Chapter 2008: Linshe Ancient Realm

**The Apex, Heaven-Defying Evil God!**

"Young Master Yun Che, have you ever entered the mist..."

Mid-sentence, Helian Lingzhu suddenly remembered that Yun Che had no past memories. She quickly apologized, "Ah... I'm sorry, I forgot."

When she faced Yun Che now, her heart inexplicably fluttered. Especially when their eyes met, even her breathing became erratic and out of control.

Lowering her head slightly, she tried to find a topic to mask her inner turmoil: "My master told me that the edge of the Mist Sea is very different now compared to before. Common sense dictates that Abyss Beasts and Abyss Phantoms instinctively pursue denser Abyss Dust, so they tend to gather in the depths of the Mist Sea, especially the more powerful ones. However, in recent years, powerful Abyss Beasts and Abyss Phantoms have continuously appeared in the peripheral areas of the Mist Sea."

"Some Abyss Beasts even step out of the Mist Sea, a phenomenon that has become increasingly frequent, starting from occasional occurrences. My master said this is probably related to a phenomenon called the 'Black Tide of Time'."

Yun Che heard the phrase "Black Tide of Time" again. He wondered to what extent the creatures of the Abyss understood these words. And based on Chi Wuyao's demonic empress perception, which stemmed from the Nirvana Devil Soul, the "Black Tide of Time" inevitably heralded the imminent collapse of this world's order.

Also... Abyss Phantoms? Chi Wuyao had also mentioned these two words, but hadn't clarified what they were. Were they perhaps another form of "Destruction Spirits," similar to Abyss Beasts, condensed from excessively dense Abyss Dust?

Just as Yun Che was about to ask, a surge of profound energy from a Profound Ark rapidly approached.

Helian Lingzhu smiled rather awkwardly: "It's Father here."

Judging by the timing, he had indeed rushed over impatiently the moment he received the news. He had clearly recovered 80-90% from his injuries but had feigned death and paralysis before the Qilin God Assembly. Now that it was time to reap the rewards, he couldn't wait another moment. Although Yun Che had long witnessed Helian Jue's indecency, this time still made Helian Lingzhu feel quite mortified.

Sensing Helian Lingzhu's aura, Helian Jue leaped directly from the Profound Ark. As he landed, a loud laugh erupted: "Hahahaha! As expected of Nephew Yun, and as expected of my good daughter, hahahahaha!"

"Father, your body..." Helian Lingzhu hadn't even finished her greeting when Helian Jue stepped forward, grasping Yun Che's arm, his gaze fervent: "Nephew Yun, you entrusted me with appointing Lingzhu to lead this Qilin God Assembly. If it were anyone else, such an important matter would certainly not be permitted. But at that moment, I knew instantly that Nephew Yun was a dragon from beyond the heavens, one who always keeps his word and achieves his goals! Thus, I entrusted this significant matter concerning Helian's future to you and Lingzhu... and it has nothing to do with whether you saved my life or not."

Yun Che: "..."

"Nephew Yun has truly not disappointed me." Helian Jue grew more excited with each word, his formerly sickly face flushed with color: "For such a great deed, I don't know how to reward or thank you."

In previous years, the Helian Imperial Family always ranked last in entering the Qilin God Realm, only allowing a hundred people each time. This time, a full three hundred and fifty people could enter! Entering the Qilin God Realm once, even if it didn't completely transform them, would certainly bring significant progress. The benefits for the next generation of the Helian Imperial Family were immense. For Helian Jue, what excited him most was undoubtedly the resurgence of imperial prestige and reputation, which had been in decline for countless years.

