Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1559 - 83: Shy Upon Returning Home

The ancient city, once known as Sacrificial Heaven, now thrives as the domain of the Purple Flame Monarch Holy Spirit, its former glory restored under the name Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City.

To be chosen as a Sacrificial Offering is a profound honor, a status imbued with awe.

Upon their return to the Elf Domain, Zhou Yan and Hou Chen were struck by a deep, melancholic sense of change in their familiar ancient surroundings.

"When one is near their home, apprehension can easily creep in. I find myself fearing the reunion. Was I truly that terrifying when I became the Evil Dragon?" Hou Chen mused, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

Though seemingly speaking to himself, he was also unveiling his inner turmoil to Zhou Yan.

"It's natural to feel this way after being away for so long. Your apprehension stems from caring deeply. If you were indifferent, you would simply feel nothing," Zhou Yan responded with a gentle smile, patting Hou Chen's head as he often did.

This familiar, warm gesture further strengthened the bond between them.

"Father, do you recall the matter concerning the Emperor Ancient Clan?" Hou Chen asked, his earlier levity replaced by a serious tone as a memory surfaced.

"The Emperor Ancient Clan? The Life Ancient Clan, yes. Feng Zishuang and Zhou Lingyi – they were both from that clan, lurking by my side with the intent to... never mind, it’s ancient history. My memory is still fractured. I entrusted a portion of it to my Life Soul for your mother, Gu Xi, to safeguard.

However, she had her own agenda.

As for your mother Feng Zishuang’s safety, I confess I am concerned. The Mother Empress, this Holy Spirit, possesses a most peculiar and unpredictable nature, making her intentions difficult to discern," Zhou Yan continued.

"I fear the Mother Empress might enact punishment, in which case, even a Holy Spirit would not escape dire consequences."

"After all, their origins are intrinsically tied to the Mother Empress herself," Zhou Yan sighed.

As they flew, Zhou Yan found more of his memories returning after ascending to King status. He now understood that the Life Ancient Tree he possessed was, in fact, a manifestation of Zhou Lingyi sacrificing her own Origin. Without this, how could the Life Ancient Tree of the Elf Domain have possibly regrown?

The Life Ancient Tree, at its core, is an extension of the Emperor Ancient Clan's Life Origin root. Thus, its leaves are known as 'Enlightenment Tea,' entwined as they are with the fundamental rules of the Dao.

"Indeed, Zhou Lingyi’s mother made a tremendous sacrifice. But Father, please do not worry. I believe the Mother Empress has confined Zhou Lingyi’s mother and Feng Zishuang’s mother within the 'Boundary Point Space.'

This space exists as a Void Land, situated at the periphery of the King World.

After my transformation into the Evil Dragon, I explored the fringes of worlds inhabited by King Holy Spirits and came to a certain understanding."

"Our current reality resembles a cube, composed of nine smaller cubes on each of its faces."

"A Magic Cube?" Zhou Yan questioned, a slight tremor in his voice.

"Precisely, a Magic Cube. This concept was first introduced by Uncle Lee Ran. His experiences were deeply tragic and sorrowful, though he maintained an almost unnerving level of rationality and composure most of the time.

At times, his detachment frustrated me. Yet, after his loss, even in my state as the Evil Dragon, I desperately sought a way to resurrect him.

He pushed the Soul Path cultivation technique to its absolute limit; its origins remain a profound mystery.

"His theorized 'Magic Cube' centers around the 'Universe.' The interior of this cube is the void, the true Universe, while the exterior comprises distinct regions, each holding astonishing phenomena.

"I have journeyed beyond, granting me the choice of my own existence.

"However, there remain certain immutable rules that I cannot comprehend or alter. For even if I were to end my own existence, I would persist.

"This constitutes an error in the rules, yet Rule Power can still accept such anomalies, paving the way for transformations like the Immortal Bone Blood Embryo.

"In my mother's first life, it was I who severed the connection to her life force using Rule Power, but the consequence was the manifestation of a parallel existence.

"Father, you experienced that life as well.

"Fundamentally, it was another facet of Three-Life Soul Nourishment. Reflecting on it now, it evokes a profound sense of sorrow.

"What was the purpose of our arduous struggles? We fought tirelessly for a future unmarred by destruction, only to be perpetually met with suspicion, defamation, betrayal, treacherous plots, and even condemnation and slaughter from those closest to us – relatives, friends, and even companions."

"Just like the Emperor Ancient Clan currently, our endeavors primarily benefit them. Yet, they have the audacity to oppress us and even attempt to expel us from this temporary sanctuary."

"Is that not rather ludicrous?"

Hou Chen harbored immense bitterness, which he could only fully unburden before his father and master.

Zhou Yan exhaled, patting Hou Chen’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.

The present Hou Chen bore a striking resemblance to Zhou Yan in many aspects. As Zhou Yan offered comfort, he suddenly recognized Hou Chen’s true independence, having matured into a stable adult.

Nevertheless, regardless of how old Hou Chen grew, he would eternally remain his son – this fact was an immutable constant.

At this very moment, Zhou Yan profoundly grasped the emotional journey of his own father, Zhou Wangchen.

"Chen Chen, harboring such thoughts will only lead to excessive discontent and overwhelming grievances.

Such feelings are unnecessary. Whatever we do, we should seek peace within our own hearts. Furthermore, while the hope for the Human Clan is indeed a responsibility, my paramount desire is for my children and their descendants to possess a future.

