As Yun Che's figure lay almost still, bleeding on the ground, Dian Jiuzhi, who had just attacked him, did not stop. With lightning speed, he arrived before the severely injured Yun Che, his intention clear: to finish him off once and for all!
The golden claw was mere moments away from striking Yun Che when a deadly crisis erupted within him. A sharp, overwhelming sensation of danger surged through his senses, and he immediately retreated with all his speed!
"SHINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!"
The sound of piercing void echoed through the air as a sword light appeared before the spot where Dian Jiuzhi had been. The space itself seemed to bend and twist under the sheer force, as the sword light sliced through the air, continuing its deadly path, cutting through mountains in the distance, leaving devastation in its wake!
"BOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!"
As Dian Jiuzhi retreated, Hua Caili, her eyes reddened with fury, rushed forward at full speed. Her sword was drawn, and a fierce Sword Aura filled the gray world, radiating with killing intent!
Sensing the full intensity of her killing intent, Dian Jiuzhi didn't back down. His monstrous claws glowed with golden light as he poured all of his power into a retaliatory strike!
"BOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!"
The clash between the sword and the monstrous claws sent a shockwave through the air, shaking the very space around them. The collision of their Godly auras caused the world to tremble, but instead of the two attacks meeting each other, two different hands appeared and blocked their strikes.
"Enough..." The Chief Priest's voice rang out, filled with quiet authority. He inwardly sighed, a flick of his hand sending the two attackers spinning back into the distance.
"...Tsk..." Dian Jiuzhi clicked his tongue in frustration, his gaze turning toward the injured Yun Che in the distance, the desire to finish the fight still burning in his eyes.
Hua Caili, still seething with anger, reluctantly backed down as the Chief Priest intervened, but her gaze remained fixed on Yun Che. With a surge of speed, she rushed forward, her form leaving afterimages in her wake as she arrived at his side with a powerful boom.
As she knelt beside him, her face, pale with fury, turned even paler when she saw the extent of his injuries.
Yun Che's chest had been caved in, his ribs and bones shattered, with blood spilling from the wounds without stop. His body was a mess of broken flesh and shattered bones. The sight was enough to drain the color from her face entirely.
Shortly after, the Ancient True Gods and others arrived, assessing Yun Che's condition with grim expressions. Even the chained Pan Buwang was brought forward by High Priest Liu Xiao.
Chief Priest stood before Yun Che, examining his state before he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
"Sealed."
With a flick of his hand, laws began to gather around Yun Che, and the same chains that had bound Pan Buwang now wrapped around Yun Che, locking him in place. His consciousness, already dimming from his severe injuries, began to fade further as the chains tightened.
!!!!!!!!!!!
Hua Caili was about to protest when High Priest Liu Xiao stopped her, his voice calm but firm.
"We'll seal up his profound power for now, but you can still heal him."
".....alright...." Hua Caili nodded, her gaze softening as she looked gently at Yun Che. From time to time, she shot a hateful glance at Dian Jiuzhi, who stood at a distance, his presence still an affront to her.
Earlier, after hearing Pan Buwang's words, everyone was shaken, including Yun Che. Thoughts swirled in everyone's mind. While most had differing thoughts, the general direction remained the same.
Yet, not everyone shared the same reaction. This was especially true for Dian Jiuzhi.
While others were still processing the shocking revelation, Dian Jiuzhi felt the restraints placed on him weakening, to the point that he realized he could break free at any moment.
Seeing Yun Che in a stupor, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, he saw an opportunity. With a cruel smile curving his lips, golden power erupted from his palm, the godly energy radiating from him like a storm.
Before anyone could react, he thrust forward with terrifying speed, sending a surge of godly power straight toward Yun Che.
Thrust.
The event happened in an instant.
Although it took a long time to describe, in reality, only a few breaths had passed since the whole event unfolded after Pan Buwang spoke. However, for the Gods, a few breaths were enough to fatally wound Yun Che.
