novel against the - Chapter 2079

Chapter 2079: Pursuing Souls

Within the supreme-ruler Son Palace, a vibrant bustle filled the air. Heaps upon heaps of utensils, decorations, and crystal stones were being swiftly transported from various directions. Numerous figures, concealing their auras, moved with utmost caution, their movements light and silent, fearful of making even the slightest disturbance. Upon catching sight of Yun Che, they prostrated themselves from a considerable distance. Even if Yun Che didn’t speak, they dared not lift their heads, let alone rise to their feet. Beneath the Pure Land, the supreme-ruler Realm remained the supreme plane of existence in this world.

“Hahahaha,” Meng Kongchan’s booming laughter echoed from afar. “Yuan’er¹, are you frightened?”

He approached Yun Che, his gaze sweeping over the rapidly filling supreme-ruler Son Palace with evident satisfaction. He chuckled, saying, “Yuan’er, now that you’ve returned safely, this supreme-ruler Son Palace must be filled with joyous activity.”

Yun Che performed a respectful bow, his demeanor neither subservient nor arrogant. “Senior supreme-ruler Venerable², it would be better if… you addressed me as Yun Che.”

“Eh!” Meng Kongchan waved his hand dismissively. “If you don’t call me Father supreme-ruler, I won’t call you Yun Che. It’s only fair.”

Yun Che could only offer a wry smile. “This… very well, junior will abide by your wishes, senior.”

At that moment, nearly two to three hundred figures arrived from the east in perfect formation. As they neared the supreme-ruler Son Palace, they landed gracefully, their steps becoming exceptionally slow and cautious. From a distance of thirty zhang³, all of them simultaneously bowed. The leading figure, exuding an imposing aura, spoke in a resonant voice, “This subordinate, Lu Laisheng, greets the Venerable One and Young Master Yuan.”

Meng Kongchan nodded slightly, then turned to Yun Che. “This man is the deputy commander of our Eastern Region’s Peacekeeping Agency. However, from this day forward, he and his subordinates will all guard this supreme-ruler Son Palace and will only take orders from you.”

Lu Laisheng immediately declared, “From this day forward, Lu Laisheng is Young Master Yuan’s man. Any command, I will gladly die for.”

Yun Che felt a slight headache coming on. Ideally, he would prefer to have this vast supreme-ruler Son Palace all to himself… but clearly, that was unrealistic.

“Rise, and then find your respective places,” Yun Che said calmly. “Regarding arrangements, Commander Lu can take the lead; there’s no need to consult me.”

“Yes!” Lu Laisheng responded promptly, rising without hesitation and swiftly dispatching his men.

Soon after, more groups of figures arrived in succession… but this time, they were vastly different. They were young men and women, seemingly not yet twenty years old, their expressions mostly filled with fear and apprehension. Their auras varied greatly, clearly indicating that a significant portion were not natives of the supreme-ruler Realm.

Meng Kongchan said with a cheerful smile, “These will be your servants and maidservants. They will attend to your daily life and obey your every command. Although they are servants, their backgrounds and aptitudes are all extraordinary. They are all new recruits this year and have never served anyone else.”

To enter the supreme-ruler Realm was the dream of countless Abyssal cultivators… even if it meant becoming the lowest of the low.

Meng Kongchan discreetly observed Yun Che’s expression, then addressed the several women at the forefront, whose beauty far surpassed the others. “You few, haven’t you come to meet your future master?”

Those at the bottom had never imagined they would be so close to the supreme-ruler Venerable. However, being carefully selected individuals, the several girls at the front remained composed, maintaining perfect posture as they stepped forward.

“Servant Liu Zhanyi, greets Young Master Yuan. From now on, Zhanyi’s life belongs solely to the Young Master.”

The girl’s demeanor was respectful, her beauty exceptional. Despite her servant status, her every word and action carried an undeniable air of nobility.

“Zhanyi’s clothes wet with apricot blossom rain⁴—a beautiful name,” Yun Che complimented. “Where are you from?”

This “Young Master Yuan” not only possessed exceptional beauty but also a demeanor devoid of arrogance. Even his voice was so gentle, and he did not hesitate to praise her, a mere servant. Much of her anxiety melted away, replaced by warmth. She replied, “This servant is from the Liuming Realm⁵ in the north of the supreme-ruler Realm, the thirty-ninth princess of the Liuming Royal Family. To dedicate the rest of my life to Young Master Yuan is Zhanyi’s greatest fortune.”

A royal princess, yet willing to serve as a servant in the supreme-ruler Realm… this was the Abyssal supreme-ruler Realm shaped by Yuan Chen.

