novel against the - Chapter 2083

Chapter 2083: The Investiture Ceremony (Part 2)

Yun Che’s words and actions left the audience in a state of shock, bewilderment, or stunned silence, with some even secretly chuckling. The expressions were a captivating spectacle. But the most captivating expression belonged to Meng Cangji¹, the second-in-command of the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom, a sight none of the Dream Masters had ever witnessed.

However, Meng Cangji was still Meng Cangji. After being caught completely off guard by Yun Che’s unexpected actions, he quickly regained his composure. His voice, once again calm and deep, resonated, “Indeed, the son of the Venerable One² is exceptionally intelligent. Your words perfectly align with my thoughts.”

“Your cultivation is vastly inferior to that of Jian Xi³, a fact evident to all. Your cultivation is far below that of other Weaving Dreams practitioners at the same level—an undeniable truth. Since you are so self-aware, you should understand that, at least for now, you are far from suitable to be a Divine Son alongside Jian Xi.”

He paused slightly, his voice becoming sharp, “As for the claim that those of your level were deliberately arranged to humiliate you… utter nonsense!” Meng Jian Yuan⁴, as the son of the Venerable One, you should be more mindful of your words and actions! Your demeanor is careless, you show no respect for your elders, and you speak so recklessly… How can someone like you be worthy of becoming a Weaving Dreams Divine Son!”

Meng Cangji’s words were logical and forceful, carrying the weight of an elder’s sorrow for a younger generation… but those familiar with him knew he was furious—to be so easily provoked by a junior he had just met.

“Utterly nonsense?”

Unlike Meng Cangji, Yun Che remained calm and composed. A feigned look of confusion graced his face. “That’s strange. To prevent me from becoming a Weaving Dreams Divine Son, you would naturally question and attack my qualifications and cultivation. To prove this point, to prove my unworthiness, you would surely arrange for several practitioners of my level to suddenly challenge me, leading to my humiliating defeat, thus ending my aspirations for the title of Divine Son… Hmm? Such a simple, natural, and perfectly executed plan, and yet you made no such arrangements?”

His eyes widened slightly, amplifying the confusion in his gaze as he turned to Meng Jian Xi: “Divine Son Jian Xi, are the people in your faction truly so incompetent?”

Even Meng Cangji, despite his efforts to maintain composure, felt a slight tremor in his long white beard.

“Pfft…” Dian Jiu Zhi⁵ let out a chuckle, quickly suppressing it as if nothing had happened.

The word “faction” was highly sensitive in any supreme kingdom, or even in powers outside of them. Meng Jian Xi had a faction inextricably linked to his destiny, primarily led by his maternal family. This was an unspoken truth throughout the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom. But no one expected that “Meng Jian Yuan,” who had just returned to the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom and hadn’t even firmly established himself, would dare to utter this taboo word in front of everyone.

Meng Kong Chan⁶ remained expressionless, silently observing the unfolding events… It was quite remarkable that Hua Fu Chen⁷ had explicitly instructed him to let Yun Che handle it himself.

Strangely, even though Yun Che was facing Meng Cangji, Meng Xuan Ji⁸, Meng Kong Du⁹, and essentially the entire faction of Meng Jian Xi, Meng Kong Chan felt no apprehension. Perhaps subconsciously, he felt that securing Hua Cai Li¹⁰, who was betrothed to Dian Jiu Zhi, under the watchful eye of Hua Qing Ying¹¹ was far more challenging than confronting the nine great Dream Palaces.

Amidst the varied gazes of the audience, Meng Jian Xi stood up, his smile gone, his brows slightly furrowed. “Brother Yuan, those words are inappropriate. We in Weaving Dreams are of the same origin, and even if we sometimes disagree, we all have the kingdom at heart. There is no such thing as factions. Brother Yuan, you must never utter those words again.”

“The Grand Masters’ temporary opposition to you becoming a Divine Son stems from their years of experience and consideration for the title of ‘Divine Son,’ not for me, nor specifically against you. The idea that people were deliberately arranged to humiliate you is utterly unfounded.”

His expression was serious, his words simple and stern. In a few short sentences, he spoke as a Divine Son to an ordinary Imperial Son, an elder brother to a younger brother, his words laced with a perceptible disappointment. The last sentence seemed like consolation, but upon closer examination, it could also be interpreted as disdain—as if saying, *You’re worthy of the Grand Masters’ deliberate targeting?*

Facing Meng Jian Xi, Yun Che remained smiling. “Oh, really? Then…”

He raised his arm and pointed behind him, several strands of fiery Xuan Qi¹² shooting towards several young practitioners seated at the back. “What about these people then?”