Helian Jue's demeanor towards Yun Che was completely different from before, a world apart. He had single-handedly crushed all the genius disciples from the Profoundstone Sect and the Myriad Bladedge Sect; he had directly confronted an Abyss Knight... and then the Abyss Knight had slapped the Profoundstone Sect Master; he was merely half a *jiazi* (30 years old); he... These pieces of news, each more startling than the last, combined with Yun Che's previous actions... even if he were ten times stupider, he would have understood that Yun Che's background must be so immense that he dared not even contemplate it. But soon, this apprehension transformed into increasingly fervent ecstasy. Because such a person had consistently helped Helian Lingzhu, and this time, he fought for the Helian Imperial Family because of her. Their relationship might be far more intimate than he had previously imagined; perhaps the two of them... If he could be kept in the imperial family, even if it was just to forge a connection with the immense power behind him, what would they have to fear from the Worship Qilin Alliance in the future! Thus, upon seeing Yun Che again this time, he was as enthusiastic as if he had met his biological father who had died years ago.

Yun Che said indifferently, "My purpose this time is, firstly, to observe the legendary Qilin God Realm, and secondly, to repay the Crown Princess for saving my life. As for anything else..."

"I understand! I understand everything." Helian Jue nodded with a knowing smile: "Nephew Yun, from now on, you may treat the Helian Imperial Family as your own territory, free to come and go anywhere. Whenever you wish to see Lingzhu, or take Lingzhu anywhere, it is entirely up to you... and her."

Yun Che: "..."

"Father, what... what are you talking about?" Helian Lingzhu's eyes were filled with panic.

"Hahahaha!" Helian Jue burst into laughter again, gesturing to Helian Lingzhu: "Lingzhu, come with me. Your father has something to say to you."

"Yes." Helian Lingzhu gave Yun Che an apologetic glance, then reluctantly complied.

Just as Helian Jue and his daughter were about to leave, Helian Linglang's urgent shout came.

"Father!"

Helian Jue didn't look back, pushing his palm backward. A surge of extremely heavy profound energy violently knocked the rushing Helian Linglang to the ground.

"I have no son like you. Get out! The farther, the better!"

With that, he let out a heavy snort and strode away.

Clearly sensing Helian Jue's disappointment and fury, Helian Linglang dared not approach further. He remained kneeling on the ground, his face filled with alarm and fear, watching Helian Jue lead Helian Lingzhu away into the distance. Only then did he notice Yun Che beside him. Helian Linglang awkwardly rose from the ground but did not leave. Instead, he proactively approached Yun Che, his face respectful: "Young... Young Master Yun, I was blind before and offended you greatly with my words. Please... for Lingzhu's sake, don't take it to heart. From now on, should you offer any guidance, I will never gainsay you."

Yun Che lowered his gaze, looking at him with a faint, unreadable smile: "Crown Prince, you exaggerate. I haven't taken anything to heart from before." *Nonsense, was this fellow even worthy of an ounce of his attention?*

Hearing Yun Che call him "Crown Prince," Helian Linglang felt both joy and relief. His pressure instantly lessened, and he straightened his back slightly, quickly saying, "As expected of Young Master Yun, your magnanimity is truly as vast as the sea."

"Does the Crown Prince have something to say?" There was still some time before the Qilin God Realm opened, and since he had nothing else to do, Yun Che didn't mind using this fellow to pass the time a little.

Helian Linglang looked embarrassed, his posture becoming even more cautious, completely devoid of any princely dignity: "To be honest, Young Master Yun, there is indeed something I wish to ask of you. In recent years, Father's gaze upon me has grown increasingly disappointed. There have long been rumors in the imperial city that Father might depose me as Crown Prince and establish Lingzhu as Crown Princess. Coupled with today's events..."

Yun Che: "..."

Helian Linglang looked up, a mix of excitement and indignation in his voice: "Father's fury towards me for today's events is understandable. Lingzhu is indeed superior to me in many aspects. But... but she is ultimately just a woman. If she were truly made Crown Princess and later became empress, wouldn't that... wouldn't that make us a laughingstock and bring shame upon all our Helian ancestors?"

"Young Master Yun, though you have a deep connection with Lingzhu, I believe that as a fellow man, you must surely understand."

