Chapter 2096: Bowing Down

"No, impossible! Something must be wrong!" Dream Jiansa shrieked. "How could it be with His Highness? It must be a mistake!"

"A mistake?" Dream Kongchan scoffed, causing everyone's hearts to tremble. With a grab of his hand, the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade rose from its jade box. Guided by Dream Kongchan's soul power, the character "Xi" slowly and clearly appeared on its base.

The soul imprint personally inscribed by the Sleepless God Venerable could not be faked! This undeniably proved that this Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade was precisely the one Dream Kongchan had bestowed upon Dream Jianxi years ago; there was no other possibility.

"Oh," Yun Che suddenly realized. "So, it was a grand play of embezzlement staged jointly by Divine Son Xi and Imperial Son Jiansa. To cause such a stir throughout the city with such an unsightly spectacle, and to even forcibly alarm the Grand Hall Master and the Nine Dream Masters, truly broadens my horizons and fills me with admiration."

The Nine Dream Masters exchanged bewildered glances, each seeing the overlapping astonishment and confusion on the others' faces.

Dream Jianxi forced himself to remain calm. He looked directly into Dream Kongchan's eyes and pleaded earnestly, "Father God, ever since you bestowed the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade upon me, I have several times nearly succumbed to the urge to use it prematurely. Therefore, I chose to entrust it to my mother, instructing her to return it to me only when I reached the peak of the fourth level of the God Extinction Realm."

"So, for all these years, the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade has not been with me. As for why it was with Jiansa, I have absolutely no idea. And for it to appear in my residence this time, it's even more..."

He wanted to say it was impossible. But since Dream Kongchan had located it using a soul imprint, how could it be false, and how could it be questioned? For the first time in his life, he truly understood what it meant to be unable to clear one's name. He could only swear by his title as Divine Son: "Father God, Dream Masters, although Jianxi has many shortcomings, for all these years, I have always regarded the title of 'Divine Son' as the highest honor and would never dare to do anything to tarnish that name, much less employ such a despicable scheme against Brother Yuan."

"Therefore, I implore Father God and the Dream Masters to see clearly; Jianxi... truly knows nothing about this."

"Exactly!" Dream Zangji immediately spoke, but his tone lacked its former certainty and confidence. "Venerable Master, Jianxi is the Divine Son you personally appointed. No one in this world understands his character and conduct better than you."

"Jianxi and Jianyuan are the most outstanding young people in our Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom. Their competition is inherently a good thing. But embezzlement and framing Dream Jianyuan... that's absolutely not something Jianxi would do."

He suddenly spun around and roared at Dream Jiansa, "Jiansa, was this your doing? Speak! Tell us everything, every single detail!"

Previously, Dream Jiansa had transmitted a message to him, confidently asserting his absolute certainty that Dream Jianyuan had stolen the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade, which had made Dream Zangji feel very confident from the start, believing he could secure a victory for Dream Jianxi... Now, he wished he could twist Dream Jiansa's head off with one hand.

The bizarre turn of events nearly shattered Dream Jiansa's mind; he wanted to know what had happened more than anyone. Under Dream Zangji's outburst and fury, he trembled all over, only able to desperately push all blame onto Yun Che: "This has nothing to do with His Highness Divine Son. Dream Jianyuan really did steal the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade... truly... truly... Father God, you must believe me! If I speak even half a lie, let me be eternally devoured by the Abyssal Dust!"

He had clearly seen Yun Che hastily leave after taking the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade; everything had seemed like a confirmed certainty. Even if he racked his brain, even if the Sleepless God Venerable himself said it, he still couldn't believe why that Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade had appeared in Divine Son Xi's residence. To prove his innocence, he didn't hesitate to utter such a cruel oath. Then, his chaotic mind seemed to grasp something, and he shrieked, "It was Dream Jianyuan! Dream Jianyuan must have stolen the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade and then secretly placed it in His Highness Divine Son's residence! It must be!"

Dream Kongchan cast a sidelong glance at him and quietly ordered, "Shouyuan."

Dream Shouyuan's figure silently glided forth, bowing beside Dream Kongchan.

Dream Kongchan asked indifferently, "Tell me, did Yuan'er go anywhere else after leaving Jiansa's place?"

Dream Shouyuan replied with an emotionless voice, "After leaving the hall today, the Young Master went to the Sleepless Pavilion where the Venerable Master resides, then, at Imperial Son Jiansa's invitation, entered his residence, leaving after a quarter of an hour. After that, he returned directly to the Divine Son's Palace and rested in his sleeping quarters until he was disturbed."

