Chapter 2093: The Grant of the Fog Emperor

Pan Buwang’s body suddenly stopped struggling, and his eyes became completely fixed. He mumbled, "That's right, a good-for-nothing like me never deserved Wuqing. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have fallen victim to that madwoman... What purpose do I serve, living like this...?"

The Mist Emperor said in a deep voice, "If you live, you can reclaim everything you've lost; if you live, you can strike fear and regret into the hearts of all who betrayed you; if you live, you can avenge your mother; if you live, you can personally go to the Evernight Divine Kingdom to ascertain Shen Wuqing's fate; if she lives, you can help her escape her current predicament; if she is dead, you can avenge her!"

"Heh, hehe..." Pan Buwang laughed miserably, as if he had heard the greatest joke, laughing at this so-called Mist Emperor, and even more so at himself. "Do you think I don't want to...? I dream of achieving all of this... but I am merely a pathetic abandoned child, a useless good-for-nothing! So useless that even my angry shouts are a joke in others' eyes, so worthless that I only wish to sink into dreams to chase after empty delusions..."

"You are indeed a good-for-nothing," the Mist Emperor remarked coolly. "But in my hands, even the most useless good-for-nothing can become a ruler towering above all beings!"

A fearsome presence bore down. The Mist Emperor's figure suddenly drew near. His right foot, wreathed in dense Abyssal dust, viciously stomped on Pan Buwang's back.

"Ugh!" Pan Buwang groaned, but his body and profound energy were completely suppressed by the Abyssal Kylin God, leaving him with not even a shred of resistance.

His resistance was merely a subconscious reaction. After that, he remained still, allowing himself to be trampled. His face bore an expression of pain, yet conspicuously lacked any fear of death.

A burst of absolute darkness suddenly erupted from the Mist Emperor, then surged directly towards Pan Buwang, who was beneath his foot.

In an instant, Pan Buwang's eyes bulged, his eyeballs instantly turning a pure, inky black. It was as if thousands of dark demonic blades were writhing and piercing through his body, inflicting torture akin to death by a thousand cuts, causing him to unleash a tortured shriek.

But this shriek lasted only a moment before he fiercely suppressed it. All that remained was the agonizing grinding of his teeth, as if they would shatter.

The Mist Emperor sneered, "Beneath this crippled soul, there hides a rather unyielding spirit."

With his words, the dark profound light on his body flared once more.

Pan Buwang's body suddenly ripped apart, and several thick jets of blood spurted from his back.

Pain beyond the limits of what his soul could endure shattered all his teeth. From his mouth came a desperate, demon-like howl of agony.

At that moment, the Mist Emperor launched a kick, sending him flying with brutal force.

The suppression on his body suddenly lightened considerably. Pan Buwang's back was mangled, and his mouth was full of blood. He struggled to his feet, and when he looked up, his face showed not resentment or fear, but a profound bewilderment. Then, an incredulous tremor escaped his lips: "You... what did you do to me...?"

"I merely forcibly awakened one of your divine cores," the ethereal figure beneath the gray mist spoke words that seemed utterly preposterous in this world. "And incidentally, I made your body more compatible with dark profound energy. Haven't you already felt it yourself?"

Pan Buwang's body swayed, and he stumbled violently. He struggled to steady himself, then shook his head, looking utterly lost: "No... no... I must be in a dream... This is all just a dream."

"A good-for-nothing is a good-for-nothing, not even daring to believe in their own transformation," the Mist Emperor sneered, mocking him. Then, he suddenly raised his hand, sending three dark spikes flying straight at the dazed Pan Buwang.

As the dark spikes pierced his body, the soul-piercing pain instantly turned Pan Buwang's face pale. It also seemed to jolt his muddled soul awake.

"Would a pathetic dream inflict such intense pain?!" The Mist Emperor slowly advanced. Every step closer made Pan Buwang's soul feel involuntarily heavier. "Pan Buwang, tell me, will you choose to remain a pathetic good-for-nothing who has given up even on himself, or... will you reclaim everything you've lost, avenge yourself, your mother, and Shen Wuqing!"

Pan Buwang looked up, revealing the exact same gaze the Mist Emperor had anticipated... so fervent, so savage, so utterly mad.

He understood Pan Buwang's shift in spirit and mind perfectly.

Utter despair and powerlessness had turned his heart to ashes.

But even the slightest spark of hope would compel him to risk everything... let alone this divine light, more brilliant than any dream.

"Who are you? Who exactly are you?!" He stared intently at the gray mist before him, but neither his sight nor his spiritual perception could grasp even the slightest detail beneath the mist.

He had indeed gained an additional divine core. At this moment, he possessed a nine-part divine core, just like Pan Buzhuo.

The dark profound energy within him had indeed become much more docile.

Neither of these outcomes was considered possible within common understanding.

Yet, the excruciating, soul-piercing pain insisted that none of this was a dream.

"The Mist Emperor," the shadow beneath the gray mist let out a low growl, like an abyssal demon. "I have already stated it clearly: I am the Mist Emperor who governs this world's sea of mist! And also... the only true Emperor of this world!"