Yun Che smiled: "So, the Crown Prince wishes me to persuade your father?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Helian Linglang nodded rapidly: "As expected of Young Master Yun, you saw right through it. Father now regards you as a celestial being, and he will surely comply with your every word. As long as Young Master Yun can help Father appease his anger and abandon the idea of making Lingzhu Crown Princess, I, Helian Linglang, will forever be grateful to Young Master Yun and obey your every command. When I become the Helian ruler in the future, Young Master Yun, whether you desire Lingzhu... or any woman in Helian whom you fancy, I will surely present them to you with both hands."

Like many in the imperial family, they thought Yun Che was "working himself to death" for the imperial family only because he was infatuated with Helian Lingzhu.

"The Crown Prince is truly full of sincerity." Looking at Helian Linglang's hopeful face, Yun Che's tone shifted: "However, the Crown Prince's worries don't require my intervention at all; you can resolve them yourself."

"This... please instruct me, Young Master Yun."

"Simple. Do you know why your path as Crown Prince has been so difficult?" Yun Che spoke with an air of profound wisdom: "Because your name is not good."

"Name?" Helian Linglang was stunned.

Yun Che said unhurriedly, "Your name is Linglang, and it contains two characters with the radical for 'king' (王). As the saying goes, 'one mountain cannot hold two tigers,' so how can one dynasty tolerate two kings? Your name inherently clashes with your own destiny, so how can things go smoothly for you?"

Helian Linglang was dazed for a moment, then tentatively said, "But Lingzhu, her name also contains two 'king' radicals..."

"You also said it yourself, Lingzhu is a woman; she cannot be a king, only an empress." Yun Che said with a profound certainty: "An empress accompanied by two kings—this is a name of great nobility. It can protect her through obstacles and dangers, bestowing upon her immense prestige and glory."

Helian Linglang's heartstrings suddenly vibrated. First, there was Mo Cangying, the most outstanding disciple of Helian Tianfu, who remained loyal, and now Yun Che had repeatedly helped her... Wasn't this precisely the protection of two kings! One inherently clashing with destiny, the other blessed by two kings... No wonder! Yun Che was a figure of astonishing talent, one who didn't even fear Abyss Knights! His vast knowledge and profound insights must surely far exceed this Qilin Abyss Plane. Could his words be false?

As if he had suddenly found the root of the problem, Helian Linglang's demeanor instantly became even more respectful: "Then, with Young Master Yun's supreme wisdom, what character should I... take as my name?"

"This is even simpler." Yun Che clasped his hands across his chest, speaking unhurriedly: "What you seek is not much; merely to be a ruler. The Qilin Abyss Realm is founded upon 'earth' (土), and profound practitioners cultivate earth profound energy. Therefore, your name should contain the character 'Sì' (寺, meaning temple/monastery). 'Sì' (寺) represents an inch of earth, symbolizing that every inch of this subjugated land, every bit of earth profound energy, and indeed every profound practitioner who cultivates earth profound energy, shall belong to the ruler."

Helian Linglang nodded repeatedly, agreeing: "Precisely! As ruler, every inch of land should belong to me!"

"As for the other character, take 'Xún' (荀)." Yun Che's eyes narrowed slightly, his face displaying deep wisdom: "The top part of 'Xún' (荀) is 'grass' (艹), signifying all living plants; the bottom part is 'xún' (旬), signifying a period of ten days or an epoch, implying eternity. Thus, these two simple characters already encompass everything in this Qilin Abyss. And since your surname happens to contain the character 'Lián' (连, meaning connect/unite), this can symbolize that all of this is united and controlled by your fingertips."

"Helian Sìxún." Yun Che smiled, turned, and slowly walked away: "There is no name more suitable for the Crown Prince than this. I wish the Crown Prince henceforth... to be truly as this name suggests."

Until Yun Che walked out of his sight, Helian Linglang remained standing there, repeatedly muttering: "Helian Sìxún... Helian Sìxún!" His eyes gleamed with an unusual light: "Every inch of land, all living plants, the timing of heaven... all connected in my grasp! That's right, it was indeed the characters 'Linglang' that misled me! It was truly the name my mother gave me that led me astray!"

