Chapter 734: Short Calm

"Xue'er, it's been ten days and ten nights. Your Imperial Father, in heaven, must have long felt your sincerity, and he, like us, must be pained by your suffering. Please come back with me."

Yun Che appeared silently behind Feng Xue'er and spoke softly. Then he knelt down and bowed respectfully before the tomb.

Feng Xue'er slowly opened her beautiful eyes, and a glistening drop of morning dew silently fell from her long eyelashes. She leaned against Yun Che and said softly, "I know that none of this can even slightly compensate for what happened to Brother Yun's Imperial Father or to the devastated Blue Wind Nation. Empress Sister should hate my Imperial Father and my Divine Phoenix Empire more than anyone. Yet, she chose to be so forgiving."

"Empress Sister is truly a great person. No wonder she could become Brother Yun's wife."

Yun Che smiled. "For Yue'er, she wants to dispel Blue Wind's disasters as quickly as possible and then secure lasting stability. As for other matters, she is striving to let them go. After your Imperial Father returned, he also made great efforts to compensate Blue Wind. Not only did he deliver fifty billion Violet Profound Coins to the Blue Wind Imperial Family within five days, but he also included a large quantity of violet crystals and armor. He even chose to do it publicly, with the aim of helping Blue Wind deter the other five nations. He is also repenting and atoning in his own way. Although the three-year history of disaster cannot be forgotten, with the efforts of both emperors, it might soon become a thing of the past. So, Xue'er, don't always burden yourself with it. Your happiness is his greatest wish."

"Mm," Feng Xue'er leaned against Yun Che's shoulder, a beautiful, faint smile appearing on her face.

"Let's go back now. I'll take you to meet my grandfather and little aunt."

Because of Feng Xue'er, Yun Che's intense hatred for Feng Hengkong was slightly tinged with something complex. He clearly understood that the main reason Feng Hengkong left Feng Xue'er in the Blue Wind Nation was absolutely not to preserve Divine Phoenix's dignity, but because of Feng Xue'er's wishes. If Feng Xue'er had been unwilling, he would never have agreed, even if it meant fulfilling those five cruel conditions multiple times over.

To hand over his own daughter to a sworn enemy who had killed four of his sons... at the very least, Feng Hengkong's doting affection for Feng Xue'er was intense and pure, without a trace of impurity. His magnanimity was also far greater than Yun Che had previously perceived through his eyes of hatred.

Returning to the Blue Wind Imperial City with Feng Xue'er, Yun Che happened to see Xia Yuanba and Under Heaven's First walking out of the imperial palace side-by-side. Sensing a fluctuation in aura, Xia Yuanba looked up, his eyes lit up, and he quickly flew towards Yun Che. "Brother-in-law, Sister Xue'er."

"Brother Under Heaven, Yuanba, I was just about to look for you two," Yun Che asked them. "I'm taking Xue'er to Flowing Cloud City now. Would you like to come with us?"

"Ah, Brother-in-law, I was looking for you too, but I came to say goodbye." Upon hearing the words "Flowing Cloud City" from Yun Che, Xia Yuanba's gaze briefly darkened. It was his hometown, but he no longer had any relatives there. His father was far away in Divine Phoenix, his sister was missing, and his mother...

"Goodbye? Are you returning to the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary?" Yun Che asked in surprise.

"Yes," Xia Yuanba nodded. "The war here in Blue Wind has ended, and there's nothing more for me to do by staying here. I rushed here from the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary using His Holiness the Saint Emperor's Heavenly Saint Divine Ark. The Heavenly Saint Divine Ark is an extremely important item to the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary, and it's already a bit improper for me to have kept it out for so long. My master has sent me many sound transmissions urging me to return, saying it's His Holiness the Saint Emperor's will."

"He also mentioned that in a few months, I'll need to go to the Supreme Ocean Palace to participate in what seems to be a Demon Sword Assembly, so I must go back and prepare early. Although I'm very reluctant to leave Brother-in-law and Senior Sister Xue Ruo, I must return to the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary first. On my way back, I also want to visit my father at the Black Moon Merchant Guild."

"Demon Sword Assembly?" Yun Che's expression shifted. "Your master said he's taking you? Did he mention any details about the Demon Sword Assembly?"

