novel against the - chapter 2092

2092: Entertainment

Yun Che took the seat of honor in the hall, while Meng Jianze¹ lowered himself to an extremely humble posture, almost to the point of groveling. Every word he spoke was filled with regret for his past actions. He had never been so subservient, not even in front of Meng Jianxi².

Unwilling to rebuff such a display of contrition, Yun Che said with a smile, “Given Meng Jianyuan’s³ status, you should still address me as ‘brother’. It was merely a minor conflict due to differing stances that day. You truly needn’t be like this.”

Meng Jianze hurriedly replied, “Yuan Shenzi⁴ is so magnanimous, making Jianze feel even more ashamed. From now on, if Yuan Shenzi has any commands, Jianze will definitely obey them, even at the cost of my life.”

“Such words carry weight and shouldn’t be uttered lightly,” Yun Che said, his expression seemingly turning serious. “If I were to take you seriously, wouldn’t that severely damage the years of camaraderie between you and Jianxi Shenzi?”

Meng Jianze slowly shook his head. “As a descendant of the Meng Clan, Jianze’s body and soul are dedicated to the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm⁵. Therefore, the one Jianze pledges allegiance to in this life is not any individual, but the sole Shenzi who holds the future of Weaving Dream!”

His words were subtly crafted. The phrase “sole Shenzi” could be interpreted in several ways.

After speaking, he took two steps forward and extended his hands, presenting a two-foot square jade box⁶ wreathed in profound light, interwoven with at least three seals.

Meng Jianze placed the jade box on the tea table and proceeded to undo the three seals one by one. Opening the right side of the box, a brilliant light shone from within.

Meng Jianze reached in and carefully retrieved a small, intricate soft armor shimmering with silver light.

“Yuan Shenzi,” he said, holding the armor up with both hands towards Yun Che, “This armor is called the ‘Min E Ling Yi’⁷. It was bestowed upon me by my father when I broke through to the Divine Extinction Realm⁸. Wearing it over the chest, it can instantly neutralize even a full-powered blow from a mid-stage demigod⁹.”

“Although Yuan Shenzi possesses unparalleled talent and a perfect Divine Spark¹⁰, you are still young and your cultivation is temporarily weak, thus needing this even more than I do… Admittedly, Yuan Shenzi’s safety is now the top priority of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm, and my father will certainly ensure your protection. But with this armor, there will be an extra layer of security, allowing my father and Jianze to have more peace of mind.”

Yun Che’s gaze fell upon the silver armor, but his peripheral vision glanced sideways at the jade box. Anyone present wouldn’t have overlooked the peculiar radiance emanating from within.

Yun Che reached out and took the armor without hesitation. “Alright, since you’re so sincere, I won’t stand on ceremony. Let’s consider our past grievances settled. As for the future, it depends on the path we each choose.”

Meng Jianze was overjoyed. “With Yuan Shenzi’s words, Jianze can finally…”

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” A panicked cry came from outside the hall, rapidly approaching.

Meng Jianze turned and roared, “Impudent! How dare you yell like this with Yuan Shenzi present!”

The person who shouted practically tumbled into the hall. “Your Highness, it’s terrible! The First Madam¹¹ has suddenly relapsed. She’s already… already…”

“What!?” Meng Jianze’s expression changed drastically, his hair practically standing on end. He instinctively rushed outwards, but upon reaching the doorway, he suddenly remembered Yun Che’s presence. He hurriedly turned back, his face filled with alarm. “Yuan Shenzi, this concerns Madam’s life. Jianze must excuse himself for now. Yuan Shenzi, please make yourself at home. Once Madam is well, Jianze will return to apologize.”

With that, he hurried away, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Even the servant girl who had made the announcement had left, leaving Yun Che alone in the hall.

Yun Che stood up and walked over to the jade box that Meng Jianze had forgotten to retrieve in his haste. With a flick of his finger, he opened it completely.

Instantly, a moonlight-like radiance filled every corner of the hall. The incredibly rich and pure spiritual energy was enough to stir the profound veins of any profound practitioner¹².

Yun Che reached out and took the supreme jade shimmering with moonlight into his hand. It was a type of Yuan Crystal¹³, an extremely rare variant, and the level of power it contained was far beyond that of ordinary Yuan Crystals.

“A Yuan Crystal of this level is considered a supreme artifact even in the supreme-ruler Realm,” Yun Che murmured. “Someone of Meng Jianze’s level shouldn’t be worthy of possessing it.”

