Chapter 928: 疑惑

The deaths of these individuals signified the complete annihilation of all core forces within the Sun Moon Divine Hall and the Heavenly Sword Region. Even if these two factions were to persist, they would no longer truly merit the title of Sacred Grounds.

Yun Che turned around. As his gaze fell upon them, the members of the Supreme Ocean Palace and the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary all flinched, their eyes shrinking, and subconsciously took a step back.

"Starting tomorrow," Yun Che said, his tone utterly cold, "you will absorb all the people from the Heavenly Sword Region and the Sun Moon Divine Hall into your ranks. If they refuse to comply or cannot be controlled, kill them directly. All of their masters have perished here, so dealing with the remaining individuals should be extremely simple for you."

"As for the resources of the Heavenly Sword Region and the Sun Moon Divine Hall," he continued, "half will be transported to Demon Imperial City, and the other half you can divide among yourselves as you see fit."

Seeing that Yun Che had no intention of killing them, they let out a huge sigh of relief. Upon hearing that they could actually take half of the resources from the two Sacred Grounds, they were all overjoyed. The Sun Moon Divine Hall and the Heavenly Sword Region, like themselves, had stood strong for ten millennia. Their ten millennia of accumulation undoubtedly represented immense resources and profound foundations. For their two Sacred Grounds to share half was truly a windfall from heaven, and they would naturally devote themselves wholeheartedly to the task.

With a "thud," Yun Che threw the completely terrified and paralyzed Ye Xuange at Xia Yuanba's feet. He then quietly said a few words to Xia Yuanba. Xia Yuanba's eyes flashed, and he nodded slightly, his hands, twice the size of Yun Che's, firmly grasping Ye Xuange. Even now, Ye Xuange still couldn't understand why Yun Che had given him such "special treatment."

The Absolute Monarch Sanctuary and the Supreme Ocean Palace quickly departed the Illusory Demon Realm under the leadership of Xia Yuanba and Zi Ji. Yun Che stayed with the Little Demon Empress in front of the Imperial Mausoleum. He asked with concern, "Caiyi, are you really not going to the Profound Sky Continent to personally clear out the Heavenly Sword Region and the Sun Moon Divine Hall?"

The Little Demon Empress shook her head slightly. "The masterminds have all been executed," she replied. "Everything that has happened is enough to comfort my father and the others in the afterlife. The rest are merely pawns that were manipulated; let them wither away on their own."

Compared to the Little Demon Empress who once exterminated the nine clans of the Prince of Huai and purged Demon Imperial City, her state of mind was now clearly much calmer. Her sharpness and authority remained, but the ocean-like rage and hatred she once harbored were gone. Yun Che gently embraced her and whispered in her ear, "Caiyi, rest assured, the calamities of the past will never reappear."

With the completion of the spatial profound formation, spatial travel, which once relied solely on the Primordial Profound Ark, could now be accomplished via profound formations. Xiao Lie, eager to return home, went back to Floating Cloud City on the very first day. Xiao Lingxi, naturally worried about him, accompanied him.

Xiao Yun and his wife, along with Xiao Yong'an, also returned to Floating Cloud City.

Cang Yue, who had been constantly concerned about national affairs, also quickly returned to the Blue Wind Imperial City.

A few days later, Yun Che and Feng Xue'er, along with the two thousand disciples of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, used the spatial profound formation to return to the long-unseen Frozen Cloud Snow Region.

The fierce battle between the Little Demon Empress and Xuanyuan Wentian back then caused almost all the ice and snow in over half of the Frozen Cloud Snow Region to melt. Now, after less than half a year, under the extreme cold of this place, the land had once again turned completely white, with thick layers of snow and ice underfoot. However, almost no glaciers could be seen in the immediate vicinity.

"Aunt Murong, are you truly going to rebuild the Frozen Cloud Asgard yourselves?" Yun Che asked Murong Qianxue and the others. "Are you really not going to accept help from Demon Imperial City?"

