novel against the - Chapter 2069

Chapter 2069: The Shadow of the Yuan Emperor

“Afraid?” Hua Fuchen softly repeated the word.¹

“Ah…”

Hua Qingying continued, “Brother, a full ten thousand years have passed since you ascended to the position of supreme-ruler Venerable. During these years, the changes in you may have gone unnoticed by yourself, but I see them clearly.”

“Yun Che’s words were right. You have… become increasingly like the previous supreme-ruler Venerable.”

Hua Fuchen didn’t refute. He slumped slightly in his seat, speaking in a low, melancholic tone, “I once thought that even if I became the supreme-ruler Venerable, I would still be me. But the word ‘identity’ is far more terrifying than I imagined. It’s not a simple title; once it hangs above one’s head, it subtly alters a person in every aspect, at all times, without a sound.”

“These years, while I still resent the previous supreme-ruler Venerable, gradually, I’ve come to resent my former self even more. I hate the naive, foolish, impulsive, immature, inflexible, and self-righteous self I once was. Even after facing matters of vital importance to the supreme kingdom time and again, I find myself increasingly empathizing with the previous supreme-ruler Venerable…”

“Once, I believed the previous supreme-ruler Venerable was at fault. Later, I increasingly felt that the one who truly killed Wanxin… was me.”

“So, you’re afraid,” Hua Qingying said. “Therefore, you’re doing everything in your power, even suppressing Cai Li’s awareness, to prevent any upheaval in her life.”

“I… how could I not be afraid?” Hua Fuchen murmured.

Hua Qingying had always known that regarding Hua Cai Li and Yun Che’s affair, the one bearing the heaviest burden was never Hua Cai Li or Yun Che, but Hua Fuchen.

Her voice lost its chill, “If none of this had happened, I would have wholeheartedly supported your arrangements for Cai Li. Cai Li herself would have remained peaceful, never defying any of your decisions or words.”

“But she met Yun Che, and her heart and soul are devoted to him.”

Hua Qingying softly recited, “Once one has tasted the vast ocean, ordinary water becomes tasteless.² You understand this better than anyone.”

“Cai Li is hopelessly entangled. If you forcibly separate them, removing Yun Che from her life won’t restore her to her former state; it will be as if her very soul is ripped away… Don’t you understand this better than anyone else?”

“…Don’t say anymore,” Hua Fuchen lowered his head, his tightly clenched hands trembling slightly.

Hua Qingying sighed softly. She knew many of her words were painful for him to hear, but for Cai Li’s sake, she had to speak.

“Brother, I’m not forcing you to make a decision, but I hope you can give Cai Li and Yun Che a chance… Or, to put it another way, buy them some time.”

“Cai Li’s Xuan Qi cultivation speed is extremely fast. After meeting Yun Che, her sword heart has become even clearer, and her swordsmanship has progressed at an unbelievable rate.”

“And Yun Che, despite being only at the third level of the supreme-ruler Sovereign Realm, can rival those at the early stages of the supreme-ruler Annihilation Realm. Such a prodigy is unheard of.”

“Dian Jiu Zhi has waited for Cai Li for many years, and now her soul is completely restored. Three years from now is the date of the audience with the Yuan Emperor; he will surely mention the marriage. If you can’t directly break off the engagement, try to delay the wedding, giving those two children more time to grow strong enough to protect themselves.”

“…” Fuchen didn’t speak, whether he had listened or not.

A long silence followed, the atmosphere so heavy that even the dust particles seemed frozen.

Hua Qingying turned and slowly walked out, reaching the gate of the Sword Pavilion before speaking softly, “Even if you directly break the engagement, it will only incur the wrath of the Sen Luo Divine Kingdom. But to quell such anger isn’t impossible; it merely requires lowering the dignity of the supreme-ruler Venerable.”

“Back then, to allow Cai Li to enter the ‘Cradle,’ you knelt before the Pure Land for seven whole days. During those seven days, no matter who you encountered, even a mere attendant knight, you would kowtow and plead… At that time, Cai Li’s life was infinitely more important than your dignity.”

“I’ve said all I need to say. You are Cai Li’s father, the supreme-ruler Venerable of the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom. How you decide is entirely up to you.”

Hua Fuchen remained unresponsive.

Leaving the Sword Pavilion, Hua Qingying looked up at the sky, vaguely seeing the figure of Qu Wanxin again.

*Wanxin, what I’m doing… is it right or wrong…?*

*Yun Che, I have placed my utmost trust in you. While you are weak, I will do everything in my power to clear the obstacles for you.*

*Please… please don’t let Cai Li down.*

Long after Hua Qingying had left, Hua Fuchen remained motionless in his seat, as if his soul had departed.

His greatest pressure never came from the Sen Luo Divine Kingdom.

There was something Hua Cai Li didn’t know, and Hua Qingying didn’t know either.

