Chapter 2039: Extinguishing the Witness

As the yellow jade glow slowly dissipated, the chaotic swirling of Yun Che's profound energy finally ceased, gradually flowing in an orderly manner around him. His expression visibly relaxed.

Hua Caili, however, felt her soul surge with emotion, unable to calm down for a long time.

Every breakthrough for a profound practitioner signifies a growth and rebirth of profound energy. A breakthrough to a major realm, in particular, represents a complete qualitative transformation.

It is perfectly normal for profound energy to become uncontrolled and overflow when one breaks through while severely injured.

Yet, his uncontrolled profound energy clearly erupted with five different elemental powers.

Right before her eyes, just a few feet away,

Apart from light profound energy, which is only mentioned in ancient records, there are six elemental profound energies in the world: water, fire, wind, lightning, earth, and darkness.

He cultivated five of them concurrently?!

This completely contradicted the common knowledge of the profound way taught to her by her aunt, the Divine Ancestor, and the Divine Officials.

Even the Spirit Immortal Divine Official, who was the most adept at elemental power among the four Divine Officials and possessed a special profound vein and divine heritage, could only control three elemental powers simultaneously.

She longed to speak, to question her aunt who was hidden somewhere, but she feared disturbing Yun Che. So she could only stare blankly… Unbeknownst to her, she had been gazing at him in a daze for a very long time.

The profound energy vortex around Yun Che was slowing down, appearing to be completely under control.

Just as his profound energy seemed to completely settle, a sudden anomaly occurred.

The surrounding Mist Sea world suddenly experienced turbulent air currents. Before Hua Caili could react, a storm erupted, and countless air currents surged violently towards Yun Che's body. His outer robe and long hair were swept up. The initial surge of these currents was already astonishing, but with each passing moment, they became even more furious. The spiritual energy of the heavens and earth throughout the entire space surged towards Yun Che as if completely疯癫, and not even the Abyss Dust could obstruct it.

Even Hua Qingying, though far away, could sense the violent surge of air currents around her.

She gazed at Yun Che, shock flowing from her eyes directly into her soul.

This level of energy disturbance should not accompany a breakthrough to the Divine Master Realm.

Instead, it was like… a breakthrough to the Divine Extinction Realm! The surging spiritual energy of the heavens and earth continued without any sign of slowing down. Hua Caili's long hair was swept up, and her veiled mist almost slipped off. Her gaze at Yun Che became even more astonished, as if she were looking at a monster that had never existed in her understanding.

She had a hazy feeling, as if the entire Mist Sea, the entire world, was shaking because of the man's breakthrough before her.

At that moment, Hua Qingying suddenly turned her azure eyes… She was startled to realize that her divine sense had completely left Hua Caili for a full seven breaths.

Yun Che…

In the Qilin Abyss Realm, he had abused a multitude of Divine Masters with Divine King power; his breakthrough to the Divine Master Realm stirred up heaven and earth energy as if it were a demigod's breakthrough.

The power emanating from him clearly transcended ordinary understanding.

What exactly was the origin of this young man?

The violent surge of air currents continued for a full hundred breaths before finally slowing to a stop.

Yun Che's black hair fell, his complexion serene, as if in a comfortable light sleep.

Even the scars originally etched on his face had faded considerably.

Everything returned to calm; only the heart of the girl guarding him still rippled with unusually strange waves.

Lishuo silently watched Yun Che's actions and Hua Caili's reaction. She suddenly didn't understand what Yun Che was thinking.

Before he grew strong enough, he should have tried his best to hide his secrets.

But at this moment, he was clearly deliberately displaying them, completely contrary to his previous actions and the Devil Queen's warnings.

However, he must have his reasons for doing so.

At this moment, Hua Caili suddenly turned and looked behind her, her gaze gradually becoming solemn.

Five auras were rapidly approaching. Four of them were Half-step Divine Extinction Realm practitioners, similar in cultivation to her.

And the central aura… that clear sense of oppression, was distinctly of the Divine Extinction Realm!

Such an astonishing team was the first she had encountered in this area of the Mist Sea.

As they drew closer, voices faintly carried over.

"The disturbance just now was indeed from this direction."