"Heh, heheheh!" A cold laugh sounded from behind him.

Helian Linglang turned, his face instantly sinking: "Mo Cangying, what are you laughing at?"

"...Nothing, it's better if the Crown Prince doesn't know." Mo Cangying suppressed his smile and prepared to leave.

"Presumptuous! Mo Cangying, you're increasingly forgetting your place." Helian Linglang's voice turned sharply cold. He could be submissive in front of Yun Che, but Mo Cangying... what right did he have to be sarcastic in front of him?

Mo Cangying stopped walking and said indifferently, "Since the Crown Prince wishes to know, I will naturally tell you everything. The character 'Xún' (荀), when twisted, suggests 'ignoble' or 'like a dog,' and 'Sì' (寺) with a human radical becomes 'Shì' (侍), a servant. Combined, they describe a spineless, human-shaped piece of dog excrement."

Helian Linglang froze on the spot. Then his facial features began to tremble, gradually followed by his entire body... He bit all eight of his molars into pieces. The surging rage and humiliation nearly burst through his skull, yet he lacked the courage, the 'guts,' to confront Yun Che. He could only let out a furious roar of release.

Yun Che completely suppressed his aura, his footsteps silent. After a few ghost-like instantaneous movements, a figure with almost no aura also appeared in his sight. Long Jiang!

"You weren't eavesdropping, were you?" Yun Che proactively approached her.

Long Jiang remained motionless, but spoke coldly: "I don't have such low-class interests as you."

"If you weren't eavesdropping, how would you know my interests are low-class?" Yun Che's lips curved slightly: "Actually, I think that name suits him quite well."

Long Jiang: "..."

"Speaking of which," Yun Che's gaze openly swept over her several times: "You've been trying hard to conceal your aura. It shouldn't be as simple as just hiding your race, should it? Let me guess, Chi Dragon, Qiu Dragon, Hui Dragon, Ying Dragon, Azure Dragon, Flood Dragon, Mirage Dragon... Which kind of dragon are you, really?"

"What does that have to do with you!" Long Jiang's tone remained cold and emotionless.

"The harder someone tries to hide something, the more curious people become." Yun Che withdrew his gaze from her and said, "Never mind, I don't seem to be that interested. Just out of curiosity, why is your essence blood depletion so severe? Have you just suffered a heavy injury, or..."

"Shut up!" Two cold words, yet no longer emotionless, but tinged with a faint anger.

Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly: "Essence blood depletion and injury are two different concepts. If this depletion continues, at best, your progress will slow, your talent will be permanently damaged, and your lifespan will drastically decrease. At worst..."

"Get lost!!" One furious word cut off Yun Che's speech. She turned coldly and walked away: "Dare to come near me again, and I'll kill you!"

Yun Che said nothing more, nor did he leave. He simply watched her back rapidly receding. Just as she was about to leave his sight, he suddenly blurted out, "You are an Ancestral Dragon!"

The grayish-white figure subtly paused, then vanished from Yun Che's sight.

"As expected," Yun Che murmured. *Indeed. Her bloodline, mixed with that of the ancient Dragon Gods, must be incredibly pure, perhaps not much less than that of the Ancestral Dragons themselves.*

This made him even more curious: what exactly was she so determined to seek by entering the Qilin God Realm? What he cared about was not the object of her quest itself, but the potential variables it could introduce. He was originally 70% certain that the final Evil God Seed was with the Qilin in the Qilin God Realm. After learning about the ultimate fate of other beast races from Helian Lingzhu, his certainty grew to almost 100%. No one else would seek the Evil God Seed, or even know of its existence, except him. Therefore, he was certain that what Long Jiang sought was not the same as his own objective. He had repeatedly probed Long Jiang because he couldn't help but worry that what Long Jiang sought was also located on that Qilin. The Qilin God Realm contained the purest and densest earth elements, along with various earth-attributed spiritual treasures born from them... but none of these could possibly be what a figure like Long Jiang was seeking. So, only the "final Qilin" remained. If that were the case, both of their goals would be that single Qilin.

