novel against the - Chapter 2094

Chapter 2094: Submission

“No, impossible! There must be some mistake!” Meng Jianze shrieked. “How could it be with His Highness?! There must be a mistake!”

“A mistake?” Meng Kongcan snorted coldly, causing everyone’s heart to tremble. He stretched out his hand, and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade within the jade casket floated into the air. Guided by Meng Kongcan’s soul power, a distinct character, “Xi¹,” slowly materialized on its bottom surface.

The soul imprint, personally inscribed by the supreme-ruler Emperor of No Dreams himself, who could forge it?!

This undoubtedly proved that this Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade was precisely the one Meng Kongcan had bestowed upon Meng Jianxi all those years ago. There was no other possibility.

“Oh~~” Yun Che feigned sudden realization. “So it was actually Divine Son Xi and Imperial Son Jianze joining forces to stage a grand play of guarding and stealing². Such an ugly play, and to make such a fuss about it, even forcing the presence of the Grand 殿主³ and the nine Dream Masters⁴… It has truly opened my eyes and left me in awe.”

The nine Dream Masters exchanged glances, each seeing the overlapping expressions of shock and bewilderment on the others’ faces.

Meng Jianxi forced himself to remain calm. He looked directly at Meng Kongcan, his words earnest: “Father supreme-ruler, after receiving your gracious gift of the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade all those years ago, I several times nearly succumbed to the urge to use it prematurely. Thus, I chose to entrust it to Mother Empress, informing her to return it to me only when I reached the peak of the fourth level of the Divine Extinction Realm.”

“Therefore, all these years, the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade has not been in my possession. As for why it was with Jianze, I have absolutely no idea. And for it to now appear in my mansion is even more…”

He wanted to say that it was utterly impossible. However, this was discovered by Meng Kongcan through a soul imprint search. How could it be false? How could it be questioned?

For the first time in his life, he truly understood the meaning of being utterly defenseless. He could only swear by his title as Divine Son: “Father supreme-ruler, Dream Masters, although Jianxi has many flaws, all these years, I have always held the title of ‘Divine Son’ as the highest honor. I would never dare to do anything that would tarnish this name, much less employ such base methods against younger brother Yuan.”

“Therefore, I implore Father supreme-ruler and the Dream Masters to discern the truth. Jianxi… truly knows nothing.”

“Exactly!” Meng Cangji immediately followed, but his tone lacked its previous certainty and confidence. “Your Majesty, Jianxi is the Divine Son you personally appointed. No one in this world understands his character and conduct better than you.”

“Jianxi and Jianyuan are the most outstanding individuals of the younger generation in our Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Nation. Their rivalry is a good thing. But as for guarding and stealing, framing Meng Jianyuan… this is absolutely not something Jianxi would do.”

He suddenly turned his head and roared at Meng Jianze: “Jianze, was it you who secretly orchestrated this?! Speak! Tell us everything!!”

Earlier, Meng Jianze had transmitted a message to him, claiming with absolute certainty that he was convinced Meng Jianyuan had stolen the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade. This had led him to come in full of confidence, believing he could undoubtedly regain face for Meng Jianxi… Now, he wished he could wring Meng Jianze’s head off.

The bizarre turn of events nearly shattered Meng Jianze’s mind. He, more than anyone, wanted to know what had happened.

Under Meng Cangji’s furious roar, he trembled all over and could only desperately push everything onto Yun Che: “This has nothing to do with His Highness the Divine Son. Meng Jianyuan really did steal the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade… Really… Really… Father supreme-ruler, you must believe me! If I have uttered a single falsehood, may I be eternally consumed by abyssal dust⁵!”

He had clearly seen Yun Che take the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade and leave hurriedly. Everything had seemed a foregone conclusion. Even if he racked his brains, even with the supreme-ruler Emperor of No Dreams’ own words, he still couldn’t believe why the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade would appear in Meng Jianxi’s Divine Son’s Mansion.

To prove himself, he didn’t hesitate to utter such a cruel oath. Then, his chaotic mind seemed to grasp something, and he shrieked: “It’s Meng Jianyuan!! It must be Meng Jianyuan! He stole the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade and then secretly placed it in His Highness the Divine Son’s mansion!! It must be so!”

Meng Kongcan glanced sideways at him and said in a low voice, “Shouyuan.”

Meng Shouyuan’s figure silently swept forward, bowing beside Meng Kongcan.

Meng Kongcan asked indifferently, “Tell me, after Yuan’er left Jianze’s place, did he go anywhere else?”

Meng Shouyuan spoke in a toneless voice: “After leaving the hall today, Young Master went to the No Dream Pavilion where Your Majesty resides. Afterward, he accepted Imperial Son Jianze’s invitation and entered his mansion. He left after half an hour and returned directly to the Divine Son’s Hall to rest in his bedchamber until he was disturbed.”

