Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1555 - 79: Affection

The multitude of ancestors had now all convened. Certain confusions were consequently dispelled.

Zhou Yan's disposition, however, transitioned from oppressive heaviness to a gradual tranquility. He had attained the King Realm, and instantaneously, his combat might surged to an apex. Should the King Realm itself possess subdivisions, Zhou Yan's specific attainment was the Ninth Level of Perfection, aligning with the absolute zenith of martial prowess among those in the King Realm.

At this juncture, Zhou Yan could rightfully be placed in the same esteemed category as Pangu and Nuwa, perhaps even possessing a slight edge over them. Yet, there was no cause for elation or self-satisfaction in this. Ascending to the King Realm should have been a moment of paramount joy, but instead, faced with the unfolding circumstances, Zhou Yan was burdened by a profound sense of destiny and responsibility.

Taking a deep inhalation, Zhou Yan's gaze settled upon Nuwa and Pangu. "Regardless of the prevailing situation, we have reached this critical juncture. Whatever actions are necessary, and however they are to be executed, let us deliberate further. While time is indeed constrained, numerous aspects still allow for shifts and opportunities," he stated.

"Meticulous strategizing is not required. The grand conflict persists. We are merely projections here and must soon depart."

"The Ancient Life Clan and the Emperor Ancient Clan are relatively stable, yet they are not immune to turmoil and peril. For the present, your role is to remain here, primarily serving as a guardian for the recuperating."

"Furthermore, you must rapidly acclimate yourself to the creation and application of certain fundamental rules. Following that... we shall reconvene on the Silent Annihilation Battlefield."

Following these pronouncements, Pangu and Nuwa's spectral forms began to dissolve. Subsequently, Mu Qingyan and the others commenced their retreat into the dimensional space residing between Zhou Yan's brows. During this transition, Zhou Yan found himself utterly incapable of intervention. The occurrence, though sudden, felt remarkably natural.

Zhou Yan understood that the space between his brows constituted a uniquely formed dimension, a nexus born from the convergence of all governing principles. The Elf Domain and the Purple Flame Void were situated within this space. Mu Qingyan and the rest of their companions, in essence, resided there as well. Had Zhou Yan not departed from the previously established Reincarnation Land, Mu Qingyan and the others would have endured a considerable strain.

After a brief sojourn, the Immortal Phoenix Peacock and its companions also departed, leaving only Zhou Lingyi and Hou Chen on the scene, neither of whom had yet departed. Zhou Yan had been powerless to prevent their arrival, just as he was unable to persuade them to remain due to their pressing engagements. Every one of them—or rather, every Holy Spirit—was occupied with critical matters.

Zhou Lingyi positioned herself a short distance before Zhou Yan. Her form appeared somewhat diminished, yet it still pulsed with potent Ancient Life Energy. The inherent characteristics of the Ancient Life Clan, at this moment, were no longer suppressed but fully manifest. A subtle, golden luminescence emanated from her, profoundly soothing to the soul and exhilarating to the spirit.

"Zhou Yan, it has truly been an arduous path to reach this stage for all of us," Zhou Lingyi conveyed, her voice tinged with a melancholic despair. It was rare for Zhou Yan to witness her in such a state of sorrow. Especially during his later stages of development, Zhou Lingyi—or perhaps more accurately, Hou Ling'er—had been perceived in his memories as an independent and formidable young woman.

Hearing Zhou Lingyi speak with such a somber tone now evoked a faint sense of wistfulness within Zhou Yan. His gaze drifted towards Hou Chen, still suspended in the enigmatic void. Hou Chen's form remained ensanguined, bathed in blood, exuding waves of a shocking and deeply unsettling Evil Spirit aura.

Zhou Yan inclined his head. He conjured a distinctive Primordial Magnetic Pole Light. This luminescence coalesced into an elegant Singularity Sky Bridge, its transformation mirroring the subatomic shifts of the Netherworld's constituent particles. Within this maneuver, the singularity rapidly enveloped Hou Chen. However, before any contact could be made, the crimson light radiating from Hou Chen intensified, blossoming with renewed ferocity.