The second girl gracefully stepped forward. “Servant Shangguan Helu, from the Nine Kui Region⁶, greets Young Master Yuan…”

The third girl displayed less restraint than the others. Her beautiful eyes curiously examined Yun Che, her brightness far outweighing her apprehension. She stepped forward confidently, performing a graceful bow. “Servant Meng Zhiyuan, from the Eastern City lineage⁷, greets supreme-ruler Son Yuan.”

The surname “Meng” confirmed her origin from the Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm. However, her address caused Yun Che to pause.

“Hahahaha!” Meng Kongchan burst into laughter. “This girl is quite clever.”

“supreme-ruler Son Yuan?” Yun Che frowned.

Meng Kongchan explained, “Before you arrived, I issued an order to reinstate you as the supreme-ruler Son of my Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm. The enthronement ceremony will be held in seven days. But you needn’t worry; just wait, there’s nothing you need to do.”

Yun Che had just begun to speak when Meng Kongchan interrupted him, his voice imbued with profound meaning. “You need an identity worthy of that girl. Besides, having two supreme-ruler Sons isn’t uncommon and won’t invalidate Jianxi⁸.”

Yun Che’s remaining words remained unspoken; he simply nodded slightly. “Very well, I will follow your instructions, senior.”

Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Son… this should have been the most difficult step in his plans. But before he even began, he had… unexpectedly achieved his goal? Seven days later… they were even more eager than he was!

At that moment, Meng Kongchan’s smile vanished, his gaze shifting upwards. The figure of an elderly man slowly appeared. As he drew closer, Yun Che’s soulstrings thrummed.

What a powerful aura! Without releasing his Xuan Qi⁹, he exuded such a heavy oppressive presence… his cultivation must be at least in the mid-stage of Half-God.

Yet, when this terrifying elder, who had caused Yun Che to feel an immediate soul pressure, landed, he knelt on both knees… and his knees were directed not at Meng Kongchan, but at Yun Che.

“Guilty… I prostrate myself before supreme-ruler Son Yuan. To see supreme-ruler Son Yuan safe and sound in this life is a blessing beyond death.”

His voice was heavy with sorrow. As he finished speaking, his head struck the ground with a resounding thud.

Yun Che looked at Meng Kongchan, who was frowning with a grave expression. “Yuan’er, he is the protector I chose for you after your birth. Even his name was changed to ‘Meng Shouyuan¹⁰’.”

“This is the highest trust and honor I could bestow. But… he failed to protect you, causing you to suffer calamity a hundred years ago. If not for a supreme miracle, we, father and son, would never have seen each other again.”

Meng Shouyuan’s head remained on the ground, his voice hoarse. “This old slave knows… I deserve ten thousand deaths.”

“You indeed deserve ten thousand deaths,” Meng Kongchan said coldly. “But I spared your life, allowing you to live with your guilt. And now… I give you a second chance, a second trust!”

Meng Shouyuan slowly raised his head, blood streaming down his forehead. His parched lips moved, each word emanating from his very soul. “The Venerable One’s grace, this old slave can never repay. With my remaining life, I will protect supreme-ruler Son Yuan with my life… if I make another mistake, I will end my own life to atone.”

“Senior, please rise,” Yun Che said. “The ambush from back then was clearly planned long ago and was impossible to prevent; it wasn’t your fault. I am now safe and sound, so you needn’t blame yourself any longer.”

Tears welled up in Meng Shouyuan’s eyes as he bowed deeply again. “supreme-ruler Son Yuan’s heart is as vast as the ocean, making this old slave… even more ashamed.”

“From now on, you will secretly guard Yuan’er’s side, prioritizing his safety above all else. Beyond his safety, you must not interfere. Withdraw now.”

Meng Shouyuan rose and slowly retreated, disappearing from sight in an instant, his hiding place unknown.

Meng Kongchan addressed Yun Che. “Although Meng Shouyuan failed to protect you back then, the truth is… you were in your mother’s sleeping quarters at the time, and he couldn’t get close, which is why you were ambushed. In terms of cultivation, in the entire Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm, besides myself, the nine Dream Palace masters, and the Grand Palace Master, only he and the Valley Master of the Silent Dream Valley are at the highest level.”

“God-Extinction Realm, ninth level. With his remaining lifespan, reaching the supreme-ruler-Extreme Realm before his death is not entirely impossible.”

Yun Che: “…”

“So, rest assured,” Meng Kongchan patted Yun Che’s shoulder. “Your father will never…”

“…let you suffer what you did back then again!”

Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm, supreme-ruler Empress Palace.

Meng Jianxi arrived hurriedly, bowing respectfully. “This child greets Mother Empress. I wonder what the Empress’s summons is for?”

