Against the Gods

UNEDITED chapter - Rubble

[1]

Shenwu Mingque had been silently observing every subtle shift in Meng Jianxi’s breathing and expression. She had sensed his astonishment and captured a rather intense stir of emotion within him.

However, when Meng Jianxi’s gaze shifted away from the Divine Jade of Revelation, he wore a faint smile that was two parts humility and three parts confidence, “The Divine Jade of Heavenly Revelation is indeed an object I have longed for in my dreams, but the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is something that prompted a figure as noble as you to deign to show up in person. That alone speaks volume about its value... At the very least, its value to your kingdom far exceeds that of a single Divine Jade of Revelation.”

Shenwu Mingqu’s expression remained unchanged, but a heavy sigh weighed upon her heart.

Meng Jianxi’s response came as no surprise to her whatsoever.

She was the de facto second-in-command of the Eternal Night Kingdom of God, yet she had personally shown up to lay claim to the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal, It was tantamount to a direct declaration of its extraordinary nature, and the Eternal Night Kingdom of God’s utmost regard for it.

Yet, how could the Lightless Divine Regent possibly allow the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal to be handled by a mere “servant”?

From the beginning, she had been at a disadvantage, yet she could do nothing about it.

She made no attempt to argue or exert pressure, nor did she have the audacity to walk away in contempt. Shenwu Mingque narrowed her eyes slightly and stated without hesitation, “You are correct, Divine Son Xi. If it was a mundane object, why would I need to come in person? And why would I think to exchange it with such a flawless Divine Jade of Revelation? However, I must remind you that it holds value only to the Eternal Night Kingdom of God. In your hands, it is truly nothing more than a worthless, useless crystal[2].”

“Of course, of course.” Meng Jianxi immediately agreed humbly. “With your esteemed status, you would never have deigned to speak falsely to a junior like me. I truly know nothing about this crystal, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin even if I wanted to use it....”

He responded with a series of sincere affirmations before continuing in an even more humble and respectful tone, “However, since you’re the one who’s making the request, shouldn’t I be the one to propose the price?”

“Very well.” Shenwu Mingque felt a slight sense of relief. Her greatest concern had not been the absence of a price, but rather outright refusal. The fact that he was willing to propose a price at all meant that the matter was essentially settled.

“I detest beating around the bush, so please speak plainly, Divine Son Xi. As long as it is not overly excessive, I shall agree.”

“It would be discourteous of me to refuse.” At that moment, Meng Jianxi raised his head calmly and met Shenwu Mingque’s eyes directly, open and unflinching. “Though the Divine Jade of Revelation is of unparalleled value, it is but a single piece. How could it possibly match the immense honor of your personal visit, Senior?”

He slowly extended his right hand and spread his fingers one by one. “Five. Give me five Divine Jades of Revelation, and I shall humbly present the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal to you, Senior.”

Although she had braced herself for an exorbitant price, the earth-shattering words that were “five Divine Jades of Revelation” still caused Shenwu Mingque’s eyes to narrow sharply, and her chest heaved violently for a moment.

“Hah!” She let out a cold laugh. “Do you know what you’re saying, Divine Son Xi?”

Meng Jianxi hurriedly replied in a conciliatory tone, “If you did not hear me clearly—”

“Arrogant upstart!” Shenwu Mingque took a sudden step forward. Though she did not release her profound energy, the terrifying aura emanated by an eighth level Divine Limit Realm champion was still enough to cow any Divine Extinction Realm profound practitioner. “As the Divine Son of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, you of all people should understand what a Divine Jade of Revelation means to the young generation of a Kingdom of God. A single one is enough to create a renowned genius from nothing! Even you, son of the Divine Regent, were granted only one in your whole life!

“I have long heard that the Dreamweaver Divine Son, though young, is quite calculating, knowing when to push and when to back off. Yet I never imagined... Hmph!”

She gave a cold snort before continuing in a voice dripping with scorn, “With a tongue as noble as yours, Divine Son Xi, just how on earth did you manage to utter a demand as delusional as ‘five Divine Jades of Revelation’?”

Naturally, Meng Jianxi knew full well just how significant five Divine Jades of Revelation were. However, Yun Che had instructed him to ask for the moon, so of course he had to make a request so ludicrous that even he himself would deem it utterly impossible to accept... As for what price they could ultimately negotiate, that would depend on their respective skills.