Meng Jianze was once again stunned.

“Laisheng,” Meng Kongcan called softly again.

Lu Laisheng immediately stepped forward and bowed.

“After Yuan’er returned to the hall, did he leave at all?”

Lu Laisheng replied without hesitation, “In reply to supreme-ruler Emperor, after Young Master returned, he rested in his bedchamber the entire time and did not leave for even a moment. All the guards, stewards, and servants in the hall can testify to this.”

He glanced sideways at Meng Jianze and added, “If Your Majesty, the Dream Masters, or Divine Son Xi still have doubts, you can select any guard or servant and subject them to the Dreamfall⁶.”

With things having reached this point, there was no need for the Dreamfall.

Meng Kongcan stared at the distraught Meng Jianze: “Jianze, Jianxi, tell me, if Yuan’er truly took this Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade, how could he, within his own bedchamber, silently place it in Jianxi’s mansion?”

Meng Jianxi couldn’t answer.

Meng Jianze’s body softened like mud, collapsing to the ground. He was half-paralyzed, his eyes blank and hollow, muttering incessantly, “Impossible… impossible… im… possible…”

Under the “undeniable” facts, he had followed Meng Xuanjue’s orders and blown the matter up as much as possible, all for the sake of restoring Meng Jianxi’s lost face in front of the most people.

Now, under such a grand spectacle, what was presented was clearly him and Meng Jianxi jointly framing Meng Jianyuan, and the evidence was so irrefutable…

All the words he had spoken before, all the evidence he had presented, had instead become undeniable proof of his guilt.

“Jianze, this is truly ironclad proof,” Meng Chaoyang said indifferently. “To frame Divine Son Yuan in front of His Majesty and us… I never knew you had such audacity.”

He glanced at Meng Jianxi. “Divine Son Xi, since he is your man, you should know how to handle this. You had also best… have nothing to do with this matter.”

Meng Jianxi slowly closed his eyes, his voice pained: “The Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade came from my hands and was retrieved from my mansion. I know I cannot escape involvement in today’s matter. I implore Father supreme-ruler, younger brother Yuan, and the Dream Masters to grant Jianxi some time. Jianxi will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly. If I cannot, I am willing to accept any punishment.”

Meng Kongcan turned around and said in a deep voice, “As Masters of the Dream Halls, you actually came here personally for such a vile trifle. You are truly becoming more and more promising.”

The nine Dream Masters all bowed their heads. Involving a dispute between Divine Son Xi and Divine Son Yuan, in such a sensitive period, how could they resist coming to witness it personally?

And this time, they had not come in vain. The pile of abyssal crystals that Meng Jianyuan had displayed alone had left their souls trembling until now, and it had also made them all realize that no matter how highly they had estimated him before, they had still completely misjudged Meng Jianyuan.

“All of you, withdraw,” Meng Kongcan ordered. “This matter is not for your Dream Halls to interfere with.”

The Dream Masters responded one by one, then, including Meng Cangji, they all left. However, before leaving, the gazes they cast towards Meng Jianxi and Meng Jianyuan were extremely complex.

After the Dream Masters left, Meng Jianxi suddenly stepped forward and knelt heavily on the ground: “Father supreme-ruler, today’s matter truly has nothing to do with this child.”

“I know,” Meng Kongcan replied coldly.

Meng Jianxi abruptly raised his head, but he didn’t feel the slightest bit of joy. Because Meng Kongcan’s gaze towards him was far more terrifying than anger… disappointment.

“Do you know why you have achieved nothing but utter defeat?”

Meng Kongcan stared at him. “Controlling subordinates is an essential skill for those in high positions, but it is also a double-edged sword. You trust Jianze too much, allowing him to gradually develop a ‘sense of his own importance.’ You rely too heavily on your maternal clan, and you will inevitably be held hostage by them. Do you truly not know whose handiwork today’s matter is?”

Meng Jianxi’s face gradually paled, but no matter what, he couldn’t utter that title.

“You indeed did nothing, but this matter arose because of you, for you. Therefore, you cannot escape involvement.”

Meng Kongcan flicked his finger, and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade, which originally belonged to Meng Jianxi, slowly floated towards Yun Che. When it landed in Yun Che’s hand, even the “Xi” soul imprint on it was completely erased.

“This Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade will be given to Yuan’er as compensation. Do you have any objections?”

Although it was a question, since the supreme-ruler Emperor’s words had been spoken, how could they be changed?

Meng Jianxi’s face was ashen, but he still forced a calm demeanor: “Father supreme-ruler’s teachings, this child will keep in mind. If this Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade can appease younger brother Yuan’s grievances, this child is willing.”