Murong Qianxue replied, "The original Frozen Cloud Asgard was built by our ancestors using the Ice Cloud Arts. If our ancestors could do it, so can we. Furthermore, under the Palace Master's guidance, our generation's overall strength surpasses any previous one. The new Frozen Cloud Asgard will only be better than before."

"Before that, we will first search for the remains of our ancestors," Chu Yuechan added. "They were placed deep within the ice layers and must be safe and unharmed."

"Alright then," Yun Che nodded. The ice they would condense with the Ice Cloud Arts, combined with the eternal bitter cold here, would be a hundred times stronger than glazed tiles. "I believe that by now," he continued, "all the Aunt-Masters, Uncle-Masters, elder sisters, and junior sisters already have a clear vision for the new Frozen Cloud Asgard."

"Palace Master, please don't worry," Feng Hanxue said with a cheerful smile. "Perhaps we can even give you a surprise when it's done!"

The disciples of the Frozen Cloud Asgard dispersed. When the Frozen Cloud Asgard was reduced to ashes, they were heartbroken, their eyes filled with tears. But now, tasked with rebuilding the ice palace with their own hands, each of them showed profound excitement and anticipation.

Watching them, Yun Che smiled, completely at ease. In recent years, the Frozen Cloud Asgard had endured several calamities, but now it could finally return to peace. He had not failed Gong Yuxian, who had entrusted him with the position of Palace Master with tears and pleas.

...and he had also preserved the little fairy's home from childhood.

"Big Brother Yun, why are there two more profound formations over there?" Feng Xue'er suddenly pointed to the south, just in front of the spatial profound formation connecting the two continents. There, two much smaller spatial profound formations were clearly visible. "And these two profound formations seem to... seem to still carry the aura of our Divine Phoenix Sect."

Yun Che smiled and said, "These two are also spatial teleportation formations. The one with the slightly lighter profound light connects to Floating Cloud City, and the one with the slightly darker color connects to Phoenix City. Both were forged by your father with all his might within this last month."

"Oh? Father?" Feng Xue'er murmured softly.

"That day, I only mentioned it casually in the Ocean Palace, but he clearly took it to heart," Yun Che said, looking at Feng Xue'er. "There's also a spatial profound formation in Floating Cloud City that connects to Phoenix City. Your father went to all this trouble just to make it easier for you to visit frequently."

Feng Xue'er parted her lips, her starlike eyes misting over slightly. She suddenly said, "Big Brother Yun, it's true I haven't been back in a long time. Father and the others must miss me greatly. Phoenix City is currently being rebuilt, and it's also when they need my help the most. So, I'd like to return to Phoenix City for a while."

Yun Che nodded readily. "I'll be in Floating Cloud City during this time," he said. "With the profound formations connected, we can meet anytime. Xue'er can be in Phoenix City during the day, and then, at night, dutifully return to my arms."

"Big Brother Yun, you... you're getting naughtier and naughtier," Xue'er playfully chided, a beautiful blush spreading across her ethereal face.

The two parted ways in front of the teleportation formation, one returning to Phoenix City, the other to Floating Cloud City.

The teleportation formation in Floating Cloud City was located within the Xiao Sect courtyard. Yun Che stepped out of the formation, but instead of immediately looking for Xiao Lingxi and the others, he ascended into the air, his spiritual perception instantly covering the entire Floating Cloud City.

Yun Che's spiritual perception was now incomparably stronger than before. Every trace of aura in Floating Cloud City was clearly presented to his spiritual perception. Soon, he locked onto a location, darted eastward like lightning, and landed beside a silver-robed middle-aged man.

A figure suddenly appeared before him. The silver-robed man instantly became alert, but upon recognizing Yun Che, he hastily bowed: "I am Luo Chi, Hall Master of the Luo Sacred Hall from the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary. I have been waiting here for Palace Master Yun for many days, by the Holy Emperor's command."

"Many days? You came this early?" Yun Che mumbled.

"Yes, how could I neglect something Palace Master Yun instructed?" the silver-robed middle-aged man, who introduced himself as Luo Chi, replied with utmost respect.