Everyone’s gaze immediately fell upon those indicated by the red Xuan Qi… In an instant, the six great Dream Masters of Meng Jian Xi’s faction felt a pang in their hearts, while Meng Jian Ze¹³, who had been quietly observing, turned pale, nearly losing control and standing up.

Because the nine people pointed out by the Xuan Qi were those he had personally arranged to challenge Yun Che at the opportune moment. Not one more, not one less… The shock was truly like seeing a ghost. Admiring Meng Jian Xi’s composure, Yun Che slowly said, “These nine people are strange. Earlier, the Divine Venerable, the Grand Masters, and the Dream Masters all spoke eloquently, and everyone listened attentively. Yet, these nine individuals kept glancing at me, each time with avoidance and apprehension, yet repeatedly looking over.”

“Even more peculiar is that the cultivation of these nine individuals is exactly the same as mine—Level 3 Divine Master.”

These nine practitioners all came from the affiliated forces of the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom. Each had their own thoughts and anxieties, and now, suddenly pointed out by Yun Che and under everyone’s gaze, their bodies tensed, their faces flushed or pale, their unease palpable.

“Meng Jian Yuan!”

No longer addressing him as “Brother Yuan,” Meng Jian Xi seemed genuinely enraged, his face showing undisguised disappointment. “You have just escaped calamity and returned to Weaving Dreams, and I have been tolerant and patient with you. But your words and actions today are excessive! You even dragged several innocent practitioners into the muddy water you created to falsely accuse others!”

His disappointment gradually turned to grief. “Perhaps, during your hundred years away, you had to learn some dirty survival tactics, but this is the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom. We should be pure in spirit, upright in conduct. Such despicable actions are unacceptable!”

“This will not help you become a Divine Son, but rather… rather…”

He sighed, seemingly suppressing his anger, his voice softening. “Brother Yuan, don’t do this. At least, don’t disappoint the Divine Father’s endless affection and tolerance for you.”

Meng Jian Xi’s words immediately shifted everyone’s thoughts to the survival tactics outside the supreme kingdom… The terror of Yuan Chen¹⁴ was known to all, and the resulting survival tactics were extremely cruel. After a hundred years alone, one could imagine the survival tactics he would have adopted, and it was not surprising that he would use such dirty and despicable methods.

Meng Jian Xi thought he had spoken brilliantly, at least enough to make Yun Che’s face turn pale. But to his disappointment—and even shock—the smile on Yun Che’s face didn’t diminish; the curve of his lips even became more mocking.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

“Well said, excellently said,” Yun Che applauded. “Divine Son Jian Xi, remember your words.”

While Meng Jian Xi was speaking, Meng Jian Ze had secretly finished his message. At this moment, he stood up abruptly, loudly saying, “Divine Son, you are known for your broad-mindedness and excellent temperament, but Meng Jian Yuan has gone too far. Why waste your patience on him?”

He turned and bowed deeply to Meng Kong Chan. “Divine Father! You have witnessed Meng Jian Yuan’s words and actions today. He behaved improperly in public, lacked manners, and was disrespectful to his elders. He even falsely accused the Divine Son and the Dream Masters in front of you and everyone else. His methods were so despicable… If such a person were to become the Weaving Dreams Divine Son, not only outsiders, but even I would feel immense shame.”

Yun Che looked sideways, suddenly appearing enlightened. “Oh! Meng Jian Ze, the rumored top lackey of Meng Jian Xi, I’ve heard of you.”

How to provoke a Divine Venerable in one sentence…

In everyone’s sight, Meng Jian Ze’s fair skin turned crimson at an alarming rate, then even faster to purplish-blue. Meng Jian Ze knew he couldn’t lose his composure, but the blood rushing to his head still made him roar, “Meng Jian Yuan, you… actually…”

At this moment, a surge of Xuan Qi appeared, and a figure abruptly leaped onto the stage, kneeling before Meng Kong Chan. “I am An Zhi Ming¹⁵, the thirty-seventh prince of An Meng Kingdom. I boldly request a challenge against Imperial Son Jian Yuan.”