It was true that with Yun Che's profound power, he could contend with those above his realm, but when caught completely off guard, without even the chance to raise his profound power to defend himself... especially against the power of a Perfect True God, even at eighty percent of their strength, it was more than enough to severely injure Yun Che, whose strength was far from that of a Lesser God.
As his consciousness began to fade from his injuries, Yun Che could feel Li Suo's healing power coursing through him at an alarming speed, but before he could regain control or respond, a chain formed from terrifying Ancient True God power tightened around him, leaving him with no escape.
-------
The Gods flew at a leisurely pace, leaving the inner depths of the Endless Fog Sea behind them. With each passing moment, the oppressive weight of the Abyssal Dust faded, and they felt the familiar strength of their power returning. Their once-suppressed abilities surged, and they now stood at nearly ninety percent of their full potential. Soon, they would leave this forsaken place—this prison of endless darkness—behind.
But the Gods didn't rush. For them, there was no longer any reason to hurry. They had captured the Fog Monarch, Yun Che. After so long, the mission was complete, and there was no longer any danger in the Endless Fog Sea. The Abyssal Dust, once a constant companion, was now thinning. The Abyssal Beasts and Abyssal Ghosts, once fierce and relentless, were now reduced to mere shadows of their former selves.
Yun Che was chained, his fate sealed, and Pan Buwang, too, was bound and floating alongside High Priest Liu Xiao. Hua Caili, still filled with concern for Yun Che, worked tirelessly to heal him, but her efforts were weighed down by the heaviness in her heart. Her fingers trembled as she tried to ease the pain of the man she loved, knowing full well that this moment, this fleeting chance to care for him, might be the last.
The other Gods moved closer to the Chief Priest, their minds occupied with the victory of their mission. Their objective was accomplished, and soon they would leave this cursed place.
Shenwu Yanye's death, though tragic, was not something the Ancient True Gods or anyone would mourn. In truth, the loss of the Eternal Night Divine Kingdom's Lightless Divine Regent meant little to them.
For the Ancient True Gods, they had already been briefed by their Lord about something before the mission had even started. Shenwu Yanye's death held no real significance in the grand scheme of things.
Along the way, even before they departed from their previous location, many arguments broke out among the Gods. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and words were exchanged in frustration, especially from Dian Jiuzhi, whose words seemed to resonate deeply with everyone.
"No matter what, Yun Che's actions here in the Abyss cannot be forgiven!" Dian Jiuzhi's voice rang out, filled with conviction. "He will have to pay for his crimes!"
His words struck a nerve with the Gods. His anger was palpable, and there was a truth in his words that none of them could deny.
"Didn't you remember that Lord Ling Xian was killed by him?!" Dian Jiuzhi continued, his voice rising. His words were harsh, yet they held a weight of undeniable truth. Ling Xian, the beloved figure among them, had been lost, and Yun Che's hands were stained with her blood.
Hua Caili's eyes tightened, her heart torn. She had fought so hard to defend Yun Che, to believe in him, but even she couldn't escape the bitter reality that his actions could not simply be ignored. Her anger toward Dian Jiuzhi was just as fierce, but deep down, a painful truth gnawed at her. She had to back down, her resolve cracking as she felt the weight of everything that had transpired.
High Priest Liu Xiao, who had remained silent throughout the argument, closed his eyes and let out a long, steady breath. His thoughts were clouded with complexity, torn between duty and the reality of what they had witnessed.
"He's not wrong," Liu Xiao murmured quietly, though his voice carried weight. "Yun Che's intentions, his actions—everything he did was heroic in his world. But here, in the Abyss, his crimes are numerous. Whether it's right or wrong, our Lord will decide the path forward."
For Liu Xiao, the pain of acknowledging Yun Che's crimes was immense. Yun Che to him was most likely the very one the prophecy spoke of. But, as much as it pained him to admit, his actions here in the Abyss had led to the death of Lord Ling Xian, a death that had no meaning—no justification, no real purpose.
