Chapter 3068: Breaking the Predicament

As the words fell, Ye Chen emerged from the Weizhi Lingyu, having paid a heavy price. Half of his physical body had been ripped apart by Xiao Wa, and he narrowly escaped with his life.

Nu Di murmured softly, "I've come out." She could see it clearly, while the emperors behind her, except for Xuanyuan, could only make out vague shadows no matter how hard they strained their eyes.

Before long, Ye Chen returned from the illusory realm, his condition utterly wretched. Only half of his head remained, and his body was reduced to a bloody, mangled stump.

Fortunately, the successive Zhizun were all safe and sound, having emerged from the great cauldron. Each of them looked just as battered, having fought Xiao Wa and nearly lost their lives in the process.

Hong Yan smiled lightly, "They've returned." By "returned," she meant the lifespan of the successive Zhizun had been restored, and some had even advanced further. All of this proved just how wise Nu Di's bold gamble had been.

"Is it really that miraculous?"

"What an extraordinary Weizhi Lingyu—I'd like to take a look inside myself."

"Calamity and fortune coexist."

The new emperors sighed in admiration, murmuring among themselves. From ancient times, it was said that great wealth comes from great risks, and now they had seen the truth of it firsthand.

Nu Di smiled gently and said, "You're quite the bringer of good fortune." She extended her jade-like hand and placed it on Ye Chen's shoulder, dispelling the backlash for him. Among all the Zhizun, he was the most severely injured.

Ye Chen spoke, his words audible only to Nu Di, "It's related to the Yongheng Xiandao." He also informed her about the anomalies with the Dunjia Tianzi.

Nu Di furrowed her delicate brows slightly, clearly surprised. She hadn't anticipated this angle—it was beyond expectations. As an outsider not belonging to this universe, many things now made sense. That Xiao Wa must surpass the Heavenly Dao itself; the more it reversed the laws within, the more terrifying it became. Once it reached a certain limit, it would become the absolute master of the Weizhi Lingyu, rendering anyone who entered powerless. And with its connection to the Yongheng Xiandao, its origins were profoundly significant.

After a while, Ye Chen spoke again, "The dead can be revived." As he said this, he glanced at the sleeping Ye Fan. This was likely his greatest gain from re-entering the Weizhi Lingyu—losing half his body was nothing compared to it.

Nu Di replied with a serene smile, "I've seen it." Ye Chen's actions had opened up another realm for her. If the Shengti could revive Ye Fan, then perhaps she could also bring back her own brother. Beyond that, even those who had died in battle could be pulled back to the world of the living, given enough time.

"This dilemma has been resolved."

"Lifespan has been restored, and the flame of hope burns anew."

"The fortunes of all living beings have not been extinguished."

The emperors all laughed, their vital energies surging powerfully. The era of depletion was over; now, they held the initiative.

After a long while, Ye Chen finally stood up. The emperors did the same, each finding a quiet place—some to heal, others to pursue their romantic interests.

Nu Di was not idle; she was setting up a grand formation to prepare for entering the Weizhi Lingyu. Previously, with the emperors' lifespans depleted, she had to guard this place. But now, with the successive Zhizun's lifespans restored, they could take her place.

That day, the second batch of great emperors set out, still nine in number. With the dilemma broken, they needed to guard the Zhutian as well.

It took three full days for Ye Chen to fully recover.

Ye Fan was released from his state, still deep in slumber. This was likely the drawback of being forcibly brought back from the dead. Having been buried for so long, his sleeping expression still carried a dazed quality, with traces of tears at the corners of his eyes. He occasionally murmured, dreamily calling out for his parents.

Ye Chen waved his hand, summoning the Yongheng Xian Guang to envelop Ye Fan's body, tempering his physique. He also imparted several strands of divine consciousness into Ye Fan's memories, carrying many events and insights.