Li Suo’s¹⁴ voice then echoed, “Meng Jianze is tempting you to take it.”

The corners of Yun Che’s lips curled slightly. “See, even you can easily see through it.”

Li Suo fell silent for a moment before saying, “It’s indeed an extremely crude tactic.”

“No, no,” Yun Che immediately shook his head. “It seems crude, but there’s a lot more to it.”

Li Suo had long grown accustomed to his rebuttals.

Yun Che slowly explained, “The brilliance of this scheme lies in Meng Jianze’s demeanor. Today, he was practically groveling at my feet, creating the illusion that he holds immense reverence and reliance on me. He wants me to believe that any request or demand I make, he will eagerly fulfill.”

“Therefore…” Yun Che raised the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade¹⁵ to his eyes. “Upon seeing such a rare treasure, the shock, excitement, and greed it evokes will greatly erode reason and judgment. Coupled with the illusion that I can take it freely… it becomes very easy to simply take it.”

“So…” Li Suo said, “He wants to frame you?”

“Not exactly,” Yun Che replied. “It’s more about leaving a stain on my reputation. And a stain, once attached, can never be completely washed away.”

“I suspect this is just the first probe by Meng Jianxi’s faction. Similar tactics will likely appear in succession. They can’t force me directly, so using these methods is, in the grand scheme of things, a good choice. It’s bloodless and leaves no tangible evidence.”

They were acknowledging it, but the curve of his lips was utterly mocking. He lowered his arm, seemingly about to return the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade to the box, but at the moment it sank into the box, he directly stored it within the Sky Poison Pearl¹⁶.

*Bang!*

The jade box slammed shut.

“Why did you still take it?” Li Suo asked, puzzled.

Yun Che turned and strode outwards. “How can I refuse something offered to me on a silver platter?!”

“If Meng Jianxi had stayed put, I wouldn’t even bother looking at him. Since he dares to make a move, I don’t mind reminding him how to write the word ‘regret’!”

“After all, even a soon-to-be world-overturning Heretic supreme-ruler¹⁷ should occasionally find some entertainment to relax.”

Li Suo: “…”

Not long after Yun Che left, Meng Jianze, who had seemingly departed, quickly rushed back. He went straight to the jade box and opened it.

He froze, a look of surprise flashing across his face, quickly replaced by intense elation.

He abruptly reached out and retrieved a hidden Shadow Recording Stone¹⁸. After quickly scanning it with his spiritual sense, the joy on his face intensified several times over.

A sound transmission profound formation¹⁹ unfolded before him, and he said, barely suppressing his excitement, “Divine Queen²⁰, Meng Jianyuan secretly took the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade!”

“…” A long silence followed, as if even she couldn’t believe it. Meng Xuanjue’s²¹ voice then slowly came through, “Are you certain? Did you record it with the Shadow Recording Stone?”

Meng Jianze hurriedly replied, “The Shadow Recording Stone is in my hand, and the entire process of him taking it is perfectly recorded.”

Meng Xuanjue let out a cold laugh. “I thought the possibility of him taking it directly was less than twenty percent. It seems I still overestimated him! He’s ultimately a lowly person who has drifted outside for a hundred years. Now, suddenly under Hua Qingying’s²² protection and the supreme-ruler Emperor’s²³ favor, how could he not lose his head?”

Meng Jianze deeply agreed. “Exactly! Even with a perfect Divine Spark, so what! Most of the Dream Halls are on Shenzi Dianxia’s²⁴ side. With just a few maneuvers, we can push him step by step into deep mire. It won’t be long before he’s no longer qualified to compete with Shenzi Dianxia.”

“Divine Queen, should I report this matter to Father Emperor now?”

“No,” Meng Xuanjue’s voice was low, and even through the sound transmission profound formation, it felt as if one could see her cold and terrifying gaze. “If we tell the supreme-ruler Emperor first, he will definitely suppress it. Inform the Nine Dream Halls first, not missing a single one! At the same time, spread this matter, the wider the better.”

“Meng Jianyuan has just gained fame, yet he is inherently vile and greedy, audacious enough to secretly steal the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade bestowed upon the Weaving Dream Shenzi by the supreme-ruler Emperor… This news is enough to cause a stir throughout the entire Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.”

Returning to the Shenzi Palace, Yun Che went straight to his bedroom and instructed, “I’m a bit tired after cultivating for so many days. Zhi Yuan²⁵, wait outside. Unless it’s something earth-shattering, don’t let anyone in.”