Yun Che's pain was real, his sorrow genuine, but in the end, for all his greatness, some things could not be forgiven.
-----
As the Gods sped through the gray world, the air thick with tension, Chief Priest's voice rang out, cutting through the silence.
"I know you've recovered, no need to pretend, Yun Che..."
His words sent a ripple of alertness through the Gods as they turned their gaze toward Yun Che, their eyes sharp, yet their expressions remained calm. He was still tightly bound, and the pressure of their overwhelming power left him with little room to act. But even so, the air was thick with suspicion.
"Still pretending?" Chief Priest repeated, his voice sharp with both impatience and authority.
Yun Che said nothing, his eyes still closed as if he's sleeping. His silence only deepened the tension in the air, causing the Gods to shift uncomfortably. They were alert, but there was a hint of unease in their watchful eyes.
"..."
"..."
After a long, heavy silence, Chief Priest shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips as he finally spoke again.
"Yun Che... You should have heard everything we said along the way," he said, his tone filled with a mixture of disappointment and finality.
Chief Priest looked at him for a moment longer, the weight of his gaze heavy, and then turned to face the others, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
"Chang...."
"Ugh..."
The chains, made of the terrifying power of the Ancient True Gods, tightened around Yun Che's body, causing him to let out a groan of pain. The crushing pressure was unbearable, yet despite the agony, his eyes slowly opened, and he met the world once again.
Chief Priest watched Yun Che intently as the pain flickered across his face. A slight, almost imperceptible smile curved the corners of his lips.
"You won't be able to break out of those chains, unless you wield the power of an Ancient True God," the Chief Priest said with cold certainty, his voice steady. "So don't bother trying."
Yun Che didn't respond at first. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the weight of the situation sinking deeper with every passing moment. The chains, the overwhelming power of the Gods, and the uncertainty of his future all pressed on him. Yet, in this moment of helplessness, something within him calmed. He was no longer running from the inevitable.
"Big Brother Yun Che!" Hua Caili's voice broke through the tension, and Yun Che's gaze shifted to her. Her eyes, filled with both tears and joy, met his as she rushed forward, embracing him despite the chains that bound him.
Yun Che could feel the warmth of her touch, the relief in her embrace, but with it came an overwhelming wave of guilt. The pain he had caused her—the lies, the sacrifices, the secrets—hit him all at once. His heart ached, knowing that, despite everything, she still sought him out, still cared for him. He didn't protest as she held him tightly, allowing himself to rest in her embrace for a brief moment of peace.
He knew that he would be punished for everything. His actions had led him here, and there was no escaping the consequences. Yet, in the back of his mind, a small flicker of hope remained. Mo Su needed him to achieve his goals, and though the end might bring Yun Che to his undoing, perhaps there was still a chance. A chance for the people of God Realm to survive. A chance for his family to be safe from the storms that would come.
Soon, the group reached the outer region of the Endless Fog Sea. The oppressive weight of the Abyssal Dust that had been suffocating them for so long finally began to lift. The suffocating pressure that had once constrained their cultivation was no longer present. Here, in this region, the air felt fresher, almost invigorating compared to the murky atmosphere they had endured within the Abyss. Still, they were not yet free from the influence of the Endless Fog Sea, but this was a welcome change.
The Gods, for the first time in what felt like forever, breathed deeply, their senses unfurling as their cultivation flowed more freely. A moment of respite, though fleeting, was cherished by all.
As the group gathered, the High Priests issued their final commands for the day.
"Regarding what you've heard today... it's best if you keep it to yourselves," Chief Priest said, his tone as commanding as ever. His eyes swept over the group, ensuring that the message was understood.
The Gods nodded in agreement, each of them processing the truth they'd learned in different ways, but all aware of the weight of the knowledge they carried. This was not a matter to be shared freely. The ramifications were too great, and for now, silence was the only course of action.
A few more exchanges were made among the Gods, some offering brief words of farewell. The Twin Gods, as expected, bid their farewells first. Despite their initial shock, they knew their part in the unfolding events was done. With solemn nods, they took to the sky, disappearing into the distance.
