novel against the - Chapter 2048

Chapter 2048: Sorrow of Parting

This sudden revelation plunged Hua Caili’s tense emotions into panic. “I… I…”

Yun Che’s voice and expression remained calm. “If my guess is correct, your surname is ‘Hua,’ and your given name is ‘Caili,’ correct?”

“……!” Hua Caili abruptly raised her eyes, her gaze trembling.

As if confirming his suspicions from her reaction, Yun Che smiled. “So it is. Actually, it wasn’t hard to deduce.”

He raised his head, gazing at the sky that had returned to its gloomy state, and slowly said, “That day, when your veil fluttered down, I was fortunate enough to see your true face—stunning like a dream… Later, I inadvertently recalled a legend, sighing that the legendary Divine Daughter Caili, who embodies all the splendor of the abyss, might not match even a fraction of your beauty.”

“It was after that sigh that an almost absurd thought arose naturally… Could you, like an exiled celestial straight from a dream, actually be the legendary Divine DaughterCaili?”

Hua Caili silently bit her lip, unable to speak.

“So, I thought of our first encounter in the Qilin Abyss Realm. When facing that silver-clothed man with ill intentions, you confidently asserted that his surname was ‘Meng,’ and then called out the names ‘Meng Jianxi’ and ‘Meng Jianzhou.’ Although I’ve never interacted with people from a Divine Kingdom, I do know that ‘Meng Jianxi’ is the Divine Son of the Dreamweaver Divine Kingdom.”

“But at that time, the Divine Kingdom was too distant for me, almost illusory, so I wouldn’t have thought further. Reflecting now, you, who clearly lack shrewdness, were particularly calm and certain when calling out the name of the Dreamweaver Divine Son…”

“Unless you are someone of equal status.”

“When we met at the Endless Fog, we encountered a person named ‘Fan Qingzhou.’ With just one glance, you asserted he was a prospective knight of the Eternal Pure Land. I was deeply surprised then but refrained from asking… And the legendary Divine Daughter Caili, though the supreme-ruler’s Daughter of the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom, often resides in the Pure Land, beloved by the Abyss Sovereign and Divine Emissaries, so naturally she’d be more familiar with the Abyss Knights than anyone else.”

Without looking at Hua Caili’s expression, Yun Che continued, “Also, the sword you practice. Master has explained various Sword Paths to me, and all I’ve seen in my life fits within those explanations. Only the sword intent you display isn’t within Master’s knowledge of Sword Paths.”

“And the pinnacle of the abyss’s Sword Path lies in the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom. Rumor has it that the Sword Path practiced there was taught by the supreme Abyss Emperor, so it’s likely beyond Master’s knowledge. Since we’ve known each other, you’ve never shared even a word about the Sword Path you practice, your Sword Secret Arts, or even the name of your beloved sword. Indeed, because any slight disclosure might reveal your identity.”

These reasons were laid out one by one, revealing to Hua Caili the various flaws she had inadvertently exposed.

She moved her lips, her small head slightly raised… As the Heaven Breaker Divine Daughter, her voice was unexpectedly soft and timid. “Are you blaming me for deceiving you… But I… I…”

“No, of course not.” Before she could finish, Yun Che decisively shook his head. “You are the Divine Daughter of a Divine Kingdom—so noble. Hiding your identity is the most appropriate action; no one could possibly blame you for this.”

Her dim beautiful eyes regained brilliance, and the girl’s voice recovered some joy. “Then… Young Master Yun isn’t really angry with me?”

As she spoke, she stepped forward, about to grasp Yun Che’s wrist… But just as she took a step, Yun Che abruptly retreated.

Hua Caili’s figure suddenly froze, the starlight in her eyes seeming to shatter.

“You… are still angry with me. You have every right to be. You’ve always been sincere with me, never hiding even your greatest secrets. But I… I…”

She bit her lip hard, barely suppressing the sourness welling up in her eyes, and tried hard to display a smile. “I promise you, from now on, I won’t hide anything from you. Also… all my secrets, anything at all—as long as you want to know, I’ll tell you… Is that okay…”

“……” Hua Qingying’s brows gradually tightened, becoming like two sword edges harboring hidden killing intent.