"No, when I asked, my master only said he'd tell me more once we're back. Brother-in-law, do you also know about the Demon Sword Assembly?"

"I've only heard the Black Moon Merchant Guild mention the name, and that it's about five months from now. I know nothing else. Also, if nothing unexpected happens, I'll be participating in the Demon Sword Assembly then as well."

"Ah? Brother-in-law will go too?" Xia Yuanba's spirits lifted. Without asking for details, he immediately nodded. "Great! Then I'll definitely go with my master."

Yun Che thought for a moment and said, "My participation in the Demon Sword Assembly is secondary. My main purpose is to make a trip to the Supreme Ocean Palace. Yuanba, after you return, try to gather more information about the Supreme Ocean Palace from your master. I might find it useful."

"Understood. I'll find a way to send you a sound transmission then, Brother-in-law. I'm off. See you at the Supreme Ocean Palace." Xia Yuanba floated up, preparing to fly away. For days, the Heavenly Saint Divine Ark had been conspicuously parked south of the Blue Wind Imperial City. Its powerful aura kept people from approaching, allowing only distant observation.

"Wait..." Yun Che suddenly called out to Xia Yuanba. He furrowed his brows slightly and said gravely, "Yuanba, I heard that the Saint Master of the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary has no direct descendants, but rather several adopted sons. Is that true?"

"That's true." Xia Yuanba nodded. "My master said it seems to be because of some profound energy disturbance during cultivation that injured him, preventing His Holiness the Saint Master from having descendants. So he adopted seven or eight sons. It's said that the next Saint Master will be chosen from among His Holiness's adopted sons, which is why there seems to be intense competition among them."

Yun Che continued, "That Heavenly Saint Divine Ark, it's said that only the Saint Emperor himself has ever been able to pilot it, and even his adopted sons aren't qualified to touch it. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Xia Yuanba nodded again. "That's why I was so surprised that His Holiness lent me the Heavenly Saint Divine Ark."

Yun Che pondered briefly, his expression grave. "After you return to the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary, be careful of the Saint Emperor's adopted sons!"

Xia Yuanba's expression froze, and he immediately understood Yun Che's meaning. He nodded seriously. "I understand. Brother-in-law, don't worry. I'm no longer the Xia Yuanba who, after leaving your protection, could only be bullied by others! Besides, I always cultivated independently when I was in the Sanctuary, so I've had very little contact with them. But I'll be on my guard."

"Brother-in-law, in five months, I'll definitely become much stronger!"

Xia Yuanba had shed all his former naivety and hesitation. He waved to Yun Che, flew off freely, and headed south of the imperial city.

"Brother Xia's talent is astonishing, and his character is so pure and kind. In the future, he will surely become an emperor of his own domain," Under Heaven's First praised sincerely, watching the direction Xia Yuanba departed. Under Heaven's First harbored strong hostility, even resentment, towards the Four Great Sacred Grounds of the Profound Sky Continent, but he couldn't feel even a trace of dislike for Xia Yuanba, despite the latter belonging to the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary.

"Indeed... but you wouldn't be able to imagine how he used to be," Yun Che said with a smile, turning around. "Brother Under Heaven, how about you come back to Flowing Cloud City with us? Oh, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Under Heaven's First asked curiously, "Oh?"

"It's good news. Seventh Sister is already... mm, half a month pregnant," Yun Che said with a smile. He had been returning to Flowing Cloud City every day these past few days, and without even needing to check her pulse, he could confirm it with just a glance. After all, it was a "spirit medicine" he had personally concocted; how could it possibly fail?

Under Heaven's First was visibly startled. "How could it be so fast! That kid Xiao Yun is useless! I must take Seventh back immediately so she can rest and recuperate properly."

Seeing Under Heaven's First's reaction, he was clearly somewhat flustered. Yun Che waved his hand. "Let's not. If they return to the family, they'll be constrained and bothered by various matters. But here in Flowing Cloud City, the two of them are completely enjoying their own world, living freely every day. For Seventh Sister, who is already pregnant, this is the best environment and state. Even if you forcibly drag them back now, they definitely won't agree."