When Ye Fan awoke, his eyes were full of confusion at first, gradually clearing as tears welled up. He sat there in a daze for a long time, much like someone who had reincarnated, as if he had just awakened from a dream. Before the dream, all he saw was smoke and battlefield flames; after waking, it felt like another lifetime.

Ye Chen smiled warmly, his voice hoarse and weathered, "If your mother knew, she would be overjoyed." He set up a stone table and brought out two jugs of strong wine.

Ye Fan's tears streamed down his face. Looking back, his burial all those years ago had been worthwhile. Ye Chen was still alive, the Zhutian endured, and fortunes remained. He hadn't died in vain.

After so many years, this was the first time father and son sat together to drink. Ye Fan was a devoted listener as his father recounted the past events.

Not long after, Ren Wang arrived first, stopping three steps from the stone table. Despite being a great emperor, he bowed to Ye Fan. It was an act of guilt. Back then, it was he who had told Ye Fan about the so-called "killing one's child to prove the Dao," implying that Ye Fan should sacrifice himself to force Ye Chen and Yao Chi into nirvana. The Human Emperor's remnant soul might have been justified to all living beings, but it had wronged this pitiful child.

Ye Fan spat out blood, his body exploding—after all, Ren Wang was an emperor, and he was only a Zhundi, unable to withstand such a bow.

Ye Chen placed his hand on Ye Fan's back, healing his body and severing the lingering forces within, while glaring at Ren Wang, "Are you here to cause trouble?"

Ren Wang coughed dryly. As self-aware as he was, he sat down without waiting for an invitation.

Xiao Yuan Huang and Kui Niu arrived next, calling out from a distance, "Big nephew!" They were followed by Long Ye and the others, all rushing over. They had only just learned of Ye Fan's revival and couldn't stay away.

Feeling a certain guilt toward Ye Fan, these emperors were all prepared to bow to him as well.

Ye Chen exploded in anger, "Get lost!" If all these emperors bowed, they would send his son straight to the gates of the underworld!

Ye Fan laughed with a touch of world-weariness, showing proper etiquette. He didn't know if they were serious or not, but they were all his seniors, so he returned their bows. He had already heard much from Ye Chen and knew this was the Taigu Honghuang. Seeing his father at the Tian Di realm and so many predecessors as emperors left him feeling somewhat dazed. Compared to the emperors before him, how difficult it had been for his mother to achieve the Dao back then.

The emperors nodded approvingly, "This young one is teachable." They all sat down sensibly, crowding around the small stone table.

Ye Chen's face darkened. It was rare to have time alone with his son; he had planned to share some of his tricks for deception and scheming after finishing his stories, but now this group had shown up to disrupt everything.

Soon after, the gods and generals of the Zhutian arrived, having already heard the news. None came empty-handed, each carrying two jars of wine. Xie Yun and Situ Nan stood out the most, their faces bruised and swollen. Their peers from the same era had mostly become emperors, but they had yet to seize their opportunities and were still Zhundi, having been beaten countless times.

"In the blink of an eye, over two thousand years have passed."

"I still remember how green we all were back then."

"Don't get all sentimental."

The crowd was packed with talent, the scene grand and lively, filled with chatter—some reminiscing, others cursing.

After three rounds of drinks, as minds grew hazy, whether emperors or gods and generals, they all occasionally glanced at Ye Chen. Their gazes were filled with hope, like those of Hong Chen Xue or the descendants of emperors, all hesitant to speak. Ye Chen's great abilities had revived Ye Fan, so he might also revive their loved ones, like Hong Chen, Shen Xuan Feng, or the successive emperors.

Ye Fan harbored the same hope; though he had returned to the world, he was still separated from Yang Lan by yin and yang.

Ye Chen smiled, "Give me some time." Reviving Ye Fan meant there was hope for those who had died in battle. A few more trips to the Weizhi Lingyu and a few more beatings would reignite that flame of hope.