Yun Che still shook his head. “I’m really not angry, and I truly don’t blame you. I have no reason or qualification to blame you or be angry with you.”

As if unwilling to touch the fragility in her eyes, he lowered his gaze and slowly said, “Do you remember what I once told you?”

“We are people from two different worlds.”

Hua Caili: “…”

“When we first met, your temperament and demeanor alone told me your origin must be extraordinary. But then, I thought you might be from a major sect or clan, or perhaps even from a Divine Kingdom… But I could never have imagined that you were actually the Divine Daughter of a Divine Kingdom.”

He gave a self-deprecating smile. “It turns out we’re more than just people from two different worlds. The Divine Daughter of a Divine Kingdom and a rootless wanderer like me… Between us lies an unbridgeable gap spanning countless worlds.”

“…” These words instantly dissipated more than half of the killing intent between Hua Qingying’s brows.

“No, it’s not like that, it’s not!” Hua Caili vigorously shook her head in denial. “I’ve never felt there’s any difference between us. On the contrary, you’re the best person I’ve ever met in my life—the best in every aspect. Even… even Uncle Abyss Emperor often tells me ‘all beings are equal’…”

“You might think so because you’re still too pure and kind, too naive and immature.” Yun Che’s face showed none of the emotional response Hua Caili hoped for. “What’s even more lamentable is that the phrase ‘all beings are equal’ can only come from the mouths of those in high positions.”

“The Divine Daughter of a Divine Kingdom… I believe that even if you’re still somewhat naive, you should understand what responsibilities this identity bears. It’s not just supreme nobility and status but also the fate and future of a vast Divine Kingdom.”

“Her nobility cannot tolerate the slightest contamination from mortals; her choices cannot allow any harm to the Divine Kingdom; and her dignity, her will… Can you imagine, if the world knew that a Divine Son or Divine Daughter was close to a mere mortal without any background, what kind of turmoil and uproar would ensue?”

Yun Che’s words guided Hua Caili’s thoughts. She wanted to refute but couldn’t find the words, so she could only shake her head more vigorously.

Yun Che slowly extended his hand, his fingertips gently touching the corner of her eye.

A teardrop melted at his fingertips, spreading the first tear of emotion in the girl’s life.

Hua Caili stared at him blankly, unable to move or speak.

“Elder Sister Qu,” his voice became so gentle, “the time I’ve spent with you has been like a dream every moment.”

“Your figure, eyes, voice, purity, innocence… everything about you attracts me, making me obsessed to the point of losing my mind countless times.”

“Ah…” A soft moan escaped Hua Caili’s lips, tears glistening.

“I guessed your identity but was reluctant to leave. Because every moment near you is too beautiful, too luxurious. Every day, I greedily watched you, protected you, and tried to do things that might make you happy, until…”

He suddenly turned his head away; though the movement was swift, Hua Caili still caught the faint moisture in his eyes.

“Until just now, I felt you drawing closer to me.”

His hand slowly moved away from her cheek, as if taking away the last trace of longing. He turned around, his voice as faint as the wind. “I was delighted, and then overwhelmingly fearful… I absolutely won’t allow myself to become a burden to you, even if it’s just a brief stain.”

He exhaled a long breath. “Divine Daughter Caili, may your life be smooth. I will never forget… Elder Sister Qu.”

As his voice fell, his figure had resolutely departed, never looking back.

“Young Master Yun!” In her daze, Hua Caili let out a startled cry, subconsciously moving forward to chase him.

“Your betrothed is still waiting for your return.”

A swiftly fading voice reached the girl’s ears, causing her soul to buzz; she stood there dazed, her eyes quickly losing focus.

Betrothed…

Boundless Divine Kingdom’s Divine Son, Dian Jiuzhi, and Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom’s Divine Daughter, Hua Caili, were engaged—a decree bestowed by the Abyss Emperor, known throughout the world.

Because it potentially involves the “allocation” of supreme heirs and the ownership of bloodline heritage, marriages between Divine Sons and Divine Daughters are extremely rare in the abyss’s history. The world-shaking magnitude of this engagement can be imagined.

Yet the person most indifferent to this was precisely Hua Caili.

She knew the meaning of the engagement but had never taken it to heart.

