novel against the - Chapter 2041

Chapter 2041: Conspiracy

“Young Master Yun,” Hua Caili began, “were all the various elemental powers you possess taught to you by your master?”

“Of course.”

“But my aunt said that cultivating multiple elemental powers is one of the taboos in cultivation. Not only will it hinder one’s progress, but it can also easily cause Profound Qi to lose control and create a self-destructive Profound Vein. Those who can truly cultivate multiple elements need to be exceptionally gifted in both body and comprehension—a rarity among profound practitioners, one in a million.”

“My aunt is incredibly powerful. Among the people she knows, the one who has the greatest control over elemental power only cultivates three. And you actually cultivate five… no, six elemental powers!”

The person who cultivated three elemental powers she mentioned was one of the Four Great Divine Envoys. In the Abyss, second only to the one above all, surpassing all other living beings.

Yet, the man before her now surpassed even the Divine Officers in this respect, exceeding the Abyss’s common understanding.

Yun Che’s answer was calm and composed. “It was only after I left my master and truly entered the world that I gradually realized how astonishing everything my master had bestowed upon me was.”

“Then, your master…”

Hua Caili immediately stopped herself, whispering, “I shouldn’t ask too much.”

Yun Che smiled gently, a fleeting expression that inexplicably captivated the girl’s beautiful eyes, causing her gaze to linger for a moment. “Where did you travel after you left your master?” she inquired.

“Many places,” Yun Che replied calmly. “But what I saw, heard, and experienced was mostly the same. Desolation, decay, people ravaged by abyssal dust, eyes filled with pain and cruelty, yet also concealing deep malice… I believe you’ve witnessed all of this during your recent journeys and gradually become accustomed to it.”

Hua Caili lowered her head slightly, softly saying, “The world outside is far more…terrifying than what others describe or what I imagined.”

This “terrifying” encompassed many aspects.

Her supreme-ruler Realm was a sacred land most creatures in the Abyss couldn’t even dream of. But the world outside was a wicked wasteland she could never have conceived of.

“You are so powerful; you must have left a great reputation in the places you’ve been! Just like in the Qilin Abyss Realm, you defeated a group of Divine Masters with your Divine Sovereign Realm cultivation and helped the declining Helian Imperial Family rise above all the major sects. I believe you will be a legend there for a long time to come.”

Yun Che shook his head. “When I was with Master, I was unaware of it. After entering the world, I gradually understood the many differences between myself and others. For example, my cultivation far surpasses other profound practitioners of the same realm, and my control of elemental power is unfathomable to them.”

“And this difference arouses astonishment, curiosity, and covetousness, leading to unforeseen schemes and dangers. So later on, I began to do my utmost to conceal my unique qualities. Every time I went somewhere new, I changed my name and didn’t stay long. How could I have established a reputation?”

“My time in the Qilin Abyss Realm was my most conspicuous. After all, because of the immense kindness shown to me, I promised Princess Helian Lingzhu that I would help the Helian royal family enter the Qilin supreme-ruler Realm. Naturally, I couldn’t conceal myself as I had before, so I simply let loose.”

He explained calmly and meticulously. His understated words, however, painted a picture of cruel and brutal encounters that forced someone with his temperament to hide himself, drifting like duckweed, never settling in one place for too long.

Even after bestowing great favor upon a royal family, he retreated quietly, remaining solitary.

“Then… is Yun Che your real name?” the girl asked earnestly.

“Of course!” Yun Che met her gaze, his dark eyes filled with pure sincerity. “Sister Qu is my lifesaver. My master taught me that a drop of water received in kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. How could I deceive Sister Qu about my name?”

“Hmm… yeah.” “Sister Qu” unconsciously lowered her head, her gaze falling to her toes.

Indeed, he had revealed the significant secret of the Light Profound Power to prevent a scar from marring her forehead, let alone his name.

Speaking of life-saving grace, he had saved her countless times.

He was so sincere and open, while she…

Guilt and helplessness washed over her.

Yun Che seemed oblivious to her unease, casually asking, “Sister Qu, the purpose of your training this time is to break through to the Divine Extinction Realm, correct?”

Hua Caili hesitated. “I do yearn to break through, I truly do. But my father… advised me not to rush it. When he sent me out, he gave me two questions. He said that if I could find the answers to these two questions, it would mean this journey was not in vain, and it could even be considered a more remarkable breakthrough than a realm breakthrough.”

Lost in thought for a moment, she almost uttered the words “Father supreme-ruler”

“Hmm? What questions?” Yun Che became intrigued. “Tell me, perhaps I can help you find the answers.”

Hua Caili’s beautiful eyes lit up. “My aunt said I must personally experience many things to find the answers. Although you are young, you have far more experience than I do. Perhaps you truly do know the answers.”

She explained, “My father’s questions are: What is the most precious thing in this world, and what is the most worthless?”

She looked expectantly at Yun Che, but instead of finding any trace of contemplation on his face, she only saw an enigmatic, knowing smile.

“Has someone asked you the same questions before?” Hua Caili inquired.

“No. But I am certain of their answers,” he said with a smile. “And these two questions, in truth, share the same answer.”