Pan Buwang reached up to wipe away the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said in a deep voice, "Beneath the Pure Land, who is worthy of being called Emperor? Who dares to be called Emperor? Who... exactly are you? And what is your purpose in helping me like this?"

He was even more eager to know how he had forcibly awakened his divine core and achieved this dark compatibility.

If this matter were to become known, he couldn't imagine the violent repercussions that would erupt within the Six Divine Kingdoms.

The Mist Emperor did not respond. His body slowly floated upwards, and then he slowly spread his arms.

Instantly, the Abyssal dust in the surrounding space slowly dispersed, like thick morning mist.

Pan Buwang's entire body froze. His bloodshot eyes widened progressively... until not a speck of white was visible.

Because he saw the most terrifying sight of his life.

As the Abyssal dust dispersed, he saw the legendary Ancestral Kylin God. Its colossal body stood quietly behind the Mist Emperor, with only its huge eyes glowing with terrifying, eerie light.

And behind the Ancestral Kylin God, thousands of dark shadows were lined up. They were, in fact, thousands of Abyssal Beasts, each with a distinct aura. The clear, shimmering abyssal light emanating from them confirmed their full vitality. Yet not a single one unleashed its destructive instincts; instead, they stood there incredibly quietly, perfectly aligned, and utterly obedient, positioned behind the Mist Emperor.

"Lie down," the Mist Emperor said indifferently.

*Boom!*

Thousands of overlapping impacts reverberated, a tremendous roar like the splitting of the earth and the collapse of the sky... yet it paled in comparison to even a fraction of the shock Pan Buwang felt.

All the Abyssal Beasts, including the legendary Ancestral Kylin God, prostrated themselves on the ground. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, without even a hint of hesitation from any beast. Even their heads were bowed to the ground, like subjects reverently kneeling before an emperor.

"Ah... ah..." Pan Buwang's eyes bulged, and his mouth hung open. From his throat, a hoarse, trembling sound involuntarily escaped.

"Pan Buwang."

The Mist Emperor's voice sounded again. But now, falling into Pan Buwang's ears, it seemed like an ethereal voice from beyond the heavens.

"Tell me, who am I?"

"You are..." Pan Buwang's lips parted involuntarily. "The Mist... Emperor."

Everything in his sight was too shocking, too unbelievable. He had actually uttered the title "Mist Emperor" with his own mouth.

He, who deeply admired and respected the Abyssal Emperor, had personally called someone else "Emperor."

"Very good," the Mist Emperor gave a brief nod of approval. "You are the one chosen by this Emperor. Now, kneel and acknowledge me as your teacher, and I will bestow upon you the power of vengeance."

Pan Buwang's expression remained frozen for only half an instant. Then he heavily knelt to the ground:

"Abandoned son Pan Buwang of the Fiendwing Divine Realm, wishes to acknowledge the Mist Emperor as his master, and offers profound thanks to the Mist Emperor... Thank you for your grace, Master!"

The Mist Emperor murmured, "Won't you ask why you? And... what price you will have to pay?"

Pan Buwang prostrated himself again. When he looked up, his eyes held only a nearly insane malevolence. "As long as the Mist Emperor... no, as long as Master is willing to grant me the power of revenge, this body... this heart... this will, all can be given to Master!"

"Very good. Remember your words at this moment!"

The Mist Emperor raised his hand and cast the Calamity Demon Scourge. Instantly, the last glimmer of light in this misty sea space was completely devoured. Endless darkness gathered, and in just a few breaths, it was as if the entire world had been transformed into an abyssal realm of endless darkness.

Pan Buwang was filled with astonishment. He raised his hands, and what his fingers touched was darkness so dense it felt substantial.

"This is where you will remain for the next three years!" The Mist Emperor's voice came from the darkness. "I will make your body completely attuned to darkness, making you the most perfect Son of Darkness in this world, and elevating your dark talent to a height your Father God could never reach in all eternity!"

"Let your obsession, your longing, your indignation, your hatred... fully drive your progress!"

"At the Pure Land Convention three years from now, you must defeat Pan Buzhuo with your own power, repaying him a thousandfold for the humiliation he inflicted upon you! Let everyone see your Father God's foolishness, and let your Father God regret abandoning you endlessly!"

"Let your mother rest in peace! Let your Shen Wuqing, whether in the world of the living or the world of the dead, see a Pan Buwang who is willing to become incredibly strong for her, not a good-for-nothing who has given up even on himself!"

"Do you understand?!"

Every word the Mist Emperor spoke struck directly at the deepest core of his being.

Unbeknownst to him, his hands had clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his flesh, and blood flowed freely, yet he felt no pain at all. Only his utterly surging will and conviction condensed into words that spilled from his lips: "I will definitely do it... I will!"

"If Wuqing is truly still alive, I will free her from her cage! If she is dead... I will kill Shen Wuyan Ye... I will kill Shen Wuyi!"