"Such a heavy smell of blood… It seems there was a fierce battle here not long ago."

Soon, five figures appeared in Hua Caili's line of sight. The four at the back were all clad in grey, their eyes glinting sharply. Their Half-step Divine Extinction Realm cultivation made them powerful figures, even overlords, in any region beneath the Divine Realm. But at this moment, these four were arrayed in a crescent shape, respectfully following the person in front.

For training in the Mist Sea, dark clothing is usually chosen for easier concealment. But this person wore silver robes. Profound light shimmered on them, not at all concealing the inscribed defensive divine patterns, which undoubtedly made his presence even more conspicuous.

His Divine Extinction Realm aura gave him the right to be arrogant even while in the Mist Sea.

Seeing the ground littered with the remains of Abyss Beasts, all five had solemn expressions. However, after an Abyss Beast's death, its lingering aura quickly dissipates with the Abyss Dust, making it difficult to accurately determine its strength before death. Their gazes quickly turned to Hua Caili and Yun Che.

One was a Half-step Divine Extinction, with a fluctuating aura, indicating significant recent profound energy depletion. The other was a peak second-level Divine Master, whose profound energy was regrouping… clearly in the midst of a breakthrough.

The caution in their eyes instantly vanished.

Hua Caili flicked her snow-white hand, and a small barrier instantly enveloped the area around Yun Che. Her Liyun Sword also moved across her body with the trajectory of her jade fingers, releasing an immaculate sword gleam.

Her eyes like celestial stars, skin like congealed snow, sword like lustrous jade—even with a misty veil obscuring her face, her elegance still captivated their gazes and profoundly stirred their heartstrings.

She shouldn't exist in the Mist Sea, or rather… she was too pure for this turbid world. The silver-robed man quickly realized his impropriety and offered a benevolent smile: "Esteemed Fairy, there's no need to be nervous. We were merely drawn by the disturbance, concerned someone might be in trouble, and came to see if we could offer assistance. Seeing that both of you are unharmed, we will not trouble you further." Such a stunning woman was the only one he had ever seen in his life. But at this moment, being in the Mist Sea and having important matters at hand, it was arguably the worst time to cause further complications. Yet, before leaving, he couldn't help but ask: "Still, it's quite fated that we meet in the Mist Sea. My name is Fan Qingzhou. May I inquire about your esteemed name, Fairy?"

When he stated his name, a hint of arrogance flickered across his face.

Because he believed it wouldn't be long before his name became known throughout the world.

Hua Caili did not reply, only remained vigilant.

She had experienced too many similar scenes in the Mist Sea. The man before her was already considered the most subtle and gentle type.

Feeling regret, but with "important matters" at hand, Fan Qingzhou didn't press. He smiled faintly: "In that case, I won't disturb your training, Fairy."

"Let's go."

Casting another covetous glance at Hua Caili, Fan Qingzhou reluctantly tore his gaze away. Just as he was about to turn, a sudden exclamation sounded in his ear: "An Abyss Crystal!"

Although Abyss Crystals were rare, a Half-step Divine Extinction profound practitioner shouldn't be so astonished. Fan Qingzhou was about to softly reprimand, but before his words could escape, his shifting gaze suddenly fixated, and his pupils contracted violently for a moment.

Less than sixty feet to Hua Caili's left, between two severed remains of an Abyss Beast, a grey crystal pulsed with the unique, otherworldly glow of an Abyss Crystal.

The unusual glow of the Abyss Crystal should have been conspicuous enough in the dim Mist Sea, but Hua Caili's elegance was too dazzling and captivating, making them realize its presence only just now.

And this grey light, reflected directly in their pupils, was a full half a foot in size!

In the Mist Sea… no, in their entire lives, they had never seen an Abyss Crystal of such immense size.

"This must weigh at least… thirty or forty pounds, right?" a grey-robed man gulped, muttering.

Another said, "An Abyss Crystal this large, its value probably can't be measured by conventional weight."

Fan Qingzhou glanced at Hua Caili and said, "It ultimately belongs to others." "No, this is the Mist Sea, so it's ownerless." The man to Fan Qingzhou's right reminded him in a low voice: "Brother, don't forget your 'mission' this time. Obtaining this Abyss Crystal would directly complete your 'mission.' For you, there's nothing more important than this."

