Chapter 2101: Pure Land Sanctions

Divine Sovereign Wumeng, who had just advised Yun Che not to "treat himself harshly," was now smiling broadly, his face alight with such intense joy that everyone in the Divine Son Hall could clearly perceive it. Clearly, he was deeply invested in Meng Jianyuan's growth.

Yun Che stepped forward and asked, "Divine Sovereign, have you come today with important instructions?"

Meng Kongchan stopped his loud laughter, yet his face remained wreathed in smiles. "It's not really an important matter. Your future father-in-law and I are planning to meet in Senluo. Would you be interested in joining your father? You've been back for a year now, and I haven't yet taken you to visit the major divine kingdoms."

Yun Che thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Though my reputation precedes me, my cultivation is still too shallow. It's not suitable for me to appear frequently in public. In just two short years, I will accompany the Divine Sovereign to the legendary Pure Land. Even though I am not a Divine Son, common lore already names me the Weaving Dream Divine Son, destined to replace Divine Son Xi. Therefore, I must devote myself entirely to improving my cultivation and ensure I never bring shame upon the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom."

"Not a single moment of these two short years before reaching the Pure Land can be wasted."

Yun Che's words and earnest expression stirred a flicker of emotion in Meng Kongchan's eyes. He nodded slightly, his heart filled with immense satisfaction, for Yun Che's words indicated that he was gradually aligning himself with the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom, seeing its glory as his own.

"With your perfect divine spirit, no one would dare to look down on you, no matter how low your cultivation might be. Furthermore, you are still young; even for a Divine Son, your current cultivation level could hardly be called 'lowly.'"

As Meng Kongchan's voice trailed off, the resolve in Yun Che's eyes remained unshaken. Meng Kongchan ceased his persuasion and instead said, "If that's your decision, then not going to the Senluo Divine Kingdom is fine. When you eventually surpass Dian Jiuzhi, you can visit as a solitary, proud guest. Speaking of which, how is your progress with the 'Weaving Dream Divine Canon'?"

At the mention of the "Weaving Dream Divine Canon," Yun Che's expression visibly darkened. He let out a soft sigh, then, holding out a scroll wreathed in a rich silver glow, he pushed it towards Meng Kongchan. "Divine Sovereign, please take back this Weaving Dream Divine Canon for now."

Meng Kongchan remained still, his brow slightly furrowed. "Why?"

With an expression of shame, Yun Che explained, "Throughout this year, besides my other cultivation, I have never neglected studying the Weaving Dream Divine Canon. However, soul cultivation demands meticulous soul concentration. Yet, whenever I practice, my mind is always restless, and my progress is extremely slow. In an entire year, I've only just managed to complete the first realm, 'Splendid Dream Youth.'"

As he finished speaking, a faint silver glow flickered in his eyes before vanishing.

He continued, "I imagine it's because I still can't recall being Meng Jianyuan, which leaves my soul incomplete and hinders my progress."

Meng Kongchan chuckled. "Only a divine soul unique to our Meng clan can cultivate the Weaving Dream Divine Canon. Your ability to enter the first realm is already sufficient proof that you are Meng Jianyuan. Embracing this understanding might even bridge the gap in your soul's self-awareness."

Yun Che shook his head again. "What my master taught me, I still understand less than one-tenth of it. It's truly not the time to be distracted by other matters. Please, Divine Sovereign, take back the Divine Canon for now. Once my self-awareness is complete, I will certainly ask for it again."

"Since you insist, so be it." Meng Kongchan said no more, taking the Weaving Dream Divine Canon back into his hands. "I hope that one day, I can hear the story of your master from you."

"Yes, that day will surely come," Yun Che said with a faint smile, then naturally changed the subject. "The Weaving Dream Divine Canon states that its highest realm is called 'Strange Dream Ephemeral Flower.' I wonder how many people in the Weaving Dream Divine Kingdom have achieved this realm?"

"Only I have," Meng Kongchan replied with a smile.

Yun Che was speechless.

"'Strange Dream Ephemeral Flower,' though also a power of fallen dreams, exerts no soul pressure when cast and causes no harm to the soul. In other words, it is completely non-aggressive."

Meng Kongchan raised his gaze slightly, his calm eyes seeming to hold a vastness like heaven and earth. "It is the highest realm of dream power within my Meng clan. When cast, it can effortlessly erase an opponent's soul defenses. Once an opponent falls into 'Strange Dream Ephemeral Flower,' any other soul power can then be cast with effortless success."

"And because it's completely non-aggressive, even if it fails, there will be no soul backlash whatsoever."

"Oh... the power of fallen dreams can be so miraculous," Yun Che murmured, somewhat stunned, and then nodded with a hint of longing.