Because it was arranged by Father supreme-ruler

Her entire life had been arranged by Father supreme-ruler The engagement he arranged was, to her, like a trial, a ceremony… no different from other arrangements specifying what she should do at each stage.

Dian Jiuzhi treated her very well, and she was especially close to him. So regarding this engagement, she had no concept of rejection and never paid attention to it… Because when the time came, Father supreme-ruler would arrange everything; as always, she just followed Father supreme-ruler’s arrangements.

But at this moment… The word “engagement,” previously so insignificant that she’d never think of it, suddenly became so heavy, making her vision blur, her heart chaotic, almost unable to breathe.

It wasn’t just an engagement, not just a life bound to another person.

It was also the stability and dignity of two great Divine Kingdoms.

It was Father supreme-ruler’s expectations, the eyes of the world;

It was the supreme imperial authority of the Abyss Emperor.

It was…

So, he left so decisively…

…

The world seemed to become silent; time seemed to stand still… She didn’t know how long had passed, but the heavy suffocation in her heart still hadn’t dissipated. She slowly raised her gaze; in her sight and perception, there was no longer any trace of Yun Che.

She closed her eyes; on her peerlessly beautiful face was a sorrow enough to instantly break any man’s heart.

I am the Divine Daughter of the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom; my life is destined not to belong to myself but to the Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom.

So…

Is it destined to be just a… fleeting dream…

Like that brief brilliance of a meteor, destined to vanish…

Hua Qingying gazed into the distance; Yun Che had left with exceptional resolve, moving extremely fast, as if afraid of being pursued by Hua Caili, until he was beyond her perception, disappearing into the untraceable Endless Fog.

…

…

After confirming he was far enough to be beyond Hua Qingying’s perception range, Yun Che finally slowed his pace slightly, his face instantly shedding all expressions.

Alone once more, Yun Che completely relaxed, even luxuriously taking a few deep breaths.

After all, during this period, he’d been under the constant watch of the Sword Immortal; he couldn’t help but keep his nerves tense at all times.

After leisurely walking for a while… This time, Yun Che couldn’t hold back. “Little Li Suo, why aren’t you asking?”

“…Every time I ask, after you answer, you always say I don’t understand.” Li Suo’s voice was as soft as ever but seemed somewhat resentful.

“Uh… Although you were once the Creation supreme-rulerdess, your cognition was shattered; everything needs to recover slowly,” Yun Che said leisurely. “If you observe more and ask more, won’t you gradually understand?”

“Just now, she took the initiative to approach you; it should be the success you’ve long awaited. Why did you retreat at this moment, and so decisively?” Li Suo asked.

Waiting for her to ask this, Yun Che immediately countered, “Tell me, when does a person truly realize the value of something?”

Li Suo pondered and replied, “When they lose it.”

“Exactly!” Yun Che nodded appreciatively.

“So, that’s why you did this?” Li Suo didn’t seem enlightened; her voice carried even more confusion.

“Of course, it’s not just that.” Yun Che squinted his eyes. “It’s for the most crucial… final step.”

“The step I’m most unwilling to anticipate?” Li Suo echoed Yun Che’s earlier words.

“Yes.” Yun Che answered without hesitation. “You might as well start thinking of as many scolding words as possible now, to avoid being speechless when the time comes.”

“You… What exactly are you going to do?”

Yun Che smiled slightly, a chilling arc flashing across his lips. “Although I’ve used all the methods I can think of, in such a short time, no matter how deep her feelings for me are, how deep can they be? Could it possibly surpass Father supreme-ruler, who has doted on her since birth?”

“Now, she’s at most infatuated with me. But what I want is far more than that; I want her to be willing to give up everything for me, to rebel against everything!”

“Otherwise, how can I use this Heaven Breaker Divine Kingdom as a fulcrum to stir up the six great Divine Kingdoms, and even the entire abyss?”

“……” Li Suo was silent for a long time, completely unable to imagine how Yun Che could achieve what he spoke of.

She sighed sympathetically in her heart:

This Heaven Breaker Divine Daughter, though a Divine Daughter, is so innocent. Having just entered the world, she encountered Yun Che… this being who vows to overturn the abyss, arguably the most dangerous and terrifying Devil supreme-ruler in existence.

How tragic and pitiful.