The moment the golden drop of Vermillion Bird's Divine Blood entered Yun Che's body, an overwhelming silence blanketed the world.
It was not simply a merging of blood and flesh.
No—this was something far more profound, far more terrifying.
That single drop of golden divine blood didn't just integrate into Yun Che's body… it fused into the very core of his existence, entwining itself with his soul, invading his profound veins, and sinking into the deepest parts of his being.
And in that very instant—
A storm of immense, scorching power erupted from within him.
The air quivered. Space distorted.
Waves of vermillion flame roared out violently, surging through his meridians, his bones, his divine sense—ruthlessly scouring every inch of him as if determined to burn away all impurities… to destroy everything unworthy… and to forge something entirely new in its place.
In fact… it wasn't just an illusion.
This was the Flame of Redemption.
The ancient, sacred flame carried within the Vermillion Bird's divine bloodline—a flame whose sole purpose was to burn away all evils. To cleanse all darkness. To purify all corruption.
And now… that very flame had entered Yun Che's body.
It couldn't harm him. It shouldn't have been able to.
After all, Yun Che's profound vein was not ordinary—it was crafted from the profound veins of the Creation God himself. His body was not mere mortal flesh—it came from the very origin of all things, the Ancestral Goddess.
Yet even so—this sacred flame still struggled within him. It fought. It resisted.
Because what it sensed within Yun Che…
Was something that no flame of purity could ignore.
A darkness.
A darkness born of evil— darkness so deep, so vast, so utterly terrifying…
That it could one day devour the entire Abyss.
Yun Che's entire body stiffened. His skin glowed faintly gold, veins of crimson light pulsing beneath the surface like molten lava threatening to burst forth.
"Brother Yun!" Hua Caili's voice cracked with panic as she instinctively rushed forward.
"Yuan'er!" Meng Kongchan called out at the same time, his usually calm face filled with shock and urgency. They hadn't expected High Priest Liu Xiao to grant Yun Che the entire drop of divine blood all at once.
Yun Che's aura fluctuated wildly, the power of the Vermillion Bird roaring inside him like a caged sun trying to break free.
This was no ordinary divine blood—it was the purest, most concentrated drop of Vermillion Bird's Divine Blood Essence, a remnant of a being that once reigned as an Ancient True God! The magnitude of the power sealed within was not something even the gods present would dare to underestimate. It was a force that could scorch heavens, sunder realms, and erase entire bloodlines with but a breath.
"BOOOOOOOOOM!!"
Deep within Yun Che's Infinite Starry Worlds Profound Vein, the moment the essence fully merged, a golden radiance erupted like a newborn sun. The sheer brilliance of it consumed the vast inner space, as though it intended to devour every star, every plane, every spark of existence it touched.
"SCHREEEEECHHHH!!!"
A deafening cry tore through the silence of his inner world. Within the blinding light, the golden flames contorted, then solidified—taking the unmistakable form of the Divine Vermillion Bird! It flared its wings wide, each feather shining like a blade of flame carved from the sun itself. Its wingspan stretched across countless realms, casting divine firelight across every corner of his profound worlds. It refused to submit to the evil!
"KRAWWWWWWWW!!"
A savage, ear-splitting roar tore through the heavens of Yun Che's inner world. From the depths of golden radiance, another form emerged—majestic and terrifying. The Golden Crow, wreathed in blinding flame, spread its molten wings with a defiant shriek. Its flames, fierce and domineering, surged forward like a tidal wave, crashing against the Vermillion Bird's divine fire.
Two oceans of golden fire collided in a violent dance of supremacy. Yet, despite the Golden Crow's ferocity, it was being driven back, its flames devoured, its might slowly eroded by the overwhelming purity and ancient authority of the Vermillion Bird's divine essence.
"SHEEEAAAAR!!"
A third cry pierced the void. From above, the cry of the Fire Phoenix echoed like a lament across time, its presence wrapping the sky in a burning hue of crimson-red. Flames of incandescent beauty erupted as the Phoenix took form, ethereal and elegant, yet holding within its core the fury of an inferno.
The Fire Phoenix swooped down, its wings trailing rivers of flame as it joined the Golden Crow's struggle. Side by side, two of the mightiest flame spirits surged with all their might, their flames intertwining, fusing, and clashing head-on with the divine power of the Vermillion Bird.
Yet even combined, the power of the Phoenix and Golden Crow was being pushed back! The Vermillion Bird's divine fire was too pure, too complete.
