Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1556 - 80: Evil Dragon
Previously on Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao...
Hou Chen gazed at Zhou Yan, lost in thought.
After a considerable pause, his gaze finally shifted away.
At this juncture, his own complexion had turned somewhat ashen.
"Father, the Evil Spirit Dominator is an exceedingly warped and extreme law. Should you choose to cultivate it, there is truly no turning back."
"It is highly probable that countless Holy Spirits will harbor misunderstandings, ultimately turning the world against you."
"Father, will you still pursue this path?"
Hou Chen looked upon his father, his heart mirroring the gravity of the situation.
Certain matters were beyond his ability to resolve, despite exerting his utmost effort.
Inherent deficiencies, even when addressed later, would inevitably resurface.
Especially when operating at the level of a Holy Spirit, such flaws become exceptionally conspicuous.
At the zenith of the Holy Spirit realm, combat prowess attains a predetermined ceiling.
Beyond this point, enhancement of combat power becomes impossible, thus all Holy Spirits who achieve 'perfection' stand triumphant above others.
Alas, despite numerous attempts and experiences, he was ultimately unable to rectify the intrinsic flaw originating from birth.
Consequently, the ultimate inheritance could not be fully leveraged, leading to a complete downfall.
But what of his father?
Hou Chen grasped the reality of the predicament with utmost clarity.
While his father possessed the capability to surpass even the ultimate combat power, he also courted the risk of becoming utterly lost, transforming into the next 'Azure Dragon'.
The Azure Dragon had become a heaven-defying Evil Dragon due to the Evil Spirit inheritance.
Now, this very inheritance had found a new vessel in Zhou Yan, his father and master.
Therefore, even cognizant of his father's decision, Hou Chen still posed the question, and his inquiry was lodged with genuine sincerity.
Within those spoken words, Hou Chen perceived the profound emotional undercurrents reflecting in his father's time-worn eyes.
At that precise moment, a tremor ran through Hou Chen's heart.
And then, Zhou Yan's hand gently settled upon Hou Chen's shoulder.
"Chen Chen, I am aware that you are fully cognizant of my decision, yet you still inquired. Much like I understand your resolve and know you would inevitably ask."
"As master and disciple, and as father and son, our characters align in every respect. We share a single lineage, our spirits intrinsically linked."
"Thus, if you, Chen Chen, could endure it back then, what justification do I, as your father, have for shirking the burden?"
"Furthermore, you bore your trials for Si Si and other loved ones. My own burden, however, transcends such considerations."
"I was brought into existence, meticulously nurtured through diverse methodologies, including breeding and rigorous training, all in preparation for this monumental conflict."
"The Earth Ancestral Land, the Huaxia World – these are the cradles of my creation. Therefore, the Immortal and Buddha inheritances must remain unbroken, and the legacy of the Ten Thousand Buddhas must not be severed."
"We have lived for eternity and might afford to overlook other concerns, yet the future hope of the Human Clan rests squarely in our hands."
"The Evil Dragon conflict hurtles towards its climax. Pangu and Nuwa, the Immortal Phoenix Peacock, and even Lee Ran are all engaged in the fray. What conceivable excuse do I possess to falter?"
"Should I abstain from participating, the outcome of this war would undoubtedly spell defeat. The Emperor Soul Clan would seize control of the Evil Dragon inheritance, ascend to the pinnacle of the Supreme Monarch, decimating all Eternal Holy Spirits and sentient beings, leaving only the Emperor Soul Clan in existence.
At that juncture, they would inevitably cast aside their physical forms, adopting the soul as their fundamental energy, merging energy and nature into an eternal state, thereby achieving perpetual existence and immortality, forever unbound by reincarnation."
"Following that, the ancient Holy Spirit clans residing within this very Heaven and Earth would face complete annihilation."
"We all ardently wish to avert such an outcome, yet the Emperor Soul Clan unquestionably desires it above all else."
"Even during my tenure as the Thunder Flame Monarch, I pondered whether the Emperor Soul Clan harbored a soul-eater, one capable of consuming all Holy Spirits to attain ultimate transcendence. Perhaps their aim is to breach the confines of this endless space and survey the realms beyond."
"Lee Ran shares a similar ambition, yet he remains steadfastly committed to fighting for the Human Clan."
"In truth, I recognize that you harbor comparable aspirations, as do I at this present moment.
Yet, we have both consistently suppressed these desires; that nightmarish temptation is precisely what drives Holy Spirits to the brink of utter madness."
"The Azure Dragon succumbed to this lure, but he was merely the Azure Dragon, not I."
"I possess the unwavering conviction that I shall not fall."
"However, should I indeed fall, then before that precipice is reached, you must employ the Evil Spirit Swallowing Technique to consume me."
"Do not hesitate, for should I transform into the Evil Dragon King, I might impulsively devour all living beings in my vicinity, including yourself, including Mu Qingyan, Yan Yan, Si Si, and the others. Such an eventuality is most certainly not what either of us desires to witness."
Zhou Yan's pronouncements were delivered with an unnerving calm, as though articulating his final testament.
