novel against the - Chapter 2081

Chapter 2081: The Ceremony of Canonization (Part 1)**

In front of the Dream Weaving Temple, dreams swirled, and myriad formations opened simultaneously. Various colorful lights intertwined in mid-air, weaving this vast space into a dreamlike realm.

The nine masters of the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom and the fifty-four city lords had all arrived, along with numerous invited representatives from affiliated nations and powers, who had come early. Almost all the core forces of the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom were gathered here, creating an atmosphere so dense it felt suffocating. Especially for the invited guests from the affiliated nations, each harbored different intentions and dared not speak loudly.

The canonization of the Divine Son was a ceremony that the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom had longed for millennia but had been unable to achieve. Remarkably, in the past century, it had occurred three times.

The first was for the canonization of Meng Jian Yuan, which had sent shockwaves throughout the nation, inviting the world to witness. The significance of the ceremony and the intense emotions of the Dream Weaving Divine Lord left a deep impression on all attendees.

The second was for Meng Jian Xi, occurring merely five years later. However, at that time, the Dream Weaving Divine Lord seemed still engulfed in the pain of “losing a child,” and the scale of the ceremony was much smaller, with no widespread invitations.

Today marks the third time… the one being canonized is Meng Jian Yuan, who has returned alive. This ceremony, regardless of where one looked, exuded an indescribable sense of the extraordinary.

Eyes continuously darted toward the Dream Weaving Divine Son, Meng Jian Xi, who appeared calm and unaffected.

Meng Jian Yuan had returned alive for seven days, yet he had spent all his time in the Divine Son’s Hall built for him back then, with very few having truly seen him. Even the nine masters of the Dream Halls had no idea what Meng Jian Yuan had become.

At this moment, the temple doors opened, and Meng Kong Chan stepped out gracefully, accompanied by the elegantly dressed Divine Empress, Meng Xuan Jue.

Everyone fell silent and bowed in unison, “We welcome the Divine Lord and the Divine Empress.”

Meng Kong Chan nodded in acknowledgment, scanning the crowd before casually asking, “Is Yuan’er not here yet?”

The officiant stepped forward, bowing slightly, “Replying to the Divine Lord, Young Master Yuan has yet to arrive; he seems to still be preparing.”

Meng Kong Chan shifted his gaze and declared, “The time has not yet come; please take your seats, everyone.”

Everyone complied and took their seats in order. The vast space was filled with an undercurrent of energy. All were eager to know what profound intentions lay behind this sudden canonization ceremony and how it would impact the structure of the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom.

Meng Kong Chan was about to speak when a voice announcing from afar interrupted, “The Divine Son of the Sen Luo Divine Kingdom, Shen Jiu Zhi, has arrived!”

The name “Shen Jiu Zhi” caused everyone to turn in astonishment, even Meng Kong Chan’s brows slightly furrowed.

Soon, a figure appeared in the distance, accompanied by a warm yet imposing greeting, “Shen Jiu Zhi of the Sen Luo Hall, congratulating the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom on gaining another Divine Son. I hope the Divine Lord and Divine Empress, along with the esteemed elders of Dream Weaving, will not hold it against me for coming uninvited.”

The other Divine Son, Meng Jian Xi, quickly stood up, laughing heartily, “Hahaha! The arrival of the Sen Luo Divine Son is a great honor for our Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom and for my brother Yuan. There is no question of holding it against you.”

With that, his address changed, “Elder Brother, please take your seat.”

Shen Jiu Zhi nodded in acknowledgment and stepped forward, respectfully bowing, “A humble gift to congratulate the Divine Lord on retrieving his beloved son and to celebrate the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom gaining another Divine Son. Such double happiness brings great joy to my father.”

Meng Kong Chan gestured for the officiant to accept the gift, smiling, “You are very considerate, dear nephew. This ceremony has been rather rushed, and we did not extend a wide invitation. How did you find the time to come here personally?”

Shen Jiu Zhi replied candidly, “To be honest, I was originally on my way to visit my sister Cai Li in the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom. Upon arrival, I learned she was in closed-door training and could not be seen. Coincidentally, the grand event of Dream Weaving was taking place, so I followed my father’s wishes and came here.”

“Hahaha!” Meng Kong Chan laughed heartily, though his laughter held a deeper meaning, “You are as devoted as ever, dear nephew. I will remember your intentions this time. Quickly, lead the Sen Luo Divine Son to his seat.”

Just as his words fell, Meng Kong Chan’s expression suddenly changed, his gaze shifting sharply, disbelief etched on his face.