Unfortunately, Yun Che’s rest didn’t last long. In less than an hour, something “earth-shattering” indeed erupted.

“Meng Jianyuan, get out here!”

A furious roar resounded throughout the Shenzi Palace. Since the investiture ceremony, no one had dared to be so brazen before the Shenzi Palace.

Meng Jianze’s eyes were like swords, his face full of rage. He was a completely different person from the subservient figure before Yun Che. Despite being under confinement, he had left his residence and even barged directly into the Shenzi Palace.

With a flicker, Lu Laisheng²⁶ appeared before Meng Jianze, about to speak, but his expression suddenly changed drastically. The force accompanying Meng Jianze was nothing short of terrifying.

Meng Kongdu²⁷, Meng Chaoyang²⁸, Meng Jing²⁹… The Masters of the Nine Dream Halls were all present!

“This humble servant greets the Dream Masters,” Lu Laisheng hurriedly bowed, his scalp tingling. He simultaneously transmitted a message, “Quickly! Inform Young Master!”

The Second Dream Master, Meng Chaoyang, glanced around and said meaningfully, “It’s truly rare for everyone to be here. It seems someone deliberately wants to make a big deal out of this.”

“Hmph!” Meng Xuanji³⁰ said coldly, “This Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade is the only one in Weaving Dream, so it’s naturally a major matter. But what’s even more important is that it concerns the character of our Weaving Dream’s designated Shenzi. How can we take this lightly!”

The Fifth Dream Master, Meng Chaofeng³¹, hinted, “From my observation of Yuan Shenzi’s conduct, he would never do such a thing. There must be some trickery involved.”

“Then Chaofeng Dream Master is likely to be disappointed,” Meng Jinghai³² said coldly.

At this moment, everyone’s gaze shifted to Yun Che, who strolled out leisurely. His steps were unsteady, his eyes still drowsy, and he let out a long yawn as he approached, clearly looking like he had just woken up.

As if just noticing the people at the entrance, the Yuan Shenzi, whose sleep had been disturbed, said grumpily, “So it’s the nine Dream Masters. Oh? Meng Jianze, aren’t you under confinement? How do you have the leisure to come here and yell?”

“Meng Jianyuan!” Meng Jianze’s eyes flashed with anger. “I lowered my dignity and practically rubbed my face on the ground to apologize to you! Yet you harbored such malicious intentions, seizing the opportunity to steal the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade! That’s a supreme artifact Father Emperor bestowed upon Jianxi Shenzi!”

“Oh? Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade?” Yun Che looked puzzled, then suddenly realized, “Could it be that brightly shining variant Yuan Crystal? That name really doesn’t suit it at all.”

“Less nonsense, hand it over!” Meng Jianze seemed to have completely abandoned all pretense, snarling, “Otherwise, even if you are the Yuan Shenzi everyone speaks of, I will not let this rest!”

Yun Che touched his chin, narrowing his eyes at him. “Steal? Meng Jianze, you better understand what you’re saying.”

“What are you all doing here!”

A commanding voice rang out, causing everyone’s expressions to turn serious. They almost involuntarily knelt down in unison. “We greet the supreme-ruler Emperor.”

Meng Kongchan’s³³ figure rapidly approached. Behind him were the Chief Hall Master, Meng Cangji³⁴, and Meng Jianxi, whose expression was difficult to discern.

The Nine Dream Masters were all present, causing Meng Kongchan’s face to darken slightly. His gaze swept over everyone, and he said calmly, “Jianze, who gave you the audacity to leave your residence without permission!”

Meng Jianze heavily knelt on the ground, crying out in anguish, “Father Emperor’s command, how would this child dare to disobey? But… this child lost the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade that Father Emperor bestowed upon Shenzi Dianxia. Such a grave matter, even if I receive multiple times the punishment, this child wouldn’t dare to be negligent.”

He abruptly turned and pointed at Yun Che, his tone sharp, his voice accusatory. “It was Yuan Shenzi! After being severely punished by Father Emperor that day, this child has always felt guilty and invited Yuan Shenzi to my residence every day, seeking to apologize in person. Today, Yuan Shenzi finally graced me with his presence. This child knelt and apologized, even gifting the Min E Ling Yi to Yuan Shenzi.”

