Chapter 2000: Meeting of the Qilin Gods (Part 2)

The deafening clamor and the constant, probing glances made the entire Helian Imperial Family deeply uneasy. The young profound practitioners, who had initially believed they could enter the Qilin Divine Realm even by finishing last and thus had no fighting spirit, were now utterly dumbfounded and unable to remain calm.

Helian Lingzhu simply closed her eyes and composed herself.

"Ah, this is difficult," sighed Ku Xuan, who had already foreseen everything.

"There's no need to worry too much," Mo Cangying said calmly, retracting the spiritual sense he had extended towards the Bai Lin Alliance. "After all, the Bai Lin Alliance started late; their foundation is shallow, and their power is not yet fully developed. I just checked, and they only have two Divine Masters under ten jiazi."

"On our side, we have three. Moreover, their two Divine Masters are clearly newly ascended, and I alone can easily handle them."

The Qilin Divine Convention is primarily a competition among young Divine Masters under ten jiazi. As for Divine Monarchs, frankly, they are just there to make up the numbers out of necessity, as the power gap between major realms is fundamentally insurmountable.

As he finished speaking, his eyebrow suddenly twitched.

He then recalled Ximen Qi's mention of "outside help" that day.

"If you truly wish to throw away your last shred of dignity for us to trample on, then I, this young master, might as well give you a small reminder: the outside help we've invited this time, just one person, will be enough to utterly crush all of you!"

Mo Cangying's spiritual sense spread out once more, but in a moment, it returned without finding anything.

"Don't be careless," Ku Xuan said gravely. "If the Bai Lin Alliance wasn't confident enough, they wouldn't have made such a grand display today, nor would they have announced it early before the Nation Master."

"Furthermore, the Bai Lin Alliance must also consider Ximen Boyun's reputation. Ximen Boyun, as the Abyssal Knight witnessing this event, is indeed a significant figure for the Bai Lin Alliance. However, if the Bai Lin Alliance forces its way in only to return in defeat, it would surely damage Ximen Boyun's dignity. They would not allow such a thing to happen."

"Indeed, we shouldn't be careless, but there's no need to be nervous either," Yun Che said. "The Bai Lin Alliance can use the identity of 'Abyssal Knight,' and so can we."

Mo Cangying and Helian Lingzhu turned their gaze simultaneously, and Mo Cangying whispered, "What do you mean?"

"It's quite obvious," Yun Che said unhurriedly. "The four words Abyssal Knights most often speak of are 'noble soul'."

"Becoming an Abyssal Knight naturally grants immense prestige. But at the same time, it means becoming a person of the Pure Land, representing the Pure Land's reputation. Therefore," Yun Che slightly narrowed his eyes, "he must uphold nobility and impartiality. Otherwise, he would tarnish the dignity of an Abyssal Knight and disgrace the Pure Land's reputation!"

"With so many people present today, there are just as many eyes watching his 'noble soul' as an Abyssal Knight. I refuse to believe he would dare to openly act with favoritism. Therefore, we don't need to fear him; on the contrary, I believe for much of the time ahead, he will actually..."

He lowered his voice, his tone faint: "He will be more useful to us."

In Chi Wuyao's eyes, one of the easiest types of people to deal with in this world are those who rigidly adhere to or are forced to uphold principles.

(Another type was the former Yun Che—one burdened by too many ties.)

Ximen Boyun, who hailed from the Qilin Abyssal Realm, became an Abyssal Knight of the Pure Land. This was undoubtedly the highest glory he had sought his entire life. How could he dare to tarnish the honor of an Abyssal Knight under the watchful eyes of so many?

Just like Mo Beichen back then, even though he harbored extreme hatred, he still ultimately did not truly kill Helian Jue.

Mo Cangying and Helian Lingzhu were momentarily stunned, unable to respond.

Abyssal Knights must indeed be noble and impartial, and anyone could understand Yun Che's words. However, he was an Abyssal Knight; no matter what he did, who in this small Qilin Abyssal Realm would truly dare to question or criticize him?

It's just like the saying, "The prince breaking the law is subject to the same punishment as a commoner," which is essentially a universally known, yet universally praised, piece of nonsense.

