Chapter 868: Jasmine's Message (Part 1)

"Show me the black jade you obtained from the Moon Slaughter Devil Sovereign," the Golden Crow Spirit said, deliberately changing the subject to avoid Yun Che's further questions.

"Black jade?"

Yun Che paused, immediately remembering the mysterious black jade he had picked up near the Moon Slaughter Devil Sovereign's remains, which he had almost forgotten. He quickly took it out.

The black jade was perfectly round and palm-sized. It felt cold and heavy in his hand, completely black and flawless, incredibly smooth, with both sides identical. There were no markings or patterns on it, nor even a hint of profound energy.

Judging solely by its appearance and aura, it could only be considered an utterly ordinary jade stone, not even qualifying as the lowest grade of profound jade.

However, the fact that it remained perfectly intact despite the power that destroyed the Moon Slaughter Devil Sovereign meant it was certainly no ordinary item.

A golden ray shot down. The mysterious black jade floated up from Yun Che's hand, suspended in the air, and was then enveloped by the golden ray. But in just an instant, all the golden light vanished completely, and the mysterious black jade fell from the air, returning to Yun Che's hand.

"What exactly is this?" Yun Che looked up and asked.

"I don't know."

"Even you don't know?" Yun Che's face was filled with surprise. Since this black jade came from the Moon Slaughter Devil Sovereign, it should be an item from the Age of Gods, a million years ago. It wasn't surprising that Jasmine didn't know about items from that era, but the Golden Crow Spirit was a soul fragment of the divine beast Golden Crow, possessing some of its ancient memories. How could it not recognize it?

"Like with you, once my power attempts to probe it, it vanishes without a trace. There are roughly two possibilities for this situation," the Golden Crow Spirit slowly stated. "Either it contains an independent small world, much like this Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley I created, or its laws of power are exceedingly high, existing on a plane that our power simply cannot touch."

"The fact that it remained perfectly intact while accompanying the Moon Slaughter Devil Sovereign in the Evil God's seal for a million years proves it's no ordinary item. It is highly probable that it is a 'devil jade' or 'devil artifact' of the Devil God's level. It's also possible that only devilish power can awaken it."

Yun Che put the mysterious black jade away, saying casually, "I was always curious about it before. But now, what it is doesn't matter at all."

"Golden Crow Spirit, I should return now. If I'm gone too long, they'll worry." Yun Che bowed deeply to the Golden Crow Spirit, saying sincerely, "When we first met years ago, I spoke ill of you, even calling you selfish and tyrannical, unworthy of being a god. Not only did you not punish me, but you first gave me a new life, then saved me multiple times, and even greatly diminished your own lifespan. Yun Che truly doesn't know how to repay this great kindness."

"...I bestowed my last bloodline and soul power upon you with my own selfish intentions. You don't need to feel gratitude or repay me," the Golden Crow Spirit said indifferently.

"...It's just that I'm destined to disappoint you," Yun Che sighed softly, turned around, and began to leave.

"You don't need to be so pessimistic," the Golden Crow Spirit suddenly said. "It is true that you cannot deal with Xuanyuan Wentian in your current state, as he has fused with the remnants of the Eternal Night Devil Clan's power. However, in his state, after awakening the power of all his devil blood and devil soul, his cultivation will be forever stagnant, never making any further progress in his lifetime, and even his lifespan will be greatly shortened. You, on the other hand, are different. You possess extraordinary talent and the power of the Gods. In the future, there will certainly be a day when you surpass him. Before then, you can easily use the Primordial Profound Ark to escape to another space, making it impossible for Xuanyuan Wentian to find you."

"I can indeed escape," Yun Che stopped, muttering, "but Caiyi certainly won't, and neither will my parents."

"And... do I truly have a future now?"

The Golden Crow Spirit fell silent. After a long silence, it sighed deeply, "Go."

With a flash of golden light, Yun Che was transported outside the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley.