After a moment of hesitation, Fan Qingzhou stepped forward. Just as he was about to speak… an invisible sword gleam suddenly cut through the dark sky.

The Abyss Crystal was lifted by the sword gleam, instantly moved behind Hua Caili, and landed within the barrier. Given Hua Caili's background, even a hundred pounds of Abyss Crystals would not catch her eye. But these Abyss Beasts were hunted by Yun Che, so the Abyss Crystal naturally belonged to him. Since she had promised to guard Yun Che, she shouldn't allow his Abyss Crystal to fall into others' hands.

Fan Qingzhou narrowed his eyes, his smile no longer as gentle and harmless as before: "Esteemed Fairy, you are not yet six thousand years old, yet you possess such cultivation and an exceptionally refined temperament. I presume your origins are certainly extraordinary."

Hua Caili: "..."

"Then you must also know the survival rules of this Mist Sea."

He slowly paced, unhurriedly approaching, his half-closed eyes gradually radiating an increasingly dangerous light: "Since this Abyss Crystal has appeared in the Mist Sea, it belongs to the capable. The weak who forcefully take it will only bring disaster upon themselves."

"I trust the Fairy understands such a simple principle."

Hua Caili showed no fear, slowly opening her mouth: "Do the Pure Land's provisional knights actually engage in such vile acts?"

Her voice was clear and cold, each word like jade dropping into a cold spring, refreshing and pleasing to the soul.

This made Fan Qingzhou's whole body stiffen, his steps coming to an abrupt halt.

Hua Caili continued: "To become an Abyss Knight, one must undergo nine trials. One of them is the Mist Sea Trial."

"To become an Abyss Knight, one must possess a noble soul. If you pass the Mist Sea Trial with such conduct and eventually become an Abyss Knight, then the name Fan Qingzhou will surely tarnish the name of the Abyss Knight!"

Over ninety-nine percent of her life had been spent in the Pure Land.

Provisional knights undergoing trials are marked with a special Pure Land imprint, which she could easily recognize.

"..." Fan Qingzhou's face instantly turned gloomy and uncertain.

He didn't know why the woman before him knew he was a provisional knight undergoing trials, and he immensely regretted having revealed his name just now.

The four men behind him were also stunned on the spot, remaining silent for a long time.

"Heh heh, Fairy, you're overthinking it." Fan Qingzhou changed his tone: "My words just now were to advise the Fairy to quickly put away this Abyss Crystal. After all, in this Mist Sea, a weak person possessing treasure is the greatest misfortune."

"As for me, one who has vowed to become an Abyss Knight, I have long held the highest will of maintaining order in the Abyss and protecting all its living beings. How could I stoop to forcibly taking from the weak?"

After uttering these grand words, he no longer glanced at the Abyss Crystal. He turned directly, waved his arm, and said, "There's no need for our help here. Let's go."

Glances, some greedy, some unwilling, secretly swept over the Abyss Crystal. But since Fan Qingzhou had spoken, none dared to say anything and quickly left with him.

Hua Caili subtly exhaled a breath of relief, and her Liyun Sword also dimmed, returning to calm.

At this moment, Yun Che, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke: "You should leave quickly."

Hua Caili turned her eyes in surprise: "Have you completed your breakthrough?"

"Not yet." Yun Che remained with his eyes closed, his voice not coming from his lips: "You'd better leave quickly, or it'll be too late."

"Why?" Hua Caili asked, puzzled.

Yun Che's profound energy around him was continuously gathering and expanding, clearly in the final stage of his breakthrough: "Just now, the most rational thing you could have done was to hand over the Abyss Crystal to them, and all would have been well. What he said was not essentially wrong. Once this Abyss Crystal was seen, it could only belong to the strong."

"But you didn't. Instead, you exposed his identity as a provisional Pure Land Knight and the fact that he was undergoing the Mist Sea Trial." "'Noble Soul' is the hallmark of an Abyss Knight. If his behavior just now were to spread, it would definitely become a stain hindering him from becoming an Abyss Knight. And you know his name. So the most likely thing he'll do next is to find an opportunity to kill you to silence you!"