At this moment, Yun Che suddenly sensed something, and his gaze abruptly shot towards a specific direction.

That was where the Bai Lin Alliance was located.

Through the layered figures, in the clearly detached rear, he caught a glimpse of a faint gray figure.

This aura...

Wait!

This person... could it be the one Mo Beichen mentioned back then...?

If that's the case, why would such a person come to this small Qilin Abyssal Realm?

And it appears that's the outside help the Bai Lin Alliance invited?

The Bai Lin Alliance shouldn't have the qualifications to invite such a person, unless...

The other party initiated it!

"Brother Yun, what's wrong?" Mo Cangying asked aloud, noticing Yun Che's aura had suddenly stagnated.

"The Bai Lin Alliance is indeed well-prepared," Yun Che said. "This time, their entry into the Qilin Divine Realm is a certainty."

Mo Cangying was stunned.

Ximen Boyun's voice rang out at this moment, like rolling waves, instantly silencing all other clamor:

"My name is Ximen Boyun, an Abyssal Knight serving the Abyssal Emperor and the Divine Officials. I have been specially commanded by the Pure Land to come here to open the Qilin Divine Realm and to act as the witness and supervisor of this Qilin Divine Convention."

Every word resonated, shaking souls and carrying an undeniable and unchallengeable majesty.

"Abyssal Knights exist to serve the Abyssal Emperor and the Divine Officials, maintaining order in the Abyss. Under the gaze of an Abyssal Knight, no wickedness, impurity, or injustice is tolerated."

He slowly lowered his left arm, and the Pure Land divine pattern on the back of his hand retracted its divine radiance. His voice then turned calm: "I have said my piece. How the Qilin Divine Convention proceeds is now up to all of you."

Zhaike Xie bowed and raised his head: "The Qilin Abyssal Realm will never forget the Pure Land's grace. Sir Knight, please."

Ximen Boyun nodded, then moved to the place of honor, his gaze sweeping over the entire scene.

High above in the distant sky.

"So, one must participate in this Qilin Divine Convention to enter the Qilin Divine Realm?"

Hua Caili's face was filled with disappointment.

"I already warned you," Hua Qingying's voice echoed in her mind. "Although the Qilin Abyssal Realm is a minor realm, this Qilin Divine Realm is certainly not open for entry at will. The Abyssal Emperor and that Qilin share a special relationship that others cannot fathom. The existence of the Qilin Divine Realm is a gift to the Qilin Abyssal Realm, and even more so, a protection for that Qilin."

Hua Caili pondered for a moment: "Then... is it still not too late for me to join one of their sides now?"

"How can someone of your status be among them! Furthermore, your 'existing' age has already exceeded their limit."

Hua Caili touched her lips with a finger, pondering something intently, clearly unwilling to just leave like this.

"The Abyssal Emperor's grace towards you is as vast as a mountain; do not do anything that touches his taboos."

She was reminding Hua Caili not to think about secretly sneaking in.

"Of course not," Hua Caili lightly shook her head, then sighed softly. "If I can't get in, then so be it. At worst, next time I see Uncle Abyssal Emperor... Eh?"

Her gaze fell upon someone she had met before and who had left an impression on her.

Yun Che!

"It's that person from that day; he's here too."

The momentarily lingering gaze made Yun Che subtly aware, and he slightly raised his eyes.

As Yuan Chen's influence on him weakened, his spiritual perception's sharpness and range even surpassed Hua Caili's, who was restricted by Yuan Chen, so he naturally sensed her aura with ease.

Yun Che was surprised internally.

This person with eyes like stars and moons, likely a divine maiden from a divine realm... why is she still in the Qilin Abyssal Realm?

He hesitated for a moment, weighing whether to meet her gaze or pretend not to notice, and Yun Che ultimately chose the latter.

Zhaike Xie returned to the location of the Pan Xuan Sect and declared in a clear voice: "The Qilin Divine Realm is the supreme heavenly grace personally bestowed by the Abyssal Emperor upon the Qilin Abyssal Realm. That the Qilin Abyssal Realm exists as it does today is all due to this grace. Considering the Abyssal Emperor's great kindness and the future of the Qilin Abyssal Realm, only the capable should enter the Qilin Divine Realm."