"Where is he?" Yun Che asked.

"He's in the small house behind me," Luo Chi replied.

"Hand Xuanyuan Wentian over to me," Yun Che commanded. "As for the other one... continue waiting here for another day."

"Understood," Luo Chi responded.

Soon after, a black-clothed figure was brought out by Luo Chi and placed beside Yun Che.

Xuanyuan Wentian's face was ashen yellow. Gone was even a hint of his usual imposing demeanor or arrogance; he lay there, like a dog with all its bones broken.

"Ugh..." A difficult groan escaped Xuanyuan Wentian's throat. He slowly raised his head, and finally saw Yun Che's face. At that moment, he looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his pupils dilating dozens of times. "Yun... Yun Che!" he choked out.

"Hmph," Yun Che sneered. "Xuanyuan Wentian, do you still recognize this place?"

"Ah... ah..." Xuanyuan Wentian's mouth hung open. The moment he saw Yun Che, he plummeted completely into the abyss of despair. In his extreme terror, he couldn't even manage to utter a single coherent word, let alone answer.

Yun Che lifted him up and ascended into the air, quickly returning to the Xiao Sect. Following the aura, he directly descended into Xiao Lie's courtyard.

"Che'er, you're back."

Seeing Yun Che, Xiao Lie gently put down Xiao Yong'an, whom he had just lulled to sleep, his face full of gentle smiles. "Since you're back, stay for a few more days," he said. "These past two days, Lingxi has already tidied and cleaned your room."

"Yes, I've been away from home for so long, of course, I'll stay for a few more days," Yun Che replied. "Grandpa, I have a gift for you."

"A gift?"

Yun Che extended his arm, pulled Xuanyuan Wentian from outside the door towards him, and then threw him in front of Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie was startled and asked in surprise, "Who is this person?"

"His name is Xuanyuan Wentian," Yun Che said, taking a slight breath, then saying each word distinctly. "Twenty-four years ago, it was he who poisoned and killed Uncle Xiao!"

Xiao Lie stiffened as if struck by lightning. His body swayed violently, and a pallor quickly spread across his face, which had originally held a gentle smile.

Yun Che quickly stepped forward to support Xiao Lie and said with a solemn frown, "The true mastermind behind that incident is dead. Everyone else involved has also met their deserved end. I only spared this man's life... because he should be executed by you, Grandpa, personally."

Throughout the years Xiao Lie raised him and Xiao Lingxi, the two things he always yearned for were the healing of his profound veins and finding the murderer of Xiao Ying. The former was achieved when Yun Che's profound veins not only recovered but also brought him renown across the world. The latter, however, became the greatest knot in Xiao Lie's heart, one that had troubled him his entire life.

Now, the murderer he had tirelessly sought and dreamed of slaying with his own hands had finally been found, right before his eyes. The pain and resentment accumulated over two decades surged wildly within his soul.

"You... it was you... you... you killed my son... it was you!"

He, who had always been as calm as still water, had his face contort beyond recognition in just a few moments. His entire body emanated intense sorrow and and equally intense murderous intent. Yun Che offered no comfort or counsel, because he knew this was the greatest hatred and unresolved issue of Xiao Lie's life. He had to be allowed to vent fully and personally bring it to an end; otherwise, his heart and soul would be perpetually burdened by a heavy shadow, never truly finding peace.

Xiao Lie suddenly reached out, grabbed Xuanyuan Wentian's collar, twisted his ashen, despairing face towards him, and stared at the irreconcilable enemy before him—the one who had killed his son and ruined his family. Xiao Lie's eyes seemed on the verge of tearing, and his whole body trembled uncontrollably. "I... I... I'll kill you!!" he roared.

Never in his life had Yun Che seen Xiao Lie wear such a terrifying expression or utter such a dreadful sound. His palm went up, gripping Xuanyuan Wentian's throat, his trembling hands condensing all his pain and hatred...

"Waaahhh..."

