Chapter 2183 – Ancestral Dragon Domain
UNedited chapter-Rubble
The Endless Fog stretched endlessly, filled with the ceaseless howls of the Abyss.
Yun Che was sitting cross-legged, eyes closed and mind focused. After a long period of concentration, he slowly released his spiritual senses using the ever-present abyssal dust as a conduit. It spread deep into the Endless Fog, flowing over every abyssal beast it touched and missing none of them.
This was the very edge of the depths of the Endless Fog—a perilous place for Yun Che at his current level. Not only did the late-stage Divine Extinction Realm abyssal beasts roamed here, Divine Limit Realm abyssal beasts occasionally made an appearance as well. They were existences he could not approach at the moment, and attempting to forcibly control them was tantamount to courting death.
However, the last time he had sensed the presence of a Primal Flame Crystal was around this region, so….
One day… two days… three days….
Fifteen days later, his eyes snapped open, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
He had finally found it.
Even more fortunate, the abyssal crystal was carried by an abyssal beast in the early stage of the Divine Extinction Realm—well within his ability to command.
Without moving a muscle, he used his soul power to remotely manipulate the abyssal dust and direct it straight into the abyssal beast’s body.
The abyssal beast immediately halted its movement and raced toward him at full speed. Upon reaching him, it came to a stop and stood quietly like a loyal contracted profound beast awaiting its orders.
Yun Che reached out toward its spine, and dark abyssal dust swirled slowly. A short while later, a crimson abyssal crystal appeared between his fingers.
It was none other than the Primal Flame Crystal that Yun Xi had been longing for.
Yun Xi, his daughter with Shen Xi, was a tremendous surprise he had never expected to find in this world. She was also a connection he could never truly cast aside even with a literal world of responsibility sitting on his shoulders.
Before everything erupted, he could at least provide her with some measure of security and comfort… however hasty and fleeting it was.
……
The Eternal Pure Land was within reach—a momentous event heralding a massive shift in the Abyss’ fate. Yet Meng Kongchan’s soul had not stirred rapidly because of it. On the contrary, he was in a far more serene state of mind than before. Even his ability to enter deep meditation was several times faster than in the past.
The reason was simple. As stupendous as the approach of the Eternal Pure Land was, it could not possibly compare to the joy of regaining Meng Jianyuan, not to mention the fact that the boy had awakened a perfect divine essence, and even left an earth-shattering impression on the Pure Land. His son had granted him a glory and comfort he had never known in his life, and it left him smiling with the satisfaction of a father who, having such a son, could die without any regrets whatsoever.
His only regret and source of distress at the moment was the rupture of his bond with Dian Rahu.
“Junior Yun Che greets the Divine Regent.”
Meng Kongchan opened his eyes, and his face, which should be radiating an aura of awe-inspiring authority, broke into a beaming smile instead. “I heard that you managed to outwit the Eternal Night Divine Daughter, Yuan’er?”
“Er… yes,” Yun Che replied. “It just so happened that the other party had a request, so I acted on impulse—trading what could’ve been a huge favor for a momentary sense of relief. I’ve regretted it ever since; I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you, Senior.”
“Hahahaha!” Meng Kongchan burst out laughing. “If you hadn’t acted on impulse, wouldn’t you have wasted your reckless youth? As for favors from a demonic place like the Eternal Night Kingdom of God, frankly, I would rather do without them. Anything that could help vent your frustration is worth more than anything.
“It was only a few days ago, while communicating with Hua Fuchen, that I learned that you had lost the heavy sword your master left behind for you in the Abyss of Death of the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods because of the Eternal Night Divine Daughter as well. Hmph!” He grunted as if he hadn’t let go of his anger completely. “Had I known this sooner, Shenwu Yanye wouldn’t be the only one I taught a lesson that day!”
Lips twitching slightly, Yun Che hurriedly replied, “You speak too highly of me, Senior. A mere Eternal Night junior is hardly worth your personal intervention. Besides, Caili had already used the favor granted by the Abyssal Monarch to help this junior recover another heavy sword that fits me perfectly from the Wan Dao Divine Pavilion.”
“I know. Its name is ‘Lone Cloud’.” Meng Kongchan’s voice faltered slightly, and he let out a soft sigh. Suddenly, his eyes were clouded by a deep, hidden sense of guilt. “As the Divine Regent of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, I was destined to be unable to give you much of my time. Similarly, I was destined to be an unworthy father.