Pressed by Shenwu Mingque’s terrifying, crushing pressure, Meng Jianxi’s entire body could not help but go rigid, and he could hardly breathe[3]. He took a deep breath, bowed slightly, and responded with neither humility nor arrogance, “Forgive this junior for speaking frankly, but this confidence and these bargaining chips are precisely what you, Senior, have bestowed upon me. If I were to ask for too little, it would be this junior who failed to recognize the gravity of the situation, and show disrespect to your esteemed presence.”

“......” This was an opening disadvantage that Shenwu Mingque could not dispute. She could only narrow her eyes once more and said in a cold voice, “Though the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is quite important to Eternal Night, it is by no means indispensable. It certainly cannot outweigh five Divine Jades of Revelation.

“My personal presence here is to demonstrate my sincerity. Since you’re making an offer, I’m assuming that you intend to create a mutually beneficial outcome. However, this proposal of yours is utterly preposterous. If Divine Son Xi insists on such foolishness, then what would have been a win-win situation would likely become a colossal, widely-circulated joke about greed and ingratitude instead!”

To bait with material gain, and to pressure with prestige. It was indeed a heavy-handed move. Just as Meng Jianxi was about to take a step back, his gaze suddenly shifted toward the doorway, and the words on the tip of his tongue died away.

Yun Che strolled leisurely into the room and gave Shenwu Mingque a glance. He said casually, “I heard that a distinguished guest from the Eternal Night Kingdom of God had arrived, but I never imagined it would be a Night Patrol Officer. Much apologies. May I inquire as to the nature of your visit?”

He offered no bow, nor showed the slightest trace of deference. His gaze and tone carried a completely unmasked air of nonchalance as well.

Shenwu Mingque frowned slightly, but did not react... Shenwu Yi had nearly killed Yun Che just two months ago. Of course he wouldn’t show Eternal Night any goodwill.

Meng Jianxi quickly approached him and said, “Brother Yuan, do you recall that dragon-shaped abyssal crystal I happened to obtain a while back? Senior Shenwu had come specifically for it.”

“Hmm?” Yun Che feigned surprise before scoffing, “Are you telling me that the chief of the Night Patrol Officers had purposely made a special trip just to beg for an abyssal crystal of unknown origin? I see... And what do you have to say about that, Divine Son Xi?”

Meng Jianxi played along and replied, “Since Senior Shenwu Mingque had personally graced us with her presence, the abyssal crystal must be of considerable value. Therefore, I proposed that Eternal Night must offer five Divine Jades of Revelation in exchange for it.”

“......” Yun Che visibly froze for a moment before slowly turning his head to stare at Meng Jianxi. His tone took on a sliver of stiffness as he asked, “Did you say... five??”

“Five Divine Jades of Revelation”... These five simple words were likely enough to make even the Divine Regents grow pale. Meng Jianxi, clearly misinterpreting his reaction and thinking that he had indeed asked for far too much, hurriedly said, “I guess such a price is a bit too—”

“A bit!?” Yun Che suddenly raised his voice sharply and cut him off, eyebrows furrowing deeply. “Divine Son Xi, you do remember that, during our stay in the Pure Land, I had nearly lost my life at the hands of the Eternal Night Divine Daughter in the Forbidden Zone of Slumbering Gods, right?!

“This is a life-threatening grudge that may not be resolved in this lifetime! Yet now, barely two months have passed, and you actually allow the people of Eternal Night to trade mere five Divine Jade of Revelation for a peerless abyssal crystal—one that had taken Dreamweaver one full million years to obtain?!”

His gaze pierced Meng Jianxi, each word laced with icy fury. “Divine Son Xi, are you the Divine Son of Dreamweaver, or are you actually the Divine Son of Eternal Night!?”

Shenwu Mingque was speechless. Meng Jianxi was flabbergasted as well. Panicking, he tried to defend himself, “Bro... Brother Yuan, why are you saying such things? I, Meng Jianxi, owe both my life and soul to Dreamweaver. How could I possibly—”

“Cut the nonsense!” Yun Che waved his hands sharply, clearly unwilling to hear another word from him. He then spun around abruptly to face Shenwu Mingque, whose expression had turned stiff and cold. “Divine Son Xi may be the one who had uncovered the dragon-shaped abyssal crystal, but the item truly belongs to Dreamweaver. Its ownership is not something he alone can decide. If you want it, you can have it! But the price... will require a slight adjustment.”

