Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1560 - 84: Return of the Mother Empress

Home is truly home.

Even after navigating tumultuous journeys, the inherent warmth and gentle embrace of home persist.

The uttered words still carry warmth.

The smiles remain untainted by artifice.

No matter how the vast world transforms, regardless of the countless ages that pass in the mortal realm, whether in the ancient city of Sacrificial Heaven or the King City of the Elf Domain.

When kindred spirits are gathered, no matter the location across the globe, the feeling of home is steadfast.

One can experience the comforting affection of unity, the deep bonds of family, and the tenderness of romance.

Surrounded by his kin, receiving their heartfelt inquiries, Hou Chen felt his heart stirred repeatedly.

Time and again, he wished for this serene moment to stretch into eternity.

Even the current Qian Luoshui and Lin Xuefei showed genuine concern for Hou Chen.

This touching scene also brought a sense of deep gratification to Zhou Yan.

And so, time continued its gentle flow within this atmosphere of warmth.

The heavens gradually deepened into dusk.

Hou Chen and Zhou Sisi ventured alone into the secluded reaches of the Elf Domain Sea, while Zhou Yan, Fei Ya, Jiang Yuning, Mu Qingyan, and Qian Luoshui remained behind.

Each of them had matters they wished to discuss with Zhou Yan.

However, the opportunity to do so had been scarce in recent days.

While Zhou Yan could comprehend the reasons for Mu Qingyan, Fei Ya, and Jiang Yuning staying, his feelings concerning Qian Luoshui were considerably more complex.

Yet, Qian Luoshui paid no heed to Zhou Yan’s inner turmoil; instead, her gaze remained steadfastly fixed upon him, unwavering.

Feeling a peculiar sense of unease under Qian Luoshui’s persistent scrutiny, Zhou Yan offered a wry smile and cautiously approached her.

Qian Luoshui did not pull away, and then, with sudden earnestness, she inquired, "Zhou Yan, back within the profound depths of the Sky Breaking Array Map, at the location of the Broken Heaven Secret Realm, specifically the Heavenly Sacrificial Altar, you witnessed it, did you not?"

Qian Luoshui’s eyes locked with Zhou Yan’s, her eagerness to confirm this point palpable.

Zhou Yan's understanding dawned instantly; he realized Qian Luoshui had likely surmised the truth. For reasons unknown, simply returning to the Heavenly Sacrificial Altar seemed to illicit revelations.

Zhou Yan nodded slowly and affirmed, "Yes, I did."

"And what were your thoughts at that precise moment?" she pressed.

"Please, tell me with absolute honesty. This holds immense importance for me. Although I understand that I was merely a conceptual seed within a virtual construct intended for your re-emergence, now that I stand beside you in this tangible reality, I must forge my own path and make my own choices."

Qian Luoshui spoke with an air of profound seriousness.

There is an undeniable allure that emanates from a woman when she adopts a serious demeanor.

And a woman of Qian Luoshui’s caliber naturally possesses an even more captivating magnetism.

But Zhou Yan found himself without the luxury of time.

This period spent with his family served as both a profound release for Hou Chen and a much-needed respite for himself.

Even though, without the immediate pressures of his duties, he harbored a desire to spend intimate moments with all his companions and savor the ecstasy of passionate union.

Ultimately, however, his will was present, but the circumstances were not aligned.

"Initially, I harbored a degree of resentment towards you, as some of your methods were undeniably ruthless. Although, for reasons I couldn't grasp then, I felt insignificant in your presence, yet... if I were a father and had chosen a trustworthy partner for my daughter, only for her to respond in a similar fashion, I would have experienced profound disappointment."

"But... upon witnessing that formidable, stoic woman surreptitiously shed tears, that resentment found itself unable to solidify.

When the fundamental nature of resentment shifts, it invariably transforms into its opposite extreme."

"This, I believe, is love—a love born from compassion and sympathy."

"Certainly, the presence of numerous women in my life might make my affection appear diluted. However, I have made the most judicious decision and shall betray the trust of no one who holds affection for me."