"Hopefully, it won't be too much trouble," Yun Che could only think.

Within earshot, he heard Helian Jue's earnest exhortations to Helian Lingzhu.

"Lingzhu, this is a matter of great importance concerning your life, and even more so, the future fate of the Helian lineage. No matter what... no matter what method you use, you must keep Yun Che! Even if you can't keep him, you must keep his child!"

"Father, Young Master Yun Che and I..."

"Say no more!" Helian Jue lowered his voice: "I harshly drove him away before, yet he still saved my life; this time participating in the Qilin God Assembly, his claim of wanting to observe the Qilin God Realm is merely an excuse. With his capabilities, how could he possibly care for a mere Qilin God Realm... All of this is clearly for you."

Helian Lingzhu: "..."

"In short, if you are a little more proactive, you will definitely be able to keep him. If worst comes to worst... we'll just use medicine! That's right... medicine! I'll send someone to prepare it immediately!"

"Father, you... you're truly insane!"

This was followed by the sound of Helian Lingzhu quickly walking away.

Not long after, Helian Jue's furious roars could be heard, reprimanding the participating disciples.

"Fang Zhonghe! Helian Peng! Do you know... how much effort and how many resources my Helian Imperial Family expended to cultivate you into Divine Masters! Is this how you repay us!?"

"Your... Your Majesty! At that time... at that time, the Crown Prince gave an order, and we dared not disobey."

"Yes, Your Majesty, other disciples can bear witness..."

"Silence! Useless trash! Shameless, even pushing the blame onto the Crown Prince." Helian Jue's voice trembled with rage: "Let me tell you, some time ago, the Worship Qilin Alliance came before me, flaunting their power and proclaiming they would establish a new dynasty in the Western Region! At that time, not only our dignity but the very territory of Helian would be seized by others... Would you then also be spineless cowards!?"

Fang Zhonghe: "No, no, I, Fang Zhonghe, whose name means 'loyal and distinguished,' was born a Helian person and will die a Helian ghost! If Helian is in danger, Zhonghe will surely save it with his life!"

Helian Peng: "Those who invade Helian territory, Peng will..."

"Get out!" The sound of someone being kicked echoed, shaking the eardrums: "Do you think you're worthy!?"

The final battle of the Qilin God Assembly quickly ended, and the results were evident. The Blazing Sands Sect ranked last, losing its qualification to enter the Qilin God Realm.

The Profoundstone Sect and the Myriad Bladedge Sect were originally evenly matched... but before the battle began, Zhailian Cheng surprisingly woke up. With his injuries, he entered the battlefield, facing a multitude of strange gazes. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse; he was at least a Level Four Divine Master. Even with depleted health, he exerted immense suppressive force on the opponent. Ultimately, the Profoundstone Sect won, ranking third and allowing two hundred people to enter; the Myriad Bladedge Sect ranked fourth, allowing one hundred people to enter.

Another twelve hours passed, and finally, it was time for the Qilin God Realm to open.

In front of the Qilin God Realm's barrier, Ximen Boyun stood firm, the Pure Land Divine Mark on the back of his hand flashing with soul-stirring might, echoing the faintly shimmering profound light of the barrier. In front of Ximen Boyun, people from the Helian Imperial Family, the Worship Qilin Alliance, the Profoundstone Sect, and the Myriad Bladedge Sect had all gathered.

Yun Che glanced at Long Jiang from afar. She stood alone, distant, not close to anyone. He withdrew his gaze, focused his mind, and Yun Che narrowed his eyes, silently watching the secret realm barrier about to open.

Crossing this threshold, I will truly be... the Evil God of this era. Evil God Ni Xuan, Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor Jie Yuan, with your combined grace upon me, I will surely protect the world I cherish—the very world you both fought with everything to preserve!