Of course, for Yun Che, there was another, more important reason: Xiao Lie.

Under Heaven's First calmed down slightly, thought for a moment, and sighed. "Perhaps that's true. Very well, Brother Yun, I'll go back to Flowing Cloud City with you all. Although there's no danger there, with Seventh's current condition, I can't feel at ease unless I'm by her side."

"Alright!" Yun Che nodded. He extended his hand and summoned the Primordial Profound Ark.

Ever since Divine Phoenix began withdrawing its troops, the atmosphere in Flowing Cloud City had been changing daily. By today, all the Divine Phoenix armies around Flowing Cloud City had withdrawn, and the entire city was filled with a celebratory atmosphere.

As soon as they returned to the Xiao Clan and saw Xiao Yun and Under Heaven's Seventh, Under Heaven's First completely disregarded everything else and rushed straight over. "Seventh Sister, Brother Yun said you're pregnant, is that true?"

After speaking, he shot a fierce glare at Xiao Yun, who was beside him.

Xiao Yun scratched his scalp awkwardly. Under Heaven's Seventh, on the other hand, had a smug look on her face. "Of course! How could anything Brother Yun says be false? Hmph, for you six to be older brothers and not give father any grandchildren after all these years, I, your Seventh Sister, am truly the most amazing!"

Under Heaven's First's face twitched at her words. He said dejectedly, "Then you must take good care of your body. If there are any problems, you must tell me immediately."

"Haha, Brother Under Heaven, you're truly flustered with concern. Seventh Sister has Imperial Profound power and natural energy protecting her. Even if she flew around Flowing Cloud City hundreds of times a day, nothing would happen to her," Yun Che said with a grin as he walked over.

"Ah..." Looking at the girl in the crimson-gold dress beside Yun Che, Xiao Lingxi, who had been rushing towards Yun Che, stopped, her beautiful eyes wide, and she gasped, "Little Che, is she...?"

Anyone seeing Feng Xue'er for the first time would feel as if they had fallen into a dream, even other women. Her beauty and demeanor were so perfectly ethereal. Though she was the Snow Princess, even the world's most beautiful snowflake could not capture a fraction of her pure beauty.

It was just that too few people in this world were fortunate enough to witness the Snow Princess's true face.

Xiao Yun and Under Heaven's Seventh also looked at Feng Xue'er at that moment. In just an instant, their gazes were completely fixed, and they were captivated, unable to look away.

"Feng Xue'er greets Brother Xiao, Sister Seventh, and Little Aunt." Feng Xue'er was gentle and courteous, giving an even sweeter smile when facing Xiao Lingxi. This was because she knew that Xiao Lingxi was the one who had grown up with Yun Che and was his most important family member.

"Oh..." Xiao Yun's eyes were wide open, and he remained bewildered for a long time. He murmured unconsciously, "She can almost compare to the Little Demon Empress..."

Under Heaven's Seventh suddenly reached out and covered Xiao Yun's eyes. She said indignantly, "How dare you look at other girls like that in front of me! No more looking!" Turning her head, her face was full of smiles. "Hello, Sister Xue'er! We've asked Brother Yun many times these past few days to bring you here. You truly live up to your reputation as the number one beauty of the Profound Sky Continent! You're absolutely the most beautiful person I've ever seen in my life."

At the same time, she silently added a thought to herself: 'But she's only one of them; there's also the Little Demon Empress! If those two stood together, even the moon would probably be too shy to come out.'

"The number one beauty of the Profound Sky Continent, truly worthy of her reputation..." Xiao Lingxi stared at Feng Xue'er, whose unparalleled charm was enough to eclipse even Xia Qingyue. She seemed to murmur to herself, her bright eyes faintly rippling with a hint of complexity.

"Xue'er thanks Little Aunt and Sister Seventh for the compliments." Feng Xue'er curtsied lightly, her smile enchanting. Every word and smile of hers seemed less like a Divine Phoenix princess and more like an elf from a fairy tale.

"Che'er, you're back?"

Xiao Lie's gentle voice rang out. Compared to his previous weakness, only half a month had passed, yet Xiao Lie's steps were sturdy, his face glowed with health, and the smile on his face came from the bottom of his heart. Yun Che took Feng Xue'er's hand. "Xue'er, this is the grandfather who raised me."