On the phoenix bed, a woman with a seductive figure but a cold gaze slowly rose. She looked at Meng Jianxi, her brows furrowed. “Meng Jianyuan has returned. But on his very first day back, your Father supreme-ruler has already decreed that he be made the second Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Son… Xi’er, aren’t you even a little worried?!”

The supreme-ruler Empress of the Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm, the mother of Meng Jianxi and Meng Jianzhou—Meng Xuanjue.

Meng Jianxi’s expression remained unchanged. “This child already knows about this matter.”

“Since you know, what will you do?” Meng Xuanjue’s gaze was sharp, her aura oppressive.

Meng Jianxi hadn’t seen this demeanor from her mother in many years. Clearly, Meng Jianyuan’s return and the news of his appointment as supreme-ruler Son had left her utterly restless.

“Mother Empress, please calm down,” Meng Jianxi stepped forward, helping her mother to sit down. “Father supreme-ruler’s joy upon seeing Meng Jianyuan, this child witnessed it firsthand, just as extreme as his affection back then. Affection combined with guilt, plus a bit of impulsiveness in his extreme joy… Father supreme-ruler making this decision, while unexpected, is also understandable upon closer examination.”

“Understandable?! Nonsense!!” Meng Xuanjue suddenly raised her head, her gaze piercing her son. “Answer me directly, what will you do?”

Meng Jianxi said slowly, “Meng Jianyuan’s current cultivation is only at the third level of supreme-ruler Sovereign Realm, a world apart from this child’s. He has just returned to the supreme-ruler Realm, without any foundation, and without any memories of the supreme-ruler Realm… in other words, besides Father supreme-ruler’s temporary affection and guilt, he has nothing.”

“Therefore, in this child’s view, Father supreme-ruler’s action is merely to compensate for and vent his guilt. Even if Meng Jianyuan is given the title of ‘supreme-ruler Son,’ it will be merely a title, and over time, he will become a laughingstock.”

“In other words,” Meng Jianxi’s expression was resolute. “Neither Meng Jianyuan himself nor his appointment as supreme-ruler Son is worthy of this child’s concern.”

Bang!

Meng Xuanjue slammed her hand on the table, her originally beautiful face contorted with a terrifying grimace. “After you awakened your supreme power and became the Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Son, your mother repeatedly warned you to be vigilant, to prepare for the unexpected, and to eliminate threats before they arise. Have you forgotten all of it?!”

“This child dares not forget!” Meng Jianxi hurriedly bowed. “…”

“There’s no ‘just’!” Meng Xuanjue’s voice was sharp. “Back then, with your maternal grandfather and uncle in charge of the nine Dream Palaces, I always thought my position as supreme-ruler Empress was as stable as a mountain, unshakeable by anyone.”

“But, since Meng Jianyuan’s birth, your Father supreme-ruler not only treasures him, but the way he looks at the woman who gave birth to Meng Jianyuan… his gaze is ten thousand times gentler than when he looks at me!”

“That’s just a woman from an outer region, with a lowly surname!”

“When Meng Jianyuan was seven years old, your Father supreme-ruler spared no expense in building a supreme-ruler Son Palace for him. At ten years old, he was appointed supreme-ruler Son. That year, rumors of the supreme-ruler Empress’s position changing became increasingly prevalent, even your maternal grandfather and uncle couldn’t suppress them!”

Meng Xuanjue let out a cold laugh. “After that supreme-ruler Son Palace was built, even though it remained unused, your Father supreme-ruler never allowed you to set foot in it! Now that Meng Jianyuan has returned, your Father supreme-ruler can’t wait to give him everything the Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm has to offer!”

“What does it matter that you are the legitimate son? What does it matter that you are the rightful supreme-ruler Son? What does it matter that your maternal grandfather is Meng Cangji and your uncle is Meng Xuangui? What does it matter that your talent and supreme power surpass Meng Jianyuan? Some things only happen once in a lifetime. Your Father supreme-ruler gave them to Meng Jianyuan, and he will never give them to you!”

The calm expression Meng Jianxi had maintained finally showed a slight crack, but immediately, he regained his composure. “Mother Empress, this child understands everything you’ve said. This child has witnessed Father supreme-ruler’s doting on the young Meng Jianyuan, and deeply felt Father supreme-ruler’s emotions when he found Meng Jianyuan again… this child knows that in this aspect, I will always be inferior to Meng Jianyuan.”

“But, that’s the only aspect.”

Meng Jianxi, in turn, tried to persuade his mother. “Furthermore, Meng Jianyuan has just returned, and Father supreme-ruler is at the peak of his joy, reminiscence, guilt, and desire to make amends. His protection of Meng Jianyuan will undoubtedly be at its most extreme. To act against this at this stage would inevitably provoke Father supreme-ruler’s displeasure… even his fury, which would be extremely unwise.”