“Ah?” The girl was stunned. “How could that be? These are clearly two completely opposite questions. How can they possibly have the same answer?”

Yun Che suddenly stopped walking. “Rather than me revealing the answer to you directly, it’s better for you to grasp it yourself. Moreover, you might understand very soon.”

The girl blinked her long eyelashes, confusion clouding her star-like eyes.

Yun Che raised his hand, creating an isolation barrier around Hua Caili. “Sit down, conceal your aura as much as possible, then outwardly display signs of injury, and simply focus on healing as you normally would.”

“Ah?” Hua Caili was bewildered.

“You’ll understand shortly.”

Yun Che didn’t elaborate, his face calm and knowing. Hua Caili thought for a moment, then decided not to press further, following his instructions. She sat down, concealing her aura within the barrier. A faint pallor gradually crept back onto her pristine face.

These past few days, she had been purposely slowing down the recovery of her injuries.

Yun Che extended his palm, and the enormous Abyss Crystal reappeared, gently landing within the barrier.

Now, to any onlooker, it was evident that the girl within the barrier was using the power of the Abyss Crystal to facilitate her healing.

Yun Che turned around. At the same time, the two auras he sensed in the distance abruptly accelerated. He took only two steps forward when two figures materialized in his sight.

Both were clad in black attire best suited for navigating the Endless Fog, each carrying identical broadswords. Their auras were similar, clearly indicating they were from the same sect.

Their gazes swiftly flitted over Yun Che, paused momentarily on Hua Caili, then fixed on the Abyss Crystal.

Their pupils dilated, revealing burning excitement and unbridled greed.

“Such an enormous Abyss Crystal, and with such pure light…” the man on the right breathed, his Adam’s apple bobbing noticeably. “I’m afraid even Master Uncle has never seen one like it.”

The man on the left seemed more composed. He tore his gaze away with difficulty and reassessed Yun Che and Hua Caili… The former possessed the aura of a Level 3 Divine Master; the latter’s aura was masked by the barrier and couldn’t be discerned. Although her face was veiled with a snow-white gauze, the paleness on her jade-like forehead clearly betrayed a serious injury.

A Level 3 Divine Master unharmed, and an injured girl within the barrier… There was no doubt that the girl’s cultivation was far weaker than the man’s.

And both of them were Level 5 Divine Masters.

All their caution evaporated, replaced by predatory smirks. The man on the left could no longer contain his excitement, his voice trembling as he spoke, “Junior Brother Liu, this heaven-sent opportunity has finally found us.”

He sauntered forward, but instead of directly snatching the Abyss Crystal within the barrier, he extended his hand towards Yun Che. “Boy, you should know the rules of the Endless Fog. Hand it over without a fuss.”

Although he was addressing Yun Che, he only spared him a dismissive glance. His movements were unhurried, but his lips remained curled in a predatory smirk.

He exuded the air of a hunter completely in command of the situation.

Such a massive Abyss Crystal was something they had never encountered. In this lawless Endless Fog, anyone who stumbled upon something valuable would do their utmost to conceal it. Yet, this injured girl, needing the power of the Abyss Crystal to mend her wounds, had exposed it right before their eyes.

Wasn’t this a golden opportunity?

Yun Che didn’t display the fear they anticipated. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and said firmly, “Why should we give you our belongings?”

Hua Caili peeked out from within the barrier, curiously observing Yun Che’s act.

“Hmm?” The unexpected response made them finally turn their attention to him. After reassessing Yun Che’s profound energy aura, their eyes filled with even greater disdain and amusement, as if they were looking down on a naive fool who had just set foot in the Endless Fog.

“So, you want neither the Abyss Crystal nor your life?”

The man in black advanced slowly, his voice dripping with menace.

Yun Che frowned deeply, stepping forward to shield the barrier. “What are you doing? Judging by your auras, you should be from a righteous sect. When encountering each other in the Endless Fog, we should lend each other a hand. If you dare to rob and kill… aren’t you afraid of disgracing your sect!?”

Yun Che’s righteous words nearly sent the two men into fits of laughter. The man on the right scoffed, “Where did this idiot crawl out from? It’s probably his first time in the Endless Fog.”

He pointed at Yun Che, his gaze filled with contempt. “Boy, Grandpa Liu will teach you a lesson today. No matter what prince or noble you are outside, in this Endless Fog, if Grandpa Liu wants you dead, you die!”

“Don’t waste your breath,” the man on the left hissed, his profound energy surging. “A long night brings many dreams. Kill him quickly, and try to leave no trace.”

Taking the Abyss Crystal meant eliminating the witness!

As soon as he finished speaking, he lunged like a viper, reaching for the Abyss Crystal.

The other man reacted instantly, letting out a sinister grin. The broadsword on his back erupted outward, creating a terrifying storm that hurtled towards Yun Che’s heart.

Although he looked down on Yun Che, who was only a Level 3 Divine Master, he held nothing back, leaving no margin for error.

High above, Hua Qingying let out a faint sneer.

With her vast experience, she knew exactly what Yun Che was doing the moment he produced the Abyss Crystal.

“Luring them with greed, inverting cause and effect, what a childish ploy.”

“However…”

She murmured, “Perhaps such a simple ploy is the most suitable for Caili.”