I do not wish for them to forfeit the opportunity of existence.

While the world is harsh, it is also breathtakingly beautiful. It would be a profound pity if my descendants never even had the chance to witness such splendor.

With these convictions, the actions of other beings, even Holy Spirits, are their own concern.

If the situation escalates to that point and they refuse to pick a side, then to prevent them from becoming adversaries, we will have no choice but to neutralize them."

Zhou Yan’s voice was tranquil and detached.

Yet, the killing intent woven into his words was exceptionally potent.

As their conversation concluded, the two soon reached the Life Ancient Tree’s sanctuary within the Elf Domain.

Upon Zhou Yan’s arrival this time, Mu Qingyan had already been alerted. She arrived with Jiang Yuning, Yanyan, Ping’er, Qian Xi, Long Xianyin, Fei Ya, Qian Luoshui, Lin Xuefei, Jiang Hongyi, Suxin, and Fu Wanling to welcome him.

Accompanying them were numerous familiar faces who had also convened.

Individuals such as Bi Ji, Ye Xu, Jia Yongsheng, Jia Yongheng, Li Wentian, Hua Wuqing, Hong Yuqiao, Zhao Xiaoxiao, Qin Ruyu, Yun Shiyin, Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Qianqian, Zhou Sisi, Xiong Ba, Liu Haoxin, Qian Yao, Jiang Wannian, Jiang Yaoshi, and others, also appeared. Upon sighting Zhou Yan, they immediately offered respectful bows, conveying their deep reverence for the Purple Flame Monarch’s return.

It was a simple ceremony, understated in its execution.

However, following this acknowledgment, Zhou Yan understood he had once again assumed the mantle of the new generation Thunder Flame Monarch – the Purple Flame Monarch.

Moreover, his current combat prowess significantly eclipsed that of his predecessor, the Thunder Flame Monarch.

Concurrently, with devoted allies like Mu Qingyan, a King Holy Spirit, and the support of half-step monarchs such as Jiang Yuning and Qian Luoshui, his position was secure in every aspect.

Hou Chen observed the unfolding scene quietly, a wave of sentiment washing over him.

He remained silent, simply watching the proceedings unfold.

After the salutations, Mu Qingyan gracefully approached Zhou Yan and inquired softly, "Husband, with danger looming, do you harbor concerns for the safety of Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City?"

"Chenchen wished to return for a visit. At this juncture, a little more time will make little difference,"

Zhou Yan responded with a serene smile, his voice gentle.

"Indeed, that is true. Following the great war, who can say if any of us will survive? Thus, reuniting is a welcome sentiment."

Mu Qingyan remarked with a wry smile.

As she spoke, her gaze shifted from Zhou Yan’s face towards Hou Chen.

Soon, a maternal warmth illuminated her eyes, and she addressed him, "Child, these past years have undoubtedly been taxing for you."

"Mother Qingyan, it is I, Chenchen, who should apologize. Mother, you have endured so much all these years,"

Hou Chen replied respectfully.

"Your control over me was, in fact, the greatest protection; without it, my association with Zhou Yan would have undoubtedly led to dire consequences. Consequently, your suffering meant you bore a heavier burden of criticism."

Mu Qingyan sighed, her tone imbued with profound kindness and warmth.

"Mother Qingyan..."

Hou Chen’s eyes welled up slightly, tears beginning to blur his vision.

Mu Qingyan nodded gently, then gestured towards Zhou Sisi, who had been observing Hou Chen from a distance.

Instantly, a delicate blush spread across Zhou Sisi’s lovely face, enhancing her beauty much like Yanyan’s, rendering her as captivating as ever.

However, a newfound shyness also settled upon her.

"Sisi, come here,"

Zhou Yan called out in an affectionate tone.

"Father,"

Zhou Sisi whispered, her voice barely audible, her hesitation palpable as she spoke.

And due to Hou Chen’s presence, they were now effectively half-siblings, a development that introduced an unexpected layer of awkwardness between them.

Zhou Yan's sharp gaze instantly caught Zhou Sisi's worries, and he chuckled, "Sisi, the blood ties between you and Chenchen are actually quite distant. Chenchen's Immortal Bone Blood Embryo and you are both descendants of the Ancient Life Clan's Emperor Ancient Clan, so there's no issue with you two being together. No need to fret."

"Furthermore, among the Holy Spirits, Emperor and Nuwa were siblings, and their destined union was never questioned. Given the significant difference in your bloodlines, why would there be any hesitation?" Zhou Yan playfully remarked.

At this very moment, Zhou Sisi's cheeks flushed anew, yet her heart felt unburdened by doubt.

"Indeed, upon entering the Eternal Life Realm, the soul transforms into a soul embryo, giving rise to a flawless, perfect body. Thus, there's nothing to be concerned about, junior sister. You've always looked out for me, yet time and again, I've let you down," Hou Chen confessed. Though not adept with romantic declarations, his every word stemmed from the depths of his heart.

Consequently, his earnest speech resonated deeply. At this point, Jiang Yuning also approached, a smile gracing her lips. "You two should reserve such sentiments for private moments; everyone is observing." Fei Ya, too, drew nearer, her face alight with a smile.

The others – Long Xianyin, Qian Xi, and Ping'er – watched with gazes filled with encouragement and blessings, clearly delighted to witness the couple's budding romance.