Hua Caili parted her lips, speaking softly: "But… there wasn't even a conflict between us. It wouldn't come to that, would it?" "It very much would." Yun Che said: "Your background must be noble, so you cannot understand what the title 'Abyss Knight' means to a profound practitioner of relatively ordinary origins. It might be the highest aspiration for which they'd devote their entire lives, a status and supreme glory that could honor their entire clan and future generations. And Fan Qingzhou, he is only half a step away from becoming an Abyss Knight. He absolutely cannot allow any accidents to occur… even a slight possibility."

When Fan Qingzhou turned away, that deeply hidden murderous intent was imperceptible to the inexperienced Hua Caili, but Yun Che sensed it clearly.

Although Hua Caili had personally experienced various human evils during this solitary training, she found it difficult to accept Yun Che's words for a moment.

Because he wasn't an ordinary profound practitioner, but a provisional Abyss Knight qualified for trials.

And among the nine trials from provisional knight to Abyss Knight, the first was a trial of character. Being able to enter the Mist Sea Trial meant he had already passed the character trial, so he shouldn't… be a truly evil person, no matter what. "Don't worry, that person won't do it," Hua Caili said in a comforting tone. "Abyss Knights are all exceptionally righteous people. Although he's only a provisional knight, his qualification to participate in the trial shows that he isn't inherently a bad person."

Hua Caili held the Abyss Emperor in extremely high regard. She held a far deeper fondness for everything in the Pure Land than others.

Yun Che secretly snorted… After all, she was a goddess raised in pampered circumstances, her discernment of good and evil so superficial as to be childishly laughable.

He slowed his tone: "What makes Abyss Knights 'righteous' is not their true nature, but the identity of 'Abyss Knight'?"

"..." Hua Caili blinked, looking at this man—who was clearly quite young, yet spoke with an exceptionally mature tone—with a rather strange gaze. "'The Abyss Knight' title represents both glory and a restraint. But for profound practitioners who yearn to become Abyss Knights, the former far outweighs the latter. Thus, they are more than willing to conform themselves to a 'noble soul' for this identity and glory."

"But this superficial change absolutely does not mean their true nature changes along with it." His tone slowly deepened: "Under the eyes of the public, Abyss Knights are righteous upholders of order and dignified arbiters. But in unseen corners—like this Mist Sea, which easily conceals and devours everything—they have no need whatsoever to uphold a 'noble soul' and can instead freely reveal their true nature!"

"Moreover, he isn't even an Abyss Knight yet; he's at the most crucial juncture of becoming one."

"But," Hua Caili argued defiantly, "I won't do anything to disadvantage him. Would someone really go as far as to kill to silence me just for this? Besides, if he really wanted to kill us, he would have done so just now." "You're overestimating the lower bounds of human nature." Yun Che said with a sigh, tinged with melancholy: "He didn't act just now because there were others present. If he had, it would have given those four a greater hold over him. To silence you, he must be alone."

"The Mist Sea is easiest for concealment and hardest for pursuit. So, he will surely separate from those four in the shortest time, then return… at the latest, within a hundred breaths."

Hua Caili parted her lips, but before her words could come out, a low chuckle sounded from behind:

"Since you already know, why wait here to die? For a moment, I don't know whether to call you clever or foolish."

Hua Caili abruptly turned, seeing a figure returning, slowly emerging from the dust and mist.

It was Fan Qingzhou.

His face no longer held its previous gentleness, and his voice carried a chilling grimness. In his hand, a purple longsword was wreathed in violent lightning, along with undisguised murderous intent.

All her planned arguments vanished from her lips. Yun Che's words had truly, unmistakably, materialized before her eyes.

In her beautiful eyes, there was three parts surprise, but seven parts bewilderment.

She didn't understand… Would a powerful profound practitioner, who had already reached the Divine Extinction Realm, really kill to silence someone just for the slight possibility of a blemish on his record?

And the other party was a provisional Abyss Knight, very likely soon to serve under the Abyss Emperor… every Abyss Knight was as upright and pure as the aura of the Pure Land itself… Having grown up under the favor of the Pure Land and holding deep affection for it, this scene's impact on Hua Caili was far beyond what Yun Che could empathize with.