The golden eyes' light receded, and as they closed, a voice slowly murmured to itself: "When I probed his memories back then, I thought his luck had deepened, that he was favored by the Heavenly Dao, and coupled with possessing the power of the Dragon God and Evil God, I bestowed everything upon him... Who would have thought he would encounter such a calamity now..."

"This is destiny, impossible to defy."

Transported outside the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley, just as Yun Che had expected, Feng Xue'er and the Little Demon Empress were waiting there, having never left. Seeing Yun Che appear, their eyes lit up with matching brilliance, and they rushed over.

"Brother Yun, how... how are you now?" Feng Xue'er asked, still timid and worried.

"It seems you're alright now." The Little Demon Empress scanned Yun Che's aura; her expression and eyes visibly relaxed.

"Haha, of course." Yun Che laughed with a relaxed expression, "With the Golden Crow Spirit's divine power, I'm naturally perfectly fine."

"That's wonderful!" Feng Xue'er happily let go of the heavy burden in her heart, then asked, puzzled, "But what exactly happened? Why did Brother Yun suddenly..."

"You both still have injuries and need to rest immediately to heal. Let's return to Demon Imperial City first. Everyone there must be terribly worried," Yun Che said, changing the subject.

The Little Demon Empress gave him a deep look, then said calmly, "Let's go back to the city."

Although Xuanyuan Wentian had been repelled, the impact he brought would not subside quickly. Demon Imperial City was currently in chaos, and those who had fled the city earlier had received the news and were gradually returning.

The city's protective barrier had been withdrawn, but the entire Demon Imperial City felt as if it were shrouded in a large pot, the atmosphere incredibly oppressive. Though they hadn't suffered a complete catastrophe, they had all witnessed Xuanyuan Wentian's terror firsthand. And today he had only fled, not been killed. One day, or rather, it wouldn't be long until he surely returned.

This dreadful fact weighed like a nightmare on everyone's hearts.

Demon Imperial City was carrying out post-disaster recovery under the guidance of the Guardian Families and various Royal Palaces. The Yun Family was also filled with a gloomy and anxious atmosphere. Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou had been standing at the main gate, looking northward, eagerly hoping for Yun Che's safe return. Xiao Yun and his wife were also there, continuously comforting them.

It wasn't until they watched Yun Che and the two women safely arrive and land before them that Mu Yurou, disregarding the presence of others, burst into tears and rushed forward, tightly hugging her son and weeping like a child.

"Mother, your son is unfilial, always making you worry and shed tears," Yun Che said guiltily.

Yun Qinghong's eyes were slightly moist. He sensed that although Yun Che's aura was somewhat weak and disordered, it no longer had the previous abnormality. His mind immediately relaxed, and he bowed to the Little Demon Empress, saying, "Little Demon Empress, you are injured. Please heal as soon as possible and do not neglect your sacred body."

The Little Demon Empress shook her head slightly. "My injuries are not serious. Yun Che, on the other hand, though his external injuries are light, his internal injuries are quite severe, and his spirit seems to have been damaged. You should quickly prepare a place for him to heal. Other matters can wait until tomorrow."

"Ah?" Mu Yurou didn't even have time to wipe her tears. She hurriedly grabbed Yun Che's sleeve, "Che'er, your injuries... are they really serious?"

"It's fine." Yun Che smiled and shook his head, comforting her, "My body's self-healing ability is unusual; these injuries are nothing... I'm just a bit tired and want to find a place to rest quietly for a while."

The Little Demon Empress: "..."

"Alright, alright... Your room has already been prepared by your mother. Go and rest properly. Tell your mother if you need anything," Mu Yurou said eagerly. After saying this, she turned and took Feng Xue'er's hand, looking at her with gentle, loving eyes. "Xue'er, for the past few months, I've been looking forward to meeting you. Having you by Che'er's side is truly a blessing he accumulated over several lifetimes... I don't even know how to thank you enough."

"Aunt, I... I haven't done anything for Brother Yun... Your words are too kind for Xue'er..."

"Aunt?" Mu Yurou's gentle smile carried a hint of subtle meaning. "Let's go inside first. Che'er still needs to rest. Once we're settled, I have so much to talk to you about. Consider this your own home while you're here."