“It has been three years since your return, yet you still have not recalled your past, truly integrated with the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, or accepted your former name, ‘Jianyuan’. This must be why the name ‘Lone Cloud’ touched your heart and soul so deeply. The sword’s name mirrors your own—like a solitary cloud in the vast void, isolated in a foreign world… All of this is due to your father’s mistake all those years ago.”
Yun Che: “……”
“That said, we have plenty of time ahead of us. Let’s not dwell on this.” Meng Kongchan suppressed his melancholy and guilt and asked smilingly, “You haven’t come today just to greet me, have you?”
Yun Che replied honestly, “There is one matter that I would like your permission, Senior… This junior intends to leave Dreamweaver for several days and pay the dragon race a visit.”
“Oh?” Meng Kongchan’s eyes flickered. “Could it be related to that Long Jiang from the other day?”
Although Meng Kongchan had never appeared in public nor interfered, it went without saying that nothing that happened within the domain of Dreamweaver could escape his notice—especially when it was a matter concerning Meng Jianyuan.
“Yes!” Yun Che replied without hesitation. “On the Pure Land, the Dragon Lord sensed the draconic aura within me and extended a warm invitation to his realm. He even gifted me a jade token that allows me to freely pass through the dragon race’s barriers.”
“As for Long Jiang, she is also one of the key reasons I would like to pay them a visit. Back when I was still wandering the world, we had saved each other’s lives. That ‘Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal’ was a gift she gave me to repay the debt of that life-saving favor. However, I had not had the chance to repay her for saving my life, and that had always weighed heavily on my heart.
“Finally, there is one last reason.” Yun Che’s breathing was steady, and his demeanor serene. There was not a trace of false insincerity in his words as he spoke, “My master once maintained friendly relations with the dragon race, and the draconic aura within me had, in fact, originated from an ancient dragon relic bestowed upon me by my master. Therefore, before my master had passed away, he had repeatedly urged me to cultivate a harmonious relationship with the dragon race and offer them assistance without hesitation onceI had entered the mortal world. Should the dragon race come under danger, I must do my utmost to aid them.
“Therefore, this visit to the dragon race serves three purposes: first, to accept their invitation; second, to repay a past debt; and third, to fulfill my master’s wish.”
Having said all this, and given Meng Kongchan’s excessive affection for Yun Che, he naturally could not refuse such a request.
“Mm… Be it in terms of sentiment, reason, or filial piety, this journey is indeed necessary.” He nodded slowly and pondered for a brief moment. Then, he said, “This would be the first time you’re traveling far on your own since your return… I will have Chaoyang escort you on this journey.”
Yun Che looked surprised and refused, “Dream Lord Chaoyang is a person of high status. I can’t possibly trouble him for such a simple trip. It’s not like this trip will take me to the Endless Fog or any perilous regions; having Shouyuan by my side alone is sufficient.”
But Meng Kongchan raised his hand decisively. “Yuan’er, whatever you wish to do or where you wish to go—as long as there is no danger—you will face no objections from me. But when it comes to your own safety, there can be no compromise.”
He tilted his head back slightly and exhaled deeply. “The joy of regaining what was lost is like dust clearing to reveal splendor; meeting dawn after a cold night. As the Divine Regent of a Kingdom of God, I should fear neither heaven nor earth. However, I dare not, even for a single moment, entertain the thought of losing what I have gained.”
His voice seemed to carry the lingering pain of a century-old wound.
A surge of uncontrollable emotion welled within him, and Yun Che found himself unable to stand his ground. So, he lowered his gaze and said, “Very well. I shall abide by your arrangements in every respect.”
……
Yun Che left the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God alone without any attendants.
Only Meng Chaoyang watched over him from afar.
As the Dream Lord of the Second Dream Hall of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, Meng Chaoyang’s status was exalted as a matter of course. This was the first time in his life he had taken on the duty of a bodyguard.
But no one found this unusual, not even himself. He felt it was only right because the one he was guarding was none other than Meng Jianyuan.
Meng Jianyuan was the only perfect God Bearer in the history of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, the unprecedented genius who had defeated a Divine Extinction Realm profound practitioner as a Divine Master on the Pure Land, and the true Divine Son that had completely won over Meng Jianxi in just three years… frankly, another Dream Lord could have joined him, and still no one would think it was unusual.