He slowly held up five fingers, just as Meng Jianxi had done earlier. “Fifty Divine Jades of Revelation... and the good is yours!”

Meng Jianxi’s mouth twitched uncontrollably.

It was only now he realized that Yun Che had appeared in person not because the price he had demanded was too high, but because it was far too low.

Fifty Divine Jades of Revelation... forget the Eternal Night Kingdom of God, they could turn all six Kingdoms of God upside down and still not gather that many.

Shenwu Mingque’s expression turned utterly icy. “Divine Son Xi... don’t you think you are going too far?”

“Too far?” Yun Che let out a scornful laugh. “This is a voluntary transaction. If it works out, we both win. If it fails, neither of us loses anything. How is that considered going too far? Besides, what could be farther than the Eternal Night Kingdom of God trying to kill me for no reason at all?”

“......” The moral high ground was never hers to begin with, so Shenwu Mingque had no rebuttal to offer.

Yun Che took a step forward, his voice growing colder. “The origin and purpose of the dragon-shaped abyssal crystal remain unknown to this day. If another Kingdom needs it, I would have no objections to presenting it to them. But Eternal Night? Fifty Divine Jade of Revelation is my only offer. I shan’t accept even half a piece less!”

Shenwu Mingque stared intently at Yun Che with a deep, menacing gaze, but internally, her heart was filled with nothing but profound helplessness.

She could perceive all too clearly that Yun Che, despite standing so close to her and completely enveloped by her aura of intimidation, maintained a resolute expression. He had shown not even a trace of apprehension, fear, or even the instinctive flinching that his body should have exhibited.

She did not know it was possible for the body of a Divine Master to withstand the intimidation of a Divine Limit Realm so directly and defiantly... until now.

When the silence grew long and uncomfortable, Meng Jianxi finally stepped forward and said, “Brother Yuan, regarding this matter... even if we were to gather every single Divine Jade of Revelation currently in existence in the entire Abyss, I fear that there wouldn’t be as many as fifty.”

He recalled Yun Che’s earlier instructions... Though they were to ask for the moon, the underlying intention was still to bring this trade to fruition.

Meng Jianxi took a step closer, making no attempt to hide his intentions from Shenwu Mingque. In a voice as ordinary as could be, he said, “I know you harbor resentment, Brother Yuan, but Father has already personally intervened to mete out punishment. This matter can be considered settled, no? Besides, the Eternal Pure Land is near, and Father has repeatedly warned us not to cause trouble in the coming days. No matter how precious the abyssal crystal may be, it is ultimately an inanimate object.

“On the other hand, the arrival of Senior Shenwu Mingque is a major event. If we were to snub her in a way that provokes the wrath of the Lightless Divine Regent a second time... and if Father were to learn about this, I fear he might....”

Yun Che’s brows knitted tightly. Though his anger had not subsided, he did not retort immediately as though the words “Father” had calmed him.

At that moment, Shenwu Mingque spoke, “The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is indeed what the supreme one requires. The Chief Priest’s admonition still rings clearly in my ears as well. I, Eternal Night, definitely do not desire to stir up any unnecessary trouble as we approach the Eternal Pure Land. Therefore, I shall not hesitate so long as the price isn’t too exorbitant. But if Divine Son Yuan insists on doing the opposite, then I shall have no choice... but toact!”

Her last three words were spoken in a voice as dark and still as the night itself.

There was a moment of deathly silence. Then, Yun Che raised his gaze indifferently, and a faint smile returned to the corners of his mouth. “I suppose fifty Divine Jades of Revelation is indeed too much. If, because of my personal grievance, I were to lose the dignity of the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, it would indeed be a poor bargain. In that case, I shall propose a different price.”

The corners of his mouth slowly turned up. It was a subtle movement, yet in Shenwu Mingque’s eyes, it sparked a hint of inexplicable danger. “Rest assured, it will be a price the Eternal Night Kingdom of God can definitely afford—one that can be met with the utmost ease as well.”