"Thank you, Aunt," Feng Xue'er said softly.

"Xiao Yun, how are Grandpa and the others?" Yun Che asked Xiao Yun.

"Don't worry, Big Brother, they are all well. All the disciples from Ice Cloud Asgard are settled in a separate courtyard, and no one is normally allowed near them... I'll go tell them in a bit that you're safe and sound, so Grandpa and the others can stop worrying," Xiao Yun nodded.

"Mmm..." Yun Che nodded slightly. "Please apologize to Grandpa and Martial Uncle Murong for me... My spirit is a bit heavy right now. I'll go greet them as soon as I feel a little better."

"...I understand, Big Brother. You should rest well." Xiao Yun's expression was slightly bewildered.

Yun Qinghong had been watching Yun Che constantly, observing his complexion, eyes, and every word and action. From the very beginning, he had noticed something was off with Yun Che's state, and now, that feeling had grown stronger and stronger. He furrowed his brows and finally spoke up, "Che'er, you..."

"That's enough!" Mu Yurou waved her hand. "Che'er is injured and not in good spirits. Let him rest properly first. Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow."

Yun Qinghong could only close his mouth, his heart much heavier.

Returning to his courtyard, which he had been away from for several months, and lying on the soft bed, all external noise was shut out. In the quiet, Yun Che didn't immediately fall asleep or focus on healing his injuries. Instead, he stared blankly upwards, his eyes unfocused.

Jasmine, what should I do now...?

Without you by my side, even surviving is this difficult for me.

When the Devil Source Pearl erupted, I felt death... The sensation of death wasn't even that clear when I fell off the Absolute Cloud Cliff back then.

Perhaps its next eruption will be my demise.

After I die, what will happen to Caiyi, Xue'er, and Yue'er...? What about my parents...? What about Grandpa and Ling Xi...? What about the Illusory Demon Realm...? What about Ice Cloud Asgard...?

Are they truly all destined to be destroyed by Xuanyuan Wentian...?

Caiyi will certainly choose to live and die with Demon Imperial City, never abandoning the Illusory Demon Realm to flee, even if it means death.

My parents will do the same...

For my sake, Xue'er left the Divine Phoenix Sect, and Yue'er abandoned the entire Blue Wind Empire to come with me to the Illusory Demon Realm, a place completely foreign to them.

Gong Yuxian, with tears in her eyes on her deathbed, entrusted Ice Cloud Asgard to me...

Grandpa and Ling Xi, I swore so many times that I would protect them, ensuring they live their lives in peace and safety, never again suffering any bullying.

But, if I die...

Huuu...

Yun Che let out an incredibly heavy gasp. He grew increasingly afraid of death, terrified beyond measure. But the Devil Source Pearl residing in his profound veins had shown him the imminent day of his demise.

How can I possibly survive...?

If I'm destined to die, how can I destroy Xuanyuan Wentian before my death...?

Jasmine, what should I do?

Without you, what else can I even do...?

The scene of Jasmine's resolute departure three months ago replayed in his mind. Though three months had passed, it still left his chest feeling heavily suffocated. He remembered her every word, every phrase, every glance, and every expression from that time perfectly clearly.

"This memory fragment contains some things I couldn't tell you in person... In twelve hours, the seal on this memory fragment will automatically release. At that time, you will know what I wanted to tell you."

"This morning, when I sensed the aura of You Luo, I had this realization. So, I gave an item to Hong'er, and Hong'er took it into the Sky Poison Pearl. After I leave, you can ask Hong'er for it... Although it won't greatly increase your cultivation, it can at least extend your lifespan by several thousand years."

Yun Che instantly sprang up from the bed as if electrocuted.

The memory fragment Jasmine left for me!

Immediately after Jasmine left, he was ambushed by You Luo, and he remained comatose and on the verge of death until he returned to the Illusory Demon Realm. Later, in the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley, he was "forced" to cultivate with Feng Xue'er and the Little Demon Empress for three months, never having the chance to read the memory fragment Jasmine had left him.