“But Su Qin³⁵ suddenly relapsed, and this child had to rush to suppress it with profound energy. Yuan Shenzi took advantage of this opportunity and stole Shenzi Dianxia’s Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade, which was placed in my care.”

“That was a great kindness bestowed by Shenzi Dianxia, an immense trust, yet I…”

He said sorrowfully, “This matter is of great importance. In my urgency, Jianze caused such a commotion, even alarming Father Emperor and the Dream Masters… I am truly unforgivable.”

Meng Jianxi stared deeply at Meng Jianze, unable to deny it.

“Yuan’er,” Meng Kongchan spoke, his face betraying no emotion, “Did you, as Jianze claims, take that Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade?”

“Of course not,” Yun Che replied, the sleepiness in his eyes not yet fully dissipated, but still clear. “If I want something, I will naturally ask the supreme-ruler Emperor.”

“Mm.” Meng Kongchan nodded slightly.

“Of course you wouldn’t admit it!” Meng Cangji stepped forward, his face filled with anger. “Jianze, you so confidently point your finger at Meng Jianyuan, do you have any concrete proof?”

“Of course!”

Meng Jianze extended his hand, revealing the prepared Shadow Recording Stone. With a slight release of profound energy, the recorded images within were projected:

In the image, Yun Che stood before the jade box, his back to where the Shadow Recording Stone was placed. Despite being turned away, one could clearly see him taking the brightly shining Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade from the box, observing it, and then putting it back… However, during the process of putting it back, the supreme light suddenly vanished. As Yun Che turned and left, the jade box was completely closed.

The projection faded, and the atmosphere instantly fell silent. Everyone’s expressions varied.

Meng Cangji’s fury reached its peak, and he roared, “Meng Jianyuan, this old man never imagined you would actually dare to commit such a vile act! Now, what else do you have to say!”

## Translation Notes

1. Meng Jianze: One of Meng Jianxi’s supporters within the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
2. Meng Jianxi: The current designated Shenzi (supreme-ruler Child) of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm. He is Yun Che’s rival.
3. Meng Jianyuan: Yun Che’s assumed identity within the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
4. Shenzi (神子): Literally “supreme-ruler Child,” a title for a chosen successor, often in a supreme or powerful realm.
5. Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm: The name of the realm Yun Che is currently in.
6. Jade box: Ornamental boxes made of jade are common in Chinese culture for storing precious items.
7. Min E Ling Yi (泯厄灵衣): A fictional name for the armor, roughly translating to “World-Obliterating Spirit Robe.”
8. Divine Extinction Realm: A high level of cultivation in this novel’s power system.
9. Demigod: A powerful being, below a true supreme-ruler in this novel’s power system.
10. Divine Spark: A core element related to cultivation in this novel.
11. First Madam: The primary wife of the household head.
12. Profound practitioner: A cultivator who uses profound energy, the power system in this novel.
13. Yuan Crystal (渊晶): A valuable energy source used for cultivation.
14. Li Suo: The Heretic supreme-ruler residing within Yun Che.
15. Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade (天启神玉): A fictional, powerful artifact. “Tianqi” often refers to a revelation or apocalypse.
16. Sky Poison Pearl: A powerful artifact Yun Che possesses.
17. Heretic supreme-ruler (雾皇): Yun Che’s true identity. “Wu Huang” literally translates to “Mist Emperor.”
18. Shadow Recording Stone (玄影石): A fictional stone capable of recording events.
19. Sound transmission profound formation: A formation used for communication over long distances.
20. Divine Queen (神后): Wife of the supreme-ruler Emperor.
21. Meng Xuanjue: The Divine Queen of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm and Meng Jianxi’s mother.
22. Hua Qingying: A powerful figure protecting Yun Che in the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
23. supreme-ruler Emperor (神尊): The ruler of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
24. Dianxia (殿下): A term of respect for royalty or high-ranking individuals, similar to “Your Highness.”
25. Zhi Yuan: A servant girl attending to Yun Che.
26. Lu Laisheng: A guard in the Shenzi Palace.
27. Meng Kongdu: Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
28. Meng Chaoyang: Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
29. Meng Jing: Short for Meng Jinghai, Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
30. Meng Xuanji: Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
31. Meng Chaofeng: Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
32. Meng Jinghai: Master of one of the Nine Dream Halls.
33. Meng Kongchan: The supreme-ruler Emperor of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
34. Meng Cangji: The Chief Hall Master of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Realm.
35. Su Qin: Meng Jianze’s wife.