Back then, the engagement between Hua Cai Li and Dian Jiu Zhi was personally bestowed by the Yuan Emperor. This was orchestrated by Hua Fuchen and Dian Luo Hou, with the Yuan Emperor’s personal decree making the union between the two—and the two nations—unshakeable, celebrated by all under heaven.

For Hua Fuchen, this ensured Hua Cai Li’s lifelong peace; for Dian Luo Hou, this fulfilled his son’s lifelong wish.

That day, when requesting the Yuan Emperor to grant the marriage, the Yuan Emperor looked at Dian Jiu Zhi, nodding approvingly, “I’ve long heard that Jiu Zhi has deep affection for Cai Li, waiting patiently for her. As the Sen Luo Divine Son, you have never allowed any woman to approach you all these years.”

“Excellent. In that case, I shall personally grant your marriage. I’ve watched Cai Li grow up, cherished by all in the Pure Land. You must never betray her.”

“In my life… I hate those who betray their affections the most.”

That was merely a casual remark from the Yuan Emperor, a warning to Dian Jiu Zhi.

At the time, Hua Fuchen felt immense relief.

Now, every word weighed heavily on his soul.

Hua Cai Li stormed back, ignoring the greetings and bows of everyone she met, leaving them all staring at each other in bewilderment.

Returning to her courtyard, she stood before the lotus pond where she used to play, devoid of any desire to enjoy it. She picked up a piece of jade by her feet and angrily threw it into the pond.

*Bang!*

The small lotus pond surprisingly splashed up a large amount of water, and from within the spray, a figure slowly emerged, still holding the jade she had just thrown.

“Honorable Cai Li, was it this gold stone, this silver stone, or this broken stone that you threw?”

Hua Cai Li’s mouth fell open, staring dumbfounded at Yun Che slowly emerging from the lotus pond, then burst into laughter, breaking free from her anger.

Yun Che turned and landed before Hua Cai Li, “Who made my Cai Li so angry?”

“Who else could it be?” Hua Cai Li grabbed Yun Che’s hand, resuming her angry expression, “Father wouldn’t budge, and… he even yelled at me!”

“Wow! That’s too serious,” Yun Che exclaimed in mock terror, “If he yells at you today, won’t he beat you tomorrow?”

“Pfft… Father wouldn’t,” Hua Cai Li lightly punched Yun Che’s chest, whispering, “It’s all your fault. I was so angry, and now I don’t know where it went.”

“Then don’t be angry,” Yun Che smiled, “Actually, your father’s attitude towards me has already far exceeded my expectations. He gave me face, patience, and the opportunity to speak to him, the supreme-ruler Venerable, as an equal. I think, besides your father, no other supreme-ruler Venerable could do that.”

“And he’s angry because he cares. If it were your sisters, he wouldn’t even bother.”

“You’re still speaking up for him,” Hua Cai Li stepped forward, softly leaning against Yun Che’s chest, her frustration melting into warm comfort, “Yun Gege, you’re so good, but Father still… what must happen for him to agree?”

“He will,” Yun Che said softly, “Because you are his most important loved one. He’s just having a hard time accepting it. Give him time, and he will be willing to compromise for you.”

“Ah?” Hua Cai Li looked up, “Really… will he?”

Yun Che nodded, “He will. Although my contact with your father is brief, I can feel that his care for you far surpasses your imagination.”

“But he’s not just your father; he’s also the supreme-ruler Venerable of the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom. For us, it’s enough to love each other and never give up. But the burdens and pressures your father has to consider and bear are far beyond our comprehension.”

“So, in this matter, I think… we should be more understanding of his position and feelings.”

As Yun Che spoke, Hua Cai Li recalled her father’s momentary display of sorrow and heartache, her heart aching. She gently nodded in Yun Che’s arms, “Mm, I understand. Tomorrow, I’ll go and coax Father.”

In the Yi Xin Sword Pavilion, Hua Fuchen had somewhat calmed down. When his supreme sense reached Hua Cai Li, he heard Yun Che’s words.

“This kid…” he murmured, a mix of emotions swirling in his heart.

Hua Lianzhi rushed in, “Elder Sister, you’re back… ah!”

She gasped, her face turning pale, hastily turning around, “I… I… I… I didn’t see anything… nothing…”

Hua Cai Li was also startled and quickly left Yun Che’s embrace. But immediately, her lips curled up, and she pulled Yun Che towards the sleeping quarters, “Lianzhi, seal the barrier. Don’t let anyone see me today.”

“Yes, Elder Sister,” Hua Lianzhi replied, still trembling.

She hastily sealed the courtyard barrier and retreated outside, intently sensing every approaching presence, as if facing a great enemy.

Back in the sleeping quarters, Hua Cai Li threw herself onto the soft couch, letting out a long sigh, “So tired and annoyed. I just want to sleep, and forget everything when I’m asleep.”

“Then sleep,” Yun Che smiled, “Maybe when you wake up, your father will have found a perfect solution.”

