword," Jun Wuming said indifferently. "It seems your master has indeed kept little from you."

Below the King Realms of the Eastern Divine Region, Luo Guxie was first, and the Sword Sovereign second.

The world had never witnessed Jun Wuming and Luo Guxie cross swords.

The Sword Sovereign was originally considered the foremost expert below the King Realms, but Luo Guxie later surpassed him after her return from the Saint Universe Realm, where her profound aura clearly exceeded Jun Wuming's by a margin.

However, Luo Changsheng had distinctly heard Luo Guxie say that before her return to the Saint Universe Realm, she had challenged the Sword Sovereign...

And had nearly died by his 'Illusion Heart Sword.'

After that, Luo Guxie was hailed as the foremost expert below the King Realms, and the Sword Sovereign never uttered a word to dispute it. For him, nearing the end of his lifespan, fame was but fleeting smoke; his greatest desire in his final years was to find a truly outstanding successor.

And Jun Xilei was Heaven's gift to him.

This was also why Luo Changsheng was always exceptionally respectful in front of the Sword Sovereign, and why the various King Realms clearly held the Sword Sovereign in higher regard than Luo Guxie.

Seniority? A joke! Strength is the most crucial factor in determining how others view you.

The strength of the Sword Sovereign's lineage could never be measured solely by profound cultivation. This was because, compared to profound arts, the most terrifying aspect of the Sword Sovereign's lineage was their sword dao.

"Senior Sword Sovereign... are you intending to kill this junior to silence me?" Luo Changsheng asked in a low voice, unable to move a muscle.

Luo Changsheng had not found it strange that the Sword Sovereign had not intervened earlier. As the Sword Sovereign, how could he personally act against a junior?

Yet, he never would have dreamed that the Sword Sovereign had been continuously condensing the 'Illusion Heart Sword'—a technique that always made his master, Luo Guxie, show fear whenever it was mentioned.

It was too absurd... he even wondered if he was truly worthy?

"Heh," Jun Wuming faintly smiled. "I have a slight acquaintance with your father and master, and bear no grudge against you. There is no reason for me to kill you. Forcibly taking your life would only bring endless trouble to my disciple and me."

The Sword Sovereign's figure flickered, appearing beside Luo Changsheng. He extended an old, withered hand: "Allow this old man to erase half an hour of your memory."

... Luo Changsheng grit his teeth tightly, his face paling.

If he allowed his soul to be invaded, even the slightest ill intent from the other party could easily destroy his soul sea.

The Sword Sovereign indeed had no reason to do this. For Jun Xilei's future, he wouldn't dare... but if Luo Changsheng agreed, he would be completely surrendering control to another.

But if he refused... what was locking onto his vital points was the Illusion Heart Sword, which had nearly claimed the life of his own master, Luo Guxie, back then!

"Very well..." Under the might of the Illusion Heart Sword, Luo Changsheng briefly weighed his options, finally gritting his teeth as he spoke: "This junior... will comply with Senior Sword Sovereign's wishes."

The Sword Sovereign nodded, and with a touch of his aged finger, a wisp of soul transformed into a sword, entering directly into Luo Changsheng's soul sea.

A moment later, Luo Changsheng's body trembled, and he passed out.

The Illusion Heart Sword then dissipated, though a distinct layer of unnatural paleness appeared on Jun Wuming's face.

"Let's go."

Jun Wuming turned, heading in the opposite direction from Huo Poyun.

Jun Xilei followed behind. Finally, she looked up and asked, "Master, why... why did you use the Illusion Heart Sword, why..."

As the word "why" left her lips, tears were already falling from her eyes.

Condensing the Illusion Heart Sword severely depleted lifespan.

Jun Wuming's lifespan was already dwindling...

Jun Wuming, however, smiled faintly and said, "He is Luo Changsheng, after all. Without the Illusion Heart Sword, he would not have complied so quickly. And with more time, complications could arise."

Jun Wuming raised his hand, catching the tears falling from Jun Xilei's eyes in his palm. His body exuded the exhaustion of a lifespan nearing its end, yet the smile on his lips was even more comforting and gentle: "Had it not been for Yun Che's kindness back then, your innate talent would have been severely damaged beyond recovery."

"You are the continuation of my sword heart and my life. An act of kindness towards you is an act of kindness towards me. To be able to repay this debt of gratitude before I return to dust brings immense comfort to me for the rest of my days. You need not be sad; rather, you should be happy for me."

"...Yes, Master," Jun Xilei replied, lowering her head, yet more tears like stars fell.

How deeply she regretted her willfulness in her youth... But the cruellest aspect of fate is that no matter how much one regrets, it cannot be undone.

"That you could defy worldly expectations and follow your true heart brings me great solace. It's just..." Jun Wuming gazed into the distance, his dim eyes reflecting fifty thousand years of vast vicissitudes, and he let out a long sigh: "Now, the world can no longer tolerate him. What his future holds, no one can predict. Alas..."

Before the Glazed Light Realm, Huo Poyun halted. Before him, the person he had contacted with all his profound energy finally appeared.

Shui Meiyue.

Shui Meiyue, upon appearing, sensed a dark aura from a distance. As she approached, her gaze lingered on Huo Poyun for only an instant before fixing firmly on the unconscious Yun Che.

Huo Poyun pushed his palm forward, sending Yun Che towards Shui Meiyue. He panted, somewhat out of breath, and asked, "You'll take him in, won't you?"

Shui Meiyue quickly raised her hand, and a thick water curtain barrier firmly sealed Yun Che's form and aura within it. She asked in a low voice, "Has anyone been tracking you?"

"I don't know," Huo Poyun replied.

"...Thank you," Shui Meiyue said, dropping these three words as she hastily prepared to leave with Yun Che.

"Wait," Huo Poyun called out to her, whispering, "Don't tell him I brought him here... Also, please deliver a message to him once he wakes up."

"Run. Flee to the Northern Divine Region and never return!"

"All right."

With only that single word, Shui Meiyue rapidly departed, taking Yun Che, who was concealed within the water curtain. Every moment they lingered meant an increased risk.

Huo Poyun turned, clenching his fists. He gazed at the vast starry sky and murmured, "Yun Che, remember this: I no longer... owe you anything!"

"Yes, I no longer... owe you anything!"

Facing the ice branches etched with Yun Che's name, Huo Poyun murmured in a daze, his hand unconsciously reaching out for the icy branches and snowy leaves that were clearly pure and brilliant, yet exceptionally dazzling.

Why?

He had clearly already become a devil...

Why!!!

"Blazing God Realm King?"

Just as his palm was about to touch the ice branches, a clear, cold female voice suddenly sounded from behind and to the side.

Huo Poyun's fingers froze, but the flame aura at his fingertips overflowed uncontrollably, instantly melting most of the ice branches before him.