Chapter 299: Soul Sorrow

"Come, try releasing your Profound Handle," Yun Canghai said with a cheerful smile. "When your Profound Handle awakened, you should have naturally understood how to use it."

Yun Che nodded. Indeed, when his Profound Handle awakened, a spiritual connection had formed within his mind—a connection to the Profound Handle. It felt less like a new power and more like a new organ growing within his body. With a casual thought, a faint red light flickered on his left arm, and a streak of crimson energy silently shot out, hovering before him. Guided by his will, it transformed into the shape of his Dragon Fault sword—identical in appearance, save for its color.

Looking at the Profound Handle before him, Yun Che felt an indescribable excitement well up in his heart, even though its power aura was far from comparable to his grandfather's. Seeing his gaze, Yun Canghai smiled contentedly. "Trust your instincts. It's not just your power; it's a part of your body and soul. Although it's the lowest-grade Profound Handle, scarlet has its own advantages. The power of a Profound Handle originates from its owner, so releasing it will consume profound energy and mental strength. The stronger the Profound Handle, the greater the consumption. A scarlet Profound Handle comes with the minimal consumption."

Yun Canghai's words were, of course, merely comfort. For the lowest-grade scarlet Profound Handle, this so-called "advantage" was utterly laughable. The scarlet Profound Handle began to morph under Yun Che's will, at times a sword, at times a spear, then transforming into a long ribbon, even shifting into the shape of a leaf, a water droplet, or even a human figure. Yun Canghai continued, "A Profound Handle isn't just a special energy form; it can also be a pure soul body, capable of spiritual intrusion and soul attacks on enemies."

"Soul attacks?" Yun Che was surprised. He quickly focused his mind, and immediately, his Profound Handle rapidly faded, eventually becoming invisible, transforming into a pure soul body.

The power and wonder of the Profound Handle once again exceeded Yun Che's expectations. His mind stirred, as if he had realized something.

"Heheheh..." Yun Canghai continuously nodded and smiled as he watched Yun Che excitedly manipulate his newly awakened Profound Handle, recalling his own youth when he first awakened his. As he smiled, his vision gradually blurred. He had once been so powerful and arrogant, looking down on everything. In the Illusory Demon Realm, he was a "King" second only to the "Emperor." Now, he was wretched and destitute, having caused his son to risk his life for him, his fate unknown, and unintentionally dragging his grandson into this abyss. His grandson was now nineteen, yet he had not fulfilled his duties as a grandfather for even a day. The only thing he could do for him was to expend his own Source Energy to help him awaken his Profound Handle early.

For a hundred years, he had endured loneliness, suffering, and humiliation, yet he had never wished for death. He did not want the crucial item of the Demon Emperor's lineage to be lost, nor did he want to die a worthless death in this place.

Now, with that vital item entrusted to his grandson, his crippled life could finally end meaningfully.

"Che'er, come here."

Yun Che retracted his Profound Handle and approached Yun Canghai.

"Years ago, when I left the Illusory Demon Realm in search of the Demon Emperor, I handed the Patriarch's token to your father. But there was a huge secret I didn't tell him. This secret is known only to the Demon Emperor's lineage and my Yun family, passed down orally from one Demon Emperor and Yun family Patriarch to the next, with no one else knowing. If the Demon Emperor has truly fallen, then I am the only one left in the world who knows this secret. Trapped here, I can't possibly see the light of day again. This secret, I can only pass on to you... Che'er, lean closer."

In this place, only the grandfather and grandson were present, making it impossible for anyone else to overhear them. Yet, Yun Canghai remained so cautious, underscoring the secret's immense importance. Yun Che said nothing more, merely leaning his ear closer as instructed. Yun Canghai then whispered something to him in a very soft voice.

"Ah? Is this true?" After hearing Yun Canghai's words, Yun Che's face showed deep shock.

"This matter concerns the future of the entire Illusory Demon Realm. You must engrave it in your memory and inform the Little Demon Empress, who now rules the Illusory Demon Realm. And by no means let anyone else know of it."