"I have achieved the pinnacle of the Natural Form of the Dao and possess thirteen King’s Marks, enabling me to manifest thirteen distinct, independent selves!

"Much like the twelve zodiac animals from my home, each animal possesses unique characteristics, and similarly, I can form corresponding independent personas."

"At that juncture, you will be at liberty to select the one that resonates most with you."

"Let us grow old together, forging a bond of eternal happiness across countless lifetimes."

"Naturally, this is contingent upon us having a shared future."

Zhou Yan remarked, a hint of a bitter smile playing on his lips, accompanied by a sigh.

As he spoke, he extended his hand, intending to gently caress Qian Luoshui’s cheek.

At their current proximity, had Qian Luoshui harbored any displeasure or aversion, Zhou Yan would have been unable to complete the gesture.

But in that very instant, Qian Luoshui gracefully extended her arm, its fairness like unblemished jade, and her slender, pale hand softly clasped Zhou Yan’s, guiding it to rest upon her own face.

"Husband," she began, her voice soft, "During your absence, I engaged in numerous profound conversations with my sisters, resolving many internal conflicts, and consequently, my heart began to feel a deep concern for you."

"Understanding the past sorrows and pains you have endured, acknowledging the burdens you carry, and reflecting upon my own history, I was overcome with a profound sense of regret."

"Never in my life have I experienced regret, yet when certain matters come to mind, they inflict a deep wound upon the spirit and sting the heart with agonizing pain."

"The sole reason I inquire about your heart's true feelings is to ascertain if your love resides with me; if it does, I shall remain. If it does not, I shall depart and cease to be a burden upon you."

"I understand that because of your promise, you would never deliberately abandon me. However, I now realize that even without that promise, without our past, you would still treat me kindly. It’s just unfortunate that I only understood this too late. Had I strived alongside you from the very beginning, perhaps our situation would be far better now."

Qian Luoshui’s voice was laced with a deep sense of tragic self-recrimination.

But suddenly, Zhou Yan reached out, gently pressing his palm against her cold, smooth lips.

"Luo Shui, you no longer need to burden yourself with these thoughts. Furthermore, what is right and wrong isn’t as simple as you think. Without those past events, how could our current feelings be so profound?"

"Besides, just like with Holy Daughter Ning’er, Goddess Mu Qingyan, and even that Sky Saber Mantis, the extraordinary woman Fei Ya, haven’t we all shared unforgettable experiences?"

"And if you find happiness, then I am happy. If you are in pain, then I feel sorrow. So, remember this: if you are well, then we are all well."

Zhou Yan spoke with utmost sincerity, his words exceptionally tender.

These pronouncements were not solely directed at Qian Luoshui but were also meant for Mu Qingyan, Jiang Yuning, and Fei Ya.

"Yes, Sister Luo Shui, now is the time for us to unite and handle the internal affairs of the Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City properly. Resolving all disputes and contradictions among ourselves would be the greatest assistance to our husband."

Jiang Yuning chimed in at this moment.

Mu Qingyan, however, remained silent.

After everyone else had spoken, she let out a soft sigh and declared, "Husband, my decision to stay here is not driven by emotional reasons. I know that our bond no longer requires words to be explained."

"I chose to remain because I sense the Ancient Energy of life beginning to deplete from the domain of Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City. If this continues, the life force within the Ancient City... the weaker inhabitants might once again transform into endless dried corpses, their Life Origin completely drained."

"Although it’s merely a faint sign at present, the trajectory of this development is truly alarming!"

Mu Qingyan was addressing a matter of grave importance.

She wasn't intentionally targeting Jiang Yuning and the others; rather, this issue far surpassed personal emotions.

Zhou Yan’s heart, which had been warmed by affection, immediately grew tense in response to the news.

His expression hardened as he inquired, "Since when has this been occurring?"

"It has been happening for nearly half a day now," Mu Qingyan replied after some thought.