A voice as cold as an otherworldly ice fairy echoed in everyone’s ears, “The Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom’s Hua Qing Ying congratulates the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom on gaining another Divine Son.”

The voice, clear and chilling, startled everyone as if they had heard thunder from the heavens. All eyes shifted from Shen Jiu Zhi to the source of the voice, their expressions mirroring Meng Kong Chan’s incredulity.

A figure descended from the air, clad in azure, with hair like flowing silk, an icy beauty that seemed to be painted, her eyes concealing the shadows of a sword… it was none other than the legendary Zhe Tian Sword Fairy, known to all.

Even as the Sword Fairy’s figure became clearer, they still could not believe their eyes… because over the years, the Sword Fairy had mostly remained in the realm beyond, existing only in legends, rarely appearing outside the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom, and never participating in any ceremonies.

Yet today, she had come… uninvited?

Meng Kong Chan’s fingers instinctively tightened and then relaxed. For a few moments, he was at a loss, quickly stepping forward and proclaiming, “The Zhe Tian Sword Fairy’s presence undoubtedly adds brilliance to today’s ceremony. I will personally express my gratitude to the Zhe Tian Divine Kingdom for such hospitality in the future.”

“No need for thanks,” Hua Qing Ying replied, her tone as cold as ice, familiar to Meng Kong Chan, “I am here only to observe, with no other intentions, and I bring no gifts. The Divine Lord need not take it to heart.”

With that, her figure blurred, standing high above, exuding an aura that warned all beings to keep their distance.

Meng Kong Chan was well aware of Hua Qing Ying’s reasons for being here… he was one of the few who understood her well. He knew she was indifferent to all things, except for her extreme protectiveness over Hua Cai Li.

And since Yun Che and Hua Cai Li had already pledged their lives to each other…

Under the shadow of the crow, she was clearly worried that her sister’s man might be bullied.

Meng Xuan Jue shot a glance at Hua Qing Ying, her teeth clenched in secret.

Shen Jiu Zhi soared into the air, but before he could approach, he was blocked by an invisible sword aura. He immediately recognized the situation and respectfully bowed to Hua Qing Ying from a distance, returning to his seat without showing any signs of disappointment.

Shen Jiu Zhi was one thing, but Hua Qing Ying’s arrival undeniably added an air of strangeness to this already unusual ceremony.

The various Dream Lords exchanged glances, all puzzled. As the time approached, the main character of this ceremony finally arrived.

All eyes were firmly locked on the silver-clad man walking slowly toward them.

Meng Jian Yuan’s return was undoubtedly the most talked-about event in the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom in recent days. Rumor had it that he had been wandering alone in the world all these years, and the reason he had not returned was that he had lost his past memories… it was said that when Meng Kong Chan recognized him, he was so emotional that he shed tears.

They had thought that a person who had been wandering outside, with no memories of the Divine Kingdom, would surely find it an unattainable place, and that being suddenly canonized as the Divine Son would leave him extremely excited and bewildered.

Yet, facing such a situation today, surrounded by figures who should be as high as the heavens in his eyes, he would undoubtedly feel nervous, timid, and at a loss…

However, the man in their sight appeared calm, his steps neither hurried nor slow, and his gaze held not a trace of timidity or anxiety; instead, it exuded a hint of laziness, as if he had just awakened from a deep sleep.

Beyond his demeanor, he stood tall and handsome, his features strikingly exquisite. Just one glance revealed that he surpassed all of Meng Kong Chan’s offspring… even more so than Meng Jian Xi.

He stood before Meng Kong Chan, surveying the unfamiliar faces, his aura at the third level of the Divine Master realm giving everyone a clear sense of superiority.

“Oh?” Shen Jiu Zhi’s eyes sparkled with interest as he murmured to himself, “No wonder the Divine Lord is so eager; this child… is certainly not an ordinary one.”

His words reached Meng Jian Xi’s ears, causing him to tighten his fingers slightly, yet he smiled and said, “Though Yuan’er has faced dark schemes and wandered for a century, his blood and soul are still those of my Dream Weaving kin. Not only my father, but I also hold immense affection and joy for the current Yuan’er.”

Shen Jiu Zhi smiled but said nothing.

“This child is indeed quite different from what I had imagined.”

In the Dream Hall, whispers of conversation could be heard.

“His appearance and demeanor are indeed unexpected. It’s a pity his cultivation is low, lacking foundation and support, and being thrust into the spotlight so early… what a shame.”

Yun Che bowed to Meng Kong Chan and Meng Xuan Jue, “Yun Che pays respects to the Divine Lord and the Divine Empress. Due to some fatigue, I nearly arrived late; please forgive me.”