This sudden appearance shifted everyone’s attention to this self-proclaimed An Zhi Ming, one of the nine people Yun Che had pointed out with Xuan Qi.

His voice was hoarse, his body visibly trembling, his head bowed low… yet he publicly challenged the soon-to-be-appointed Divine Son.

Meng Kong Chan looked askance. “Why?”

“Divine Venerable,” An Zhi Ming bowed his head. “I am merely a prince of a small kingdom, a small person with dignity. I was unjustly slandered by Imperial Son Jian Yuan, and though I was grieved, I was powerless… But Imperial Son Jian Ze has shown great kindness to my kingdom, and yet Imperial Son Jian Yuan spoke so viciously to him. I can tolerate being unjustly slandered, but I cannot accept such vicious words against my benefactor!”

“Since Imperial Son Jian Yuan said I was deliberately arranged… then…” He glanced towards Yun Che. “I will follow Imperial Son Jian Yuan’s wishes and, as a fellow Level 3 Divine Master, challenge Imperial Son Jian Yuan!”

By this point, An Zhi Ming had no way out, his voice carrying considerable force. “As Imperial Son Jian Yuan himself said, I am merely a person from a small affiliated kingdom. Imperial Son Jian Yuan should easily win.

“But if I were to win… the Weaving Dreams Divine Sons are like celestial deities in our eyes. If he is truly inferior to me… even if I am a lowly outsider, I cannot accept such a person becoming the Weaving Dreams Divine Son.”

Meng Kong Chan listened quietly, then smiled faintly, meaningfully saying, “Knowing you are a lowly outsider, yet you dare to speak so boldly before this Venerable One. Heh, though small, your courage is as vast as the heavens.”

An Zhi Ming knelt, his whole body trembling… Meng Jian Xi’s heart shuddered.

After Meng Kong Chan finished, without waiting for An Zhi Ming’s reaction, he asked Yun Che, “Yuan’er, what do you think?”

Yun Che nodded slightly, taking two steps forward, a wave of Xuan Qi lifting An Zhi Ming. “An Zhi Ming, is it? Get up.”

An Zhi Ming, dazed, was involuntarily lifted by the Xuan Qi. When he looked up, he met Yun Che’s gaze.

“Hmm… your clothing and accessories are quite luxurious, your Xuan Qi is pure, and you must have enjoyed high-level resources. You wouldn’t risk so much for wealth and status.”

Yun Che looked at An Zhi Ming intently, speaking slowly.

“Your eyes are clear. Born into royalty, you’ve had a smooth life, unlikely to have committed any serious wrongdoing, and thus unlikely to have any fatal weaknesses.”

“Therefore, there’s only one possibility.” Yun Che narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, which beloved relative was kidnapped? Or perhaps… your entire kingdom’s fate is at stake?”

An Zhi Ming visibly swayed, his pupils contracting for a moment. He forced himself to remain calm. “What threat? I don’t understand Imperial Son Jian Yuan’s nonsense…”

“Hahahaha!” Yun Che seemed to have heard a joke, bursting into laughter. “Is it that you don’t understand, or that you ‘dare not’ understand?”

His gaze shifted, his Xuan Qi-infused voice resonating through the air. “Though I was missing for a hundred years, my past may be lost, but the Divine Venerable’s affection for me remains unchanged. Even knowing I would face opposition and pressure, he still wants to make me a Divine Son. This alone speaks volumes.”

“Therefore, even those who least want me to become a Divine Son, like Meng Jian Xi’s faction, only sent Dream Master-level figures. Because below the Dream Master level, unless they are utterly foolish, who would dare to offend the Divine Venerable Wu Meng¹⁶?”

Having been pointed out again, Meng Jian Xi’s brow furrowed, but he had no chance to interrupt.

“And you,” Yun Che’s gaze returned to An Zhi Ming. “A lowly prince of a small affiliated kingdom, daring to speak such words to the Divine Venerable Wu Meng in front of the Divine Venerable… tsk, that’s more than just bold. As a prince, you should know that if the Divine Venerable wanted to destroy your kingdom, it would only take a snap of her fingers.”

An Zhi Ming’s hands clenched, trembling violently.

“But you still did it, which means you were forced to do so.” Yun Che’s lips curled slightly, unhurriedly. “Forced to challenge me, the soon-to-be Divine Son, as a practitioner from an affiliated kingdom.”

