novel against the - Chapter 2047

Chapter 2047: Gorgeous Dream

Hua Caili’s unusually strong reaction caught Yun Che’s attention. He glanced sideways and asked in confusion, “Is there something wrong with this name?”

“N-no… nothing.” Hua Caili shook her head awkwardly. “It’s just that I suddenly feel such a heavy sword has… such an odd name.”

“It’s not really that odd.” Yun Che seemed not to notice anything amiss. He stroked the sword’s blade with his hand, his gaze gradually becoming distant, as if lost in reminiscence. “My master never told me the sword’s original name. He named me Yun Che, so he also gave this sword that has accompanied me all my life the surname ‘Yun.'”

The sword emitted a faint crimson glow, like a mysterious crimson liuli[1]. The original inscriptions of “Heaven Smiting” and “Demon Slaying” had been concealed ever since entering the Abyss.

[1]: Liuli (琉璃): A type of colored glass in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity and clarity.

“Its sword aura is unique, resembling liuli, so my master took the character ‘Li’ from ‘liuli’ and renamed it the ‘Yunli Sword.’ At the same time, the characters ‘Yun’ and ‘Li’ embody my master’s hope that I would have ‘ambitions as vast as the clouds and a heart as clear as liuli.'”

“……” Deep within Yun Che’s soul sea, Li Suo was stunned for a long time.

If she hadn’t already known that it was the Heaven Smiting Demon Slayer Sword in Hong’er’s form and the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor Sword in You’er’s form, even she would have believed him.

“I see…” Hua Caili smiled somewhat dazedly. “Hearing you say that, Young Master Yun, the name does seem to suit it well.”

Yun Che raised his eyes and casually asked, “Sister Qu, your sword is pure white jade; even celestial supreme jade pales in comparison. Its sword aura is gentle as water, yet its might chills the soul. I believe its name must be renowned throughout the world.”

“I… won’t tell you just yet.”

Hua Caili swiftly turned and dashed deeper into the misty sea ahead, as if fleeing.

His sword is called Yunli Sword…

My sword is called Liyun Sword…

Yun Che…

Caili…

……

Her thoughts were like countless young deer colliding, making her steps uncontrollably erratic.

“What are you intending with this?” Li Suo couldn’t help but ask.

“A hint,” Yun Che answered succinctly.

“A hint?” Li Suo was puzzled.

“Yes, it’s quite effective on young men and women who are new to the world.” Yun Che offered only this explanation. “But it definitely wouldn’t work on you. Even if I explained in detail, you probably wouldn’t truly understand.”

“……” Li Suo didn’t press further but said, “Aren’t you afraid that Hong’er and You’er will be upset with you?”

“Don’t worry,” Yun Che said leisurely. “As long as Hong’er is well-fed, she’ll do anything. You’er is the most obedient; she doesn’t even know how to be angry with me.”

Li Suo sighed softly. “Your methods are truly endless. Aren’t you afraid of overdoing it? After all, once a flaw is exposed, everything becomes a flaw.”

“……” Yun Che’s steps paused slightly. He said, “You’re not entirely wrong.”

“I’m indeed racking my brains, using every method I can think of intensively… There’s no choice; the time left for me is really too short.”

“But rest assured.” After a sigh, Yun Che’s expression returned to confidence. “If you think carefully about everything between me and her, it’s actually all her ‘initiative.’ So when it comes to exposing flaws, she’s the one who’s more worried. Moreover, these days, not only does she have no suspicions about me, but she’s been accumulating guilt over ‘various concealments’ and ‘deliberately approaching’ me.”

Li Suo: “……”

Gazing at Hua Caili’s back, he softly said, “The small tricks are almost enough. Next, it’s time for the two most important steps.”

“……I hope you succeed,” Li Suo could only say.

Yun Che closed his eyes slightly. “You won’t hope for it.”

Li Suo: “??”

—

—

“Young Master Yun, do you know about the ‘Eternal Pure Land’?”

“Yes, of course I’ve heard of it.”

“I heard that it’s a world without Abyssal Dust. I heard that our Ancestor and Lord Abyssal Emperor both came from that world.”

“I heard… that even the most ordinary corners of that world are as pure as a pure land; the sky there isn’t gray but a clear light blue, with clouds so white they have no blemishes; there are waters that stretch for thousands, even millions of miles, countless races, and all kinds of exotic plants and flowers with unimaginable shapes and colors…”

Regarding the legendary Eternal Pure Land, every abyssal profound practitioner yearned endlessly, and Hua Caili was no exception.

But to ordinary practitioners, the Eternal Pure Land was more like a legend. To the people of the Divine Kingdoms, however, they knew it was a real world.

“These aren’t just legends,” Yun Che said calmly. “That world truly is like that.”

“Ah?” The young girl turned to him, playfully saying, “Could it be that Young Master Yun has been to the Eternal Pure Land?”

“Of course not,” Yun Che chuckled. “However, it’s very possible that my master came from there.”