In that singular instant, Hou Chen morphed into a draconic entity of blood. This fearsome Evil Dragon, radiating untamed savagery, roared and writhed within the unknown expanse. Yet, in the very next moment, the dragon dissolved, reverting to the form of Hou Chen as a youth. His transformation continued, shifting into the likeness of Hou Chen as an infant.

Following this, the progression persisted, culminating in the manifestation of an Immortal Bone Blood Embryo. However, after a fleeting pause, this developmental sequence abruptly reversed. Hou Chen once more assumed the appearance of a handsome young man, his entire being enveloped in a sanguineous Qi. His condition appeared greatly improved, with all traces of wounds and blood vanishing. The surrounding Blood Qi then gradually receded, reabsorbed back into his being.

Swiftly thereafter, he directed his gaze into the void, as if piercing through it to perceive Zhou Yan and Zhou Lingyi.

With a single stride, he traversed the immeasurable singularities of the Void, heading directly towards Zhou Yan.

"Zhou Yan, have no fear. His condition is quite stable; he's not in any immediate danger." Zhou Lingyi offered words of comfort.

Zhou Yan nodded in response. "Had I not achieved the King Realm, I might have fretted endlessly. But now that I am a King, my worries have ceased. I understand that in every regard, Chenchen is exceptional and possesses immense capability. Even among Kings, he ranks among the absolute elite."

"With such formidable strength, he no longer requires my concern."

"As his father, I merely feel a father's pity and affection; that is all." Zhou Yan stated with a sigh.

Zhou Lingyi exhaled softly, her voice tinged with a hint of desolation. "If we had remained oblivious to the truth, perhaps fewer troubles would have befallen us. In many matters, ignorance truly is bliss. When one knows nothing, they can act with freedom and feel no burden. But once the truth is known, one cannot escape the responsibility of facing it."

It seemed Zhou Lingyi had much more she wished to convey to Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan remained silent for a moment, implicitly agreeing with Zhou Lingyi's sentiments.

"You have sacrificed so greatly. I have retained nearly all knowledge of the Ancient Life Clan. I am also aware that Zishuang and Qingyan initially approached me under duress as undercover agents, only developing genuine feelings later. These affections have not waned over the vast expanse of years; instead, they have only deepened."

As Zhou Yan spoke, he continued, "And what of you, Ling Yi?"

"For what did you give so much? For what did you develop such profound attachments? Feelings? Our connection has clearly surpassed the realm of simple emotion." Zhou Yan pondered aloud.

"Yes," Zhou Lingyi confirmed. "But regarding this, you will understand when Gu Xi returns."

"Zhou Yan, do you know the ultimate fate of the Azure Dragon?"

"I do not," Zhou Yan replied, his heart clenching slightly, though he instinctively resisted the implication.

Zhou Lingyi’s gaze intensified upon Zhou Yan. After a prolonged silence, a faint, indescribable sorrow flickered in her eyes. "One King Avatar of the Azure Dragon was refined. Its Endless Bloodline gave rise to a supreme race – a supreme yet Ordinary race, possessing the combined strengths of all Life."

"That race is the Human Clan."

"That ancient Planet carried the cultural legacy of the dragons; the very essence of emotional civilization has its Origins and rationale."

"Then tell me—how should the Azure Dragon regard such a race?"

"To the Azure Dragon Saint Spirit, it represents a profound humiliation."

"Zhou Yan, regardless of anything, I will forever be your guardian. If you cherish me, perhaps we shall grow old together in this lifetime."

"If you do not, it matters not. The emotional guardianship of the Ancient Life Clan lies not only in shared companionship but in the act of guardianship itself."

"Then I shall transform into a Life Ancient Tree, dwelling alongside you in every moment within the Elf Domain. For that is where you once resided." Zhou Lingyi spoke these words with a gentle smile.

