Chapter 2074: Final "Test"

The silver-robed man in the projection was none other than Meng Kongchan, the Dream Weaver Divine Sovereign of the Dream Weaving Realm.

His divine title was "Dreamless."

Hua Fuchen wasted no more words and directly stated, "I wish to trouble Brother Meng to help me investigate someone."

Meng Kongchan showed an expression of interest. "For Brother Fuchen to be so solemn, this person must be extraordinary."

"In a sense, yes, they are," Hua Fuchen replied with a complicated expression. "This person is Cai Li's... beloved."

Meng Kongchan's expression visibly changed.

Both fell silent. After a long pause, Meng Kongchan found no trace of a joke on Hua Fuchen's face.

Finally, Meng Kongchan slowly spoke, "This matter is far more than just 'extraordinary.' As for Brother Luohou..."

"He does not know, nor do I have the face to tell him," Hua Fuchen said. "This matter is known only to you, Qingying, and me."

He did not explicitly ask Meng Kongchan to keep it secret, as he knew Meng Kongchan would never reveal even a fraction of it to anyone.

Meng Kongchan suddenly frowned. "Wait? You want me to investigate him? Do you mean... you intend to accept this person and Cai Li's relationship?"

"Alas," Hua Fuchen sighed softly. "In the end, man proposes, God disposes. Although it has only been a few months, Cai Li has fallen deeply in love with this young man, body and soul."

While "body and soul" seemed vague, coming from the Heart Painter Divine Sovereign, it was enough for the Dreamless Divine Sovereign to understand its full meaning, and a clear look of emotion appeared on his face.

Hua Fuchen continued, "When I first heard of it, I was filled with rage, wishing I could strike him dead. But... he saved Cai Li's life, and even Qingying clearly favored him. And Cai Li's determination for him completely exceeded my expectations."

"If I were to forcefully separate her from that boy, it would surely traumatize her for life, and the father-daughter bond between us might suffer an irreparable rift. This... is not an outcome I can accept."

"Oh?" Meng Kongchan's surprise grew. "Cai Li has always only met the finest young men of this era. For her to be so infatuated, to the point of forcing you to consider concession... it seems that young man indeed possesses extraordinary qualities."

"However, the consequences of this action..." Meng Kongchan paused, then shook his head. "Never mind. You must have thought this through thoroughly to make such a decision. Although I feel it's extremely improper, I suppose there's no need for me to advise you."

"To what extent do you need me to investigate this young man?"

These two Divine Sovereigns had known each other since childhood, true sworn brothers, and understood each other so well that there was indeed no need for excessive words.

Hua Fuchen lowered his voice, speaking each word solemnly. "First, I need to confirm if his feelings for Cai Li are genuine... or at least, if his sincerity outweighs any ulterior motives."

"Oh?" Meng Kongchan narrowed his eyes, which were covered with a strange silver light. "This truly astonishes me. Among the young women of this era, none can compare to Cai Li in grace and talent. Given Cai Li's status and beauty, what man in the world wouldn't be utterly smitten upon seeing her?"

"Even someone like Dian Jiuzhi, the foremost Divine Son of this generation, is known throughout the world for his infatuation with her. If he becomes a Divine Sovereign in the future, he'd likely want to give her the entire Senluo Divine Realm. And if not for their existing engagement, my unruly son Jian Xi would undoubtedly pursue her relentlessly."

"A man favored by Cai Li is arguably the luckiest in the world. If he doesn't show genuine affection for Cai Li... either his soul is as hard as rock, or he prefers men, hahahaha."

Meng Kongchan's words seemed half-joking, but they were a truth that no living being in the Abyss could refute. Divine Maiden Cai Li was unparalleled in grace, the ultimate example of a woman in this era, and the ultimate obsession of men... there was no need to question genuine affection.

"As for ulterior motives, where in this world are there truly pure spirits? Power is a motive, beauty is a motive, influence is a motive, authority is a motive... If he genuinely had no motives at all, how would he be different from a useless person?"

After saying this, Meng Kongchan did not detect any change in Hua Fuchen's expression. He dropped his playful tone and said, "Since you have such concerns, have you perhaps detected a 'flaw' in that young man?"

"No," Hua Fuchen shook his head. "Quite the opposite."

"Cai Li's encounters with him, their interactions, and the development of her feelings were all initiated by Cai Li. He, on the other hand, saved Cai Li from danger multiple times, even risking his life for her. Even the usually indifferent Qingying was moved by him and protected him repeatedly."

"All indications, as well as my interactions with him, lead to the conclusion that his sincerity towards Cai Li is absolutely flawless. He has no ulterior motives regarding anything outside of Cai Li, and remains completely unmoved by any temptations unrelated to her."