Shenwu Mingque stared at Yun Che and held her breath as he slowly stated his new terms:

“Have Shenwu Yi, the Divine Daughter of your Eternal Night Kingdom of God, come and beg me in person.”

The air froze, and a bone-piercing chill suddenly spread through the face.

She was facing two Dreamweaver in the land of Dreamweaver, yet she had lost control and exposed her rage... all because Shenwu Yi had gotten involved.

Meng Jianxi furrowed his brows and instinctively stepped in front of Yun Che. Hundreds of auras instantly locked onto this area as well. The space grew so oppressive it felt as though the heavens were about to collapse.

Yun Che seemed oblivious to it all, though. Adopting a mocking demeanor, he said, “Whether you agree or not is entirely up to you. And this time... there is absolutely no room for negotiation!”

Ignoring Shenwu Mingque’s fury, Yun Che turned around and declared without waiting for a response, “Divine Son Xi, we’re done here. Out of respect for Senior Eternal Night’s long journey here and considering your status as a guest of Dreamweaver, I shall grant you three days.

“In three days, if Shenwu Yi personally shows up and begs me for the dragon-shaped profound crystal, then I will give it to the Eternal Night Kingdom of God. That is a promise. But if three days have passed, and no one shows up... Divine Son Xi, I ask that you completely destroy that abyssal crystal, leaving not a single trace behind!””

Shenwu Mingque’s aura trembled once more. “You....”

“Senior Shenwu, you’d best watch your tongue.” Yun Che interrupted her without the slightest hesitation, his demeanor so haughty it bore no resemblance to someone addressing a senior of such high standing whatsoever. “I’m still very young and inexperienced. My mind is so narrow that, if I happen to overhear something I don’t wish to hear, I might just give the order to destroy the abyssal crystal right now!

“Feel free to try me if you don’t believe me, Senior.”

Rage, words, resentment; all mingling into a surging tide of impure energy—she choked it all back her throat, forbidding even a sliver from escaping. In their place, waves of icy dread welled up inside her heart.

The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal was the last crystal Shenwu Yanye needed to undergo her rebirth. If she failed... if she directly caused it to be permanently destroyed... the consequences were simply unimaginable.

After a long, dazed silence, Shenwu Mingque’s slightly uncontrolled aura gradually dissipated. She said nothing more and turned to leave.

“Show her out!” Yun Che shouted, yet he didn’t move a muscle or even glance at her direction. Consequently, Meng Jianxi had no choice but to withdraw his outstretched foot.

After Shenwu Mingque’s aura had faded far, far away, he finally asked Yun Che with overflowing astonishment and curiosity, “Brother Yuan, surely... you haven’t made this move purely to vent your anger, right?”

“Personal grudges are indeed trivial matters,” Yun Che replied calmly, “but since the world calls me Divine Son Yuan, then this feud is no longer a personal matter. It is something that concerns the very prestige of the Kingdom of God. In that case, rather than having Senior Divine Regent intervene in person, it would be much better if I settle this debt with my own two hands, don’t you agree?”

Meng Jianxi mulled it over for a moment. Instead of trying to change Yun Che’s mind, he said, “Setting all that aside, I’m suddenly curious whether the Eternal Night Kingdom of God will agree to this condition. And if they truly do, I fear I’ll only be even more curious—just what divine powers do this Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal possess that would make them back down to this extent?”

Yun Che smiled but did not answer, a bottomless, icy abyss hidden deep within his eyes.

......

Back in the endlessly dark realm of the Eternal Night Kingdom of God, Shenwu Mingque’s oppressed heart found no relief. Instead, her burden had only grown heavier.

Her pace kept slowing further and further until eventually, even taking a single step felt exceptionally difficult. She did not know how to describe her current predicament, nor did she know what punishment awaited her down the line.

“Aunt Mingque.”

It was at this moment a soft, familiar voice interrupted her train of thoughts. So lost in her troubled thoughts that she hadn’t even noticed the other woman approaching.

Shenwu Yi, clad in plain black while looking at her with eyes resembling distant stars, seemed to sense her restlessness and unease. A hint of concern flashed in her gaze as she asked, “Aunt, you look weary from your journey, as though something is weighing on your mind. Has something happened?”