“!!” Hua Qingying’s gaze instantly sharpened.

Hua Caili spun around, intense surprise almost overflowing from her beautiful eyes.

Yun Che continued, “My master often told me about that world. At first, I was confused and didn’t pay much attention or believe him. Later, he began to transmit many images into my soul sea, and only then did I realize that such a world truly exists.”

“Ah…” Hua Caili subconsciously parted her lips, letting out a soft gasp. Then she said with great excitement and amazement, “Were those really… images of the ‘Eternal Pure Land’? Then have you… have you seen the heavens and landscapes there, the white clouds, the pure snow, and all kinds of flowers, plants, and spirit beasts…”

“Hahaha.” Yun Che laughed. “At that time, I was just like you, constantly begging my master to show me all sorts of things I wanted to see, and he would always oblige. It wasn’t until after my master passed away and I entered the world myself that I gradually realized how astonishing the scenes my master left me were.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand, sweeping through the void.

Icey light flickered, and suddenly snowflakes filled the sky.

There was no snow in the Abyss. Even profound practitioners who cultivated water-type profound energy only excelled at spreading water to condense ice because they couldn’t imagine the form of snow. Even if they tried to simulate it based on records, it was just a scattering of fine ice shards.

Therefore, this scene, which was utterly ordinary in Yun Che’s world, was an unparalleled spectacle that the vast majority of abyssal beings could never hope to witness in their lifetimes.

“Wow~~”

The young girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling like stars. She raised her hands toward the sky, watching the snowflakes dance on her fingertips before turning into a soul-soothing chill in her palms.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen snow before; the Spirit Immortal Divine Priest, who was most adept with elemental profound energy, had made snow fall before her more than once. Each time, she would cheer excitedly.

But this time, the falling snow seemed to enter her heart along with her joy, surpassing even the thrill of her first encounter back then.

The same snow, but a different person.

Yun Che smiled, then gently pressed his palm downward.

A touch of pure white appeared beneath their feet, then quickly spread, covering the gray-black ground, submerging the eerie rocks and black trees, stretching to the farthest reaches of sight, deep into the unknown expanse of the misty sea.

In Hua Caili’s eyes, in her entire world, unfolded a pure white Snow Domain belonging solely to her.

Her soft exclamations halted, and the young girl stood there dazed, as if she couldn’t believe her eyes, couldn’t believe such a world existed.

“This is the snowfield that exists in many places in that world,” Yun Che said softly. “They can extend for thousands, even tens of thousands of miles. In some places, white snow covers the land eternally, never melting. Beneath the snow is still snow, becoming an everlasting color of the world.”

His gaze showed a hint of longing, which he forcibly suppressed.

He missed the Snow Song Realm, missed the Ice Phoenix Divine Palace.

But as long as he remained in the Abyss, missing them was a luxury—a sin he shouldn’t indulge in.

“Like a dream…” she murmured softly, her beautiful eyes reflecting the snow. Such a singular color, yet it inexplicably made her eyes misty.

She loved pure white things; everyone in the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom knew this.

Her outer garments, her favorite Caiyun Branch, her most cherished Liyun Sword…

Yun Che stood beside her, pointing to her palm that was even more translucent than the snow. Instantly, the falling snow condensed, and a small snow ferret was sculpted in her palm.

“This is a snow ferret, always blending with the ice and snow,” Yun Che introduced with a smile. “Master said that although it’s a powerless mortal beast, because of its appearance, even the most wicked people often can’t bear to hunt it.”

“So cute!” Hua Caili carefully cradled it, stars seeming to melt in her beautiful eyes. “Is this a real creature?”

She gently touched it, yet was reluctant to do so. “Such an adorable little spirit beast, I don’t think anyone would bear to harm it, even if it were a vicious beast.”

Yun Che pointed his finger, and flames flickered. A small flame butterfly appeared in his palm, then fluttered onto Hua Caili’s fingertip.

“This is a butterfly. Master said that in that world, there are hundreds of thousands of butterfly species—from many types of mortal butterflies as small as fingertips to various demon butterflies that can transform into human form.”

“This is the Icefeather Spirit Flower, which grows in extremely cold places but emits spiritual energy that can warm the soul.”

It was also the flower symbolizing his deep affection with Mu Xuanyin.

“This is the Netherworld Udumbara Flower. I can only barely simulate its form and can’t fully display its true appearance. Master said it’s the most enchanting flower in that world, capable of making people fall into eternal dreams… yet it can also create the most remarkable miracles.”

“This is the Canghai Furious Shark. Don’t be fooled by its small size in my palm; it’s actually a colossal sea beast in that world, spanning thousands of miles…”

“This is the Praying Spirit Holy Flower, which can only grow when bathed in light profound energy…”

“These are the Phoenix and the Ice Phoenix…”

…

Yun Che generously showcased to Hua Caili all the “wonders of another world” he had “received from his master.” Each new marvel brought different twinkles to the starlight in the girl’s eyes.