Dream Jiansa was stunned once more.

"Laisheng," Dream Kongchan called out again.

Lu Laisheng immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"After Yuan'er returned to the palace, did he leave again?"

Lu Laisheng answered without hesitation, "To the God Venerable, after the Young Master returned, he rested in his sleeping quarters and did not leave for even half a step. All guards, stewards, and servants in the palace can testify to this." He glanced at Dream Jiansa and added, "If the Venerable Master, Dream Masters, or Divine Son Xi still have doubts, they may select any guard or servant to undergo a Dreamfall."

With everything said, there was no need for a Dreamfall.

Dream Kongchan stared at the distraught Dream Jiansa: "Jiansa, Jianxi, tell me, if Yuan'er truly took this Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade, how would he, from within his own sleeping quarters, silently place it into Jianxi's residence?"

Dream Jianxi could not answer.

Dream Jiansa's body slowly sagged like mud; he was half-paralyzed, his eyes vacant and bewildered, continuously muttering, "Impossible... impossible... im... possible..."

Under these "conclusive" facts, he had followed Meng Xuanjue's orders to blow the matter up, all to regain Dream Jianxi's lost prestige in front of as many people as possible. But now, under such a grand spectacle, what was revealed was clearly his and Dream Jianxi's joint scheme to frame Dream Jianyuan, with the evidence being so unassailable... All the words he had previously spoken, all the evidence he had presented, had instead become irrefutable proof of his own guilt.

"Jiansa, this is undeniable proof," Dream Chaoyang said calmly. "To frame Divine Son Yuan in front of the Venerable Master and us, I never knew you had such audacity." He glanced at Dream Jianxi: "Divine Son Xi, since he is your subordinate, you should know how to handle him. And you had better... have absolutely no connection to this matter."

Dream Jianxi slowly closed his eyes, his voice filled with pain: "The Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade came from my possession and was found in my residence; I know I cannot separate myself from today's events. I implore Father God, Brother Yuan, and all the Dream Masters to grant Jianxi some time. Jianxi will certainly investigate everything regarding this matter thoroughly, and if I cannot, I will willingly accept any punishment."

Dream Kongchan turned around and said in a deep voice, "As masters of the Dream Palace, to personally come here for such a trivial and unpleasant matter, you have truly become more promising."

All nine Dream Masters bowed their heads in unison. Given the rivalry between Divine Son Xi and Divine Son Yuan, during such a sensitive period, how could they resist coming to witness it themselves? And this time, they had certainly not come in vain. The sheer amount of Abyssal Crystals displayed by Dream Jianyuan alone had left their souls trembling and unsettled, making them all realize that no matter how much they had overestimated him before, they had still completely misjudged Dream Jianyuan.

"All of you, withdraw," Dream Kongchan commanded. "This matter is not for your Dream Palace to interfere with."

The Dream Masters assented one by one, and then, including Dream Zangji, all departed. Before leaving, their gazes towards Dream Jianxi and Dream Jianyuan were exceedingly complex.

Once the Dream Masters left, Dream Jianxi suddenly moved forward and knelt heavily on the ground: "Father God, today's matter truly has nothing to do with your son."

"I know," Dream Kongchan replied indifferently.

Dream Jianxi sharply looked up, yet no joy arose in his heart. The look Dream Kongchan gave him was far more terrifying than anger... it was disappointment.

"Do you know why you did nothing, yet suffered complete defeat?"

Dream Kongchan stared at him: "Managing subordinates is an essential ability for those in power, but it is also a double-edged sword. You trusted Jiansa too much, allowing him to gradually develop his own 'opinions' based on his self-importance. Your excessive reliance on your maternal clan also inevitably makes you beholden to them. Can you truly not guess whose doing today's incident was?"

Dream Jianxi's face gradually paled, but he could not, for the life of him, utter that name.

"You indeed did nothing, but this matter arose because of you and for you, so you cannot escape responsibility."

Dream Kongchan pushed a finger, and the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade, which had originally belonged to Dream Jianxi, slowly floated towards Yun Che. When it landed in Yun Che's hand, even the "Xi" character soul imprint on it was completely erased.

"This Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade will be given to Yuan'er as compensation. Do you have any objections?"

Although it was a question, once the God Venerable's words were spoken, how could there be any possibility of change?

Dream Jianxi's face was ashen, but he still managed to maintain a composed demeanor: "Father God's teachings, your son will bear in mind. If this Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade can soothe the grievances suffered by Brother Yuan, your son is willing."