Dian Jiuzhi, though still filled with anger and frustration, recognized that there was no more to be gained from lingering. The events had played out as they had, and despite his grudge against Yun Che, he knew his departure was inevitable. With one last glare in Yun Che's direction, he too took flight, leaving the group behind.
As the Gods continued to depart, one by one, the Chief Priest turned back to Liu Xiao and the others, his expression unreadable. The journey through the Endless Fog Sea was nearly at its end.
Hua Caili, however, remained by Yun Che's side, still bound and restrained. Her gaze flickered between him and the rest of the group, her emotions unreadable. She was not yet ready to leave him. She still held on to some hope that, despite everything, there was a chance to save him—or at the very least, protect him from the worst.
The others—Pan Buwang, Hua Qingying, and Wan Dao—remained in the group as well. The situation was far from over. Hua Qingying was still gravely injured and unconscious and High Priest Wan Dao too lay unconscious, his body battered from the earlier conflict. Yet, they had made it through the worst of it. There was still a long road ahead, but at least they were no longer within the heart of the Abyss.
Suddenly,
"RUMBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ground shook, sending ripples through the air, and a violent tremor echoed across the space, rattling even the most seasoned warriors present. The noise was deafening, almost as if the very world itself was tearing apart. Every member of the group turned back in shock, their eyes locking onto Yun Che, suspicion and alarm flashing across their faces.
"..."
"..."
"It... was not me," Yun Che said plainly, his voice calm, though his eyes betrayed a hint of confusion. He had no control over what was happening, and he could feel the unsettling power emanating from deep within the Endless Fog Sea.
"..."
The explosions were relentless. "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!" The deafening roar of the blast echoed through the air, shaking the very foundations of the Abyss. As the explosion rumbled, multiple aftershocks followed in quick succession, space itself trembling from the force. Each successive explosion seemed to tear at the fabric of reality, causing cracks to appear in the sky and the earth beneath.
Thankfully, the group was already at the edge of the Endless Fog Sea. While the shockwaves still traveled through the Abyss, the energy dissipated as it reached them, sparing those with lower cultivation from the worst of it. Yet, even so, the magnitude of the explosions was enough to unsettle everyone.
"..."
"The Abyssal Time Wheel... may be less than ten thousand years..." Chief Priest said with a heavy sigh, his tone grim as he turned his gaze to the distant Abyss. The weight of the situation was sinking in, and it was clear to everyone that the situation was deteriorating far faster than anticipated.
"With the Time Wheel slowing down earlier than expected, the chaos and breakdown in Heavenly Laws will happen even faster," Liu Xiao added, his voice laced with concern. The realization that the Abyss was on the brink of total collapse was something no one had wanted to face, but now it seemed inevitable. The force of the breakdown was accelerating, and no one knew just how much time they had left before everything would unravel completely.
Everyone listened in complete silence, their gazes fixed on the distant gray sky, the weight of the situation settling over them.
"Since today's matter has concluded, let us return to Pure Land. I'm sure the Lord is waiting for us there already," Liu Xiao said, his voice calm, but there was an underlying tension, a hint of exhaustion from all that had transpired.
"Wait..." Suddenly, a voice rang out as everyone turned their head to the source.
"Wait a moment... What do you mean the Time Wheel has slowed down... since two months ago?" Yun Che suddenly asked, his voice thick with disbelief, his eyes flicking between the Chief Priest and the others. The confusion on his face deepened as he realized that something.
"......"
????
"......"
"....Well, it means as it... right... maybe there are things you truly didn't know," Chief Priest said with a forced smile, his words carrying a weight that didn't match the lightness of his tone. He turned to face Yun Che, watching the flicker of realization crossing his captive's face. "Since two months ago, when others went to the Endless Fog Sea to rescue you... from... well... you... the Time Wheel has turned slower, causing the explosion from the Heavenly Laws just like earlier..."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"What....WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!!" Yun Che roared out.