“If I accepted and was defeated… defeated by a practitioner of the same level from an affiliated kingdom, that would be a huge stain on my reputation, and even Divine Venerable Wu Meng would be ashamed to appoint me as a Divine Son. If I didn’t accept… then I wouldn’t even have the courage to fight a practitioner of the same level from an affiliated kingdom, and how could I be worthy of being a Weaving Dreams Divine Son, tsk tsk!”

Yun Che spread his hands, shaking his head. “Such a clumsy scheme, even a sow could see through it. As for who’s behind it, even a donkey could bray it out.”

“As for your reasons, even a sow would shake her head. Oh… I suppose you had to change your story after being exposed. It’s quite impressive that you could come up with such a reason in such a hurry.”

Having finished, he scanned the audience, facing the stunned faces, and said in a particularly puzzled tone, “Surely no one really can’t see through this?”

No one responded; everyone’s expressions were varied.

Everyone knew who least wanted Meng Jian Yuan to become another Weaving Dreams Divine Son. The Grand Masters, Meng Xuan Ji, and others all belonged to Meng Jian Xi’s faction—this was also known to everyone.

After Yun Che’s outburst, who couldn’t see through it?

Meng Jian Xi’s faction’s methods were indeed simple and effective. In their eyes, Meng Jian Yuan had only been back in the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom for seven days, his cultivation was only at the Divine Master level, and he had no foundation or support in the kingdom. He was simply unworthy of their careful planning; this method was already considered a great “honor” for him.

Various struggles for power, schemes, and plots were common in any supreme kingdom or power, but no one ever imagined that this seemingly heaven-sent “Meng Jian Yuan” would so completely and publicly expose them.

He exposed not only the clumsy methods he spoke of, but also the faces of the high-ranking officials of the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom.

Without any hesitation, without any mercy, without any leeway!

Bang!

“Meng Jian Yuan!”

Meng Jian Xi rose to his feet. At this point, he had to be angry.

He glared. “Are you implying that I did this?!”

“No, no, no,” Yun Che quickly denied. “No implication. Meng Jian Xi, I’m talking about you.”

**Translation Notes:**

1. **Meng Cangji (梦藏机):** The name literally translates to “Dream Hidden Machine,” suggesting a person of hidden power and strategy within the Weaving Dreams Divine Kingdom.

2. **Venerable One (尊上):** A title of respect for a powerful and revered figure, often a supreme-ruler or ancestor.

3. **Jian Xi (见溪):** The name suggests someone who sees the stream or flow of things, implying wisdom and foresight.

4. **Meng Jian Yuan (梦见渊):** The name translates to “Dream See Abyss,” hinting at a mysterious and potentially dangerous character.

5. **Dian Jiu Zhi (殿九知):** The name likely refers to a high-ranking individual within a palace or temple, the “Nineth of the Palace” perhaps indicating a position of authority.

6. **Meng Kong Chan (梦空蝉):** The name translates to “Dream Empty Cicada,” possibly symbolizing someone seemingly insignificant but with hidden depth.

7. **Hua Fu Chen (画浮沉):** The name translates to “Painting Floating and Sinking,” suggesting someone who navigates the complexities of life.

8. **Meng Xuan Ji (梦璇玑):** The name translates to “Dream Spinning Top,” possibly suggesting someone who spins intricate plots or schemes.

9. **Meng Kong Du (梦空渡):** The name translates to “Dream Empty Ferry,” possibly suggesting someone who guides others through difficult situations.

10. **Hua Cai Li (画彩璃):** The name translates to “Painting Colorful Glass,” suggesting someone beautiful and delicate.

11. **Hua Qing Ying (画清影):** The name translates to “Painting Clear Shadow,” suggesting someone elegant and mysterious.

12. **Xuan Qi (玄气):** Refers to a type of energy or spiritual power in the context of the novel’s fantasy world.

13. **Meng Jian Ze (梦见泽):** The name translates to “Dream See Marsh,” possibly suggesting someone who is easily trapped or manipulated.

14. **Yuan Chen (渊尘):** This name, meaning “Abyss Dust,” likely refers to a powerful and dangerous entity or event from Yun Che’s past.

15. **An Zhi Ming (安知命):** The name translates to “Peaceful Knowing Fate,” a seemingly ironic name given the character’s actions.

16. **Wu Meng (无梦):** The name translates to “Without Dreams,” a paradoxical name for a Divine Venerable, possibly hinting at a hidden depth or a detachment from worldly desires.