"Very well," Dream Kongchan acknowledged, then gave a slight nod to Yun Che, not sparing a glance for the slumped Dream Jiansa, and turned to leave.

In Yun Che's ear, Dream Kongchan's voice resonated: "Yuan'er, how did you do it?"

"As expected, it couldn't escape the God Venerable's eyes," Yun Che replied without embarrassment, vaguely stating, "Just a few spatial tricks."

Dream Kongchan said, "In Jianxi's residence, there are many strong guards, one of whom is not much inferior to Shouyuan. What 'spatial tricks' could possibly evade their spiritual senses and leave no flaws throughout? It seems you've hidden quite a few 'trump cards'."

"That day, when your aunt suddenly made a move, I suppose she also didn't want you to expose the upper limits of your strength... Very good."

There was no blame in his words, but rather relief. Just as Yun Che was about to speak, Dream Kongchan seemed to anticipate him, continuing, "By displaying so many unique Abyssal Crystals today, you have greatly startled Dream Zangji and the Nine Dream Masters, and it will undoubtedly significantly influence their inclinations. That's enough. Keep your other trump cards completely hidden; do not reveal them easily... even to me."

The departing Dream Kongchan turned his head slightly, smiled faintly at Yun Che, and his figure blurred into nothingness.

Yun Che felt a fleeting tremor in his heart... He had already prepared sufficient explanations, but Dream Kongchan hadn't pressed him. Not pressing him was undoubtedly a sign of immense tolerance and trust.

As Dream Kongchan and the Dream Masters departed, the invisible pressure filling the space also dissipated. Dream Jiansa seemed to slowly regain his soul; his eyes trembled, and he crawled on his knees to Dream Jianxi's side: "Your Highness Divine Son, I didn't lie! I clearly saw Dream Jianyuan take..."

Bang!!

Dream Jianxi unleashed a fierce kick, sending Dream Jiansa flying over a hundred yards, crashing heavily against the palace wall. How terrifying was that kick delivered in a fit of rage? Where Dream Jiansa flew, even the ground was gouged into a deep trench, and countless cracks appeared on the palace wall. Dream Jiansa twitched upon landing and then became motionless... The overly violent and bizarre impact had already thrown his mind into chaos, and with that kick, he directly fainted.

After glaring at the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade in Yun Che's hand, Dream Jianxi forcibly averted his gaze, gritting his teeth slightly: "Dream Jianyuan, no matter what you think, I'll only say this once: this matter has nothing to do with me!"

"I know," Yun Che said with a faint smile, toying with the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade that had originally belonged to Dream Jianxi.

Dream Jianxi's body stiffened slightly. In an instant, he reacted, sharply turning his head, his gaze fixed on Yun Che: "Could it be... so, you deliberately took it and then silently placed it in my residence?"

"Of course," Yun Che's smile deepened. "What? Can't believe it?"

"..." Dream Jianxi remained silent for a long time, only his breathing growing heavier. Suddenly, he shook his head: "How, exactly, did you do it?"

"Good question." Yun Che's expression gradually turned playful. "How all this was achieved is beyond your wildest imagination, yet I can do it; what you consider a divine artifact, the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade, is to me merely a handful of illuminating stones."

"So, do you understand the difference between us?"

Dream Jianxi's eyes flickered wildly, but he had no words to retort.

Yun Che casually fiddled with the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade and said dismissively, "You are, after all, the Divine Son of Weaving Dream; you wouldn't stoop to such methods just to target me. This kind of scheme seems more like the work of a woman consumed by anxiety and who has lost her composure. Hmm..."

Yun Che feigned contemplation, then slowly continued, "Divine Son Xi also just mentioned that this Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade has been in your mother's safekeeping all these years. Why would the Divine Empress be so eager to target me... This makes me wonder if the calamity Dream Jianyuan suffered a century ago might be related to the Divine Empress?"

Dream Jianxi's expression remained unchanged, but his soul was rocked by immense waves.

Yun Che subtly glanced at Dream Jianxi, then suddenly chuckled softly, "A normal person, upon hearing their mother so slandered, would instinctively lash out in anger, yet Divine Son Xi forces himself to remain so calm. It seems my guess is not only correct, but Divine Son Xi has also known about this matter for a long time."

Dream Jianxi's heart trembled again, and his face showed anger: "Dream Jianyuan! My mother is the current Weaving Dream Divine Empress; how dare you slander her so wantonly!"