Zhou Yan's heart was deeply stirred by her declaration.

Words like these could only emanate from the deepest wellsprings of emotion.

"I possess the Twelve Forms of Battle Soul, the Thirteen Monarch Seals, and the Soul of Self. Subsequently, I can manifest the Thirteen King Holy Spirits."

"Among them, one will be distinct and unparalleled, solely belonging to you."

Having long anticipated the outcome, Zhou Yan let out a soft sigh and spoke his response.

This was a promise—not merely of sharing a lifetime until old age, but of an eternal companionship.

Furthermore, a companionship that was utterly unique.

Upon attaining the King Realm, the King’s Marks manifest in multitude, existing independently. The Soul-Slaying King also bestowed upon Zhou Yan the power of the Thirteen Forms of King Holy Spirits.

This formed Zhou Yan's current foundation.

It was precisely due to this that, the moment he stepped into the King Realm, he could already stand shoulder to shoulder with Pangu, Nuwa, Hong Jun, the Moral King, and the other Kings.

He could rival Mu Qingyan's combat prowess in her King-level Evil Spirit state.

"With this answer from you, I am already content. Even if nothing comes of it, I have never felt that any price I paid was remotely unworthy—Zhou Yan, Hou Chen has arrived; I shall return to my clan."

As Zhou Lingyi spoke, she suddenly sensed something in the distant Void. Her form then transformed directly into a pale golden leaf, which fluttered and drifted as if in the late autumn breeze.

However, as the leaf descended, it visibly aged, withering, turning yellow, becoming translucent, until it vanished completely.

Concurrently, Zhou Yan observed Hou Chen's figure materialize within the Void.

"Master. Father."

Hou Chen materialized. Upon witnessing Zhou Yan, tears of blood streamed from his eyes, and he dropped to his knees directly before his master.

"Chenchen, stand. As Master and disciple, as father and son, our souls are intertwined—there is no need for us to inflict such pain upon each other."

Zhou Yan offered an exceptionally tender smile. While Zhou Lingyi's prior actions had lent it a slightly strained quality, this was the kindest and warmest expression he could manage.

"Father."

Hou Chen's entire frame quivered, yet he remained kneeling. Instead, he performed three consecutive kowtows before shakily rising to his feet, just like any ordinary individual.

"The battle rages on fiercely. Chenchen, inform your father—what are the intentions of Nuwa and the Pan Emperor?"

Zhou Yan inquired softly.

The departure of all those venerable ancestors of the Human Clan, coupled with Hou Chen's arrival, was sufficient indication that the unfolding events were nearing their culmination.

"Father, Chenchen has fallen short in many regards. Now, I can only impart some of my knowledge to you, Father."

A profound weariness and palpable shame washed over Hou Chen's features.

However, the instant this expression surfaced, Zhou Yan extended his hand, within which surged a potent Nirvana King Energy.

This Nirvana Origin Energy cascaded like the gentle flow of a clear spring, nourishing Hou Chen's very core. Simultaneously, it mended his eyes, which had been weeping blood, and transformed his contorted expression of shame.

In their place appeared luminous, obsidian-black eyes, and his face, now healthy and flushed, donned a confident smile.

"Chenchen, you intend to instruct me in the Evil Dragon Inheritance, do you not? Let us commence. Bear this in mind: regardless of your actions, you will forever remain my Zhou Yan’s disciple, my son. This truth is absolute and immutable."

"As for notions of right or wrong, of truth or falsehood, they cease to hold significance."

Zhou Yan's tone was gentle and compassionate.

This was not a display of mere indulgence, nor was it an extreme stance.

It stemmed from the undeniable reality that, irrespective of any perceived transgressions or distortions, Hou Chen's identity as his child would never waver.

A father's love remains steadfast, unswayed by his child's missteps.

This was all the more true given that Zhou Yan was acutely aware, deep within his heart, of the immense sacrifices Hou Chen had made and the countless tribulations he had endured.