“That’s good,” Meng Kongcan replied, then nodded slightly towards Yun Che. Without glancing at the瘫软 Meng Jianze, he turned and left.

And Yun Che heard Meng Kongcan’s voice transmission: “Yuan’er, how did you do it?”

“I truly can’t hide anything from supreme-ruler Emperor’s eyes,” Yun Che wasn’t embarrassed, replying vaguely, “It was just some minor spatial tricks.”

Meng Kongcan said, “Jianxi’s mansion has numerous strong guards, one of whom is not much inferior to Shouyuan. What kind of spatial trick could conceal itself from their spiritual perception without any flaws throughout the entire process? It seems you have hidden quite a few ‘trump cards.’”

“And for your aunt to suddenly intervene, it seems she didn’t want you to reveal the upper limit of your strength… Very good.”

There was no blame in his words, only relief.

Yun Che was just about to speak, but Meng Kongcan seemed to not need him to open his mouth, continuing, “You have already greatly shocked Meng Cangji and the nine Dream Masters by displaying so many heterogeneous abyssal crystals, and it will inevitably influence their inclinations to a large extent. That is enough. Hide all your other trump cards, and do not reveal them lightly… including to this father.”

The departing Meng Kongcan turned slightly, giving Yun Che a faint smile, his figure then vanishing from sight.

Yun Che’s heart stirred for half a breath… He had already prepared sufficient explanations, but Meng Kongcan hadn’t pursued the matter.

Not pursuing it was undoubtedly a great tolerance and trust.

With Meng Kongcan and the Dream Masters gone, the invisible pressure filling the space also dissipated. Meng Jianze seemed to gradually regain his soul. His eyes flickered, and he crawled to Meng Jianxi’s legs: “Your Highness, I didn’t lie! I clearly saw Meng Jianyuan take…”

Bang!!

Meng Jianxi fiercely kicked out, sending Meng Jianze flying hundreds of feet away, crashing heavily against the hall wall.

How terrifying was his kick in such fury? Where Meng Jianze flew, even the ground was gouged with a deep furrow, and countless cracks spread across the hall wall.

Meng Jianze twitched after landing, then became motionless… The excessively violent and bizarre impact had already left him terrified and bewildered. With this kick, he had actually fainted directly.

Glancing at the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade in Yun Che’s hand, Meng Jianxi forced his gaze away, gritting his teeth slightly: “Meng Jianyuan, no matter what you think, I will only say this once, this matter has nothing to do with me!”

“I know,” Yun Che said with a faint smile, toying with the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade that originally belonged to Meng Jianxi.

Meng Jianxi’s body stiffened slightly. In an instant, he reacted, abruptly turning his head and staring fixedly at Yun Che: “Could it be… So, it really was you who deliberately took it and then silently placed it in my mansion?”

“Of course,” The smile on Yun Che’s lips deepened. “What? You can’t believe it?”

Meng Jianxi remained silent for a long while, only his breathing gradually growing heavier. Suddenly, he shook his head: “You… just how did you do it?”

“Good question.” Yun Che’s expression gradually became playful. “How all of this was accomplished, you can’t even begin to imagine, yet I can do it. The Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade, which you treat as a supreme object, is just a handful of illuminating stones⁷ to me.”

“So, do you understand the gap between us?”

Meng Jianxi’s eyes flickered wildly, but he was speechless.

Yun Che pinched the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade, saying casually, “You are the Weaving Dream Divine Son after all, you wouldn’t resort to such methods to target me. This kind of drama seems more like the handiwork of an anxious, frantic woman. Hmm…”

Yun Che feigned contemplation, then slowly said, “Divine Son Xi also mentioned earlier that this Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade has been kept by your Mother Empress all these years. Why would the Empress be so eager to target me… This makes me wonder, could the misfortune that befell Meng Jianyuan a hundred years ago have something to do with the Empress?”

Meng Jianxi’s expression didn’t change at all, but a tsunami raged within his soul.

Yun Che glanced sideways at Meng Jianxi, suddenly chuckling softly: “A normal person, upon hearing their mother being so slandered, would instinctively rebuke in anger. Yet Divine Son Xi has to feign such calmness. It seems that not only is my guess correct, but Divine Son Xi has long been aware of this matter.”

Meng Jianxi’s heart trembled again, and anger appeared on his face: “Meng Jianyuan! My mother is the current Weaving Dream Empress, how can you slander her so freely?!”