Yun Che nodded. "Grandfather, I've committed all your words to memory. And please, don't be too pessimistic. We will surely find a way out. I will guard this secret you've told me, but informing the Little Demon Empress doesn't necessarily need to be my task. It would be best if you told her yourself."

"Hahahaha!" Yun Canghai laughed with relief. "Hearing you say these things makes me so happy. My Yun family owes you nineteen years, and I even caused you to be trapped here, yet you show not a hint of resentment. Not only are you willing to acknowledge me as your grandfather, but you also consider my well-being in everything... To have a grandson like you is a blessing for my Yun family and the greatest compensation from Heaven for my hundred years of suffering. I believe that when you meet your biological parents someday, you won't blame them for not protecting you back then. Although you carry a heavy aura of killing intent, your true nature is exceptionally kind. It seems that Grandfather Xiao, who raised you, must be a benevolent person."

Yun Che nodded gently. "He was... a truly great grandfather."

Yun Canghai looked up, sighing with emotion. "I truly wish I could thank him in person. Living for hundreds of years, I've never felt such gratitude towards anyone... Che'er, remember what I told you before: in the future, you must honor him as you would your own grandfather and repay his kindness for raising you."

Yun Che nodded emphatically.

"Good... I'm tired and need to rest for a while. Go outside the barrier and properly comprehend your newfound Profound Handle. The more you perceive its subtleties, the more you'll discover its infinite wonders," Yun Canghai said, closing his eyes.

"Yes, Grandfather," Yun Che nodded and walked outside the barrier as instructed. Awakening the Profound Handle for him seemed to have consumed a great deal of Yun Canghai's energy; he had been panting while speaking earlier.

Outside the barrier, Yun Che sat down on the ground, closed his eyes, but instead of contemplating his Profound Handle, he pondered how to leave this place.

Yun Canghai was bound to the Sky Punishment Sword by a chain called the "Starfall Chain." Yun Che had tried to attack the Starfall Chain with his Dragon Fault, but he couldn't even cause a tiny scratch, let alone break it.

Jasmine had previously told him that the suppressive power of the Sky Punishment Sword was linked to Yun Canghai's heart and soul. As long as Yun Canghai lived, this suppressive power would persist; conversely, if he died, the suppression would vanish. This was why Yun Che had previously believed he needed to kill Yun Canghai. Now, knowing Yun Canghai was his grandfather, he absolutely could not harm him. So, if he wanted to leave...

Yun Che abruptly opened his eyes, his mind pierced as if by a sudden electric current.

Yun Canghai couldn't possibly have a way to leave this place; otherwise, he wouldn't have been trapped for a hundred years. Besides killing Yun Canghai, Yun Che had no other way out... But just because he couldn't lay a hand on Yun Canghai didn't mean Yun Canghai wouldn't sacrifice himself for Yun Che's freedom!

The Heaven's Might Soul Suppressing Formation had no effect on him, so why did Yun Canghai insist he go outside the barrier to comprehend his Profound Handle?

And those words he had spoken earlier... telling him that monumental secret...

"Grandfather!!"

Yun Che roared, abruptly leaping to his feet and rushing into the barrier. The moment he stepped inside, he froze.

Yun Canghai's head was slumped forward onto his chest. Even with Yun Che's startled cry, there was no reaction. From his body, not a trace of life force could be felt.

"Grandfather... Grandfather!!"

The terrible thought that had suddenly flashed through his mind now abruptly slammed into reality like a nightmare. Yun Che trembled violently, charging forward madly and collapsing before Yun Canghai.

But what responded to him was not Yun Canghai's voice, but the clattering sound of the Starfall Chain falling loose.

The Starfall Chain, which had coiled tightly around Yun Canghai's body, suddenly released its hold completely, falling limply downwards. This was because the Starfall Chain's seal was also connected to the bound individual's heart and soul; when the body perished and the soul was extinguished, the Starfall Chain would automatically loosen.

The oppressive aura of the Sky Punishment Sword also vanished without a trace at that moment. There was no longer any heavy, vast pressure, only the peaceful stillness of a dead sword.