Meng Kongchan frowned, then said, "Then, are there any flaws in his soul's fluctuations?"

"Absolutely none," Hua Fuchen replied, an answer that couldn't help but surprise Meng Kongchan. "His cultivation is only at the third level of the Divine Master Realm. Yet, in my presence, even under my repeated subtle soul pressure, he remained calm, polite, neither subservient nor arrogant. His rare emotional fluctuations were only an eagerness concerning Cai Li."

"While it's highly likely I'm overthinking this, if, by any chance, he harbors ulterior motives, with his temperament and cunning, how could Cai Li... possibly be his match?"

This time, Meng Kongchan did not refute or advise against Hua Fuchen's seemingly excessive worries.

Everything being flawless was, instead, unsettling.

"I understand," Meng Kongchan slowly nodded. "I've always known how deeply you love your daughter, Brother Fuchen. I will certainly eliminate this 'what if' for you. However, I assume your doubts stem from more than just this reason, don't they?"

"Heh heh, as expected, nothing escapes Brother Meng's discerning eye," Hua Fuchen said. "Second, I need to trouble Brother Meng to investigate his origins."

"Hm?" Meng Kongchan frowned slightly. "What do you mean? Things have progressed this far, and you still don't know that boy's true origins?"

"Don't laugh at me, Brother Meng, but it's true," Hua Fuchen said with a self-deprecating smile. "This young man's surname is Yun, and his given name is Che. He has no power or clan. According to him, he was rescued by an ancient soul about a hundred years ago, when he was only ten years old, and he lost all memory from before that age, so he has no idea of his true birthplace."

Meng Kongchan's eyebrows involuntarily twitched... then Hua Fuchen fell silent.

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all," Hua Fuchen affirmed. "As for the ancient soul, he never reveals anything, citing 'master's orders.' I've also sent people to investigate him discreetly these past few days, but they haven't uncovered anything related to him. It seems he truly, as he claims, hasn't been in the world for long."

"In other words..." Meng Kongchan looked at Hua Fuchen with a slightly strange gaze. "You, the esteemed Heart Painter Divine Sovereign, know basically nothing about this young man who has captured your daughter's heart?"

"Precisely," Hua Fuchen slowly closed his eyes. "So, how can I not be worried?"

"In that case, I understand," Meng Kongchan slowly nodded. Those few words were the Dreamless Divine Sovereign's promise.

"For this matter, I must trouble Brother Meng to personally carry it out," Hua Fuchen emphasized.

"Naturally," Meng Kongchan replied earnestly. "Cai Li's matter also involves Senluo and the Pure Land, so I certainly won't let others know."

"More than that," Hua Fuchen continued, "Yun Che possesses qualities that utterly astound even me. So, if the 'master' he speaks of is real, their origins could be world-shattering, possibly accompanied by secrets profound enough to shake the world. If others were to know, it might incite ill intentions."

Meng Kongchan nodded solemnly, then quipped, "Rest assured, Brother Fuchen, even if I discover he is the Son of the Abyss Emperor, I will never reveal a single word to anyone."

"With your words, Brother Meng, I am completely at ease."

The Dreamless Sovereign's promise was no small matter.

The Dream Weaving Realm specialized in soul cultivation. Breaking a promise would inevitably harm the soul.

With the unique powers of "Fallen Dream" and "Deep Dream" of the Dream Weaving Realm, they knew countless secrets of countless profound practitioners, yet no personal secret had ever been leaked from the Dream Weaving Realm.

If this was true for ordinary Dream Weaving profound practitioners, it was even more so for the Dreamless Divine Sovereign.

"However," Meng Kongchan said with a serious expression, his eyes holding a hidden concern, "if all this is merely your unnecessary worry, do you truly intend to... break the engagement personally bestowed by the Abyss Emperor, and accept this boy who has no power, no influence, pitifully low cultivation, and not even a known background?"

As a fellow father, he simply could not imagine the anxiety and fury he would feel if this matter concerned his own child.

"Yes." This single, short word escaped Hua Fuchen's lips without hesitation.

Meng Kongchan's gaze was complex as he nodded slightly. "It seems you've made up your mind, so I won't say more... Sending that boy here also probably serves to familiarize him with me, so I can mediate in the future. It appears you actually have quite a bit of confidence in him, believing he can earn my favor."

"Heh heh, such a small thought, of course, couldn't escape your notice, Brother Meng," Hua Fuchen admitted frankly.

"So," Meng Kongchan asked, "how long do you plan for him to stay with me?"

"Five years," Hua Fuchen replied. "During these five years, you needn't give him any special attention or assistance; everything will be up to him."