"Xue'er greets Grandfather Xiao." Feng Xue'er took a step forward, gathered her sleeves, and performed a complete junior's bow.

Xiao Lie looked at Feng Xue'er and sighed deeply. "Though I live in the remote countryside of Blue Wind, the name of Divine Phoenix's Snow Princess still rings like thunder in my ears. I never imagined I'd be so fortunate as to meet you in person. It's truly a blessing for three lifetimes."

Feng Xue'er said softly, "It is I, Xue'er, who is truly happy to meet Brother Yun's grandfather."

"Hahahaha, what a good child." Xiao Lie burst into hearty laughter, his amazement tinged with a hint of fondness. He hadn't imagined that the Snow Princess, who held the most esteemed status in the all-powerful Divine Phoenix Empire, would be so gentle and endearing, completely without airs, and even bowing to him.

Xiao Lingxi quietly walked to Yun Che's side, reached out and gripped his right hand's fingers tightly, her cheeks visibly puffing out slightly. "Little Che, tell me honestly, what exactly is going on between you and... hmph, this Snow Princess, the number one beauty of the Profound Sky?! Three years ago, you got into trouble because of her, and now she's actually staying by your side, and even calling you so intimately, hmph."

The last hmph was extremely faint, but Yun Che heard it clearly. He whispered, "This is a bit complicated to explain. If you want to know, you can ask your Empress Sister. Little Aunt, you're not getting jealous, are you?"

"I am jealous!" Xiao Lingxi pinched Yun Che sharply with her fingernail, pouted, and turned away, looking as if she didn't want to talk to him anymore.

If Yun Che had been with another girl, she might have felt a bit jealous, but not intensely. However, the Snow Princess was too flawless in every aspect, enough to eclipse the brilliance of any other woman in the world. Her intimacy with Yun Che and the look in her eyes as she gazed at him gave rise to an uncontrollable, unprecedented sense of crisis in Xiao Lingxi's heart.

Yun Che's lips curved upward. He held Xiao Lingxi's small hand, preventing her from pulling away. Just as he was about to speak into her ear, his eyebrow suddenly twitched. He instantly turned his head, his gaze sharpening as he looked directly north.

"Little Che, what's wrong?" Yun Che's sudden rigid movement and abrupt reaction made Xiao Lingxi quickly turn around and ask him worriedly.

Yun Che's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and his gaze withdrew. He suddenly asked in a low voice, "Little Aunt, has Fen Juechen appeared recently?"

"Fen Juechen?" Xiao Lingxi paused slightly, then gently shook her head. "He hasn't appeared since the day he left." Thinking of their promised battle, her face instantly filled with worry. "There are only two and a half months left. Will you really go then?"

"Yes, there must be a resolution between us," Yun Che said with a relaxed expression. "But Little Aunt, you don't need to worry at all. Don't forget, I have the most powerful escape method in this world."

Xiao Lingxi's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Finally, her words became a soft whisper, "No matter what, you must be safe."

"These next few days, I'll be staying at home, and Xue'er will stay with me too," Yun Che said. "In five days, I'll need to take Xue'er back to the Frozen Cloud Asgard." He looked north, a rare look of dejection on his face. He had to protect the Frozen Cloud Asgard: a small part was Gong Yuxian's dying wish, and a larger part was his debt to Chu Yuechan.

Five whole years had passed without a single word, and the Black Moon Merchant Guild had provided a very bad result. Now, every time Chu Yuechan's image flashed through his mind, his heart would ache.

Four days later, Divine Phoenix City.

As space twisted, Yun Che returned here once more. He had changed into an unremarkable outfit, put away the Primordial Profound Ark, and entered the Black Moon Merchant Guild.

"Heh heh, you're here. By my reckoning, it should have been these past two days."

The moment he entered the seventh floor of the Black Moon Merchant Guild, Zi Ji's voice rang in Yun Che's ears.

"Young Master Yun, please come this way."

It was still the same three young women and the same ancient pavilion and stone table. This time, however, Yun Che did not sit down in front of Zi Ji. Instead, he got straight to the point. "Senior Zi, fifteen days have passed. I believe you already know the purpose of my visit."