Meng Kongchan smiled. "Yuan'er, I believe that with your talent and comprehension, you will surely reach my realm one day. Until then, feel free to do as you wish. Should you suddenly decide to wholeheartedly cultivate the Weaving Dream Divine Canon, your father will personally instruct you."

"Good!" Yun Che responded emphatically, then asked, "Since Divine Sovereign Huaxin invited you to the Senluo Divine Kingdom, did he mention Cai Li...?"

"Hahahaha!" Meng Kongchan burst into laughter again, his gaze turning knowing. "I knew you would ask! Unfortunately, she's still within the Seven Star Folding Heaven Formation; that girl is even more dedicated than you. I will inform you as soon as she breaks through the formation. However, your future father-in-law has long lost the fearless courage he once had. With his current timid demeanor, I'm afraid even after she emerges, he won't let you two meet for a while."

Yun Che quickly replied, "Divine Sovereign Huaxin is truly thoughtful and farsighted. Cai Li and I both understand his difficulties and painstaking efforts."

"His 'difficulties' are nonsense," Meng Kongchan declared with a dismissive wave of his hand. "That Dian Jiuzhi, with his mere nine-tenths divine spirit—in terms of appearance, divine spirit, courage, or... the ability to charm women, who could ever compare to my Yuan'er! Clearly, it was Hua Fuchen who got an immense bargain."

Without waiting for Yun Che's reply, he strode away. "I'll go talk to him first. Shou Yuan, ensure Yuan'er's safety; don't relax for even a moment."

***

In just these few short days, the Xuanmo Realm saw more people entering and exiting than in the previous several months combined. Although clearly close to the Mist Sea, the Abyssal Dust here had become exceptionally thin, so much so that it almost didn't require the extremely costly isolation barrier. Xuanmo Realm King Mo Xifeng had indeed done so: he directly removed the isolation barrier, offering everyone an incredibly direct and tangible display of the Mist Emperor's blessings.

Legends of the Mist Emperor had long been spreading with increasing intensity. Yet, the Mist Sea was vast and practitioners countless, so those who genuinely encountered the Mist Emperor and received his blessings were but a drop in the ocean. For those who hadn't experienced it firsthand, it remained merely a legend, something entirely beyond their comprehension. No matter how vividly it was described, hearing it would always feel absurd and ridiculous. However, what truly accompanied this legend was the genuine and palpable thinning of Abyssal Dust in Xuanmo City.

Now, the small Xuanmo Realm was flooded with millions of practitioners. They had followed the rumors and were all astonished by what they found. Among them, a large number of practitioners had come to visit Mo Xifeng.

"Xuanmo Realm King, I beg you to summon the Mist Emperor! My younger brother has been suffering from Abyssal Corrosion for seven full days; any later and... if the legend is true, only the Mist Emperor can save him!"

The news that the Mist Emperor had bestowed upon Mo Xifeng an Abyssal Stone for audience naturally spread far and wide. In just a few days, too many people had made the same desperate plea to him.

"I am powerless to help," Mo Xifeng refused mechanically, his voice clearly conveying helplessness. "Take your brother to the Mist Sea. If your sincerity is profound enough, perhaps you may receive the Mist Emperor's presence."

"No! Xuanmo Realm King, I will hand over all my Abyssal Crystals..."

"I have other urgent matters and cannot receive you," Mo Xifeng said, turning to leave. "Announce that no more guests will be seen today, no matter who they are, no one is to..."

Just then, Mo Qianyou hurried in, urgently announcing, "Father! Important guests have arrived..."

"I just said," Mo Xifeng waved dismissively, "no one will be seen today."

Mo Qianyou glanced around and then whispered, "They are esteemed guests from the Pure Land."

The moment the words "esteemed guests from the Pure Land" were uttered, the bustling hall instantly fell silent. Even those on their knees pleading ceased their lamentations, as if they had heard an inviolable divine decree.

Mo Xifeng's body spun around instantly, his face showing alarm, and he hastily rushed out. "Quick! Come with me to greet them!"

Stepping out of the hall, Mo Xifeng immediately spotted the white figure. He wore silver-white light armor, and his calm eyes held a faint, imposing glow. Just by standing there quietly, an invisible majesty seemed to envelop the entire world, quelling all unrest and evil.

Mo Xifeng immediately lowered his head, stepped forward, and bowed deeply. "Xuanmo Realm King Mo Xifeng respectfully welcomes the esteemed Abyss Knight."

Bai Yu spoke indifferently, "Abyss Knight One Hundred Seventy-Second, 'Pale Blade' Bai Yu."