For ordinary mortals, inheriting even one Divine Beast's bloodline was a lifelong blessing—a stroke of fate that could elevate their destiny. But Yun Che... he defied the heavens themselves. He carried within him the legacies of multiple divine beasts, each one powerful beyond compare.
And though their natures differed, their powers had managed to coexist—not through suppression, but through an submit harmony.
That harmony, however, was not born of peace. It existed only because the divine flames of the Golden Crow and the Fire Phoenix were of equal standing, forged with comparable purity and similar density. They were equals. Rivals. And through their balance, peace was maintained.
But this time… it was different.
The Vermillion Bird's Divine Blood Essence was not simply another legacy. It was the purest, most complete, and most ancient drop—gifted from a Ancient True God who had poured the entirety of her divine essence into that single, golden drop. Its purity surpassed all expectations, and its density was so vast it distorted the very fabric of Yun Che's inner worlds.
As the drop of divine blood merged with him, the three beasts emerged—each one a towering, fiery embodiment of divine will. They hovered above the infinite starry skies of Yun Che's profound vein, their gazes locked in solemn tension.
The Golden Crow crackled with scorching heat, its eyes burning with wild pride.
The Fire Phoenix shimmered with elegant fury, its wings trailing rivers of crimson flame.
But the Vermillion Bird... it radiated an unmatched majesty and purity, its wings spanning farther than the eye could see, burning with golden fire so pure it seemed untouched by time itself.
And then—
"BOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!"
The clash of flames shattered the silence as divine powers erupted in all directions. The Golden Crow and Fire Phoenix surged forward together, their flames entwining to resist the Vermillion Bird's oppressive brilliance. But they were quickly forced back, their powers faltering beneath the weight of the Vermillion Bird's divine might.
Yun Che—who had remained still, feigning slumber—was unable to keep up the act.
His eyes snapped open, pupils trembling as a torrent of divine flame surged through every meridian and nerve in his body.
"Yuan'er!" Meng Kongchan called out in emotions the moment Yun Che's eyes opened.
"Brother Yun!" A gasp escaped Hua Caili's lips as the stars returned to her gaze, light filling her once-worried expression. But just as both of them stepped forward, relief surging in their hearts—
They were forcefully pulled back.
Liu Xiao's divine aura surged like a tidal wave, halting them without a single word. His eyes never left Yun Che. There was no explanation. No warning. Only silent.
Yun Che did not speak.
He sat down at once, crossing his legs in silent meditation as he drew all of his strength inward—deep into the sea of stars within his profound vein.
Before him, the celestial void of his inner world blazed with golden light.
There, three divine beasts stood in confrontation.
The Divine Fire Phoenix, cloaked in flames as red as a setting sun, noble and elegant.
The Divine Golden Crow, fierce and wild, its golden blaze pulsing like a heart of molten fire.
And above them—towering, radiant, and ever-expanding—was the gigantic Divine Vermillion Bird. It gazed down at the other two beasts with a calm, unwavering majesty, its wings unfurling wider and wider until it seemed to eclipse entire worlds. The golden fire it released was pure, ancient, and relentless.
"Why are you taking his side?"
A voice, ancient and majestic, resounded across the infinite worlds within Yun Che's profound vein. It was clear, sharp, and carried a trace of anger and confusion—
The voice of the Vermillion Bird.
"Because he's our chosen successor."
The reply came calmly, unwavering. It was the voice of the Phoenix, filled with a sense of pride and absolute conviction.
The Vermillion Bird's golden flames surged higher, its body radiating with divine brilliance. Yet within its voice—beneath the anger—was hesitation, struggle, and disbelief.
"But he's filled with anger... hatred... vengeance... How could you all— How could you accept that? I... I don't understand your decision!"
The golden fire of the Vermillion Bird erupted violently, spreading its wings wide, threatening to drown the infinite worlds within Yun Che's inner universe.
"What…?"
Yun Che's breath caught in his throat. His voice trembled, his mind blank with disbelief.
Never—never before—had he seen his Divine Beasts manifest like this. Never before had they appeared so vivid, so alive… so utterly real.
His heart pounded as he watched the scene before him unfold.
His Divine Beasts…
Were speaking.
Speaking to each other.
"One day…"
The voice of the Golden Crow echoed next, deep and ancient, reverberating through every corner of Yun Che's inner world.
"One day… you'll understand."
As its words fell, both the Golden Crow and the Phoenix unleashed their flames at once. Their divine powers surged forth, shaking the very fabric of Yun Che's inner universe. Stars trembled, worlds quaked, and the infinite space roared beneath their power.