Meng Xuanjue stared at Meng Jianxi for a long while, her voice suddenly softening. “In other words, you won’t oppose your Father supreme-ruler’s decision to make Meng Jianyuan the second supreme-ruler Son? You won’t suggest that your maternal grandfather and uncle oppose it either?”

Meng Jianxi’s maternal grandfather was Meng Cangji, the Grand Palace Master of the nine Dream Palaces of the Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm, the most powerful person under the supreme-ruler Venerable. Meng Jianxi’s uncle was Meng Xuangui, the master of the Seventh Dream Palace.

Meng Xuanjue became the supreme-ruler Empress because of them.

“Yes,” Meng Jianxi nodded.

“Fine,” Meng Xuanjue waved her hand, a cunning gleam flashing in her eyes. “You have your own judgment and plans, your mother shouldn’t blame you. Hmph, I can only blame Meng Jingzhe¹¹, that useless waste, for letting Meng Jianyuan live.”

“…………!!” This seemingly casual remark caused Meng Jianxi’s pupils to constrict.

He abruptly turned and rushed out… but before he could block his hearing, his mother’s leisurely voice reached his ears. “If it weren’t for your mother’s secret guidance and assistance, would that old thing, Meng Jingzhe, even have had the chance to strike?”

Meng Jianxi stopped abruptly, closing his eyes in pain.

“Now, you know about this,”

Meng Xuanjue walked over slowly. “Tell your mother again, what will you do?”

Meng Jianxi didn’t turn around, and remained silent for a long time.

Meng Xuanjue continued leisurely, “Your Father supreme-ruler is the supreme-ruler Venerable of Dreamless, the most skilled in soul power. He will surely find a way to restore Meng Jianyuan’s memories from back then. And once Meng Jianyuan recovers his memories, with your Father supreme-ruler’s affection for him, what will happen to your mother? And knowing all this, how will you cope?”

“No, it won’t,” Meng Jianxi finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “It was Meng Jingzhe who harmed him, and Meng Jianyuan’s memories will only contain Meng Jingzhe.”

“No, no, it wasn’t just Meng Jingzhe, there was also your stupid brother, Jianzhou.”

Using the word “stupid” for her own son, she said it naturally. “More importantly, the reason Meng Jingzhe and Meng Jianzhou were able to approach Meng Jianyuan silently and without detection back then was because of a ‘Void-Breaking Divine Jade’¹² that I deliberately let Meng Jingzhe steal.”

“That’s a spatial supreme artifact bestowed by the Yuan Emperor. There are only three in the entire Weaving Dreams supreme-ruler Realm. When traversing space, it can achieve near-perfect silence and invisibility. If Meng Jianyuan recovers his memories, he will surely remember that Void-Breaking Divine Jade… and as long as he traces the origin of the Void-Breaking Divine Jade, he will inevitably find out about me!”

Meng Jianxi’s hands clenched tightly.

“Then, I will be the criminal, and you will be the son of a criminal who knows the truth! Then, with two supreme-ruler Sons… which one is more likely to be deposed by the enraged supreme-ruler Venerable?”

She slowly walked to Meng Jianxi’s side,

satisfied with the turmoil in his aura. “Now, do you still think Meng Jianyuan poses no threat to you?”

—

**Translation Notes:**

1. **Yuan’er (渊儿):** A diminutive and affectionate term for Yun Che, used by Meng Kongchan. It implies a close and loving relationship.

2. **supreme-ruler Venerable (神尊):** A title of immense respect and power in the supreme-ruler Realm, indicating a being of supreme authority.

3. **Zhang (丈):** A traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately 3.3 meters.

4. **沾衣欲湿杏花雨 (Zhān yī yù shī xìng huā yǔ):** This is a classical Chinese phrase, meaning “clothes wet with apricot blossom rain.” It’s a poetic and elegant name, suggesting a delicate and beautiful image.

5. **Liuming Realm (流明界):** A fictional realm within the novel’s world.

6. **Nine Kui Region (九魁域):** Another fictional region within the novel’s world.

7. **Eastern City lineage (东城一脉):** Refers to a specific bloodline or family within the Eastern City.

8. **Jianxi (见溪):** Refers to Meng Jianxi, Yun Che’s rival for the position of supreme-ruler Son.

9. **Xuan Qi (玄气):** The cultivation energy in this fictional world.

10. **Meng Shouyuan (梦守渊):** Meaning “Dream Guardian Yuan,” this name reflects his role as Yun Che’s protector.

11. **Meng Jingzhe (梦惊蛰):** A significant antagonist in the story, responsible for past events affecting Yun Che.

12. **Void-Breaking Divine Jade (破虚神玉):** A powerful artifact capable of manipulating space, allowing for undetected movement. It’s a crucial plot element.