“Oh,” Hua Cai Li responded perfunctorily, clearly lacking confidence in her father. She opened her arms to Yun Che, “Then hurry up and keep me company. I don’t know how to sleep without hugging you.”

Her lips were slightly pouted, her voice soft, her beautiful eyes misty, enough to melt stone and calm raging seas.

Yun Che walked over, before he could speak, Hua Cai Li pounced on him, and together they tumbled onto the soft couch amidst her triumphant laughter.

After a while of playful banter, Hua Cai Li finally calmed down. Her beautiful eyes closed, her breathing gradually evened out, as if she had fallen asleep.

Yun Che moved gently, restraining his breath. He had just closed his eyes to rest when he felt a pair of small hands sneaking into his clothes. Before he could react, he was firmly embraced by the precocious girl.

“Ah… Cai Li, this is…”

“I don’t care!!”

*Bang!*

The jade chair under Hua Fuchen in the Sword Pavilion shattered, his hair standing on end, “Unbelievable… unbelievable!”

*Boom!!!*

With a burst of Xuan Qi, the furious Hua Xin supreme-ruler Venerable flew towards Hua Cai Li’s courtyard.

*Boom!*

Another burst of sound, and he appeared before the courtyard barrier. His supreme sense touched a trace of the girl’s trembling voice, and Hua Xin supreme-ruler Venerable hastily withdrew his supreme sense, his whole body trembling, his face instantly turning as black as the bottom of a pot.

Hua Qingying’s voice came from behind him, “It’s normal for a young couple to indulge in their desires.”

Hua Fuchen turned around, his emotions overflowing, only able to mutter anxiously, “This is outrageous, outrageous!!”

Hua Qingying calmly said, “Wasn’t it the same for you and Wanxin back then?”

The words silenced Hua Fuchen. He turned angrily again, his gaze anxiously fixed on Hua Cai Li’s courtyard, unable to advance or retreat.

“Fa… Fa… Father,” Hua Lianzhi stepped forward, stammering over the two simple words.

“Hmph! Just indulge them!”

Hua Fuchen flung his sleeve and left in a huff.

Before he had flown far, Yu Heng and Kai Yang, the two great Sword Venerables, arrived, calling from afar, “Venerable…”

“Get lost, get lost, get lost!”

Hua Fuchen didn’t even glance at them, disappearing in an instant, leaving Yu Heng and Kai Yang staring at each other.

Hua Qingying appeared instantly, “What is it?”

Yu Heng Sword Venerable said, “We heard that Cai Li successfully broke through to the supreme-ruler Annihilation Realm. The seven of us have already jointly established a foundation-building array, but we have been waiting for the Venerable’s instructions.”

“Don’t worry,” Hua Qingying said, “Brother is in a bad mood these days. It’s best not to disturb him. When the time is right, he will summon you.”

“Indeed,” Kai Yang Sword Venerable sighed, “This is the first time I’ve seen the Venerable like this.”

The two Sword Venerables were about to leave when they remembered something and said to Hua Qingying, “One more thing, an hour ago, a letter arrived from the Sen Luo Divine Kingdom. In twenty days, it will be Cai Li’s twentieth birthday, and the Sen Luo Divine Son, Dian Jiu Zhi, will come to celebrate personally.”

Hua Qingying pondered briefly, “Send a message to the Sen Luo Divine Kingdom. Cai Li’s ‘twentieth birthday’ is unconventional, and we won’t hold a grand celebration, nor will there be any public ceremony.”

“Furthermore, Cai Li has just completed a major breakthrough and is in the most crucial stage of foundation-building, which cannot be delayed. Therefore, Cai Li will be in seclusion for the foreseeable future. We appreciate the Sen Luo Divine Son’s kind intentions, but there is no need for a personal visit.”

“This?” Yu Heng Sword Venerable was hesitant.

Kai Yang Sword Venerable said, “Then, as the Sword Immortal says, I will send a message from Kai Yang Pavilion.”

After the two Sword Venerables left, the surroundings finally returned to calm. Hua Qingying sighed softly and murmured, “What a pair of troublesome children.”

**Translation Notes:**

1. **画浮沉轻念着这个字:** The phrase “轻念着这个字” (qīng niànzhe zhège zì) implies a soft, almost hesitant repetition of the word “怕” (pà), conveying Hua Fuchen’s internal struggle and uncertainty.

2. **曾经沧海难为水…………这句话,你知晓的最为深切:** This is a quote from the famous Tang Dynasty poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The full line is “曾经沧海难为水，除却巫山不是云” (Cēngjīng Cānghǎi nán wéi shuǐ, chú què Wūshān bùshì yún), meaning “Once one has tasted the vast ocean, ordinary water becomes tasteless; except for Mount Wu, no other clouds are worth looking at.” Here, it’s used metaphorically to describe Cai Li’s unwavering devotion to Yun Che.