Facing the sole, exceptionally radiant beacon of light in the entire Eternal Night Kingdom of God, Shenwu Mingque felt more than half the gloom in her heart lifting before she knew it. Then, it suddenly occurred to her that perhaps what she ought to do most right now was to inquire about and listen to Shenwu Yi’s wishes. After all, she was so incomparably intelligent.

Forcing a smile on her face, she whispered, “The whereabouts of the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal has been discovered.”

Shenwu Yi’s eyes sparkled with astonishment, and her voice carried an unmistakable note of delight. “We’ve only just obtained the Abyssal Heart Vine, and now we have found the location of the Seven Profound Crystal as well? The heavens truly are watching over Mother! But... judging by your expression, could it be that things aren’t going as smoothly as expected?”

With a soft sigh, Shenwu Mingque replied, “It is the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God that has obtained the Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal.”

Her excitement gradually faded, and Shenwu Yi murmured. “I see. We have only just incurred the Dreamweaver’s deep enmity. Your journey must have been exceptionally arduous, and it looks like you did not achieve your goal.”

Shenwu Mingque spoke bluntly, “The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal is of no use to them, but because we are Eternal Night, they have proposed an extremely unreasonable condition.”

At this, she paused and averted her gaze from Shenwu Yi.

Shenwu Yi immediately understood something. “Does this condition have something to do with me?”

“......” Shenwu Mingque’s voice grew hoarse. “Dreamweaver’s condition... is for you, within three days, to personally go to Meng Jianyuan to make the request.”

The air seemed to freeze... but only for a breath. Shenwu Yi slowly nodded and said calmly, “Very well. I’ll go.”

“Wuyi!” Shenwu Mingque snapped back as she exclaimed urgently, “Do you realize that Meng Jianyuan must intend to humiliate you publicly?! We must first report this to the supreme one; there must be some room for negotiation.”

“No.” But Shenwu Yi shook her head decisively. Her voice was low, and her gaze was unwavering. “Under no circumstances must Mother learn of this. The humiliation Dreamweaver had inflicted is still simmering in Mother. If we report this, it will only fuel her fury further.”

“What Mother needs most now is peace of mind, not distraction... and we definitely must not put her in a difficult position because of me.”

Shenwu Mingque’s eyes brimmed with pain and pity. “But....”

Shenwu Yi raised a slender finger and touched it lightly to Shenwu Mingque’s lips. “If I can trade my meager dignity for the thing Mother has long desired, there is nothing in this world that would be more worthwhile and joyful to me.”

A smile touched her lips, and she actually turned around to comfort Shenwu Mingque instead. “Besides, this is the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God, and I am the Eternal Night Divine Daughter. Whatever his plans may be, he will not dare to overstep his bounds, so please rest assured, aunt... Have you forgotten? You once said that I, possessor of the Heart of Glazed Glass, is a miracle bestowed by the heavens themselves? I am destined to receive the favor and protection of fate. The Dreamweaver Kingdom of God may be world-renowned, but it couldn’t possibly be more perilous than the Endless Fog, could it?”

“Wuyi....” Shenwu Mingque murmured softly, momentarily at a loss for words.

“Let’s go. Take me to the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God right now.”

She gently took Shenwu Mingque’s arms and said, “The Coiling Dragon Seven Profound Crystal has never been recorded in the entire history of the Abyss. Its emergence now must be a sign of the heavens’ mercy for Mother. However, every moment it spends in another’s hands is a chance that something unforeseeable may occur. Thus, we must retrieve it as soon as possible, no matter what... and face Mother’s punishment afterward.”

Shenwu Mingque was still hesitating, but Shenwu Yi was already pulling her along. So, she simply went along with it and flew once more toward the Dreamweaver Kingdom of God.

No one knew that, as their figures vanished into the dark sky, deep within the Eternal Night Divine Palace, a series of chaotic, indistinct hissing were ringing from behind pitch black curtains. In the end, it all devolved into hoarse, intermittent sobs....

1. If Mars knows English, he would’ve approved of this title too. ☜

2. Man, the women of Eternal Night just can’t help but spit facts they don’t even realize are 100% accurate. ☜

3. Feel free to misinterpret this, it is ATG. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ☜