Just then, a loud cry from an infant rang out. This familiar cry made Xiao Lie's whole body tremble. Almost reflexively, he threw down Xuanyuan Wentian, rushed into the house, and hurriedly yet carefully picked up Xiao Yong'an, who had suddenly been startled awake. The moment he picked up Xiao Yong'an, all the murderous intent on his body vanished almost instantly.

"Good boy, Yong'an, don't cry, don't cry. Great-Grandpa was bad; Great-Grandpa must have scared Yong'an..."

Xiao Lie hugged the infant tightly and gently coaxed him, his downcast gaze filled with boundless doting love and tenderness. Not a trace of the fierce brutality from his earlier hatred remained; it was as if he had completely forgotten Xuanyuan Wentian's existence. Soon, Xiao Yong'an stopped crying and continued to sleep peacefully in his arms.

Yun Che was speechless.

"Che'er," Xiao Lie said, not putting Xiao Yong'an down. When he faced Xuanyuan Wentian again, his gaze was remarkably calm and peaceful. "This man killed my son," he began. "I dreamed of finding him and tearing him into ten thousand pieces. But... these hands of mine are meant to hold Yong'an. How could I stain them with filthy, sinful blood? So, help Grandpa. Sacrifice him before Yong'an's grandfather's grave, so that his spirit in heaven can rest in peace..."

"Okay!" Yun Che agreed emphatically, feeling an unspeakable sense of relief. This outcome was far more comforting than the one he had anticipated, where Xiao Lie would personally kill Xuanyuan Wentian to exact his revenge.

"Mm." Xiao Lie hugged the peacefully sleeping child in his arms, looked up at the sky, and a faint smile appeared on his face. Although there was a hint of melancholy in his smile, it was more relaxed and peaceful than any smile Yun Che had ever seen from him.

Immediately, Yun Che picked up Xuanyuan Wentian, went to the back mountain of the Xiao Sect, and threw him in front of Xiao Ying's tombstone.

"Xuanyuan Wentian, it's time to send you to reunite with your father." Yun Che stepped on him, forcing his head to bow deeply before Xiao Ying's tomb. "Oh no, no," Yun Che added, "your father was annihilated body and soul when he died. You wouldn't find him even if you traversed all eighteen layers of hell."

"My Uncle Xiao's family showed great kindness and righteousness, yet because of scum like you, such a tremendous tragedy occurred..." Yun Che said, his face grim and hateful. "You truly wouldn't atone for it even if you died ten thousand times! Go to hell and atone for your sins!"

Phoenix flames instantly ignited. Xuanyuan Wentian only had time to let out a desperate shriek before directly turning into ash, which scattered before Xiao Ying's grave.

Yun Che took two steps back, bowed deeply towards Xiao Ying's tombstone, and murmured, "Uncle Xiao, you saved our family back then, but it brought disaster upon yourself. Our Yun family can never repay your kindness in this lifetime. Only today have we finally avenged you. Now that your great revenge is exacted, and the Xiao family has descendants, I hope your spirit in heaven can rest peacefully with a smile."

After bowing deeply once more, Yun Che ascended into the air. Just as he was about to fly back to the Xiao Sect, he suddenly paused, then changed direction, rapidly flying eastward towards Floating Cloud City.

A significant question had always lingered in his mind.

It concerned the full hundred kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystals hidden east of Floating Cloud City.

What did a hundred kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystals signify?

The entire Profound Sky Continent couldn't even produce a hundred kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystals in an average century. Yet, Floating Cloud City, which was notoriously barren, suddenly produced a full hundred kilograms.

The most bizarre point was this: such a massive amount of Purple Veined Divine Crystals should take thousands, even tens of thousands of years, to form. During its existence, it would certainly emit an extremely dense purple crystal aura. Yet, the major sects, especially the Four Sacred Grounds, which possessed incredibly keen senses and detection methods for top-tier resources like Purple Veined Divine Crystals, had failed to discover such a massive divine crystal mine for so many years?

Instead, it was discovered by the Divine Phoenix Sect just a few years prior.

It was as if this hundred kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystals had suddenly appeared in recent years.