In reality, this juncture was far from a cause for celebration.
An pervasive aura of melancholy permeated the entire Heaven and Earth.
Zhou Yan's words resonated with a particularly somber and profound weight.
"Father, when I took the form of the Evil Dragon, you did not extinguish me. But now, if something were to occur, how could I, Hou Chen, stand idly by?" Hou Chen let out a bitter sigh, his heart heavy with an immense sorrow. Great sorrow often manifests in silence. It seemed as if Zhou Yan's words in this moment already foreshadowed a grim destiny. But, this is the final path. This ultimate course of action has finally arrived at this juncture. "If you cannot act, it is of no consequence. Before that moment arrives, I will take action myself. I only hope you will not impede me." Zhou Yan spoke with a sigh. He understood that Hou Chen would refrain from acting. It was as if, from his perspective, he himself would also hesitate to intervene. "The chains of the Twelve Monarch Seals have been reshaped into the Twelve Yuan Ci Emperor Pattern Ancient Array, yet their efficacy has now waned." "Lee Ran expended a considerable price to confine me once. While I failed then, I understand now." "However, possessing this experience, the outcome will undoubtedly be superior." Zhou Yan smiled, his tone softening slightly. Hou Chen longed to return the smile, but was unable to. His chest ached as if being impaled by knives. He felt reluctance, apprehension, concern, and profound pain. Yet, he was powerless to alter the circumstances. Even if his capabilities reached their zenith, he could not effect change due to an inherent flaw. This was because that woman was far too presumptuous. Because that woman was excessively proud, ferociously mad, and tragically heartless. "Hmm... it will be better. Father, allow me to impart the Evil Dragon Inheritance technique to you." "Upon transforming into the Evil Dragon, two singular abilities manifest: Firstly, the capacity to unleash a fatal strike using the King's Mark. Secondly, a localized space-time explosive fatal strike." "However, even in the presence of a Holy Spirit, these fatal strikes will not result in immediate demise; the conflict would persist for an extended duration." Hou Chen drew a deep breath, doing his utmost to steady his emotions, and spoke with gravity. Zhou Yan inclined his head, remaining silent but listening intently. "Father, I will teach you the Evil Dragon Inheritance later. For now, let us proceed to the Elf Domain to reunite with our family." "Rest well for a day, and then I shall instruct you meticulously, imprinting my insights for you to absorb as much as possible." Hou Chen managed to convey a portion of the teachings but faltered, unable to continue due to his emotional turmoil. The reason for this was that if Hou Chen could not maintain his composure, the uncontrolled rage during the instruction might risk his permanent transformation into the Evil Dragon. Should that transpire, Hou Chen would become another Azure Dragon. Thus, Hou Chen ceased, and Zhou Yan comprehended. After all, Hou Chen shoulders an immense burden, and his current actions are effectively thrusting his father onto a path with no return! A path almost certainly leading to death! A path designed to bury his father! Hou Chen cherishes his father above all, holding him in the highest regard and admiration. Now, he must prepare to lay to rest the most significant person in his life; the emotional weight of this is self-evident. In this world, perhaps the most disheartening reality is precisely this. Yet, even in the face of such helplessness, one must still confront it. Therefore, after taking another deep breath, Hou Chen collected his scattered thoughts and proposed a simple plan. This suggestion was akin to a final banquet before an execution, much like fleeting happiness preceding total ruin. "Very well." Zhou Yan's heart was also considerably unsettled. Ever since embracing this final path, his mind had known no true tranquility. It felt like a persistent, gnawing unease, as if numerous life's regrets would surface once it was over, along with a multitude of unfinished obligations. In this world, if Zhou Yan were to cease existing from this moment onward, what would become of everything? Zhou Yan's mood was similarly heavy. He did not fear death. He had never been afraid of death. However, never before had he faced death with such profound reluctance as he did now. Yet, Zhou Yan was aware that the more a person resisted facing death, the swifter death itself would arrive. "Father, is Mother Qingyan well? And Mother Zishuang? How fares Sister Yanyan? Has she found her Daoist companion? And Sisi? Does Sisi harbor disappointment towards me now?" Hou Chen's thoughts drifted to his home and those he held dear. Consequently, he couldn't help but inquire with deep concern. "They are all doing well." Zhou Yan's nose stung, his voice catching slightly. Subsequently, Zhou Yan focused on his brow and summoned forth the Purple Flame Void King City from within. This King City, within the present reality of the Emperor Ancient Clan's domain, had transformed into the semblance of the Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City. It appeared freshly restored, rather than a ruin or a desolate Land of Blood Sacrifice. "Purple Flame King City, also known as Elf King City, and once the Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City. It is astonishing that after countless years, I return to this ancient city once more." Zhou Yan murmured with a light sigh, his words steeped in melancholy. This location was indeed the central Origin Land of the Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City, and formerly the true stronghold of the Thunder Flame Monarch. "Yes, we have returned. I wonder how Junior Liu Haoxin and Uncle Zhou Gucheng are faring after these endless years—whether much has changed."A sigh escaped Hou Chen as well.