Yun Canghai's body, which had been bound for a full century, finally gained its freedom at this moment. He slowly toppled forward, falling into Yun Che's embrace. Holding his grandfather's body, Yun Che slowly knelt to the ground, staring blankly ahead. There was no sound, no movement, not even tears, as if his soul had momentarily left his body.

"He severed his own heart meridian... I'm not at all surprised he made such a choice," Jasmine said indifferently.

Yun Che said nothing.

Yun Canghai was dead, having severed his own heart meridian, just as Jasmine had said.

He died peacefully, his face serene, a faint smile still playing on his lips—a smile of relief and contentment. This was the only thing that could offer Yun Che comfort... Yet behind that smile, a deep reluctance and lingering concern were silently hidden.

At that moment, Yun Canghai's final voice echoed in Yun Che's ears... the lingering spiritual resonance left before his death:

"Che'er, during this time, I could see that your heart was constantly worried about many people and many things, longing to escape every single moment... I apologize to you, my grandson. This is the last thing your grandfather can do for you. Don't be sad. Although your grandfather is gone, for me, this is a longed-for liberation. To have met you and entrusted to you what I couldn't let go of, your grandfather has no regrets, no lingering worries. I can peacefully and contentedly go to accompany the Demon Emperor... Besides, there is still you, the continuation of your grandfather's life and bloodline."

"Che'er, my good child, your grandfather never truly took care of you in life. In the other world, I will use all my time and strength to pray for you. The Azure Cloud Continent is your home, but the Illusory Demon Realm is your true homeland. Your grandfather hopes that in the future, you can return to the Illusory Demon Realm, return to our Yun family, and let your parents know that you are alive and well in this world... Don't blame your parents. They must have been agonizingly worried about you and missed you for nineteen years... Your grandfather's final wish is not revenge, nor for the Demon Emperor's lineage, but for you all... to be reunited as a family..."

Yun Canghai's last words faded away, and at last, two streams of tears rolled down Yun Che's face. Above his head, wisps of dust rustled down, confirming that the Sky Punishment Sword's suppression had completely vanished. Yet, Yun Che remained motionless for a long time. He held Yun Canghai's body—clutching this blood relative whom he had just recognized only to lose him again—his entire being transformed into a statue of sorrow.

At the same time, in Heavenly Sword Villa.

Ling Jie, having finished his sword practice, returned to his courtyard radiating warmth. Just as he was about to enter his room, a Heavenly Sword disciple in sword-attire rushed in, his footsteps hurried. "Second Young Master!"

"Senior Brother Yun Peng... what's the rush?" Ling Jie turned his head, panting.

"First, congratulations, Second Young Master, on your incredible breakthrough to the tenth level of the Spirit Profound Realm, surpassing even the Young Master at that age," the Heavenly Sword disciple said with a smiling face. Ling Jie's breakthrough yesterday had shaken the entire Heavenly Sword Villa because Ling Yun was only at the ninth level of the Spirit Profound Realm at seventeen. This breakthrough of Ling Jie's proved that his talent completely surpassed Ling Yun's. He took out an invitation card with fire-patterned borders from his robes. "This is an invitation from Burning Heaven Clan. Their Young Clan Master will go to Azure Wind Imperial City to marry Princess Cang Yue in four days, and their wedding will be held in Burning Heaven Clan's Blazing Sun Hall seven days from now. As the Villa Master happens to be occupied in seven days, he asks you, Second Young Master, to go in his stead. He said that you haven't left Heavenly Sword Villa in nearly two years, and it's a good opportunity to go out and travel, especially after your breakthrough."

"Fen Juecheng... and Princess Sister!?" Ling Jie jolted, snatching the invitation from the Heavenly Sword disciple's hand. He opened it and scanned it, his brows instantly furrowing. "How could this be... No! This definitely can't be Princess Sister's true wish, Princess Sister is big brother's..."

He reread the invitation several times, his gaze finally lingering on the date. His brows furrowed, as if he had made a decision. He put away the invitation, his expression serious. "Senior Brother Yun Peng, please tell Father that in seven days, I will go to Burning Heaven Clan in his place."