Zi Ji smiled gently, extended his hand, and pushed three sparkling violet spatial rings toward Yun Che. "A total of ninety thousand catties of Purgatory Rock, three hundred catties of Demon Burning Vines over ninety years old, six thousand Rakshasa Heartbreaking Tang plants, twelve thousand Skull Seeds, and six thousand Dead Soul Grass plants are all inside. Please verify them."

Zi Ji had stated the names, ages, specifications, and quantities of all forty-nine materials with absolute precision. Yun Che took the three spatial rings and put them away without even looking. "No need. How could this junior not trust Senior Zi?"

After speaking, Yun Che took out his Profound Coin card and paid the remaining four million Violet Profound Coins.

The colossal sum of ten million had practically run out after the payment.

"Yun Che, that you alone could force the Phoenix God Sect to such a state truly astounds this old man," Zi Ji said, looking at Yun Che with a face full of praise. "Now, even among the Four Great Sacred Grounds, no one is unaware of your name."

"Senior Zi, you flatter me," Yun Che responded indifferently, not wanting to continue on this topic. He then said, "This junior has one more matter to entrust to Senior Zi during this visit. Only your Black Moon Merchant Guild can accomplish this in the shortest amount of time."

"Please speak," Zi Ji said with a faint smile, quite courteously.

"I need three profound pills from high-grade profound beasts," Yun Che said seriously. "Monarch Profound Pills would be best, but if difficult to find, Tyrant Profound Pills would also suffice."

Zi Ji's fingers tapped the stone table twice. He pondered calmly for a moment, then slowly said, "Monarch Profound Beasts in this world are already few and far between, and hunting them is even more difficult. A complete profound pill from a Monarch Profound Beast is a truly priceless treasure. Even for my Black Moon Merchant Guild, finding one could take thousands of years..."

Yun Che extended his palm, holding three glittering Emperor Tyrant Pills between his fingers. "If Senior Zi can find three complete profound pills from Monarch Profound Beasts for this junior, I am willing to exchange them for these three precious pills. If only Tyrant Profound Beast pills can be found, then this junior will have to exchange them for profound coins or violet crystals."

Yun Che's words made Zi Ji's eyes light up slightly. He was keenly aware that gaining one more precious pill from Yun Che meant being able to cultivate one more prodigy of the younger generation. Its significance was far greater than that of a Monarch Profound Pill. He immediately smiled and nodded. "Since that is the case, my Black Moon Merchant Guild will naturally do its utmost. When do you need these three Monarch Profound Pills?"

Yun Che thought for a moment and said, "If this junior isn't mistaken, Senior Zi should also be participating in the Demon Sword Assembly four and a half months from now. Senior Zi can hand them over to me then."

Zi Ji smiled and nodded, his nod undoubtedly an acknowledgment that he would indeed attend the Demon Sword Assembly. "Speaking of the Demon Sword Assembly, how about auctioning the ten precious pills you wish to entrust to my Black Moon Merchant Guild there? The continent's most powerful experts will gather there, and even the Sacred Ground Masters will be present. Auctioning the divine pills refined by your revered master through ordinary means would almost be sacrilege, but the Demon Sword Assembly would be perfectly suitable."

Yun Che silently calculated the time and said, "In that case, I will defer to Senior Zi's suggestion. This junior has no other matters, so I shall take my leave."

Yun Che turned and was about to leave. He had only taken three steps when Zi Ji's meaningful voice suddenly came from behind him. "Yun Che, have you ever heard of the Illusory Demon Realm, and the Twelve Guardian Families of the Illusory Demon Realm?"

Yun Che paused, turned his head, and said, "Of course I've heard of the Illusory Demon Realm. I've also heard a little about the Twelve Guardian Families. Why does Senior Zi ask about these?"

"Heh heh, just a casual question, no other meaning." Zi Ji's gaze was profound, and he took a sip of tea with a smiling face.

"This junior bids farewell."

After leaving the Black Moon Merchant Guild, Yun Che's expression instantly turned grim. He stood silently in place for a long time before summoning the Primordial Profound Ark and returning to Flowing Cloud City.