Yun Che said with a smile, “Divine Son Xi, there’s no need to be nervous. It’s just a guess. How would I dare spread rumors without substantial proof? However, Divine Son Xi should still worry more about himself these days. After all, this matter has been blown up so much. Once the truth spreads, the backlash will be equally huge. This will be quite a blow to Divine Son Xi’s reputation and the hearts of the people.”

“Especially the nine Dream Hall Masters. Judging by their reactions and expressions just now, after today, your and my weight in their hearts will likely be reevaluated.”

“In that case…” The smile on Yun Che’s face vanished in an instant, his eyes gradually becoming as deep as a black abyss. “Meng Jianxi, do you truly still wish to contend with me?”

As the Weaving Dream Divine Son, how could he show any weakness in气势? He furrowed his brows, about to retort sharply, but when he suddenly met Yun Che’s gaze, the words he was about to utter instantly retreated into his throat.

It was a feeling of being looked down upon, being… that was too strong and too real.

His pupils were filled with Yun Che’s face, but in Yun Che’s eyes, he couldn’t see a single reflection of himself.

At this moment, he felt so clearly that he had never been placed in his eyes at all.

Suddenly, it was as if he had lost all his strength. The imposing aura he had just built up instantly dissipated, and his body swayed weakly.

Yun Che no longer looked at him, his voice cold and heavy with authority: “Meng Jianxi, what belongs to you, no one can take away. What doesn’t belong to you, if you forcefully seek it, you are digging your own grave. I am not a patient person.”

“In life, choices are often far more important than effort. With everything you possess, if you make the right choice, in the future of the Weaving Dream supreme-ruler Nation, you will surely become the second person beneath me.”

“But if you consider yourself proud and unyielding, refusing to bend and insisting on a fight… I will admire you, then trample you into the mud where you will never be able to rise again, turning you into a stubborn bone that will forever rot and be trampled upon by everyone.”

Meng Jianxi looked at Yun Che’s profile, his lips trembling uncontrollably.

Such words should have been threats.

But, coming from Yun Che’s mouth and falling into his ears… it was as if he was simply stating a reality that could be easily achieved with a casual flick of his hand.

Finally, he spoke: “You… in the end…”

Having only spoken three words, he couldn’t continue. Because his soul was in too much turmoil, so chaotic that he suddenly couldn’t recall what he wanted to ask.

Yun Che turned around and walked back into the Divine Son’s Hall unhurriedly. As he stepped through the door, he flicked his finger, and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade flew straight towards Meng Jianxi with a streak of brilliance.

Meng Jianxi subconsciously caught it, stunned for a long time.

“I’m not used to other people’s things. Here you go.”

His words were casual and carefree, as if he was really just throwing back an ordinary illuminating stone that he didn’t even bother to look at.

As for heterogeneous abyssal crystals, if others wanted to obtain one, not only would they have to venture deep into the abyssal sea, but they would also have to hunt countless abyssal beasts, coupled with an immense amount of luck, to have a slim chance of occasionally finding one.

As for Yun Che, with a sweep of his supreme sense, he could tell which abyssal beast had a heterogeneous abyssal crystal condensed within it, and then he could simply take it.

Even so, he had only found seven of these Heavenly Revelation Divine Jades in total. Their rarity in the abyssal sea, in the abyssal world, was self-evident.

Holding the Heavenly Revelation Divine Jade in both hands, Meng Jianxi stood there in a daze for a good while before turning around listlessly. But the moment his body turned, it was as if a certain closed-off point in his soul that he had never been willing to touch had suddenly been opened…

He abruptly turned back: “Wait!”

“Hmm?” Yun Che glanced back slightly.

The moment he shouted, his chaotic soul sea suddenly cleared. He looked at Meng Jianyuan, his words clear: “As long as you spare my Mother Empress, I, Meng Jianxi… will submit to you! I will assist you as my superior!”

These words came out far less difficultly than he had expected.

If it were just a strong opponent who had surpassed him, he would never easily give up. But… the sense of powerlessness Yun Che brought him was simply too strong, so strong that it easily extinguished all his unwillingness.

Yun Che didn’t react much, only saying indifferently: “Organize your intelligence network. I will need it soon.”

“Laisheng, see our guest out.”

The hall doors closed, cutting off Meng Jianxi’s gaze towards Yun Che, and at the same time, severing his originally destined path.

Ancestral Dragon Mountain Range.

“How is Wangchu’s progress?”

The Dragon Monarch’s voice was filled with weariness. He seemed to have aged even more.

Long Chixin shook his head: “Barely passable.”

“Sigh.” The Dragon Monarch sighed softly. “Forget it, if Wangchu can reach the Divine Extinction Realm within sixty years⁸, my wish will be fulfilled… How are Long Xi’s movements?”

Long Chixin subconsciously lowered his voice: “She is still searching for Primordial Flame Crystals with all her might.”