"SCREEEEEECHHHHHHHH!!!!"
The Vermillion Bird cried out once more, its golden wings spreading even wider, engulfing more of the infinite starry worlds within Yun Che's profound vein. The Phoenix and Golden Crow unleashed their flames in retaliation, their cries echoing with fury and desperation—yet it was all in vain.
Their flames were being suppressed.
"ROARRRRRRRRRR!!!!"
A mighty roar split through the void like a divine thunderclap. The skies above twisted as space itself cracked open—
A gigantic Primordial Azure Dragon God emerged!
Its azure scales shimmered with the power of the ancient heavens, its form coiled in infinite grace and majesty. The very breath it exhaled brought balance to chaos, and as its claws touched down upon a nearby world, the stars around it trembled.
"YOU!!!!!" The moment the dragon soul-shaking roar echoed through the world, the will of the Vermillion Bird trembled, its flames collapsing as its gaze turned toward the newcomer.
"Annoying." The dragon said coldly as it looked at the Vermillion Bird.
------
On the outside, Hua Caili, Hua Qingying, and the gods stood in silence, awe and tension tightening in their chests. From Yun Che's meditating body erupted wave after wave of divine might. Each roar that echoed from within him sounded like a call from an ancient era—one of gods and chaos. The searing heat of Divine Flames danced around him, while waves of draconic pressure surged through the air like thunderclaps.
Even in stillness, Yun Che radiated a terrifying majesty.
"Just… who is Yuan'er's… master…?" Meng Kongchan whispered, his voice trembling with uncertainty and awe. He stared at Yun Che, eyes wide with wonder. For years now, the identity of Yun Che's master had remained an enigma.
Someone who could grant his son so many divine legacies… no—
Someone who could even possess that many legacies to begin with.
Just what kind of monstrous existence… was this man's master?
"…Another one…" Hua Fuchen suddenly murmured, his gaze locked on Yun Che as a flicker of icy aura suddenly erupted from the youth's body, piercing the suffocating heat like a blade of winter.
"....."
As the others stood frozen in awe, unable to comprehend the torrent of divine power being unveiled, Liu Xiao's expression remained unreadable.
Within the boundless expanse of Yun Che's profound vein, the infinite worlds of his inner universe trembled.
Every divine legacy he had ever inherited—every flame, every roar, every whisper of ancient power—manifested in the form of its beastly origin. They hovered above the starry realms, their eyes burning with determination, their bodies crackling with elemental might, as they all surged together to resist the overwhelming force of the Vermillion Bird's Divine Power.
Fire Phoenix.
Golden Crow.
Primordial Azure Dragon.
Ice Phoenix.
"You all forgot that you're Divine existences?!!! You all forgot that you're all Gods?!!!!"
The Vermillion Bird's furious roar echoed like thunder across the infinite starry worlds within Yun Che's profound vein. Its voice was sharp, heavy with wrath, and filled with sorrowful disbelief.
Even though it was merely a divine will—a consciousness born from the essence of its Divine Blood without memories of its true master—it still carried within it an unyielding will… the will to destroy all that was evil… the will to burn away all darkness from existence.
And yet now—standing before it—were four Divine Beasts… Four ancient powers… blocking its path, shielding the very darkness it sought to erase.
Inside the Infinite Starry Worlds, amidst the swirling storms of flame and power, another will began to take shape.
Yun Che's will.
His figure slowly emerged, walking calmly through the raging inferno toward the Vermillion Bird, his expression calm, his presence unshaken.
The moment Yun Che's figure appeared, the four Divine Beasts—Fire Phoenix, Golden Crow, Primordial Azure Dragon, and Ice Phoenix—gradually pulled back their powers, retreating to the distance. Their eyes remained locked onto Yun Che, their gazes silent but watchful.
"YOU!!!!!" Finding it true target, the Vermillion Bird flew across the worlds toward Yun Che!
The Vermillion Bird's divine flame surged violently, crossing endless worlds in an instant. Its blazing form charged directly at Yun Che, flame after flame roaring to life, intent on reducing this "evil" to nothingness.
But—
The flames washed over Yun Che's figure… only to vanish like mist.
Again.
And again.
And again.
No matter how many times it struck… no matter how fiercely it raged… its divine flame could not even leave a mark on him.No matter how endless the Vermillion Bird's flames seemed, no matter how many worlds it could incinerate… it still only an existence manifests within Yun Che's profound vein. It cannot truly harm him, someone who's immune to all fire.