Mo Xifeng's heart jolted violently. No wonder such terrifying pressure—it was an Abyss Knight ranked among the top two hundred! This rank corresponded to a cultivation level of... Divine Extinction Realm, Level Seven!

Mo Xifeng immediately bowed even lower, respectfully and fearfully asking, "May I ask what important matter brings the esteemed Knight Lord to this place?"

Bai Yu replied, "There is indeed an important matter that requires a small favor from you, Xuanmo Realm King."

Mo Xifeng's heart sank. He had a vague idea what this might be about, but he could only brace himself and reply, "If I am fortunate enough to be of service to the Knight Lord, everyone in my Xuanmo Realm will spare no effort."

"That's good then," Bai Yu nodded, stating directly, "It is rumored that five days ago, that criminal who calls himself 'Mist Emperor' gave you an Abyssal Stone that can summon him. Is this true?"

"There is indeed... such a matter," Mo Xifeng replied, his voice beginning to sound strained.

Bai Yu commanded, "Very good. Immediately follow us into the Mist Sea and summon that criminal. His blasphemy against the Abyssal Emperor and his deception of people's hearts—his tricks and his sins—shall end today."

Who would dare defy the Pure Land's command?

Mo Xifeng, however, did not respond immediately. He gritted his teeth and finally said, "Knight Lord, the Mist... his self-proclaimed name, though a sin of blasphemy, he has ultimately shown great kindness to my Xuanmo Realm. That Abyssal Stone was a blessing he granted after his benevolence. Aside from these blessings, he has never made any demands of my Xuanmo Realm, let alone committed any sins. How could I... Mo Xifeng... repay kindness with hostility...?"

After he finished speaking, everyone in the Xuanmo Realm turned deathly pale.

Bai Yu's gaze suddenly turned cold. "Are you defying the Pure Land's command?"

Mo Xifeng looked up, his gaze falling upon his closest kin and fellow disciples, whose faces were all paler than the last. He could only lower his head again, his voice hoarse. "I dare not. If the Knight Lord commands, Mo Xifeng will naturally obey."

The rigid coldness in the air slightly eased. Bai Yu turned and slowly walked toward the Mist Sea. "Xuanmo Realm King, be careful not to bestow kindness and loyalty upon the wrong person. Rest assured, the Pure Land never forgets anyone's contributions."

Mo Xifeng looked to his side and signaled with his eyes for everyone to stay, then followed Bai Yu alone.

However, all the practitioners present in the Xuanmo Realm were alarmed. They all put down what they were doing and followed from a distance. The rumors about the Mist Emperor had finally reached the Pure Land, prompting it to launch its sanctions against him. This was a heaven-sent opportunity; how could they not witness it firsthand?

Unnoticed by anyone, in a remote, hidden corner, a man of unremarkable attire and appearance slowly vanished from his spot.

In the shallows of the Mist Sea, Yun Che's figure slowly emerged from the void.

"Roughly as I expected," Yun Che murmured to himself. "An Abyss Knight ranked one hundred seventy-second, plus seven accompanying knights."

He closed his eyes and fell into thought.

"Is something wrong?" asked Lishuo.

Yun Che did not reply immediately. A moment later, he opened his eyes and murmured, "An oriole behind the mantis!?"

Lishuo frowned in confusion.

"I've spent a year building up this momentum, only now releasing such a rare, once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. The Pure Land couldn't possibly send just one Abyss Knight. In my estimation, there should be at least three high-ranking Abyss Knights."

"But I haven't detected anyone else's presence at all. Unless it's..."

A Divine Master Realm expert!

Sensing the tremor in Yun Che's soul, Lishuo said, "If the situation is untenable, you should temporarily withdraw and wait for the next opportunity. As long as you remain hidden in the Mist Sea, no one can easily detect your presence, so there's no need to put yourself at risk."

Yun Che frowned, then let out a faint, cold laugh. "Great risks are often accompanied by equally great rewards."

"It seems I need to slightly adjust my plan. If there truly is a Divine Master Realm expert secretly lying in wait, to minimize risk, I cannot use my true body."

He extended an arm, and colorless profound energy shot forth, vanishing into the churning Abyssal Mist. Then, above the Abyssal Mist, those two bizarre gray eyes, belonging to the Mist Emperor, opened.

"If it's a Divine Master Realm expert, the maximum range for controlling profound energy is still within the danger zone... In that case, I'll have to use my trump card directly."

Yun Che's gaze turned to the edge of the Mist Sea. His true body faded into the Abyssal Dust in the distance, becoming invisible, leaving behind only a faint murmur: "I hope your visit brings this Emperor enough surprises!"