"And if... your worries come true?" Meng Kongchan narrowed his eyes.

The gentle demeanor on Hua Fuchen's face instantly vanished. His sword-like eyebrows furrowed with a cold, imposing aura. "Between the third and fifth year, find a reason to send him away, then seek an opportunity to eliminate him."

"Without the direct involvement of the Heaven Folding Realm or the Dream Weaving Realm, leaving no trace."

"Understood." Meng Kongchan grasped his meaning and slowly nodded. "However, no matter how perfect the situation is then, it will be hard for Cai Li to quell her suspicions. Why not just tell Cai Li directly and make her give up?"

Hua Fuchen sighed faintly, his words carrying a hint of helplessness. "You haven't personally witnessed how deeply she has fallen for that boy. If he truly isn't a trustworthy person... rather than letting her be heartbroken and devastated, it's better to leave her with a cherished illusion in her memory."

"Young man, if you can pass this final test, I will personally cancel the engagement with the Senluo Divine Realm and no longer oppose your relationship with Cai Li. If there are any obstacles, I will also fully clear them for you."

The next day, as Yun Che and Hua Cai Li had just arrived behind Hua Fuchen, they were met with his direct words.

Yun Che immediately bowed and said, "Very well, junior will do his utmost and certainly not disappoint Cai Li's wishes or Senior's trust."

Hua Cai Li quickly "warned," "Father God, we agreed you absolutely cannot make things difficult on purpose, otherwise Aunt and I... will not agree."

"Rest assured," Hua Fuchen said calmly. "This final test is actually extremely simple. As long as he is willing, he will surely be able to complete it."

Hua Fuchen turned around and looked at Yun Che. "For the final test, I want you to go to the Dream Weaving Realm and remain there alone... for five years."

Yun Che looked up, a hint of astonishment on his face.

"Ah!?" Hua Cai Li exclaimed in surprise, immediately objecting, "No, no! Brother Yun has never been to any other divine realm, and he has absolutely no connections with the Dream Weaving Realm. Leaving him there alone... he won't even have anyone to associate with, and if he encounters danger, no one will be able to help him."

"And five years... how could he..."

"What's wrong?" Hua Cai Li's reaction was entirely within Hua Fuchen's expectations. Instead of yielding to his daughter's words, his expression became even more solemn. "Do you think Yun doesn't even have the ability to establish himself in the Dream Weaving Realm for a mere five years? Or are you saying your feelings cannot endure even a short five years?"

Before Hua Cai Li could speak, he already said with disappointment in his eyes, "The greatest test of a relationship is time. The greatest test of a person's ability is to stand alone. The time limit I set isn't a hundred years, not fifty years, but merely a brief five years... Cai Li, you've repeatedly said that you two are fearless and eternally devoted, yet you are so afraid and reluctant about a mere five years?"

"It seems your feelings for each other are nothing more than this."

"Of course not!" Hua Cai Li immediately retorted, "Brother Yun and I have only been together for a few months; how can we... suddenly be separated for so long? Moreover, the Dream Weaving Realm isn't an ordinary place; it's a Divine Realm! Although Brother Yun is very strong, he's only two 'jiazi' old after all. In a place like the Dream Weaving Realm, he simply..."

"Hmph!" A heavy snort interrupted Hua Cai Li's words. "So, you refuse? Very well..."

"No!" Yun Che clasped Hua Cai Li's hand, then stepped forward, stating with utmost solemnity, "Junior has said that I will dedicate myself to completing Senior Divine Sovereign's test!"

Hua Fuchen finally cast a sideways glance.

Yun Che continued, "And, as Senior said, compared to Cai Li's wishes and Senior's concession, this test is actually extremely simple, no less than a benevolent gift."

"Brother Yun..." Hua Cai Li's hands slowly clenched. As she whispered, her eyes welled up with a fine mist.

She feared Yun Che might face danger alone, and also feared... the word "separation," which had suddenly surged into her heart, making her utterly desolate in an instant.

"Very good." Hua Fuchen's imposing aura softened, and even his gaze towards Yun Che became a little gentler.

No one in the Abyss was unaware of the Dream Weaving Realm, and he believed Yun Che could roughly guess the purpose of sending him there.

His straightforward acceptance also indicated that he likely had nothing to hide.

"In three days, someone will prepare a profound ark for you, and you must travel alone. However, since you are Cai Li's beloved, I am not completely without consideration for you. Once you arrive at the Dream Weaving Realm, the Dreamless Divine Sovereign will personally summon you and arrange a place for you... but after that, everything will depend on yourself."

His eyes fixed on every subtle change in Yun Che's pupils. "It's only five years... do not disappoint me or Cai Li."