Zhou Yan’s expression shifted subtly once more, and he began to make calculations, but the outcome was clearly unfavorable.

"No, I must seek out the Mother Empress immediately!"

Zhou Yan’s face took on a somber hue.

He rarely displayed such an expression in front of his women, usually managing to smile through any adversity, at least when they were present.

But now, he didn't even have the time to mask his true emotions.

"Husband, I will accompany you. The Mother Empress might have certain reservations due to my presence! Otherwise, she might act rashly."

Mu Qingyan’s countenance also grew noticeably colder as she mentioned the Mother Empress, and even Zhou Yan could perceive a chilling murderous intent emanating from her.

Zhou Yan understood that both Mu Qingyan and Hou Chen had endured immense suffering at the Mother Empress’s hands, inevitably harboring deep-seated resentment.

And Zhou Yan himself had also been a victim of the Mother Empress’s machinations. She had dispatched Feng Zishuang and Zhou Lingyi as spies, annihilated the Thunder Flame Monarch of his first life, and compelled the Ten Thousand Immortals, Ten Thousand Buddhas, and even all the major Holy Spirits of the Human Clan to establish the Holy Spirit Land domain world. This enabled Zhou Yan to live a second and even a third life, thereby regaining himself.

It could be said that Zhou Yan himself had suffered even more profound hardships.

Now, Zhou Yan’s impending visit to the Mother Empress, before he had acquired the Evil Dragon Inheritance method, was akin to walking into a tiger's den – an exceedingly perilous undertaking.

However, once he had made up his mind, Zhou Yan would never waver from his initial resolve.

"Qingyan, the Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City still requires your leadership. Additionally, please pay heed to Yanyan’s emotions; this daughter, I have truly wronged her."

"And my disciple Liu Haoxin, along with my other consorts Long Xianyin and the rest, I don’t even have the opportunity to bid them farewell properly."

Zhou Yan spoke with a sigh.

Mu Qingyan gazed directly into Zhou Yan’s eyes, her expression unwavering.

Zhou Yan’s tone remained steady as he continued, "Rest assured, everything will be alright."

Just as Zhou Yan was about to depart immediately, Hou Chen, escorting Zhou Sisi, emerged from the Void Singularity, crossing over directly and returning to Zhou Yan’s side.

"Father, I shall now impart the Evil Dragon Inheritance method to you. It is not overly difficult, and there is no need to seek out the Mother Empress, as she has already arrived. She stated her intention to observe your cultivation of the Evil Dragon Inheritance, to ascertain if you, as Feng Zishuang and Zhou Lingyi’s mother proclaimed, hold true promise for the future."

Without any reservation, Hou Chen laid out the entire sequence of events.

Zhou Yan's expression shifted to one of astonishment. At this precise moment, vast swathes of golden leaves materialized within the Void, swirling and dancing like fallen autumn foliage.

Yet, whether it was Mu Qingyan, Jiang Yuning, or the others present, the sight of these golden leaves instilled a profound sense of caution in all of them.

"Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City, I have indeed returned."

A voice, chilling yet devoid of emotion, carried a peculiar weight of nostalgia, heavy and profoundly desolate.

It was a perplexing utterance.

The tone seemed brimming with feeling, yet the words themselves conveyed an utter lack of it.

"Yes, you have returned. We only hope that this time does not usher in another city-destroying catastrophe!"

Mu Qingyan declared with a frigid tone.

"That is not my intention. If certain lives did not perish, how could the Purple Emperor Star and the Soul Burying Starfield, these sprawling plane galaxies, ever come into being? How could such immense lower realms be established?"

The voice reverberated all around, though its source remained unseen.

Only when the voice had nearly faded into nothingness did the golden leaves in the Void coalesce, fashioning a mask crafted from their very essence.

Then, behind this mask, a transparent, alluring female form began to materialize.

The figure gradually solidified, and soon, the complete image of the Mother Empress—adorned with a golden mask and a shimmering, light-golden silken skirt—fully emerged into view.