“I recall that you once made plans to visit the dragon race with Hua Caili,” Li Suo reminded him. “But now, it seems you have no such intention.”
Yun Che replied, “That was my intention back then, but now… I’m afraid that Xi’er could not wait.”
“Does this count as an… unnecessary complication?” Li Suo asked.
“Yes, and no.” Yun Che said calmly, “The dragon race is preoccupied with preserving their legacy and saving themselves; that was why they had never engaged in conflict with outsiders. When the Dragon Lord mentioned Xi’er, it was entirely out of care and affection as well. There, she is at her safest. My journey will also elevate her status with the dragon race to the highest possible degree… it involves no risk and touches on no conflicts or interests of any nation. Thus, it doesn’t really count as a complication.
“I will make it so that her and the dragon race will remain outside of this storm until the very end.”
Because of Yun Xi’s existence, none of his plans included the dragon race.
More accurately, he had kept them away from the dragon race as much as possible.
He had never dared to forget the heavy mission on his shoulders for a moment, but in the end, he could not truly let go of his identity as a “father”.
Yun Che stood upon a small profound boat, gazing straight ahead. Moving at a steady pace, he occasionally exchanged words with Meng Chaoyang to pass the time. Before they knew it, they had passed through layers of dust and smoke, crossed vast stretches of Land of the Living, and taken in the myriad shapes and forms of the Abyss.
……
Mountain ranges stretched across the ages, winding for thousands and thousands of kilometers with no beginning or end in sight. Dull, gray clouds and mists formed layers that spanned both the heaven and the earth.
This was where the dragon race dwelled. This was also where they had imprisoned themselves—the Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range.
As far as the eye could see, the peaks rose in layers like coiling dragons and crouching tigers, vast and majestic, reaching to the sky and blocking out the sun[1]. In Primal Chaos, such a vast and majestic spectacle had only ever been glimpsed in the God Realm of Absolute Beginning. But… despite its immense scale, there was no trace of spiritual energy flowing through it, no lush forests, and definitely no teeming beasts. There was only endless, gloomy dust and fog that swirled and swirled, enveloping heaven and earth and casting a somber, deathly silence over the colossal mountain range—a silence that had lingered since time immemorial.
“We’ve arrived.”
Gazing down from the sky, Yun Che could not suppress a wistful sigh. As the most powerful race since the beginning of time, the dragon race had once been the absolute rulers of their ancestral world. Yet in a universe choked with abyssal dust such as the Abyss, they could only eke out a meager existence in this single, sheltered corner.
“Are you nervous?” Li Suo asked.
“A little.” Yun Che didn’t deny it.
“……” Li Suo seemed lost in thought. After a long moment, she murmured softly, “The emotions of living beings are truly strange. This is true for the romantic love between men and women and it is true for the bonds of blood as well. Even when we know they are obstacles and shackles, they simply cannot bring ourselves to sever them with reason.”
Yun Che raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and seriousness. “Back in the day, you were the most benevolent Creation God of them all—the very last person I’d expect to say something like that. Now, you’re forced to follow me as a villain who brings disaster to the world. The fate of this world remains uncertain, but you’ve already suffered quite a bit, it would seem.”
“……” Li Suo remained silent.
“Speaking of which…” Yun Che suddenly thought of something and said half-seriously, “If one day you found another vessel to temporarily inhabit—one that could restore your wholeness and freedom more quickly—would you rationally choose to leave me immediately, or… continue wading through this muddy water with me, knowing it will inevitably splatter us both with filthy blood and sin?”
Li Suo didn’t hesitate. Her voice, soft as a dream, remained as emotionless as ever. “I’ve never thought about it.”
Yun Che said, “Then you can think about it now.”
But Li Suo didn’t fall into deep thought. Instead, she said slowly, “All I want to do is to watch you take each step forward, right up to the very end. As for the other possibilities you’ve mentioned, I’ve never considered them, nor do I wish to.”
“……” Yun Che said nothing more.
She hadn’t answered with a yes or a no, yet for some reason, her words stirred an unusual sensation deep within Yun Che’s heart.
Yun Che’s figure darted downward, his gaze piercing through layer upon layer of gray mist until a vast barrier came into view. Amidst the countless cliffs and gorges, it flickered with a faint, almost imperceptible glow and exuded an ancient, weighty aura that seemed to carry a touch of the sorrowful aura of a dragon.