He scanned the entire scene with his gaze and continued: "Currently, the highest-ranking powers in our Qilin Abyssal Realm are the Pan Xuan Sect, the Myriad Blades Sect, the Blazing Sands Sect, and the Helian Imperial Family, a status that has remained unchanged for over a dozen eras."

"After the Qilin Divine Realm opens, a total of one thousand people can enter. According to the results of this Qilin Divine Convention's battles, the first-place winner may enter with four hundred people, the second-place winner with three hundred, the third-place winner with two hundred, and the last-place winner with one hundred."

All previous Qilin Divine Conventions have followed this rule.

"Sect Master Wan, Sect Master Lie, Helian..." Zhaike Xie paused for a moment, whether intentionally or not. "Grand Princess, if there are no objections, this Qilin Divine Convention shall now begin."

"Heh heh, since only the capable may enter, then the incapable should naturally be replaced."

No sooner had Zhaike Xie finished speaking than an untimely, yet unsurprising, voice rang out.

Ximen Borong strode out, his demeanor confident and at ease. As he finished speaking, he didn't forget to casually glance at the Helian Imperial Family's location.

After the shocking revelation that Ximen Boyun was the Abyssal Knight witnessing this Qilin Divine Convention, this scene's arrival was within many people's expectations. Thus, no uproar arose; only gazes turned towards the Helian Imperial Family's location.

They suddenly began to understand why the Helian Nation Master had not appeared for such an important event and instead let the Grand Princess lead.

It seemed the claim of his severe injuries not yet healed was merely a facade. He must have received the news early and did not want to lose face publicly, so he pushed the Grand Princess forward to face it.

This very much aligned with the Qilin Abyssal Realm's profound practitioners' stereotype of the Helian Nation Master.

Zhaike Xie responded sternly: "It seems the Bai Lin Alliance also desires to enjoy the Qilin Divine Realm's grace."

"The rapid rise of the Bai Lin Alliance in recent years is well-known to all. In my personal opinion, your alliance indeed possesses the qualifications to enter the Qilin Divine Realm."

Zhaike Xie did not mention Ximen Boyun's name at all. "However, only one thousand people can enter the Qilin Divine Realm each time. The three sects and one imperial family already make it very crowded. If we add another Bai Lin Alliance..."

He shook his head with a smile and said, "Of course, I alone cannot decide this matter. We must inquire about the intentions of the Myriad Blades Sect, the Blazing Sands Sect, and the Helian Imperial Family."

At this moment, Helian Linglang suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly, "My Helian Imperial Family has no objection."

Countless gazes instantly fell upon Helian Linglang. Helian Lingzhu turned around in astonishment: "Crown Prince Brother, you..."

Helian Linglang maintained a solemn expression and continued proudly: "The Bai Lin Alliance has produced an Abyssal Knight. This is not only the honor of the Bai Lin Alliance but also the glory of our Qilin Abyssal Realm. Solely based on this merit and honor, the Bai Lin Alliance is qualified to enter the Qilin Divine Realm together, and my Helian Imperial Family has absolutely no objection."

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire scene fell silent.

Helian Linglang spoke these words with an air of satisfaction. As he finished speaking, he was exceedingly pleased with his quick thinking, relieved that these words had not come from Helian Lingzhu.

He thought this was a show of respect and flattery towards the Abyssal Knight—towards Ximen Boyun.

But when he looked at Ximen Boyun with his pleased and fawning gaze, he found that Ximen Boyun's face had suddenly darkened, and the cold glint in his eyes made him instantly feel a chill throughout his body.

Yun Che's face was expressionless, but he sneered internally: *The Helian Imperial Family is doomed; nothing can stop it.*

Helian Linglang thought this was flattery. Saying it privately would have been fine, but to say it publicly was a blatant insult to the "noble soul" of an Abyssal Knight.

And this was not the only instance of his foolishness.

Ku Xuan let out a long breath.

As the Master of the Helian Heavenly Mansion, he naturally could not reprimand the Imperial Crown Prince. Only endless disappointment and sorrow filled his heart.

He had thought Helian Jue was already beyond help, but he never imagined that the future successor could sink even lower.