The flame that could burn through thousands of miles of heaven and earth… could not even singe him.
To Yun Che, this was the first time he had ever experienced such fierce resistance from a Divine Blood—one that outright rejected him. Refusing to acknowledge him. Refusing to accept him as its master.
It was… exhausting. And bitterly regretful.
In the end, as Yun Che watched quietly, the Vermillion Bird's attacks slowed. Its blazing form began to dim, its power spent, yet its spirit remained stubborn, filled with defiance and rebellion.
"I cannot hurt you… but you won't be able to use me either!"
The Vermillion Bird roared, its voice trembling with finality and resolve.
Its golden flame flared for one last time—as it prepared to burn away its very origin, determined to destroy itself rather than yield.
Yun Che sighed deeply.
This was the choice it had made.
If the Divine Blood refused him… if its will could not accept him… then even he could do nothing. He could only let it go.
Yet—
Just as Yun Che prepared to withdraw, to let this will return to nothingness…
Something happened.
-----
In the outside world, as the gods quietly watched Yun Che sitting in deep meditation, the atmosphere grew heavier with each passing breath.
Everyone harbored different thoughts within their hearts.
But none more so than Liu Xiao, whose gaze never left Yun Che for even a moment.
His brows furrowed deeply, his expression shadowed in rare solemnity.
The Vermillion Bird's aura…
He could feel it—fierce, holy, burning with purity—constantly clashing against Yun Che's body.
As Ling Xian's former husband, Liu Xiao knew her better than anyone.
He knew what kind of divine will resided within the Vermillion Bird's blood that Ling Xian had painstakingly refined… a blood essence condensed from the absolute peak of purity, embodying the Flame of Redemption.
That bloodline… could not accept hatred. Could not tolerate anger. Could not embrace vengeance.
If Meng Jianyuan—the Yun Che before him—truly harbored such things deep within his heart, then the Vermillion Bird's Divine Blood would inevitably reject him.
But this was beyond rejection.
Liu Xiao's expression darkened.
He could feel it… not only was the Vermillion Bird's will rejecting Meng Jianyuan—it was already on the verge of erasing itself, ready to sacrifice its own existence rather than submit.
Liu Xiao's body tensed, his divine aura ready to surge forth. He was already prepared to step in, to intervene before it was too late.
But then— Suddenly— Something descended. Something so ancient, so primordial, so unfathomably vast that it sent a bone-deep chill crawling down the spines of every god present.
It was something that existed beyond all elements—beyond all comprehension. A presence older than heaven itself.
"What a terrifying sword aura!"
Hua Fuchen, the mightiest sword practitioner among all the gods present, cried out in sheer horror, his voice trembling in disbelief as his instincts screamed at him to retreat. Without hesitation, he grabbed hold of his daughter and, like a beam of divine light, shot far into the distance, fleeing away from the terrifying domain Yun Che was creating. And it wasn't just him—almost at the exact same time, every single god, every single profound practitioner, all of them reacted instinctively, their bodies moving without thought as they soared away, desperate to distance themselves from what was happening.
Behind them, Yun Che's sword aura, wild and untamed, surged into the heavens like a divine storm, tearing through the skies and shattering the very structure of the Divine Palace, a place once thought unbreakable.
"BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!"
The explosion echoed like a judgment from the heavens themselves, shaking the very bones of everyone present.
"!!!!!!!!!!!"
Their hearts seized in fear.
"Is this… the Realm of Compatibility… that he mentioned…?"
Hua Qingying's voice escaped her lips like a fragile whisper, barely audible beneath the roaring chaos, yet to her, it sounded louder than anything else. Her eyes, widened beyond belief, shimmered with a mixture of awe, reverence, and terror. She could still remember it clearly—back then, Yun Che had casually mentioned that he had reached such a state under the guidance of his mysterious master. She didn't understand it then, and even when he tried to explain it, it had sounded distant, abstract, and beyond her comprehension.
But now… feeling it firsthand… experiencing it directly…
If this was truly the Realm of Compatibility that Yun Che had once spoken of so casually—then wasn't this simply too terrifying?!!!
Even her own weapons—tools forged by gods and nourished by divine energy—were trembling uncontrollably in her hands, as if they were afraid, as if they were aware of their own insignificance before that overwhelming sword aura.
No—it wasn't just her weapons.
It was everyone's weapons.
Even the weapons held by gods themselves!