As he neared the Ancestral Dragon Barrier, Yun Che took out the pale white dragon jade and touched it to the barrier.
Instantly, the Ancestral Dragon Barrier parted silently like flowing water. Yun Che flew inside, and Meng Chaoyang’s figure flickered instantly and passed through the barrier as well. It then resealed itself behind them.
The moment they entered the barrier, the light and darkness of the world shifted abruptly. A dense draconic aura seemed to permeate heaven and earth, and mist rose from every ravine. The dragon’s blood and dragon’s soul within Yun Che’s body were stirred by it for a long time.
However, the dragon race’s isolation barrier ultimately could not compare to that of a Kingdom of God. Within that dense, almost tangible draconic aura lingered faint traces of abyssal dust, silently eroding and destroying everything without end.
The sudden presence of a foreign aura instantly aroused the dragon guards’ suspicion. Two draconic aura instantly locked onto Yun Che’s aura at the same time a sharp shout erupted, “Who are you? Who dares to trespass into the dragons—”
The shout trailed off abruptly. It was because the two dragon guards who had teleported over at the same time caught sight of the pale dragon jade in Yun Che’s hand and shifted their expressions.
Yun Che raised the jade and said calmly, “Please inform the Dragon Lord that Yun Che of the Dreamweaver has come to pay a visit.”
After the Pure Land Meet, was there anyone in the world who didn’t know the names Yun Che and Meng Jianyuan?
The two guards’ already startled expression immediately turned even more flavorful. They stood frozen for a moment before hastily bowing, “We… We did not know that you’re coming, Divine Son Yuan! Please wait a moment; we shall go report this immediately.”
Just over two months ago, the Dragon Lord had personally instructed them that, should the Divine Son Yuan of Dreamweaver ever pay a visit, there would be no need to escort him into the palace—he would personally greet him in person.
But in the blink of an eye, an uncontrollable rumble suddenly echoed from the distant mountain peaks.
Immediately afterward, a piercing noise that sounded like thunder ripped through the air, creating a long, distorted ripple that warped the very fabric of space.
Across the vast expanse, Long Zhiming caught sight of Yun Che at a glance. His face, as weathered as dead wood, instantly lit up as if it had gained a new lease of life. He swiftly closed the distance, landed before Yun Che, and laughed heartily. “This old man thought I was still dreaming at first, but it turned out that Divine Son Yuan really had graced us with his presence. No wonder the dragon veins in these mountains had been glowing with radiance, and the dark sky had been ablaze with rosy clouds lately. It was because a distinguished guest was about to arrive!”
Yun Che bowed respectfully. “Junior Yun Che greets you, Senior Dragon Lord. This visit had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, which was why I had not sent a formal invitation. I apologize for the impertinence and hope that Senior will not hold it against me. I am also deeply humbled that the Dragon Lord would personally welcome me in this manner.”
“Oh, you speak too highly of me, Divine Son Yuan.” Long Zhiming replied with an even broader smile. “Though you are my junior, you possess the bearing of a heavenly being. Your presence here is truly an honor for the dragon race.”
“You really are flattering me, Senior Dragon Lord. I am, in a sense, part of the dragon race, and having received this precious dragon jade from you, how can I possibly refuse to come?”
The dragon guards could not help but stare as the elderly man and the younger man exchanged pleasantries. They were especially stunned by how warm the Dragon Lord was speaking.
It was at this moment Long Zhiming turned his gaze to Meng Chaoyang, who had been standing silently behind Yun Che. He said, “So, it is Dream Lord Chaoyang! This old man was overcome with emotion when he first set his eyes on Divine Son Yuan; I apologize for nearly neglecting to properly greet a distinguished guest such as you.”
Meng Chaoyang simply stood with his hands clasped behind his back and said calmly, “My duty on this journey is to ensure Divine Son Yuan’s safety. Feel free to disregard my presence, Dragon Lord.”
“Haha, you jest, Lord Chaoyang! For you to be here in person, you can’t be anything but the most honored of guests. Please, come inside.”
As he turned around, he urgently sent a sound transmission, “Quick!! Summon Wangchu to the main hall at once!”
The Ancestral Dragon Divine Hall was situated at the foot of the highest peak in the Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range. Standing at over three kilometers tall, its tiered domes soared straight into the clouds.