“You’re not late, just in time,” Meng Kong Chan replied gently.

However, Yun Che’s words stirred a commotion among the others.

Meng Xuan Jue frowned and spoke up, “Yun Che? Divine Lord of the Dream Weaving? You are the son of the Divine Lord, Meng Jian Yuan, and have returned to the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom. How can you still refer to yourself by your previous name? And how can you directly address your father’s supreme name!!”

Yun Che raised his gaze, speaking plainly, “Upon returning, Meng Jian Yuan informed me of my identity as the son of the Divine Lord, but I have no memories from before the age of ten. Therefore, in heart and soul, I cannot fully accept and recognize this identity.

“The name Yun Che was given to me by my master. My life was saved by my master. A name that descended from the void, one that does not exist in my memories, is no different from a rebirth granted by my master! Thus, unless I recover my past memories, I will only wish to be called ‘Yun Che.'”

“That’s simply absurd!”

Meng Xuan Jue’s voice turned sharp, and the crowd erupted in an uproar. The words “Meng Jian Yuan” could be seen as childish and foolish, or, on a larger scale, as a blatant disrespect toward Dream Weaving…

Before Meng Xuan Jue could finish her reprimanding words, Meng Kong Chan burst into laughter, “Hahaha! Well said! Not forgetting righteousness for the sake of profit, not forgetting gratitude for the sake of power! You truly are my son, Meng Kong Chan! All my Dream Weaving children should have such integrity!”

His words forced back the reprimands that were about to escape Meng Xuan Jue’s lips, leaving her face twisted in displeasure.

Meng Kong Chan seemed oblivious to her discomfort and continued, “Yuan’er, if you were to abandon the gifts bestowed upon you by your master simply because of your identity as the son of the Divine Lord, I would be deeply disappointed. For if so, what difference would you have from those who pursue profit and forget righteousness, living in the shadows of petty schemes?”

The expressions of those who had just been about to speak turned crimson, cold sweat trickling down their foreheads.

Could it be… it could be like this??

Meng Jian Xi stood up, smiling, “Though Yuan’er has wandered for a century, he still holds true to his heart, which is admirable and comforting. The words of my father are indeed profound and expansive, reflecting the great inclusiveness of our Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom.”

He turned to Yun Che, “Yuan’er, my mother is usually strict, especially regarding the dignity of Dream Weaving. Her reprimand should not be taken to heart, lest it create a rift between you and her.”

In just a few words, he had hidden four or five traps. Yun Che nodded slightly, responding calmly, “Rest assured, Divine Son Xi, I have not taken it to heart in the slightest.”

“Mm.” Meng Kong Chan nodded, “Yuan’er, I will find a way to restore your past memories. Until then, I permit you to retain the name ‘Yun Che.’ This is to commend your gratitude and loyalty, as well as to thank your master for saving your life. No one shall raise any objections to this matter.”

Undoubtedly, Meng Kong Chan was publicly granting Yun Che the greatest leniency in front of everyone.

He also openly expressed his extreme favoritism toward “Meng Jian Yuan” to all.

This attitude, which had never been shown to anyone else, would undoubtedly lead to subtle changes in the emotions of everyone present.

“The time is almost here.” Meng Kong Chan stepped forward, “Yuan’er, come to my side.”

His gaze swept across the crowd, his voice carrying the supreme supreme aura, resonating throughout the skies of the Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom: “My son, Meng Jian Yuan, is the first Divine Son of our Dream Weaving Divine Kingdom in this generation. However, he faced misfortune in his youth, wandering for a century before returning safely. This is my fault, a loss for the Divine Kingdom.”

“Today, I bestow upon my son the title of Divine Son once more, celebrating his return and granting him a new life!!

His gaze lingered on Meng Jian Xi, “Jian Xi, after today’s ceremony, Yuan’er will stand alongside you as a Divine Son of Dream Weaving. You two brothers must work together, support each other, and share the future of Dream Weaving.”

Meng Jian Xi immediately stood up, solemnly declaring, “I will obey my father’s command! I will certainly work together with Yuan’er to share my father’s burdens and forge the brilliance of Dream Weaving together!”

“Very well!” Meng Kong Chan nodded, “My son, Meng Jian Yuan’s canonization ceremony, at this moment…”

“Wait! Please allow me to speak first.”

A sudden voice interrupted the Divine Lord’s words.

The speaker had already stood up, and it was none other than the master of the Seventh Dream Hall… Meng Jian Xi’s uncle, Meng Xuan Ji.