Yun Che smiled. "Divine Son Xi, there's no need to be nervous. It's just a guess. How would I dare spread rumors without substantial evidence? However, Divine Son Xi, you'd best worry more about yourself these days. After all, this matter has been blown up so significantly that once the truth comes out, the backlash will be equally immense. This might be quite a blow to Divine Son Xi's reputation and standing."

"Especially the nine masters of the Dream Palace; judging by their reactions and gazes just now, after today, your standing and mine in their hearts will likely be re-evaluated."

"Given this..." The smile on Yun Che's face vanished instantly, his eyes gradually deepening like a black abyss: "Dream Jianxi, do you truly still wish to contend with me?"

As the Divine Son of Weaving Dream, he could not afford to show any weakness in his aura. His brows furrowed, and he was about to retaliate, but as his gaze suddenly met Yun Che's, the words he was about to utter instantly retreated into his throat.

It was an overwhelming and palpable sense of being looked down upon, of being scorned... His pupils were filled with Yun Che's face, yet in Yun Che's pupils, there was not the slightest reflection of him. At this moment, he felt so clearly that he had never once been truly acknowledged by him. Suddenly, he seemed to lose all his strength; the aura he had just mustered instantly collapsed, and his body swayed, feeling utterly drained.

Yun Che no longer looked at him, his voice cold and imposing: "Dream Jianxi, what belongs to you, no one can take away. What does not belong to you, if you forcefully pursue it, you are digging your own grave. I am not a patient person."

"In life, choices are often far more important than effort. With everything you possess, if you make the right choice, in the future of the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom, you will certainly become the second most powerful person, second only to me."

"But if you deem yourself arrogant and unyielding, determined to fight... I will admire you greatly, then crush you into mud from which you can never recover, making you a hard bone that rots forever and can be trampled by everyone."

Dream Jianxi watched Yun Che's profile, his lips trembling uncontrollably. Such words should have been a threat. However, spoken from Yun Che's mouth and reaching his ears... they seemed merely to be a simple statement of a reality that could be easily achieved with a casual flick of the wrist.

Finally, he made a sound: "You... what exactly..." After only three words, he could not continue. His soul was too violently agitated, so confused that he suddenly couldn't recall what he wanted to ask.

Yun Che turned around and walked unhurriedly back into the Divine Son's Palace. As he stepped through the door, he flicked his finger, and the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade, trailing a wisp of light, flew directly towards Dream Jianxi. Dream Jianxi subconsciously caught it, remaining in a daze for a long time.

"I'm not used to using other people's things. Here, take it back."

His words were casual and nonchalant, as if he were truly just tossing back an ordinary, unremarkable illuminating stone. As a unique Abyssal Crystal, if others wished to obtain even one, they would not only have to delve deep into the Mist Sea and hunt countless Abyssal Beasts but also rely on immense luck to have even a tiny chance of acquiring one. As for Yun Che, he knew instantly which Abyssal Beast had condensed an unique Abyssal Crystal with a mere sweep of his divine sense, then he could simply retrieve it. Even so, he had only found seven such Heaven's Revelation Divine Jades in total. Their rarity in the Mist Sea and the Abyssal World was evident.

Holding the Heaven's Revelation Divine Jade in both hands, Dream Jianxi remained stunned for a while before turning around blankly. But the moment his body turned, a certain key point in his soul, which he had never dared to touch, seemed to suddenly open...

He abruptly turned back: "Wait!"

"Hmm?" Yun Che glanced back slightly.

The moment the cry escaped his lips, his chaotic soul sea instantly cleared. He looked at Dream Jianyuan and said each word distinctly, "As long as you spare my mother, I, Dream Jianxi... am willing to serve beneath you and assist you as the esteemed one!"

Uttering these words was not as difficult as he had anticipated. If it were merely about being surpassed by a strong rival, he would never have easily submitted. But... the sense of powerlessness Yun Che instilled in him was simply too overwhelming, so strong that it easily extinguished all his resentment.

Yun Che showed no reaction, only saying calmly, "Organize your intelligence network; I'll be using it soon."

"Laisheng, see them out."

The palace doors closed, cutting off Dream Jianxi's view of Yun Che, and at the same time, severing his previously destined path.

***

Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range.

"How is Wangchu's progress?"

The Dragon Lord's voice was tinged with weakness; he seemed to have grown even older.

Long Chixin shook his head. "Barely satisfactory."

"Sigh," the Dragon Lord sighed softly. "Never mind. If Wangchu can achieve the God Extinction Realm within six hundred years, my wish will be fulfilled... What is Long Xi's current activity?"

Long Chixin instinctively lowered his voice. "She is still fully dedicated to searching for the Original Flaming Crystal."