Even Hua Qingying found herself continually amazed.

“Sister Qu, is there anything else you especially want to see?” His gaze was as gentle as a warm breeze, as if telling the young girl that as long as she asked, he would fulfill her wish.

“So many things,” she replied joyfully, but because there were too many, she didn’t know how to choose at the moment.

Then her starry eyes suddenly brightened. “Young Master Yun, do you know about meteor showers?”

“Meteor showers?” This request somewhat surprised Yun Che.

The young girl raised her head, looking at the sky illuminated by the snow. “I once asked a… very powerful uncle what the most beautiful scene in the world was.”

“The uncle thought for a long time and told me that the world called the Eternal Pure Land isn’t a gray, desolate land like the Abyss but is filled with countless stars and star realms.”

“Over time, due to the collapse of spatial laws, collisions, or natural and man-made disasters, one or more stars would occasionally fall and disintegrate, forming a phenomenon known as a meteor shower.”

“The uncle said it’s the most magnificent catastrophe in the world, and anyone who sees it would remember it for a lifetime.”

“……” Yun Che’s breath paused for a fleeting moment.

He knew better than anyone the splendor of a star’s annihilation, and understood its cruelty more deeply than anyone.

Yun Che pondered for a moment, then gently took the young girl’s slender wrist. “Sit down.”

The young girl was surprised but obediently sat down.

At that moment, the gray sky suddenly brightened.

A distant star released endless brilliant light, tearing through the grayness of the Endless Fog, casting down dazzling starlight that didn’t belong to this world.

It wasn’t difficult for Yun Che to simulate this “meteor.” Its form was an icy star, exuding sacred brilliance imbued with light profound energy.

The star fell, dragging a long trail of light, as if splitting the entire sky of the misty sea.

The trail of light crossed the girl’s pupils and soul. Before she could exclaim in surprise, the distant star suddenly exploded… scattering countless fragments of starlight, weaving countless intersecting trails of light.

Abyssal beasts everywhere roared; countless profound practitioners halted and looked up, staring in dumbfounded amazement at the distant, dream-like destructive starlight.

Hua Caili raised her delicate face, gazing blankly, her eyes reflecting every trace of the stars.

The dangerous Endless Fog and the constant howls of abyssal beasts… all became insignificant. Because at this moment, what filled her world was such warmth and beauty, never before experienced, never even imagined.

Was it because of this annihilating meteor?

No matter how magnificent, it’s ultimately just scenery.

As if unconsciously following her heart’s guidance, her gaze shifted from this extravagant scene to Yun Che beside her, looking at his face illuminated by the starlight.

She was suddenly captivated.

At this moment, though she was so naïve about everything, she understood with unparalleled clarity…

It wasn’t because of the scenery, but because of the person.

Sensing her gaze, Yun Che lowered his eyes to meet hers. “Why are you looking at me like that all of a sudden?”

Without averting her eyes, she continued to gaze at his face, murmuring dreamily, “The young master should only see the painting; only I know the path within.”

“Uh?” Yun Che was momentarily taken aback.

The girl’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She lowered her gaze and softly said, “These are words my master, who taught me to read, once shared with me. Only today do I understand that the ‘young master’ in those words is you, Young Master Yun.”

“……” Yun Che opened his mouth but didn’t speak.

At this moment, he vaguely sensed that beneath the girl’s innocent and gentle exterior… her heart might be far more passionate than he had imagined.

The man’s presence beside her was especially warm, carrying a strange allure. She did not resist this attraction and slowly leaned closer. Unconsciously, her delicate head rested on his warm shoulder…

She closed her eyes, and the whole world seemed to become warm and quiet, making her, for the first time in her life, so strongly desire to immerse herself in this moment.

So this is what the most beautiful state of the world is like.

You don’t have to think about anything, you don’t have to do anything, as long as he is by your side.

Time seemed to stand still, only the starlight in the sky gradually dimming.

Hua Qingying’s brows knitted tightly; she had already attempted several times to transmit a message to Hua Caili… Just as the last traces of starlight faded and she hesitated once more, she saw Yun Che raise his hand and gently yet firmly push the young girl leaning on his shoulder away.

Hua Caili was jolted from her reverie. She looked up at Yun Che… His action of pushing her away and his current expression caused her heart to suddenly tighten, leaving her speechless in astonishment.

His gaze was as clear as before, but also as rational as at the beginning… rational to the point of indifference.

“Sister Qu,” he began, still smiling. “We’ve been traveling together for over a month, and your injuries have healed. So, it’s time for us to part ways.”

It was as if a beautiful dream was suddenly shattered by cold, icy rain. The girl’s eyes trembled intensely, and she blurted out, “Wh-why…”

Yun Che looked at her, his voice calm and measured. “Actually, your surname isn’t Qu. ‘Qu Yixin’ isn’t your real name, is it?”