The Mist Emperor raised his hand in the darkness: "Now, demonstrate all the profound arts you have cultivated. Let me see how crude the dark power cultivated by your Fiendwing Divine Realm truly is!"

Yun Che emerged from the cultivation space ten days later.

"You truly trust Pan Buwang that much?" Li Suo asked with some concern. "If he becomes powerful in the future, reclaims the position of Divine Son, and even becomes the Fiendwing Divine Venerable... how could he possibly still obey you?"

Yun Che, however, smiled enigmatically. "Before falling into the Abyss, Qi Tianli once told the Demon Empress that a mere Mo Beichen nearly destroyed the God Realm. If the true Abyss were to descend, there would be no power to struggle or resist."

"And the Abyssal Emperor, as he learned from Mo Beichen, was a gentle and benevolent individual. He advised the Demon Empress to abandon her hopeless struggles and welcome the Abyss's descent, seeking coexistence."

"The Demon Empress's response to this matter deeply affected me," Yun Che murmured. "She said... never surrender the initiative to others."

"So..." Li Suo seemed to understand. "The initiative in Pan Buwang's matter lies with you?"

Yun Che's lips curved slightly. "My bestowal is very costly. So costly... it might require the entire Fiendwing Divine Realm to repay!"

Just then, Liu Zhanyi, sensing his aura, hurried over and reported, "Young Master, Imperial Son Meng Jianze invites you to his residence as a guest. He says he wishes to apologize for the offense committed during the ceremony that day."

"A joke!" Yun Che scoffed. "He wants to apologize, but doesn't come himself? Instead, he asks me to go to him? Tell him to get lost."

Liu Zhanyi quickly explained, "It's not that Imperial Son Jianze is being impolite. He was punished by the Divine Venerable and confined to his residence for half a year, unable to leave. That's why he sent someone to invite you. Lately, he has sent someone every day, and each time, they wait for two full hours."

Liu Zhanyi turned her gaze and gestured towards outside the hall. "Imperial Son Jianze's messenger arrived an hour ago and is still waiting outside the hall."

Yun Che waved his hand dismissively. "Tell him to..."

His eyes suddenly narrowed, and he instantly changed his tone. "Tell him to go back and inform his master that I will arrive in an hour."

He spent a little while in the kitchen, preparing several pastries that were decent in appearance but excellent in color and taste. He then personally delivered them to the Dreamless Pavilion, coaxing Meng Kongchan to eagerly devour them and praise them highly.

After maintaining his "father-son bond," Yun Che leisurely made his way to Imperial Son Meng Jianze's residence.

Yun Che had a feeling this guy was about to give him a big gift.

Having received the message, Meng Jianze was already waiting there early. As soon as Yun Che stepped in, he approached with a face full of smiles. "Jianze respectfully welcomes the Abyssal Divine Son. It is Jianze's great fortune that the Abyssal Divine Son would honor us with his presence; even my humble residence shines brighter because of it."

His current demeanor showed no trace of the disdain and arrogance he displayed that day. When he spoke, he even bent at the waist several times.

Yun Che's gaze swept over his face, and he said with a faint, unreadable smile, "During the ceremony that day, I openly rejected the title of Divine Son. Currently, the only Divine Son of the Dreamweaving Divine Kingdom is Divine Son Jianxi. You, as the publicly known foremost loyal retainer of the Divine Son, call me, an outsider by surname, Divine Son. Are you not afraid that Divine Son Jianxi will learn of this and a rift will form between you?"

Although he was mentally prepared, upon hearing such direct and unpleasant words, a flicker of hesitation unconsciously appeared in Meng Jianze's eyes. Then, his smile undiminished, he said, "Though the Abyssal Divine Son rejected the title of Divine Son, now, let alone the Dreamweaving Divine Kingdom, who in the entire world does not know the name 'Abyssal Divine Son'?"

His words were no exaggeration. Within these mere ten days, the news of a perfect divine core reappearing in the Abyssal world had already spread throughout the Six Divine Kingdoms and every corner of the Abyss. The Pure Land must have also received the news early.

The former Divine Son of the Dreamweaving Divine Kingdom, Meng Jianxi, his glory as Divine Son had already faded far too much in the eyes of the world.

Having spoken, Meng Jianze bowed with utmost solemnity, adopting the humblest posture. "That day, Jianze was blind and foolish, offending the Abyssal Divine Son with many words, and his reckless attack nearly harmed him. Although I have already been punished by my Father God, my inability to personally apologize to the Abyssal Divine Son has left me with persistent anxiety, unable to eat or sleep peacefully."

Yun Che did not reach out to help him up, but instead wore a harmless smile. "Seeing Imperial Son Jianze's demeanor, I assume this isn't merely an apology in words. Perhaps, you've prepared some gift of atonement?"

Yun Che's direct mention clearly startled Meng Jianze for a moment. Then he quickly said, "Of course! If I can receive the Abyssal Divine Son's magnanimity, Jianze is willing to pay any price."

He turned his body and made a welcoming gesture. "Please, Abyssal Divine Son, enter the hall. Jianze will surely give the Abyssal Divine Son a satisfying surprise."