Pale draconic patterns could be seen swirling throughout the hall, crisscrossing and flowing ceaselessly and radiating a profound, ancient radiance of dragons. It seemed as though they were praying for the dragon race’s legacy to endure forever, vast and eternal.
This was the dragon race’s holiest site, and the place where the draconic aura was the most concentrated. Even a Half-God would be intimidated by the draconic might upon entering this place, unable to suppress the trembling of their body and soul, and becoming unsteady in their steps.
Long Zhiming snuck a glance at Yun Che as they stepped inside, only to find him strolling leisurely and taking in the extraordinary sights around him with a composed demeanor. He showed not even the slightest trace of fear or trepidation whatsoever. Both his admiration and smile for Yun Che deepened.
After taking his seat, Yun Che cut straight to the point. “The reason for my visit today is, first, to accept your invitation, Senior Dragon Lord.”
Long Zhiming smiled and nodded in acknowledgement.
“Second, I hope to meet Long Xi in person to repay a debt from the past.”
A fleeting trace of unease flashed across Long Zhiming’s face upon hearing the name “Long Xi”. However, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and the faint smile looked the same as ever.
“Thirdly—”
Rumble… thud!
It was at this moment a series of chaotic sounds suddenly echoed from outside the hall. It sounded as if someone were kicking at the objects at their feet with reckless abandon. Then, an extremely impatient voice erupted, “Hey!! What do you want, you old geezer?”
The smile vanished completely from Long Zhiming’s face, and his sagging, withered face trembled. After offering Yun Che and Meng Chaoyang a smile that was half apologetic and half awkward, his face hardened, and he barked sharply, “Get in here, Wangchu!”
As the command rang out, a figure staggered into the room. He possessed the towering, slender stature typical of the dragons, yet his bearing was exceptionally rude and slovenly. His eyes, which should have radiated draconic might, held little sharpness; instead, they were clouded with a repulsive murkiness.
He was Long Wangchu… Long Zhiming’s only biological son, and sole direct heir of the Ancestral Dragon lineage.
“Spirit it out!” He leaned casually against the side of the hall door, not even glancing in Yun Che’s direction, much less showing the slightest respect or courtesy toward his father, the supreme Dragon Lord. “Every day, you spout a new load of nonsense. Just get it over with so I can get out of here, you old geezer.”
To make such a spectacle in front of not one, but two distinguished guests was tantamount to tearing his old face to shreds. Long Zhiming forced himself to suppress his anger and growled, “Shut up! Get inside this instant and pay your respects to Divine Son Yuan of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God!”
Long Wangchu’s expression froze, and his body snapped to attention with a whoosh.
It was only now he opened his eyes and looked at Yun Che properly. Then, the panic immediately set it. Shame, fear, and excitement tangled chaotically across his features for a moment before he finally realized what he should be doing and composed himself. He strode quickly to Yun Che’s side and bowed deeply, saying:
“To… To think it’s Divine Son Yuan of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God. I am Long Wangchu. I was unaware of your arrival and acted rashly. I beg that you do not hold it against me, Divine Son Yuan.”
His bow was deep, and his voice was trembling slightly. It was even tinged with a touch of flattery… After all, standing before him was the Divine Son of a Kingdom of God.
His sudden display of impeccable etiquette did not bring Long Zhiming the slightest comfort. Instead, he turned his face away, and a long, heavy sigh rose in his heart.
A sudden silence fell over the grand hall.
Long Wangchu, still bowing, felt his body tense. After waiting for a long time but receiving no response from Yun Che, he cautiously raised his head to take a peek—only to suddenly meet a pair of eyes that looked as dark as the deepest night.
Those eyes were fixed directly on him, unblinking. Though both of them had black pupils, the ones staring at him were terrifyingly pitch black like a bottomless abyss of death, or an endless night of calamity.
Moreover, those pupils seemed to be expanding and contracting constantly.
Long Wangchu’s vision suddenly wavered, and his sight grew abruptly blurry… Through the haze, he vaguely saw a crimson speck coalescing—red as blood.
As if passing through a million layers of blood-soaked purgatory, it just kept deepening until a single, blood crystal of purgatory was crystalized.
1. There isn’t actually a sun in the Abyss, but activate preemptive response: I’m just the translator. ☜