The people of the Zhutian laughed and said, "You say it, and we believe it." They raised their cups together. Their faith in Ye Chen was etched into their souls—he was the one who bore great fortunes, born to create myths. No one disputed this.

After the feast, the figures swayed as they departed, each to their own place, none sobering up. Yet Ye Chen could clearly see the weariness in their backs, along with the unhidden dust of the ages.

Later, more visitors came, like Di Huang and Yue Shang, along with the emperors, all to see Ye Fan. His return confirmed that Ye Chen's method worked, a heaven-defying fortune for all living beings. With enough time, more would come back.

Ye Fan bowed, "I've seen you, seniors." He was still very proper. Though he had heard from Ye Chen, seeing them now felt surreal. These emperors were figures from legends, and now he met them in the flesh, including those from the Ancient Heavenly Court. If not for witnessing it himself, he wouldn't have known that the Taigu Honghuang hid so many peerless individuals.

The emperors exchanged knowing looks, "From what I can tell, Ye Fan takes after his mother." They glanced at young Ye Fan and then at Ye Tian Di, full of curiosity. How had such an unreliable father produced such a serious son? To put it bluntly, side by side, they were a stark contrast—one without a shred of propriety, the other so upright he seemed a bit dull.

Suddenly, Nu Di's voice echoed through the heavens, "Enter the formation." The Zhizun turned their gazes and replied in unison, "Understood." Nu Di had already set up the formation, and as emperors, they would serve as its anchors—including Ren Wang and the others. As for Ye Chen, Hong Yan, and Di Huang, they were exceptions and did not join the formation.

As the Zhizun walked away, they couldn't help but chatter, "I heard he has a daughter too."

"Yes, a genuine little troublemaker. She knows pretty much everything Ye Chen does—got the real deal passed down to her."

"Interesting."

Even as they walked far away, they kept glancing back at Ye Chen. Your skills—passing them to your daughter but not your son?

Ye Chen shot them a sideways glance: I do as I please.

Once the emperors entered the formation, the heavens trembled. A formation anchored by Zhizun was incredibly domineering—Ye Chen had experienced it before. When Ye Fan went to look, he was stunned; the ancient seals were terrifyingly powerful.

In the vast and ethereal expanse, Nu Di descended from the sky, like a fairy from a dream, beautiful as an illusion. The formation was complete; she was ready to set out.

Ye Fan bowed again, "I've seen you, Mother." This address made Nu Di feel somewhat uneasy. Though he was bowing to her, he was calling out to Chu Xuan and Chu Ling. Two lines of tears unconsciously streamed from her eyes—they were Chu Xuan and Chu Ling's tears.

Nu Di's smile was still gentle, but when she looked at Ye Chen, her gaze turned sideways.

Ye Chen said leisurely, "Any treasures you want to entrust?" His words were meaningful; he was thinking of his own collection. If Nu Di left her treasures with him, it would be perfect.

Nu Di said nothing and turned to disappear.

Ye Chen followed up, "Take it easy in there—that little thing is vicious." What he meant was: Don't get yourself killed in there. If you die, it's no big deal, but I still have my two wives to think about.

Nu Di didn't respond; she had already entered the illusory realm, heading straight for the nearest vortex to investigate.

Boom! Boom!

As soon as Nu Di left, the Sheng Mo grew restless, knowing she was gone and trying to break the seal by force. Unfortunately, the successive Zhizun were no pushovers, and all were at their peak, forcibly suppressing it.

Ye Fan said, "Father, I'll go explore elsewhere." He walked along the Milky Way, venturing deeper, full of curiosity as he looked around.

Two million li from the altar, he stopped. That was as far as he could go. Though the initial Sheng Mo was sealed, its aura lingered, and he could clearly feel the presence of the Heavenly Dao.

The Sheng Mo gnashed its teeth in hatred, a reflection of the Heavenly Dao, filled with resentment toward the Shengti and equally toward Ye Chen's child.